The Price to Earnings Ratio, Also Called the P/E Ratio

question 110

Multiple Choice

The price to earnings ratio, also called the P/E ratio of a stock, is a measure of the price of a share relative to the annual net income per share earned by the firm. Suppose the P/Es for a firm's common stock during the past four quarters are 10, 12, 15, and 11, respectively. The standard deviation of the P/E ratio over the four quarters is ________.

• A) 1.87
• B) 2.16
• C) 3.50
• D) 4.67

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Definitions:

Economic Profit

The difference between a firm's total revenues and its total costs, including both explicit and implicit costs, measuring the firm’s performance beyond its accounting profit.

Long Run

A period in economics where all factors of production and costs are variable, allowing for full adjustment to any change.

Monopolistically Competitive

A market structure where many firms sell products that are similar but not identical, allowing for some degree of market power and pricing over their product.

Optimal Level

The most efficient, effective, or desirable point or degree of an activity or function, balancing costs and benefits.