S&P 500 Firms Show Robust Earnings Growth, Alphabet and Visa Lead Momentum
The third-quarter earnings season has revealed a striking 13% surge in cumulative profits for S&P 500 companies, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growth. Among the standout performers, Alphabet Inc. and Visa Inc. are driving significant earnings momentum, with analysts revising estimates upward by double-digit percentages.
Alphabet's projected $2.28 EPS for Q3 reflects a staggering 71% increase from three months prior, while Visa's $2.97 estimate has climbed 41% over the same period. Both stocks exhibit substantial upside potential—18% for Alphabet and 16% for Visa—based on average price targets.
Fifteen S&P 500 constituents are under particular scrutiny, each showing at least 20% EPS estimate growth and 15% price target upside. The broader market's resilience underscores renewed confidence in corporate profitability, particularly in tech and financial sectors.
