In this case, "Non-GAAP" means an earnings/revenue figure that the company produced itself. Companies usually claim this reflects economic reality but keep in mind they are free to cook up whatever numbers they want. GAAP would mean figures that adhere to general accounting rules, which independent auditors help confirm.
Generally, "Non-GAAP" can mean either IFRS or Cash Basis Accounting
Basically:
GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles = the way large corporations in the US have to account for things (assets, liabilities, equity, earnings, cash flows, etc.) --> Accruals
IFRS - International Financial Reporting Standards = how European companies account for things --> Accruals
Cash Basis Accounting = the way small businesses usually account for things
Cash Basis Accounting vs. Accrual Accounting (GAAP/IFRS/etc.)
* Cash Basis --> expenses and revenues directly match cash flows, I buy a machine that lasts 5 years today and expense the whole purchase price today
* Accrual Accounting --> expenses are recorded when "incurred" and revenues when "earned", I buy a machine that lasts 5 years today and expense the purchase price over 5 years
Individual standards (IFRS/GAAP, etc.) define these soft terms: incurred, earned, assets, debt, equity, other income, etc.
Generally, "Non-GAAP" can mean either IFRS or Cash Basis Accounting
Basically:
GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles = the way large corporations in the US have to account for things (assets, liabilities, equity, earnings, cash flows, etc.) --> Accruals
IFRS - International Financial Reporting Standards = how European companies account for things --> Accruals
Cash Basis Accounting = the way small businesses usually account for things
Cash Basis Accounting vs. Accrual Accounting (GAAP/IFRS/etc.)
* Cash Basis --> expenses and revenues directly match cash flows, I buy a machine that lasts 5 years today and expense the whole purchase price today
* Accrual Accounting --> expenses are recorded when "incurred" and revenues when "earned", I buy a machine that lasts 5 years today and expense the purchase price over 5 years
Individual standards (IFRS/GAAP, etc.) define these soft terms: incurred, earned, assets, debt, equity, other income, etc.