Equities closed higher (S&P 500 +1.6%) in a roller-coaster week, snapping a three-week losing streak. Stocks bounced early in the week on oversold conditions and negative sentiment. There was also a renewed pickup in policy pivot hopes. The week ended with a stronger than hoped for employment report selloff. Best sector was energy (+13.9%); worst sectors were REITS (-4.1%) and utilities (-2.6%).
3Q Earnings Season To Kick Off Later This Week With The Banks
With the banks expected to report later this week, the third quarter earnings season will officially get underway. As it stands now, the S&P 500 is expected to see earnings growth of 4.1% during the quarter with the energy sector expected to lead the way once again. Excluding the energy sector, S&P earnings are estimated to be down -2.6%.
Sales Growth Expected To Outpace Earnings Growth
Sales growth for the S&P 500 during the 3rd quarter is expected to be 9.7% and similar to earnings, the energy sector is expected to provide an outsized contribution. However, unlike energy, sales growth is still expected to be positive at 6.4% ex. energy. One item that is worth noting is that all but two sectors (energy and industrials) have earnings growth that is slower than sales growth.
Operating Margins Continue To Slowly Drift Lower
We continue to believe that operating margins have peaked and will likely continue to move lower especially if the economy heads towards a recession. What’s causing margins to move in a slow decline rather than a sharp drop is the support the energy sector has provided. Over the last 40 years, margins have been mean reverting even if in an uptrend and we expect this time to be no different.
Three Energy Companies In The Top 10 by S&P 500 Earnings Contributors For 2Q
One notable observation about the large contributors to the S&P 500 from an earnings standpoint is the differential between the market cap of energy companies and the amount they contributed during the second quarter. While one could argue the volatility associated with commodity prices doesn’t warrant an equal contribution of market cap to earnings for companies in the sector, if each of the companies’ weights were to double, they would still not even be half of their earnings contributions.
Source: Bob Doll Crossmark Investments, Strategas
Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments. Data provided by Refinitiv.
Sincerely,
Fortem Financial
(760) 206-8500
team@fortemfin.com
Latest News
Stock Futures Wobble on Fed Concerns, Ukraine Escalation
U.S. stock futures started the week on a shaky note as concerns about Federal Reserve policy and further escalation in the Ukraine war weighed on markets.
The Wall Street Journal
October mortgage rates will continue to rise, haunting ho...
Projecting the trend for mortgage rates this month isn't particularly tricky, but it doesn't look like there'll be any treats, either.
News Nation
Americans began new businesses at record pace in 2021. He...
Facing 40-year high inflation, small business owners who can't access traditional bank loans are using various forms of micro loans to stay afloat.
USA TODAY