- U.S. companies are gearing up for the Q3 earnings season
- In this article, we'll examine five essential financial metrics to gauge a company's health before the earnings floodgates open
- Later, we'll take a closer look at four companies poised to announce strong earnings with positive outlooks
- Profit: This represents the capital left after deducting the company's expenses during a specific timeframe. In simple terms, it's the difference between the money earned from selling goods or services and what's spent.
- Revenue: It's the total capital generated by a company without accounting for expenses during a given period. Essentially, it's the pre-profit stage. For companies, profitability should always trump revenue because having high revenue doesn't guarantee high profit. If there's a lot of money coming in but it's quickly spent, the company won't thrive.
- Cash Flow: This figure reflects the net money flowing in and out of a company during a specific period. It's crucial that this remains positive; otherwise, the company might struggle to meet its financial obligations.
- EPS (Earnings Per Share): In the United States, it's often abbreviated as EPS. This metric represents the portion of a company's net profit allocated to each of its outstanding shares. The calculation involves dividing the company's net profit by the total number of common shares.
- EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization): EBITDA measures a company's profitability before considering taxes, interest, depreciation, and amortization. Its purpose is to provide an accurate picture of what a company truly earns or loses.
Earnings play a crucial role in shaping how investors perceive a company's strength, and this, in turn, can significantly impact the performance of its stock. Today, we'll delve into four companies set to report better-than-expected earnings soon and, possibly, promising outlooks for 2024.
But first, let's clarify some essential financial metrics to keep in mind when assessing a company's financial health:
Now, let's explore 4 companies that are anticipated to deliver strong results in the current year and the next, backed by favorable ratings.
1. American International
American International Group (NYSE:AIG) is a U.S. multinational finance and insurance corporation with operations in more than 80 countries.
The corporate headquarters is located in New York and was founded on December 19, 1919, when Cornelius Vander Starr created a general insurance agency.
It has a dividend yield of +2.37%.
Source: InvestingPro
The previous results were good, achieving actual revenues above the expected +10.8%. The next results are due on November 1. EPS forecasts for 2023 are for an increase of +45.6% and for 2024 +16.6%.
Source: InvestingPro
With a total of 16 ratings, this company boasts a favorable outlook with 9 buy ratings and 7 holds, and there's no sell rating in sight.
Looking at its performance, over the past year, the stock has surged by an impressive 26.7%, and in the last three months, it's seen a respectable 5.3% increase.
When it comes to future potential, the market anticipates a value of around $70.69. However, according to InvestingPro's models, the company could reach an even more promising $79.26.
Source: InvestingPro
2. Assurant
Assurant (NYSE:AIZ) is a global provider of risk management products and services based in Atlanta. Its businesses offer a diverse set of specialty insurance products.
The dividend yield is +1.92%.
Source: InvestingPro
Previous results were very good with EPS beating market expectations at +41.2%. The next results are due on October 31. For 2023 as a whole, EPS is expected to increase by +11.1% and for 2024 by +13.9%.
Source: InvestingPro
This company enjoys strong market support with 6 buy ratings and no sell ratings in sight. Over the last 3 months, its shares have seen a notable rise of +15.8%.
In terms of future potential, the market suggests a value of approximately $170.60, while InvestingPro's models predict a slightly more conservative figure at $160.80.
Source: InvestingPro
3. MetLife
MetLife (NYSE:MET) is the largest life insurer in the United States, a leader in savings products, retirement, and services for individuals, small businesses, and large institutions. The company is based in New York and became a publicly traded company in 2000.
Its dividend yield is +3.39%.
Source: InvestingPro
It reported good results in the previous quarter with actual revenues +10.2% higher than expected. The next results will be released on November 1. For 2023, EPS is expected to increase by +11.5%, and for 2024 by +21.2%.
Source: InvestingPro
It presents 17 ratings, of which 12 are buy 5 are hold and none are sell. At the end of the week, in the last 3 months, its shares are up +8.3%. The market gives it potential at $76.74.
Source: InvestingPro
4. DaVita
DaVita HealthCare Partners (NYSE:DVA) provides kidney dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic renal failure. It also provides outpatient, inpatient, and home hemodialysis services.
The company was formerly known as DaVita HealthCare Partners and changed its name to DaVita in September 2016. It was established in 1994 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.
It reported good numbers in its previous quarterly accounts, with EPS up +19.8% ahead of expectations. The next quarterly earnings will be released on November 8. For 2023, EPS is expected to increase by +13.9%, and for 2024 by +7.2%. 
Source: InvestingPro
It presents 7 ratings, of which 5 are buy, 1 hold, and 1 sell. The market sees potential at $113.75, while InvestingPro models put it at $108.14.
Source: InvestingPro
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Disclaimer: The author does not own any of these shares. This content, which is prepared for purely educational purposes, cannot be considered investment advice.