The earnings season continues with big companies from the auto industry and tech sector. Fiat, Ford, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Intel will set the tone for the events on the stock markets.
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Fiat
Investors and analysts are divided when it comes to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). Recommendations go from "buy" to "sell," some are buying shares and some are selling. And indeed, the company is in a mixed position.
On one hand, there are allegations of violationg the Clean Air Act, and on the other hand the company has some of the best selling models in its portfolio. But, we expect the company to post solid resuts. POST forecast: EPS $0.32 on revenue of $17.28 billion.
Ford
Ford declared a quarterly dividend and a number of institutional investors increased their positions in the company. With continuous investment in new factories, agreements with foreign governments like the latest deal in London, Ford is untouched with unfortunate events like product recalls now and then.
A range of new models is in development, car maker is ready to strengthen its position in the U.S., and all that points to a good earnings: EPS $0.34 and revenue $35.07 billion
Microsoft
Microsoft made a good strategic move shifting to the cloud technology and investors are now waiting to see how fast that business segment can grow.
Analysts are giving a "buy" ratings and raising share price target, with some describing the company as "outperforming." Since the internet world is spinning around cloud and Microsof is well-poisitioned in that segment, it seems investors have nothing to worry about. POST forecast is EPS $0.81 on revenue of $25.11 billion.
Alphabet
Alphabet, the company behind the biggest search engine in the world, is spreading on new markets, especially with Google Pixel phone dubbed by some as "The Android phone."
Taking that into consideration, along with Google's search business that's untouchable, POST forecast for Alphabet is EPS $9.26 on revenue of $23.83 billion.
Intel
Intel, the legendary chip maker, seems to be in not so good position, but that's just the first look. The world is shifting toward Internet of Things (IoT) and all big players are jumping to create semmiconductors for the future.
So, Intel is not alone on the top anymore but its experience and wide product portfolio guarantee that the one of the fathers of the modern computing is poised to grow. POST expects EPS to be $0.78 and revenue $15.74 billion. ■