The S&P 500 reported a blended net profit margin of 12% for the third quarter of 2024, slightly below the 12.2% margin recorded in the previous quarter and the same quarter last year, but above the five-year average of 11.5%. As earnings season progresses, 183 S&P 500 companies, representing 36% of the index's earnings, have reported a 2% earnings per share (EPS) beat against consensus estimates, increasing to 5% when excluding Boeing. Despite these positive indicators, 75% of companies have beaten Wall Street analysts' Q3 earnings expectations, marking the lowest share since Q4 2022. The performance has been varied, with six sectors reporting net profit margins above their five-year averages, led by the Consumer Discretionary sector. Additionally, the Information Technology sector has shown a year-over-year increase in net profit margins compared to Q3 2023. The industrials sector saw a notable surge of 2.5% in stock performance, outperforming the overall market by 1.2%. This week is critical as 42% of firms are set to report their earnings.