VF Corp (VFC) Likely To Retain Positive Earnings Trend In Q4

We expect VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC) to beat expectations, when it reports fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 16. Last quarter, the designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded apparel and related products, delivered a positive earnings surprise of 9.8%. In fact, the company recorded an average positive surprise of 3.4% in the last four quarters.

What to Expect?

The question lingering in investors’ minds now is, whether VF Corp. will be able to deliver positive earnings surprise in the quarter to be reported. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter under review is $1.02 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 5.2%. We note that the Zacks Consensus Estimate has been trending up ahead of the earnings release. Analysts polled by Zacks anticipate revenues of $3.7 billion, up 10.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Moreover, we note that the stock has outperformed the industry in the last six months. The company’s shares have increased 27.1%, while the industry grew 10.7%.

Factors at Play

VF Corp. is gaining from its progress on the 2021 growth strategy. The strategy focuses on responding to the changing marketplace while targeting shareholder returns. The company’s focus on this plan is evident from its recently raised dividend and stellar third-quarter 2017 performance.

Both the top and bottom line topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate and grew year over year in the quarter, which marked VF Corp.’s second straight quarter of earnings and sales beat. Results were backed by strength in international and direct-to-customer platforms, the Outdoor & Action Sports unit and the workwear business.

The splendid quarter encouraged management to raise its view for 2017, wherein results are likely to gain from the recently concluded Williamson-Dickie buyout. Further, the company’s continued investments in core growth areas are likely to aid performance. For 2017, management now anticipates revenues to grow 6% to nearly $12.1 billion. Currency neutral revenues are expected to rise 5.5%. The Williamson-Dickie buyout is estimated to contribute nearly $200 million to revenues. Moreover, the company envisions earnings per share to be $3.01, reflecting a 1% rise (6% on a currency neutral basis) from the year-ago period figure of $2.98.

However, the company has been troubled by a difficult global economic environment and currency headwinds for over a year now. The company’s significant global presence exposes it to adverse foreign currency movements. Currency woes will continue to be a hurdle and are expected to hurt margins in 2017.

What the Zacks Model Unveils

Our proven model shows that VF Corp. is likely to beat earnings estimates this quarter. 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. Earnings ESP of +2.05% and the company’s Zacks Rank #2 makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Other Stocks Poised to Beat Earnings Estimates

Here are some other companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these, too, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat:

Dillard’s Inc. (NYSE:DDS) has an Earnings ESP of +4.25% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Aaron’s Inc. (NYSE:AAN) has an Earnings ESP of +3.81% and a Zacks Rank #2.

Macy’s Inc. (NYSE:M) has an Earnings ESP of +0.92% and a Zacks Rank #2.

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