E-Commerce Q1 Earnings To Watch On May 4: PCLN, TRIP

The earnings season is in full swing with 1117 companies (including 130 S&P 500 members) lined up to release their quarterly numbers this week (May 2–6).

The results, so far, have not been as disappointing as were anticipated at the onset of the earnings season. Per the latest Zacks Earnings Trendreport, approximately 71.9% have posted positive earnings surprises. This is because of extremely conservative estimates at the start of this season to account for the dismal start to 2016.

Considering the results of 310 S&P 500 members that have reported and estimates for 190 S&P 500 companies that are yet to announce results, total earnings and revenues are expected to see a year-over-year decline of 7.3% and 1.1%, respectively.

E-commerce is one of the most important components of the technology sector. The online trend continues to gather steam as the younger generation is rapidly adapting to technological advancements. Also, improvements in the mobile device segment have led the online companies to deliver strong numbers.

Thus far, the earnings picture of the e-commerce space has been a strong one. Amazon.com’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) first-quarter EPS of $1.07 was way ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents. The North America and AWS segments were strong contributors to profits while investments in international continued. eBay’s (NASDAQ:EBAY) earnings per share of 14 cents also marched past the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 9 cents. Also, Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) reported a positive earnings surprise of 46.87%. The strong results of these companies have made investors optimistic about Priceline’s results as well.

This week, two major e-commerce stocks The Priceline Group Inc. (NASDAQ:PCLN) and TripAdvisor Inc. (NASDAQ:TRIP) will be reporting earnings. Let’s have a look at what might be in store for them.

Priceline, aleading online travel company, will report first-quarter 2016 results on May 4. Priceline has an Earnings ESP of +0.00% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), pointing to an unlikely beat. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $8.73.

Last quarter, the company recorded a positive earnings surprise of 2.39%. Notably, Priceline outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average positive surprise of 4.81%.

Priceline belongs to an attractive industry and has a strong international presence, which is particularly positive for business. The company’s strong position in several markets, growth opportunities in the domestic market and good execution could lead to strong first-quarter results. Also, Expedia’s strong results last week have made investors optimistic about Priceline’s results. However, currency could continue to hurt results even in the to-be-reported quarter since most of the business is generated overseas. (Read more: Can Priceline Stock Post An Earnings Surprise This Q1?)

TripAdvisor will also report first-quarter 2016 results on May 4. The company has an Earnings ESP of -2.63% and carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). So, we can’t say for sure whether the company will beat estimates this time around. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 38 cents.

Last quarter, the company recorded a positive earnings surprise of 44.00%. Notably, TripAdvisor matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate once and missed twice in the preceding four quarters, resulting in a positive average surprise of 8.87%.

TripAdvisor is one of the largest online travel research companies in the world. Its solid fundamentals, various growth initiatives including Instant Booking, strong focus on developing its mobile products and expansion into international restaurant reservation are expected to aid first-quarter results. However, intensifying competition from Priceline, Expedia and Alphabet could hurt results. (Read more: Will Currency Hit TripAdvisor Earnings Again in Q1?)

Stay tuned! Check back later for our earnings coverage of these stocks.