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Financial Metrics8 min read

Financial Metrics Cheat Sheet

A plain-English cheat sheet for common stock research metrics.

Market cap

Market cap is the market value of a company's equity. It helps frame company size but does not explain financial health by itself.

Revenue growth

Revenue growth shows sales expansion. Read it with margins and cash flow to understand the quality of growth.

EPS

Earnings per share shows profit attributed to each share. It can be affected by net income, share count, and one-time items.

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is cash left after operating needs and capital spending. It helps show whether earnings are turning into cash.

Operating margin and gross margin

Gross margin focuses on direct costs. Operating margin includes operating expenses and shows core operating profitability.

Debt-to-equity and return on equity

Debt-to-equity helps frame leverage. Return on equity compares profit with shareholders' equity, but it should be read with debt.

P/E ratio and net income

The P/E ratio compares price with earnings. Net income is accounting profit after expenses, interest, taxes, and other items.

stokr provides informational research tools only and does not provide financial advice.

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