Core Viewpoint - Oric Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ORIC) has seen a significant stock price increase of 57.1% over the past four weeks, closing at $9.22, with analysts suggesting a potential upside of 105% based on a mean price target of $18.9 [1][11]. Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean estimate consists of 10 short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $4.04, indicating variability among analysts [2]. - The lowest price target is $12.00, suggesting a 30.2% increase from the current price, while the highest target is $25.00, indicating a potential surge of 171.2% [2]. - A low standard deviation signifies a strong agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement [9]. Earnings Estimates and Analyst Agreement - Analysts show strong agreement in revising earnings estimates higher, which correlates with potential stock price increases [11]. - Over the last 30 days, two earnings estimates for ORIC have been revised upward, leading to a 7.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [12]. - ORIC holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate factors [13]. Conclusion on Price Movement - While consensus price targets may not be entirely reliable, the direction indicated by these targets appears to be a useful guide for potential price movement [14].

Kemper (KMPR) closed the last trading session at $63.29, gaining 1.3% over the past four weeks, but there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $82.2 indicates a 29.9% upside potential.The average comprises five short-term price targets ranging from a low of $75.00 to a high of $90.00, with a standard deviation of $5.72. While the lowest estimate indicates an increase of 18.5% from the current price level, ...

Core Viewpoint - Qifu Technology, Inc. (QFIN) shows potential for upside with a mean price target of $54.8, indicating a 27.3% increase from the current price of $43.06 [1] Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean estimate consists of four short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $4.14, suggesting a consensus among analysts [2] - The lowest estimate is $50.00, indicating a 16.1% increase, while the highest estimate is $58.50, suggesting a 35.9% increase [2] - Analysts' price targets should be approached with caution, as their reliability has been questioned [3][7] Earnings Estimates and Analyst Agreement - Strong agreement among analysts regarding QFIN's earnings prospects supports the potential for stock upside [4][11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 2.3% over the past month, with two estimates revised upward [12] - QFIN holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] Conclusion on Price Movement - While consensus price targets may not be entirely reliable, the direction they imply appears to be a good guide for potential price movement [14]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the reliability of brokerage recommendations, particularly focusing on Teradyne (TER), and highlights the potential misalignment of interests between brokerage analysts and retail investors [1][5][10]. Group 1: Brokerage Recommendations for Teradyne - Teradyne has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.93, indicating a consensus between Strong Buy and Buy, with 60% of recommendations being Strong Buy and 6.7% being Buy [2][4]. - The article suggests that relying solely on the ABR for investment decisions may not be advisable, as studies indicate that brokerage recommendations often fail to guide investors effectively [5][10]. Group 2: Limitations of Brokerage Recommendations - Brokerage analysts tend to exhibit a strong positive bias in their ratings due to vested interests, resulting in a disproportionate number of favorable ratings compared to negative ones [6][10]. - The article emphasizes that the best use of brokerage recommendations is to validate independent research rather than as a primary decision-making tool [7][10]. Group 3: Zacks Rank vs. ABR - Zacks Rank is presented as a more reliable tool for predicting stock performance, based on earnings estimate revisions, and is categorized into five groups from Strong Buy to Strong Sell [8][11]. - Unlike ABR, which may not be up-to-date, Zacks Rank reflects timely changes in earnings estimates, making it a more effective indicator for future stock prices [12]. Group 4: Current Earnings Estimates for Teradyne - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Teradyne remains unchanged at $3.16 for the current year, suggesting stable analyst views on the company's earnings prospects [13]. - Due to the unchanged consensus estimate and other factors, Teradyne holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a cautious approach despite the Buy-equivalent ABR [14].

Core Viewpoint - Analysts expect General Mills to report quarterly earnings of $0.71 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 29.7%, with revenues projected at $4.6 billion, down 2.4% from the previous year [1] Earnings Estimates - Revisions to earnings estimates are crucial indicators for predicting investor actions regarding stocks, with empirical research showing a strong correlation between earnings estimate trends and short-term stock performance [2] Key Metrics Forecast - Analysts estimate 'Net Sales- North America Foodservice' at $593.35 million, indicating a year-over-year change of +0.7% [4] - 'Net Sales- International' is expected to reach $671.56 million, reflecting a +0.6% change from the year-ago quarter [4] - 'Net Sales- North America Pet' is projected at $646.14 million, showing a year-over-year increase of +7.3% [4] - 'Net Sales- North America Retail' is anticipated to be $2.71 billion, indicating a -5% change from the prior-year quarter [5] Operating Profit Estimates - 'Operating Profit- North America Retail' is expected to be $492.98 million, down from $670.10 million year-over-year [5] - 'Operating Profit- International' is projected at $32.83 million, compared to $22.40 million from the previous year [6] - 'Operating Profit- North America Pet' is estimated at $124.25 million, down from $143.90 million year-over-year [6] - 'Operating Profit- North America Foodservice' is expected to be $78.51 million, slightly down from $79.20 million year-ago [6] Stock Performance - Over the past month, General Mills shares have returned -0.8%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has changed by +0.6% [7] - General Mills currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance compared to the overall market in the near future [7]

Core Insights - Paychex (PAYX) is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.19 per share, reflecting a 6.3% increase year over year, with revenues projected at $1.39 billion, a 7.3% increase compared to the previous year [1] Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 1.8% in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [2] - Revisions to earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor actions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between these revisions and short-term stock price performance [3] Revenue Projections - Analysts estimate 'Revenue- Management Solutions' at $1.01 billion, a 9% increase from the prior year [5] - 'Revenue- Interest on funds held for clients' is projected to reach $40.14 million, up 5.1% year over year [5] - 'Revenue- Total service revenue' is expected to be $1.36 billion, reflecting a 7.9% increase from the previous year [5] - 'Revenue- PEO and Insurance Services' is forecasted to be $341.79 million, a 4.7% increase year over year [6] Investment Balances - The 'Average investment Balance - Funds held for clients' is projected at $4.43 billion, down from $4.68 billion reported in the same quarter last year [6] - 'Average investment Balance - Corporate cash equivalents and investments' is expected to be $1.63 billion, compared to $1.65 billion a year ago [7] Interest Rates - Analysts expect 'Average interest rates earned - Funds held for clients' to be 3.4%, down from 3.5% in the same quarter last year [7] - 'Average interest rates earned - Corporate cash equivalents and investments' is projected to be 4.3%, compared to 5.3% a year ago [8] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Paychex shares have declined by 3.8%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by 0.6% [9] - Paychex holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance will likely align with the overall market in the near term [9]

Shares of Rapt Therapeutics (RAPT) have gained 1.7% over the past four weeks to close the last trading session at $7.84, but there could still be a solid upside left in the stock if short-term price targets of Wall Street analysts are any indication. Going by the price targets, the mean estimate of $30 indicates a potential upside of 282.7%.The average comprises four short-term price targets ranging from a low of $8.00 to a high of $48.00, with a standard deviation of $21.04. While the lowest estimate indic ...

Company Overview - PACS Group, Inc. shares increased by 21.8% to close at $12.35, with trading volume significantly higher than usual, contrasting with a 6.2% loss over the past four weeks [1] - The company is undergoing an audit committee investigation, which is nearly complete, and no integrity issues have been found regarding top management [2] Financial Performance - PACS Group is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.42 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.5%, with revenues projected at $1.09 billion, up 16.5% from the previous year [3] - The consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in earnings expectations [4] Industry Context - PACS Group operates within the Zacks Medical Services industry, where Sotera Health Company, a peer, has seen a 3.3% decline in its stock price recently and a negative return of 11.6% over the past month [4] - Sotera Health's consensus EPS estimate has also remained unchanged, currently at $0.17, which is a decrease of 10.5% compared to the previous year [5]

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about RTX (RTX) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.RTX currently has an average brokerage ...

Immunome, Inc. (IMNM) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Individual investors of ...