Although earnings season is on the decline, there’s still plenty to talk about for next week. Fewer than 20 S&P companies report, with retailers and tech taking the spotlight. One of the bigger names on the docket is Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC), which reports on Wednesday before the open. 

Analysts expect a modest 6% increase in profits from a year ago. That is the smallest such increase in six quarters. What’s more, the IT giant has beaten the consensus estimate in 14 of the past 15 quarters. Given that the stock usually does well after earnings, the odds are for favorable price action next week, as well.

CSC’s chart is nothing to write home about. The stock has been flat for the past month, although it appears to have stabilized above the $45 level. Also lending a hand is the 20-day moving average, a trendline that is rolling into an uptrend. 

Sentiment is aligned mostly against the shares. The put/call ratio is peaking just below the high in March, when the stock was embarking on a rally. And there’s more than ample room for upgrades among analysts, as just 3 of 14 rate the stock a “buy.” That tells us that another earnings beat could result in some unwinding pessimism.

Jump into CSC before earnings next Wednesday. The CSC Aug 45 Calls should do the trick.

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