These 2 Medical Stocks Could Beat Earnings: Why They Should Be on Your Radar
Quarterly financial reports play a vital role on Wall Street, as they help investors see how a company has performed and what might be coming down the road in the near-term. And out of all of the metrics and results to consider, earnings is one of the most important.
The earnings figure itself is key, but a beat or miss on the bottom line can sometimes be just as, if not more, important. Therefore, investors should consider paying close attention to these earnings surprises, as a big beat can help a stock climb even higher.
2 Stocks to Add to Your Watchlist
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. The ESP is calculated by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the percentage difference between the two giving us the Zacks ESP figure.
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. Merck (MRK) earns a Zacks Rank #3 right now and its Most Accurate Estimate sits at $2.15 a share, just 30 days from its upcoming earnings release on April 25, 2024.
Merck's Earnings ESP sits at 1.63%, which, as explained above, is calculated by taking the percentage difference between the $2.15 Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.12.
MRK is just one of a large group of Medical stocks with a positive ESP figure. Exact Sciences (EXAS) is another qualifying stock you may want to consider.
Slated to report earnings on May 14, 2024, Exact Sciences holds a #2 (Buy) ranking on the Zacks Rank, and it's Most Accurate Estimate is -$0.47 a share 49 days from its next quarterly update.
Exact Sciences' Earnings ESP figure currently stands at 5.05% after taking the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of -$0.50.
Because both stocks hold a positive Earnings ESP, MRK and EXAS could potentially post earnings beats in their next reports.
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 >>
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Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Exact Sciences Corporation (EXAS) : Free Stock Analysis Report
