Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Stanley Black's (SWK) Q4 Earnings: What's in the Cards?

Read MoreHide Full Article

Industrial tool maker Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (SWK - Free Report) is slated to report fourth quarter and full-year 2016 results on Jan 26, before the market opens.

The company posted better-than-expected results in three of the four trailing quarters, while recording in-line results in one. Average earnings surprise was a positive 5.56%. Its shares yielded 28.69% return, underperforming the return of 40.56% recorded by the Zacks categorized Machinery-Tools & Related Products industry in the last one year.

Let us see how things are shaping up for Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. this quarter.

Factors to Affect Q4 Results

One of the leading economic indicators for industrial stocks is industrial production, which measures the level of output from manufacturing, mining and utilities sectors in a country. In the fourth quarter, industrial production in the U.S. fell 0.6% from the year-ago quarter. We believe that weak industrial activities might have adversely impacted Stanley Black & Decker’s segmental performances and its overall profitability in the quarter.

In addition, we believe that Stanley Black & Decker’s exposure to near-term headwinds, including uncertain global economic conditions, unfavorable foreign currency movements, industry rivalry and high debt levels might have impacted its results in the to-be-reported quarter. For 2016, the company anticipates adverse impact of roughly $150 million (or 75 cents per share) from foreign currency movements.

Despite the negatives, we believe that a healthy U.S. housing market as well as the company’s organic and inorganic growth initiatives should provide a support to its financials in the quarter.  

Earnings Whispers

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Stanley Black & Decker will be able to pull a surprise this quarter. That 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 an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

That is not the case here for as you will see below.

Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP for the stock is currently 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at $1.68.

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

 

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. Quote

Zacks Rank: Stanley Black & Decker currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

As it is we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or #5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing a negative estimate revisions momentum.

Stocks to Consider

Here are some companies in the sector you may want to consider as our model shows they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:

Fairmount Santrol Holdings Inc. , with an Earnings ESP of +11.11% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

MRC Global Inc. (MRC - Free Report) , with an Earnings ESP of +10.00% and a Zacks Rank #2.

Deere & Company (DE - Free Report) , with an Earnings ESP of +13.73% and a Zacks Rank #3.

Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017

In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest tickers for the entirety of 2017?

Who wouldn't? These 10 are painstakingly hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. They are our primary picks to buy and hold. Be among the very first to see them >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (SWK) - free report >>

Deere & Company (DE) - free report >>

MRC Global Inc. (MRC) - free report >>

Published in