The Kroger Co. KR is slated to release third-quarter fiscal 2019 results on Dec 5. We note that in the trailing four quarters, the company’s bottom line has outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.6%, on average. In the last reported quarter, the company delivered a positive earnings surprise of 7.3%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter earnings has been steady in the past 30 days at 48 cents. This is in line with the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. Meanwhile, the consensus mark for revenues is pegged at $28,067 million, suggesting growth of 1.4% from the prior-year period.
Key Factors to Note
Kroger has been trying all means to strengthen its position in the grocery space. Notably, the company’s “Restock Kroger” program involving investments in omnichannel platform, identifying margin-rich alternative profit streams, merchandise optimization and lowering of expenses has been gaining traction. Apart from these, its order online, pick up in store initiative and home delivery and self-checkout services are also worth mentioning.
As part of the program, the company has been making investments in space optimization, store remodeling and technology advancements. Cumulatively, these have been aiding identical supermarket sales.
While aforementioned factors raise optimism, stiff competition in the grocery segment and an aggressive promotional environment remain primary headwinds. Again, any volatility in fuel costs, higher freight expenses and incremental investments are likely to show on margins.
The Kroger Co. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
The Kroger Co. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | The Kroger Co. Quote
What the Zacks Model Unveils
Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Kroger this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. But that’s not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Kroger carries a Zacks Rank #3 but an Earnings ESP of -0.59%.
3 Stocks With Favorable Combination
Here are three companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat:
Costco COST has an Earnings ESP of +1.01% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
G-III Apparel Group GIII has an Earnings ESP of +0.94% and a Zacks Rank #3.
Big Lots BIG has an Earnings ESP of +3.85% and a Zacks Rank #3.
Free: Zacks’ Single Best Stock Set to Double
Today you are invited to download our latest Special Report that reveals 5 stocks with the most potential to gain +100% or more in 2020. From those 5, Zacks Director of Research, Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This pioneering tech ticker had soared to all-time highs and then subsided to a price that is irresistible. Now a pending acquisition could super-charge the company’s drive past competitors in the development of true Artificial Intelligence. The earlier you get in to this stock, the greater your potential gain.
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