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Why Virtu Financial (VIRT) Might be Well Poised for a Surge

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Virtu Financial (VIRT - 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.

The upward trend in estimate revisions for this high-speed trading company 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. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is principally built on this insight.

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 Virtu 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

For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $0.62 per share, which is a change of +37.78% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Virtu Financial has increased 8.11% because two estimates have moved higher while one has gone lower.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

The company is expected to earn $2.72 per share for the full year, which represents a change of +47.83% from the prior-year number.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for Virtu Financial, with three estimates moving higher over the past month compared to one negative revision. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 8.65%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

The promising estimate revisions have helped Virtu Financial 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

While strong estimate revisions for Virtu Financial have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 23.4% 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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