Timeliness

What Is Timeliness?

Timeliness is a stock analysis rating system that ranks stocks according to their predicted price performance. The Value Line research analysis system (the Value Line Composite Index) is the most popular index, and timeliness is arguably the single most important component of their report. The other components in Value Line's research for a stock are safety, beta, and technical.

Understanding Timeliness

Timeliness is a stock analysis rating scale, developed by Value Line, that ranks stocks according to their expected performance. A rating of one is the highest rating, while a rating of five is the lowest. This rating system is applied to the 1,700-plus stocks followed by Value Line, which accounts for about 90% market capitalization of stocks on the domestic exchanges. The ratings are relative to the other stocks being followed and based on the likely price performance of a stock over a six- to 12-month period.

By way of comparison, the other widely used methodology is a proprietary stock rating system that takes into account earnings changes and price performance to assess potential price performance over a defined time horizon. Common market factors are not measured in this stock rating system. The rating of A is the highest rating, based on earnings and price performance, and a rating of E is the lowest. These ratings are updated daily. Although A and B stocks may yield higher returns compared to C and D stocks, these higher rated stocks tend to be much more volatile.

Timeliness Ratings Methodology

Factors that go into the Value Line timeliness rating system include the 10-year trend of relative earnings and prices, as well as recent earnings and price changes. Unexpected earnings results are also taken into consideration. A computer program generates a forecast of the price change for each stock by drawing up the various elements as they pertain to all the stocks being followed for up to 12 months.

When using this method, it is important to consider the volatility of your investment. The rating can be affected by new earnings and changes in price movement. The general market conditions should also be understood by investors since this rating does not acknowledge it and even the best stocks could be affected by adverse market periods.