Zacks Rank: Energy XXI carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) which, when combined with a positive ESP, makes us confident of an earnings beat.
Note that stocks with Zacks Ranks #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 have a significantly higher chance of beating earnings. On the other hand, the Sell-rated stocks (#4 and 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement.
What is Driving the Better-Than-Expected Earnings?
As is the case with other oil and gas producers, Energy XXI’s revenues/earnings have borne the brunt of the freefall in realized prices over the past 15 months. However, the company has come up with certain initiatives to overcome the industry-wide slump.
With an aggressive cost reduction program, Energy XXI is looking to shore up its margins even in this weak oil and gas pricing environment. As part of this strategy, the company has embarked on a policy to minimize service and lease operating costs.
Importantly, even after pruning its cost structure, Energy XXI has been able to maintain stable production numbers. We expect the same for the to-be-reported-quarter as well.
Other Stocks to Consider
Energy XXI is not the only company looking up this earnings season. Here are some other firms from the energy space which, according to our model, also have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.
Seadrill Partners LLC SDLP has an Earnings ESP of +12.00% and a Zacks Rank #1. The partnership is expected to release earnings results on Nov 25.
McDermott International Inc. MDR has an Earnings ESP of +20.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is anticipated to release earnings on Nov 9.
Warren Resources Inc. WRES has an Earnings ESP of +9.09% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company is likely to release earnings on Nov 9.
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Click to get this free report MCDERMOTT INTL (MDR): Free Stock Analysis Report ENERGY XXI LTD (EXXI): Free Stock Analysis Report SEADRILL PTNRS (SDLP): Free Stock Analysis Report WARREN RSRCS (WRES): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research