Investing

Top 6 Earnings for the Week Ahead

24/7 Wall St. has put together a preview of some of the major companies reporting their quarterly results this week. We have included the consensus earnings estimates from Thomson Reuters and the stock price and trading history, as well as added some additional color on each. Be advised that the earnings and revenue estimates may change ahead of the formal reports, and some companies may change reporting dates as well.

Barracuda Networks

Barracuda Networks Inc. (NYSE: CUDA) will share its most recent quarterly results after the markets close on Tuesday. The consensus estimates call for earnings per share (EPS) of $0.09 and $78.56 million in revenue.

The company designs and delivers security and storage solutions. It offers cloud-connected solutions that help its customers address security threats, enhance network performance and protect and store their data.

Barracuda Networks shares were at $25.39 at the close on Friday, within a 52-week trading range of $21.85 to $46.78. The stock has a consensus analyst price target of $42.54.

Costco

Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) is expected to report its fiscal fourth-quarter results late Tuesday. The analysts’ consensus estimates call for EPS of $1.66 and $36.33 billion in revenue.

This company has become the ultimate destination for the American consumer regardless of the economy. Costco has a unique business model. It operates membership warehouses and the company buys the majority of its merchandise directly from manufacturers, essentially cutting out the middleman. Costco sells in bulk but also at a lower price, thus fueling its rapid growth. With consumers having more free cash to spend as gasoline prices have dropped, this major retailer may continue to see large revenue gains.

Shares of Costco were changing hands at $145.55 on Friday’s close. The consensus price target is $155.22, and the stock has a 52-week trading range of $117.03 to $156.85.

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Diamond Foods

Diamond Foods Inc. (NASDAQ: DMND) is scheduled to reveal its fiscal fourth-quarter results late Tuesday as well. The consensus estimates call for EPS of $0.21, as well as $210.09 million in revenue.

This packaged food company processes, markets and distributes snack products and nuts. It operates in two segments. The Snacks segment offers microwave popcorn products and potato chips under the Kettle and Pop Secret brands. The Nuts segment provides roasted, glazed and flavored nuts; trail mixes; and similar offerings.

Shares of Diamond Foods ended the week at $34.09. The consensus price target is $32.33. The stock has a 52-week trading range of $24.57 to $34.15.

Paychex

Paychex Inc. (NASDAQ: PAYX) is set to report its fiscal first-quarter results before Wednesday’s opening bell. The analysts’ consensus estimates call for per-share earnings of $0.51 and $717.52 million in revenue.

The company provides payroll, human resource, insurance and benefits outsourcing solutions for small to medium-sized businesses in the United States and Germany. Its payroll processing services include the calculation, preparation and delivery of employee payroll checks; production of internal accounting records and management reports; and preparation of federal, state and local payroll tax returns.

Shares of Paychex were changing hands at $46.69 as last week came to a close. The consensus price target is $46.69, and the stock has a 52-week trading range of $41.59 to $51.72.

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McCormick

McCormick & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MKC) is scheduled to reveal its fiscal third-quarter results early on Thursday. The consensus estimates call for $0.87 in EPS, as well as $1.06 billion in revenue.

This company markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the food industry worldwide. It operates through two segments, Consumer and Industrial.

Shares were trading at $83.43 on Friday’s close. The consensus price target on McCormick is $83.00. The stock has a 52-week trading range of $65.16 to $85.30.

Micron Technology

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) is expected to report its fiscal fourth-quarter results after the close on Thursday. The consensus analyst estimates call for $0.34 per share earnings and revenue of $3.57 billion.

Many on Wall Street feel that, trading at lower levels, the company is a potential takeover candidate. The collaboration with Intel is huge, and it would be ironic if Intel considered a purchase of Micron as it sold IM Flash Singapore to Micron, along with its share of IM Flash Technologies assets in Micron’s plant in Virginia in 2012. Recently Micron has turned down takeover bids from Chinese companies as well.

Shares of Micron traded at $14.91 when Friday’s session concluded. The consensus price target is $26.21, and the 52-week trading range is $13.50 to $36.50.

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