Nvidia and Walmart are Investor Favorites with Q3 Reports

As a significant portion of the third quarter financial reports has passed, investors are focusing this week on the results from leading companies such as Nvidia and Walmart.

So far, the third quarter earnings season has made a positive start. According to FactSet data, as of November 14, 92% of S&P 500 companies have reported results, and analysts expect a 13.1% increase in earnings per share for the third quarter. This figure indicates a consecutive double-digit earnings growth for the fourth quarter and an acceleration from the 12% growth rate reported in the second quarter of this year.

Expectations were quite low entering the quarter, with analysts anticipating a 7.9% increase in third quarter earnings for the S&P 500 companies. This week’s focal point will include not only giants in artificial intelligence and retail like Nvidia and Walmart, but also additional reports from companies such as Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Home Depot (HD), Lowe's (LOW), Target (TGT), TJX (TJX), and XPeng (XPEV).

Nvidia (NVDA) experienced a jump of over 5% in its stock value after its third quarter results exceeded analyst estimates, presenting a better outlook. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated, "Blackwell sales are very high, and cloud GPUs are sold out."

BJ's (BJ) reported its third quarter fiscal 2025 earnings exceeding analysts’ expectations. The retailer's stock values rose 4% after raising its full-year profit forecast along with strong membership revenue.

Gap (GAP) saw its stock rise ahead of trading hours after reporting earnings above expectations. The company announced earnings per share of $0.62 alongside a 5% annual increase in same-store sales.

Intuit (INTU) experienced a slight increase in stock value following better-than-expected results in its first fiscal quarter earnings report. In contrast, Bath & Body Works (BBWI) stock fell 23% as the company lowered its forecasts.

Walmart (WMT), in its third quarter earnings report, noted that consumer spending still appears strong, with CFO John David Rainey evaluating the situation as "consistent when looking at the consumer from the whole." He also highlighted a 4.5% increase in same-store sales.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang questioned the risks of an artificial intelligence 'bubble' in his statements, emphasizing Nvidia's success in this field. Additionally, revenue forecasts that analysts are closely watching have the potential to reach half a trillion dollars by the end of 2026.

Despite a 5% drop in stock value, Palo Alto Networks (PANW) announced it would continue to strengthen its organization while surpassing earnings estimates, alongside algorithmic trading. TJX Companies (TJX) and Lowe's (LOW) have already seen increases in their stock values.