Core Viewpoint - Enerflex (EFXT) has shown a significant price increase of 13.9% over the past four weeks, with a mean price target of $11.81 indicating a potential upside of 28.8% from its current price of $9.17 [1] Price Targets and Analyst Consensus - The average price target consists of eight estimates ranging from a low of $9.25 to a high of $13.81, with a standard deviation of $1.58, indicating variability among analysts [2] - The lowest estimate suggests a modest increase of 0.9%, while the highest estimate indicates a substantial upside of 50.6% [2] - A low standard deviation signifies strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement direction, although it does not guarantee reaching the average target [9] Earnings Estimates and Analyst Optimism - Analysts exhibit strong agreement in revising earnings estimates higher for EFXT, which correlates with potential stock price increases [11] - Over the past 30 days, two earnings estimates have increased while one has decreased, leading to a 37.8% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year [12] - EFXT holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, suggesting a solid potential upside [13] Caution on Price Targets - While price targets are commonly referenced, they can mislead investors, as empirical research indicates they often do not accurately predict stock price movements [7][10] - Analysts may set overly optimistic price targets due to business incentives, which can inflate expectations [8]

Core Viewpoint - Embecta Corp. (EMBC) has shown a significant price increase of 22.8% over the past four weeks, with a mean price target of $16 indicating a potential upside of 25.7% from the current trading price of $12.73 [1] Price Targets and Estimates - The mean estimate consists of three short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $7.81, where the lowest estimate is $11.00 (indicating a 13.6% decline) and the highest estimate is $25.00 (indicating a 96.4% increase) [2] - A low standard deviation among price targets suggests a high degree of agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement [9] Analyst Sentiment and Earnings Estimates - Analysts are optimistic about EMBC's earnings prospects, as indicated by a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions, which has historically correlated with stock price movements [11] - Over the last 30 days, one earnings estimate has increased, leading to a 4.3% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year [12] Zacks Rank and Investment Potential - EMBC holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, indicating strong potential for upside in the near term [13]

Core Viewpoint - Carriage Services (CSV) shares have shown a 1.2% increase over the past four weeks, closing at $47.49, with analysts suggesting a potential upside of 27% based on a mean price target of $60.33 [1] Price Targets and Analyst Consensus - The average price target for CSV ranges from a low of $56.00 to a high of $65.00, with a standard deviation of $4.51, indicating a relatively tight clustering of estimates [2] - The lowest estimate suggests a 17.9% increase from the current price, while the highest estimate indicates a 36.9% upside [2] - A low standard deviation signifies strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement [9] Earnings Estimates and Market Sentiment - Analysts have shown strong agreement in revising earnings per share (EPS) estimates higher for CSV, which correlates with potential stock price increases [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has risen by 3.3% over the past month, with two estimates increasing and no negative revisions [12] - CSV holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors, indicating strong potential for upside [13] Caution on Price Targets - While price targets are often sought after, they can mislead investors, and reliance solely on them may not yield favorable returns [3][10] - Analysts may set overly optimistic price targets due to business incentives, which can inflate expectations [8]

Group 1 - BioLife Solutions, Inc. (BLFS) shares have increased by 1.6% over the past four weeks, closing at $22.37, with a mean price target of $31.3 indicating a potential upside of 39.9% [1] - The average of 10 short-term price targets ranges from $30.00 to $34.00, with a standard deviation of $1.42, suggesting a potential increase of 34.1% to 52% from the current price level [2] - Analysts show strong agreement in revising earnings estimates higher, which correlates with potential stock price increases, as indicated by a 150% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year [11][12] Group 2 - BLFS holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates, indicating strong potential for upside [13] - While consensus price targets may not be reliable for predicting exact price movements, they can provide a directional guide for potential stock performance [14]

Group 1 - Varex Imaging (VREX) shares have increased by 23.2% in the past four weeks, closing at $9.77, with a mean price target of $16.75 indicating a potential upside of 71.4% [1] - The average price targets range from a low of $10.00 to a high of $23.00, with a standard deviation of $5.38, suggesting variability in analyst estimates [2] - Analysts are optimistic about VREX's earnings prospects, as indicated by a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions, which historically correlates with stock price movements [4][11] Group 2 - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VREX's current year earnings has increased by 31% over the past month, with no negative revisions [12] - VREX holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] - While consensus price targets may not be reliable for predicting the extent of gains, they can provide guidance on the direction of price movement [14]

Group 1 - Peloton's shares have increased by 28.1% over the past four weeks, closing at $8.25, with a mean price target of $10.4 indicating a potential upside of 26.1% [1] - The average of 17 short-term price targets ranges from a low of $6.00 to a high of $20.00, with a standard deviation of $3.37, suggesting variability in analysts' estimates [2] - Analysts show strong agreement on Peloton's ability to report better earnings than previously predicted, which supports the view of potential upside [4][11] Group 2 - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Peloton's current year has increased by 84.4% over the past month, with four estimates revised higher and no negative revisions [12] - Peloton holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] - While consensus price targets may not be reliable for predicting exact gains, they can indicate the direction of price movement [14]

Group 1 - HCI Group's shares have increased by 9.3% over the past four weeks, closing at $154.34, with a mean price target of $202.5 indicating a potential upside of 31.2% [1] - The average price targets from analysts range from a low of $190.00 to a high of $225.00, with a standard deviation of $16.58, suggesting a potential increase of 23.1% to 45.8% from the current price [2] - Analysts have shown strong agreement in revising HCI's earnings estimates higher, which correlates with potential stock price increases [4][11] Group 2 - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HCI's current year earnings has increased by 3.4% over the last 30 days, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [12] - HCI currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] - While the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of HCI's potential gains, it does provide a directional guide for price movement [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reliability of brokerage recommendations, particularly focusing on Costco (COST), and suggests that while the average brokerage recommendation (ABR) indicates a favorable outlook, investors should exercise caution and consider additional analysis tools like the Zacks Rank for better investment decisions [1][5][10]. Brokerage Recommendations - Costco has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.95, which is between Strong Buy and Buy, based on recommendations from 33 brokerage firms [2]. - Out of the 33 recommendations, 15 are Strong Buy (45.5%) and 4 are Buy (12.1%) [2]. Limitations of Brokerage Recommendations - Studies indicate that brokerage recommendations have limited success in guiding investors towards stocks with the best price increase potential [5]. - Brokerage firms often exhibit a strong positive bias in their ratings due to vested interests, leading to a disproportionate number of Strong Buy recommendations compared to Strong Sell [6][10]. Zacks Rank as an Alternative - The Zacks Rank categorizes stocks into five groups based on earnings estimate revisions, which have shown a strong correlation with near-term stock price movements [8][11]. - The Zacks Rank is distinct from the ABR, as it is a quantitative model based on earnings estimates rather than solely on brokerage recommendations [9]. Current Earnings Estimates for Costco - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Costco's earnings for the current year remains unchanged at $17.97, indicating steady analyst views on the company's earnings prospects [13]. - The recent consensus estimate change, along with other factors, has resulted in a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) for Costco, suggesting a cautious approach despite the favorable ABR [14].

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with TTM Technologies (TTMI) being highlighted as a strong candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [2][10]. Group 1: Earnings Growth - TTM Technologies has a historical EPS growth rate of 12.6%, but projected EPS growth for the current year is expected to be 35.5%, significantly higher than the industry average of 15.9% [5]. Group 2: Asset Utilization - The asset utilization ratio for TTM is 0.76, indicating that the company generates $0.76 in sales for every dollar in assets, which is above the industry average of 0.74, showcasing better efficiency in asset utilization [6]. Group 3: Sales Growth - TTM's sales are projected to grow by 15.4% this year, contrasting sharply with the industry average of 0%, indicating strong sales growth potential [7]. Group 4: Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for TTM have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 5% over the past month, suggesting positive momentum in earnings expectations [9]. Group 5: Overall Positioning - TTM has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and a Growth Score of B, positioning it well for potential outperformance in the growth stock category [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Ratings - The Zacks rating system is primarily based on a company's earnings picture, tracking the Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS from sell-side analysts [2]. - The recent upgrade reflects an improvement in Cracker Barrel's earnings outlook, which is expected to positively impact its stock price [4][6]. Impact of Earnings Revisions - Changes in future earnings potential, as shown by earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [5]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to significant price movements based on their trading activities [5]. Performance Metrics - For the fiscal year ending July 2025, Cracker Barrel is projected to earn $3.20 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 9.1% over the past three months [9]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. Market Positioning - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places Cracker Barrel in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks based on estimate revisions, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11].