Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Earnings Estimates Rising for Fulton Financial (FULT): Will It Gain?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Fulton Financial (FULT - Free Report) could be a solid choice for investors given the company's remarkably improving earnings outlook. While the stock has been a strong performer lately, this trend might continue since analysts are still raising their earnings estimates for the company.

Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this financial holding 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.

Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for Fulton Financial, 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

The company is expected to earn $0.36 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +20%.

Over the last 30 days, four estimates have moved higher for Fulton Financial compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 7.46%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

The company is expected to earn $1.58 per share for the full year, which represents a change of +46.3% from the prior-year number.

In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Fulton Financial. Over the past month, five estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 7.21%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, Fulton Financial 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 Fulton Financial have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 6.3% 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:


Fulton Financial Corporation (FULT) - free report >>

Published in