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
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: Suggested Citation