PRICE TO EARNINGS RATIO Definition

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PRICE TO EARNINGS RATIO (P/E) is a performance benchmark that can be used as a comparison against other companies or within the stocks own historical performance. For instance, if a stock has historically run at a P/E of 35 and the current P/E is 12, you may want to explore the reasons for the drastic change. If you believe that the ratio is too low, you may want to buy the stock. You will generally find a P/E ratio based on either the prior reporting years earnings, or the earnings of the prior four quarters added together (LTM or Latest Twelve Months). Formula: Stock Price divided by the Earnings Per Share.

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TIME DEPOSIT is a bank deposit that can be withdrawn only after a set period of time or with prior notice, e.g. a certificate of deposit (CD).

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FNMA) is a private corporation chartered by the U.S. Government to provide mortgage money for home buyers. FNMA buys mortgages from lenders and sells mortgages to investors. FNMA guarantees the timely payment of both interest and principal. Also known as "Fannie Mae".

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