The reference is to estimates of profits. That is, profits for company X were estimated at 56 cents a share, but today's "actuals" (actual [ly reported result] s) beat that number.

Another way of saying it is 56 cents a share was Wall Streets "profit estimate" for Company X.

In this construction, estimate is the noun and profit is a noun being used as an adjective.

The reference is to estimates of profits. That is, profits for Morgan Stanley were estimated at 56 cents a share, but today's "actuals" (actual [ly reported result] s) of 60 cents a share (adjusted) beat that number.

Another way of saying it is 56 cents a share was Wall Streets "profit estimate" for Morgan Stanley.

In this construction, estimate is the noun and profit is a noun being used as an adjective.