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Why Investors Need to Take Advantage of These 2 Consumer Discretionary Stocks Now

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Earnings are arguably the most important single number on a company's quarterly financial report. Wall Street clearly dives into all of the other metrics and management's input, but the EPS figure helps cut through all the noise.

We know earnings results are vital, but how a company performs compared to bottom line expectations can be even more important when it comes to stock prices, especially in the near-term. This means that investors might want to take advantage of these earnings surprises.

Now that we know how important earnings and earnings surprises are, it's time to show investors how to take advantage of these events to boost their returns by utilizing the Zacks Earnings ESP filter.

The Zacks Earnings ESP, Explained

The Zacks Expected Surprise Prediction, or ESP, works by locking in on the most up-to-date analyst earnings revisions because they can be more accurate than estimates from weeks or even months before the actual release date. The thinking is pretty straightforward: analysts who provide earnings estimates closer to the report are likely to have more information.

With this in mind, the Expected Surprise Prediction compares the Most Accurate Estimate (being the most recent) against the overall Zacks Consensus Estimate. The percentage difference provides the ESP figure. The system also utilizes our core Zacks Rank to provide a stronger system for identifying stocks that might beat their next quarterly earnings estimate and possibly see the stock price climb.

When we join a positive earnings ESP with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or stronger, stocks posted a positive bottom-line surprise 70% of the time. Plus, this system saw investors produce roughly 28% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.

Most stocks, about 60%, fall into the #3 (Hold) category, and they are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. Stocks with a #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) rating, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market, with Strong Buy stocks outperforming more than any other rank.

Should You Consider Marriott International?

Now that we understand what the ESP is and how beneficial it can be, let's dive into a stock that currently fits the bill. Marriott International (MAR - Free Report) earns a #3 (Hold) right now and its Most Accurate Estimate sits at $2.16 a share, just four days from its upcoming earnings release on February 13, 2024.

MAR has an Earnings ESP figure of +1.72%, which, as explained above, is calculated by taking the percentage difference between the $2.16 Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.12. Marriott International is one of a large database of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

MAR is just one of a large group of Consumer Discretionary stocks with a positive ESP figure. Royal Caribbean (RCL - Free Report) is another qualifying stock you may want to consider.

Royal Caribbean is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock, and is getting ready to report earnings on May 2, 2024. RCL's Most Accurate Estimate sits at $1.11 a share 83 days from its next earnings release.

Royal Caribbean's Earnings ESP figure currently stands at +6.43% after taking the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.05.

MAR and RCL's positive ESP metrics may signal that a positive earnings surprise for both stocks is on the horizon.

Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're Reported

Use the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>


See More Zacks Research for These Tickers


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


Marriott International, Inc. (MAR) - free report >>

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) - free report >>

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