Can Sirius XM (SIRI) Spring a Surprise in Q2 Earnings?

Sirius XM Holdings SIRI is scheduled to report second-quarter 2017 results on Jul 27 before the market opens.

Last quarter, the company’s earnings were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate while revenues missed the same. However, both earnings and revenues improved on a year-over- year basis.

Let’s see how things shape up for this announcement.

Factors Likely at Play

Sirius XM might struggle in the second quarter of 2017 due to high debt levels. Increased leverage coupled with stiff competition from its rivals will also act as headwinds for the company this quarter.

However, the company’s healthy net subscriber growth is encouraging which might drive its second-quarter results.

The company’s efforts to expand its product portfolio also raise optimism. In April, the company acquired Automatic Labs, a provider of connected vehicle services for consumers and enterprises based in San Francisco. Also in June, the company announced plans to make a $480 million investment in Pandora P.

The company’s efforts to reward shareholders are also appreciative. In April, the company’s board declared a quarterly cash dividend of a one cent per share.

Earnings Whispers

Our quantitative model does not conclusively show that Sirius XM is likely to beat on earnings this quarter. A company needs the right combination of two key ingredients – a positive Earnings ESP and a favorable Zacks Rank — to increase the odds of an earnings surprise. However, that is not the case as highlighted below.

Zacks ESP: The Earnings ESP for Sirius XM is 0.00% as both the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at 4 cents per share. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: Sirius XM carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). However, the company’s 0.00% ESP complicates our surprise prediction.

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

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

 

Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Sirius XM Holdings Inc. Quote

Stocks to Consider

Investors interested in the broader consumer discretionary space may consider the following stocks. This is because our model shows that these companies possess the right combination of elements to come up with an earnings beat this quarter.

Discovery Communications, Inc. DISCA has an Earnings ESP of +1.41% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company will report its second-quarter earnings on Aug 8.

AMC Networks Inc. AMCX has an Earnings ESP of +2.14% % and a Zacks Rank #3. The company will report its second-quarter earnings on Aug 3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

More Stock News: Tech Opportunity Worth $386 Billion in 2017

From driverless cars to artificial intelligence, we've seen an unsurpassed growth of high-tech products in recent months. Yesterday's science-fiction is becoming today's reality. Despite all the innovation, there is a single component no tech company can survive without. Demand for this critical device will reach $387 billion this year alone, and it's likely to grow even faster in the future.                                                                                       

Zacks has released a brand-new Special Report to help you take advantage of this exciting investment opportunity. Most importantly, it reveals 4 stocks with massive profit potential. See these stocks now>>

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
Pandora Media, Inc. (P) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (SIRI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
AMC Networks Inc. (AMCX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Discovery Communications, Inc. (DISCA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
 
Zacks Investment Research