Earnings Week Preview: Key Stocks to Watch in January 2025

The upcoming earnings week is packed with high-profile companies across tech, energy, travel, and consumer sectors. From tech giants like Apple and Microsoft to industrial leaders like Caterpillar and Boeing, investors are bracing for a flurry of reports that could shape market sentiment for the rest of the quarter. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from some of the biggest names reporting next week.

Tech Titans: Apple ($AAPL), Microsoft ($MSFT), Meta Platforms ($META), Intel ($INTC), IBM ($IBM), ASML ($ASML)

The tech sector remains a focal point for investors, with Apple and Microsoft leading the charge.

  • Apple ($AAPL): Analysts are closely watching iPhone 16 sales and the performance of its services segment, which has been a key growth driver. Expectations are high after Apple’s stock surged 23% in 2024.
  • Microsoft ($MSFT): With its cloud computing and AI divisions continuing to thrive, Microsoft is expected to post strong revenue growth. Investors will also look for updates on its AI investments, particularly in OpenAI.
  • Meta Platforms ($META): Meta’s advertising revenue and user engagement metrics will be in the spotlight. The company’s metaverse investments remain a wildcard, but its core business is expected to deliver solid results.
  • Intel ($INTC): Intel’s turnaround efforts in the semiconductor space will be scrutinized. Investors are eager to see if the company can gain market share against competitors like AMD and NVIDIA.
  • IBM ($IBM): IBM’s hybrid cloud and AI initiatives are expected to drive growth, but margins and revenue guidance will be key metrics to watch.
  • ASML ($ASML): As a critical supplier to the semiconductor industry, ASML’s earnings will provide insights into global chip demand.

Electric Vehicles and Autos: Tesla ($TSLA), General Motors ($GM)

  • Tesla ($TSLA): Tesla’s earnings will be closely watched for updates on its production targets, margins, and the rollout of its next-generation vehicles. Analysts are also keen to hear about its progress in autonomous driving technology.
  • General Motors ($GM): GM’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) remains a key focus. Investors will look for updates on EV sales and profitability, as well as the company’s ability to compete with Tesla and other EV makers.

Aerospace and Defense: Boeing ($BA), Lockheed Martin ($LMT), RTX ($RTX)

  • Boeing ($BA): Boeing’s earnings will be under the microscope as the company continues to recover from production issues and regulatory challenges. Deliveries of its 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft will be a key metric.
  • Lockheed Martin ($LMT): Defense spending remains robust, and Lockheed Martin is expected to benefit from strong demand for its F-35 fighter jets and missile systems.
  • RTX ($RTX): RTX’s commercial aerospace and defense businesses are expected to show steady growth, but supply chain challenges could weigh on results.

Energy Giants: Exxon Mobil ($XOM), Chevron ($CVX)

  • Exxon Mobil ($XOM): Exxon’s earnings will reflect the impact of oil prices, which have been volatile in recent months. Investors will also look for updates on its renewable energy investments.
  • Chevron ($CVX): Chevron’s production levels and capital expenditure plans will be key areas of focus. The company’s acquisition of Hess Corporation is expected to boost its long-term growth prospects.

Travel and Leisure: Royal Caribbean ($RCL), Southwest Airlines ($LUV)

  • Royal Caribbean ($RCL): The cruise industry has rebounded strongly, and Royal Caribbean is expected to post robust earnings. Investors will look for updates on booking trends and pricing power.
  • Southwest Airlines ($LUV): Southwest’s earnings will provide insights into the health of the domestic travel market. Fuel costs and labor expenses remain key challenges.

Consumer and Payments: Starbucks ($SBUX), Visa ($V), Mastercard ($MA)

  • Starbucks ($SBUX): Starbucks’ earnings will reflect consumer spending trends, particularly in the U.S. and China. Same-store sales growth and margins will be key metrics.
  • Visa ($V) and Mastercard ($MA): Both companies are expected to benefit from strong consumer spending and the shift to digital payments. Cross-border transaction volumes will be a key area of focus.

Industrial and Logistics: Caterpillar ($CAT), UPS ($UPS)

  • Caterpillar ($CAT): Caterpillar’s earnings will provide insights into global construction and infrastructure demand. Investors will also look for updates on its supply chain and pricing power.
  • UPS ($UPS): UPS’s earnings will reflect e-commerce trends and the company’s ability to manage costs amid slowing demand.

Telecom: AT&T ($T), T-Mobile ($TMUS)

  • AT&T ($T): AT&T’s earnings will focus on its wireless and broadband businesses. Investors will look for updates on subscriber growth and capital expenditure plans.
  • T-Mobile ($TMUS): T-Mobile’s earnings will highlight its competitive position in the wireless market. The company’s 5G rollout and customer acquisition efforts will be key areas of focus.