Is a Beat in the Cards for Torchmark (TMK) in Q1 Earnings?

We expect Torchmark Corporation TMKto surpass expectations in first-quarter 2018 results after the market closes on Apr 18.

Why a Likely Positive Surprise?

Our proven model clearly shows that Torchmark has the right combination of the following two key ingredients to beat estimates this quarter.

Zacks ESP: Torchmark has an Earnings ESPof +0.23%. The positive ESP indicates a likely earnings surprise. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our https://www.zacks.com/premium/esp-buy?adid=zp_article_espfil...">Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: Torchmark holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which increases the predictive power of ESP as stocks with a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 along with a positive Earnings ESP have significantly higher chances of an earnings beat.

Conversely, the Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) should never be considered going into an earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.