Can Brown-Forman (BF.B) Retain Positive Earnings Trend in Q2?

Brown-Forman Corporation BF.B is set to report second-quarter fiscal 2018 results on Dec 6, before the market opens. In the last quarter, the company delivered a positive earnings surprise of 18%.

In fact, this leading producer and distributor of premium alcoholic beverages has delivered a positive earnings surprise of 2.7% in the trailing four quarters.

What to Expect?

The question lingering in investors’ minds now is whether Brown-Forman will be able to post positive earnings surprise in the quarter to be reported. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter under review is 53 cents per share, reflecting growth of 6.3% from the year-ago quarter. We note that the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter has been stable in the last 30 days. Analysts polled by Zacks anticipate revenues of $867.8 million, up 4.6% from the year-ago quarter.

Brown Forman Corporation Price and EPS Surprise

Brown Forman Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | Brown Forman Corporation Quote

Moreover, we note that the stock has outperformed the industry in the last three months. The company’s shares have increased 16.1%, while the industry grew 3.9%.

Factors at Play

Brown-Forman’s strong performance can be attributed to its strong brand portfolio, efforts to expand globally, strategic initiatives and a robust outlook. Additionally, the company is poised to gain from industry growth trends.

The company gains strength from its strong portfolio of premium American whiskey brands, along with its Jack Daniel's trademark. Brown-Forman anticipates growing on the back of strong demand for its authentic American whiskey brands worldwide, consumer interest in flavored whiskey and a growing trend in premium spirits. Its consistent focus on pricing, product innovation and expansion reinforce market position.

Further, the company provided a robust outlook for fiscal 2018.     The company retained underlying net sales and operating income forecasts after posting solid first-quarter fiscal 2018. Also, the company raised earnings projections for fiscal 2018, reflecting reduced tax rate and diminished foreign currency headwinds.

Additionally, Brown-Forman is confident of growth at its premium American whiskey and tequila brands. It also expects to gain from new product launches including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Rye and Slane Irish Whiskey.

However, the company anticipates volatile global economic situation, mainly in emerging markets, and intense competition in developed economies to hinder results.

What Does the Zacks Model Unveil?

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Brown-Forman to beat earnings estimates this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Brown-Forman has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at 53 cents. Although, the company has a Zacks Rank #2, which increases the predictive power of ESP, we need to have a positive ESP in order to be confident about earnings surprise.

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:

Dollar General Corp. DG currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.46% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Zumiez Inc. ZUMZ has an Earnings ESP of +0.69% and a Zacks Rank #2.

The Kroger Company KR currently has an Earnings ESP of +3.33% and a Zacks Rank #3.

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