The market expects Ulta Beauty (ULTA) to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended April 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released o ...

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates HP (HPQ) will report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ending April 2025, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - HP is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.80 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 2.4%, while revenues are projected to reach $13.36 billion, an increase of 4.3% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating that analysts have not significantly altered their initial projections during this period [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that recent analyst revisions may provide more accurate insights into expected earnings [5][6]. Earnings ESP Analysis - HP's Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -1.25%, indicating a bearish outlook from analysts [10]. Additionally, HP currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4, complicating predictions of an earnings beat [11]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, HP was expected to earn $0.75 per share but delivered $0.74, resulting in a surprise of -1.33%. Over the past four quarters, HP has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once [12][13]. Conclusion - While HP does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, investors should consider other factors influencing stock performance ahead of the earnings release [16].

Core Viewpoint - Frontline Plc (FRO) is expected to report its first-quarter 2025 results on May 23, with earnings per share estimated at 18 cents, remaining stable over the past 60 days [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Estimates and Trends - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FRO's earnings per share for Q1 2025 is 0.18, with no changes over the past 60 days [2]. - The earnings estimates for subsequent quarters are 0.49 for Q2, 2.09 for E1, and 3.19 for F2, with a notable decrease of 12.50% for Q2 compared to 30 days ago [2]. - FRO has missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average miss of 10% [2]. Group 2: Factors Influencing Performance - Supply-chain disruptions and escalated voyage operating costs are expected to negatively impact FRO's bottom-line performance for the first quarter [3]. - Geopolitical risks are anticipated to pose operational challenges that may hurt results [3]. - Low spot tanker rates are also expected to be reflected in the first-quarter results, with management likely to provide updates on the current tariff-related scenario [4]. Group 3: Positive Aspects - Continued fleet expansion initiatives are likely to have positively influenced the company's performance [5]. - Increased freight costs due to reduced container availability from Red Sea tensions are expected to aid FRO's quarterly performance, particularly in services to East Mediterranean and Israeli ports [5]. - Revenues and carried volumes are anticipated to surge due to disruptions, with lower capacity expected to boost earnings in the upcoming quarter [5]. Group 4: Zacks Model Insights - The Zacks model does not predict an earnings beat for FRO this time, as the Earnings ESP is 0.00%, indicating the Most Accurate Estimate aligns with the Zacks Consensus Estimate [6]. - FRO currently holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting a less favorable outlook compared to higher-ranked stocks [7].

Core Viewpoint - Abercrombie & Fitch is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues, which could significantly influence its stock price in the near term [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is expected to be released on May 28, 2025, with a consensus estimate of $1.40 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 34.6% [3]. - Revenues are projected to reach $1.07 billion, indicating a 5.3% increase compared to the same quarter last year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 0.22% over the last 30 days, suggesting a collective reassessment by analysts regarding the company's earnings outlook [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, leading to an Earnings ESP of -4.22%, indicating a bearish sentiment among analysts [10][11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict the likelihood of actual earnings deviating from consensus estimates, with a strong predictive power for positive readings [7][8]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 have historically shown a nearly 70% chance of delivering a positive surprise [8]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Abercrombie exceeded the expected earnings of $3.48 per share by posting $3.57, resulting in a surprise of +2.59% [12]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates [13]. Conclusion - Despite the potential for an earnings beat, various factors can influence stock movement, and the current indicators suggest that Abercrombie may not be a strong candidate for an earnings surprise [14][16].

Core Viewpoint - Dycom Industries, Inc. is expected to report its first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with earnings anticipated to show a year-over-year decline despite revenue growth driven by ongoing projects and demand for network bandwidth [1][2][3]. Earnings & Revenue Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dycom's fiscal first-quarter earnings per share (EPS) is stable at $1.60, reflecting a 24.5% decrease year-over-year [2]. - Revenue is estimated at $1.20 billion, indicating a 4.9% year-over-year rise [2]. Factors Influencing Performance - Revenue growth is expected to be driven by fiber-to-the-home deployments, long-haul fiber projects, and wireless equipment upgrades, alongside improved demand from top customers [3]. - Contract revenues are projected to be between $1.16 billion and $1.20 billion, up from $1.14 billion in the prior year [4]. Segment Performance - The Telecommunications segment is expected to generate $1 billion in revenue, a 5.1% increase from the previous year [5]. - The Underground Facility unit's revenues are projected at $86.3 million, up 6.5% year-over-year [5]. Backlog and Challenges - A backlog of $7.28 billion is anticipated, down from $6.36 billion reported in the prior year [6]. - Challenges such as labor shortages and increased costs, particularly due to fluctuations in oil prices, are expected to impact performance [7]. Earnings Guidance - Dycom anticipates diluted EPS in the range of $1.50-$1.73 for the fiscal first quarter, compared to $2.12 in the prior year [7]. - The adjusted EBITDA margin is projected at 11.1%, down from 11.5% reported a year ago [7]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Dycom, with an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - Devon Energy Corporation (DVN) has shown a year-to-date stock gain of 1.6%, contrasting with a 22.8% decline in the Zacks Oil & Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry and a 1.3% decline in the broader Zacks Oil and Energy sector [1] Performance Analysis - Over the past year, DVN's stock has declined by 32.7%, indicating a gradual recovery path, while Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) experienced a 31.7% decline [2] - Devon Energy's return on invested capital (ROIC) stands at 8.71%, outperforming the industry average of 7.33% [15] Factors Contributing to Performance - The company benefits from a well-balanced commodity mix, focusing on oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, with a production replacement rate of 154% in 2024 [7] - DVN has a diversified, multi-basin portfolio of high-margin oil and gas assets, enhancing its asset base through strategic acquisitions [8] - The acquisition of Grayson Mill Energy's Williston Basin assets expanded net acreage from 123,000 to 430,000 acres, expected to triple production from 50,000 to 150,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (Boe/d) [9] - A low-cost operating model supports profitability, with ongoing efforts to reduce drilling and completion expenses and streamline the workforce [10] Earnings Performance - DVN has reported strong earnings results, with an average earnings surprise of 6.09% over the last four quarters, despite missing expectations in the most recent quarter [12][13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DVN's earnings per share for 2025 and 2026 has declined by 15.23% and 18.2%, respectively, in the past 60 days [17] Valuation - Devon Energy's shares are currently trading at a trailing 12-month Enterprise Value/Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization (EV/EBITDA TTM) of 3.61X, significantly lower than the industry average of 9.39X, indicating an inexpensive valuation [20] Summary - Devon Energy's multi-basin assets and balanced exposure to various commodities contribute positively to its performance, with a better return than the industry and an attractive valuation [21]

Core Viewpoint - Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH) experienced a 3.5% increase in share price following the release of its first-quarter 2025 results, despite facing challenges from increased policyholder benefits and changes in market risk benefits [1] Financial Performance - EQH reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.35, which was 9.4% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and a 5.6% decline year over year [2] - Operating revenues increased by 3.8% year over year to $3.8 billion, but this also fell short of the consensus estimate by 5.1% [2] - Policy charges and fee income grew by 3.5% year over year to $636 million, while premiums improved by 6.7% to $304 million [3] - Net investment income rose by 3.1% year over year to $1.2 billion, but total benefits and other deductions surged by 118.9% to $4.4 billion [3] Segment Performance - Individual Retirement segment revenues increased by 18.7% year over year to $997 million, although it was below the consensus estimate of $1 billion [4] - Group Retirement revenues climbed by 8.6% year over year to $316 million, surpassing the consensus mark of $305.9 million [5] - Asset Management revenues declined by 0.5% year over year to $1.1 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $1.2 billion [5] - Protection Solutions revenues grew slightly to $826 million but were below the consensus estimate of $869.5 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $19 million [6] - Wealth Management revenues advanced by 9.4% year over year to $463 million, yet fell short of the consensus mark of $481.4 million [6] - Legacy segment revenues decreased by 7% year over year to $120 million, missing the consensus estimate of $158.4 million [7] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, total investments and cash equivalents amounted to $127.1 billion, up from $123.4 billion at the end of 2024 [8] - Total assets decreased to $287.4 billion from $295.7 billion at the end of 2024 [8] - Long-term debt increased by 13% to $4.3 billion, while total equity rose by 22.8% to $4.2 billion [8] Capital Return - EQH returned $335 million to shareholders in the first quarter, consisting of $74 million in cash dividends and $261 million in share repurchases [9] - The company has set a payout ratio target of 60-70% of non-GAAP operating earnings for the period from 2023 to 2027 [9] Future Outlook - The company aims to generate cash in the range of $1.6-$1.7 billion for 2025 and $2 billion annually over the 2023-2027 period [10] - Non-GAAP operating EPS is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12-15% during the same timeframe [10]

Core Viewpoint - CSX shares have increased by approximately 13.1% since the last earnings report, outperforming the S&P 500, but there are concerns about whether this positive trend will continue or if a pullback is imminent [1] Group 1: Earnings Report and Market Reaction - The most recent earnings report indicates that estimates for CSX have trended downward over the past month, with a consensus estimate shift of -7.77% [2] - Investors and analysts are reacting to the downward trend in estimates, which suggests a cautious outlook for the stock [1] Group 2: VGM Scores and Investment Strategy - CSX has an average Growth Score of C and a similar score for momentum, while it received a grade of D for value, placing it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy [3] - The overall aggregate VGM Score for CSX is D, indicating a lack of focus on any particular investment strategy [3] Group 3: Future Outlook - The downward trend in estimates suggests a negative outlook for CSX, reflected in its Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), indicating expectations of below-average returns in the coming months [4]

Core Viewpoint - Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) has seen a significant share price increase of approximately 28.9% over the past month, outperforming the S&P 500, but there are concerns about whether this positive trend will continue leading up to the next earnings release [1] Group 1: Earnings and Estimates - Fresh estimates for Interactive Brokers have trended downward over the past month, indicating a potential shift in investor sentiment [2][4] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [4] Group 2: VGM Scores - Interactive Brokers has an average Growth Score of C, but it significantly lags in Momentum with an F and also has a Value Score of F, placing it in the lowest quintile for this investment strategy [3] - The overall aggregate VGM Score for the stock is F, which is a critical indicator for investors not focused on a single strategy [3] Group 3: Industry Performance - Interactive Brokers is part of the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry, where Morgan Stanley has reported a gain of 21.5% over the past month [5] - Morgan Stanley's recent quarter revenues were $17.74 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 17.2%, with an EPS of $2.60 compared to $2.02 a year ago [5] - For the current quarter, Morgan Stanley is expected to post earnings of $2.01 per share, representing a year-over-year change of 10.4%, with a slight downward revision of -0.6% in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last 30 days [6]

The market expects Advance Auto Parts (AAP) to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended March 2025. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be relea ...