Group 1 - Salesforce reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $9.99 billion, an 8% year-over-year growth, which was slightly below analyst expectations [1] - Adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter were $1.75, compared to $1.74 a year earlier, but missed estimates [1] - Shares of Salesforce fell about 5% in extended trading following the earnings report, and have lost approximately 8% since the beginning of the year [3] Group 2 - For fiscal 2026, Salesforce projected full-year revenue between $40.5 billion and $40.9 billion, and adjusted EPS between $11.09 and $11.17, both below analyst consensus [2] - The analyst consensus for revenue was $41.32 billion and for EPS was $11.19 [2] - Salesforce announced that former Gilead Sciences CFO Robin Washington will join the company as chief operating and financial officer on March 21 [2]

Nvidia (NVDA) reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded analysts' expectations, as demand for artificial intelligence powered sales to a fresh high. The chipmaker posted record quarterly revenue of $39.33 billion, up 78% year-over-year and above the analyst consensus from Visible Alpha. Adjusted net income of $22.07 billion was up 72% from a year earlier and topped expectations. Sales from Nvidia's data center segment, representing the bulk of the chipmaker's revenue, nearly doubled to a record ...

Core Insights - Eli Lilly plans to invest at least $27 billion to establish four new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in the U.S. to enhance domestic drug production amid potential tariff threats [2][7] - The company had previously committed to $23 billion in domestic investments from 2020 to 2024, expecting the new facilities to create over 3,000 skilled jobs and nearly 10,000 construction jobs [3][7] - The announcement follows President Trump's indication of imposing tariffs of at least 25% on pharmaceutical imports, which may influence companies to shift manufacturing to the U.S. [4][7] Investment and Job Creation - Eli Lilly's investment is expected to generate more than 3,000 jobs for skilled workers, including engineers, scientists, and lab technicians, along with nearly 10,000 construction jobs [3] - The site locations for the new manufacturing plants are anticipated to be announced later this year, with production expected to commence within five years [3][7] Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Eli Lilly's shares rose by 1% and have increased approximately 18% since the beginning of the year [4]

Core Insights - TJX Cos. reported better-than-expected earnings per share of $1.23 for the quarter, a 10% increase year-over-year, despite a slight decline in sales to $16.35 billion, which was down about $60 million from the previous year [1] - Comparable-store sales increased by 5% year-over-year, surpassing analysts' forecast of 3% growth, with positive performance across all segments and regions [2] - The company's forecasts for the first quarter and fiscal 2026 were below expectations, projecting a 2% to 3% increase in comparable sales and earnings per share between $0.87 to $0.89 for the first quarter and $4.34 to $4.43 for fiscal 2026 [3] - TJX announced a planned 13% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.425 per share, pending board approval, and a new share buyback program of $2 billion to $2.5 billion, in addition to the remaining $1.1 billion from the previous plan [4]

Core Insights - Housing turnover is limited due to elevated mortgage rates and potential tariffs impacting the housing market, but Home Depot is expected to see increased business as homeowners resume renovations [1][5] - Americans are anticipated to move forward with delayed relocation and renovation plans, accepting current mortgage and inflation rates, leading to a surge in construction projects that will benefit home improvement businesses like Home Depot [2] - Homeowners are unable to indefinitely postpone investments in their homes, and a thaw in the major renovation freeze is suggested by recent data from Home Depot [3] Company Performance - Home Depot's transactions valued at $1,000 or more increased by 0.9% year-over-year in the final quarter of 2024, contrasting with a 6.8% decline in the third quarter [3] - Slightly more Americans are utilizing home equity to finance projects, indicating a potential shift in consumer behavior towards larger remodeling projects [4] - Home Depot shares rose nearly 3% following the company's latest earnings report, reflecting positive market sentiment [4]

Core Insights - Eli Lilly has reduced the price of its weight-loss drug Zepbound for certain out-of-pocket patients and introduced new vial doses [1][4] - The new pricing for Zepbound includes a 2.5-milligram dose at $349 per month and a 5-milligram dose at $499 per month, down from $399 and $549 respectively [1][4] - New 7.5-mg and 10-mg single-use vials are available for $499 when refilled every 45 days through the "Zepbound Self Pay Journey Program" [2][4] Pricing and Availability - The new vials are priced at $599 and $699 if refilled outside the 45-day window [2] - Zepbound is available exclusively through LillyDirect Self Pay Pharmacy Solutions, which aims to provide transparent pricing by eliminating third-party supply chain entities [3] Regulatory and Market Performance - Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss and sleep apnea, administered via weekly injections with recommended maintenance doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg [3] - Eli Lilly's fourth-quarter sales for Zepbound fell short of analysts' expectations, despite a 2% increase in shares on the day of the announcement and a 17% rise over the past year [4]

Group 1 - Home Depot reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.13 on revenue of $39.70 billion, surpassing analysts' expectations of $3.03 EPS and $39.12 billion in revenue [1] - The company anticipates total sales growth of approximately 2.8% in 2025, with a 1% increase in comparable store sales, which is below analysts' expectations of 3.27% and 1.88% respectively [2] - Home Depot projects a decline in full-year adjusted EPS by about 2% from $15.24 in 2024, contrary to the analyst consensus predicting an increase to $15.63 [2] Group 2 - Comparable store sales for Q4 increased by 0.8% year-over-year, defying analysts' forecast of a 1.48% decline, marking a turnaround after eight consecutive quarters of decline [3] - The company and its competitor Lowe's have indicated that inflation and a post-pandemic slowdown in home-improvement projects have negatively impacted sales [3]

Core Insights - Starbucks plans to lay off 1,100 corporate employees and leave several hundred positions unfilled as part of a restructuring effort [1][5] - CEO Brian Niccol emphasized that this change aims to create "smaller, more nimble" support teams to enhance operational efficiency [2][5] - The layoffs are part of the "Back to Starbucks" turnaround plan initiated by Niccol to address declining sales and traffic while aiming to double the U.S. footprint [3][5] Company Changes - The company has implemented various changes in its cafes, including a simplified menu, the return of barista name writing on cups, and new restroom policies [4] - Upcoming changes also include new digital menu boards, expanded free refills, and a review of store aesthetics with new seating options and the return of ceramic mugs [4] Financial Performance - Since Brian Niccol's appointment, Starbucks shares have increased by 25%, reflecting positive market sentiment towards the company's strategic changes [5]

Core Insights - Salesforce (CRM) is anticipated to report its fourth-quarter results, with analysts optimistic about AI-driven growth opportunities [1][5] - A significant majority of analysts have issued "buy" ratings, with a consensus price target suggesting nearly 30% upside from the current price [1] - The company is projected to achieve revenue of $10.05 billion, reflecting an 8% year-over-year increase, and adjusted earnings per share of $2.62, up from $2.29 a year ago [2] Analyst Ratings and Expectations - Of the 25 analysts covering Salesforce, 20 have a "buy" or equivalent rating, while 5 have a "hold" rating [1] - Deutsche Bank analysts maintain a "buy" rating with a $400 price target, citing early momentum in the Agentforce AI suite [2] - Oppenheimer analysts view the departure of COO Brian Millham as a negative surprise but expect new CFO Robin Washington to enhance operational efficiency [4] Company Developments - Salesforce announced that Robin Washington, former CFO of Gilead Sciences, will join as the new chief operating and financial officer on March 21 [3] - The company has faced a challenging start to 2025, with shares down approximately 7% year-to-date after a strong performance in 2024 [5]

Key TakeawaysStarbucks is focused on improving its in-store experience while many of its smaller competitors are looking to the drive-thru.As a more mature company, Starbucks already has tens of thousands of stores with ample seating—and wants to make the most of them.Meanwhile, chains like Dutch Bros. are focused largely on speedy service for customers who rarely step inside. Starbucks longs for the days when cafes were for sitting and sipping. But the growth of some competitors is a reminder that there's ...