Electric Corporation Holds 80 Percent of Utility Company's Voting Common

Multiple Choice

Electric Corporation holds 80 percent of Utility Company's voting common shares, acquired at book values, but none of its preferred shares. At the date of acquisition, the fair value of the noncontrolling interest was equal to 20 percent of the book value of Utility Company. Summary balance sheets for the companies on December 31, 20X8, are as follows: Neither of the preferred issues is convertible. Electric's preferred pays a 8 percent annual dividend, and Utility's preferred pays a 12 percent dividend. Utility reported net income of $30,000 and paid a total of $10,000 of dividends in 20X8. Electric reported income from its separate operations of $70,000 and paid total dividends of $25,000 in 20X8.
Based on the preceding information, what is the consolidated earnings per share for 20X8?

A) 4.46
B) 4.14
C) 4.35
D) 4.55