Market Roundup: The Kroger Co. (KR), CMS Energy (CMS), Wisconsin Energy (WEC)

Analysts are beginning to feel like The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is becoming too much for Whole Foods Market, Inc. (NASDAQ:WFM) in the organic and natural foods space. As such, analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) mentioned that The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) could overtake Whole Foods Market as the top seller of natural foods in the U.S.

That could happen as soon as in the next two years.

It has also come to the notice of analysts that The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is not only selling more organic foods, but it is also attracting high-end customers. Such efforts are driving profits and making the company achieve gains even in a challenging retail environment.

CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) reports its 3Q2014 earnings before the markets open today. However, the latest earnings expectation update suggests that the company will report decreased profit compared to the same period last year. The company is now expected to post EPS of $0.42, down from $0.46 a year ago. The consensus estimate has also dropped from $0.50 in the last three months.

CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS) has posted average YoY EPS growth of 11% in the last four quarters. The fourth quarter in the last fiscal year had the biggest EPS growth of 52% YoY. Revenue in the company has increased at an average rate of 7% YoY in the last four quarters.

There are 10 analysts covering the stock of CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS), and out of them five have a “Hold” rating on the stock.

Wisconsin Energy Corp (NYSE:WEC) is scheduled to release its 3Q2014 earnings results before the markets open on October 29. The same will be followed by a session with analysts and investors to discuss the performance.

 In the last report, Wisconsin Energy Corp (NYSE:WEC) earned $0.58 per share on revenue of $1.04 billion. The results pounded the estimates of $0.52 per share on revenue of $1.03 billion that analysts estimated on the average. Revenue increased 3.1% YoY.

Wisconsin Energy Corp (NYSE:WEC) carries consensus “Hold” rating.

About the Author

Adam is a staff reporter for US Markets Daily Publications & Media, covering foreign affairs and domestic policy.

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