How is book value per share calculated?

The calculation of book value per share is determined by dividing the common shareholders' equity by the number of average common shares outstanding. This metric provides a measure of the equity that shareholders would receive on a per-share basis if the company were to be liquidated, reflecting the company's net worth available to common shareholders.

Common shareholders' equity includes the original capital invested in the company and retained earnings, minus any treasury stock, which gives a clear picture of what belongs to equity holders after all liabilities are settled. By using average common shares outstanding, it ensures that seasonal or temporary fluctuations in share count do not skew the calculation, making it more reliable for investors assessing the company's book value.

Other options do not accurately represent how book value per share is calculated. For instance, using net income divided by average common shares refers to earnings per share (EPS), which focuses on profit rather than equity. Meanwhile, total assets divided by total liabilities provides the debt-to-equity ratio rather than shareholder equity, and current liabilities divided by current assets is the formula for the current ratio, a measure of short-term liquidity, which is unrelated to book value per share.