Investors might want to bet on Cloudflare (NET), 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 web security and content delivery company 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 — is principally built on this insight.
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 Cloudflare, 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 $0.27 per share for the current quarter represents a change of +42.1% from the number reported a year ago.
Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cloudflare has increased 157.14% because six estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
The company is expected to earn $0.90 per share for the full year, which represents a change of +20.0% from the prior-year number.
In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Cloudflare. Over the past month, eight estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 20.29%.
Favorable Zacks Rank
The promising estimate revisions have helped Cloudflare earn 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 Line
Cloudflare shares have added 8.1% 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.
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Cloudflare, Inc. (NET) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
