10-Year EPS Growth Rate Calculator
Annual Growth Rate (CAGR):
Understanding 10-Year EPS Growth Rate
Earnings Per Share (EPS) growth is one of the most critical metrics for long-term investors. It measures the portion of a company's profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock. Calculating this over a 10-year period allows you to filter out short-term market noise and identify companies with a sustainable competitive advantage.
The CAGR Formula for EPS
To calculate the annual growth rate over a decade, we use the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) formula. This accounts for the "compounding effect" of earnings growth year over year, rather than just taking a simple average.
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
Imagine a company that had the following financials:
- Year 1 EPS: $2.00
- Year 11 EPS (10 years later): $5.19
To find the growth rate:
- Divide the final EPS by the initial EPS: 5.19 / 2.00 = 2.595
- Raise that result to the power of 1/10 (0.1): 2.595^0.1 = 1.10
- Subtract 1: 1.10 – 1 = 0.10
- Multiply by 100 to get the percentage: 10% Annual Growth
Why 10 Years Matters
Most economic cycles last between 5 to 8 years. By looking at a 10-year window, you ensure the company has been tested through at least one full economic cycle, including potential recessions or industry downturns. Consistent EPS growth over a decade is a primary indicator of a "Quality" stock according to fundamental analysis principles used by investors like Warren Buffett.
Key Factors to Consider
- Share Buybacks: A company can increase EPS growth by reducing the number of shares outstanding, even if total net income is flat.
- One-time Events: Look for "Adjusted EPS" to remove one-time tax credits or legal settlements that might skew the 10-year trend.
- Consistency: A company that grows 10% every year is generally more valuable than a company that grows 50% one year and loses 40% the next, even if the final EPS is the same.