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Will Merck (MRK) Gain on Rising Earnings Estimates?
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Merck (MRK - Free Report) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.
Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this pharmaceutical 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 Merck, there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher 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 $1.72 per share, which is a change of +30.3% from the year-ago reported number.
Over the last 30 days, two estimates have moved higher for Merck while one has gone lower. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 17.18%.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
The company is expected to earn $5.70 per share for the full year, which represents a change of -4.04% from the prior-year number.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Merck. Over the past month, five estimates have moved higher compared to one negative revision, helping the consensus estimate increase 8.69%.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped Merck earn 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
Investors have been betting on Merck because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock's 8.2% 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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Will Merck (MRK) Gain on Rising Earnings Estimates?
Merck (MRK - Free Report) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.
Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this pharmaceutical 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 Merck, there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher 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 $1.72 per share, which is a change of +30.3% from the year-ago reported number.
Over the last 30 days, two estimates have moved higher for Merck while one has gone lower. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 17.18%.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
The company is expected to earn $5.70 per share for the full year, which represents a change of -4.04% from the prior-year number.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Merck. Over the past month, five estimates have moved higher compared to one negative revision, helping the consensus estimate increase 8.69%.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped Merck earn 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
Investors have been betting on Merck because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock's 8.2% 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.