Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Earnings Estimates Moving Higher for WillScot (WSC): Time to Buy?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Investors might want to bet on WillScot (WSC - Free Report) , 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.

The upward trend in estimate revisions for this maker of portable classrooms, mobile offices and storage units 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.

Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for WillScot, as there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising estimates.

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 $0.06 per share, which is a change of +400% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, three estimates have moved higher for WillScot compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 56.76%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

The company is expected to earn $0.58 per share for the full year, which represents a change of +680% from the prior-year number.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for WillScot, with three estimates moving higher over the past month compared to no negative revisions. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 101.03%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, WillScot 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 WillScot have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 14.5% 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.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


WillScot Holdings Corporation (WSC) - free report >>

Published in