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Stocks Poised for 'Winning Bets' Ahead of Earnings Season

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Saturday, January 24th 2026 at 9:31 GMT by CNBC
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Saturday, January 24th, 2026 - As the market braces for another week of earnings reports, investors are keenly focused on identifying companies poised to deliver positive surprises and subsequent stock performance. According to CNBC's 'Earnings Playbook' team, a select group of stocks have historically demonstrated a propensity for outperforming the broader market following their earnings announcements, earning the moniker 'winning bets.' This article delves into those companies and the methodology used to pinpoint them, offering insights for investors considering a move.

The upcoming earnings season provides a vital snapshot of the current economic landscape and a potential glimpse into future growth trajectories. While earnings reports are always significant, the current economic climate - characterized by fluctuating inflation, evolving consumer behavior, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty - amplifies their importance. Investors are seeking clarity on how companies are navigating these complexities, and their responses will undoubtedly influence market sentiment.

The 'Winning Bets' - A Closer Look

The CNBC 'Earnings Playbook' team doesn't simply select companies at random. Their proprietary methodology, blending analyst consensus, historical earnings reactions, and prevailing market sentiment, aims to identify those most likely to exceed expectations. Here's a breakdown of the companies currently highlighted as potential winners, alongside analysts' forecasts:

• Chipotle (CMG): Expected to report $8.32 per share, representing a significant increase from $7.51 a year prior. Chipotle's continued success in the competitive fast-casual dining sector makes it a consistent draw for investors.
• Dell (DELL): Analysts predict $1.53 per share, a slight increase from $1.44 last year. Dell's resilience in the ever-changing PC and technology hardware market will be under scrutiny.
• Uber (UBER): Forecasts anticipate $0.68 per share, a considerable leap from the 37 cents reported a year ago. Uber's journey toward profitability continues to be a key focus for investors.
• Alaska Air (ALK): Expected to earn $3.27 per share, compared to $2.62 last year. The airline industry's recovery remains a crucial factor influencing Alaska Air's performance.
• DoorDash (DASH): Analysts predict $0.24 per share, a dramatic turnaround from an 11-cent loss a year ago. DoorDash's strategy in a maturing food delivery market is drawing considerable attention.
• Snowflake (SNOW): Expectations are for $0.87 per share, a substantial increase from the 25 cents reported last year. Snowflake's growth as a cloud-based data warehousing company remains a key investment consideration.
• Airbnb (ABNB): Anticipated to report 91 cents per share, compared to 32 cents last year. The ongoing resurgence of travel and leisure activities will significantly influence Airbnb's earnings.

Deciphering the Methodology

The 'Earnings Playbook' methodology isn't a crystal ball, but a framework for identifying potentially advantageous opportunities. Key components include:

• Analyst Expectations: Significant deviations from the consensus analyst estimates often trigger substantial stock price movements. Beats or misses can drive investor reactions.
• Historical Performance: Stocks with a history of positive post-earnings reactions (rallying after results are released) are generally favored. Conversely, those with a consistent track record of negative reactions are avoided.
• Market Sentiment: The prevailing mood of the market - whether optimistic or pessimistic - can impact how earnings reports are received. Positive sentiment can amplify positive surprises, while negative sentiment can temper the impact of strong results.

Important Considerations & Disclaimer

It's crucial to remember that even the most sophisticated methodologies are not guarantees of success. External factors, unexpected events, and changes in company performance can all impact the outcomes. While these 'winning bets' have demonstrated historical tendencies, past performance is never indicative of future results.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Investors should conduct their own thorough research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. The inherent risks associated with stock market investments should be carefully considered.