Markets in a Minute - Can U.S. Stocks Continue Earnings Momentum?
As the final earnings season of 2025 draws to a close, companies in the S&P 500 Index have demonstrated strong earnings momentum. According to FactSet, the blended year-over-year earnings growth rate for the benchmark is 14.2% as of February 27th, with almost all companies in the S&P 500 having reported fourth quarter earnings. Another strong set of results makes it five consecutive quarters of double-digit growth.
Earnings strength was broad based across the index with all 11 sectors reporting positive growth relative to the previous year. Standouts included Information Technology (IT) and Industrials, with year-over-year growth rates of 34% and 27%, respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, Healthcare and Consumer Discretionary have been laggards, though both sectors grew earnings year over year by 0.4%.
S&P 500 Q4 2025 Year-over-year Earnings Growth
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future results. Indexes are unmanaged and not subject to fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast or guarantee of futures results. Source: Kestra Investment Management with data from FactSet Earnings Insight. Index: S&P 500. Data as of February 27, 2026.
Analysts are expecting this excellent run to continue. Estimates for year-over-year earnings growth rates for all four quarters of 2026 are in double-digits, and for all of 2026, the S&P 500 is expected to grow earnings by nearly 15%.
S&P 500 Quarterly Year-over-Year Earnings Growth: 2025 Actuals and 2026 Estimates
*Estimates for 2026 earnings are from FactSet’s Earnings Insight. ** - blended earnings growth rate based on a combination of reported earnings numbers and estimate with 96% of companies reporting. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future results. Indexes are unmanaged and not subject to fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast or guarantee of futures results. Source: Kestra Investment Management with data from FactSet Earnings Insight and Bloomberg. Index: S&P 500. Data as of February 27, 2026.
Over the course of this earnings season, 73% of companies beat their earnings estimates, and the same number beat revenue estimates. While these rates are impressive, they are weaker relative to their ten-year averages. In addition to strong earnings momentum, margins continue to expand. The S&P 500 is on pace to report a net profit margin of 13.3%, the highest level since 2009.
This earnings season is a solid reminder that, despite headlines abroad, U.S. companies continue to post strong earnings growth.
Invest wisely, live richly.
Kara
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Advisor Services Holdings C, Inc., d/b/a Kestra Holdings, and its subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, Kestra Advisory Services, LLC, Kestra Investment Services, LLC, and Bluespring Wealth Partners, LLC. The material is for informational purposes only. It represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. It is not guaranteed by any entity for accuracy, does not purport to be complete and is not intended to be used as a primary basis for investment decisions. It should also not be construed as advice meeting the particular investment needs of any investor. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was created to provide accurate and reliable information on the subjects covered but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects. It is not intended to provide specific legal, tax or other professional advice. The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation. Kestra Advisor Services Holdings C, Inc., d/b/a Kestra Holdings, and its subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, Kestra Advisory Services, LLC, Kestra Investment Services, LLC, and Bluespring Wealth Partners, LLC, do not offer tax or legal advice.