---
title: "Definition of Dilution %"
url: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/dilution-rate/
markdown_url: https://signalscreener.fr/definition/dilution-rate.md
description: "Dilution Rate shows the annual percentage increase in shares outstanding due to new stock issuance (employee compensation, acquisitions, offerings)."
type: glossary-definition
site: Signal Screener
language: en
keywords:
  - "Dilution %"
  - "Dilution Rate"
translations:
  es: https://signalscreener.fr/es/definition/dilution-rate.md
  fr: https://signalscreener.fr/fr/definition/dilution-rate.md
  zh: https://signalscreener.fr/zh/definition/dilution-rate.md
---

# Dilution Rate

## What is Dilution %?

Dilution Rate shows the annual percentage increase in shares outstanding due to new stock issuance (employee compensation, acquisitions, offerings). It directly measures how fast your ownership stake is being watered down.

## Think of it like this

You own 10% of a pizza (100 slices, you have 10). Next year there are 105 slices total - they made 5 more for employees. Your 10 slices are now 9.5% of the pizza. That's 5% dilution. Your slice of the pie literally got smaller!

## Formula

```
Dilution Rate = ((Current Shares - Prior Shares) / Prior Shares) × 100%
```

- **Net New Shares**: New shares issued minus buybacks
- **Prior Year Shares**: Shares outstanding last year

## Why it matters

- Shows how fast ownership is being diluted
- Dilution directly reduces your ownership %
- High dilution erodes shareholder value
- Common in high-growth tech companies

## What's a good value?

| Range | Rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| < 0% (buybacks) | Excellent | Share count decreasing, good for shareholders |
| 0-2% | Good | Low dilution, manageable |
| 2-5% | Moderate | Typical for growth companies |
| > 5% | High | Significant dilution, concerning |

## Real-world example

Zoom 2020-2021: 6% dilution from employee stock. Apple: -2% (buybacks exceed dilution) - shareholder friendly. Spotify: 3-4% annually - typical growth company. Palantir 2021: 10% - concerningly high.

---

This is educational content, not financial advice.

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