Factors Influencing Central Garden & Pet's (CENT) Q4 Earnings

Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ:CENT) is slated to report fourth-quarter fiscal 2017 results on Nov 28. In the trailing four quarters, the company outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 122.2%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

What to Expect from Central Garden & Pet?

Well the obvious question that comes to mind is whether Central Garden & Pet’s positive earnings surprise streak will continue in the quarter to be reported. The company has a remarkable history, at least in terms of the bottom line. The company continued with positive earnings surprise streak for the twelfth straight quarter, when it reported third-quarter fiscal 2017 results.

The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is 10 cents, compared with a year-ago earnings of 13 cents. Analysts polled by Zacks anticipate revenues of $440 million, up over 6% year over year.

Factors Influencing this Quarter

Stiff competition, seasonality of garden business and cautious approach by customers toward discretionary spending remains a concern. In an effort to deliver sustainable growth, the company is increasing investment. However, costs related to initiatives may hurt margins.

Nevertheless, management is revamping both Pet and Garden segments, and intends to possess a balanced approach that encompasses improvement in revenues and profits through operational efficiency as well as cost reduction.

Analysts surveyed by Zacks, expect Pet and Garden segments to post net sales of $294 million and $147 million, up 8.6% and 2.9% year over year, respectively. In third-quarter fiscal 2017, both Pet and Garden segments reported revenue growth of 9.1% and 14.9%. Further, the company’s Pet segment recorded eighth successive quarter of organic sales growth primarily owing to robust consumer brands performance.

Central Garden & Pet Company Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

What Does the Zacks Model Unveil?

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

Central Garden & Pet has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. Although, the company’s Zacks Rank #3 increases the predictive power of ESP, we need to have a positive ESP to be confident about an earnings surprise.

Stocks with Favorable Combination

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:

Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ:ZUMZ) has an Earnings ESP of +0.69% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) has an Earnings ESP of +1.04% and a Zacks Rank #2.

G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (NASDAQ:GIII) has an Earnings ESP of +1.44% and a Zacks Rank #3.

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