Earnings

Earnings are the net benefits of a corporation's operation. Earnings is also the amount on which corporate tax is due. For an analysis of specific aspects of corporate operations several more specific terms are used as EBIT -- earnings before interest and taxes, EBITDA - earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

Overview

Earnings are the main determinant of a company's share price, because earnings and the circumstances relating to them can indicate whether the business will be profitable and successful in the long run. Earnings are perhaps the single most studied number in a company's financial statements, because they show a company's profitability compared to analyst estimates and company guidance. Investors look at a company's earnings to determine its value.

Earnings Analysis

Earnings are the profits of a company. Investors and analysts look to earnings to determine the attractiveness of a particular stock. Companies often use financial measures such as EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) to provide a clearer picture of earnings.

Earnings and Company Value

Earnings are a significant consideration for investors, as they give an indication of the company's expected future dividends and its potential for growth and capital appreciation. However, earnings do not necessarily equate to cash flows, and the timing and risk of earnings can also impact a company's value.

Earnings Estimates and Guidance

Companies often provide their own earnings estimates, known as guidance, in their financial reports. Analysts also provide earnings estimates, and the average of these is known as the consensus estimate. Companies that consistently meet or beat these estimates are often favored by investors.

See Also

• EBIT
• EBITDA
• Corporate tax
• Financial statements
• Dividends
• Capital appreciation

References

Earnings Resources
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