Top 5 Stocks to Keep an Eye on for Earnings This Week

New York: Earnings season is here, and it’s kicking off with some big names. While the banks are always in the spotlight, there are several other companies worth watching this week. These non-bank firms come from various industries and can give us a good look at the economy, especially with inflation and consumer behavior in play.

So, what should you keep an eye on? One company has a perfect record for earnings surprises, while another is trying to bounce back after a rough patch with seven misses in a row. Will they turn things around?

It’s tough to keep up a winning streak every quarter, but some of these companies have managed to do just that.

First up is JPMorgan Chase. This big bank has beaten earnings expectations for nine quarters straight, and its shares have risen 3% in the last month. However, it’s not exactly a bargain, trading at a price-to-book ratio of 2.1. Analysts suggest buying banks closer to a ratio of 1.0. Will JPMorgan keep its streak alive?

Next is BlackRock, which also has a solid earnings surprise record, with nine beats in a row and only two misses in the last five years. Its shares have dropped 8.8% recently, and it trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 20, which is on the higher side. Can BlackRock pull off another win?

Then there’s UnitedHealth Group, a real standout that hasn’t missed earnings in five years, even during the pandemic. Its shares are up 4.5% lately, and since it’s a Dow component, it can sway the index. Will it keep its perfect record this week?

J.B. Hunt is next, but it hasn’t had the best track record, with just one earnings beat in the last eight quarters. The trucking industry has faced challenges, but some analysts think it might recover by 2025. Its shares are up 1% recently, but it’s trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.9. Is it time to invest in trucking?

Finally, we have Fastenal, which has beaten earnings three out of the last four quarters. It has a solid five-year record, with only two misses. However, its shares are down 6% recently, and it trades at a high forward price-to-earnings ratio of 33. Will Fastenal bounce back in 2025?

With so much happening, it’s an exciting time to watch these stocks and see how they perform.