Ballpark Figure

Ballpark figures are estimates for earnings results to be announced near term. They are speculations or guesstimates, not earnings results, and should be treated with skepticism.

Stock Market commentators commonly quote Ballpark figures to give a rough numerical estimate for earning figures such as EPS or Sales or Dividends. At the point in time the figure referenced is, for the moment unknown, but could be announced shortly. Thus, a reasonable estimate or guesstimate in terms of a Ballpark Figure, could be made. A ballpark figure regarding possible or estimated future returns, so how much money a client could possibly earn by investing in certain assets could be made. In doing so, reference would likely be made to annualised past returns and using these to forecast future returns. Ballpark figures are speculations, guesstimates. They are a guide and should be treated with skepticism and understand why a person is giving a Ballpark figure.