Back to top

Image: Bigstock

Rise in Card Fees to Support Comerica's (CMA) Q2 Earnings

Read MoreHide Full Article

Comerica Incorporated (CMA - Free Report) is scheduled to report second-quarter 2019 results before the opening bell on Jul 17. Its revenues and earnings are expected to grow year over year.

Before we discuss whether Comerica will be able to keep its earnings beat streak alive in the to-be-reported quarter as well, let’s take a look at how the company performed in the last reported quarter.

The company’s first-quarter results reflected robust organic growth on rise in revenues, higher loans and improved credit metrics. A strong capital position was another positive. However, fall in deposits and higher expenses were key headwinds.

Notably, the company boasts an impressive earnings surprise history. It surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average positive surprise being 7.4%.

Comerica Incorporated Price and EPS Surprise

Why a Likely Positive Surprise?

Our proven model shows that Comerica has the right combination of the two key ingredients — positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better — to increase the odds of an earnings beat.

You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Earnings ESP: The Earnings ESP for Comerica is +0.52%.

Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank of 3.

Notably, the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.01 for the quarter’s earnings indicates growth of 7.5% from the year-ago reported number.

Factors to Drive Results

Net Interest Income (NII) to Disappoint: Per the Fed’s latest data, commercial and industrial, and real estate lending activities slowed down in the second quarter, thereby affecting NII. Also, the Fed’s accommodative policy stance along with flattening of the yield curve might hurt Comerica’s net interest margin.

Further, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for average earning assets of $65 billion for the quarter indicates slight year-over-year decline.

Slight Growth in Card Fees: Consumer spending likely picked pace in the second quarter, resulting in usage of debit/credit cards and merchant payment processing services. Thus, card fees (a major contributor to fee income in 2018) might lend support to its top line in to-be-reported quarter.

Controlled Expenses: The company’s GEAR Up initiatives are expected to keep expenses under control. However, some impact of technological investment, seasonal rise in compensation expenses and restructuring charges are likely to persist.

Credit Quality to Improve: Credit quality is likely to remain strong on the back of an improving economy. Also, the consensus estimate suggests nearly 25% decline in non-performing assets and loans from the year-ago reported figure.

Other Stocks to Consider

Here are some other stocks you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time around.

BB&T  is scheduled to release results on Jul 18. It has an Earnings ESP of +1.24% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

M&T Bank Corporation (MTB - Free Report) is scheduled to release results on Jul 18. The company, which carries a Zacks Rank of 3, has an Earnings ESP of +0.20%.

The Earnings ESP for PNC Financial (PNC - Free Report) is +0.88% and it carries a Zacks Rank of 3. The company is scheduled to report quarterly numbers on Jul 17.

Radical New Technology Creates $12.3 Trillion Opportunity

Imagine buying Microsoft stock in the early days of personal computers… or Motorola after it released the world’s first cell phone. These technologies changed our lives and created massive profits for investors.

Today, we’re on the brink of the next quantum leap in technology. 7 innovative companies are leading this “4th Industrial Revolution” - and early investors stand to earn the biggest profits.

See the 7 breakthrough stocks now>>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:


The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (PNC) - free report >>

Comerica Incorporated (CMA) - free report >>

M&T Bank Corporation (MTB) - free report >>

Published in