Alcoa Inc. (NYSE: AA) is set to kick off the new earnings season after it reports earnings on Monday after the closing bell. Many investors use Alcoa as a bogey for the entire economy, and the metals sector, when it reports. That tie may seem less relevant to many investors now that Alcoa has been booted out of the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The thing to consider though is that Alcoa is a more diversified and better company than when it left the Dow.
Earnings estimates for its fourth quarter were most recently seen at $0.27 per share on $5.99 billion in revenues. That would represent over 7% revenue growth and compare to earnings per share of $0.04 a year ago.
There are a few things to consider going into earnings. The first is that the $0.27 per share target from analysts was just $0.25 a week or so ago, and it was closer to $0.20 around 90 days ago. Another consideration is that Nomura came out on Monday morning and upgraded Alcoa’s stock rating to Buy from Neutral ahead of earnings.
What stands out in the Nomura upgrade is that the firm also lifted its price target to $23 from $15 in the call. Alcoa’s consensus analyst price target is $18.72, but the highest analyst price target is up at $25.50.
ALSO READ: Falling Oil Prices Force U.S. Steel Facility Closures
Alcoa has consensus earnings estimates for the first quarter of $0.27 per share, on revenue growth of 15% to $6.28 billion. For fiscal 2015, the estimates are $1.06 in earnings per share and revenue growth of 9% to $25.6 billion.
Alcoa’s stock chart is in an interesting position ahead of earnings. Just on Monday morning the stock went back above the 50-day moving average (now at$16.25) for the first time in over a month. Only a week ago Alcoa was bouncing off the 200-day moving average (now at $15.32).
Another issue to consider is the trading of stock options. It seems that the options traders are braced for a move of almost $0.50 per share in either direction. If that turns out to be correct, then the options traders are looking for a move of up to around 3% or so in either direction.
Alcoa used to be treated as the directional bias company for earnings season. Whether or not that is still the case now is up for grabs.
ALSO READ: Top Stock Picks for 2015 That Are Unloved by Wall Street
The #1 Thing to Do Before You Claim Social Security (Sponsor)
Choosing the right (or wrong) time to claim Social Security can dramatically change your retirement. So, before making one of the biggest decisions of your financial life, it’s a smart idea to get an extra set of eyes on your complete financial situation.
A financial advisor can help you decide the right Social Security option for you and your family. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you optimize your Social Security outcomes.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.