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Multiple Choice
Which of the following factors does NOT influence a firm's Price-Earnings (P/E) ratio?
A
The firm's dividend payout policy
B
The firm's expected earnings growth rate
C
The firm's capital structure
D
The firm's inventory costing method (e.g., FIFO vs. LIFO)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of the Price-Earnings (P/E) ratio: The P/E ratio is a valuation metric that compares a company's current share price to its earnings per share (EPS). It reflects investor expectations about future earnings growth and risk.
Identify factors that influence the P/E ratio: The firm's dividend payout policy, expected earnings growth rate, and capital structure can all impact investor perception of risk and growth potential, thereby influencing the P/E ratio.
Analyze the inventory costing method (e.g., FIFO vs. LIFO): While inventory costing methods affect reported earnings and financial statements, they do not directly influence the P/E ratio because the ratio focuses on broader investor expectations and market valuation rather than accounting methods.
Clarify why the inventory costing method does not influence the P/E ratio: The P/E ratio is driven by market factors such as growth expectations and risk, not by specific accounting choices like FIFO or LIFO, which primarily affect internal reporting.
Conclude that the inventory costing method is the correct answer: It does not directly impact the P/E ratio, unlike the other factors listed, which are tied to investor perceptions and market valuation.