Cummins (CMI) To Report Q2 Earnings: Is A Beat In The Cards?

Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) is expected to report second-quarter 2017 results before the market opens on Aug 1. Last quarter, the company delivered a positive earnings surprise of 30.39%. In fact, the company beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average beat of 14.52%.

The long-term EPS growth (3 to 5 years) for the company is currently pegged at 11.4%.

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

Cummins Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

Cummins Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Cummins Inc. Quote

Why a Likely Positive Surprise?

Our proven model shows that Cummins is likely to beat estimates this quarter because it has the right combination of two key ingredients.

Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for Cummins is +3.10% because the Most Accurate Estimate of $2.66 is pegged above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.58.

You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: Cummins currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 or 3 (Hold) have a significantly higher chance of an earnings beat.

Conversely, the Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement.

Factors to Drive Better-than-Expected Results

Cummins has the potential to benefit from its innovative product portfolio. The company is poised to gain from the acquisitions made in North America and expansion through partnerships.

The company also has the capability of benefitting from higher use of its engines by a number of OEMs, including Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (OTC:NSANY) . For 2017, Cummins anticipates revenues to grow 4–6% compared with the prior guidance of revenues remaining flat or declining 5%. EBIT is expected in the range of 11.75–12.5%, up from the prior guidance of 11–11.5%.

Cummins is focused on enhancing shareholder value by pursuing aggressive share repurchases and increasing dividend payouts. In 2017, Cummins plans to return 50% of its full-year operating cash flow to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.

Stocks to Consider

Here are a few companies you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to come up with an earnings beat this quarter:

Westlake Chemical Corporation (NYSE:WLK) has an Earnings ESP of +5.04% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company’s second-quarter 2017 results are expected to release on Aug 3.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Horizon Global Corporation (NYSE:HZN) has an Earnings ESP of +2.99% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company’s second-quarter 2017 results are expected to release on Aug 1.

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