F

financial analyst

A person working in a bank or brokerage firm that writes investor reports analyzing listed companies. The analyst analyzes the company’s business environment, strategy, accounts, and earnings outlook. Based on these elements, the analyst projects the company’s results, generally for the next three years.

free float

The number of shares available for trading. For example, shares held by the government or within a shareholders’ pact are not part of the float. The larger the float the greater the liquidity of the security.

free share

New shares created and allocated free of charge to shareholders, on a prorata basis according to the number of shares they hold. They are created by withdrawing from the company’s reserves an amount representing the par value of the shares to be created.