Marathon Oil (MRO) 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 energy 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 -- has this insight at its core.
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 Marathon Oil, 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 $0.32 per share, which is a change of +214.29% from the year-ago reported number.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Marathon Oil has increased 19.64% over the last 30 days, as three estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the company is expected to earn $1.08 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +193.1%.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Marathon Oil. Over the past month, four estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 7.01%.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped Marathon Oil 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 Marathon Oil have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 25% 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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Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:MRO): Free Stock Analysis Report
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