The overall picture in first-quarter earnings season looks positive for the medical sector. The latest Earnings Trend shows that total earnings for the medical sector companies that have reported till May 3 increased 5.6%. Overall, earnings for the sector are expected to increase from the same period last year on 7.6% higher revenues in the first quarter.
The small drugs companies, which are part of the Zacks Medical-Drugs industry, are dependent on their limited portfolio of drugs — approved mostly to treat rare diseases or cancers — or collaborations revenues. These companies develop new therapies using recent technologies like gene therapies targeting diseases with high unmet need.
In the first-quarter some of these companies were targeted by large pharma companies to boost their pipeline or marketed portfolio amid multiple challenges including pricing pressure. Some stocks skyrocketed following acquisition deals while several others have gained on buyout speculations in the last few months.
Amid recession fears, companies from recession-proof sectors like medical saw significant earnings growth per the report.
Key Small Drug Releases
Several companies from the small drug industry reported earlier this week. Some of these companies beat earnings and revenue estimates for the first quarter. These include Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ) and Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) .
How to Pick Potential Winners?
By means of the Zacks Stock Screener, we have zeroed in on three drug/biotech stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) and a positive Earnings ESP. These are valuable tools for investors looking for stocks with high potential to outpace estimates in the impending quarterly results. Moreover, stocks with a top Zacks Rank and a positive ESP have 70% chance to deliver a positive surprise in the ongoing reporting cycle. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Our Picks
CannTrust Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CTST) has an Earnings ESP of +6.25% and a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2019 stands at a loss of 5 cents. It is scheduled to release financial figures on May 14.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
CannTrust Holdings Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
CannTrust Holdings Inc. price-eps-surprise | CannTrust Holdings Inc. Quote
Neon Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:NTGN) has an Earnings ESP of +17.93% and a Zacks Rank of 3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2019 is pegged at a loss of 71 cents.
Neon Therapeutics, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Neon Therapeutics, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Neon Therapeutics, Inc. Quote
PolarityTE Inc. (NASDAQ:PTE) has an Earnings ESP of +8.28% and is a Zacks #3 Ranked player. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter 2019 is pegged at a loss of 99 cents. The company delivered average trailing four-quarter positive surprise of 5.88%.
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Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (JAZZ): Free Stock Analysis Report
Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR): Free Stock Analysis Report
Majesco Entertainment Company (PTE): Free Stock Analysis Report
Neon Therapeutics, Inc. (NTGN): Free Stock Analysis Report
CannTrust Holdings Inc. (CTST): Free Stock Analysis Report
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