With earnings season in full swing starting next week, Morgan Stanley has confidence in several stocks ahead of their latest earnings release. So far, earnings are off to a strong start. Of the nearly 28% of S&P 500 companies that have reported so far, about 82% beat Wall Street expectations, according to FactSet. Analysts led by Morgan Stanley equity strategist Michelle Weaver have compiled a list of stocks they expect to rise after Morgan Stanley’s next earnings report. Morgan Stanley said Affirm Holdings, which reports next month, should have better-than-expected total volume in its most recent quarter. The strategist said Affirm should raise its profit margin and earnings per share targets at its investor day scheduled for next month. Affirm stock is on track for its first three-year breakthrough, falling more than 14% in 2026. But Wall Street is expecting a rebound, with the average analyst surveyed by LSEG giving the stock a buy rating and price target, suggesting an upside of about 24%. AFRM Over the Past Year 1Y Mountain Affirm Holdings Over the Past Year Investors are cautious about Old Dominion Freight Line, but analysts led by Weaver say the stock has a “favor” in next week’s report. Old Dominion should also make positive positive comments and the truckers have operational influence, the investment bank said. Old Dominion stock has soared more than 40% in 2026, with the North Carolina-based shipper on track for its first championship in three years. However, according to LSEG, the majority of analysts have left their investment decisions unchanged, with price targets suggesting the stock will decline by about 7% over the next year. Morgan Stanley said Walmart’s U.S. same-store sales beat expectations and operating profit growth could accelerate. Walmart stock is up about 17% so far this year, putting the company on pace for four consecutive years of annual gains and seventh in the past eight years. Most analysts rate the stock a buy, and the average price target suggests the stock will rise another 5% over the next year, according to LSEG.
