Trading Watch: Looking Under the Hood for Fortive Corporation (NYSE:FTV)

Investors may be taking a closer look at shares of Fortive Corporation (NYSE:FTV). Sometimes the stock market can be frustrating, even for the most experienced investors. Even when a stock looks good and results are meeting expectations, the market may decide to shift otherwise. This may lead to feelings of uncertainty and cause some second guessing. Investors may be following historical price data to gain some further insight on where the stock has been and where it may be headed. After a recent look, the stock has been seen trading near the $89.06 mark. Looking back over the past 4 weeks, shares have moved 8.16%. Over the last 5 days, the stock has seen a change of 1.66%. Looking at the last 12 week period, we note that the stock has moved 19.18%. Since the beginning of the calendar year, we note that shares have changed 31.63%. Investors will often track the current stock price relative to its 52-week high and low levels. The 52-week high is currently 89.06, and the 52-week low is resting at 63.64. When shares are trading near the 52-week high or 52-week low, investors may narrow the focus to see if there will be breakout. 

Stock market investing can sometimes become highly emotional. Being able to leave emotions out of the major investing decisions might be tricky, but it may end up being a portfolio savior down the road. Nobody wants to see a thoroughly researched stock pick underperform. Holding onto the hope that a certain stock has to bounce back may lead to later problems. Of course, it can be very hard for humans to admit when a mistake was made. Finding the ability to detach from a position can be tough. Humans make mistakes, but being able to learn from those mistakes moving forward can help with achieving long term success in the market.

Tracking the current quarter consensus EPS estimate for Fortive Corporation (NYSE:FTV), we have noted that the number is currently 0.93. This estimate is using 6 contributing analysts polled by Zacks Research. For the last quarter, the company posted a quarterly EPS of 0.91. Sell-side Wall Street analysts study companies and provide their opinions of where the stock might be going in the future. A lot of weight is given to analyst estimates, and earnings beats or misses revolve around these predictions. Sometimes these estimates are very close to the actual, and other times they are not. When a company announces actual earnings results, a large surprise factor can result in increased volatility. If a company beats estimates and posts a positive earnings surprise, the stock may see a near-term bump in price. On the flip side, a negative surprise may move the stock lower. Based on the unknown, many investors may choose to trade with caution around earnings releases.

Analysts have set a target price on shares of Fortive Corporation (NYSE:FTV). The current consensus price target is $85.1. Wall Street analysts often provide price target projections on stocks that they cover. Price target projections can be created using a wide variety of methods. Many investors will closely track stock target prices, especially when analysts make updates. A thorough research report will generally offer detailed reasoning for a certain target projection. Some investors may watch sell-side targets very closely and use the information to help with their own stock research.

Sell-side analysts have the capability of providing stock ratings for companies that they cover. According to analysts polled by Zacks Research, the current average broker rating on shares of Fortive Corporation (NYSE:FTV) is 2.06. This average rating includes analysts who have offered Sell, Buy and Hold ratings on the stock. This rating falls on a numeric scale from 1 to 5. A score of 1 would indicate a Buy recommendation, and a score of 5 would represent a Sell recommendation. Out of all the analysts offering ratings, 5 have pegged the stock a Strong Buy or Buy, based on data provided by Zacks Research.

One of the staple principles for investing is buy low and sell high. While this may sound obvious, many investors end up doing just the opposite. When dealing with the stock market, investors often have to be careful not to let their irrational side take over when making decisions. Investors may get caught up in the flurry when stocks are skyrocketing. The temptation to get on board and be part of the ride can lead to some ill-planned moves. Focusing on near-term movements might be included in the game plan for some, but for others, this may be distracting from the bigger picture and long-term plan. Stocks that become widely publicized and popular in the media may not be the right addition to the individual investor’s portfolio. Conducting the due diligence on any position can help the investor make sure that they are getting in at a good time and price.