The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which health-care editor/analyst David Williamson and industrials editor/analyst Isaac Pino discuss topics across the investing world.

In this Dow component update, David and Isaac discuss two big pharma players in the index, Pfizer and Merck, both of which have upcoming earnings. Was Pfizer's sale of its nutrition business to Nestle for nearly $12 billion a good transaction? It might help Pfizer as it remakes itself into a streamlined pharmaceutical company. Merck already leaked part of its report in March, but should investors be on the lookout for surprises? Watch and find out.

These two Dow components have earnings just around the corner, but they aren't the only companies reporting. Investors that don't want to be caught flat-footed can download our special free report, "5 Stocks Investors Need to Watch This Earnings Season," and get timely information on a handful of important businesses shaping the market. You can click here to access your report -- it's totally free.