Earn-out

Earn-out

Refers to an additional payment in a merger or acquisition that is not part of the original acquisition cost, which is based on the acquired company's future earnings relative to a level determined by the merger agreement.

Earn-Out

In an acquisition, an additional payment made to the acquired company's former owner(s) in the event that certain earnings are met. For example, a company may acquire another for $75 million, with an additional $10 million in cash and/or stock if the acquired company's earnings outperform expectations by a certain percentage. Earn-outs are based on the acquired company's potential future earnings.