Earnings could be boosted for a small number of companies reporting results next week. Next week is set to be the busiest period of earnings season, with 10 companies, one-third of the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average, set to release their latest financial results. Mega-cap giants Microsoft, Amazon and Apple will headline this week, along with other companies in the travel, pharmaceutical, energy and restaurant sectors. About 36% of S&P 500 companies have reported earnings so far, with more than 7 in 10 reporting higher earnings, according to FactSet. CNBC Pro surveyed FactSet to select companies due to report earnings next week whose stock prices could rise after a positive earnings surprise. To be included in the table, these stocks had to meet the following criteria: A buy rating from at least 55% of covered analysts Earnings per share over the past three and six months is expected to rise by at least 10% Here are the stocks that are expected to rise by at least 15% over the next 12 months. Insurance company MetLife is scheduled to report its financial results next Wednesday. Overall, 65% of analysts covering the stock rate it a Buy, and the average price target suggests upside potential of about 30%. Earlier this month, TD Cowen began covering the name with a Buy rating. TD Cowen analyst Andrew Kligerman said: “MET’s attractive mix includes group benefits and two-thirds of foreign revenue, relatively low macro sensitivity, and EPS of over 10%.” We expect growth.” MetLife stock has soared 25% this year. Amazon, the giant behind the “Magnificent Seven,” also made the list. The stock price rose nearly 25% in 2024. More than 8 out of 10 analysts covering Amazon view the stock as a buy, with an average price target suggesting an upside of about 31%. Ahead of the e-commerce giant’s next earnings report on Thursday, Bank of America reiterated its stock as a buy, while Citi backed Amazon as a top stock. “The 2024 holiday season (starting with Black Friday) will have five fewer shopping days than last year, but an analysis of 2019 results shows that this should not have an impact on overall consumer and advertiser spending,” Citi said. I don’t think so.” We could still see big upside after Aptiv releases its earnings on Thursday. The auto parts maker’s stock has fallen nearly 23% this year. But Wells Fargo believes the stock could rise 27% from Thursday’s closing price, with a recently revised price target of $78 to $87. The bank recently upgraded Aptiv from equal weight to overweight. Analyst Colin Langan said: “Despite the recent slowdown, we are still seeing growth that is well above average.” Most analysts are bullish on Aptiv as well, with 61% of analysts covering the name rating it a Buy. Based on the average price target, Apptiv stock could rise another 29% from here. Also on the list were Alphabet, a member of the Magnificent Seven, and card service companies Mastercard and Visa.
