Earnings releases, calls & guidance · Core

Adjusted earnings

Also called: underlying earnings

ELI5

A company-defined earnings measure excluding specified items.

Used in conversation

“Can we reconcile adjusted earnings to the reported numbers?”

Pitch context

You will see “Adjusted earnings” in annual reports, earnings decks, filings and investor presentations when the discussion reaches earnings releases, calls & guidance.

Why it matters: In earnings releases, calls & guidance, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.

Caution

Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.

Sources & evidence · 7

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.

IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — How to Read a 10-KDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Supporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16