Earnings

Big Earnings Week for Tech: Amazon, Alphabet, and Apple

Published October 26, 2024

Next week is set to be a crucial one for investors, particularly in the technology sector, as major players prepare to announce their earnings. Companies like Amazon, Alphabet, and Apple will be among those reporting their third-quarter results, making it a significant week for market watchers.

Economic Indicators to Watch

Before the earnings reports, investors will also be paying attention to important economic indicators. On Friday, the October jobs report will be released, providing insights into employment trends. Additionally, the Q3 GDP report will come out just ahead of the Federal Reserve's next meeting on November 7. Currently, a substantial 93% of market participants predict that the Federal Open Market Committee will lower the benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points, while 7% believe there may be no changes.

Focus on Technology Earnings

The earnings season is in full swing, with tech companies taking center stage. Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet will all reveal their financial results next week.

Amazon's Earnings Preview

Beginning with Amazon, the company is set to report its Q3 earnings on October 31. Analysts expect revenue to reach approximately $157.34 billion, with earnings per share (EPS) estimated at $1.34. A gross margin of 50.1% is anticipated. Areas of particular interest for investors will include growth in Amazon Web Services (AWS), overall margins, capital expenditures, and US retail margins. Bank of America Securities has indicated expectations for a "mixed" performance in Q3, predicting retail to be in line while AWS could outperform.

Alphabet's Earnings Preview

Alphabet will announce its earnings on Tuesday, with projections of around $86.46 billion in revenue and an EPS of $1.81. Investors will closely monitor advertising growth for insights. According to Wedbush Securities, the consensus growth estimates are viewed as "achievable," but there are potential headwinds from competition, particularly from Amazon.

Investor Sentiment

As these major companies prepare to report, investor sentiment will likely fluctuate based on the results. Each earnings report provides not only financial metrics but also insight into the strategic direction of these tech giants, which can influence their stock performance and, subsequently, the broader market.

Conclusion

In summary, next week promises pivotal earnings announcements that could significantly impact the technology sector and overall market sentiment. By keeping an eye on these developments, investors can better position themselves in the current economic landscape.

Earnings, Tech, Investors