Occidental Petroleum surpasses analyst expectations in Q4 with revenue of $7.17 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $0.74, beating forecasts and indicating a strong performance for the oil producer.
Applied Materials (AMAT) is set to report its earnings, with analysts expecting a 3.8% decline in revenue to $6.49 billion and adjusted earnings of $1.91 per share. The company has a history of exceeding revenue expectations and has seen positive sentiment in the semiconductor manufacturing segment, with its stock up 17.4% over the last month. Analysts have a price target of $173.8 for the company, which is currently trading at $180.6.
BASF Group's preliminary figures for full year 2023 show sales and EBIT below forecasted ranges and analyst consensus, with EBIT and net income considerably below analyst estimates due to non-cash-effective impairments. Cash flows from operating activities are above the prior year. The company will publish the BASF Report 2023 on February 23, 2024, and provide further commentary during analyst and investor conferences.
Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) stock closed at $133.20, down 0.57% from the previous day, while the S&P 500 gained 0.27%. Analysts are closely watching the upcoming earnings disclosure, with projected EPS of $1.60 and revenue of $70.64 billion. Recent revisions in analyst estimates reflect optimism about the company's business and profitability. Alphabet Inc. currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) and is trading at a discount compared to its industry. The Internet - Services industry, to which Alphabet Inc. belongs, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 67, putting it in the top 27% of all industries.
Home Depot reported a decline in third-quarter sales, with same-store sales falling 3.1% and transactions decreasing by 2.4%. However, the decline was not as significant as analysts had expected, leading to a rise in the company's stock. Customers are focusing on smaller home-improvement projects and deferring major purchases.
NIO Inc. (NIO) closed at $7.52, up 1.08% from the previous day, but lagged behind the overall market gains. The company's shares have seen a decrease of 17.7% over the last month, not keeping up with the Auto-Tires-Trucks sector's loss of 9.27% and the S&P 500's loss of 3.58%. Analysts expect NIO Inc. to post earnings of -$0.43 per share in its upcoming release, a year-over-year decline of 19.44%. The Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of -$1.79 per share and a revenue of $8.59 billion for the entire fiscal year, indicating changes of -38.76% and +18.34%, respectively, from the previous year. NIO Inc. currently holds a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).
AMC Entertainment's stock closed with a 0.88% increase while the overall market declined. The stock has seen a 19.16% climb in the past month, outperforming the Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500. The company is scheduled to release its earnings report on November 8, 2023, with an anticipated rise in EPS and revenue compared to the previous year. Analyst estimates for AMC Entertainment have been revised positively, indicating optimism about the company's business outlook. With a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy), the stock is expected to perform well. The Leisure and Recreation Services industry, to which AMC Entertainment belongs, ranks in the top 41% of all industries according to the Zacks Industry Rank.
PepsiCo (PEP) saw a 0.7% increase in its stock price, trailing behind the broader market's gains. The company is set to release its earnings report on October 10, 2023, with projected EPS of $2.17 and quarterly revenue of $23.42 billion. Analyst estimates for the company's full-year earnings and revenue indicate positive growth compared to the previous year. Investors should pay attention to any changes in analyst estimates, as they reflect short-term business trends. PepsiCo currently holds a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell) and is trading at a premium compared to its industry. The Beverages - Soft drinks industry, to which PepsiCo belongs, has a Zacks Industry Rank of 96, placing it in the top 39% of all industries.
Despite market instability, corporate earnings, which are the most important long-term driver of stock prices, have been improving. Analyst estimates for the third quarter, fourth quarter, and remainder of 2023, as well as 2024 full-year forecasts, have been raised during July and August, contrary to the usual trend of downward revisions. While earnings for S&P 500 companies have declined in Q2, analysts are growing more optimistic about the outlook for the rest of this year and into 2024.