Earnings Today After Hours: 12 Stocks Reporting, Predictions & Key Metrics

1. Earnings Today After Hours: Notable Companies to Watch

Today's after-hours earnings season promises to bring exciting insights into the financial performance of various companies. Among the notable names reporting after the bell are:

• Netflix (NFLX): The streaming giant expected beat earnings estimates.
• IBM (IBM): The tech giant is projected to meet revenue expectations.
• Tesla (TSLA): The electric vehicle pioneer eyes record deliveries.
• UnitedHealth Group (UNH): The healthcare giant is poised to exceed revenue consensus.
• Raytheon Technologies (RTX): The defense contractor aims to report strong defense spending.
• Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): The healthcare conglomerate targets growth in its pharmaceutical division.
• American Express (AXP): The credit card company's spending trends are in focus.
• Honeywell International (HON): The industrial conglomerate anticipates a lift from its aerospace division.
• CSX Corporation (CSX): The railroad operator expects volume growth.
• Union Pacific Corporation (UNP): The railroad giant projected rising intermodal volumes.
• Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB): The consumer products company focuses on cost and supply chain challenges.
• Jacobs Engineering Group (JEC): The engineering and construction firm seeks project execution updates.

2. Key Metrics to Monitor

As investors analyze the earnings reports, several key metrics will be closely watched:

• Revenue growth and consensus estimates
• Earnings per share (EPS) and consensus estimates
• Gross profit margin and operating margin
• Free cash flow and share buyback plans
• Forward guidance and earnings outlook
• Impact of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical events

3. Earnings Season Trends: Historical Perspectives

The current earnings season has witnessed mixed signals. While some sectors, like energy and financials, have shown strong results, others, like technology and retail, have faced challenges.

According to FactSet, as of August 24, 2023, of the 232 S&P 500 companies that have reported, 75% have beaten EPS estimates, slightly below the five-year average of 77%. Revenue beats have also been lower than average, with 63% beating estimates compared to the five-year average of 66%.

4. Economic Context and Market Expectations

The ongoing earnings season unfolds amidst a challenging economic environment marked by rising inflation, interest rate hikes, and geopolitical uncertainties. Amidst these headwinds, investors eagerly await the latest updates on corporate performance and guidance for the upcoming quarters.

Analysts anticipate that companies may provide cautious outlooks due to macroeconomic uncertainties. Nevertheless, strong earnings and positive guidance could bolster market sentiment, while disappointing results or weak forecasts may weigh on stock prices.

5. Investor Outlook and Trading Strategies

Investors should approach today's earnings reports with both optimism and caution. While a positive earnings season can provide a boost to the market, macroeconomic factors could temper exuberance.

Consider the following trading strategies:

• Selective Trading: Focus on companies with strong fundamentals and a history of meeting or exceeding expectations.
• Earnings Surprises: Look for companies that have the potential to deliver positive earnings surprises and capitalize on any resulting price movements.
• Volatility Trading: Be prepared for post-earnings volatility and consider options strategies to manage risk.
• Long-Term Perspective: While earnings reports provide short-term insights, it is crucial to maintain a long-term perspective and evaluate companies' overall growth prospects.

6. Earnings Conference Call Highlights:

As earnings reports are released, investors should pay attention to conference calls hosted by company executives. These calls often provide valuable insights into:

• Management's perspectives on the current quarter and future outlook
• Key business drivers and industry trends
• Plans for growth and innovation
• Strategies to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What time do earnings reports typically come out after hours?
A: Earnings reports are usually released after the market closes at 4:00 pm ET.

Q: Where can I find the latest earnings reports?
A: Earnings reports are available on company websites, financial news websites, and investor relations platforms.

Q: How do I interpret earnings beats and misses?
A: A beat occurs when a company reports EPS or revenue above analyst estimates, while a miss occurs when it reports below estimates.

Q: What factors should I consider when evaluating earnings?
A: Consider revenue growth, EPS, margins, free cash flow, and forward guidance when assessing earnings reports.

Q: Should I buy or sell a stock after an earnings report?
A: Investment decisions should be based on a comprehensive analysis of the company's fundamentals, earnings results, and macroeconomic factors.

Q: How can I stay updated on earnings news?
A: Subscribe to earnings alerts, monitor financial news sources, and follow companies on social media.

Q: What is the impact of earnings on stock prices?
A: Earnings reports can significantly impact stock prices, with positive results typically driving gains and disappointing results leading to declines.

Q: How can I use earnings reports to my advantage?
A: Earnings reports provide valuable information for making informed investment decisions, identifying potential opportunities, and managing risk.