Answer:
Once the preferred dividends have been declared, they must be included in the calculation for the earnings per share (EPS) formula: EPS = (net income - preferred dividends) / average shares outstanding.
When the dividends are declared the following journal entry must be made:
Dr Retained earnings X
Cr Preferred dividends payable X
Net income is reported using the retained earnings account, and once the retained earnings account decreases, the preferred dividends become a liability.