Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Why Cross Country (CCRN) Might be Well Poised for a Surge

Read MoreHide Full Article

Cross Country Healthcare (CCRN - 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 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. 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.

Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for Cross Country, as there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising estimates.

Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions

For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $0.86 per share, which is a change of +352.63% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, three estimates have moved higher for Cross Country compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 457.27%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the earnings estimate of $2.52 per share represents a change of +447.83% from the year-ago number.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for Cross Country, with four estimates moving higher over the past month compared to no negative revisions. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 58.49%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

The promising estimate revisions have helped Cross Country earn 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 Cross Country because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock's 42.5% 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.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (CCRN) - free report >>

Published in