Factors Setting The Tone For Guidewire's (GWRE) Q3 Earnings

Guidewire Software, Inc. (NYSE:GWRE) is scheduled to report third-quarter fiscal 2019 earnings on Jun 4.

The company’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the trailing four quarters, the average being 191.4%.

Past-Quarter Performance

In the last reported quarter, the company delivered non-GAAP earnings of 34 cents per share, which increased by 1 cent from the year-ago quarter number. The metric also outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 19 cents.

Revenues came in at $169.3 million, up 3% from the prior-year quarter, comfortably exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $162 million.

What to Expect in Q3?

Management expects third-quarter fiscal 2019 revenues to be in the $152.5-$156.5 million range. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is currently pegged at $154.54 million, indicating growth of approximately 10% from the year-ago quarter reported figure.

Earnings are anticipated to be in the band of 5-9 cents per share. The consensus mark for earnings stands at 8 cents, suggesting 60% growth from the prior-year reported number.

Let’s see how things are shaping up prior to this announcement.

Factors at Play

Guidewire is benefiting from the adoption of its InsurancePlatform suite of products. In the quarter under review, notable insurance companies including Rockford Mutual, Ayr Farmers Mutual, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Donegal Insurance Group, to mention a few, implemented the company’s subscription solutions.

Moreover, Guidewire’s ClaimCenter solution is witnessing traction lately, which is expected to get reflected in the upcoming earnings release. In fact, ClaimCenter solution has been selected byAfrica-based insurer Santam and Japan-based Rakuten General Insurance Co., Ltd.

These apart, Guidewire expanded its collaboration with S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI) in the third quarter. Guidewire’s Cyence Risk Analytics will be utilized by S&P Global Ratings division to strengthen its new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Evaluation product with cyber security capabilities.

We believe that growing clout of the company’s cloud-based solutions will provide a boost to the company’s subscription revenues in the to-be-reported quarter.

Guidewire’s partnership programs are an added positive. Notably, Guidewire’s Partner Connect Program that has been implemented worldwide is benefiting customers in the property and casualty insurance industry.

The company’s acquisition strategies are also a major contributor to growth. Synergies from its latest Cyence buyout is expected to aid Guidewire in expanding clientele, leading to revenue growth.

However, increasing investments on product enhancements are likely to limit margin expansion at least in the near term.

What the Zacks Model Unveils

According to the Zacks model, a company with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) has a good chance of beating estimates if it also has a positive Earnings ESP. Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) are best avoided.

Guidewire has a Zacks Rank #3 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00%, which make surprise prediction difficult. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Stocks With Favorable Combination

Here are a few stocks that are worth considering as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to deliver an earnings beat in the upcoming releases.

Xilinx, Inc. (NASDAQ:XLNX) has an Earnings ESP of +1.05% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Science Applications International (NYSE:SAIC) has an Earnings ESP of +2.82% and a Zacks Rank #3.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) has an Earnings ESP of +2.10% and a Zacks Rank #3.

This Could Be the Fastest Way to Grow Wealth in 2019

Research indicates one sector is poised to deliver a crop of the best-performing stocks you'll find anywhere in the market. Breaking news in this space frequently creates quick double- and triple-digit profit opportunities.

These companies are changing the world – and owning their stocks could transform your portfolio in 2019 and beyond. Recent trades from this sector have generated +98%, +119% and +164% gains in as little as 1 month.

Click here to see these breakthrough stocks now >>