Why it matters for the long term
Over 10-20 years, what drives a share up is the growth of its profits (EPS) + reinvested dividends. The P/E tells you whether you are paying a lot or a little for that growth. In short: rising EPS + reasonable P/E + growing dividend = good long-term candidate.
Dividend per share
The share of profit the company pays you every year, for each share you own. E.g. $1.97 per share held. Over the long run, a dividend that rises steadily is a good sign of financial health.
Dividend yield
The dividend divided by the share price, in %. E.g. a $1.97 dividend on a $75 share = 2.6%. It is what the share pays you in cash every year, whether the price goes up or down. Compare it with a savings account or a bond.
Earnings per share (EPS)
The company's total profit divided by the number of shares. It is THE profitability measure to follow: if EPS grows year after year, the company earns more money, and the share price usually ends up following. Part of the EPS is paid out as a dividend, the rest is reinvested.
P/E (Price Earnings Ratio)
The share price divided by the EPS. E.g. $75 / $6.80 = 11. It tells you how many years of profit you are "paying" when you buy the share. A low P/E (10-15) = a rather cheap share or a sector with low expectations; a high P/E (25+) = the market expects strong growth. Compare it with companies in the same sector, not in isolation.