Reading the spread
The score weighs the share of buy ratings, the implied upside to the average price target, and how many analysts cover the company at all — then subtracts for sell ratings.
Thin coverage is itself information. Two analysts agreeing tells you far less than twenty-five.
Use it as a sentiment gauge
Analyst opinion moves slowly and clusters. Treat this dimension as a read on the market's current mood, not as an independent verdict on the business.