Three Major Q1 Earnings to Watch on April 18: GWW, JBHT, HAS

The first-quarter earnings season will gather steam this coming week, with companies ready to play the beat-and-miss game. Wall Street does not seem too optimistic as a number of macroeconomic factors continue to weigh on Q1 earnings. With volatility in oil prices, a strong U.S. dollar, yet-to-recover Chinese economy, sluggishness in other emerging markets, fluctuating commodity prices, and geopolitical tensions, uncertainty is looming large.

The first-quarter 2016 earnings season is about to get going amid expectations of all-round weakness. With estimates for the quarter witnessing a sharp decline over the last three months, the outlook is certainly not encouraging. As per our Earnings Preview report, total S&P earnings for the first quarter are expected to be down 10.3% and revenues are anticipated to decline by 0.6%.

With plenty of companies coming out with their results next week, let’s see how it unfolds for these three major players that are going to report their first-quarter numbers tomorrow, Monday, Apr 18, 2016.

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW - Analyst Report), the provider of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies, beat both earnings and revenue estimates in fourth-quarter 2015. The company expects tough year-over-year comparisons in the first quarter of 2016 as the year-ago quarter had witnessed the strongest sales growth in the U.S. segment.

Though the company has perked up restructuring actions, it will continue to be affected by lower oil and gas prices, currency headwinds and weak macroeconomic conditions in Canada. Grainger has an Earnings ESP of -3.50% and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The Zacks Consensus Estimates for earnings is $2.86 per share. (Read More: What's in the Cards for Grainger (GWW - Analyst Report) in Q1 Earnings?)

Hasbro Inc. (HAS - Analyst Report), which manufactures and markets games and toys, posted robust results last quarter with earnings and revenues surpassing the respective Zacks Consensus Estimate. For the first quarter, Hasbro has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is pegged at 24 cents per share.

While the recent momentum in top-line growth in the Hasbro’s Boys segment supported by innovative products and comprehensive retail execution is expected to continue in Q1, weakness in the Girls segment will be a deterring factor. (Read more: Hasbro (HAS - Analyst Report) to Report Q1 Earnings: Is a Beat in the Cards?)

The diversified transportation services and logistics company, JB Hunt Transport Services Inc. (JBHT - Analyst Report), has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its earnings is pegged at 85 cents per share.

In the quarter, new contracts from the ongoing highway to intermodal conversion will contribute to a major portion of volume growth, while existing customers will play a smaller role. However, lower fuel surcharge continues to impact the company’s annual core price increase, thus affecting revenues. (Read more: J.B. Hunt Transport (JBHT - Analyst Report) Q1 Earnings: Surprise in Store?)