Paying off an interest bearing liability by gradual reduction through a series of installments comprising both principal and interest components, as opposed to paying it off by a simple lump-sum payment.

Individuals working for a research or brokerage firm. They make forecasts about companies' future earnings, revenues, growth rates, and stock price (price target). They also make recommendations regarding buying, selling, or holding a particular stock.

An analyst recommendation to purchase a stock, generally indicating that the stock should outperform other comparable stocks.

Shares held in a public company that give holders of those shares voting rights and the right to receive dividends when they are declared by the board of directors. In general, there are two types of shares, common and preferred stock. Common stock holders share in the success when a company profits; however, they are also at risk if the company fa [..]

A corporation or a limited partnership with publicly traded stock.

Securities such as bonds, notes, mortgages and other forms of paper that indicate the intent to repay an amount owed. A cash payment of interest and/or principal is made at a later date in time. This is in contrast to an equity investment where there is an exchange of shares of common stock, or ownership of the company.

Charges against earnings to write off the cost, less salvage value, of an asset over its estimated useful life.

When an analyst reduces a recommendation for a stock. Examples include changing a "buy" recommendation to a "hold," a hold to a "sell".

The net income or profit for a company. This amount consists of revenues minus all costs (including taxes).

An analyst's prediction about a particular company's earnings for a future quarter or year. It is an estimate whether a company will increase, decrease, or remain flat in its operating income and overall profitability.