Investor Viewpoint: Corporate Earnings and Tariff Impacts

When we examined the intricate relationship between corporate earnings, tariff impacts, and broader economic uncertainties, a key theme emerged. Businesses are exhibiting caution in their investment decisions, largely due to the unclear outlook regarding tariffs, inflation, and interest rates.

Tariff Uncertainty 

The ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions have created an environment of confusion and apprehension that has not yet reached a boiling point. Many companies are delaying capital expenditures as they await clarity on how tariffs will affect their operations. The anticipated impact of tariffs, particularly those not expected to take full effect until later this year, probably heightens the hesitation. Although recent earnings from major tech companies exceeded expectations, many global firms have refrained from making definitive statements about their economic outlook.

Earnings Season Insights

Second-quarter earnings revealed a mixed bag. While big tech showed strong performance, particularly with their margins, many companies appear to be hedging their decisions.

S&P 500 Index: Net Profit Margins by Sector

The typical pattern of earnings estimates starting high and being revised downward is at play, reflecting a cautious approach. Companies are grappling with the diverging challenge of managing current economic conditions and anticipating future tariff impacts.

S&P 500 FY 2025/2026 Earnings Guidance

Sector Performance

Diving deeper into sector performance, the tech and financial sectors have demonstrated resilience. These industries are less affected by tariffs and are positioned to benefit from inflationary trends. Tech companies, leveraging artificial intelligence, are optimizing their cost structures while still achieving revenue growth. Financial institutions are also poised to gain from potential interest rate cuts, which could stabilize their net interest margins.

Conversely, consumer cyclical sectors, such as automotive and retail, show signs of strain. Companies in these areas may struggle to pass increased costs onto consumers, especially in a market that has recently shifted from deflationary to inflationary pressures.

Global Market Dynamics

On the global front, the U.S. has historically been driven by tech, while international markets, heavily weighted toward financials, have faced headwinds. However, the current earnings landscape suggests a leveling of the playing field, as both markets see their leading sectors performing adequately.

Geographic Composition: S&P 500 vs. MSCI EAFE

Defensive Sectors

In terms of defensive strategies, certain sectors, such as telecommunications and utilities, are gaining attention. These industries are less reliant on international exports, providing essential services that are critical to everyday operations. Such companies may prove to be more resilient in the face of economic fluctuations.

International Trade Considerations

When examining international trade, countries like Mexico benefit from trade agreements that shield them from U.S. tariffs, at least for now. However, as we look toward Europe, the intricate dependencies on U.S. markets for sectors like healthcare and capital goods become apparent. Many European firms may still hold substantial bargaining power due to the inelastic demand for their products, suggesting that they can pass on some of the tariff costs to U.S. consumers. In all, international companies generally have less U.S. dependence (as shown below).

Source: FactSet, as of 16 June 2025

Key Takeaways

The interplay between corporate earnings and tariff impacts is complex and evolving. While certain sectors are thriving, others face significant challenges. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these dynamics will shape the economic landscape as businesses navigate through uncertainty. Understanding these implications will be key for investors to effectively allocate assets as they actively evaluate the market.