§ Fundamental
Earnings estimate
Glossary version 2026-07-12.v1 · reviewed July 12, 2026
analyst estimateconsensus estimate
A forecast of a company’s future profit or earnings per share for a stated period. It is an expectation, not a reported fact, and should always be tied to a forecast year and observation date.
An earnings estimate forecasts net income or earnings per share for a future quarter or year. Estimates can come from individual analysts, a consensus of analysts, or an independent model. Reports distinguish estimates from filed results, retain the date on which the estimate was observed, and explain material differences between the house forecast, consensus, and management guidance.