Range Resources (RRC) 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.
The rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this independent oil and gas company, 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.
For Range Resources, 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.
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 $0.24 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +340%.
Over the last 30 days, four estimates have moved higher for Range Resources while one has gone lower. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 38.54%.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the company is expected to earn $1.27 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +1511.11%.
There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, five estimates have moved up for Range Resources versus no negative revisions. This has pushed the consensus estimate 23% higher.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped Range Resources 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 Range Resources have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 14.6% 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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Range Resources Corporation (NYSE:RRC): Free Stock Analysis Report
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