Earnings releases, calls & guidance · Core
Non-GAAP measure
Also called: alternative performance measure, APM
ELI5
A financial measure not calculated under GAAP, requiring applicable reconciliation and disclosure.
Used in conversation
“The reader should be able to distinguish non-GAAP measure from management’s interpretation of it.”
Pitch context
You will see “Non-GAAP measure” 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.
Connected terms
- Generally accepted accounting principlesGAAP is the governing accounting framework; a non-GAAP measure adjusts or supplements measures under that framework and needs clear reconciliation and labelling.
- Alternative performance measureThe search label “Alternative performance measure” can route to both entries.
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