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Why Investors Need to Take Advantage of These 2 Finance Stocks Now

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Wall Street watches a company's quarterly report closely to understand as much as possible about its recent performance and what to expect going forward. Of course, one figure often stands out among the rest: earnings.

We know earnings results are vital, but how a company performs compared to bottom line expectations can be even more important when it comes to stock prices, especially in the near-term. This means that investors might want to take advantage of these 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.

In fact, when we combined a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better and a positive Earnings ESP, stocks produced a positive surprise 70% of the time. Perhaps most importantly, using these parameters has helped produce 28.3% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.

Stocks with a #3 (Hold) ranking, which is most stocks covered at 60%, are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. But stocks that fall into the #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) ranking, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market. Strong Buy stocks should outperform more than any other rank.

Should You Consider NNN REIT?

The final step today is to look at a stock that meets our ESP qualifications. NNN REIT (NNN - Free Report) earns a #2 (Buy) 29 days from its next quarterly earnings release on August 2, 2023, and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $0.82 a share.

By taking the percentage difference between the $0.82 Most Accurate Estimate and the $0.81 Zacks Consensus Estimate, NNN REIT has an Earnings ESP of +1.41%. Investors should also know that NNN 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.

NNN is just one of a large group of Finance stocks with a positive ESP figure. First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA - Free Report) is another qualifying stock you may want to consider.

First Citizens BancShares, which is readying to report earnings on July 27, 2023, sits at a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) right now. It's Most Accurate Estimate is currently $47.39 a share, and FCNCA is 23 days out from its next earnings report.

For First Citizens BancShares, the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $45.91 is +3.21%.

NNN and FCNCA's positive ESP metrics may signal that a positive earnings surprise for both stocks is on the horizon.

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:


NNN REIT, Inc. (NNN) - free report >>

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (FCNCA) - free report >>

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