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Profit forecast |
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Profit forecastA prediction of future profits of a company, which may affect investment decisions.Profit forecast Similar MatchesConsensus forecastConsensus forecastAggregated forecasts drawn from a number of different brokers about the likely future earnings of a company.Broking firms publish forecasts of the future earnings of the companies they follow. Their analysts specialise in certain industry sectors, and often have access to directors and CEOs which private investors do not have. Using their knowledge of the sector, the company, and general economic conditions, they may estimate the profits of the companies for the coming year.The value of these forecasts for investors is that, if correct, they allow rational judgement about how much to pay for the shares. The problem is that brokers forecasts are not always correct, and if they are wrong, the investor may overpay.Consensus forecasts may provide a safety net. The idea is basically that instead of relying on the forecast of one broker, you look at the estimates from a cross-section of brokers, and find a consensus. The assumption is that a consensus is more likely to be right.Some mechanical methods of share valuation, particularly PEGS, rely on brokers' forecasts. Fundamental forecastingFundamental forecastingAnalyzing the future on the basis of fundamental relationships between economic variables and exchange rates. Market based forecastingMarket based forecastingAnalyzing future spot rates on the basis of a market-determined exchange rate (such as the current spot rate or forward rate). Whisper number or forecastWhisper number or forecastAn unofficial earnings estimate of a company given to clients by a security analyst if there is more optimism or pessimism about earnings than shown in the published number. These are often found on the Internet. Technical forecastingTechnical forecastingA forecasting method that uses historical prices and trends. Further Suggestionspension forecastPerfect forecast line Mixed forecasting Forecasting |
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