GM and Capital One Profit Forecasts Climb Ahead of Earnings

Profit forecasts for General Motors and Capital One have climbed ahead of their earnings reports this week, putting higher expectations to the test during a 70-company S&P 500 earnings slate.

General Motors’ consensus earnings-per-share estimate is more than twice its level three months ago and more than twice its level six months ago. The increases cover both comparison periods. GM also plans to bring hybrid models to the U.S. market.

Capital One’s consensus forecast rose more than 65% in three months to $5.50 per share.

The $5.50 figure is a consensus estimate for Capital One’s upcoming report.

Las Vegas Sands has seen a steeper six-month forecast change: its consensus estimate climbed 360% to 74 cents per share. Its stock fell 10% in August and 14% in September. The company owns Marina Bay Sands and has concentrated much of its business in the Asia-Pacific region.

Abbott Laboratories also enters earnings week with higher profit estimates. Its shares gained 17.3% over the three months through Friday’s close, and more than 64% of analysts covering the company rated its stock a buy. Its share-price performance contrasts with the recent declines at Las Vegas Sands, although estimates rose for both companies.

The four companies are among 70 S&P 500 members scheduled to report this week. Each met thresholds that included per-share estimates rising at least 35% over both three and six months, buy ratings from at least 55% of covering analysts, and average price targets at least 10% above their share prices.

GM, Capital One, Abbott and Las Vegas Sands are scheduled to report earnings this week.