UBC specifies load combinations for allowable stress design in Section 1612. Generally, earthquake loads are divided by the factor 1.4. See, for example, equation (12-9) in which E / 1.4 is specified. E is defined in Section 1603 as "earthquake load set forth in Section 1630.1."

The value COMPRESS reports in the Seismic Shear Report tables is the calculated base shear, V, divided by the factor of 1.4 specified in Section 1612. This is done because stresses due to the seismic base shear will be added to those produced by pressure and dead load.