What Is Your EPS? Issues in Computing and Interpreting Earnings Per Share

Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies Journal, 20(3), 48-61.

15 Pages Posted: 26 Aug 2016 Last revised: 29 Nov 2023

See all articles by Jeffrey Jay Jewell

Jeffrey Jay Jewell

Lipscomb University - Department of Accounting, Finance & Economics

Jeffrey A. Mankin

Finally Learn; Lipscomb University - Department of Accounting, Finance & Economics

Date Written: 2016

Abstract

This paper examines several problematic issues in the presentation of information related to earnings per share (EPS) that are common to college textbooks and popular investment websites. U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) require disclosure of EPS for all publicly listed firms. In fact, EPS is the only financial ratio required by GAAP and it is the only financial ratio with a formula specified by GAAP. Despite these facts, many college textbooks and investment websites present incorrect formulas for the computation of EPS. Furthermore, many textbooks and investment websites either explicitly or implicitly encourage students and investors to interpret EPS incorrectly. This paper discusses these issues and contrasts proper EPS computation and interpretation with the most common errors in computation and interpretation.

Keywords: Earnings per Share, EPS, Price-Earnings Ratio, PE Ratio

JEL Classification: G32, M41

Suggested Citation

Jewell, Jeffrey Jay and Mankin, Jeffrey A., What Is Your EPS? Issues in Computing and Interpreting Earnings Per Share (2016). Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies Journal, 20(3), 48-61., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2827796 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2827796

Jeffrey Jay Jewell

Lipscomb University - Department of Accounting, Finance & Economics ( email )

One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204-3951
United States
6159665769 (Phone)

Jeffrey A. Mankin (Contact Author)

Finally Learn ( email )

1906 Glen Echo Rd
Unit 158304
Nashville, TN 37215
United States
629-777-6499 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://https://finallylearn.com/

Lipscomb University - Department of Accounting, Finance & Economics ( email )

One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204-3951
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.lipscomb.edu

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