Launch offer — 25% off with code LAUNCH-25 See plans →
Microlesson · 5-min read

Diluted EPS – Concept, Formula, and Potential Equity Shares

## Diluted EPS under AS 20

### Concept

Diluted EPS measures earnings per share assuming all potential equity shares are converted into actual equity shares. It answers: "What would EPS be if every instrument that could become equity already had?"

$$\text{Diluted EPS} = \frac{\text{Adjusted EAFESH}}{\text{Adjusted WANES}}$$

Diluted EPS is always ≤ Basic EPS (or equal — never higher).

---

### Potential Equity Shares and Their Adjustments

InstrumentNumerator AdjustmentDenominator Adjustment
Convertible DebenturesAdd back: Interest × (1 − Tax Rate)Add: Shares arising on conversion
Convertible Preference SharesAdd back: Preference DividendAdd: Shares arising on conversion
Share Warrants / OptionsNo adjustmentAdd: Incremental shares (net of treasury stock method)

---

### Dilutive vs. Anti-Dilutive

  • Dilutive: Including the instrument reduces EPS → include in Diluted EPS.
  • Anti-dilutive: Including the instrument increases EPS → exclude from Diluted EPS.

Always test each instrument individually before including it.

---

### Negative EPS (Loss Scenario)

When EAFESH is negative, adding potential shares would reduce the loss per share (make it look smaller). This is anti-dilutive — exclude such instruments. Never report a diluted EPS that is less negative than Basic EPS.

---

### Multiple Classes of Potential Shares

If there are several dilutive instruments, include them in order from most dilutive to least dilutive (ranked by incremental EPS impact). Stop including once an instrument turns anti-dilutive.

Worked example

### Example 1

Diluted EPS with Convertible Debentures

Basic EPS data:

  • EAFESH = ₹8,20,000
  • WANES = 10,000 shares
  • Basic EPS = ₹82.00

Additional information:

  • 12% Convertible Debentures, face ₹5,00,000, convertible into 2,000 equity shares
  • Tax rate = 30%

Step 1 – Adjust Numerator:

Interest saved = 12% × ₹5,00,000 = ₹60,000

After-tax benefit = ₹60,000 × (1 − 0.30) = ₹42,000

Adjusted EAFESH = ₹8,20,000 + ₹42,000 = ₹8,62,000

Step 2 – Adjust Denominator:

Adjusted WANES = 10,000 + 2,000 = 12,000 shares

Step 3 – Diluted EPS:

Diluted EPS = ₹8,62,000 / 12,000 = ₹71.83

Since ₹71.83 < ₹82.00 (Basic EPS), the debentures are dilutive — include them. ✓

### Example 2

Diluted EPS with Convertible Preference Shares

Basic EPS data:

  • EAFESH = ₹5,00,000 (already net of preference dividend on non-convertible prefs)
  • WANES = 10,000 shares
  • Basic EPS = ₹50.00

Additional information:

  • 8% Convertible Preference Shares, ₹10,00,000, dividend = ₹80,000, convertible into 4,000 shares

Adjust Numerator: Add back pref dividend = ₹5,00,000 + ₹80,000 = ₹5,80,000

Note: No tax benefit — preference dividend is paid from after-tax profits.

Adjust Denominator: 10,000 + 4,000 = 14,000 shares

Diluted EPS = ₹5,80,000 / 14,000 = ₹41.43

Since ₹41.43 < ₹50.00, these preference shares are dilutive — include them. ✓

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

  • Adding back the gross debenture interest (before tax) to the numerator — must add only the after-tax amount: Interest × (1 − Tax Rate).
  • Adding back preference dividend net of tax — preference dividends have no tax shield; add back the full amount.
  • Including anti-dilutive instruments in Diluted EPS, which makes diluted EPS higher than Basic EPS (an impossible result).
  • Forgetting to adjust both the numerator AND the denominator for convertible instruments — adjusting only one is wrong.
  • Reporting Diluted EPS that is greater than Basic EPS — if this happens, the calculation has an error (anti-dilutive instruments have been included).
Reference: Para 26–39 (Diluted EPS, potential equity shares, dilutive and anti-dilutive instruments) — AS 20 – Earnings Per Share (ICAI)
Now that you've read this — what's next?
Move from understanding → mastery in 3 clicks. Each option below picks up from this lesson's topic.
Start 15-min diagnostic