Per the Earnings Preview dated Jul 21, 97 S&P 500 members have reported second-quarter results. These members account for almost 28.1% of the index’s total market capitalization.

Although we are in the early phase of this earnings season, results provided so far are positive and indicate an improvement from the previous year. Total earnings of the companies that have reported are up 8.4% from the year-ago period, while revenues increased 5.1%. Remarkably, 78.4% and 72.2% of these companies beat earnings and revenue estimates, respectively. As a whole, earnings for the S&P 500 companies are anticipated to improve 8.6% while revenues are expected to be up 4.7% from the prior-year period.

Out of the 16 Zacks Classified sectors, five are expected to witness a decline in earnings this season. Conglomerates and Autos are likely to be the major drags. Meanwhile, the Consumer Staples sector has been performing well and is placed at the top 13% of the Zacks Classified sectors (2 out of 16). This sector is displaying strength with earnings expected to advance 3.1% and revenues likely to increase 1.2% in the second quarter.

Notably, the consumer staples sector is in good shape currently buoyed by rising consumer confidence and improving economy. The sector has been the reaping benefits of an improving labor market and recovery witnessed in the housing segment, which has in turn gave a boost to consumer confidence.

Taking note of these factors, let’s see what awaits the following stocks when they release their quarterly results this week.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation KMB is slated to report second-quarter 2017 results before the opening bell on Jul 25. The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at $1.50. The company’s earnings exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 1.5%. The company carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Our proven model does not conclusively show earnings beat for Kimberly-Clark in this quarter. This is because a stock needs to have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. You may uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Kimberly-Clark Corporation Quote

Kimberly-Clark has been dealing with decelerated organic sales growth, especially in developing and emerging markets over the past few quarters. Sales growth has slowed due to lower volumes and a difficult economic scenario. The diaper segment of the company is witnessing lower market share as consumers are shifting to other premium and less expensive diaper offerings. Nevertheless, the company has been improving its performance through innovation and overseas expansion. (Read More: Kimberly-Clark Q2 Earnings: What Awaits the Stock?)

SUPERVALU Inc. SVU, a leading grocery dealer, is scheduled to report first-quarter fiscal 2018 results on Jul 25, before the market opens. Its earnings have lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, with an average miss of 6.7%. SUPERVALU has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at 10 cents. Although the company’s Zacks Rank #2 increases the predictive power of ESP, we need a positive Earnings ESP in order to be confident about an earnings beat.

SuperValu Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

SuperValu Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | SuperValu Inc. Quote

The company has been witnessing sluggish sales in the retail business due to tough competitive pressure, lower store traffic and deflationary environment in the food industry. Nevertheless, the company is striving for a turnaround through dedicated growth efforts which include expanding its retail banners through acquisitions, reduce costs and increase operating efficiency. (Read More: SUPERVALU to Report Q1 Earnings: What's in the Cards?)

Another consumer staples stock, Pinnacle Foods Inc. PF is set to report second-quarter 2017 results before the opening bell on Jul 27. We note that the company has outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three out of the trailing four quarters, with an average of 3.9%. However, Pinnacle Foods has an Earnings ESP of -1.92%, as the Most Accurate Estimate of 51 cents is below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 52 cents. A negative ESP makes it unlikely to beat earnings estimates. Pinnacle Foods carries a Zacks Rank #4. (Read More: Will Pickle Business Dampen Pinnacle Foods Q2 Earnings?)

Pinnacle Foods, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Pinnacle Foods, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Pinnacle Foods, Inc. Quote

Finally, let’s take a sneak peek at  Altria Group, Inc. MO which is also set to report its results before the opening bell on Jul 27. The company has an average positive earnings surprise of 0.7% over the trailing four quarters, wherein earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate thrice. Altria has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at 86 cents. Moreover, the company carries a Zacks Rank #4, which makes surprise prediction difficult. (Read More: Will Declining Volumes Hurt Altria's Earnings in Q2?).

Stay tuned! Check later on our full write-up on earnings releases of these stocks.

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Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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