Top Earnings Previews for the Week Ahead (NKE, AM, FDO, GIS, KBH, MON, APOL, STZ, DRI, MKC, SCHN)

We have several key companies reporting earnings this coming week.  While most will not be DJIA-moving stocks, there can have a large sector impact or can be volatile around earnings.  Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) reports on Monday; on Wednesday we have reports from American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM), Family Dollar Stores Inc. (NYSE: FDO), General Mills Inc. (NYSE: GIS), KB Home (NYSE: KBH), and Monsanto Co. (NYSE: MON).  On Thursday comes reports from Apollo Group Inc. (NASDAQ: APOL), Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ), Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: DRI), Mccormick & Co Inc. (NYSE: MKC), and Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: SCHN).

We have provided an earnings preview on each, shown pricing data, and added color if applicable.

Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE) reports on Monday. Thomson Reuters estimates for the sporting goods and apparel giant are $1.16 EPS and $5.54 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $1.27 EPS and $5.67 billion in revenues.  With shares around $81.40, its 52-week trading range is $66.34 to $92.49.  This one has recovered a bit after getting hit on its last earnings report when shares fell to $77 from $85 before the report.

Wednesday…

American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is due with its gift and greeting card earnings. Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.78 EPS and next quarter estimates are $0.27 EPS.  With shares around $23.62, its 52-week trading range is $17.89 to $24.75. Why do we all accept paying so much for greeting cards?

Family Dollar Stores Inc. (NYSE: FDO) is due to report on Wednesday.  Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.95 EPS and $2.17 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.65 EPS and $2.12 billion in revenues.  With shares around $52.25, its 52-week trading range is $35.31 to $56.92.  After the buyout interest was there and with sector consolidation being well documented, we’ll be paying close attention to ‘non-earnings news.’

General Mills Inc. (NYSE: GIS) will show us more about how the food business is going.  Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.52 EPS and $3.68 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.69 EPS and $3.7 billion in revenues.  With shares around $37.00, its 52-week trading range is $33.11 to $40.00.

KB Home (NYSE: KBH) is due with its homebuilder earnings.  Thomson Reuters estimates are -$0.32 EPS and $257.05 million in revenues; next quarter estimates are -$0.05 EPS and $384.54 million in revenues.  With shares around $11.75, its 52-week trading range is $9.43 to $16.11.

Monsanto Co. (NYSE: MON) will be key to watch as it has been in a turnaround mode.  Thomson Reuters estimates are $1.11 EPS and $3.38 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are -$0.18 EPS and $2.05 billion in revenues.  With shares around $66.00, its 52-week trading range is $44.61 to $76.69.

Thursday…

Apollo Group Inc. (NASDAQ: APOL) is going to turn in its online university earnings, and we’ll get to see how much the pressure added when these were under the Washington scrutiny. Thomson Reuters estimates are $1.34 EPS and $1.2 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.92 EPS and $1.09 billion in revenues.  With shares around $42.00, its 52-week trading range is $33.75 to $53.61.

Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE: STZ) is due and Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.38 EPS and $648.48 million in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.59 EPS and $715.92 million in revenues.  With shares around $20.83, its 52-week trading range is $14.97 to $23.19.

Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: DRI): Thomson Reuters estimates are $1.00 EPS and $1.99 billion in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.92 EPS and $1.92 billion in revenues.  With shares around $48.52, its 52-week trading range is $37.08 to $52.12.  This is one which we think can eventually challenge McDonald’s for the high dividends.

McCormick & Co Inc. (NYSE: MKC) will show the food and spices earnings. Thomson Reuters estimates are $0.54 EPS and $855.16 million in revenues; next quarter estimates are $0.70 EPS and $858.17 million in revenues.  With shares around $50.00, its 52-week trading range is $37.37 to $50.68.

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc. (NASDAQ: SCHN) is historically not a sector moving stock but right now it seems that investors want guidance of any bit from any company.  Thomson Reuters estimates are $1.19 EPS and $831.16 million in revenues; next quarter estimates are $1.25 EPS and $841.31 million in revenues.  With shares around $53.05, its 52-week trading range is $37.00 to $69.43.

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JON C. OGG