For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 18, 2010 – Zacks.com releases the list of companies likely to issue earnings surprises. This week’s list includes Apple (AAPL), Caterpillar (CAT), Freeport McMoRan (FCX), Temple Inland (TIN), and Pension World (PNSN).To see more earnings analysis, visit http://at.zacks.com/?id=3207.

The Flood Begins

Historically, the best indicators of firms likely to report positive surprises are a recent history of positive surprises and rising estimates going into the report. The Zacks Rank is also a good indicator of potential surprises. While normally firms that report better-than-expected earnings rise in reaction, that has not been the case so far this quarter.

Potential Positive Surprises

Apple (AAPL) is expected to report EPS of $4.03 vs. $2.77 a year ago. Last time out AAPL had a positive surprise of 13.96% and over the last month analysts have raised their expectations for the about to be reported quarter by 2.08%. AAPL is a Zacks #1 Ranked stock.

Caterpillar (CAT) is expected to report EPS of $1.08 vs. $0.64 a year ago. Last time out, CAT had a positive surprise of 16.47% and over the last month analysts have raised their expectations for the about to be reported quarter by 2.53%. CAT is a Zacks #1 Ranked stock.

Freeport McMoRan (FCX) is expected to report EPS of $2.04 vs. $2.07 a year ago. Last time out FCX had a positive surprise of 7.97% and over the last month analysts have raised their expectations for the about to be reported quarter by 16.09%. FCX is a Zacks #1 Ranked stock.

Potential Negative Surprises

Temple Inland (TIN) is expected to report EPS of $0.40 vs. $0.24 a year ago. Last time out, TIN had a negative surprise of 38.7% and over the last month analysts have cut their expectations for the about to be reported quarter by 5.96%. TIN is a Zacks #5 Ranked stock.

Pension World (PNSN) is expected to report a loss of $0.04 vs. EPS of $0.15 a year ago. Last time out PNSN had a negative surprise of 160% (reported a loss when a gain when positive earnings were expected) and over the last month analysts have cut their expectations for the about to be reported quarter by 100% (the expected loss doubled). PNSN is a Zacks #5 Ranked stock.is expected to report EPS of $2.04 vs. $2.07 a year ago. Last time out FCX had a positive surprise of 7.97% and over the last month analysts have raised their expectations for the about to be reported quarter by 16.09%. FCX is a Zacks #1 Ranked stock.

Dirk Van Dijk, CFA, is the Chief Equity Strategist for Zacks.com.

About the Zacks Rank

Since 1988, the Zacks Rank has proven that “Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices.” Since inception in 1988, #1 Rank Stocks have generated an average annual return of +28%. During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%, while the S&P 500 tumbled -37.6%. Also note that the Zacks Rank system has just as many Strong Sell recommendations (Rank #5) as Strong Buy recommendations (Rank #1). Since 1988, Zacks Rank #5 stocks have underperformed the S&P 500 (+2% versus +10%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

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Contact: Dirk Van Dijk, CFA
Company: Zacks.com
Phone: 312-265-9211
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.Zacks.com

 

 
APPLE INC (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
CATERPILLAR INC (CAT): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
FREEPT MC COP-B (FCX): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
PENSON WORLDWD (PNSN): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
TEMPLE-INLAND (TIN): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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