These 2 Retail-Wholesale Stocks Could Beat Earnings: Why They Should Be on Your Radar
Wall Street watches a company's quarterly report closely to understand as much as possible about its recent performance and what to expect going forward. Of course, one figure often stands out among the rest: earnings.
We know earnings results are vital, but how a company performs compared to bottom line expectations can be even more important when it comes to stock prices, especially in the near-term. This means that investors might want to take advantage of these earnings surprises.
2 Stocks to Add to Your Watchlist
The Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company's report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information. The ESP is calculated by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the percentage difference between the two giving us the Zacks ESP figure.
The last thing we will do today, now that we have a grasp on the ESP and how powerful of a tool it can be, is to look at a qualifying stock. Ulta Beauty (ULTA) holds a Zacks Rank #2 at the moment and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $6 a share six days away from its upcoming earnings release on March 9, 2023.
ULTA has an Earnings ESP figure of 8.53%, which, as explained above, is calculated by taking the percentage difference between the $6 Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.53.
ULTA is part of a big group of Retail-Wholesale stocks that boast a positive ESP, and investors may want to take a look at Lowe's (LOW) as well.
Slated to report earnings on May 17, 2023, Lowe's holds a #3 (Hold) ranking on the Zacks Rank, and it's Most Accurate Estimate is $3.53 a share 75 days from its next quarterly update.
Lowe's' Earnings ESP figure currently stands at 0.28% after taking the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.52.
ULTA and LOW's positive ESP metrics may signal that a positive earnings surprise for both stocks is on the horizon.
Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're Reported
Use the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>
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
Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) : Free Stock Analysis Report
