Earnings Scorecard 2026: 77% Companies Beat EPS!

 Latest Earnings Scorecard 2026: 24 of 31 Companies Show Strong EPS Growth – Bullish Signs for Investors?

• Strong Beat Rate: 24 of 31 companies beat EPS expectations, signalling resilience amid economic shifts.
• Year-Over-Year Gains: Most firms posted positive EPS growth, with sectors like tech and industrials leading.
• Market Implications: This could point to a bullish outlook, but watch for weaknesses in Indian secondary stocks.
• Key Takeaways: How Intel, Johnson & Johnson, and Deere Point to Select Investment Upside                   
                   

Introduction: Why Earnings Season Matters in 2026

Hey there, fellow investors! Imagine waking up to news that the stock market is buzzing with positive vibes. That's exactly what happened in the latest earnings week of 2026. Out of 31 major S&P 500 companies that shared their quarterly results, a whopping 24 posted better-than-expected earnings per share (EPS) growth. That's about 77% beating estimates – pretty impressive, right? This isn't just numbers on a screen; it's a real signal that businesses are holding strong even as global economies face headwinds like inflation cooling and interest rates stabilising.

Let's hook you with a quick story. Remember the 2024 market dips when everyone panicked about recessions? Fast forward to now, January 2026, and the Federal Reserve's latest reports show US GDP growth ticking up to 2.5% in Q4 2025. The World Bank echoes this optimism, forecasting global growth at 2.7% for 2026, driven by emerging markets like India. But here's the twist: while big US firms shine, secondary Indian companies (think mid-cap and small-cap beyond Nifty 50) are showing mixed EPS growth in their Q3 season. According to recent ICRA data, aggregate revenues for 602 listed Indian firms grew just 6.8% YoY in Q3 FY26, with profits lagging at single digits. So, is this US scorecard a green light for global bulls, or a warning for Indian investors?

In this deep dive – our latest earnings scorecard 2026 analysis – we'll break it all down. We'll look at the beats and misses, spotlight top performers, and even zoom into a mini case study on Deere (a classic industrial play). By the end, you'll have practical tips to spot winners, plus links to dig deeper. Whether you're eyeing secondary Indian companies' EPS growth or US tech giants, this Q3 earnings season analysis will help you navigate. Stick around; we've got facts, stats, and real-world examples to make it easy to follow. After all, understanding EPS isn't rocket science – it's about seeing if companies are truly earning more per share than last year.

Why does this matter now? With the IMF recently upgrading India's FY26 growth forecast to 7.3% (up from 6.5%), earnings trends are the ultimate filter for picking winners." A bullish market? Absolutely, if you play it smart. Let's jump in!

Company	Revenue Growth (YoY)	Net Profit Growth (YoY)	Notes
JSW Steel	11%	254%	Strong demand for metals
BPCL	5%	80%	Energy sector boost
UltraTech Cement	26%	17%	Infrastructure push
Kotak Mahindra	5%	5%	Steady banking
Shriram Finance	13%	-22%	Pressure in NBFC
Cipla	~0%	-57%	Pharma challenges

What the Latest Earnings Scorecard 2026 Tells Us

Breaking Down the Numbers: 24 Out of 31 Companies Positive on EPS

Earnings season hit a critical checkpoint in mid-January 2026, with 31 S&P 500 heavyweights reporting. Here’s a snapshot of the results:

• Beats: 24 companies smashed EPS estimates.
• Misses: Only 3 fell short.
• In Line: 4 matched forecasts exactly.

On a year-over-year basis, growth was solid – think double-digit jumps in many cases. This beats the 5-year average beat rate of 76% (per FactSet data). For additional context, blended EPS growth for the S&P 500 in Q4 2025 has climbed to 8.2%, reflecting upward revisions.

With the IMF recently upgrading India's FY26 growth forecast to 7.3% (up from 6.5%), earnings trends are the ultimate filter for picking winners."

Compare this to India: In Q3 FY26, early-bird results show the weakest revenue growth in 17 quarters (Business Standard). Secondary Indian companies, often in the IT and consumer sectors, averaged just 5-7% EPS growth. Yet, outliers like Waaree Renewables (873% stock surge post-earnings) prove pockets of strength.

Practical tip: Use tools like Screener to filter high EPS growth stocks in India. Aim for >15% YoY for safety.

Sector Winners: Tech, Industrials, and Healthcare Shine

Tech led with Netflix and Intel delivering surprises. Industrials like GE boosted on efficiency. Healthcare (J&J) showed steady demand. In India, renewables and pharma (e.g., Dr Reddy's 4.4% revenue up) mirror this.

Bullet points on key sectors:

• Technology: 80% beat rate; AI-driven growth.
• Industrials: Supply chain wins post-COVID.
• Consumer: Mixed, but Netflix subs up 13%.
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Deep Dive: Top Performing Stocks This Week and Mini Case Study

Real Wins: Netflix, GE, and J&J in Focus

Netflix: Q4 2025 EPS beat by 15%, with 13 million new subscribers. Stock jumped 8%. Key takeaway? Streaming wars favour content kings.

GE: Aerospace boom; EPS up 20% YoY. The CEO noted job cuts for efficiency – smart move.

J&J: Pharma pipeline strong; EPS growth 12%. Resilient despite recalls.

Mini Case Study: Deere & Company 

Let's take Deere (DE), the farm equipment giant, as our real company example. In Q4 2025 earnings (reported Jan 2026), Deere recently showed a resilient EPS of $6.05, beating the $5.93 analyst target. Revenue hit $10.2B, driven by precision ag tech.

Why does this matter? Deere's story shows how EPS growth signals broader trends. Amid US drought fears, they cut costs by 10% via automation. World Bank notes ag sector growth at 2.8% globally in 2026 – Deere captured it with 25% margins.

Step-by-step analysis:

1. Pre-Earnings Setup: Analysts expected $5.93 EPS (Yahoo Finance). Deere's guidance was cautious due to tariffs.
2. Beat Breakdown: EPS growth from higher volumes in Europe/Asia. Net income rose 22% to $2.1B.
3. Stock Reaction: Shares +5% post-earnings. P/E now 18x FY26 estimates.
4. Risks: Commodity prices are volatile; if corn falls, FY26 EPS could dip 5%.
5. A similar trend is evident in India, where Mahindra & Mahindra recorded roughly 10% EPS growth in Q3 FY26, driven by strong tractor sales.

Deere's success? Diversification – 40% revenue from services. IMF data shows industrial EPS up 7% globally. Buy on dips when EPS growth is above 15% YoY. Deere's 5-year EPS CAGR: 12%. In secondary Indian cos, similar plays like Escorts (agri focus) grew EPS 28% last quarter.

(Expanded to ~: Deere's FY25 full EPS $25.40 vs $22 prior; debt down 15%; dividend yield 1.5%. Compare to the Nifty Industrials index, up 8% YTD.)

This case proves: Strong EPS = bullish for long-term holds.

Is the Market Bullish? Q3 Earnings Season Analysis for 2026

With 77% beats, yes – but cautiously. FactSet now projects S&P 500 EPS growth at 8.4% for 2026. For India, Nifty EPS is expected to grow 12-14% as per the latest reports." Top ranking stocks: Netflix (up 12%), GE (15%).

Tips:

• Track via Moneycontrol for Indian Q3 updates.
• Diversify: 60% US, 40% India for balance.

Related guides: EPS Basics | Indian Mid-Caps 2026 | S&P 500 Outlook

External: FactSet Earnings Insight | ICRA Q3 Report.

Conclusion: Act on This Earnings Scorecard Now

To sum up: 24/31 companies' EPS growth in the latest week paints a bullish picture for 2026. From Deere's resilience to Netflix's surge, opportunities abound. For secondary Indian companies, focus on growth pockets amid slower overall trends. Don't wait – review your portfolio today!

Call to Action: Subscribe for weekly earnings updates. Share your top picks below. What's your view on market bullishness?

FAQs: Trending Questions on Earnings Scorecard 2026

What does EPS growth mean for stocks? EPS growth shows profit per share rising YoY. Higher = better valuation potential.

Why 24/31 beats this week? Strong economy; Fed rate cuts helped.

Indian companies' EPS vs US? US companies are showing 8-10% growth, while Indian large-caps are targeting 12%+, though secondary (mid-cap) stocks are currently slower at 7-9%."

Best secondary Indian stocks post-earnings? Waaree, Dr Reddy's – check Screener for >20% growth.

Next earnings catalysts? Apple and Microsoft in the coming week; watch for AI boosts.