Final answer:
Basic EPS (Earnings Per Share) measures the income earned on one share of common stock after preferred dividends are subtracted. It does not account for preferred stock earnings, as these are typically known fixed amounts. Therefore, the correct option is d. Common stock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term basic EPS (Earnings Per Share) refers to the profit that a company makes for each outstanding share of common stock. EPS is an important financial metric used by investors to determine a company's profitability on a per-share basis. It is calculated by taking the net income of a company and subtracting any preferred dividends, then dividing the result by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period.
It is crucial to understand the distinction between common and preferred stock:
- Common stock represents ownership in a company, with voting rights and the potential for dividends that may vary.
- Preferred stock, on the other hand, typically carries no voting rights but has a higher claim on assets and earnings, which includes fixed dividends.
Since basic EPS specifically relates to the earnings available to common shareholders, the correct option in this case is:
d. Common stock.
Preferred stock is not part of the basic EPS calculation, as those dividends are subtracted from net income. The EPS for preferred stock is not typically calculated because preferred dividends are fixed and known in advance. In conclusion, basic EPS prominently represents the income earned by one share of common stock.