Johnson Controls (JCI) Q3 Earnings May Beat: Stock to Gain?

JCI GM WPRT ALSN

Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI - Free Report) is set to report third-quarter (ended Jun 30, 2016) fiscal 2016 results on Jul 21. In the last quarter, the company had delivered a positive earnings surprise of 4.88%. Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Why a Likely Positive Surprise?

Our proven model shows that Johnson Controls is likely to beat earnings this quarter because it has the right combination of the two key components.

Zacks ESP: Earnings ESP for Johnson Controls is currently pegged at +0.97% as the Most Accurate estimate of $1.04 stands above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.03. A favorable Zacks ESP serves as a meaningful and leading indicator of a likely positive earnings surprise.

Zacks Rank: Johnson Controls currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Note that stocks with a Zacks Rank #1, 2 or 3 have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings. Conversely, we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Sell-rated stocks) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

The combination of Johnson Controls’ Zacks Rank #3 and positive ESP makes us reasonably confident of an earnings beat.

What is Driving the Better-than-Expected Earnings?

Johnson Controls expects earnings per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 to be in the range of $1.01–$1.04, up from 91 cents recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The company is focused on its comprehensive cost saving program along with improving its productivity.

Johnson Controls actively undertakes acquisitions and mergers in order to provide its customers with world-class technologies through strong complementary brands and channels. In fiscal 2015, the company completed three acquisitions. Johnson Controls is also gaining strategic contracts which are aiding its business expansion. In Jun 2016, Johnson Controls reported plans to form a joint venture with Binzhou Bohai Piston Co., Ltd., to build a new automotive battery manufacturing plant in China. This will be Johnson Controls’ fourth such plant in the world’s largest automobile market.

Stocks to Consider

Here are some other companies you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:

Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (WPRT - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +9.09% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company’s second-quarter 2016 financial results are expected to release on Aug 3.

Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.61% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company’s second-quarter 2016 financial results are expected to release on Jul 27.

General Motors Company (GM - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +4.08% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company’s second-quarter fiscal 2016 financial results are expected to release on Jul 21.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>

 

Zacks Names "Single Best Pick to Double"

From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.

It’s a little-known chemical company that’s up 65% over last year, yet still dirt cheap. With unrelenting demand, soaring 2022 earnings estimates, and $1.5 billion for repurchasing shares, retail investors could jump in at any time.

This company could rival or surpass other recent Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Boston Beer Company which shot up +143.0% in little more than 9 months and NVIDIA which boomed +175.9% in one year.

Free: See Our Top Stock and 4 Runners Up >>