Surging Earnings Estimates Signal Upside for HomeTrust Bancshares (HTB) Stock

Investors might want to bet on HomeTrust Bancshares (HTB), as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this holding company for HomeTrust Bank 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 HomeTrust Bancshares, 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 EPSCurrent-Quarter Estimate RevisionsFor the current quarter, the company is expected to earn $0.85 per share, which is a change of +11.8% from the year-ago reported number.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HomeTrust Bancshares has increased 10.39% over the last 30 days, as one estimate has gone higher compared to no negative revisions.Current-Year Estimate RevisionsFor the full year, the earnings estimate of $3.33 per share represents a change of +4.1% from the year-ago number.In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for HomeTrust Bancshares. Over the past month, one estimate has moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 5.27%.Favorable Zacks RankThanks to promising estimate revisions, HomeTrust Bancshares currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (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 LineWhile strong estimate revisions for HomeTrust Bancshares have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 9.1% higher over the past four weeks, further upside may still be left in the stock. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.Higher. Faster. Sooner. Buy These Stocks NowA small number of stocks are primed for a breakout, and you have a chance to get in before they take off.At any given time, there are only 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. On average, this list more than doubles the S&P 500. We’ve combed through the latest Strong Buys and selected 7 compelling companies likely to jump sooner and climb higher than any other stock you could buy this month.You'll learn everything you need to know about these exciting trades in our brand-new Special Report, 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days.Download the report free now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report HomeTrust Bancshares, Inc. (HTB): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks