A company’s stock is measured by calculating the remaining basic shares and outstanding shares in the stock market. Here’s where diluted shares come in. They are the total number of common shares of the company if all possible sources of conversion have been exercised such as convertible bonds and stock market options. These shares play an important role in understanding the company’s valuation and earnings per share (EPS).

EPS is the measurement of the average income of a public company, determined by dividing its profit by the outstanding shares. It is a key indicator of a company’s value and is a common metric for understanding the value and profitability of the business.

Hence, if the company’s EPS is increasing, it suggests that the company’s valuation is increasing and indicates that the price may increase; conversely, if EPS is decreasing, it is a negative indicator.

While calculating basic vs. diluted earnings, you should know the difference between basic shares vs. diluted shares. When examining the profit and loss statements of a company, one has to look at the business operation as a whole and decide how profitable the business is and then study the earnings per share.

While basic EPS includes the stock held by shareholders, diluted EPSis the total number of shares, including convertible securities such as stock market options and warrants.

What is dilution?

The word means reduction; therefore, with regards to shares, diluted shares reduce the value of existing investors’ shares and their proportional ownership of the company. Dilution of shares can occur for numerous reasons such as:

• Conversion of optional securities
• New allotment of shares to partners
• Modification of ownership

Stock-based compensation

To motivate employees and reward their work, companies often prefer stock-based compensation, also known as share-based compensation, to their employees; this helps in motivating an employee to work. It is often used by public companies to incentivise and reward their employees. Furthermore, distributing shares to employees helps companies increase the number of shares outstanding, which causes dilution.

How to make smart investment decisions?

Diluted EPS calculates the firm’s earning performance and sees if the firm’s unexercised stock options, warrants, convertible shares and debt are exercised. It’s crucial as a shareholder to look into the annual reports of the companies and understand the profit each share brings.

Considering diluted EPS, along with other aspects, could help you make smart investment decisions. However, if taking into consideration such varied aspects before making an investment seems overwhelming, it always advisable to reach out to an expert. A financial advisor could help you in your investment journey by suggesting financial plans that could actually work for you, without you having to put in so much effort and research.

Reach out to one today for bespoke investment plans!