Many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, but this can be very tough to define. There is great debate regarding which metrics are the best to focus on in this regard, and which are not really quality indicators of future performance. Fortunately, with our new style score system we have identified the key statistics to pay close attention to and thus which stocks might be the best for momentum investors in the near term.

This method discovered several great candidates for momentum-oriented investors, but today let’s focus in on Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR Quick QuoteMUR - Free Report) as this stock is looking especially impressive right now. And while there are numerous ways in which this company could be a great choice, we have highlighted three of the most vital reasons for MUR’s status as a solid momentum stock below: 

Fiscal Year EPS Estimate Change for MUR

In addition to price performance, it is also important to take a look at earnings estimate changes for the full year. This can show if MUR is poised to make a run based on fundamentals, or if the company is simply moving on speculation.

Over the past month, the full year earnings estimate for MUR has risen by 14.3%. On its own this is impressive, but consider that it also beats the industry average of 5% too. The trend is undeniably in Murphy Oil’s favor right now, and it suggests that the momentum might be long lasting for this stock. 

Quarter EPS Estimate Change for Murphy Oil

While looking at price performance or full year earnings can be essential to understanding a momentum stock, you shouldn’t forget about the current quarter EPS and the trend in estimates there. This change can signal how a stock might perform in the next earnings season which is obviously vital for momentum investors.

Right now, MUR is seeing a nice trend over the past month when it comes to this quarter’s earnings estimate projections. In the time frame, EPS estimates for Murphy Oil have gone up by 57.9% compared to an industry average move of 5.4%, suggesting that not only is MUR heading in the right direction, but it is seeing an increase relative to the industry too.

MUR Earnings Estimate Revisions Moving in the Right Direction

While the great momentum factors outlined in the preceding paragraphs might be enough for some investors, we should also take into account broad earnings estimate revision trends. A nice path here can really help to show us a promising stock, and we have actually been seeing that with MUR as of late too.

Over the past two months, 5 earnings estimates have gone higher compared to none lower for the full year, while we are also seeing that 4 estimates have move upwards with 1 downward revision for the next year time frame too. These revisions have helped to boost the consensus estimate as two months ago MUR was expected to post a loss of $1.74/share for the full year, though today it looks to have a loss of $1.43 per share for the full year now, representing a solid increase which is something that should definitely be welcomed news to would-be investors.

Bottom Line

Given these factors, investors shouldn’t be surprised to note that we have MUR as a security with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Momentum Score of ‘B’. So if you are looking for a fresh pick that has potential to move in the right direction, definitely keep MUR on your short list as this looks be a stock that is very well-positioned to soar in the near term.

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