discerning if eps 5 year is a trailing or forward stat

[btard08]

Hi,

I am trying to figure out if the EPS 5 year stat is a trailing stat or forward stat. I know this stat can comes in both forms, but I am just provided with this information 'EPS 5 year' and don't know whether to calculate the forward of trailing version.

Can someone please let me know. Also, could you refer to something that clearly explains this if possible.

Thank you in advance for any help.

[tombrown1]

Where did you get this stat? Phil uses the MSN 5-year EPS growth projection in his formula - so this would be a forward statistic. That might be what you're referring to. Clearstation.com offers more detailed projections on this than MSN does.

[btard08]

This is a statistic that is collected by a database where financial companies go to market their products. And example of one is, Morningstar.

I checked out clearstation. From the definition given there, it seems eps 5 year growth is a trailing statistic...

ClearStation: Glossary

So, I am still confused. I have 1/2 the people telling me it is trailing and the other 1/2 telling me its forward.



Can anyone provide a definitive explanation or an irrefutable source of information that states one or the other? Please help.

[tombrown1]

You can do both. Here is the leading statistic info from Clearstation on CTSH:
ClearStation : News Articles

On this page you will see the 5-year growth rates historically for CTSH on Morningstar.com:
CTSH: Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation Stock Report | Key Ratios

[Gunnski]

Try and remember your are betting on what the business is going to do in the future, not the past. Use the forward projected estimates. Determine if they are reasonable & sustainable. You'll be in great shape. If you think about it, no one really knows for sure. It is an educated guess. Don't beat yourself up over it.