Before the opening bell on Wednesday, a number of big name, dividend paying companies announced their quarterly earnings. Below, we look at these earnings reports and break down the important points for investors.
Automatic Data Processing Posts Q2 Results
Automatic Data Processing (ADP ) reported second quarter net income of $331.5 million, or 69 cents per share, down from $377 million, or 78 cents per share, last year. Earnings from continuing operations rose to $334 million, or 70 cents per share – above analysts’ view of 68 cents.
Revenue increased to $2.66 billion from $2.49 billion last year. Analysts expected to see revenue of $2.68 billion.
Looking ahead, ADP expects to see FY2015 revenue growth between 7% and 8% and EPS growth between 12% and 14%.
Humana Misses Q4 EPS Estimates
Humana (HUM ) reported fourth quarter adjusted EPS of $1.09, up from 80 cents, last year. Analysts expected to see EPS of $1.16. Revenue rose 21% to $12.33 billion, but missed analysts’ view of $12.4 billion.
For FY2015, the company expects to see EPS between $8.50 and $9.00 and revenue between $54.5 billion and $55 billion. Analysts expect to see full year EPS of $8.87.
Ralph Lauren Posts Lower Q3 Profits; Boosts Dividend
Ralph Lauren (RL ) reported third quarter earnings of $215 million, or $2.41 per share, down from $237 million, or $2.57 per share, in the year prior. Revenue rose 1% to $2.03 billion from $2.02 billion last year. On average, analysts expected to see EPS of $2.50 and $2.09 billion in revenue.
Looking ahead, the company has adjusted its outlook for FY2015. RL now expects to see sales growth of about 4% (compared to its previous estimate of 5%-7% growth).
The company also announced that it has boosted its dividend by 11% to 50 cents per share. The next dividend will be paid on April 10 to shareholders of record on March 27.
Marathon Petroleum Beats Q4 Estimates
Marathon Petroleum (MPC ) reported Q4 net income of $2.86 per share, above analysts’ view of $1.38 per share. Revenue came in at $22.25 billion, above analysts’ view of $19.86 billion.
Scotts Miracle-Gro
Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG ) reported a net loss of $1.13 per share for the first quarter, which missed analysts’ view of a net loss of $1.07 per share. Revenue was $216.2 million, above analysts’ view of $200.7 million.
