We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience.
This includes personalizing content and advertising.
By pressing "Accept All" or closing out of this banner, you consent to the use of all cookies and similar technologies and the sharing of information they collect with third parties.
You can reject marketing cookies by pressing "Deny Optional," but we still use essential, performance, and functional cookies.
In addition, whether you "Accept All," Deny Optional," click the X or otherwise continue to use the site, you accept our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, revised from time to time.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
Can First Financial (FFBC) Run Higher on Rising Earnings Estimates?
Read MoreHide Full Article
Investors might want to bet on First Financial Bancorp (FFBC - Free Report) , as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.
Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this holding company for First Financial Bank is driving estimates higher, 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 First Financial Bancorp, 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 $0.75 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +11.9%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First Financial has increased 11.6% over the last 30 days, as two estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the company is expected to earn $2.79 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +6.5%.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for First Financial. Over the past month, three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 6.92%.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped First Financial 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.
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 First Financial have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 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:
Image: Bigstock
Can First Financial (FFBC) Run Higher on Rising Earnings Estimates?
Investors might want to bet on First Financial Bancorp (FFBC - Free Report) , as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.
Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this holding company for First Financial Bank is driving estimates higher, 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 First Financial Bancorp, 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 $0.75 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +11.9%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First Financial has increased 11.6% over the last 30 days, as two estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
For the full year, the company is expected to earn $2.79 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +6.5%.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for First Financial. Over the past month, three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 6.92%.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped First Financial 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 First Financial have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 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.