Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Will Home BancShares (HOMB) Gain on Rising Earnings Estimates?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Home BancShares (HOMB - 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 bank holding company 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.

For Home BancShares, 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

The company is expected to earn $0.54 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +20%.

Over the last 30 days, three estimates have moved higher for Home BancShares compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 10.27%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the earnings estimate of $1.91 per share represents a change of -1.55% from the year-ago number.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for Home BancShares, with three 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 6.49%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, Home BancShares 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

Investors have been betting on Home BancShares because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock's 12.4% 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:


Home BancShares, Inc. (HOMB) - free report >>

Published in