Nomadsoul1 The upcoming week marks the start of earnings season, with several major companies set to report their quarterly financial results, offering key insights across different sectors. Notable firms taking center stage include PepsiCo (PEP), Delta Air Lines (DAL), JPMorgan (JPM), Wells Fargo (WFC), Tilray (TLRY) and BlackRock (BLK). Below is a rundown of major quarterly updates anticipated in the week of October 7 to October 11: Monday, October 7 The week will kick off with a light schedule of earnings reports, with The Duckhorn Portfolio (NAPA) set to release its earnings after the market closes. Tuesday, October 8 PepsiCo (PEP) PepsiCo (PEP) is set to release its Q3 earnings before the market opens on Tuesday, with analysts expecting modest growth in both revenue and earnings. Recently, PepsiCo (PEP) acquired Siete for $1.2B, aiming to enhance its portfolio with an authentic Mexican American brand and expand its better-for-you food offerings. Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating system maintains a Buy rating on PepsiCo, aligning with Wall Street's recommendations. However, opinions among Seeking Alpha authors are mixed. Bearish author Jason Ditz acknowledges PepsiCo's strong dividends and product lineup but argues that its high price/book ratio and substantial long-term debt make it an expensive investment. Ditz contends that PepsiCo needs a stronger cash position and highlights competition that demands significant marketing investments. On the bullish side, SA author Leo Nelissen sees PepsiCo's recent underperformance as a buying opportunity. He cites the firm's pricing power, brand loyalty, and focus on margin improvement. Consensus EPS Estimates: $2.29 Consensus Revenue Estimates: $23.78B Earnings Insight: Pepsi has beaten EPS estimates in 8 consecutive quarters, beating revenue estimates in 6 of those reports. Also reporting: IDT Corporation (IDT), Saratoga Investments (SAR), Accolade (ACCD) and more. Wednesday, October 9 AZZ (AZZ) Industrial solution provider AZZ (AZZ) is set to release its quarterly results on Wednesday after the market closes, with analysts projecting approximately 3% Y/Y growth in both EPS and revenue. The Texas-based company's shares have surged 82% over the past year and over 38% YTD in 2024. The stock has earned a consensus Buy recommendation from sell-side analysts. However, Seeking Alpha's Quant Rating system remains cautious with a Hold rating. GA Analytics, a Seeking Alpha investing group leader, sees AZZ's growth potential being driven by government infrastructure funding, increasing demand for cooling products, and prepainted steel products for insulation. The company's revenue growth is bolstered by both public and private sector spending, the analyst said, as well as a recovering HVAC market and strong demand from data center end markets. Consensus EPS Estimates: $1.31 Consensus Revenue Estimates: $411.96M Earnings Insight: The company has exceeded EPS in 6 of the past 8 quarters and revenue expectations in 5 of those reports. Also reporting: Applied Digital Corporation (APLD), Helen of Troy Limited (HELE), E2open Parent Holdings (ETWO), Byrna Technologies (BYRN), Richardson Electronics (RELL), Bassett Furniture Industries (BSET) and more. Thursday, October 10 Delta Air Lines (DAL) Delta Air Lines (DAL) is slated to report its Q3 results on Thursday before the market opens. Although the airline missed consensus estimates in Q2 earnings, it reaffirmed its FY2024 outlook. The CEO conveyed confidence, stating, “For the September quarter, we expect a double-digit operating margin and a pre-tax profit of approximately $1.5 billion. With strong first-half results and visibility into the second half, we remain confident in our full-year guidance.” Noah's Arc Capital Management, a Seeking Alpha contributor, noted that Delta shares have dropped 10% since May, despite robust travel demand and revenue growth, due to concerns over shrinking margins and rising fuel costs. However, lower oil prices and recent Fed rate cuts are anticipated to enhance Delta's margins and consumer spending, potentially benefiting the stock. Meanwhile, Joesh Parrish, another Seeking Alpha contributor, argues that Delta has completed its recovery from COVID-19, noting positive free cash flow and an improving balance sheet. He believes that future growth will depend on maximizing revenue from premium products and enhancing the customer experience. Parrish cautions that management will face challenges in balancing cash reserves with share repurchases, suggesting that current valuations indicate limited upside and long-term investors should consider waiting for a more attractive entry point closer to $20 per share. The Seeking Alpha Quant Rating system upgraded the stock to Buy from Hold a month ago, while sell-side analysts are extremely optimistic, assigning a Strong Buy rating. Consensus EPS Estimates: $1.53 Consensus Revenue Estimates: $15.25B Earnings Insight: Delta has flown above EPS estimates in 5 of the past 8 quarters, and revenue above expectations in each of those quarters. Also reporting: Domino's Pizza (DPZ), Neogen Corporation (NEOG), Calamos Strategic Total Return Fund (CSQ), Tilray Brands (TLRY), Nurix Therapeutics, Inc. (NRIX), BlackRock Core Bond Trust (BHK), Village Super Market, Inc. (VLGEA), Aehr Test Systems (AEHR), Immutep Limited (IMMP), Park Aerospace (PKE), VOXX International Corporation (VOXX), Starbox Group Holdings (STBX), Educational Development Corporation (EDUC), Upexi (UPXI) and more. Friday, October 11 On Friday, a host of major financial institutions will announce their quarterly results, including Wells Fargo (WFC), J.P. Morgan (JPM), Bank of New York Mellon (BK) and BlackRock (BLK). Here is some key info ahead of these reports: Also reporting: Fastenal Company (FAST), WaFd (WAFD), Hingham Institution for Savings (HIFS), Dogness (DOGZ), Bank7 (BSVN), U.S. GoldMining (USGO), FingerMotion (FNGR), Evergreen (EVGR), Loop Industries (LOOP), Enzo Biochem (ENZ), WISeKey International Holding AG (WKEY) and more.