Solution:
Numerator (Basic EPS): Net income = $900 million;
Preferred dividends = $27 million (9% x $100 = $9/share x 3 million;
Since the preferred stock is cumulative, the dividend is deducted whether or not paid)
Denominator (Basic EPS): Weighted average # shares of common stock outstanding
1/1 – 12/31 => 540 x (12/12) => 540 x 1.05 = 567
3/1 – 12/31 => (24) x (10/12) = (20) x 1.05 = 21
10/1 – 12/31 => 4 x (3/12) = 1
= 567 - 21 - 1 = 547
Weighted average # shares 190
Basic EPS = ( $900 - $27 ) ÷ $547
= $873 ÷ $547 = 1.59