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
The correct answer is option A
Reason:
It is during the initial stages of any business where funding is required to meet the working capital. Basically the fund is required to meet the expenses of inventory and account balances on receivable ends. However funds are also required when a business has been established much before and is growing its customer base and revenue but needs fund to expand its business.