Link Securities || According to the latest Earnings Insight report from FactSet, the combined earnings growth rate for the earnings per share (EPS) of the S&P 500 in Q1 2026 is currently at 13.2%. This level matches the 13.2% that was expected at the end of the quarter. Meanwhile, the combined revenue growth rate for these companies is 9.9%.
Of the 10% of S&P 500 companies that have already reported results for Q1 2026, 88% have exceeded the consensus analysts' EPS expectations, a rate higher than the average of the last 12 months, which is 79%, and the five-year average, which is 78%. Additionally, 84% have exceeded the consensus analysts' sales expectations, above the 12-month average of 73% and the five-year average of 70%.
Overall, companies are reporting earnings 10.8% above expectations, above the 12-month average of positive surprise of 7.2% and the five-year average of 7.3%. Likewise, overall, companies are reporting sales 2.0% above expectations, above the 12-month average of positive surprise of 1.6% and in line with the five-year average of 2.0%.