With earnings season kicking into high gear next week, Morgan Stanley has conviction on several stocks that are about to report their latest financial results. Earnings are off to a strong start so far. Of the nearly 28% of S & P 500 companies that have reported so far, about 82% have surpassed Wall Street expectations, according to FactSet. Analysts led by Morgan Stanley equity strategist Michelle Weaver compiled a list of stocks that the bank expects to rally following their next earnings. Here are eight that made the list: Morgan Stanley said Affirm Holdings , which reports next month, should see gross merchandise volume exceed expectations in the most recent quarter. Affirm should raise its targets for margins and earnings per share at its investor day also scheduled for next month, the strategist said. Affirm shares have tumbled more than 14% in 2026, on track to snap a three-year advance. But Wall Street expects a rebound: the average analyst polled by LSEG has a buy rating and price target implying upside of around 24%. AFRM 1Y mountain Affirm Holdings over the past year While investors are cautious on Old Dominion Freight Line , the analysts led by Weaver said the stock has a “favorable” entering its report next week. Old Dominion should also give positive forward-looking commentary and the trucker has operational leverage, the investment bank said. Old Dominion shares have surged more than 40% in 2026, putting the North Carolina-based shipper on pace for its first winning year in three. But the majority of analysts have only a hold rating, with a price target implying shares will pull back about 7% over the next year, according to LSEG. Morgan Stanley said Walmart can post higher-than-expected U.S. comparable store sales and show faster operating income growth. Walmart shares have climbed almost 17% so far this year, putting the retailer on pace for a fourth straight annual rise, and seventh in the past eight. Most analysts have a buy rating and the average price target implies that shares will rise another 5% or so over the coming year, according to LSEG.
