Definition

A metric that compares a company’s share price to its earnings per share, helping investors gauge if a stock is over- or under-valued.

What to consider

  • Use it to compare the valuation of similar companies.
  • Consider it alongside other metrics for a complete picture.
  • Remember that a high P/E might indicate growth potential but also risk.

Real world scenarios

  • Investigating a stock’s P/E ratio, Rhett sees it’s significantly higher than industry norms, signaling potential overvaluation.
  • Mina notices a low P/E for a steady-growth company, viewing it as an undervalued buying opportunity if fundamentals remain solid.
  • Comparing P/E ratios among similar businesses guides Yusuf in choosing which stock aligns with his risk tolerance and valuation preference.

Related terms

Debt & Loans