Welcome to the heart of this earnings season, with nearly a third of S&P 500 companies ready to release their first-quarter results. This period is the caldera of the volcano; it’s a pivotal time that could sway market dynamics significantly.
Thus far, the earnings landscape has largely favored optimistic investors, with approximately 20% of S&P 500 companies already surpassing expectations—77% of them have reported better-than-expected results as of Tuesday. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that historical trends don’t always predict future outcomes, and this week’s flood of earnings reports could very well buck the positive trend we’ve seen.
Investors should remain vigilant for unexpected twists, as not all companies are well-positioned to sustain or emulate the bullish momentum. Our meticulous analysis highlights a group of S&P 500 companies that are potentially at risk of seeing their stock prices decline post-earnings. These firms have shown troubling signs, including at least 15 downward revisions of EPS estimates in the last three months, significant reductions in consensus EPS estimates, and a downward trend in consensus price targets over recent months.
As we navigate through this tumultuous week, these indicators serve as a reminder that the market’s reaction to earnings is as much about future expectations as it is about past performance. Keep a close eye on these potentially volatile stocks—they could define your market strategy for the coming weeks.
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY)
Bristol-Myers Squibb is under close scrutiny this earnings season, as analysts have revised its earnings estimates downward 19 times over the last three months. Market sentiment appears cautious, with consensus price targets indicating a potential decline of more than 8% in the company’s stock over the next three months, and a more substantial 23% drop over the next six months.
The pharmaceutical giant is scheduled to report its earnings before the market opens this Thursday, drawing significant investor attention. In February, Redburn Atlantic adjusted its outlook on Bristol-Myers Squibb from “Buy” to “Neutral.” Analyst Steve Chesney cited concerns over the company’s uncertain revenue growth prospects and challenges in executing value-enhancing deals. He noted, “With limited near-term material pipeline updates and increasing challenges to threading the needle on value accretive deals, we downgrade to Neutral.”
So far this year, shares of Bristol-Myers Squibb have already seen a decline of 4.5%, reflecting the market’s tempered expectations and the broader challenges facing the firm. Investors are advised to watch this stock closely, as its upcoming earnings report could be pivotal in determining its trajectory in the months ahead.
Rockwell Automation Inc (ROK)
Rockwell Automation, a key player in the industrial technology sector, has experienced significant bearish sentiment from analysts recently, with 29 downward revisions to its earnings estimates over the past three months. Current analyst consensus suggests that the stock could face a near-term decline of nearly 6% in the next three months, with a potential drop of almost 7% over the next six months.
The company has seen its shares fall by 11% so far this year, underscoring the challenges it faces amid changing market dynamics. Rockwell Automation is poised to release its fiscal second-quarter earnings before the market opens on Tuesday, May 7. This upcoming report is highly anticipated, as it will provide further insights into the company’s operational performance and potential strategic adjustments.
Investors are advised to keep a close eye on Rockwell Automation, especially in light of its recent stock performance and the pessimistic outlook from analysts. The forthcoming earnings could be critical in shaping market perceptions and influencing the stock’s trajectory in the coming months.
Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD)
Gilead Sciences, the prominent biopharmaceutical firm most of us remember from the COVID-19 days,, is set to report its first-quarter results this Thursday amid a challenging outlook. The company has seen its earnings estimates revised downward 18 times in the past three months, indicating a cautious stance from analysts regarding its near-term financial performance.
Already this year, Gilead’s stock has taken a significant hit, declining by 17%. Analysts predict further downside, forecasting a 4% drop in the next three months and an approximate 5% slide over the next six months. These projections highlight potential concerns about the company’s ability to rebound in the current market environment.
As Gilead Sciences prepares to unveil its earnings, investors are advised to monitor these developments closely. The upcoming earnings report will be crucial in providing insights into the company’s operational challenges and potential strategies for stabilization and growth amidst ongoing market pressures.
