Investors might want to bet on ConocoPhillips (COP), as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.
Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this energy company is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.
The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.
For ConocoPhillips, strong agreement among the covering analysts in revising earnings estimates upward has resulted in meaningful improvement in consensus estimates for the next quarter and full year.
The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions
For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $2.56 per share, which is a change of +80.3% from the year-ago reported number.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ConocoPhillips has increased 11.79% over the last 30 days, as four estimates have gone higher while one has gone lower.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the earnings estimate of $9.63 per share represents a change of +56.3% from the year-ago number.
There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, seven estimates have moved up for ConocoPhillips versus one negative revision. This has pushed the consensus estimate 25.54% higher.
Favorable Zacks Rank
Thanks to promising estimate revisions, ConocoPhillips currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision.
You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.
Bottom Line
Investors have been betting on ConocoPhillips because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock's 7% gain over the past four weeks. As its earnings growth prospects might push the stock higher, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
