Earnings preview: Palantir, Aramco and more in action-packed week

Portfolio managers brace for a flurry of corporate updates as earnings season kicks into high gear

Earnings season is set to kick into high gear this week, with a flurry of corporate updates expected from some of the world’s largest companies. Investors will be closely watching the results to gauge the health of the global economy and make informed investment decisions.

Key companies to watch this week

Some of the most closely watched companies reporting earnings this week include:

Palantir Technologies (PLTR): The data analytics company is expected to report its fourth-quarter earnings on Monday, February 13th. Analysts are expecting Palantir to report a loss per share of $0.03 on revenue of $426.9 million. *

Saudi Aramco (ARMCO): The Saudi Arabian oil giant is expected to report its fourth-quarter earnings on Sunday, February 12th. Analysts are expecting Aramco to report earnings per share of $0.86 on revenue of $110.0 billion.

In addition to these high-profile companies, several other notable companies are scheduled to report earnings this week, including:

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA)
Baidu, Inc. (BIDU)
JD.com, Inc. (JD)
Pinduoduo Inc. (PDD)
Tencent Holdings Ltd. (TCEHY)

Investors will be closely watching these companies' earnings reports for clues about the health of the global economy and the outlook for corporate profits in 2023.

What to expect from earnings season

Overall, analysts are expecting a solid earnings season, with companies reporting strong growth in both revenue and profits. However, there are some risks to watch out for, including the potential for companies to miss earnings estimates, the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential for a recession in 2023.

Investors should also be aware of the following factors when evaluating earnings reports:

Revenue growth: Companies that are able to grow their revenue at a healthy pace are typically seen as good investments.
Profitability: Companies that are able to generate profits are typically seen as more stable investments.
Earnings per share: This metric measures the amount of profit that a company generates per share of its stock. A high earnings per share is typically seen as a good sign.
Dividend yield: This metric measures the amount of dividend income that a company pays out to its shareholders. A high dividend yield is typically seen as a good sign for income investors.

Investors should also keep in mind that earnings season is a good time to review their portfolios and make any necessary adjustments. If a company that you are invested in reports disappointing earnings, you may want to consider selling your shares.

Finally, investors should remember that earnings season is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to making investment decisions. Other factors, such as the overall economic environment and the company's long-term prospects, should also be considered.