# EPS

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eps
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. finance

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Earnings Per Share. It is a number that shows how much profit a company makes for each share of its stock.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Earnings Per Share. A financial ratio calculated by dividing a company's net profit by the number of outstanding shares of its common stock.

- Investors were happy because the company reported a higher EPS than expected this quarter.
- The analyst noted that while revenue remained flat, the EPS grew significantly due to an aggressive share buyback programme.

Usage: Usually treated as an uncountable noun or a singular metric in financial reporting.

### 2. computing/graphics

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Encapsulated PostScript. It is a file format used for high-quality pictures and graphics that can be resized without losing detail.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Encapsulated PostScript. A standard graphics file format for importing and exporting PostScript language files in a variety of environments.

- The designer asked for the logo in EPS format so it would look sharp on the large poster.
- Although modern workflows often prefer PDF, many professional printers still require vector assets to be delivered as EPS files for legacy compatibility.

Usage: Often used as a modifier before 'file' or 'format'.

### 3. material/packaging

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Expanded Polystyrene. It is a lightweight, white plastic foam often used for packing fragile items or for insulation.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Expanded Polystyrene. A rigid, tough, closed-cell foam made from pre-expanded polystyrene beads, primarily used for thermal insulation and protective packaging.

- The new television was protected by thick blocks of EPS inside the cardboard box.
- Environmental regulations have become stricter regarding the disposal of EPS due to its lack of biodegradability and high volume in landfills.

Usage: Uncountable when referring to the material itself.

### 4. plural of EP (music)

noun · CEFR B2

The plural form of EP, which is a music record that is longer than a single but shorter than a full album.

For teachers: The plural form of Extended Play. Refers to multiple musical recordings that contain more tracks than a single but are not qualified as an L.P. or full album.

- The band released two EPS last year before finally putting out their first full album.
- Independent artists often release several EPs to build a following before committing to the production costs of a full-length studio recording.

Usage: Usually written with a lowercase 's' (EPs) to indicate plurality.

## Examples

- The company reported a higher EPS than analysts expected.
- Investors were pleased when the tech giant announced an EPS of four dollars, suggesting strong quarterly growth.
- While a rising EPS generally signals financial health, savvy investors also examine the cash flow to ensure that accounting maneuvers aren't artificially inflating the reported earnings per share.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.