Answer:
The diluted earnings per share is $5.25
Explanation:
In this question, we are asked to compute the diluted earnings per share.
To calculate this, we employ the mathematical formula below for diluted earnings per share:
Diluted earnings per share
= (Total income - preference dividends) /( outstanding shares + diluted shares)
To be able to use this formula, we need a formula expression to get the value of the diluted shares.
Diluted shares = Options issued - value of options
Also,
Amount paid towards shares = Options issued * Exercise price per share = 1,200 * 6 = $ 7,200
Value of options = Amount paid towards shares / Current market price = $ 7,200 /$ 15= 480
Hence, diluted shares = 1,200 - 480 = 720
Thus, the diluted earnings per share =
( 51,000) / ( 9,000 +720) = $5.25 per share