Earnings Season Global: Beats, Misses and Guidance — 2026-10-02
Micron Technology delivered record Q4 earnings with data center revenue surging 11-fold on AI demand, while FactSet and Accenture topped estimates with positive outlooks. Nike stumbled with a 4% sales decline and weakened guidance, offsetting broad strength across chipmakers and consulting firms in late September earnings.
Earnings Season Global: Beats, Misses and Guidance — 2026-10-02
Top developments
Micron beats on record earnings, AI data center demand jumps 11-fold
Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) reported Q4 fiscal 2026 earnings that beat estimates and issued strong guidance on September 30, driven by extraordinary demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure. Data center revenue jumped 11-fold year-over-year, marking a historic quarter for the memory chipmaker. The stock is up over 500% in the past year and traded near $1,088 on October 2, with investors pricing in sustained AI capex cycles ahead.
FactSet Q4 beats; FY27 guidance points to sustained growth
FactSet (NYSE: FDS) reported fiscal Q4 2026 earnings and revenue that beat consensus estimates on September 28, with organic ASV (Annual Subscription Value) rising 7%. Fiscal 2026 results exceeded guidance across multiple metrics including adjusted EPS and free cash flow. The stock rose 2.25% on the news, reflecting investor confidence in the software company's execution and recurring revenue model. Revenue rose 6.3% year-over-year to $634.7 million.
Accenture FY2026 Q4 beats revenue and profit; guides FY27 at 3–6% growth
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) beat Q4 FY2026 revenue and profit estimates on October 1, with the consulting giant issuing full-year fiscal 2027 guidance calling for revenue growth of 3% to 6% in local currency. The measured guidance reflects cautious client spending despite strong execution in Q4.
Nike plunges 5.5% on 4% sales decline and weakened profit guidance
Nike (NYSE: NKE) reported a 4% sales decline and issued weaker-than-expected full-year profit guidance on October 2, sending shares down 5.5% in morning trading. The athletic apparel company guided fiscal 2027 revenues to decline at a high single-digit rate, signaling demand softness in a key quarter. The miss stood in stark contrast to the week's broader earnings strength.
Carnival beats Q3 estimates and raises full-year EPS guidance
Carnival Corporation (NYSE: CCL) beat third-quarter 2026 estimates on September 30, reporting EPS of $1.43 versus consensus of $1.35, and revenue of $8.44 billion. The cruise operator called Q3 a record quarter for revenue and yields, raising full-year 2026 EPS guidance to $2.24 from prior guidance. Shares jumped 13.41% in regular trading to $25.11.
Local view
Japanese market (日本株): Stock tracking aggregators reported record self-share buyback announcements and upward guidance revisions on September 30, with chipmakers and exporters leading revisions higher. Kabutan and ToMO Blog noted increased guidance upgrades across semiconductor and machinery sectors on September 29–30.
Korean market: Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix Q3 earnings, due in early October, are expected to deliver operating profit near 190 trillion won combined, testing durability of the memory supercycle as AI demand offsets manufacturing headwinds. FnGuide data showed third-quarter operating profit estimates for South Korean listed companies rose over three months, with chipmaker forecasts revised higher.
German-language (DAX/MDAX): Volkswagen cut its 2026 profit guidance in late September, pressuring the broader DAX which fell below the psychological 25,000-point level for the first time since July on October 1, as energy and bond yield concerns weighed on sentiment. Handelsblatt reported mixed Q3 results: Südmarkt benefited from strong climate equipment demand, while HelloFresh and Verbio disappointed with profit warnings.
Context & numbers
Beat rates and revenue surprise: As of early August 2026, 76% of S&P 500 companies reported actual revenues above estimates, above the 5-year average of 70%, with aggregate revenue beating estimates by 3.2%. In Q2 2026 through early August, 86% of the 440 reporting S&P 500 firms (88% of index) beat earnings estimates, with blended earnings growth at 50.4% year-over-year.
Asian exporter momentum: Hyundai Motor America reported record-breaking September 2026 sales of 77,439 units, up 9% versus September 2025, and record Q3 totals, signaling strong demand in North America despite global macro headwinds. Hyundai Motor India also achieved record sales of 77,916 units in September.
DAX monthly performance: The DAX closed September with mixed sentiment, with energy and bond yield concerns offsetting gains. The index fell below 25,000 points on October 1 for the first time since July before recovering on October 2 ahead of US jobs data.
On the radar
-
Samsung Q3 earnings imminent: Samsung Electronics Q3 operating profit expected to exceed 100 trillion won ($70 billion+) as the memory supercycle extends; results will test investor confidence in the sustainability of AI-driven chip demand versus near-term capex and competition risks.
-
Siemens Energy buyback program: Siemens Energy announced a share buyback program commencing September 24, 2026, signaling confidence in valuation amid German energy sector headwinds.
-
Nextpower investment-grade upgrade: Nextpower (Nasdaq: NXT, formerly Nextracker) raised FY26 guidance on strong execution and announced a new share buyback program after achieving investment-grade credit rating.
-
ECB policy divergence watch: European earnings momentum faces headwinds from bond yield spikes and energy cost pressures; Q4 guidance revisions will reveal corporate confidence in eurozone demand recovery.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
