Regular readers of our earnings discussions know that we have been very impressed with the all-around strength and momentum in the Q2 earnings season.
We expect these favorable attributes to remain in place as move through the remainder of the reporting cycle, with this week’s docket featuring a number of bellwether operators in the traditional retail space. In total, we expect to see results from close to 250 companies this week (the week of August 16
th
), including 19 S&P 500 members.
The more prominent companies reporting results this week include Walmart
WMT
, Target
TGT
, Home Depot
HD
, Nvidia
NVDA
and others. By the end of this week, we will have seen Q2 results from 477 S&P 500 members or 95.4% of the index’s total membership.
The first notable feature
of the Q2 earnings season is the impressive momentum on the revenue side, both in terms of growth rate, as well as the beats percentages.
For the 458 S&P 500 companies that had reported Q2 results through Friday, August 13
th
, earnings and revenues were up +102.9% and +27.6%, respectively. The proportion of these companies beating consensus EPS and revenue estimates came in at 86.7% each. The proportion of these 458 companies beating both EPS and revenue estimates, the so-called ‘blended’ beats percentage, is at 79.4%.
These are impressive numbers any way you look at them, but the momentum on the revenue side is particularly notable. The comparison charts below compare the revenue growth rate and blended beats percentage for the 458 index members that have reported Q2 results already with what we had seen from that same group of companies in other recent periods.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The second notable feature
of the Q2 earnings season relates to the magnitude of corporate profitability. The Q2 earnings growth rate has undoubtedly benefited from easy comparisons to the year-earlier period which was hit hard by the pandemic related lockdowns. But it isn’t only easy comparisons, corporate profitability really is very high even though a number of sectors still have some ways to go before getting back to pre-Covid profitability levels.
As you can see in the chart below, Q2 earnings are on track to reach a new all-time quarterly record, surpassing the record set only in the preceding period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The third notable feature
of the Q2 earnings season pertains to the revisions trend for 2021 third quarter earnings estimates. Total S&P 500 earnings in Q3 are expected to be up +26.2% on +13.3% higher revenues. The chart below shows Q3 estimates have evolved since the start of the year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Please note the while the revisions trend remains positive, in line with the trend we have been seeing since last Summer, the magnitude of upward revisions is on the lower side relative to what we had seen in the preceding quarter’s comparable period.
Perhaps it is nothing more than some cautiousness in the face of the Delta variant, but it something we will be closely monitoring. A reversal of the positive revisions trend that has been in place since last Summer will be a major negative on the overall corporate earnings front.
What is Expected for 2021 Q2 & Beyond?
Looking at Q2 on a blended basis, combining the results that have come out with estimates for the still-to-come companies, total earnings for the S&P 500 index are currently expected to be up +92.9% from the same period last year on +24.8% higher revenues, with the growth rate steadily going up as companies come out with better-than-expected results. This would follow the +49.9% earnings growth on +10.4% higher revenues in 2021 Q1.
A big part of the unusually strong earnings growth expected in the Q2 earnings season is due to easy comparisons to last year’s Covid-hit period. But as we have been consistently pointing out, not all of the growth is a result of easy comparisons. In fact, Q2 earnings are on track to be up +30.6% from the pre-Covid 2019 Q2 period and are on track to reach a new all-time quarterly record.
The chart below takes a big-picture view of the quarterly earnings and revenue growth pace.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The chart below presents the big-picture view on an annual basis. As you can see below, 2021 earnings and revenues are expected to be up +42.1% and +12.7%, respectively, which follows the Covid-driven decline of -13.1% in 2020.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Please note the strong earnings growth expected in each of the next two years. This suggests that the market isn’t looking for a one-off rebound this year, but rather an enduring growth cycle that continues over the next couple of years.
To the extent that this growth outlook can improve as we move into the back half of 2021 will determine whether the overall earnings picture is getting better or leveling off.
For a detailed look at the overall earnings picture, including expectations for the coming periods, please check out our weekly Earnings Trends report>>>>
Taking Stock of the Impressive Earnings Picture
Infrastructure Stock Boom to Sweep America
A massive push to rebuild the crumbling U.S. infrastructure will soon be underway. It’s bipartisan, urgent, and inevitable. Trillions will be spent. Fortunes will be made.
The only question is “Will you get into the right stocks early when their growth potential is greatest?”
Zacks has released a Special Report to help you do just that, and today it’s free. Discover 7 special companies that look to gain the most from construction and repair to roads, bridges, and buildings, plus cargo hauling and energy transformation on an almost unimaginable scale.
Download FREE: How to Profit from Trillions on Spending for Infrastructure >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days.
Click to get this free report
