Leisure Stocks Q1 Earnings Coming Up: CNK, NCLH, PNK, PLNT

On the whole, the first quarter was somewhat lackluster for the leisure industry in the U.S. This is attributable to several factors, such as a strong dollar, challenges posed by new technology and detrimental international markets, which have been dragging the top line of most leisure companies. Moreover, sluggish conditions in important emerging economies like Brazil and China continue to pose headwinds. Going forward, declining crude and commodity prices, rising inflation, and devaluation of currencies in these markets may keep hurting the top line.

During the first quarter, economic growth in the U.S. decelerated dramatically, as gross domestic product (GDP) was up only 0.5%. This is the weakest growth rate since the first quarter of 2014. Even last quarter, GDP growth was recorded at 1.4%.

Further, consumer spending, which constitutes more than two-thirds of the U.S. economic activity, increased at a meager 1.9%. This indicated its lowest rate in a year and a decline from the fourth-quarter level of 2.4%.

Despite persistently declining energy prices, consumers are increasing their spending only modestly, as an increase in jobs this year is yet to translate into significantly higher wages. Higher health care costs and still tightened credit availability also lowers consumer discretionary spending in the U.S.

This week, we will see earnings releases from leisure stocks like Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CNK) , Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc (NASDAQ:PNK) , Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:PLNT) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ:NCLH) . Let’s take a look at how these companies are placed ahead of their scheduled announcements.

Cinemark, which operates in the motion picture exhibition industry, is set to report first-quarter 2016 results on May 10, before the opening bell. The company’s earnings have surpassed estimates in two of the four trailing quarters with an average surprise of 0.15%. Cinemark’s quarterly revenues, on the other hand, have topped the consensus mark in three of the trailing four quarters. The company currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and an Earnings ESP of 0.00%.

Pinnacle Entertainment, a diversified gaming company that owns and operates casinos, is also set to report first-quarter 2016 results on May 10, before the opening bell. The company’s earnings have surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters with an average surprise of 2.40%. Meanwhile, its revenues have topped the consensus mark in two of the trailing four quarters. Pinnacle Entertainment has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an Earnings ESP of 23.21%.

Fitness centre operator, Planet Fitness is set to report first-quarter 2016 results on May 10, after the market closes. The company’s earnings have surpassed estimates in all of the trailing three quarters, with an average surprise of 10.92%. Moreover, its revenues have topped the consensus mark in all of the trailing three quarters. Planet Fitness, which entered the market with an initial public offering (IPO) on Aug 6, 2015, has a Zacks Rank #3 and an Earnings ESP of -7.69%.

Norwegian Cruise Line, a cruise operating company, is set to report first-quarter 2016 results on May 10, before the opening bell. The company’s earnings have lagged estimates in all of the trailing four quarters, with an average negative surprise of 6.12%. Also, its quarterly revenues have missed the consensus mark over the same period. Norwegian Cruise Line has a Zacks Rank #2 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00%.

Despite the bleak outlook surrounding the leisure industry, not all hope is lost, as investors have already adjusted prices (and their expectations) for the uncertain environment. This leaves ample scope for an earnings beat.