Nearly 87% of the S&P 500 members have reported results as of May 6. So far, the auto sector has outperformed the remaining 15 Zacks sectors in terms of earnings. As of May 6, it was the only sector to maintain an earnings beat ratio of 100%, per our Earnings Preview report. Moreover, auto sector companies recorded impressive year-over-year earnings growth of 53.2%. Meanwhile, revenues in this sector witnessed a modest 4.4% improvement, with a beat ratio of 40%.
Revenues of auto companies are being driven by strong sales in important markets like U.S., Europe and China in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the bottom line is benefiting from an increase in the sales of higher margin vehicle segments, such as SUVs and light trucks, due to low fuel prices. However, sluggishness in some emerging markets and expenses related to safety recalls are challenges. The negative impact of foreign currency translation also remains a major headwind for U.S.-based auto companies. However, foreign automakers are benefiting from favorable currency translation.
Among the many companies lined up to report this week, let’s see what awaits these three mega foreign automakers scheduled to release their results this week.
Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) is set to report fourth-quarter and fiscal 2016 (ended Mar 31, 2016) results on May 11. The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate both stand at $2.07. Toyota carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which increases the predictive power of ESP. However, the company’s ESP of 0.00% makes surprise prediction difficult. Toyota delivered positive earnings surprises in two of the last four quarters. This resulted in an average beat of 0.96%. (Read more: Toyota to Post Q4 Earnings: Will it Surprise Investors?)
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. (OTC:NSANY) will release fourth-quarter and fiscal 2015 (ended Mar 31, 2016) results on May 12. The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% because the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate both stand at 43 cents. Nissan holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which increases the predictive power of ESP. However, the company’s ESP of 0.00% makes surprise prediction difficult. Nissan delivered positive earnings surprises in each of the last four quarters. This resulted in an average beat of 14.28%.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE:HMC) is set to report fourth-quarter and fiscal 2016 (ended Mar 31, 2016) results on May 13. The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% because the Most Accurate estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate both stand at 49 cents. Honda carries a Zacks Rank #3, which increases the predictive power of ESP. However, the company’s ESP of 0.00% makes surprise prediction difficult. Honda missed earnings estimates in 3 of the trailing 4 quarters. This resulted in a negative average surprise of around 5.53% over the last four quarters. (Read more: Honda to Post Q4 Earnings: What's in the Cards?)
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HONDA MOTOR (HMC): Free Stock Analysis Report
TOYOTA MOTOR CP (TM): Free Stock Analysis Report
NISSAN ADR (NSANY): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Zacks Investment Research