Fresh data shows earnings per share for S&P 500 (.SPX) companies were about flat in the first quarter, a major improvement over dour forecasts at the start of the reporting season.
Reuters GraphicsWith first-quarter earnings season all but wrapped up, S&P 500 companies are on track for an average increase in earnings per share of 0.03% year over year, according to I/B/E/S data from Refinitiv.
Notably, net income for S&P 500 companies fell 2.9% in the first quarter, according to Refinitiv, showing their overall profits actually declined.
Smucker (SJM.N) and Campbell Soup Co (CPB.N) were among the companies helping to lift S&P 500 earnings out of negative territory in recent days, with both packaged food sellers reporting EPS above analysts' estimates.
While first-quarter earnings have turned out better than expected, analysts on average remain pessimistic about the outlook for earnings, on average predicting a 5.4% drop in EPS in the second quarter, according to Refinitiv.
Persons:
Andrew Kelly, Campbell, Noel Randewich, Paul Simao
Organizations:
Smucker, REUTERS, Reuters Graphics, Federal Reserve, Campbell, Thomson
Locations:
Manhattan , New York City, U.S, Refinitiv