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Why Louisiana-Pacific (LPX) Might be Well Poised for a Surge

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Louisiana-Pacific (LPX - Free Report) 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 home construction supplier 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 Louisiana-Pacific, 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.

Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions

For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $4.60 per share, which is a change of -2.95% from the year-ago reported number.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Louisiana-Pacific has increased 19.7% over the last 30 days, as one estimate has gone higher compared to no negative revisions.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

The company is expected to earn $14.87 per share for the full year, which represents a change of +6.44% from the prior-year number.

In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Louisiana-Pacific. Over the past month, three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 14.2%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

The promising estimate revisions have helped Louisiana-Pacific earn 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

While strong estimate revisions for Louisiana-Pacific have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 24.6% 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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