EBITDA strips out capital structure (interest), tax jurisdiction, and accounting policy choices (depreciation/amortisation) to show the raw operating earning power of a business.
EBITDA is the most common denominator in EV/EBITDA — the most widely used valuation multiple in equity research globally.
EBITDA vs EBIT vs PAT
- EBITDA — adds back D&A and interest from operating profit
- EBIT — adds back D&A only (Operating Profit)
- PAT — final profit after all expenses, interest, and taxes