rate of return; earning rate; profitability
A financial metric expressing how much profit is generated relative to an investment, sales, or equity. Can refer to return on investment (ROI), profit margin, or yield depending on context. The gloss 'price-earnings ratio' is a specific application (PER) but not the primary meaning.
The rate of return on this investment trust is 5% per year.
I compare companies' profitability to decide which stocks to buy.