screen

Screen Stocks

To investigate stocks for potential investment according to a predetermined set of criteria. For example, an investor may screen stocks according to the lowest price, the most market capitalization, the most favorable price-earnings ratio, or any number of other variables. One may also combine criteria while screening stocks. The process is designed to help one make the best investment decisions, and is often accomplished with the help of a computer.

Farlex Financial Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All Rights Reserved

screen

To examine various securities with the goal of selecting a limited number that meet certain predetermined requirements. For example, an investor might screen all electric utilities for stock that offers a dividend yield of 8% or more and a price-earnings ratio of 8 or less.

Wall Street Words: An A to Z Guide to Investment Terms for Today's Investor by David L. Scott. Copyright © 2003 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.

Screen.

A screen is a set of criteria against which you measure stocks or other investments to find those that meet your criteria.

For example, you might screen for stocks that meet a certain environmentally or socially responsible standard, or for those with current price-to-earnings ratios (P/E) less than the current market average.

A socially responsible mutual fund describes the screens it uses to select investments in its prospectus.

Dictionary of Financial Terms. Copyright © 2008 Lightbulb Press, Inc. All Rights Reserved.