Background Note | HBS Case Collection | 2012 (Revised from original 1999 version)

Earnings Per Share

by David F. Hawkins

Abstract

Discusses accounting rules for earnings per share measurement. The U.S. approach is described in detail and non-U.S. practices are briefly covered. A rewritten version of an earlier note.

Keywords: Business Earnings; Stock Shares; Profit; Governing Rules, Regulations, and Reforms; Measurement and Metrics; United States;

Citation:

Hawkins, David F. "Earnings Per Share." Harvard Business School Background Note 100-015, April 2012. (Revised from original December 1999 version.)