Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Surging Earnings Estimates Signal Upside for Rayonier (RYN) Stock

Read MoreHide Full Article

Rayonier (RYN - 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 rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this forest products company, 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.

For Rayonier, 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.

Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions

For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $0.17 per share, which is a change of +54.55% from the year-ago reported number.

Over the last 30 days, two estimates have moved higher for Rayonier compared to no negative revisions. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 10.87%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

The company is expected to earn $0.36 per share for the full year, which represents a change of -41.94% from the prior-year number.

In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Rayonier. Over the past month, two estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 6.93%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

The promising estimate revisions have helped Rayonier 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 Rayonier have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 6.7% 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.


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


Rayonier Inc. (RYN) - free report >>

Published in