$($$ in millions$)20242023$

Net income $$120$ $$210$

Dividends on preferred stock $$30$ $$21$

Average shares outstanding $250500$

Stock price $$11\mathrm{.}47$ $$10\mathrm{.}42$

Required:

$1-$a$.$ Calculate earnings per share in $2023$ and $2024.$

$1-$b$.$ Did earnings per share increase in $2024?$