Now that the S&P 500 companies are more than 90% through the Q2 earnings reporting season, let's do a quick check up on how Corporate America is faring. In short, there's no sign of an imminent recession as S&P 500 earnings rose to a record high during Q2. Here's more happy news to serve as a tonic to the geopolitical turmoil:
(1) New high. S&P 500 operating earnings per share (EPS) rose 10.9% y/y in Q2 to a record high of $60.19 (chart). Just before the start of the Q2 earnings reporting season (the week of June 28), analysts’ consensus forecast implied a 9.1% increase to $59.22.
(2) Quarterly EPS estimates. However, company managements gave negative guidance that sank Q3 EPS consensus by 2.7% to $61.77 over this same period (chart).
