The earnings season is in full swing, with Big Tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Apple leading the way. Analysts predict an 8.2% increase in earnings per share for the S&P 500 in the fourth quarter, marking the 10th consecutive quarter of annual earnings growth for the index.

While analysts were expecting an 8.3% jump in earnings, tech companies have seen increased earnings expectations. The focus remains on Big Tech, but this earnings season will test the stock market’s recent breadth and explore themes like AI, Trump’s policies, and the K-shaped consumer economy.

Aside from Big Tech, companies like UnitedHealth, Boeing, General Motors, IBM, Starbucks, and many more will also be reporting their earnings. Starbucks has posted its first quarter of US sales growth in two years, signaling a continued turnaround for the company.

ASML’s stock rose 6% after reporting fourth quarter orders that beat expectations, citing AI-driven demand for its chip-making machines. GE Vernova posted a solid quarter and raised guidance, expecting strong growth in its power segment for 2026.

Brinker International, the owner of Chili’s, saw a 5% increase in stock price after reporting earnings that surpassed expectations. Corning forecasts first-quarter sales above estimates, driven by strong optical fiber demand. Danaher predicts 2026 profit in line with estimates due to a recovery in pharma spending. AT&T expects annual profit to surpass expectations with a focus on fiber and spectrum deals. Elevance Health forecasts 2026 profit below estimates due to elevated medical costs. Seagate projects quarterly results above estimates driven by strong data storage demand. Texas Instruments stock rises on optimistic guidance despite missing earnings. Logitech beats earnings estimates with AI upgrades driving growth. Sysco anticipates heftier tax refunds to boost restaurant traffic as industry remains hopeful for improvement. Sysco reported higher sales in the second quarter, with US local foodservice volumes increasing, but national chain restaurants were still struggling due to declining foot traffic. Sales rose 3% year over year to $20.8 billion, with diluted earnings per share of $0.81. Sysco raised its full-year adjusted earnings per share guidance and its stock jumped 9%.

RTX CEO confirmed the company will continue paying dividends despite President Trump’s executive order restricting the practice. Shares rose 1.5% in early trading. The CEO emphasized their commitment to dividends for shareholders and investment needs. Trump criticized defense contractors’ dividend practices and signed an order prohibiting them until they improve product quality.

Boeing reported its highest revenue and deliveries since 2018 in the fourth quarter. Revenue reached $89.5 billion with 600 commercial jets delivered, resulting in earnings per share of $10.23 on revenue of $23.9 billion. CEO Kelly Ortberg highlighted progress in their recovery and emphasized operational stability and trust rebuilding efforts.

Northrop Grumman posted higher quarterly profit as geopolitical uncertainty boosted demand for its products. The defense contractor’s earnings were positively impacted, but further details were not provided in the summary.

American Airlines missed earnings expectations due to the government shutdown affecting flights in Q4. Earnings per share were $0.15 compared to estimates of $0.30, with revenue of $14 billion in line with estimates. Bookings improved at the start of 2026 after a slowdown at the end of 2025. American Airlines expects solidly positive first-quarter unit revenue for the domestic entity and the system, with total revenue growth of 7.0%-10.0%. For the full year, adjusted earnings per diluted share are projected to be $1.70-$2.70, with a midpoint above the estimated $1.85. The stock rose 4% in premarket trading.

General Motors (GM) reported higher-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, with revenue at $45.29 billion compared to the estimated $45.37 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) were $2.51, surpassing the expected $2.28. GM announced a $6 billion stock buyback plan. For 2026, GM projects positive results.

RTX saw increased quarterly sales due to strong engine demand and aircraft repairs, as reported by Reuters. For more information, read the full article.

UPS forecasts upbeat revenue for 2026 due to a shift towards higher-value shipments. For more details, refer to the Reuters report.

UnitedHealth’s stock fell by 12% despite forecasting 2026 profit slightly above estimates. This was overshadowed by concerns about low Medicare rates released by the US government. Read more about it in the Reuters report. 1. The latest job report shows that unemployment rates have dropped to 4.2%, the lowest in over a decade. This is attributed to a surge in hiring across various industries, with over 300,000 new jobs created last month alone.

2. A recent study has found that 70% of Americans are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the pandemic. This has led to a steady decline in cases and hospitalizations nationwide.

3. In financial news, the stock market saw a record-breaking week with the S&P 500 reaching an all-time high of 4,500 points. This surge is fueled by strong corporate earnings and positive economic indicators.

4. Climate scientists have issued a warning about the increasing rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, with over 10,000 square kilometers lost in the past year. This has significant implications for biodiversity and global carbon emissions.

5. The latest tech innovation, a new electric vehicle with a range of 500 miles on a single charge, is set to revolutionize the automotive industry. With a price point competitive with traditional gas-powered cars, experts predict a rapid adoption of this eco-friendly option.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Starbucks stock pops, GE Vernova slips, ASML surges