Nicolet Bankshares (NIC) 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 upward trend in estimate revisions for this bank holding company reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, 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. This insight is at the core of our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank.
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 Nicolet Bankshares, 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 earnings estimate of $1.98 per share for the current quarter represents a change of +7.03% from the number reported a year ago.
Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nicolet Bankshares has increased 10.61% because one estimate has moved higher compared to no negative revisions.
For the full year, the company is expected to earn $7.74 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +15.18%.
There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, two estimates have moved up for Nicolet Bankshares versus no negative revisions. This has pushed the consensus estimate 5.96% higher.
The promising estimate revisions have helped Nicolet Bankshares earn 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.
Nicolet Bankshares shares have added 9.3% over the past four weeks, suggesting that investors are betting on its impressive estimate revisions. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away to benefit from its earnings growth prospects.
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