Upcoming Consumer Earnings Reports To Watch: JNJ, F, SBUX

Fourth-quarter earnings season is finally underway, and investors are already getting excited about the upcoming reports from market-moving tech companies like Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) . Nevertheless, we will see many major reports from noteworthy consumer-facing brands in other industries, so investors will want to be paying attention to all the news.

In the coming weeks, we will see reports from the world’s biggest and most relevant companies, meaning that investors need to be prepared for the ensuing movement that is likely to occur throughout the market.

According to the latest report from Sheraz Mian, the head of the Zacks Equity Research department and an acknowledged earnings expert, earnings growth is expected to be positive for 13 of the 16 Zacks sectors—and growth rates are projected to hit the double digits for our Energy, Technology, Construction, Industrial Products, Basic Materials, and Automotive groups.

Investors should remember that they can always use the Zacks Earnings Calendar to plan out their schedules for earnings, dividend announcements, and other important financial releases. This handy tool is your perfect one-stop-shop to properly prepare for the market events that will have an impact on your own portfolio.

Today, we’ve made that task even easier for you. Using the Earnings Calendar, we looked ahead to next week and selected some of the biggest reports to watch. Make sure to keep an eye on these companies as they prepare to report during the week of January 22.

1. Johnson & Johnson, Inc. (NYSE:JNJ)

Personal healthcare and pharmaceuticals behemoth Johnson & Johnson is scheduled to release its latest quarterly results before the market opens on January 23. The company basically never missed earnings estimates, and shares have gained a respectable 29% over the past year. JNJ is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) as it approaches its report date.

Based on our latest consensus estimates, we expect to see Johnson & Johnson report earnings of $1.72 per share and revenues of $20.22 billion. These results would represent year-over-year growth of 9% and 12%, respectively. We believe that new products in all segments, label expansion of drugs like Imbruvica and Darzalex, and contributions from recent acquisitions should support the company's top line.

2. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F)

Automotive manufacturing giant Ford is slated to announce its latest quarterly earnings results after the market closes on January 24. The company has met or surpassed estimates in three consecutive quarters, but the stock has dropped in the wake of management's warning that 2018 profits will be softer than expected. Still, Ford is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), primarily because of favorable near-term outlook.

Based on our current consensus estimates, Ford is expected to post earnings of $0.44 per share and revenues of $37.15 billion, which would mark growth of 47% and 3%, respectively, from the year-ago period. Nevertheless, an update on the company's forward-looking guidance will likely be what drives the stock in the wake of the report.

3. Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)

Coffee king Starbucks is scheduled to release its latest quarterly earnings report after the closing bell on January 25. Starbucks is a pretty consistent earnings performer, but year-over-year comparisons have tightened and the stock has gained just 6% over the past 52 weeks. SBUX is sporting a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) as we approach the release of its report.

According to our latest consensus estimates, Starbucks is projected to post earnings of $0.57 per share and revenues of $6.15 billion. These results would represent year-over-year growth of 10% and 7%, respectively. Digital initiatives like mobile pay, delivery services, and third-party loyalty partnerships can stimulate stronger sales trends in the Americas, while China will remain a key growth market for the company.

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