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Why Quanta Services (PWR) Might be Well Poised for a Surge

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Quanta Services (PWR - Free Report) 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 rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this specialty contractor for utility and energy companies, 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 Quanta Services, 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 earnings estimate of $0.86 per share for the current quarter represents a change of +115% from the number reported a year ago.

Over the last 30 days, four estimates have moved higher for Quanta Services compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 31.39%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the company is expected to earn $3.52 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +25.27%.

In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Quanta Services. Over the past month, five estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 8.18%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, Quanta Services currently carries 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

Investors have been betting on Quanta Services because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock's 5.4% gain over the past four weeks. As its earnings growth prospects might push the stock higher, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.


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