Investors might want to bet on Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ), 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.

The rising trend in estimate revisions, which is a result of growing analyst optimism on the earnings prospects of this drugmaker, 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.

Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for Jazz, as there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising estimates.

Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions

For the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $4.57 per share, which is a change of +70.52% from the year-ago reported number.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Jazz has increased 8.56% over the last 30 days, as two estimates have gone higher while two have gone lower.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the earnings estimate of $23.12 per share represents a change of +10.62% from the year-ago number.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for Jazz, with nine estimates moving higher over the past month compared to one negative revision. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 10.98%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, Jazz currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong 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 Jazz have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 15.4% 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.

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Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (JAZZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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