The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the principal concepts about Earnings per Share, which is presented as a quotient of great usefulness for the companies. The subject is presented in three parts: in the first part, we will demonstrate relevant aspects that are present in Brazil. In the second part, the applicable standards in the United States will be discussed, which are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). In the third part, the international standards are dealt with, which are issued by the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC). In order to make it possible to visualize the concepts involved in a more complete way, examples of their application will be developed. Earnings per Share can be calculated in its basic form and in its diluted form. In the basic form, the effects of the potentially diluted instruments are not considered, while, in the calculation of the Diluted Earnings per Share, they are. Examples of potentially diluted financial instruments are convertible preferred stocks, convertible debentures and subscription bonuses, which can be turned into ordinary stocks, characterizing in this way the diluted potential of these instruments.
Earnings per Share; Diluted Earnings per Share; Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB); International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC); International Accounting Standards (IAS)
