In financial terms, what does the term "accretive" specifically refer to?

The term "accretive" in financial contexts specifically refers to a situation where a transaction, often an acquisition, results in an increase in the earnings per share (EPS) of the acquiring company. When a company acquires another, if the acquired company's earnings contribute positively and lead to higher overall earnings than the combined company’s previous earnings per share, the transaction is considered accretive. This is particularly important for investors as it indicates that the acquisition will create additional value for existing shareholders.

The significance of higher earnings contribution lies in its direct impact on the financial health and performance of the acquirer, making it a vital consideration in corporate finance decisions. In contrast, other options may relate to broader business outcomes or focuses that do not specifically capture the financial implications of "accretive" transactions. For instance, increased overall company assets, lower cost of capital, or increased market share do not directly indicate that the transaction will enhance earnings per share, which is the critical aspect of the term "accretive."