Earnings Estimates Nonsense: Russell 2000 PE Is Negative, Operating Estimate 16.75

As earning reports rolled in, I have been watching the as-reported PE of the Russell 2000, Nasdaq, and S&P 500. The PE of the Russell 2000 is now negative. Meanwhile, the fluff estimate based on “operating earnings” by Birinyi Associates is a mere 16.75.

Earnings Estimates

earnings estimates2

The above chart from the Wall Street Journal.

When the earnings went negative, the Journal put out this “NOTICE TO READERS: The as-reported P/E of the Russell 2000 is negative because of the many ‘1 time’ non-cash charges that must be reported because of GAAP.

The as-reported earnings of the S&P 500 is now a very expensive 23.61 vs. the fluff operating estimate of 17.05.

By the way, 17.05 is not exactly cheap.

Disclaimer: The content on Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis site is provided as general information only and should not be taken as investment ...

more
How did you like this article? Let us know so we can better customize your reading experience.

Comments

Leave a comment to automatically be entered into our contest to win a free Echo Show.