HP (HPQ) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given a notable revision in the company’s earnings estimates. While the stock has been gaining lately, the trend might continue since its earnings outlook is still improving.
The upward trend in estimate revisions for this personal computer and printer maker reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, 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. This insight is at the core of our stock rating tool — the Zacks Rank.
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 HP, 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
The earnings estimate of $0.87 per share for the current quarter represents a change of +70.59% from the number reported a year ago.
Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for HP has increased 46.29% because three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the earnings estimate of $3.25 per share represents a change of +42.54% from the year-ago number.
There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, six estimates have moved up for HP versus no negative revisions. This has pushed the consensus estimate 21.51% higher.
Favorable Zacks Rank
Thanks to promising estimate revisions, HP currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (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
While strong estimate revisions for HP have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 20.7% higher over the past four weeks, further upside may still be left in the stock. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.
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