Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Practice Exam Level 2

Which of the following formulas defines the PEG Ratio?

1. PE / Total Revenue

2. PE x % Growth

3. PE / % Growth

4. PE - % Growth

The correct answer is: PE / % Growth

The PEG ratio is a valuation metric that helps investors assess a stock's price relative to its earnings growth rate. It specifically measures the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio in relation to the projected growth rate of earnings over a specific period, typically the next five years. Thus, the formula that defines the PEG ratio is the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio divided by the estimated percentage growth rate of earnings. This is captured accurately by taking the P/E ratio and dividing it by the growth rate, which is why the choice reflecting this relationship is the correct representation of the PEG ratio. In this context, by using the PEG ratio, investors can gain insights into whether a stock's valuation is justified based on its expected earnings growth. For example, a PEG of 1 may suggest that a stock is fairly valued, while a PEG greater than 1 could indicate overvaluation and a PEG less than 1 might suggest undervaluation compared to the growth potential. Understanding this concept is crucial for CFA candidates, as it shows how the PEG ratio is used in equity analysis, linking a company's current price to its future growth prospects without simply relying on the P/E ratio alone.