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Check Out Kroger's (KR) Probability to Beat in Q1 Earnings

Zacks Equity Research

The Kroger Co. KR is slated to release first-quarter fiscal 2019 results on Jun 20. In the trailing four quarters, it outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of roughly 7.4%. In the preceding quarter, the company had reported negative earnings surprise of 5.9%. Let’s see how things are shaping up prior to this announcement.

Investors are pinning hope on a positive earnings surprise from Kroger in the quarter to be reported. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the quarter under review is 72 cents, indicating a decline of one cent from the prior-year period. We observe that the Zacks Consensus Estimate has declined by a penny in the past 30 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $36,781 million, suggesting a decline of 2% from the year-ago quarter.

Which Factors Hold Key to Kroger’s Performance?

The grocery industry has been undergoing a fundamental change, with technology playing a major role and the focus shifting to online shopping. Kroger has taken the stock of the situation and is focused on giving itself a complete makeover. The company is introducing new items, digital coupons, and order online, pick up in store initiative. The company’s “Restock Kroger” program is also gaining traction. All these bode well for the upcoming quarterly results.

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In order to bolster its omni-channel capabilities, Kroger acquired meal kit provider, Home Chef. The company also partnered with British online grocery delivery company, Ocado that reinforces its position in the online ordering, automated fulfillment and home delivery space. The company is aggressively working toward more convenient grocery delivery options. In this regard, the company has started utilizing Nuro’s fully autonomous, driverless R1 vehicles for grocery delivery services. Kroger is expanding its “Scan, Bag, Pay & Go and Self-CheckOut” program.

However, stiff competition and an aggressive promotional environment are the primary headwinds. Industry experts cited that the sector is jostling with volatile commodity prices, higher freight costs and increasing wages. Moreover, analysts believe that incremental investments may keep margins under pressure during the to-be-reported quarter.

The Kroger Co. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

The Kroger Co. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
The Kroger Co. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

The Kroger Co. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | The Kroger Co. Quote

 

What the Zacks Model Unveils

Our proven model shows that Kroger is likely to beat 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.

Kroger has a Zacks Rank #3 but an Earnings ESP of -2.15%, which makes surprise prediction difficult.

Stocks Poised to Beat Earnings Estimates

Here are some companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post earnings beat.

General Mills GIS has an Earnings ESP of +1.18% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Darden Restaurants DRI has an Earnings ESP of +1.16% and a Zacks Rank #3.

Constellation Brands STZ has an Earnings ESP of +4.42% and a Zacks Rank #3.

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Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
General Mills, Inc. (GIS) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
The Kroger Co. (KR) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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Zacks Investment Research