Factors Setting The Tone For Seaspan's (SSW) Q4 Earnings

Seaspan Corporation (NYSE:SSW) is scheduled to release fourth-quarter 2019 numbers on Feb 19, before market open.

The company has an impressive track record with respect to earnings per share, having outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters.

Given this backdrop, let’s delve into the factors that might have influenced the company’s performance in the fourth quarter.

Akin to the past few quarters, vessel utilization (the number of operating days as a % of ownership days) is likely to have been high in the fourth quarter as well, courtesy of increased operating days. Significant contribution from the additional vessels purchased via the acquisition of Greater China Intermodal Investments LLC is likely to have boosted operating days in the December-end quarter.

Apart from the inclusion of new vessels due to the GCI acquisition, higher average charter rates are expected to have boosted revenues in the to-be-reported quarter. Also, cash flow from operations is likely to have been high during the period in discussion, reflecting the company’s financial strength.

However, the fourth-quarter bottom-line number will likely reflect higher ship operating expenses. Ship operating expenses are likely to have flared up during the October-December period due to higher maintenance costs.

Highlights of Q3 Earnings

In the last reported quarter, the company delivered a positive earnings surprise of 16.7%. However, earnings per share plummeted 41.7% primarily due to high costs. Quarterly revenues decreased 4.2% to $282.7 million.

What Does the Zacks Model Say?

The proven Zacks model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Seaspan in the final quarter of 2019. This is because 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. However, that is not the case here as elaborated below. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Earnings ESP: Seaspan has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as the Most Accurate Estimate is in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 21 cents. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: Seaspan currently carries a Zacks Rank of 3.

Stocks to Consider

Investors interested in the broader Transportation sector may consider Azul (NYSE:AZUL) , Frontline (NYSE:FRO) and LATAM Airlines (NYSE:LTM) , as these stocks possess the perfect mix of elements to beat on earnings in their next releases.

Azul has an Earnings ESP of +16.13% and sports a Zacks Rank #1, currently. The company will release fourth-quarter numbers on Mar 12.

Frontline is another Zacks #1 Ranked company and has an Earnings ESP of +41.18%. This company will report quarterly figures on Feb 28.

LATAM Airlines has an Earnings ESP of +4.26% and currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3. The company will release fourth-quarter 2019 results on Mar 4.

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