Surging Earnings Estimates Signal Upside For Qualcomm (QCOM) Stock

Qualcomm (QCOM) 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.

Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this chipmaker 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 Qualcomm, 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 earnings estimate of $0.84 per share for the current quarter represents a change of -30% from the number reported a year ago.

Over the last 30 days, four estimates have moved higher for Qualcomm while one has gone lower. As a result, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased 25.31%.

Current-Year Estimate Revisions

For the full year, the earnings estimate of $4.10 per share represents a change of +15.82% from the year-ago number.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for Qualcomm, with six estimates moving higher over the past month compared to three negative revisions. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 5.72%.

Favorable Zacks Rank

Thanks to promising estimate revisions, Qualcomm 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

Qualcomm shares have added 20.4% 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.