Q2 2026 Earnings Season: Key Dates, Expectations & Stocks to Watch

The second-quarter earnings season is set to begin in earnest during the second week of July, when some of the largest US companies start reporting financial results for the April-to-June period. 

As usual, major banks are expected to lead the reporting calendar before attention shifts to technology giants later in the month. 

With US equities trading near record levels, investors will be looking beyond headline earnings to assess whether corporate profits continue to support current market valuations.

TL;DR

• Q2 earnings season begins in mid-July, with PepsiCo and Delta Air Lines among the first major companies to report, followed by leading US banks.

• Big Tech earnings from companies such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, Apple and Amazon are expected later in July, while Nvidia is anticipated to report in late August.

• Investors will focus not only on quarterly results but also on forward guidance, AI investment, profit margins and consumer demand.

• Corporate commentary could influence sentiment across major indices, including the S&P 500 and NASDAQ 100, throughout the reporting season

When Does Q2 Earnings Season Begin?

The unofficial start of the US earnings season is expected on 9 July, when PepsiCo reports quarterly results, followed by Delta Air Lines on 10 July among other companies. Attention will then turn to the financial sector, with major Wall Street banks, including Citigroup (14 July), Wells Fargo (14 July), Goldman Sachs (14 July), Bank of America, Morgan Stanley (14 July), and JPMorgan Chase (15 July) expected to report during the following week.

Later in July, several of the market's largest technology companies, including Alphabet (22 July), Microsoft (29 July), Meta Platforms (29 July) and Apple (30 July), are expected to release results, while Amazon (30 July) is likely to report shortly afterwards. Nvidia, whose earnings have arguably become one of the most closely watched events for equity markets, is expected to report towards the end of August. Reporting dates remain subject to change and are confirmed by companies closer to their announcements. 

What Are Analysts Expecting?

According to Yahoo Finance, analysts are entering the reporting season with relatively strong expectations despite continued uncertainty surrounding interest rates, trade policy and geopolitical developments. Still, only time will tell what lies ahead. (Source: Yahoo Finance)

Which Sectors Could Be in Focus?

The financial sector traditionally sets the tone for earnings season. Investors will monitor loan growth, investment banking activity, trading revenue and management commentary for signs of how businesses and consumers are responding to the current economic environment.

Meanwhile, the technology sector is once again expected to dominate market attention. Companies including Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta and Nvidia are likely to face questions about whether significant AI investments are translating into sustainable revenue growth and profitability.

Consumer-facing businesses, including airlines, retailers and consumer staples companies, may also provide fresh insight into household spending trends and inflationary pressures, offering investors additional clues about the strength of the broader US economy.

What Could Move Markets This Earnings Season?

While earnings beats often attract headlines, markets frequently react more strongly to company outlooks than historical results.

This reporting season, investors are expected to pay close attention to forward guidance, capital expenditure plans, AI investment, profit margins and commentary on tariffs, inflation and interest rates. Updates on these themes could influence sentiment across major US indices, including the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ 100, particularly after recent gains in technology shares.

Looking Ahead

The Q2 earnings season is expected to provide one of the clearest assessments yet of corporate America during the first half of 2026. As reporting begins with major banks before expanding to technology leaders and consumer companies, investors will be looking for evidence that earnings growth, business investment and consumer demand remain resilient amid an evolving economic backdrop. Company guidance for the second half of the year is also likely to play a key role in shaping market sentiment over the coming weeks.

*Past performance does not guarantee future results. The above is for marketing and general informational purposes only, and are only projections and should not be taken as investment research, investment advice or a personal recommendation.