UBS flags S&P 500 stocks it expects to beat earnings estimates

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UBS S&P 500 earnings picks

Highlights

UBS identifies 40 stocks, including SharkNinja, Gen Digital, and Labcorp Holdings, as likely to outperform earnings estimates based on proprietary screening.
SharkNinja raises 2026 net sales growth guidance to 16%-17% from 11.5%-12.5%, with shares up 68% and consensus targets suggesting 10% further upside.
Gen Digital and Labcorp Holdings both increase full-year guidance for 2026, with shares respectively down 13% and up 27% as third-quarter results approach.

Screening points to likely earnings beats

As reported by CNBC, UBS reviewed its liquid universe of more than 700 stocks and identified 40 companies that it expects to positively surprise investors on growth and earnings. The bank says it screened for likely earnings beats using a mix of valuation measures and proprietary data, with its analysts' estimates for several names running above broader Wall Street consensus.

So far, 27 companies in the S&P 500 have reported third-quarter results, according to FactSet. Early results from major financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Citigroup are mixed, while UnitedHealth Group surpasses expectations on both revenue and earnings.

Among the names UBS highlights are SharkNinja, Gen Digital and Labcorp Holdings. The bank argues that stronger-than-expected bottom-line results from these companies could help lift their shares during the reporting period.

Company outlooks and share-price implications

UBS says SharkNinja is likely to outperform earnings estimates, with analysts expecting that result to support the stock. Shares are already up about 68% in 2026, and the company in August raises its full-year outlook to net sales growth of 16% to 17%, up from an earlier range of 11.5% to 12.5%; quarterly results are due in early November. According to LSEG, the stock carries an average buy rating and consensus price targets imply upside of more than 10% from current levels.

Gen Digital is also seen as a candidate for an earnings-driven rebound. Its shares are down more than 13% in 2026 after the Financial Times reports on Sept. 24 that the company is courting GoDaddy in a takeover approach, a development that sends the stock down 12% that day; in August, the company lifts fiscal 2027 guidance to revenue of $5.375 billion to $5.475 billion and earnings of $2.87 to $2.97 per share, with results due on Oct. 28. LSEG data shows about half of the 12 analysts covering the stock rate it a buy or strong buy.

Labcorp Holdings rounds out the group UBS highlights. The company in July raises its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings outlook to $18.10 to $18.55 per share and projects annual revenue growth of 5.4% to 6.3%; it is scheduled to report third-quarter results on Oct. 28. Shares are up 27% in 2026, and 14 of 19 analysts rate the stock a buy or strong buy, according to LSEG.

Our earlier coverage of Bank of America’s investment-banking reshuffle explained how the bank is seeing another senior M&A departure, with veteran consumer and retail dealmaker Richard Peacock leaving after being tapped for a broader role. We noted that the turnover underscores intensifying competition among major Wall Street firms for experienced senior bankers and leadership in key sector coverage.

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