What Is Multiple?

An important financial metric, the Multiple or Price-Earnings (P/E) ratio, provides insight into the valuation of a company's stock relative to its earnings.

The Price-Earnings (P/E) ratio, often referred to simply as a “Multiple,” is a key financial metric used to evaluate the valuation of a company’s stock. It represents the ratio between the market price of a company’s stock and its earnings per share (EPS).

Formula

The P/E ratio is calculated using the following formula:

$$ \text{P/E Ratio} = \frac{\text{Market Price per Share}}{\text{Earnings per Share (EPS)}} $$

Types of P/E Ratios

1. Trailing P/E Ratio: Based on the historic earnings over the past 12 months.
2. Forward P/E Ratio: Uses projected earnings over the next 12 months.

Special Considerations

• A high P/E ratio may indicate that a stock is overvalued or that investors expect high growth rates in the future.
• Conversely, a low P/E ratio may indicate that a stock is undervalued or that the company is experiencing difficulties.

Examples

Computing the P/E Ratio

Suppose a company’s stock is trading at $100 per share, and its earnings per share (EPS) over the past year is $5. The trailing P/E ratio would be:

$$ \text{P/E Ratio} = \frac{100}{5} = 20 $$

Comparative Analysis

If another company in the same industry has a stock price of $50 and an EPS of $2, its P/E ratio would be:

$$ \text{P/E Ratio} = \frac{50}{2} = 25 $$

This comparative analysis helps investors determine which company might be the better investment based on market valuation and expected earnings growth.

Historical Context

The concept of using the P/E ratio dates back to Benjamin Graham, often regarded as the father of value investing. He emphasized the importance of this ratio in his book “Security Analysis” (1934).

Applicability

The P/E ratio is widely used in:

• Valuation Analysis: To assess whether a stock is over or underpriced.
• Growth Estimation: Higher multiples often indicate expectations of higher growth.
• Industry Comparisons: To benchmark against industry standards.

Related Terms

• Earnings per Share (EPS): The portion of a company’s profit attributed to each outstanding share of common stock.
• Market Price per Share: The current price at which a stock is trading on the open market.
• Forward P/E Ratio: P/E ratio that uses projected earnings per share.
• Trailing P/E Ratio: P/E ratio based on the actual earnings over the previous 12 months.

FAQs

• What does a P/E ratio of 30 signify?

  • It means investors are willing to pay $30 for every $1 of the company’s earnings.

• Can the P/E ratio be negative?

  • Yes, if a company has negative earnings, the P/E ratio would also be negative.

• Is a higher P/E ratio always better?

  • Not necessarily. A higher P/E ratio may indicate higher growth expectations but can also signify overvaluation.

References

• Graham, B. (1934). Security Analysis.
• Damodaran, A. (2002). Investment Valuation: Tools and Techniques for Determining the Value of Any Asset.

Summary

The Multiple, particularly the P/E ratio, is an indispensable tool in financial analysis, offering insights into a company’s valuation relative to its earnings. By understanding its formula, types, and applications, investors can make informed decisions about market valuations and potential investment opportunities.