ZACKSยท2025-09-25 15:31Corporate Earnings Overview - Corporate earnings are a primary driver of stock market returns, with the current bull market supported by a resilient corporate backdrop, particularly in the tech sector due to an investment boom in artificial intelligence [1][2] - Total earnings growth in Q2 was 12.5% year-over-year, with revenues up 6.2%, both exceeding estimates, indicating strong corporate performance despite concerns like tariffs [3][4] - S&P 500 earnings for Q3 are expected to rise by 5.1% year-over-year, with a 6% increase in revenues, although this reflects a deceleration compared to Q3 2024 [5] Earnings Revisions and Outlook - The trend of earnings estimate revisions for Q3 has been mainly positive since April-May, with increases noted in sectors like technology and financials, which is seen as a bullish sign [7] - Annual S&P 500 earnings are projected to increase by 9.3% in 2025, supported by a 4.1% rise in revenues, with expectations for accelerated growth in the coming years [9][10] Company-Specific Insights - Jabil (JBL) reported fiscal Q4 earnings of $3.29 per share, surpassing estimates by 11.5%, with revenues of $8.25 billion, exceeding consensus by 7.67% [13][14] - Costco (COST) is expected to report fiscal Q4 earnings of $5.81 per share, reflecting a 12.8% growth year-over-year, with revenues projected at $86.23 billion [16][20] - Costco's performance will provide insights into membership trends and consumer behavior, particularly in a value-focused retail environment [17][20]