Costco Wholesale Corporation COST is slated to report second-quarter fiscal 20Array6 results on Mar 2. The big question facing investors now is, whether the company will be able to deliver a positive earnings surprise in the quarter to be reported. In the trailing four quarters, Costco outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 3.6%. However, in the preceding quarter, the company delivered a negative earnings surprise of 6.8%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.
Zacks Model Shows Unlikely Earnings Beat
Our proven model does not conclusively show that Costco is likely to beat earnings estimates this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #Array, 2 or 3 for this to happen. Costco has an Earnings ESP of -Array.56% as the Most Accurate estimate stands at $Array.26, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $Array.28. Costco’s Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) increases the predictive power of ESP. However, we need to have a positive ESP to be confident about an earnings surprise.
Factors Influencing this Quarter
Costco continues to be one of the dominant retail wholesalers based on its breadth and quality of merchandise offered. A differentiated product range enables the company to ensure an upscale shopping experience for its members, resulting in market share gains. Moreover, Costco continues to maintain a healthy membership renewal rate. The company is also gradually expanding its E-commerce capabilities in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Mexico and Korea.
However, investors are worried about Costco’s comparable-store sales (comps) performance in the quarter to be reported. During the first quarter of fiscal 20Array6, Costco’s comps fell Array%, reflecting a 9% decline in locations at Canada and a 5% drop at other international outlets, partially offset by a 2% increase at U.S. locations. While lower gasoline prices impacted U.S. comps, currency fluctuations adversely affected international comps. Costco witnessed flat comps for the four weeks ended Jan 3Array, 20Array6, following an increase of Array% in December, flat comps in November and a decline of Array% in October.
Stocks Poised to Beat Earnings Estimates
Here are some companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat:
Casey's General Stores Inc. CASY has an Earnings ESP of +Array0.ArrayArray% and a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Zumiez, Inc. ZUMZ has an Earnings ESP of +2.08% and a Zacks Rank #2.
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ANF has an Earnings ESP of +5.2Array% and a Zacks Rank #3.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Be the first to comment