• During earnings season, the consensus earnings estimate for the next 12 months rose 4%, compared with the average 2-3% reduction historically.
These results were particularly impressive given the wave of Covid-19 that brought some new targeted restrictions late last year.
Bar Raised Again
So, not only did corporate America deliver big upside to estimates—but their outlooks for 2021 were positive enough to drive a sizable increase in estimates. As shown in figure 2, since the start of fourth quarter 2020 on October 1, 2020, estimates for 2020 and 2021 have increased significantly.
These increases in estimates may be a sign of better earnings ahead. The economic recovery has continued to surpass expectations, based on solidly positive economic surprise indexes and our own expectations. More stimulus—a lot more—is likely coming soon, which could drive US GDP growth above our forecast of 5–5.5%. All of this suggests that our estimate for S&P 500 earnings this year of $170 per share could end up being conservative (analysts’ consensus estimate is up to $174).
We see two risks to 2021 earnings. First, earnings tend to fall short of the consensus estimate in most years, though this year may be different given the unique circumstances. Second, Covid-19 still carries risks. We’d like to see further progress toward ending the pandemic first, but we see upside if all goes according to plan.
Our 2022 forecast for S&P 500 earnings of $195 per share (raised from $190 on February 8) may be tougher to achieve because it does not include higher corporate taxes—which we see as likely next year (the consensus estimate stands at $200 per share). With stock valuations elevated, and corporate America not firing on all cylinders for a good chunk of 2021, earnings in 2022 take on greater importance.
We expect stocks to deliver these strong earnings over the next 22 months and grow into their valuations, but it won’t be easy. Profits could potentially get a boost if wage increases are contained as the labor market tightens. Help could also come from a weaker US dollar (which boosts non-U.S. profits through currency translation), stronger-than-expected international demand, and a possible reduction in tariffs.
Reiterating Positive Stock Market Outlook
Our confidence in the economic recovery continues to grow, bolstered by vaccine distribution, and fiscal and monetary stimulus. We anticipate a strong earnings rebound will enable stocks to grow into their elevated valuations, even if interest rates move a bit higher from here. Markets may still be underestimating the potential for pent-up demand to drive a sharp rebound in activity during the spring and summer as the economy fully reopens.
Covid-19 still presents lingering near-term risk. Additional sharp and swift moves higher in interest rates could potentially cause valuations to contract meaningfully, though we see that as unlikely. So while a pickup in volatility would be normal at this stage of a strong bull market, we think suitable investors may want to consider buying this dip.