Basic EPS Computation

Explanation

In the computation of basic EPS, one must be careful about the time period for which shares are assumed to be outstanding. This becomes an issue when the firm issues new shares or reacquires outstanding shares during the accounting period. Further, the purpose for which the shares are issued are also of concern since the computation of the weighted number of shares outstanding must be consistent with the logic behind the accounting treatment of the newly issued shares. Hence, when shares are issued for the acquisition of another business, they are considered as equity issued to raise new capital for investment and therefore included from the date of issuance. On the other hand, under pooling of interests method, the merged companies are assumed to have been a combined entity since their respective inceptions. Therefore, when shares are issued under pooling of interests, they are assumed to have been outstanding at the beginning of all the periods reported. Finally, stock splits and stock dividends change the number of shares without any direct impact on earnings. Hence, for consistency, previously reported EPS numbers are retroactively readjusted.