# Morgan Stanley flags GE Vernova, United Airlines, Lam Research ahead

**Published:** 2026-07-15T01:48:51.554Z  
**Topic:** S P 500  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/01d1674b-3483-44a3-a7a0-5ff94bc31e30

Morgan Stanley highlights GE Vernova, United Airlines and Lam Research as top picks for Q2 earnings, noting 64% YTD gain for GE Vernova and 102% rise for Lam

The S&P 500 is hovering just above 7,500 as Morgan Stanley’s screening identifies GE Vernova, United Airlines and Lam Research as likely earnings beat candidates, a trio that together have surged 64% and 102% YTD respectively [1].  

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| S&P 500 level | > 7,500 |
| GE Vernova YTD gain | +64% |
| Lam Research YTD gain | +102% |
| United Airlines YTD gain | +24% |

## Morgan Stanley’s earnings‑beat shortlist  

Morgan Stanley’s analysts filtered the S&P 500 for stocks it rates overweight and expects to exceed earnings estimates or raise forward guidance. The three companies it spotlighted—GE Vernova, United Airlines and Lam Research—each sit at the intersection of strong recent performance and sector tailwinds. GE Vernova’s 64% YTD rise reflects heightened AI‑driven demand for energy infrastructure, while its CEO has pledged to sell out turbine reservations through 2030, suggesting a robust order pipeline [1]. Lam Research, a semiconductor equipment maker, has more than doubled its share price in 2026 amid the AI boom, with analysts noting “new equipment orders are improving” [1]. United Airlines has climbed 24% over the past three months as travel demand remains resilient despite higher ticket prices linked to the Iran war [1].

## Market context and reaction  

The broader market’s proximity to its June all‑time highs underscores the relevance of these picks; a strong earnings season could push the S&P 500 higher, while any miss may trigger a pullback. Morgan Stanley’s screening also looks for companies likely to raise forward earnings guidance, a factor that can lift analyst revisions and spur price appreciation. For GE Vernova, a better‑than‑expected earnings forecast tied to new gas turbine contracts could trigger a “forward‑looking” rally [1]. United Airlines may benefit from continued price‑increase absorption and lower oil prices, which could sustain its pricing power [1]. Lam Research’s outlook hinges on sustaining AI‑driven demand, with a strong revenue outlook potentially reinforcing its recent double‑digit gains [1].

## What to watch  

- **GE Vernova earnings release:** July 22 – watch for guidance on turbine sales and any revision to its 2026 outlook.  
- **United Airlines earnings release:** Wednesday (date not specified) – monitor forward‑looking revenue guidance and pricing strategy amid lower oil prices.  
- **Lam Research earnings release:** July 29 – focus on revenue outlook and order backlog, especially any commentary on AI‑related equipment demand.  

These three stocks could act as bellwethers for the broader earnings season, testing whether the S&P 500 can sustain its climb above 7,500 amid mixed macro pressures. Their performance will help gauge whether sector‑specific tailwinds are enough to offset lingering uncertainties.

## Sources
1. CNBC — [Morgan Stanley likes these stocks heading into second-quarter earnings](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/14/morgan-stanley-likes-these-stocks-heading-into-second-quarter-earnings.html)
2. Business Insider — [Buy These 13 Stocks That Could Surge on Earnings: Morgan ...](https://www.businessinsider.com/stocks-to-buy-q4-earnings-season-morgan-stanley-amd-cost-2026-1)
3. Marketbeat — [Morgan Stanley Analyst Recommendations & Stock PicksMorgan Stanley Flags 15 Earnings Movers to Watch: Magnif...Morgan Stanley Says These 2 Stocks Are Top Picks for the ...](https://www.marketbeat.com/ratings/by-issuer/morgan-stanley-stock-recommendations/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Morgan Stanley flags GE Vernova, United Airlines, Lam Research ahead", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/01d1674b-3483-44a3-a7a0-5ff94bc31e30