I’m breaking down the latest Q1 2026 earnings season update and why the AI capex boom may still have room to run. I cover accelerating S&P 500 earnings, record profit margins, rising EPS estimates, and how today’s cycle compares to the late-1990s Dotcom capex run. I also explain why higher oil prices and interest rates remain headwinds, but not roadblocks, when earnings growth is this strong. In this Stock Talk, I bring the focus back to what has historically mattered most for stock prices over time: earnings. While headlines, geopolitics, oil prices, and Federal Reserve policy can create short-term volatility, I walk through current FactSet earnings data showing that many S&P 500 companies are reporting positive earnings and revenue surprises, profit margins remain strong, and leadership is concentrated in areas like technology, materials, financials, and industrials. I also explain why forward earnings estimates may suggest continued acceleration in revenue and EPS growth through 2026, while reminding investors that estimates can change and should not be treated as guarantees. The key takeaway is simple: in uncertain markets, it may help to stay disciplined, diversified, and focused on the underlying fundamentals that can drive long-term stock performance. About Chris Perras, CFA®, CLU®, ChFC®, Chief Investment Officer: As CIO, Chris is the lead investment strategist and director of research at Oak Harvest Financial Group. Chris develops the firm's core market outlook, putting his decades of experience and expertise to work for our clients. He hosts Oak Harvest's podcast, "Stock Talk," available on the website with new episodes each week. He completed his undergraduate studies at Georgia Tech, and went on to obtain an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Driven by a desire to maximize his knowledge and skill set, he acquired financial planning and investment management qualifications, becoming a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®), a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®), and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®). Stock Talk is a weekly vlog/podcast dedicated to discussing the Oak Harvest Financial Group Investment Team's perspective on what's happening in the market. Hosted by Chief Investment Officer Chris Perras, each episode brings you our views on stocks, the market, and the economy with a little education thrown in for good measure. Listen each week and help stay connected to your money! Do you need a retirement plan that goes beyond allocating funds to truly fit your needs? We can help you create a retirement life plan customized for your retirement vision and legacy. Call us at 877-896-0040 or fill out this form for a free visit: https://click2retire.com/lets-connect Important disclosures: Content of Oak Harvest podcasts expresses the views of the speaker and is for informational purposes only. Oak Harvest believes that any data, articles, or information cited are reliable at the time of creation, but does not warrant any information contained herein to be correct, complete, accurate, or timely. References to third-party analysts should not be seen as an endorsement of their views or recommendations, and you should do your own research before investing. The views and opinions expressed herein may change without notice. Strategies and ideas discussed may not be right for you, and nothing in this podcast constitutes personalized investment, tax or legal advice, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities. Indexes such as the S&P 500 are not available for direct investment and your investment results may differ when compared to an index. Any specific portfolio actions or strategies discussed will not apply to all client portfolios. Investing involves the risk of loss, and past performance is not indicative of future results.