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Why Investors Need to Take Advantage of These 2 Medical Stocks Now

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Wall Street watches a company's quarterly report closely to understand as much as possible about its recent performance and what to expect going forward. Of course, one figure often stands out among the rest: earnings.

Life and the stock market are both about expectations, and rising above what is expected is often rewarded, while falling short can come with negative consequences. Investors might want to try to capture stronger returns by finding positive earnings surprises.

Hunting for 'earnings whispers' or companies poised to beat their quarterly earnings estimates is a somewhat common practice. But that doesn't make it easy. One way that has been proven to work is by using the Zacks Earnings ESP tool.

The Zacks Earnings ESP, Explained

The Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company's report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information.

With this in mind, the Expected Surprise Prediction compares the Most Accurate Estimate (being the most recent) against the overall Zacks Consensus Estimate. The percentage difference provides the ESP figure. The system also utilizes our core Zacks Rank to provide a stronger system for identifying stocks that might beat their next quarterly earnings estimate and possibly see the stock price climb.

When we join a positive earnings ESP with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or stronger, stocks posted a positive bottom-line surprise 70% of the time. Plus, this system saw investors produce roughly 28% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.

Stocks with a #3 (Hold) ranking, which is most stocks covered at 60%, are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. But stocks that fall into the #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) ranking, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market. Strong Buy stocks should outperform more than any other rank.

Should You Consider Amgen?

Now that we understand what the ESP is and how beneficial it can be, let's dive into a stock that currently fits the bill. Amgen (AMGN - Free Report) earns a #3 (Hold) right now and its Most Accurate Estimate sits at $3.88 a share, just one day from its upcoming earnings release on April 27, 2023.

By taking the percentage difference between the $3.88 Most Accurate Estimate and the $3.84 Zacks Consensus Estimate, Amgen has an Earnings ESP of +1.1%. Investors should also know that AMGN is one of a large group of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

AMGN is part of a big group of Medical stocks that boast a positive ESP, and investors may want to take a look at Viatris (VTRS - Free Report) as well.

Slated to report earnings on May 8, 2023, Viatris holds a #3 (Hold) ranking on the Zacks Rank, and it's Most Accurate Estimate is $0.72 a share 12 days from its next quarterly update.

For Viatris, the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.70 is +3.45%.

AMGN and VTRS' positive ESP metrics may signal that a positive earnings surprise for both stocks is on the horizon.

Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're Reported

Use the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


Amgen Inc. (AMGN) - free report >>

Viatris Inc. (VTRS) - free report >>

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