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Can South State (SSB) Run Higher on Rising Earnings Estimates?

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South State (SSB - Free Report) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts 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 bank holding 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 South State, there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher 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 $1.44 per share, which is a change of -2.7% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, two estimates have moved higher for South State while one has gone lower. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 6.31%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the earnings estimate of $3.82 per share represents a change of -32.15% from the year-ago number.

In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for South State. Over the past month, two estimates have moved higher compared to two negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 38.53%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, South State currently carries 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 South State have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 12% 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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