Shares of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) currently have an average target price of $84.33. 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.

Even with the stock market still riding high, investors may be looking for some bargain stocks to add to the portfolio. Although nobody can say for certain if stocks will continue to climb the ladder, investors may be preparing for the temporary dips in order to get into some positions at more reasonable prices. Always being prepared can help make the tough decisions a bit easier to stomach when the time comes. Coming at the stock market from multiple angles may help investors spot some future winners. 

Taking a quick look at analyst opinions, we can see that the current average broker recommendation on shares of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG) is presently 2.4. Out of the covering analysts polled by Zacks Research, 2 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 2.68 for shares of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG). The number consists of estimates provided by 5 contributing analysts. For the last reporting period, the company posted a quarterly EPS of 3.64. The consensus estimate for last quarter before the earnings report was 3.42. Looking out further to the next quarter EPS estimate, the consensus is currently resting at -0.64. This consensus estimate includes 4 analysts taken into consideration by Zacks. Shifting the focus to the current fiscal year EPS estimate, the number is currently 3.77. Widening the gaze to the next fiscal year, we can see that the consensus EPS estimate is presently 4.25.

Checking in on stock price activity for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (NYSE:SMG), we have recently seen shares trading near the $92.94 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 $92.94, and the 52-week low is presently $58.82. 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 22.81%. Going back to the start of the calendar year, we can see that shares have moved 51.22%. Pulling the focus closer to the past 4 weeks, shares have seen a change of 15.1%. Over the past 5 trading days, the stock has moved 10.34%.

Individual investors may tend to become more bullish at market tops and more bearish at the bottoms. This goes against the buy low sell high mantra that is widely preached in the investing community. The two emotions that come into play here are greed and fear. Investors tend to get greedy when they see stocks flying to new highs. It can be very tempting to get in on a name that has been running hot for a time. On the other side of the coin, investors often get fearful when the market is tanking. The fear of losing becomes prevalent when this occurs, and investors may be tempted to sell like the rest. Although this goes against logic, many investors will still end up buying high and selling low.