CF Industries (CF) 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 fertilizer maker 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 CF, 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
For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $0.62 per share, which is a change of +3200% from the year-ago reported number.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CF has increased 68% over the last 30 days, as two estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the earnings estimate of $1.56 per share represents a change of +724% from the year-ago number.
There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, four estimates have moved up for CF versus no negative revisions. This has pushed the consensus estimate 9.54% higher.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped CF 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
CF shares have added 6.4% over the past four weeks, suggesting that investors are betting on its impressive estimate revisions. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away to benefit from its earnings growth prospects.
CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Zacks Investment Research