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Surging Earnings Estimates Signal Upside for Cross Country (CCRN) Stock

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Cross Country Healthcare (CCRN - 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 upward trend in estimate revisions for this provider of health care staffing and workforce management services reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, which 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 Cross Country, 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 $0.28 per share, which is a change of +75% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, two estimates have moved higher for Cross Country compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 202.56%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the company is expected to earn $1.04 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +126.09%.

In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Cross Country. Over the past month, three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 55.39%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

The promising estimate revisions have helped Cross Country 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

Cross Country shares have added 27% over the past four weeks, suggesting that investors are betting on its impressive estimate revisions. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away to benefit from its earnings growth prospects.


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