Several earnings reports this week that will help shed some light on the overall state of the economy:
Lennar (LEN) and KB Home (KBH)
Lennar Earnings Release: Tuesday Morning
Consensus EPS: $0.33
KB Home Earnings Release: Thursday Morning
Consensus EPS: -$0.07
This is a huge week for the homebuilders, which have been slammed almost every day since the Fed announced plans to taper its bond-buying program. Shares of Lennar and KB Home are both down around 14 percent over the last week and approximately 20 percent for the month, wiping out a huge portion of this year’s gains.
A steady housing recovery is integral to a full-scale economic recovery, so investors will eye both reports. Housing has been hot of late so the top line and bottom line numbers should be satisfy expectations. However, with interest rates expected to rise, investors will be more focused on guidance, which should provide an indication of the state of housing moving forward.
The latest Case-Shiller housing index Tuesday morning could also move markets.
General Mills (GIS) and Monsanto (MON)
General Mills Earnings Release: Wednesday Morning
Consensus EPS: $0.53
Monsanto Earnings Release: Wednesday Morning
Consensus EPS: $1.62
General Mills’ earnings report will give investors a taste of the consumer packaged goods market and how lower food commodity prices are affecting earnings. Corn, wheat, and other input prices are close to yearly lows, so expectations are fairly high for General Mills’ numbers. The report will also set the bar for ConAgra’s earnings report on Thursday morning and other food manufacturers next month.
Meanwhile, earnings from controversial Monsanto Company will allow investors to gauge the state of global agriculture. The company, which is a world leader in genetically engineered corn, soybeans, and other crops, will especially emphasize growth numbers in Latin America and other emerging markets. Investors will also listen for commentary on the future of business in China, which recently stated it would approve the importation of Monsanto’s genetically altered soybeans.
Nike (NKE)
Earnings Release: Thursday Afternoon
Consensus EPS: $0.75
Nike’s earnings will give investors a reading of the apparel market and overall health of the consumer. The company’s earnings will also signify the conditions of the Chinese economy, a market that Nike heavily emphasizes as an area of growth. With serious questions surrounding the China, companies with any exposure to Asia will look towards Nike’s Asian sales numbers.
Research in Motion (BBRY)
Earnings Release: Friday Morning
Consensus EPS: $0.05
Research in Motion will shed some light on the smart phone market when it reports numbers before the opening bell on Friday. While Blackberry is the black sheep of the industry, the company’s earnings should provide some clarity as to whether its 10 OS is gaining some ground. The company could also provide some commentary on the overall demand for consumer technology, although Research in Motion is far from the best indicator.
[Image via Flickr]
