Analysis

Guidance: Definition

Educational purposes only. This content does not constitute investment advice. Read our disclaimer

StockCram is not a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial institution. All content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Consult a qualified financial professional before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Simple Definition

A company's prediction of future earnings and revenue.

Why It Matters

Guidance often matters more than current earnings. A company can beat this quarter but crash if they lower next quarter's guidance. The market is forward-looking - it prices stocks based on future expectations, not past results.

Key Points

  • Companies give guidance ranges (e.g., 'we expect $2.50-$2.70 EPS next quarter')
  • Raising guidance = bullish signal; lowering guidance = watch out
  • Some companies (like Apple) don't give guidance, which increases earnings volatility

Related Terms

Common Questions

A company's prediction of future earnings and revenue. Guidance often matters more than current earnings. A company can beat this quarter but crash if they lower next quarter's guidance.

Guidance often matters more than current earnings. A company can beat this quarter but crash if they lower next quarter's guidance. The market is forward-looking - it prices stocks based on future expectations, not past results.

Companies give guidance ranges (e.g., 'we expect $2.50-$2.70 EPS next quarter')

Raising guidance = bullish signal; lowering guidance = watch out

Some companies (like Apple) don't give guidance, which increases earnings volatility