5 Reasons To Add Ameriprise (AMP) Stock To Your Portfolio

It seems to be a wise idea to add Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP) stock to your portfolio now, as it remains well positioned for growth, supported by a diversified investment portfolio and solid restructuring/streamlining initiatives.

Moreover, the company has been witnessing upward estimate revisions of late, reflecting that analysts are optimistic regarding its earnings growth potential. Over the past 60 days, its Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has been revised upward by 1%. Thus, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Looking at the company’s price performance, the stock has gained 38.6% so far this year, outperforming the industry’s growth of 14.2%.

Here are some other factors that make Ameriprise an attractive investment option now.

Earnings per Share (EPS) Growth: Over the past three to five years, the company has witnessed EPS growth of nearly 15%, higher than the industry’s average of 5.7%. The upward trend is expected to continue in the near term as indicated by its projected EPS growth rate of 7.4% for 2019 and 11.4% for 2020.

Further, the company has an impressive earnings surprise history. It surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average beat being 3.1%.

Revenue Strength: Ameriprise constantly modifies its product and service-offering capacity to keep pace with dynamic market needs. This strategy along with growth in assets under management (AUM) helped the company register top-line growth. Total net revenues (GAAP basis) witnessed a CAGR of 1.1% over the last five years (2014-2018).

While the company’s revenues are projected to decline 5% in 2019, its estimated sales growth rate of 5.3% for 2020 ensures the continuation of upward trend in revenues.

Steady Capital Deployments: Ameriprise manages its capital levels efficiently. This April, the company announced a dividend hike for the 12th time since 2010. Also, it has a share-repurchase plan in place. In February, it announced additional share repurchases of $2.5 billion. Given a strong balance sheet position and decent earnings growth, the company is expected to continue enhancing shareholder value through efficient capital deployment activities.

Superior Return on Equity (ROE): The company’s ROE of 37.73% compares favorably with the industry’s ROE of 13.24%. This reflects its efficiency in utilizing shareholders’ funds.

Stock Seems Undervalued: Ameriprise seems undervalued right now compared with the broader industry. Its current price-earnings (F1) and price-sales ratios are lower than the respective industry averages.

Moreover, the stock has a Value Score of A. Our research shows that stocks with a Style Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2, offer the best upside potential.

Other Stocks to Consider

Some other top-ranked stocks from the finance space are Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE:ALLY) , The Blackstone Group Inc. (NYSE:BX) and Eaton (NYSE:ETN) Vance Corp. (NYSE:EV) .

Over the past 60 days, Ally Financial witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 3.6% for 2019. Its shares have gained 53% so far this year. The stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Blackstone’s current-year earnings has been revised 2.7% upward. Its shares have surged 66.5% so far this year. It currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.

Eaton Vance also has a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. It has witnessed an upward earnings estimate revision of 1.8% for fiscal 2019, over the past 60 days. The company’s share price has increased 28.6% year to date.

Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?

Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.

Ignited by new referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $6.7 billion to $20.2 billion in 2021. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.

See the pot trades we're targeting>>