Analysts Anticipate The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF To Hit $305

Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself.  For the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $305.24 per unit.

With IVV trading at a recent price near $264.88 per unit, that means that analysts see 15.24% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of IVV’s underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Diamondback Energy, Akamai Technologies and Unum Group. Although FANG has traded at a recent price of $101.33/share, the average analyst target is 53.44% higher at $155.48/share. Similarly, AKAM has 27.95% upside from the recent share price of $64.35 if the average analyst target price of $82.33/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting UNM to reach a target price of $41.86/share, which is 23.36% above the recent price of $33.93.

Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:

Name Symbol Recent Price Avg. Analyst 12-Mo. Target % Upside to Target
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF IVV $264.88 $305.24 15.24%
Diamondback Energy, Inc. FANG $101.33 $155.48 53.44%
Akamai Technologies Inc AKAM $64.35 $82.33 27.95%
Unum Group UNM $33.93 $41.86 23.36%

Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock’s trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.

Click here to find out 10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »

source: forbes.com