Steven Madden, Werner, and Omnicom Kick Off Earnings Season and more…

I’m going through my final analysis on our companies to see if any need to be weeded out before earnings. It is nearly impossible to ensure that each one of our stocks has a “good” number but that won’t stop me from performing due diligence.

Put position Omnicom (NYSE: OMC) reports on Tuesday, April 17 before the market opens. The company will host a conference call at 8:30 AM (EST). The trade recommendation is a bet that digital advertising will continue to weaken. Recent comments from Proctor and Gamble note further ad agency spending cuts and I believe the Facebook data crisis will be a major issue going forward for digital ad spending. There is always the chance that these negative trends don’t fully hit OMC’s current quarter but I expect future guidance to be tepid.

Werner Enterprises (NSDQ: WERN) is expected to report this week. The LTL (less than truckload) shipper hasn’t announced a formal date yet but traditionally reports around the 19th of the month. I’m eager to hear whether the truckers have had any luck signing up new drivers. All the data I collect points to significantly higher rates but increased capacity to match those rates would be a fabulous combination for higher earnings.

Steven Madden (NSDQ: SHOO) reports Friday, April 20 before the market opens. I am still expecting strong results due to the popularity of Madden’s slip-on athletic styles, which are all the rage this season.

Most of you saw my recent bearish trade suggestion on retailers that serve customers using food stamps. Last week President Trump signed an executive order urging a revamp of federal aid programs like food subsidies by adding work requirements for recipients. This is part of my thesis that retailers that cater to this consumer demographic will get crunched.

The drug sector finally starting getting some color back in its face. PRA Health Sciences (NSDQ: PRAH) and Jazz (NSDQ: JAZZ) got a nice lift last week. Even beleaguered Celgene (NYSE: CELG) seemed to get some footing. This has been a tough sector to be long but I am encouraged that buyers are wading back into what is an incredibly cheap group.

As always be on on the outlook for any trade alerts.

Around the Portfolio:

Aiir Transport Services Group, Inc. (NSDQ: ATSG) announced today the delivery of a Boeing 767-300 converted freighter to Air Incheon of South Korea, which has agreed to lease a second 767-300 freighter when the aircraft is finished being modified in the second half of 2018.

Mike Berger, Chief Commercial Officer of ATSG, said, “We are very pleased to deliver the first of two 767 freighters to Air Incheon. This is especially positive for us, as it represents the launch of

The Air Incheon 767 is the third aircraft delivered by ATSG in 2018. In January, ATSG delivered the second of three 767-300 freighters it has agreed to lease for seven-year terms to Northern Air Cargo; the third is expected to be delivered in the second half of 2018. It also leased and recently delivered the second of two converted Boeing 737 freighters to West Atlantic in Europe for five-year terms.

Jazz (NSDQ: JAZZ) remains a high conviction specialty pharma idea at Piper Jaffray. After surveying 25 physicians who treat a significant number of obstructive sleep apnea and narcolepsy patients, Piper Jaffray analyst David Amsellem believes peak U.S. sales potential for Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ solriamfetol will be at least $400M. He explains, “particularly given the sizable portion of patients who do not respond adequately to existing options.”

Solriamfetol should position Jazz for annual double-digit EBITDA growth over the next several years. Jazz is one of his highest conviction specialty pharma ideas, rated Overweight with a $201 price target.

Channel checks show that Steven Madden might be set up for a good quarter. Customers like DSW Shoes (NSDQ: DSW) are highlighting many of Madden’s sneaker-like slip-on shoes for spring and summer. The company will report earnings next Friday, April 20, before the market opens.

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