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 U.S. Technology ETF (AMEX: IYW), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $123.25 per unit.
Click here to find out 10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
With IYW trading at a recent price near $108.60 per unit, that means that analysts see 13.49% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of IYW’s underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Verint Systems, Inc (NASD: VRNT), Diebold, Inc. (NYSE: DBD), and PTC Inc (NASD: PTC). Although VRNT has traded at a recent price of $35.09/share, the average analyst target is 35.84% higher at $47.67/share. Similarly, DBD has 27.78% upside from the recent share price of $27.13 if the average analyst target price of $34.67/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting PTC to reach a target price of $42.33/share, which is 26.82% above the recent price of $33.38. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of VRNT, DBD, and PTC:
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 U.S. Technology ETF | IYW | $108.60 | $123.25 | 13.49% |
| Verint Systems, Inc | VRNT | $35.09 | $47.67 | 35.84% |
| Diebold, Inc. | DBD | $27.13 | $34.67 | 27.78% |
| PTC Inc | PTC | $33.38 | $42.33 | 26.82% |
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.
The average analyst target price data upon which this article was based, is courtesy of data provided by Zacks Investment Research via Quandl.com.
Get the latest Zacks research report on VRNT — FREE