What does EBITDA stand for, and why is it important?

EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization. It is a financial metric used to evaluate a company's operating performance and profitability by removing the effects of financing and accounting decisions. The significance of EBITDA lies in its ability to provide a clearer picture of the company's core earnings potential without the influence of capital structure and tax rates.

This measure is especially important for investors and analysts, as it allows for better comparisons between companies and industries by focusing on operational performance rather than accounting and financial complexities. By assessing profitability in this way, stakeholders can make more informed decisions regarding company performance and value.