Yahoo Finance·2026-01-29 13:17Core Insights - The fourth quarter earnings season is underway, with major tech companies like Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Apple leading the earnings calendar [1] - An optimistic consensus is forming, with 13% of S&P 500 companies having reported results, and an estimated 8.2% increase in earnings per share for the fourth quarter, marking the potential for the 10th consecutive quarter of annual earnings growth [2] - Analysts had initially expected an 8.3% jump in earnings per share, a decrease from the previous quarter's 13.6% growth rate, but have since raised expectations, particularly for tech companies [3] Company Updates - In addition to the reports from major tech stocks, earnings updates will also come from a diverse range of companies including UnitedHealth, Boeing, General Motors, IBM, Starbucks, Levi Strauss, Visa, American Express, Mastercard, Caterpillar, Exxon Mobil, Chevron, AT&T, and Verizon [4]