Strategic uses of cash is not important to a financial analysts in making forecasts. Companies frequently issue financial guidance for the next quarter and year's financial outlook. Equity valuations are relatively insensitive to the consensus estimate. A sell-side analyst publishes research reports that only include an investment rating. Analysts must perform an in-depth Fundamental Analysis to make forecasts reflecting a basic understanding of the company. All forecasts should reflect an investment thesis, be it positive or negative. The average of the sell-side equity analyst earnings estimates is called the 'Consensus'. It is more important now than ever that analysts consider companies' strategic uses of cash flows when creating high quality forecasts of future financial performance. A defensible forecast is one where the company forecasts are in sync with the investment thesis or story. Strategic uses of cash is not important to a financial analysts in making forecasts. Companies frequently issue financial guidance for the next quarter and year's financial outlook. Equity valuations are relatively insensitive to the consensus estimate. A sell-side analyst publishes research reports that only include an investment rating. Analysts must perform an in-depth Fundamental Analysis to make forecasts reflecting a basic understanding of the company. All forecasts should reflect an investment thesis, be it positive or negative. The average of the sell-side equity analyst earnings estimates is called the 'Consensus'. It is more important now than ever that analysts consider companies' strategic uses of cash flows when creating high quality forecasts of future financial performance. A defensible forecast is one where the company forecasts are in sync with the investment thesis or story