The increase in online shopping benefits both companies by way of higher volumes.
A longer shopping season, growing consumer confidence and more online sales are sparking strong predictions.
So far, companies in the sector expect to shrug off any disruptions in time for the holidays.
The hurricane could help October retail sales, but some experts see a potential negative impact transportation and hotel stocks.
Here are previews of 4 widely followed companies that are set to issue results later this week.
Exxon Mobil initiated with a 'buy,' and Texas Instruments downgraded to 'neutral.'
The reporting season isn't even a week old, and already the markets are getting roiled by harbingers of missed estimates.
Stocks slump despite positive earnings results from Alcoa and Yum Brands.
VIDEO ON MSN MONEY
DATA PROVIDERS
Copyright © 2013 Microsoft. All rights reserved.
Fundamental company data and historical chart data provided by Morningstar Inc. Real-time index quotes and delayed quotes supplied by Morningstar Inc. Quotes delayed by up to 15 minutes, except where indicated otherwise. Fund summary, fund performance and dividend data provided by Morningstar Inc. Analyst recommendations provided by Zacks Investment Research. StockScouter data provided by Verus Analytics. IPO data provided by Hoover's Inc. Index membership data provided by Morningstar Inc.
TOP STOCKS
Plus, after much ado, Softbank is oh-so-close to acquiring Sprint.
MARKET DISPATCHES
The Market Dispatches column has been discontinued. Here's where to find the latest stock and business news on MSN Money, and the latest from market writer Charley Blaine.
FRUGAL COOL
Starting Monday, this site is joining forces with MSN Money Smart Spending. Here's why.
MONEY & POLITICS
Breaking up big banks is an untested solution to the too big to fail problem that attempts to isolate and dismantle large, troubled institutions while protecting the rest of the economy.
SMART SPENDING
Those shackled with student loan debt are increasingly being targeted by scams and shady companies promising relief.
SMART TAXES
The IRS is struggling to combat identify thieves who file fraudulent tax returns in the names of older residents who don't need to file.

