ZACKS·2026-01-28 16:01Core Insights - The Q4 earnings reporting season is accelerating, with over 300 companies, including 102 S&P 500 constituents, set to release results, and the "Magnificent 7" expected to show Q4 earnings growth of 16.9% on 16.6% higher revenues compared to the previous year [1][10] Earnings Expectations - Apple (AAPL): Expected earnings of $2.65 per share on revenues of $137.5 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 10.4% in earnings and 10.6% in revenues, with analyst estimates trending higher [6] - Microsoft (MSFT): Projected earnings of $3.88 per share on revenues of $80.2 billion, suggesting year-over-year growth of 20.1% in earnings and 15.2% in revenues, with no recent analyst estimate revisions [8] - Meta Platforms (META): Expected to report earnings of $8.32 per share on revenues of $58.6 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 3.7% in earnings and 21.1% in revenues, with upward revisions in earnings estimates [9] - Tesla (TSLA): Projected earnings of $0.45 per share on revenues of $25.1 billion, suggesting a year-over-year decline of 38.4% in earnings and 2.3% in revenues, with a decrease in analyst estimates [11] - Alphabet (GOOGL): Expected earnings of $2.58 per share on revenues of $94.7 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 20% in earnings and 16% in revenues [12] - Amazon (AMZN): Likely to report earnings of $1.97 per share on revenues of $211.5 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 5.9% in earnings and 12.6% in revenues, with some upward revisions in estimates [13] AI Strategy and Market Positioning - Investor concerns regarding Microsoft, Meta, and Apple are primarily related to their positioning in artificial intelligence (AI), with Microsoft and Meta being significant spenders in the field, while Apple's limited visibility raises questions about its competitive viability [4] - Microsoft was initially seen as an AI leader due to its partnership with OpenAI, but momentum has shifted towards Alphabet, especially after regulatory pressures eased for Alphabet [5] Valuation Insights - The Magnificent 7 is currently trading at approximately 126% of the S&P 500 valuation multiple, reflecting a 26% premium to the broader market, with historical premiums ranging from 24% to 71% and a five-year median premium of 43% [14] Investment Opportunities - Investors interested in capitalizing on the AI boom may consider ETFs focused on the Magnificent 7, such as Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (MAGS) and others, with MAGS showing a 1.8% increase this year, in line with the S&P 500 [15]