AI Boom Puts Big U.S. Companies in Focus as Earnings Season Nears

U.S. corporate earnings are expected to rise sharply in the third quarter of 2026, with artificial intelligence (AI) companies forecast to provide much of the growth, according to a new Reuters report published October 9. Analysts expect earnings across S&P 500 companies to increase by approximately 31% year over year, with technology businesses accounting for around two-thirds of the projected rise.

Major companies including Alphabet, Amazon and Meta are among the technology heavyweights expected to help drive the results. Investor attention is turning toward corporate earnings as companies prepare to report their latest financial performance next week.

However, the outlook is not without risks. Investors are watching whether AI-driven profit growth can continue, while higher oil prices, rising bond yields and interest-rate concerns could pressure business costs and valuations.

Energy companies are also expected to report stronger results, supported by higher crude oil prices. Meanwhile, analysts are monitoring whether the current wave of AI investment can sustain the market's high expectations.

The upcoming earnings season could provide important clues about the health of the U.S. economy, corporate spending and the durability of the AI investment boom.