The value of consensus estimates depends on their coherence and their freshness. Associés en Finance provides timely, high-quality consensus estimates for 1200 European stocks. 150 selected research institutions deliver their estimates to Associés en Finance, which then carefully checks and edits the data using proprietary computer software. Each step of the way, Associés en Finance strives to ensure quality:

Associés en Finance takes data from recognized, well-respected institutions that produce regularly updated in-depth fundamental research. Contributing research teams must meet minimum size and stock coverage requirements to be included in the consensus. They deliver their latest data electronically on a frequent basis. Non-institutional research outfits do not contribute; redundant sources such as buy-side research teams are also excluded. Most contributing teams have a contractual relationship with Associés en Finance.

Analysts provide estimates following an identical, clearly defined methodology: EPS are normalized, consolidated, before depreciation for goodwill, fully diluted and adjusted. Associés en Finance will not include an analyst's estimates if they are inconsistent in terms of methodology with those provided by other analysts.

Associés en Finance does not compute a consensus estimate if the number of individual analyst estimates is insufficient for a given stock.

Associés en Finance's own consensus analysts run extensive checks on the data, identify discrepancies, and exclude inappropriate or erroneous estimates. Each estimate is scrutinized twice: once at the individual research team level, and subsequently at the individual stock level. Associés en Finance devotes particular attention to new estimates, missing estimates, zeroes, significant variations, surprising ratios, high dispersions, and companies which have undergone operations such as stock splits, spin-offs or mergers, etc. Associés en Finance maintains regular contact with contributing research institutions to identify and correct problematic data. Finally, each completed Associés en Finance consensus product is thoroughly checked for inconsistencies before its release.

Associés en Finance follows revision activity carefully, and keeps track of the age of each analyst's estimates. To date, Associés en Finance is the only company that systematically monitors the accuracy of analysts' forecasts.