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Will First Financial (FFBC) Gain on Rising Earnings Estimates?
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Investors might want to bet on First Financial Bancorp (FFBC - Free Report) , as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.
The upward trend in estimate revisions for this holding company for First Financial Bank 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. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.
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.
Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for First Financial, as there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising estimates.
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 $0.51 per share, which is a change of +27.5% from the year-ago reported number.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First Financial has increased 16.67% over the last 30 days, as three estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the earnings estimate of $1.94 per share represents a change of +16.17% from the year-ago number.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for First Financial. Over the past month, three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 10.4%.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped First Financial 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
While strong estimate revisions for First Financial have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 8.1% 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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Will First Financial (FFBC) Gain on Rising Earnings Estimates?
Investors might want to bet on First Financial Bancorp (FFBC - Free Report) , as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.
The upward trend in estimate revisions for this holding company for First Financial Bank 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. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.
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.
Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for First Financial, as there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising estimates.
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 $0.51 per share, which is a change of +27.5% from the year-ago reported number.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First Financial has increased 16.67% over the last 30 days, as three estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the earnings estimate of $1.94 per share represents a change of +16.17% from the year-ago number.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for First Financial. Over the past month, three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 10.4%.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped First Financial 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
While strong estimate revisions for First Financial have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 8.1% 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.