What is the formula for the rate earned on average stockholders' equity?

The formula for the rate earned on average stockholders' equity is defined as net income divided by average stockholders' equity. This ratio measures the profitability of a company relative to the equity held by shareholders.

By using net income in the numerator, you capture the profit generated by the business, which directly reflects the company's ability to generate returns for its owners. Dividing that net income by average stockholders' equity gives you a measure of how effectively the company is using its equity to produce earnings. It shows shareholders how much profit is generated for each dollar of equity they have invested in the business.

Average stockholders' equity is used rather than total stockholders' equity to account for changes in equity throughout the reporting period, such as new stock issuances or dividend payments, providing a more accurate picture of performance over time. Thus, this ratio is a key indicator of financial performance and is often scrutinized by investors when assessing a company's profitability.