Wall Street analysts often give recommendations on equities that they cover. These analysts typically have a deep understanding of the health of a particular company. Taking a quick look at shares of Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI), we note that the current average broker rating is now 2.87. This data is provided by Zacks Research using a ratings scale from 1 and 5. A broker rating of 1 would translate into a Strong Buy. A rating of 5 would indicate a Strong Sell recommendation. This average broker rating may help provide some insight on how the sell-side is currently viewing company stock. After a recent scan, we have also noticed that 3 Street analysts have rated the stock a Strong Buy or Buy, based analysts polled by Zacks Research. 

Investors may be searching for stocks that are undervalued. Scanning the markets during obvious pullbacks may be one strategy, but it may take a more concerted effort to identify these names if the market decides to climb further. Getting caught up in the details from news and various economic reports may leave the average investor dizzy and confused. Focusing on the most important data sets may be helpful when trying to muffle all the noise. Heading into the next quarter, investors will be watching which companies are experiencing positive earnings momentum. Often times, earnings that vastly beat expectations may cause the stock to skyrocket. Filling the portfolio with stocks experiencing positive earnings momentum may be a popular choice. Investors may want to look a little bit deeper into the situation to make sure that the momentum is justified. Some investors may already be adept at figuring this out while others may need to put in a bit more work. 

Following shares of Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI), we can see that the average consensus target price based on contributing analysts is currently $170.73. Wall Street analysts often provide price target projections on where they believe the stock will be headed in the future. Because price target projections are essentially the opinions of covering analysts, they have the ability to vary widely from one analyst to another. Navigating the equity markets can seem daunting at times. Finding ways to identify the important data can make a big difference in sustaining profits into the future. As we move closer to the end of the year, investors will be watching to see which way the momentum shifts and if stocks are still primed to go higher. Investors might choose to rely heavily on analyst research and corresponding target predictions, or they may choose to use them as a guide to supplement their own research.

Zooming in on the current quarter EPS consensus estimate for Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI), we see that the current number is 3.84. This EPS estimate is using 15 Wall Street analysts polled by Zacks Research. Last quarter, the company stated a quarterly EPS of 4.27. Sell-side analysts have the task of examining companies and providing estimates relating to future results. These estimates carry a lot of weight on the Street, and earnings hits or misses revolve around these numbers. Sometimes these predictions are very close to the actual reported number, and other times they are not. Many investors will be closely watching which way analyst estimates are being adjusted right before earnings. This may provide some insight on how good or bad the numbers for the quarter are likely to be. Investors might want to take a look at their holdings after the earnings reports to make sure that nothing extremely out of the ordinary after combing through the results.

Individual investors might be looking at all the angles in order to concoct a winning plan for the next few quarters. The diligent investor is typically on the ball and ready to encounter any unforeseen market movements. Monitoring recent stock price activity on shares of Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) we have noted that the stock price has been trading near $161.3. Turning the focus to some historical price information, we note that the stock has moved -5.25% over the previous 12 weeks. Since the start of the year, we note that shares have seen a change of 20.7%. Over the last 4 weeks, shares have seen a change of 8.18%. Over the last 5 sessions, the stock has moved -0.44%. After a recent scan, we can see that the 52-week high is currently $175.37, and the 52-week low is presently $125.49.

Investors may be searching for stocks that are undervalued. Scanning the markets during obvious pullbacks may be one strategy, but it may take a more concerted effort to identify these names if the market decides to climb further. Getting caught up in the details from news and various economic reports may leave the average investor dizzy and confused. Focusing on the most important data sets may be helpful when trying to muffle all the noise. Heading into the next quarter, investors will be watching which companies are experiencing positive earnings momentum. Often times, earnings that vastly beat expectations may cause the stock to skyrocket. Filling the portfolio with stocks experiencing positive earnings momentum may be a popular choice. Investors may want to look a little bit deeper into the situation to make sure that the momentum is justified. Some investors may already be adept at figuring this out while others may need to put in a bit more work.