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Can Goldman (GS) Run Higher on Rising Earnings Estimates?

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Goldman Sachs (GS - Free Report) 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 investment bank, 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 Goldman, 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 company is expected to earn $9.64 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +53.99%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Goldman has increased 28.38% over the last 30 days, as five estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

The company is expected to earn $44.91 per share for the full year, which represents a change of +81.53% from the prior-year number.

There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, eight estimates have moved up for Goldman versus no negative revisions. This has pushed the consensus estimate 48.78% higher.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, Goldman 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

While strong estimate revisions for Goldman have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 6.5% 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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