Core Insights - Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. is expected to report a revenue decline of 0.5% year-over-year for Q2 fiscal 2026, with revenues estimated at $1.59 billion [1][10] - The earnings consensus has slightly decreased to 67 cents per share, reflecting a 1.5% increase from the previous year [2][10] Revenue and Earnings Forecast - The revenue forecast for Lamb Weston indicates a 0.5% decline compared to the same quarter last year, while earnings per share are projected to increase by 1.5% [1][10] - The North America segment is anticipated to see a 3.2% year-over-year decline, whereas the International segment is expected to grow by 5.9% [5] Market Dynamics - The company is facing challenges from unfavorable price/mix dynamics, with a forecasted 5.4% decline in price/mix for Q2 fiscal 2026 [3] - Competitive pressures in international markets, including strong potato crops and softer demand in regions like Europe and Latin America, are contributing to aggressive pricing behavior [4] Operational Developments - Despite current challenges, Lamb Weston is benefiting from its Restructuring Plan aimed at enhancing efficiency and profitability [6] - The modernization of manufacturing capabilities is expected to optimize operations and positively impact the upcoming quarter's performance [6] Earnings Prediction - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for Lamb Weston, as it holds a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) and an Earnings ESP of +0.45% [7]

Core Insights - Conagra Brands, Inc. (CAG) is expected to report a decline in both revenue and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with revenue estimated at approximately $3 billion, reflecting a 6.2% decrease year-over-year [1] - The earnings consensus remains at 44 cents per share, indicating a 37.1% drop compared to the previous year [2] Business Recovery and Consumer Behavior - The second quarter is anticipated to show signs of recovery as Conagra has resolved previous supply and service issues, particularly in frozen and protein-heavy categories, leading to improved product availability [3][10] - Consumer behavior is shifting towards value-seeking, especially among lower-income households due to ongoing inflation, prompting Conagra to focus on value-oriented products rather than premium innovations [4][10] Cost Pressures and Margin Outlook - Input-cost inflation, particularly in proteins and packaging, is expected to impact margins negatively, with an anticipated contraction of 330 basis points to 23.1% for the adjusted gross margin in the second quarter [5][10] - Despite productivity initiatives and selective pricing actions, these measures are unlikely to fully mitigate the near-term cost pressures [5] Earnings Predictions - The model suggests a potential earnings beat for Conagra Brands, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +0.11% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]

Core Insights - Lamb Weston is positioned to continue its earnings-beat streak, having a strong history of surpassing earnings estimates, particularly in the last two quarters with an average surprise of 36.49% [1] Earnings Performance - For the most recent quarter, Lamb Weston reported earnings of $0.74 per share, exceeding the expected $0.54 per share, resulting in a surprise of 37.04% [2] - In the previous quarter, the company reported $0.87 per share against an expectation of $0.64 per share, achieving a surprise of 35.94% [2] Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent estimates for Lamb Weston have been increasing, with a positive Earnings ESP of +0.45%, indicating bullish sentiment among analysts regarding its near-term earnings potential [5][8] - The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) suggests a high likelihood of another earnings beat, with historical data showing that such combinations lead to positive surprises nearly 70% of the time [6][8] Earnings ESP Explanation - The Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions, which may be more accurate than earlier predictions [7]

Core Viewpoint - Cintas (CTAS) is positioned well to continue its trend of beating earnings estimates in the upcoming quarterly report, supported by a strong history of performance in the Zacks Textile - Apparel industry [1]. Earnings Performance - Cintas has consistently surpassed earnings estimates, achieving an average beat of 1.35% over the last two quarters. In the most recent quarter, the company reported earnings of $1.20 per share against an expectation of $1.19, resulting in a surprise of 0.84%. In the previous quarter, it reported $1.09 per share compared to an estimate of $1.07, yielding a surprise of 1.87% [2]. Earnings Estimates and Predictions - Recent favorable changes in earnings estimates for Cintas have been noted, with a positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) indicating a strong likelihood of another earnings beat, particularly in conjunction with its solid Zacks Rank [5]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) or better have historically produced positive surprises nearly 70% of the time, suggesting a high probability of beating consensus estimates [6]. Earnings ESP Metric - The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the Most Accurate Estimate reflecting the latest analyst revisions. This metric is crucial as it indicates the most current expectations prior to an earnings release [7]. - Currently, Cintas has an Earnings ESP of +1.21%, indicating increased analyst optimism regarding its near-term earnings potential. This positive ESP, combined with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), suggests a strong possibility of an earnings beat in the upcoming report scheduled for December 18, 2025 [8]. Importance of Earnings ESP - While a negative Earnings ESP can diminish predictive power, it does not necessarily indicate an earnings miss. Many companies can still beat consensus EPS estimates, and some may maintain stability even if they miss [9][10].

Core Insights - The market anticipates a year-over-year decline in Conagra Brands' earnings due to lower revenues, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.44, reflecting a -37.1% change [1][3] - Revenues are projected to be $3 billion, down 6% from the previous year [3] - The upcoming earnings report is expected on December 19, and actual results will significantly influence stock price movements [2] Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.84% lower in the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4] - The Most Accurate Estimate for Conagra Brands is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +0.11% [12] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, suggesting a moderate outlook [12] Earnings Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, Conagra Brands exceeded the expected EPS of $0.33 by delivering $0.39, resulting in a surprise of +18.18% [13] - Over the past four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates twice [14] Industry Context - General Mills, a competitor in the Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry, is expected to report earnings of $1.02 per share, reflecting a -27.1% year-over-year change, with revenues projected at $4.78 billion, down 8.8% [18] - General Mills' consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.1% lower, leading to a negative Earnings ESP of -0.14% [19]

Core Viewpoint - Accenture (ACN) is anticipated to report a year-over-year increase in earnings driven by higher revenues, with the actual results having a significant impact on its near-term stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The earnings report is expected to be released on December 18, and if the results exceed expectations, the stock may rise; conversely, a miss could lead to a decline [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts quarterly earnings of $3.74 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.2%, with revenues projected at $18.56 billion, up 4.9% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.08% lower, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Accenture is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -1.53%, suggesting a bearish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with a positive Earnings ESP indicating a higher likelihood of an earnings beat [8][10]. - A positive Earnings ESP combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 has shown a nearly 70% success rate for predicting positive surprises [10]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Accenture was expected to post earnings of $2.98 per share but delivered $3.03, resulting in a surprise of +1.68% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, Accenture has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times [14]. Conclusion - Accenture does not currently appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, and investors should consider other factors when making decisions regarding the stock ahead of the earnings release [17].

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year decline in CarMax's earnings due to lower revenues, with a focus on how actual results will compare to estimates [1][3] Earnings Expectations - CarMax is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.32 per share, reflecting a 60.5% decrease year-over-year [3] - Revenues are projected to be $5.79 billion, down 7% from the same quarter last year [3] Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised down by 6.95% over the last 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4] - A negative Earnings ESP of -17.56% suggests analysts have become bearish on CarMax's earnings prospects [10][11] Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict deviations from consensus estimates, but is more reliable for positive readings [7][8] - CarMax's current Zacks Rank is 5, which complicates predictions of an earnings beat [11] Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, CarMax was expected to earn $1.03 per share but only achieved $0.64, resulting in a surprise of -37.86% [12] - Over the past four quarters, CarMax has beaten consensus EPS estimates twice [13] Conclusion - CarMax does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, and investors should consider other factors before making investment decisions [16]

Core Viewpoint - Nike (NKE) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings due to lower revenues for the quarter ending November 2025, with the consensus outlook indicating a significant impact on the stock price based on actual results compared to estimates [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is scheduled for December 18, and if the results exceed expectations, the stock may rise; conversely, a miss could lead to a decline [2]. - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $0.37 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 52.6%, while revenues are projected at $12.15 billion, down 1.7% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate has been revised 1.8% higher, indicating a reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate for Nike is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of -3.79%, suggesting a bearish outlook from analysts [12]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive or negative reading can predict deviations from consensus estimates, but its predictive power is stronger for positive readings [9][10]. - 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 [10]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Nike was expected to post earnings of $0.27 per share but actually delivered $0.49, resulting in a surprise of +81.48% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, Nike has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates [14]. Conclusion - While Nike does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat this time, investors should consider other factors influencing stock performance ahead of the earnings release [17].

Core Viewpoint - Innovative Solutions and Support, Inc. (ISSC) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings despite an increase in revenues for the quarter ending September 2025, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - The upcoming earnings report is scheduled for December 18, and better-than-expected results could lead to a stock price increase, while a miss may result in a decline [2]. - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $0.12 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 42.9%, while revenues are projected to be $18.23 million, an increase of 18.5% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 133.33% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive reassessment by analysts [4]. - The Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +47.83%, suggesting a bullish outlook on the company's earnings prospects [11]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model indicates that a positive Earnings ESP reading is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, especially when combined with a Zacks Rank of 1, 2, or 3 [9]. - Stocks with a positive Earnings ESP and a solid Zacks Rank have historically produced a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time [9]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, ISSC was expected to post earnings of $0.16 per share but only achieved $0.14, resulting in a surprise of -12.50%. The company has not beaten consensus EPS estimates in the last four quarters [13]. Conclusion - ISSC is viewed as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, but investors should consider other factors influencing stock performance ahead of the earnings release [16].

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street anticipates a year-over-year increase in earnings for Micron, driven by higher revenues, with a focus on how actual results compare to estimates impacting stock price [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - Micron is expected to report quarterly earnings of $3.83 per share, reflecting a +114% year-over-year change, and revenues of $12.54 billion, which is a 44% increase from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 3.65% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive reassessment by analysts [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Zacks Earnings ESP model shows a positive Earnings ESP of +5.97% for Micron, suggesting analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings prospects [12]. Historical Performance - Micron has consistently beaten consensus EPS estimates, achieving this in the last four quarters, including a +5.94% surprise in the most recent quarter [13][14]. Investment Considerations - While a positive earnings surprise is likely, other factors may influence stock movement, making it essential to consider the broader context beyond just earnings results [15][17].