Can Spectrum Brands' (SPB) Strategic Efforts Aid Q3 Earnings?

Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. SPB is set to report third-quarter fiscal 2018 results on Jul 26, before the opening bell.

The company has a dismal surprise history, having lagged earnings estimates in four of the trailing five quarters, including second-quarter fiscal 2018. Also, sales missed the same in six of the trailing seven quarters. Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.57 for third-quarter earnings has moved up by a penny in the last seven days. Further, the consensus mark for revenues is $900 million for the quarter, reflecting a decline of 30.9%.

Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. Quote

Let's see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Factors Likely to Influence the Quarter

Spectrum Brands has been undertaking strategic steps to manage its business portfolio through acquisitions and divestitures. Recently, the company has completed its merger with HRG Group, Inc. — its largest shareholder with a 60% controlling stake. This deal made Spectrum Brands an independent company, thereby enhancing its shareholder base and governance structure besides driving business growth.

Additionally, the company has inked a $2-billion cash deal with Energizer Holdings to offload its Global Battery and Lighting Business. Currently, Spectrum Brands is seeking regulatory approvals for this transaction. Spectrum Brands will use the divestiture proceeds for debt reduction, reinvestment in core businesses both organically and via strategic buyouts as well as share buybacks. Management also plans to redirect the capital invested in the Global Batteries & Appliances business toward development of its remaining four businesses, including Hardware & Home Improvement, Global Auto Care, Global Pet Supplies and Home & Garden. These strategic moves are likely to strengthen the company’s operating structure and boost its profitability.

Spectrum Brands boasts a robust brand portfolio and remains committed toward maximizing its shareholders’ value by efficient capital allocation. All these factors make us optimistic about the company’s upcoming quarterly performance.

However, challenges related to the company’s greenfield manufacturing and distribution projects along with issues in pet business, and external cost headwinds and mix adversely impacted results in second-quarter fiscal 2018.

In addition, Spectrum Brands has been witnessing strained margins for the last few quarters due to higher operating and SG&A expenses. In fact, soft operating margins have been hurting the company’s profitability.

Zacks Model

Our proven model does not conclusively show that Spectrum Brands is likely to beat earnings estimates in the fiscal third quarter. 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. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Spectrum Brands has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. However, we need to have a positive ESP to be confident about earnings beat.

Stocks With Favorable Combination

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

The Boston Beer Company, Inc. SAM has an Earnings ESP of +13.00% and a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Dean Foods Company DF has an Earnings ESP of +10.35% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

Monster Beverage Corporation MNST has an Earnings ESP of +0.31% and a Zacks Rank #3.

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