Concept · C:weighted-average-common-shares

Weighted-average common shares

Working definition

The time-weighted number of common shares outstanding during a reporting period after required retrospective share adjustments.

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  1. Apply it
  2. Keep the boundary clear
  3. Authority

Weighted-average common shares belongs in a reconciled numerator-and-denominator workpaper. Weighted-average common shares measure the time-weighted common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Build dated intervals from the share register, apply the day or other consistent weighting convention, and then make required retrospective share adjustments.

Apply it

An entity has 1,000,000 shares from January 1 and issues 200,000 on October 1. In a 12-month illustration, weighted shares are 1,000,000 plus 200,000 times 3/12, or 1,050,000.

Review weighted-average common shares against outstanding shares. Reconcile weighted-average common shares to retroactive share adjustment, the dated weighted-average common shares evidence, and its final presentation.

The weighted-average common shares record ties outstanding shares to its source date, measured amount, and retroactive share adjustment effect.

Keep the boundary clear

Ending outstanding shares do not capture midperiod issues or repurchases. Potential common shares enter diluted EPS through their own methods rather than the basic weighted average.

Authority

Read ASC 260-10-45-10 for the weighted-average denominator for basic EPS.

Learning objectives

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  • Explain and apply weighted-average common shares within a reconciled numerator-and-denominator workpaper using supplied authoritative facts.

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Updated Sep 11, 2026 Review due Dec 11, 2026