# Understanding Diluted EPS: Impact on Earnings and Shareholder Value

> **Definition**
>
> Diluted EPS measures a company's earnings per share if all convertible securities are exercised at once.

## What Is Diluted EPS?

Earnings per share (EPS) help measure a company's profitability. Diluted EPS is conservative because it shows lower [earnings per share](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/eps.asp) if all convertible securities, like [preferred shares](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/stocks/05/052705.asp), [debentures](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/convertibledebenture.asp), stock options, and [warrants](https://www.investopedia.com/trading/warrants-risky-but-high-return-investment-tool/), are used. There is potential concern for shareholders regarding dilution.

Calculating diluted EPS begins with determining the company's net income and subtracting preferred dividends. To find the basic EPS, divide this figure by the outstanding common shares. Next, include the number of dilutive shares that could be converted to common shares. And finally, recalculate EPS including the dilutive shares to find the diluted EPS.  

### Key Takeaways

*   Diluted EPS accounts for possible dilution from convertible securities like preferred shares, debentures, stock options, and warrants. This is essential to assess the potential reduction in a company's earnings per share if these securities are converted into common stock.
*   Diluted EPS provides a more conservative measure of a company's profitability than basic EPS. It offers insight into the potential impact on existing shareholders' equity and is a critical metric for evaluating a company's value and financial performance.  
    
*   To estimate diluted EPS, calculate the effect of potential new shares from convertible securities alongside the company's current shares. This calculation provides a worst-case scenario for earnings per share if all dilutive instruments are exercised.  
    
*   For companies with a minimal difference between basic and diluted EPS, this signifies less vulnerability to dilution, which might lead investors to value those companies more favorably.  
    
*   Publicly traded companies must report both basic and diluted EPS, providing a comprehensive understanding of their financial health to analysts and investors.  
    

  

![Diluted Earnings Per Share (Diluted EPS)](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/cRRx-cU21E979Ca9jKC5iheijMs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Dilutedeps_final-672616763255400dac38c8b6241ad29c.png)

*— Investopedia / Michela Buttignol*

## Comparing Regular and Diluted Earnings Per Share

EPS compares the company's net earnings against its outstanding number of shares. Diluted EPS takes into account the future shares a company might have to issue, as with convertible preferred stock, stock options, and convertible bonds. These could increase outstanding shares and lower EPS.  

*   Convertible preferred stock shares can be converted to common shares at any time.
*   Stock options grant the buyer the right to purchase a specified quantity of common stock at a set price. [Stock options](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/stockoption.asp) have an expiration date, and typically cannot be exercised before a vesting date.
*   Convertible bonds are similar to convertible preferred stock as they are converted to common shares at a conversion rate dependent on how long the bonds have been held.  
    

> **Important**
>
> Shareholders typically resist dilution as it devalues their existing equity stake and reduces a firm's earnings per share.

## How to Calculate Diluted EPS: Formula and Example

A basic EPS equals the company's [net income](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netincome.asp) minus preferred dividends, divided by the weighted- average of outstanding common shares.

![Earnings per Share formula](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/2s6Xg46ZrZdYqptWslOQ72BrUSM=/1280x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/EPS_formula-5c7ceba8c9e77c0001d19d6a.jpg)

*Earnings per Share formula. — Investopedia *

To find diluted EPS, add the potential dilutive shares to the average of existing shares to see how EPS may change.

![Diluted EPS formula](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/JWTgeX0Ky_wByQWRHVFQHCQotT4=/1280x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Dilluted_EPS-5c7cf17546e0fb0001a983f2.jpg)

*Diluted EPS formula. — Investopedia*

## Calculating Diluted EPS: A Step-by-Step Example

Company ABC has the following financial data:

EPS = ($11 Million - $1 Million) / 20 Million Shares Outstanding

EPS = $.50 Per Share

Diluted EPS = ($11 Million - $1 Million) / (20 Million Shares Outstanding + 20 Million Dilutive Shares)

Diluted EPS = $.25 Per Share

Diluted EPS often gives a clearer view of a company’s finances than regular EPS because companies may need to issue more shares.  

1\. Determine the company's net income and subtract preferred dividends.  
2\. Calculate the basic EPS by dividing this figure by the outstanding common shares.  
3\. Include the number of dilutive shares that could be converted to common shares.  
4\. Recalculate EPS, including the dilutive shares, to find the diluted EPS.

## Understanding EPS Insights for Investors

Earnings per share is a metric to assess a company's financial health. Earnings per share (EPS) help assess a company's financial health, and public companies must report both basic and diluted EPS.

Diluted EPS shows a worst-case scenario if all dilutive shares, like options, warrants, and convertible shares, are used. This potential [dilution](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/dilution.asp) can concern analysts and investors.

For example, if Company A has $9 billion in outstanding shares and a $0.10 difference between its basic EPS and diluted EPS, that calculates to $900 million in potential new common shares and dilution.

## How Does a Diluted EPS Affect Shareholders?

If converted, dilutive securities effectively increase the weighted number of outstanding shares, decreasing EPS, and thereby devaluing a shareholder's existing equity stake.

## Is a High Diluted EPS Better Than a Low Diluted EPS?

Yes, a highly diluted EPS is better than a lower one. However, a highly diluted EPS with a small difference between it and basic EPS is preferable. This corporate situation should obtain higher valuations from the market, with investors more willing to pay a premium for each share. A highly diluted EPS with a lower difference than the basic EPS means there is less chance of dilution.

## What Types of Companies Report Diluted EPS?

Publicly traded companies are required to report both EPS and diluted EPS. Private companies are not required to report their financials, including EPS and diluted EPS.

## The Bottom Line

Diluted EPS is a critical performance metric indicating potential earnings per share if all convertible securities are converted. Diluted EPS offers a conservative measure of profitability, capturing the maximum potential dilution of a company's earnings.

The inclusion of potential shares from dilutive securities like convertible bonds and stock options impacts the EPS calculation. Both EPS and diluted EPS are important in providing a comprehensive view of a company's financial health in its earnings report. Diluted EPS reflects possible dilution scenarios that could concern shareholders due to the devaluation of equity. It is required for publicly traded companies to report both basic and diluted EPS for transparency and investor insight.  

> **Article Sources**
>
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