Will Broadcom (AVGO) Keep The Earnings Streak Alive In Q4?

 | Dec 05, 2016 04:35AM ET

We expect Broadcom Limited (NASDAQ:AVGO) to beat expectations when it reports fourth-quarter fiscal 2017 results on Dec 8.

Why a Likely Positive Surprise?

Our proven model shows that Broadcom is likely to beat earnings because it has the right combination of two key ingredients.

Zacks ESP: Broadcom’s

Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), #2 or #3 (Hold) has a significantly higher chance of beating earnings estimates. Conversely, Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement.

The combination of Broadcom’s +1.73% ESP and Zacks Rank #2 makes us reasonably optimistic of an earnings beat.

What's Driving the Better-than-Expected Earnings?

Broadcom’s extensive product portfolio serves multiple applications within four primary end markets – wired infrastructure, wireless communications, enterprise storage, and industrial & others. The company’s focus on multiple target markets and geographies mitigates operating risks and lessens its exposure to volatility in any single market.

BROADCOM LTD Price and EPS Surprise

BROADCOM LTD Quote

Notably, Broadcom has beaten earnings estimates in each of the last four quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 7.00%. However, the company’s return of 13.14% compared unfavorably with the Zacks Elec-Semiconductors Industry’s gain of 38.77% on a year-to-date basis.

Nevertheless, we believe the stock will rebound going ahead driven by its strong product portfolio, impressive pipeline and continuing cost-synergy realization from the Avago merger. Moreover, the IT platform integration is expected to help lower operating expenses.