Final answer:
Comparing Kronan Corporation's earnings from ten years ago at $0.5 per share to this year's $1.6 per share shows an increase in earnings per share.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has presented a question regarding the performance of Kronan Corporation's earnings per share (EPS) over a period of ten years. To determine if the EPS has increased, remained the same, or decreased, we compare the past and current earnings. Ten years ago, Kronan Corporation earned $0.5 per share, while this year, it has reported earnings of $1.6 per share.
Comparing the two figures, it is clear that the EPS has increased from $0.5 to $1.6. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is that the earnings per share have increased, which corresponds to option (c).