Investors are keeping a close watch on the Q3 earnings season, which so far has recorded positive earnings growth following dismal performance in the five preceding quarters.

Per the Earnings Preview report as of Oct 28, out of the 291 S&P 500 companies that have come up with their quarterly numbers, approximately 73.5% posted positive earnings surprises, while 57.4% beat top-line expectations. According to the report, earnings for the 291 S&P 500 companies that have reported so far are up 2.2% from the same period last year, while revenues have increased 1.3%.

Further, the report projects that earnings for the total S&P 500 companies will improve 2% from the year-ago period with total revenue rising 1.4%. In second-quarter 2016, earnings for the S&P 500 companies declined 2.8%, whereas revenues were flat.

The performance of the index is not restricted to a single sector, and of the 16 Zacks sectors, four are expected to witness an earnings decline in the third quarter, with Autos, Oil/Energy and Transportation being a big drags. However, the Retail/Wholesale sector is showing improvement in spite of overseas turmoil, fluctuating commodity prices and the Fed’s pending decision over the rate hike.

Total earnings for the Retail/Wholesale sector are estimated to rise 4.6%, whereas revenues are projected to increase 5.3%.

Among Retail/Wholesale stocks lined up to report, let’s take a sneak peek at four companies slated to release their quarterly numbers on Nov 2.

Whole Foods Market, Inc. will report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2016 results. The big question facing investors is, whether this retailer of natural and organic foods will be able to post a positive earnings surprise in the quarter to be reported. The company’s past performance reveals that it reported in-line earnings in the third quarter and outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the second and first quarters of fiscal 2016 by 7.3% and 15%, respectively. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the fourth quarter is pegged at $1.35.

Whole Foods is revamping its pricing strategy and concentrating on value offerings. Moreover, it has come out with a new store concept targeting millennials and to stave off competition. Analysts pointed out that increasing competition and aggressive pricing may put pressure on Whole Foods’ quarterly performance as more and more companies are entering as well as expanding their presence in the Organic & Natural food business. Management had earlier projected comparable sales decline of 2.4% in the fourth quarter and envisioned earnings per share in the band of 23-24 cents. (Read More: Whole Foods Q4 Earnings: Will the Stock Disappoint?)

Whole Foods Market carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) and has an Earnings ESP of 0.0%. Please check our Earnings ESP Filter that enables you to find stocks that are expected to come out with earnings surprises.

Kate Spade & Company , which designs and markets apparel and accessories together with its subsidiaries is scheduled to report third-quarter 2016 results. In the previous quarter the company’s earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 21.4%. However, things, appear bleak for the company in Q3. Even though the company has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), its Earnings ESP of -18.18% makes an earnings beat unlikely. The disappointing Earnings ESP is because the Most Accurate estimate is pegged at 9 cents while the Zacks Consensus Estimate stands higher at 11 cents.

Office Depot, Inc. (ODP Quick QuoteODP - Free Report) , one of the leading providers of office products, services and solutions, is slated to report third-quarter 2016 results. The question lingering in investors’ minds now is, whether the company will be able to deliver a positive earnings surprise in the quarter to be reported. In the trailing four quarters, it underperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 28.8%.

Office Depot has undertaken a strategic review of its business operating model, growth prospects and cost structure to bring itself back on growth trajectory, after an attempt to merge with Staples fell through. The company is closing underperforming stores, reducing exposure to higher dollar-value inventory items, shuttering non-critical distribution facilities, concentrating on eCommerce platforms as well as focusing on providing innovative products and services. The recent decision to sell its European operation gives a clear indication that the company wants to focus on its core North American market. (Read more: Will Office Depot Disappoint Again in Q3 Earnings?)

Office Depot has an Earnings ESP of -13.33%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 15 cents. The company carries Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1  (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

1-800-Flowers.com Inc. (FLWS Quick QuoteFLWS - Free Report) , which is a leading provider of gourmet and floral gifts for all occasions, is scheduled to release its first-quarter fiscal 2017 results. In the preceding quarter, the company reported loss of 14 cents which came in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company has a Zacks Rank #4 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate estimate and Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at a loss of 24 cents.

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