A projection of current trends using existing data. Forecasts are widely used by business and financial planners, economists and stock market analysts. Analysts' forecasts include price levels, company earnings and economic indicators.
An EPS (earnings per share) figure that is calculated by dividing earnings by a larger amount of shares than the number currently outstanding. It assumes the eventual full issue of all shares connected to convertibles, options, warrants and convertible preferred shares. This leads to a greater dilution of the EPS figure.
Company costs such as interest charges, insurance and rent, which do not vary with the level of production or sales. On the other hand, variable costs, such as raw materials and labour, do change with the level of production or sales.
Assets bought by a company for its continued use for a number of years, rather than for resale. There are three categories of fixed assets: 1) tangible assets, such as land and equipment, 2) intangible assets, such as a company's logo or brand, 3) investments, such as stakes in joint ventures.