Price/Earnings Ratio (P/E)
The relationship between a stock’s price and its earnings per share. It is calculated by dividing the stock’s price per share by earnings per share for a twelve month period. For instance, a stock selling for $25 a share and earning $5 a share is said to be selling at a P/E ratio of 5. The ratio, also known as the “multiple”, gives an investor an approximation of how much they are paying for a corporation’s earning power. Low P/E stocks are usually in mature industries. They may be blue chip or out of favor companies. In either case, their growth potential is limited. Companies with high P/E ratios (over 20) are usually up-and-comers that are fast growing. These companies are riskier investments.
« Back to Glossary Index