Core Viewpoint - Affirm Holdings, Inc. is expected to report its third-quarter fiscal 2025 results on May 8, 2025, with a projected loss of 8 cents per share on revenues of $783.1 million, indicating significant year-over-year improvements in both earnings and revenues [1][2]. Financial Performance - The fiscal third-quarter earnings estimate has improved by 2 cents over the past month, reflecting an 81.4% year-over-year improvement [1]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues suggests a year-over-year growth of 35.9% [1]. - For the current fiscal year, the revenue estimate is pegged at $3.2 billion, implying a rise of 37.1% year over year, while the EPS consensus is a loss of 6 cents, indicating a 96.4% improvement year over year [2]. Earnings Expectations - Affirm is predicted to beat earnings estimates due to a positive Earnings ESP of +63.27% and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [3]. - The company has consistently beaten consensus estimates for earnings in the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 84.1% [2]. Revenue Drivers - Merchant network revenues are expected to reach $199.5 million, indicating a 25.2% rise from the prior-year quarter [5]. - The Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) is anticipated to grow by 29.2% year-over-year, with management estimating it to be in the range of $8-$8.3 billion [6]. - Active consumers are projected to grow by 17.4% year-over-year, and transactions per active consumer are expected to rise by 16.5% [7]. Card Network and Interest Income - Card network revenues are expected to improve by 30% year-over-year, while interest income is pegged at $414.4 million, indicating a 31.3% year-over-year rise [8]. - Servicing income is estimated to reach nearly $31.3 million, reflecting a 23.6% increase from the year-ago quarter [9]. Transaction Costs - The company anticipates higher transaction costs in the range of $415-$430 million for the quarter [9]. Stock Performance - Affirm's stock has increased by 38.6% over the past month, outperforming the industry growth of 19.4% and significantly surpassing the S&P 500's increase of 12.3% [10]. Valuation - Despite the recent stock price appreciation, Affirm's valuation remains relatively cheap at 4.34X forward 12-month sales, below the industry average of 5.12X [13]. Competitive Landscape - The delay of Klarna's IPO has reduced competitive pressure in the BNPL space, benefiting Affirm as one of the few publicly traded players [18]. - Concerns regarding Walmart's relationship with Affirm are considered overblown, as Walmart contributed only 5% to Affirm's GMV [18]. Long-term Outlook - Affirm is expanding internationally and diversifying its offerings, which positions it to compete with major players like Visa and PayPal [19]. - The company is focusing on profitability by tightening underwriting standards and improving margins, which is expected to bolster investor confidence [19].

Core Viewpoint - Sonos, Inc. is expected to report second-quarter fiscal 2025 results with anticipated revenues between $240 million and $265 million, reflecting a slight year-over-year increase, while the bottom line is projected to show an improved loss compared to the previous year [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $255.9 million, indicating a rise of 1.3% from the previous year [1]. - The consensus estimate for the bottom line is a loss of 18 cents, an improvement from a loss of 34 cents reported in the prior year [1]. - Sonos has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 22.8% [2]. Group 2: Challenges Impacting Performance - The company's second-quarter performance is likely to be negatively affected by high promotional activity and restructuring efforts, including a workforce reduction impacting nearly 12% of employees, leading to expected charges of $15 million to $18 million [3]. - The rollout of Sonos' redesigned app faced issues, resulting in unforeseen bugs and prompting an investment of $6 million in app recovery, with additional projected charges of $4 million to $8 million for the second quarter [4]. - GAAP gross margin is expected to be between 42% and 44%, down year-over-year due to foreign exchange headwinds and amortization costs [5]. Group 3: Positive Factors Supporting Performance - Sonos' focus on product innovation, particularly the successful launch of Sonos Ace, is expected to support revenue despite challenges from the app redesign [6]. - The introduction of the Era 100 Pro has opened a new revenue stream in the light-commercial audio market, potentially contributing to overall growth [7]. - Ongoing expansion of direct-to-consumer initiatives and a growing international presence, especially in Asia, are likely to bolster second-quarter performance [7].

Core Viewpoint - The New York Times Company (NYT) is expected to report a 6.9% increase in first-quarter 2025 revenues, driven by subscription growth and advertising trends [1][2]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter revenues is $635.1 million, reflecting a 6.9% rise from the previous year [1]. - The consensus estimate for earnings per share (EPS) is 35 cents, indicating a 12.9% increase year-over-year [2]. Subscription Growth - NYT's focus on subscription growth and digital innovation has been crucial, with total subscription revenues projected to increase by 7-10% year-over-year [4]. - The consensus estimate for subscription revenues is $466.6 million, suggesting an 8.8% growth, while digital-only subscription revenues are expected to reach $338.9 million, indicating a 15.7% increase [4]. Subscriber Base Expansion - The digital-only subscriber count is anticipated to reach 11.1 million by the end of Q1 2025, enhancing NYT's market position for advertisers [5]. Digital Advertising Trends - NYT is reducing reliance on traditional advertising, with digital advertising revenues expected to grow by 9.1%, estimated at $68.8 million [6]. Challenges Faced - Print subscription revenues are projected to decline by 6.2% to $127.6 million, and print advertising revenues are expected to fall by 13.4% to $35.2 million [7]. - Increased spending on product development and marketing may impact margins, with adjusted operating costs expected to rise by 5-6% [7]. Earnings Prediction Model - The Zacks model does not predict an earnings beat for NYT, as it holds a Zacks Rank 3 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00% [8].

Core Viewpoint - Carvana is expected to report first-quarter 2025 results with earnings estimated at 75 cents per share and revenues at $4.04 billion, reflecting a year-over-year revenue increase of 32% [1][2]. Financial Performance - The earnings estimate for Q1 2025 has increased by 2 cents over the past week, compared to a loss of 41 cents per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues is projected at $17.20 billion, indicating a 25.8% year-over-year rise, while the EPS estimate is $3.67, suggesting a significant increase of 130.8% [4]. Sales and Growth - Carvana's used vehicle retail sales have returned to growth in Q1 2024, selling over 100,000 vehicles in each of the last three quarters of 2024, with a 50% year-over-year surge in retail units sold in Q4 2024 [6]. - The company anticipates a 32.6% year-over-year increase in retail units sold for Q1 2025, reaching approximately 121,868 vehicles [6]. Operational Efficiency - Carvana's adjusted EBITDA is estimated to rise by 85% year-over-year to $434.5 million for Q1 2025, driven by improved operational efficiency and cost-cutting measures [7]. - The company has streamlined operations through various initiatives, resulting in significant reductions in SG&A expenses [7]. Market Position and Valuation - Year-to-date, Carvana's shares have increased by 26%, outperforming competitors like CarMax and Sonic Automotive [8]. - Carvana trades at a forward 12-month P/S ratio of 2.97, significantly higher than CarMax (0.37) and Sonic Automotive (0.15), reflecting stronger growth expectations [11]. Strategic Initiatives - Carvana's turnaround strategy is yielding positive results, with a focus on achieving positive adjusted EBITDA and improved profitability per vehicle [14]. - The acquisition of ADESA's U.S. operations has strengthened Carvana's logistics and vehicle processing capabilities, positioning it for growth in a fragmented market [15]. Future Outlook - Despite economic challenges, Carvana's enhanced efficiency and strong fundamentals suggest a promising growth trajectory, with expectations of an earnings beat in the upcoming quarter [16].

Core Viewpoint - Murphy Oil Corporation (MUR) is expected to report its first-quarter 2025 results on May 7, following a previous negative earnings surprise of 37.5% in the last quarter [1] Group 1: Factors Impacting Q1 Results - The quarterly earnings are anticipated to benefit from production increases in both domestic and international assets, particularly from new wells in the Gulf of Mexico and Eagle Ford Shale [2] - A diversified, low breakeven North American portfolio has contributed to Murphy Oil's financial performance and free cash flow, allowing for increased shareholder returns through stock repurchases [3] - Ongoing debt-reduction initiatives are expected to lower capital servicing expenses, thereby enhancing margins in the upcoming quarter [4] Group 2: Q1 Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is set at 48 cents per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 43.5%, while revenues are estimated at $667.76 million, indicating a 16.2% decline year over year [5] - Quarterly production, excluding NCI, is anticipated to be between 159-167 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBOEPD), with 51% expected to be oil; the Zacks Consensus Estimate stands at 164.83 MBOEPD [5] Group 3: Earnings Prediction - The company's Earnings ESP is +4.90%, suggesting a potential earnings beat, supported by a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6][7]

Group 1 - The Q1 earnings season is performing well, with 72% of S&P 500 companies that have reported beating estimates [1] - The blended year-over-year earnings advance is currently at 12.8%, which is five percentage points above the previous level [1]

Assurant, Inc. (AIZ) is expected to register an improvement in its top line but a decline in its bottom line when it reports first-quarter 2025 results on May 6, after the closing bell.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIZ’s first-quarter revenues is pegged at $3.05 billion, indicating 5.6% growth from the year-ago reported figure.The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $3.00 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIZ’s first-quarter earnings has moved up 2.5% in the past 30 days. The estimate ...

Core Viewpoint - Smurfit Westrock PLC is set to report its first-quarter 2025 results on May 1, following the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in July 2024, with expectations of revenue growth and improved earnings per share [1][2]. Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter revenues is $7.85 billion, reflecting a 4.1% increase from the previous quarter [2]. - The earnings per share estimate is 65 cents, up from 34 cents in the prior quarter, with a 4.8% upward revision in the last 60 days [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $1.25 billion for the first quarter of 2025 [4]. Segment Performance - The Europe, MEA, and APAC segment is expected to generate revenues of $2.61 billion, up from $2.52 billion in the fourth quarter, with adjusted EBITDA estimated at $418.6 million [6]. - North America segment revenues are estimated at $4.54 billion, slightly down from $4.59 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to rise to $755.3 million [7]. - The LATAM segment is projected to see revenues of $483.6 million, down from $524 million, with adjusted EBITDA estimated at $112.3 million [8]. Market Dynamics - Demand for corrugated packaging and containerboard remains stable, driven by e-commerce growth and the need for sustainable packaging solutions [3]. - However, increased costs related to recovered fiber, labor, and distribution, particularly in Europe, may negatively impact margins [4]. Earnings Prediction - The model indicates a potential earnings beat for Smurfit Westrock, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +3.72% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [9]. Stock Performance - Smurfit Westrock's shares have decreased by 13.9% over the past six months, compared to a 4.5% decline in the industry [10].

Core Viewpoint - Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. is expected to report an increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2025, with a consensus estimate of $1.16 billion, reflecting a 6.1% improvement from the previous year [1] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings per share is stable at 45 cents, indicating a decline of 2.2% from the same period last year [2] - The company has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise average of 18.2%, with the last reported quarter exceeding estimates by 50% [2] Key Growth Drivers - The company's disciplined expansion strategy, supply chain agility, strategic investments, and merchandise innovation are expected to enhance market share [2] - A persistent supply-demand imbalance in housing and the increasing median age of owner-occupied homes are driving demand for home upgrades and remodeling, benefiting hard surface flooring and related categories [2] Product and Market Expansion - The launch of new product categories, including a semi-custom cabinet program in 40 warehouse stores and online, is anticipated to be a significant revenue catalyst [3] - By entering adjacent remodeling categories such as cabinets and outdoor products, the company is expanding its share of customer projects beyond flooring [3] Store Expansion Strategy - The disciplined approach to expanding the store footprint is a key driver of top-line growth, focusing on warehouse-format store openings in markets with existing brand awareness [4] - The strategic push to capture a larger share of the professional customer base is gaining traction [4] Sales Performance Concerns - A soft start to the first quarter is noted, with comparable store sales declining 1.7% as of February 20, indicating that momentum from the previous quarter may not have continued [5] - The company has diversified its sourcing away from China, reducing reliance from 50% in 2018 to 18% in 2024, although tariffs remain a challenge [5] Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict a definitive earnings beat for Floor & Decor, as it holds a Zacks Rank of 3 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00% [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - McDonald's Corporation (MCD) is expected to report a decline in first-quarter 2025 earnings and revenues due to weak traffic and economic pressures on low-income consumers [2][4]. Financial Performance Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter EPS has decreased to $2.64, reflecting a 2.2% drop from the previous year's EPS of $2.70 [2]. - Revenue estimates for the quarter are set at $6.08 billion, indicating a 1.4% year-over-year decline [2]. - U.S. revenues are projected to decline by 0.9% to $2,486.3 million, while revenues from International Operated Markets are expected to decrease by 0.7% to $2,927.1 million [3]. Factors Influencing Performance - Weak traffic, particularly in the U.S. and large international markets, is anticipated to negatively impact revenues [2]. - Economic pressures on low-income consumers have suppressed spending, affecting traffic and average check sizes [2]. - Despite the challenges, strong digital adoption, innovative menu offerings, and strategic unit expansion are expected to support performance [4]. Operational Insights - The company is likely to see a 1% increase in U.S. same-store sales and a 0.9% increase in International Operated Markets comps [5]. - Persistent pressure from elevated commodity prices and wages may have negatively impacted the operating margin during the quarter [5]. Earnings Prediction - The model predicts a potential earnings beat for McDonald's, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +0.06% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6].