Investors are constantly trying to gain any little advantage when studying potential stocks to add to the portfolio. Keeping close tabs on Wall Street analyst price targets may help investors stay tuned in to current sentiment. After a recent check, we have noted that Warrior Met Coal Inc. (NYSE:HCC) has an average target price of 32.4. Even though professional analysts may have better information about a certain company, investors may need to proceed with caution when it comes to following price targets. Price targets are essentially educated guesses on what will happen with the stock price going forward. Investors who buy or sell strictly on analyst targets may be banking on analysts being correct about their projections. Although this strategy may work out more often than not, investors may be better served to conduct their own research and then use price target estimates as a comparison tool.
Occasionally, a certain stock may perform much higher than expectations, and it may become a much greater percentage of the portfolio. This is typically a good thing, but it may require some decisions on what to do with the portfolio allocations. If one stock is making up a high percentage of the total, it may create the risk of higher than normal average losses if the shares take an unforeseen dive lower. Even if the stock has the potential to go much higher, it can be tricky to know when to sell and find other stocks that might be a better value. Selling a winner might leave the average investor frustrated if the stock goes higher, but there may be nothing wrong with taking profits and not leaving gains on the table. As we move into the second half of the year, investors may want to compare first half gains with goals that were established at the beginning of the year. This may help narrow in on what needs to be done in order to stay in the green for the rest of the year and beyond. Setting portfolio goals may be a good way to stay the course when things get a little hairy in the markets.
Investors may be sizing up shares of Warrior Met Coal Inc. (NYSE:HCC). After a recent check, we see that the current quarter EPS consensus estimate provided by Zacks is standing at 1.83. This EPS estimate is comprised of 4 sell-side analysts polled by Zacks. For the last reporting period, the company posted a quarterly EPS of 1.06. Analysts and investors will be closely studying the next round of company earnings reports. Consistent success on the earnings front may point to the company moving in the right direction. On the flip side, a company that has strung together a few bad quarters may ring the warning bells for interested investors.
Investors have the ability to follow Wall Street analyst views when conducting stock research. Sell-side analysts often put in a lot of time trying to evaluate the inner workings of a company. They may dig through the financials, conduct interviews, and pay keen attention to conference calls in order to compile data for the research report. Many analysts will offer buy, sell, or hold recommendations for stocks they cover. Checking on shares of Warrior Met Coal Inc. (NYSE:HCC), we see that the current average broker rating is 1.86. This average rating falls on a scale from 1 to 5 where a 1 would indicate a Strong Buy. On the flip side, a 5 rating would signify a Strong Sell. Based on data provided by Zacks, there are currently 4 polled analysts rating the stock a Strong Buy or Buy. Investors often have to decide whether they are in agreement with how the analysts perceive the future prospects of a specific stock.
When examining stocks, investors might be doing top down research. Top down analysis begins with looking at certain macro-economic factors. This may involve focusing in on the bigger picture and going all the way down to specific stocks. Starting at the top, investors may check on the global economic environment, overall market trends, and sector trends. Investors may choose to start doing research the other way around. This may involve first looking at the fundamentals for particular stocks in order to gauge the strength from a company standpoint. Many investors will scope out all the different investing aspects as to not leave any information uncovered.
Following recent trading activity on shares of Warrior Met Coal Inc. (NYSE:HCC), we can see that the stock has been hovering near the 22.85 price level. Shareholders might be asking themselves whether now is a good time to buy or sell the stock. Over the previous 12 weeks, the stock has moved -13.32%. Looking back over the last month, shares have moved -.91%. Over the previous week, the stock has changed -7.79%. Investors may also be watching the current price in relation to the 52-week highs/lows. After a recent scan, we note that the 52-week high is presently 33.39, and the 52-week low is 21.17.
Investors may be trying to figure out what stocks will give a boost to portfolio performance over the next few months. Value investors may be looking for current value in the market. They are generally looking for bargains and interested in uncovering those stocks that may be primed for a run but have fallen out of favor with Wall Street. Growth investors may be looking to target companies that are able to advance earnings faster than average. This may include searching for those industries that have strong growth trends and a proven track record of strong sales and earnings growth.