3 Stocks to Buy Before They Report Earnings
Digest
This podcast covers a wide range of market topics. It begins by discussing the global stock sell-off triggered by the release of the Chinese AI model, DeepSeek, and the uncertainty surrounding its capabilities. The discussion then shifts to the upcoming Fed meeting, market expectations for interest rates, and the importance of the Q&A section for insights into the Fed's thinking. The December PCE number and market expectations for inflation are also analyzed. A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to analyzing upcoming earnings reports for major companies like Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, and Meta, along with an in-depth look at the energy sector (ExxonMobil and Chevron) and big bank earnings, highlighting growth expectations and loan growth projections. Further analysis covers Verizon, Netflix, and Johnson & Johnson's earnings and market reactions. An update on Edison International, considering the impact of California wildfires and lawsuits, is also provided. Finally, the podcast concludes with three stock picks: AMD, Nutrien, and Barrick Gold, highlighting their four- or five-star ratings and significant discounts to fair value, along with dividend yields where applicable. Morningstar's assessment of risk involves a star rating system, considering factors like economic moat, uncertainty rating, and valuation.
Outlines

Market Reactions & AI Competitiveness
Discussion of the global stock sell-off caused by the release of DeepSeek AI, a new Chinese AI model, and the uncertainty surrounding its capabilities and hardware reliance.

Economic Outlook, Fed Meeting & Inflation
Analysis of the upcoming Fed meeting, market expectations, the December PCE number, and market expectations for inflation.

Major Company Earnings Reports & Market Impact
Detailed analysis of upcoming earnings reports for Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Meta, the energy sector (ExxonMobil, Chevron), big banks (including US Bank), Verizon, Netflix, and Johnson & Johnson, including valuation perspectives and key metrics.

Edison International, Stock Picks & Market Outlook
Update on Edison International, considering wildfire impacts and lawsuits, followed by stock picks: AMD, Nutrien, and Barrick Gold, highlighting their valuations and dividend yields.
Keywords
DeepSeek AI
A newly released Chinese AI model causing market volatility due to its potential impact on US AI companies.
Federal Reserve (Fed) Meeting
The upcoming Fed meeting and its potential impact on interest rates and market movements.
PCE Inflation Data
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index and its impact on the stock market.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The application of computer systems to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, and its impact on various sectors.
Fair Value
Morningstar's estimate of a company's intrinsic value.
Dividend Yield
The annual dividend payment per share relative to the stock price.
Economic Moat
A competitive advantage protecting company profits from competitors.
Stock Market Volatility
Fluctuations in the stock market due to various economic and technological factors.
Earnings Reports
Financial reports released by publicly traded companies, providing insights into their performance.
Stock Picks
Recommendations for stocks considered undervalued and with potential for growth.
Q&A
What is Morningstar's overall outlook on the market?
Morningstar expresses some concern about frothy valuations in AI stocks and potential market volatility but maintains a positive outlook on certain sectors, identifying undervalued stocks.
Which stocks are highlighted as potential buys?
AMD, Nutrien, and Barrick Gold are presented as buys due to undervaluation and potential for growth.
How does Morningstar assess the risk associated with the stocks?
Morningstar uses a star rating system and considers factors like economic moat, uncertainty rating, and valuation.
What are key factors Morningstar will look for in upcoming earnings reports?
Key metrics vary by company but generally include sales growth, margins, guidance, and developments related to AI, new products, and cost control.
Show Notes
Hello, and welcome to The Morning Filter. Every Monday morning, Susan Dziubinski from Morningstar talks with Morningstar Research Services’ chief US market strategist Dave Sekera about what investors should have on their radars, some new Morningstar research, and a few stock picks or pans for the week ahead.
Key takeaways:
03:14 On Radar: Fed Meeting & Inflation
05:29 Earnings on Tap: MSFT, TSLA, APPL, Others
12:30 Our Take on Earnings from Banks, NFLX & More
22:26 Stocks of the Week
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