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CFA Level I · CFA Level I Exam · Relative Value Equity Valuation Approaches

An analyst is valuing a mature, profitable company with positive and stable earnings. Compared with using price-to-sales, the analyst's primary reason for preferring the price-to-earnings multiple is most likely that earnings:

The best reason is that earnings are the primary focus of investors and drive value. P/E is popular because earnings power determines investment value. Earnings are still affected by accounting choices and can be negative, so the other statements are incorrect.

  1. Aare immune to differences in accounting choices.
  2. Bare the primary focus of investors and drive value.Correct
  3. Care never negative for listed companies.

Explanation

P/E is widely used because earnings power is the primary determinant of investment value and P/E is closely linked to stock returns. Earnings are affected by accounting choices and can be negative, so the other two statements are wrong.

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