Dean Foods Company reported third-quarter 2017 results, wherein adjusted earnings of 20 cents per share came in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate but plunged 45.9% from 37 cents in the year-ago quarter.

Management expects 2017 adjusted earnings in the band of 80-90 cents per share.

Earnings Estimate Revision: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2017 has trended downward over the last seven days. If we look at Dean Foods' performance in the trailing four quarters (excluding the quarter under review), the company has underperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average surprise of 15.2%.

Revenues: Dean Foods’ net sales fell 1.4% year over year to $1,937.6 million, also falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,973 million.

Zacks Rank: Currently, Dean Foods carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), which is subject to change following the earnings announcement. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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