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Seagate (STX) to Report Q3 Earnings: A Beat in the Cards?

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We expect Seagate Technology Plc (STX - Free Report) to beat expectations when it reports third-quarter 2017 results on Apr 26.
    
Why a Likely Positive Surprise?

Our proven model shows that Seagate is likely to beat earnings because it has the right combination of two key ingredients.

Zacks ESP: Seagate’s Earnings ESP is +3.77%. This is because the company’s Most Accurate estimate is $1.10 while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged lower at $1.06. A favorable ESP serves as a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely positive surprise. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: Seagate currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 or 3 (Hold) has a significantly higher chance of beating earnings estimates. Conversely, Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement.

The combination of Seagate’s Zacks Rank #2 and +3.77% ESP makes us reasonably optimistic of an earnings beat. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

What is Driving Better-than-Expected Earnings?

We note that Seagate has mixed record of earnings surprises in the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 3.28%.

Seagate Technology PLC Price and EPS Surprise

 

Seagate Technology PLC Price and EPS Surprise | Seagate Technology PLC Quote

We believe that improving PC shipment – per latest data from Gartner and IDC – bodes well for Seagate. The company is the second largest manufacturer of HDDs in the U.S., which are still extensively used in PCs and Seagate derives the bulk of revenues from these devices. (Read More: Strong PC Shipments Witnessed in Q1: Gartner, IDC)

Moreover, strong demand for hybrid drives also augurs well for the company going into the earnings season. However, intensifying competition in the storage space is likely to remain an overhang on the stock.

We note that Seagate has outperformed the Zacks Computer Storage Devices industry on a year-to-date basis. While the industry gained 17.1%, the stock returned 26.4%.



Stocks to Consider

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

Western Digital (WDC - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +2.16%. It sports a Zacks Rank #1.

Square (SQ - Free Report) , flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 and has an Earnings ESP of +12.50%.

Teradyne (TER - Free Report) , with an Earnings ESP of +11.11%, boasts a Zacks Rank #1.

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