Toast(US:TOST) ZACKS·2025-05-06 12:26Core Viewpoint - Toast Inc. is expected to report a significant revenue increase of 24.7% year-over-year, with a consensus estimate of $1.34 billion for Q1 2025 earnings, alongside a projected non-GAAP earnings per share of 19 cents, recovering from a loss of 5 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.34 billion, indicating an increase of 24.7% from a year ago [1]. - TOST's earnings have beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 197.4% [2]. - The company expects adjusted EBITDA between $100 million and $110 million, with gross profit projected to grow between 27% to 30% for the quarter [2]. Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - Toast's strategy focuses on enhancing restaurant revenues and profits, aiming for long-term growth in average revenue per user (ARPU) and higher win rates [3]. - The company is prioritizing market share growth in the U.S. restaurant industry, expanding into new regions, and leveraging data and AI to boost platform usage while maintaining disciplined investments [4]. - Toast has launched ToastIQ, an AI-powered engine designed to improve restaurant operations through smart prompts and automated workflows, utilizing data from over 130,000 locations [9]. Group 3: Partnerships and Market Presence - Toast has secured significant partnerships, including being chosen as an approved POS provider by Hilton Hotels & Resorts and a major deal with Ascent Brands for 500 locations [5]. - The partnership with Dine Brands Global, Inc. aims to modernize Applebee's locations across the U.S., showcasing Toast's growing presence in the enterprise space [10]. Group 4: Operational Enhancements - The company has rolled out updates for front-of-house staff, including improvements to POS systems, kiosks, and kitchen displays, as well as new tools for guest engagement and cost management [6]. - Toast is focused on addressing customer challenges with a user-friendly platform, enhancing reporting, payroll, and accounting tools [6]. Group 5: Challenges and Market Conditions - Weather and macroeconomic factors may have impacted gross payment volume (GPV) per location in Q1, alongside increased competition internationally and risks in executing enterprise rollouts [7]. - Increased spending on growth priorities, such as expanding the retail sales team and launching new marketing efforts, may have negatively affected profit margins [7].