| Period | Shares (lakh) | Weight | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Months 1–3 | 100.00 | 3/12 | 25.00 |
| Months 4–12 | 124.00 | 9/12 | 93.00 |
| Weighted average shares | 118.00 | ||
Basic EPS divides profit or loss attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. The numerator is stated after deducting preference dividends — for cumulative preference shares, the dividend for the period is deducted whether or not declared; for non-cumulative shares, only dividends declared for the period are deducted. The denominator time-weights each share for the portion of the period it was outstanding, counting fresh issues from the date consideration is receivable.
Two capital events need special handling. A bonus issue (or share split) changes the number of shares without any change in resources, so the weighted average is computed as if the bonus had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented — comparative EPS is restated by the same factor. A rights issue at below market price contains a bonus element: shares outstanding before the rights date are multiplied by an adjustment factor equal to the fair value per share immediately before exercise divided by the theoretical ex-rights price (TERP), where TERP = (aggregate cum-rights market value + rights proceeds) ÷ total shares after the issue.
Diluted EPS adjusts both numerator and denominator for all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Options and warrants use the treasury-stock method — assumed exercise proceeds are deemed to buy back shares at the average market price, and only the incremental "free" shares dilute (options are dilutive only when the average market price exceeds the exercise price). Convertible instruments use the if-converted method — interest (net of tax) is added back to earnings and conversion shares are added to the denominator. Each series is included in sequence from most dilutive to least dilutive, and any instrument whose inclusion would increase EPS (or decrease a loss per share) is antidilutive and excluded.
A company earns ₹500 lakh after tax and pays a ₹20 lakh preference dividend. It starts the year with 100 lakh shares and issues 24 lakh shares at the start of month 4. It has 10 lakh employee options with a ₹60 exercise price; the average market price for the year is ₹100.