Back to top

Image: Bigstock

How to Find Strong Oils and Energy Stocks Slated for Positive Earnings Surprises

Read MoreHide Full Article

Quarterly financial reports play a vital role on Wall Street, as they help investors see how a company has performed and what might be coming down the road in the near-term. And out of all of the metrics and results to consider, earnings is one of the most important.

Life and the stock market are both about expectations, and rising above what is expected is often rewarded, while falling short can come with negative consequences. Investors might want to try to capture stronger returns by finding positive earnings surprises.

The ability to identify stocks that are likely to top quarterly earnings expectations can be profitable, but it's no simple task. Here at Zacks, our Earnings ESP filter helps make things easier.

The Zacks Earnings ESP, Explained

The Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company's report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information.

With this in mind, the Expected Surprise Prediction compares the Most Accurate Estimate (being the most recent) against the overall Zacks Consensus Estimate. The percentage difference provides the ESP figure. The system also utilizes our core Zacks Rank to provide a stronger system for identifying stocks that might beat their next quarterly earnings estimate and possibly see the stock price climb.

Bringing together a positive earnings ESP alongside a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better has helped stocks report a positive earnings surprise 70% of the time. Furthermore, by using these parameters, investors have seen 28.3% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.

Most stocks, about 60%, fall into the #3 (Hold) category, and they are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. Stocks with a #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) rating, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market, with Strong Buy stocks outperforming more than any other rank.

Should You Consider Valero Energy?

Now that we understand what the ESP is and how beneficial it can be, let's dive into a stock that currently fits the bill. Valero Energy (VLO - Free Report) earns a #3 (Hold) right now and its Most Accurate Estimate sits at $6.89 a share, just 15 days from its upcoming earnings release on January 26, 2023.

By taking the percentage difference between the $6.89 Most Accurate Estimate and the $6.45 Zacks Consensus Estimate, Valero Energy has an Earnings ESP of +6.82%. Investors should also know that VLO is one of a large group of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

VLO is just one of a large group of Oils and Energy stocks with a positive ESP figure. PBF Energy (PBF - Free Report) is another qualifying stock you may want to consider.

PBF Energy is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock, and is getting ready to report earnings on February 16, 2023. PBF's Most Accurate Estimate sits at $5.16 a share 36 days from its next earnings release.

PBF Energy's Earnings ESP figure currently stands at +4% after taking the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.96.

VLO and PBF's positive ESP figures tell us that both stocks have a good chance at beating analyst expectations in their next earnings report.

Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're Reported

Use the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) - free report >>

PBF Energy Inc. (PBF) - free report >>

Published in