Investing Dictionary
Company Health

What is EBITDA?

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization

Full Explanation

EBITDA strips out accounting costs and financing decisions to show the raw profitability of a business. It's widely used to compare companies across different tax and capital structures.

Real-World Example

Two companies earn different net incomes, but similar EBITDA — the difference is how they're financed, not how the business actually runs.

Pro Tip

Warren Buffett is skeptical of EBITDA — depreciation is a real cost, he argues. Know the limits.

Learn Investing Like a Game

Bite-sized lessons, a $100K practice portfolio, and Mr. Guy to explain anything in plain English.

Create Free Account

Free forever. No credit card needed.