Note 3. Weighted average shares
The following table shows the calculation of diluted shares:
For the years ended July 31,
(In millions)202520242023
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
   Basic weighted average shares198.9202.9206.4
   Effect of dilutive shares (1)
0.30.60.8
   Diluted weighted average shares199.2203.5207.2
Excluded anti-dilutive shares0.10.1
(1) Represents the potential dilutive impact of share-based awards.

Historical Timeline

Fiscal YearFiled
2025Sep 26, 2025Showing above
2024Sep 25, 2024

About Earnings Per Share Disclosures

The earnings per share disclosure breaks down the calculation from net income to both basic and diluted EPS, revealing the full impact of a company's capital structure on per-share economics. The reconciliation between basic and diluted share counts exposes how many stock options, RSUs, convertible securities, and warrants are potentially dilutive to existing shareholders.

Key signals: a widening gap between basic and diluted shares indicates growing dilution from equity compensation or convertible instruments. Anti-dilutive securities excluded from the diluted calculation deserve attention — they represent latent dilution that will materialize if the stock price rises. Watch for the effect of share buybacks on per-share metrics: EPS growth driven primarily by repurchases rather than income growth signals weakening fundamentals. Compare year-over-year changes in the diluted share count against equity compensation expense to assess whether management is effectively managing dilution.