Earnings Estimates Rising for Western Digital (WDC): Will It Gain?

Western Digital (WDC) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company's earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this maker of hard drives for businesses and personal computers 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.Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for Western Digital, as there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising estimates.The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:12 Month EPSCurrent-Quarter Estimate RevisionsThe earnings estimate of $3.28 per share for the current quarter represents a change of +97.6% from the number reported a year ago.Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Western Digital has increased 28.56% because four estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions.Current-Year Estimate RevisionsFor the full year, the earnings estimate of $10.02 per share represents a change of +103.3% from the year-ago number.The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for Western Digital, with eight estimates moving higher over the past month compared to no negative revisions. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 12.95%.Favorable Zacks RankThe promising estimate revisions have helped Western Digital earn 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 LineWhile strong estimate revisions for Western Digital have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 42.6% 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.Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is HereThe AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.See Stocks Now >>This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks