Core Viewpoint - The process of inflation returning to the 2% target is already more than halfway complete [1] Group 1: Inflation Insights - It is not possible to isolate the impact of tariffs on inflation issues [1] - Service inflation has significantly slowed down, while goods inflation is on the rise [1] - The current observed tariff inflation is just the beginning [1]

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve Chairman Powell indicated that inflation in the service sector is decreasing while inflation in goods is increasing [1] - It was noted that 30% to 40% of core inflation is attributed to tariffs [1]

Core Viewpoint - Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that inflation in the services sector is decreasing while inflation in the goods sector is rising [1] Group 1: Inflation Trends - Services sector inflation is showing a downward trend, suggesting potential easing in consumer prices related to services [1] - Conversely, inflation in the goods sector is on the rise, indicating potential pressures on prices for physical products [1]

Core Viewpoint - The latest Consumer Price Index indicates that tariffs are driving up goods inflation, which raises a "slight concern" for the Federal Reserve's Goolsbee [1] Group 1 - The Consumer Price Index data shows a direct correlation between tariffs and increased goods inflation [1]

Core Insights - Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (CBRL) reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results with earnings exceeding estimates but revenues falling short, indicating mixed performance [1][3][9] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) for the third quarter were 58 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 17 cents, but reflecting a 34.1% decline year over year [3][9] - Quarterly revenues reached $821.1 million, missing the consensus mark of $827 million, but showing a year-over-year increase of 0.5% [3][9] Comparable Store Sales - Comparable-store restaurant sales increased by 1% compared to the same quarter in fiscal 2024, while comparable-store retail sales decreased by 3.8% year over year [4] - Menu pricing increased by 4.9% year over year, although the predicted growth for comparable-store restaurant sales was 1.8% [4] Operating Highlights - Cost of goods sold (excluding depreciation and rent) was $247.3 million, up 1% year over year, representing 30.1% of total revenues, which is a 10 basis point increase from the previous year [5] - General and administrative expenses totaled $46 million, down 16% year over year, significantly lower than the predicted $53.9 million [5] Net Income - Adjusted net income for the fiscal third quarter was $13.1 million, down from $19.6 million in the prior-year quarter, but above the prediction of $5 million [6] Balance Sheet - As of May 2, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $9.8 million, down from $11.9 million a year earlier [7] - Inventory at the end of the fiscal third quarter was $168.9 million, a decrease of 3.8% year over year [7] - Long-term debt increased to $489.4 million from $472.2 million a year earlier [7] Dividend Declaration - CBRL declared a cash dividend of 25 cents per share, scheduled for payment on August 13, 2025, to shareholders on record as of July 18 [7] 2025 Guidance - For fiscal 2025, the company expects revenues between $3.45 billion and $3.5 billion, with adjusted EBITDA anticipated to be between $215 million and $225 million, an increase from previous projections [10] - Commodity inflation is expected to be in the mid-2% range, while hourly wage inflation is also anticipated to be in the mid-2% range, down from earlier estimates [10] Capital Expenditures - Capital expenditures are projected to be in the range of $160 million to $170 million [11]

Core Insights - The April CPI data released by the U.S. Labor Department shows a month-on-month increase of 0.2%, lower than the expected 0.3%, indicating a decline compared to February [1] - Year-on-year CPI growth is at 2.3%, the lowest level since February 2021, and core CPI growth is at 2.8%, matching expectations and previous values [1] - The overall inflation data is considered mild, but market expectations suggest inflation may rise due to U.S. trade policies [1] Inflation Components - Core goods prices increased by 0.1% month-on-month, with new car prices unchanged and used car prices down by 0.5% [2] - Furniture and bedding prices rose from 0.6% to 1.5%, while appliance, toy, and sports equipment prices saw increases, reflecting the impact of tariffs on U.S. inflation [2] - Service inflation continues to decline, with housing inflation up by 0.3%, indicating persistent but stable housing inflation [2] Service Inflation Trends - Core service inflation excluding housing is at 3.01%, the lowest since December 2021, with healthcare and transportation services showing slight increases [3] - The labor market cooling and slowing wage growth are expected to contribute to a gradual decline in service inflation [3] - The stability of supply chains has reduced the risk of disruptions, allowing businesses to adjust and mitigate price increases [3] Consumer Behavior and Price Trends - Companies are reducing travel expenses, and consumers are cutting back on leisure spending, leading to a decrease in prices for flights and hotels [4] - OPEC+ has announced an increase in oil production, contributing to a continued decline in oil prices, which may offset inflationary pressures from tariffs [4] - The combined effects of reduced travel spending, falling oil prices, and slowing wage growth could counterbalance the inflation impact from tariffs [4]

Macro Economic Analysis - The Chinese economy showed better-than-expected performance in Q1 2025, indicating a strong start to the year [1] - Policy measures are supporting commodity inflation, as reflected in the March price data [1] Trade Data Insights - The "export rush" is nearing its end, as indicated by the March import and export data [2] - The U.S. CPI inflation data for March reflects a brief period of calm in the overseas macroeconomic environment [2] Capital Market Overview - The bond market is experiencing a strong and volatile phase, suggesting opportunities for long-term bond fund investments [3] - U.S. tech stocks have faced significant setbacks, raising questions about the market's bottom [3] - Tariff pressures are causing dramatic fluctuations in both stock and bond markets [3] Industry Analysis - The pharmaceutical industry is accelerating its digital transformation, with AI technology playing a crucial role in this new journey [5] - Positive policy measures are contributing to stability in the A-share market [5] - Tariff expectations are being driven by policy responses, highlighting the need to monitor these developments [5] - Market volatility continues as the impact of tariffs temporarily eases [5] Weekly Outlook - Recent tariff measures have exceeded expectations, leading to a significant rise in risk-averse sentiment [6]