Can Business First (BFST) Run Higher on Rising Earnings Estimates?

Business First (BFST) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given a notable revision in the company's earnings estimates. While the stock has been gaining lately, the trend might continue since its earnings outlook is still improving.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this 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 Business First, 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.Current-Quarter Estimate RevisionsThe company is expected to earn $0.45 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of -31.82%.Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Business First has increased 5.43% because two estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions.Current-Year Estimate RevisionsThe company is expected to earn $2.26 per share for the full year, which represents a change of -13.74% from the prior-year number.In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for Business First. Over the past month, three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 5.86%.Favorable Zacks RankThe promising estimate revisions have helped Business First 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 Business First have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 8.9% 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.Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.This top pick is among the most innovative financial firms. With a fast-growing customer base (already 50+ million) and a diverse set of cutting edge solutions, this stock is poised for big gains. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpWant 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 Business First Bancshares, Inc. (BFST): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks