Back to top

Image: Bigstock

TOTAL (TOT) to Report Q3 Earnings: What's in the Cards?

Read MoreHide Full Article

TOTAL S.A. is expected to report third-quarter 2018 results on Oct 26, before the opening bell. In the last four quarters, this Integrated International Oil & Gas Company delivered an average negative earnings surprise of 1.63%.

Let’s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.

Factors to Consider in Q3

TOTAL continues to benefit from accretive acquisitions and the startup of new projects. The second-half results of the company will get a boost from the startup of Ichthys, Kaombo, Tempa Rossa and Egina projects.

TOTAL will gain from cost-saving initiatives, along with consistent investments for expanding and widening of operations in the alternate energy space. The company has a strong LNG portfolio, which is also going to positively impact its results.

The company expects to register an increase in free cash flow from all its reportable segments due to proper execution of business plans, and utilize the same to lower debt level, which will have a positive impact on margins.

What Does the Zacks Model Unveil?

Our proven model does not indicate that TOTAL is likely to beat on earnings this season. This is because it currently does not have the right combination of two key ingredients. A stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

 

TOTAL S.A. Price and EPS Surprise

 

TOTAL S.A. Price and EPS Surprise | TOTAL S.A. Quote

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

Earnings ESP: The company has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. This is because both the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate are pegged at $1.50 per share.

Zacks Rank: TOTAL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. The combination of TOTAL’s Zacks Rank #3 and 0.00% ESP makes it quite uncertain of an earnings beat in the quarter to be reported.

We caution against Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is witnessing negative estimate revisions.

Stocks to Consider

Investors can consider the following players from the  Zacks Oil and Energy sector, which have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat in the to-be-reported quarter.

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation is anticipated to report third-quarter 2018 results on Oct 30. It has an Earnings ESP of +1.90% and carries a Zacks Rank #2.

CNX Resources Corporation (CNX - Free Report) is scheduled to release third-quarter 2018 results on Oct 30. It has an Earnings ESP of +43.29% and a Zacks Rank #2.

EOG Resources Inc.  (EOG - Free Report) is anticipated to release third-quarter 2018 results on Nov 1. It has an Earnings ESP of +1.71% and a Zacks Rank #2.

Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies

It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%.

And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.

See Them Free>>


Unique Zacks Analysis of Your Chosen Ticker


Pick one free report - opportunity may be withdrawn at any time


CNX Resources Corporation. (CNX) - $25 value - yours FREE >>

EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) - $25 value - yours FREE >>

Published in