Glossary

Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT)

Definition

Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) is a financial metric that measures a company’s profitability from its core operations before deducting interest and income tax expenses. It highlights how efficiently a company generates income from its operations, excluding financial and tax-related factors. EBIT is also known as operating profit or operating income.

How is EBIT calculated?

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1. EBIT = Revenue – Operating Expenses 2. EBIT = Net Income + Interest + Taxes For example, if a startup has €500,000 in revenue, €200,000 in operating expenses, and €50,000 in net interest and taxes: EBIT = 500,000 – 200,000 = €300,000 This means the company’s operating profit is €300,000.

Why is EBIT important for startups?

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EBIT helps startups and investors understand how well a company’s core operations are performing without being influenced by debt levels or tax structures. It provides a clear picture of operational profitability, making it easier to compare startups in the same industry or assess financial viability.

How does EBIT differ from EBITDA?

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While EBIT excludes interest and taxes, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) also excludes non-cash expenses like depreciation and amortization. EBITDA offers a clearer view of cash flow, while EBIT focuses on operating profitability.

What are the limitations of EBIT?

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EBIT does not account for interest payments or tax obligations, which can significantly impact a company’s net profitability. For startups with high levels of debt, EBIT may overstate financial health by ignoring the cost of interest payments.

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