5 Broker-Loved Stocks to Watch Amid Steady Start to Q4 Earnings Season

Earnings Season Overview - The fourth-quarter earnings season has begun with 106 S&P 500 companies reporting results, showing 76.4% beating EPS estimates and 63.2% surpassing revenue estimates, indicating an improving earnings outlook [1][7]. Investor Sentiment - Investors are optimistic about maintaining momentum throughout the earnings season, as companies reporting better-than-expected earnings typically see an increase in stock prices, alongside easing inflation being a positive factor [2]. Stock Selection Strategy - Investors are encouraged to select stocks based on broker recommendations and upward revisions in earnings estimates, with a focus on stocks like Cardinal Health (CAH), AutoNation (AN), Target Corporation (TGT), Avnet (AVT), and ABM Industries (ABM) for potential returns [3][7]. Screening Criteria - A screening process has been established to identify stocks with improving broker recommendations and earnings estimate revisions, incorporating price/sales ratios as a valuation metric [4][5]. Stock Highlights - Cardinal Health is projected to have a 16.3% year-over-year revenue improvement for fiscal 2026 and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 14.7% [7]. - AutoNation is expanding its dealer network and enhancing digital capabilities, with a 0.3% upward revision in earnings estimates for 2026 [8][9]. - Target is undergoing a transformation with a focus on design-led merchandising and advanced analytics for better demand forecasting [10][11]. - Avnet is benefiting from strong defense and data center markets, with a focus on Internet of Things capabilities [12][13]. - ABM Industries is enhancing its position in the data center market through acquisitions and has seen a 2.2% upward revision in earnings estimates for the current year [13][14].