Shares of NIC Inc. (NASDAQ:EGOV) currently have an average target price of $22. This is the consensus number using estimates provided by polled analysts. Street analysts often give price target projections on stocks that they track. Price target projections can be calculated using a variety of methods. Many investors will follow stock target prices, especially when analysts make revisions. A thorough research report will typically provide detailed reasoning for a certain target projection. Some investors may watch sell-side targets very closely and use the information to assist with their own stock analysis.
Stock market players may have differing opinions on which type of research approach is best. Individual investors who prefer buy and hold strategies may be more likely to be studying the fundamentals. Traders that are constantly buying and selling shares may be more concerned with technical analysis. High frequency traders may be willing to take on more risk entering the market. For these types of traders, entry and exit points become far more important. Traders may be relying solely on charts in order to capture profits based on day to day, hour to hour, or minute by minute price fluctuations. Long term investors may not be as concerned with the daily ups and downs of the market.
Taking a quick look at analyst opinions, we can see that the current average broker recommendation on shares of NIC Inc. (NASDAQ:EGOV) is presently 1.8. Out of the covering analysts polled by Zacks Research, 3 have put a Strong Buy or Buy rating on the stock.
As earnings season comes into focus, investors will be closely tracking sell-side estimates. According to analysts polled by Zacks Research, the current quarter EPS consensus estimate is currently sitting at 0.19 for shares of NIC Inc. (NASDAQ:EGOV). The number consists of estimates provided by 2 contributing analysts. For the last reporting period, the company posted a quarterly EPS of 0.21. The consensus estimate for last quarter before the earnings report was 0.18. Looking out further to the next quarter EPS estimate, the consensus is currently resting at 0.16. This consensus estimate includes 2 analysts taken into consideration by Zacks. Shifting the focus to the current fiscal year EPS estimate, the number is currently 0.85. Widening the gaze to the next fiscal year, we can see that the consensus EPS estimate is presently 0.75.
Checking in on stock price activity for NIC Inc. (NASDAQ:EGOV), we have recently seen shares trading near the $20.18 mark. Investors will often track the current stock price in relation to its 52-week high and low levels. The 52-week high is currently $22.63, and the 52-week low is presently $11.85. When the current stock price is trading close to either the 52-week high or 52-week low, investors may pay closer attention to see if there will be a breakthrough that level. Over the past 12 weeks, the stock has seen a change of 24.06%. Going back to the start of the calendar year, we can see that shares have moved 59.05%. Pulling the focus closer to the past 4 weeks, shares have seen a change of 13.04%. Over the past 5 trading days, the stock has moved -1%.
Investors may be wondering what’s in store for the next few months in terms of the equity market. Many investors may be hesitant to get into the mix with markets still trading at such high levels. Sometimes, the fear of missing out on the next big run will cause investors to make hasty decisions. Taking the time to do the full research can help offset the jitters associated with picking stocks. Finding stocks that still have room to head higher can be tricky, but there are still plenty of them out there. Although nobody can say for certain which way the market will trend into the New Year, investors should be on the lookout for opportunities that may present themselves over the next quarter. All eyes will be focused on company earnings when the next round of earnings reports begins.
