Sara Lee
After four years of decline, analysts expect Sara Lee Corp. (NYSE:SLE), the manufacturer of consumer food and household products, to finally break the trend and experience some earnings growth in 2012. For the third quarter of 2012, which ended March 31, analysts are expecting earnings of $0.25/share, which while below the $0.27 per share in the second quarter, would put the firm on track for a solid year with annual earnings estimated to come in at $0.92 cents per share. This would be up 15% from the prior year. Sara Lee will release earnings before the market today in a live webcast, which will include updates on company activities and questions from analysts.
Sara Lee reported a loss of $2 million, or less than a penny far below analyst estimates. The stock is down 5.5% in pre-market trading at the time of this writing.
Kraft Foods Inc.
Lamar Advertising
As well, Lamar Advertising Co (NASDAQ:LAMR) is expected to release its 2012 first quarter earnings. The outdoor advertising firm whose offerings include billboards, logo signs and transit advertising displays, operates in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The firm is expected to lose $0.14 per share in the first quarter of 2012, which would be the same loss experienced in the first quarter of 2011. Earnings for the year are expected to show considerable growth year over year, with an estimate of $0.28 per share, up 300% from the previous year and continuing the grow experienced in 2011 after two consecutive annual losses.
The company missed analyst estimates with a net loss of $22.8 million, or 25 cents per share, and lowered Q2 guidance.
