US Earnings Preview For This Week: Dell, AutoZone, Big Lots, Costco, Marvell

Dell (DELL), AutoZone (AZO), Big Lots (BIG) and Costco (COST) are among the most notable names for what will be a light week for earnings. Just 81 companies are confirmed to report, 9 of which are S&P 500 (^GSPC) members.

Housing data will be among the economic headlines with CaseShiller, existing home sales and new home sales data being released. We will also see the first set of revisions to Q1 GDP.

• Tuesday: S&P/CaseShiller housing price index, Conference Board May consumer confidence index
• Wednesday: April existing home sales, weekly crude inventories
• Thursday: April new home sales, April durable goods orders, weekly initial jobless claims
• Friday: Preliminary Q1 GDP, May Chicago PMI, revised May University of Michigan consumer confidence

Dallas Fed President Richard Fisher will discuss the economic outlook on Thursday, May 28 before the Washington Association of Money Managers.

The biggest news of the week should be General Motors (GM). The company has until May 26 to get bondholders to agree to a deal. If an agreement is not reached, it’s hard to see how the automaker will meet the White House’s June 1 deadline for a restructuring plan.

Bankruptcy seems likely. If a resolution is found (including a neat, prepackaged bankruptcy), the markets could react very positively. A contentious bankruptcy, however, could send stocks lower. The latter scenario seems more likely.

Companies That Could Issue Positive Earnings Surprises

Shares of AutoZone (AZO) following the company’s last 2 reports. Can AZO do it again?

Three of the 18 covering analysts have raised their fiscal third-quarter forecasts over the past few weeks, nudging the consensus earnings estimate a penny higher to $2.89 per share. The most accurate estimate is more bullish at $2.94. Keep in mind, however, that AZO has missed once in the past 3 quarters and one analyst recently lowered his projections. So there is some risk. AZO is scheduled to report on Wednesday, May 27, before the start of trading.

Big Lots (BIG) has topped expectations for nearly every quarter over the past 3 years. Ahead of the closeout retailer’s first-quarter report, the majority of the covering analysts have raised their forecasts. These revisions pushed the consensus earnings estimate 3 cents higher to 40 cents per share. Big Lots is scheduled to report on Thursday, May 28, before the start of trading.

Marvell Technology Group (MRVL) has delivered 4 consecutive earnings surprises. Revisions by 2 of the 18 covering analysts resulted in the most accurate estimate calling for a 1-cent loss, which is a penny better than the consensus earnings estimate. The possibility for positive guidance also exists, given the commentary provided by other chipmakers. Marvell Technology Group is scheduled to report on Thursday, May 28, after the close of trading.

Companies That Could Issue Negative Earnings Surprises

DSW, Inc. (DSW) disappointed investors twice during the past 4 quarters. Some analysts believe another miss could be forthcoming, as is evidenced by the 1-cent fall in the consensus earnings estimate, to 14 cents per share. The most accurate estimate is even more bearish at 11 cents per share. DSW is scheduled to report on Thursday, May 28, before the start of trading.

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