Key Takeaways Kroger is expected to post Q1 revenues of $45.38B, up 0.3% year over year, and EPS of $1.45, up 1.4%. Growth in private-label brands, digital sales and media income is likely to support Kroger's top line. Kroger stock has climbed 30.3% in a year, trailing WMT but outperforming COST and DG.The Kroger Co. (KR) is set to report its first-quarter fiscal 2025 results on June 20, before the opening bell. KR is likely to have registered a marginal increase in the top line. The Zacks Consensus Estim ...

Core Insights - Chewy Inc. is set to release its first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings results on June 11, with investors contemplating whether to buy or hold the stock [1] Group 1: Company Performance and Expectations - Chewy has established a strong presence in the online pet retail market, focusing on innovation and customer loyalty, which positions the company for long-term growth [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter revenues is $3.08 billion, reflecting a 6.9% increase from the previous year, while the earnings estimate remains at 34 cents per share, indicating a 9.7% year-over-year rise [3][8] - Chewy has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 19.3%, with the last quarter surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 33.3% [4] Group 2: Key Growth Drivers - The growth in Chewy's revenue is supported by its Autoship program, which encourages repeat purchases and stabilizes revenue streams [10] - Active customer growth is a positive indicator, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate suggesting an increase to 20.5 million active customers, driven by improved digital experiences and the Chewy+ Membership Program [11] - Chewy's expansion into higher-margin areas, such as its in-house ad platform and veterinary services, is enhancing customer acquisition and engagement [12] Group 3: Market Position and Valuation - Chewy's stock has increased by 22.1% over the past month, outperforming the industry average of 1.2% [13] - The company trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 1.57, which is lower than the industry average of 2.00, indicating a favorable investment opportunity [16] - Chewy's valuation is higher than competitors like Central Garden & Pet Company, Petco Health and Wellness Company, and BARK, which have lower P/S ratios [17] Group 4: Investment Considerations - Chewy's investments in automation, advertising, and veterinary services reflect a commitment to long-term growth, although the lack of a clear earnings beat signal may lead to cautious investment decisions [19]

Key Takeaways SJM's Q4 revenue is expected to dip 0.8% to $2.19B, with EPS forecast down 15.4% to $2.25. SJM expects margin pressure as pricing may not offset commodity cost inflation and elasticity. Integration of Hostess Brands and focus on growth strategies may have supported quarterly performance.The J. M. Smucker Company (SJM) is likely to witness a top and bottom-line decline when it reports fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings on June 10. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $2.19 ...

Key Takeaways OLLI is expected to report Q1 revenues of $564.7M, up 11% year over year. OLLI's earnings per share are projected at $0.70, marking a 4.1% decline from the prior year. Strong loyalty growth, store expansion and vendor ties fuel sales, but rising costs may hurt OLLI's margins.Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. (OLLI) is set to report its first-quarter fiscal 2025 results on June 3, before the opening bell. OLLI is likely to have registered an increase in the top line. The Zacks Consensus E ...

Core Insights - Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY) is expected to report a revenue increase of 10.3% year over year for Q4 fiscal 2025, with projected revenues of $3,969 million [1][9] - Earnings per share (EPS) are anticipated to decline by 17.5% year over year, with a consensus estimate of $1.93 per share [2][9] Revenue Drivers - The company's strong performance is attributed to its resilient business model, enhanced omnichannel capabilities, and exclusive private-label offerings [3] - Significant growth is expected in the prepared food and dispensed beverage segments, with a projected revenue increase of 13.2% [4] - Grocery and general merchandise categories are also expected to see a 12.7% increase in sales, driven by trending items like energy drinks [5] - Inside sales are projected to rise by 12.8%, with same-store sales growing by 2.6%, reflecting strong foodservice innovation and effective promotions [6] Challenges - The anticipated decline in earnings is primarily due to the dilutive impact of the Fikes acquisition, which has led to higher interest expenses and additional integration costs [7][9] - Other factors affecting profitability include the absence of the leap day benefit from the previous year and adverse weather conditions impacting February sales [7][9] - Operating expenses are expected to increase by 14.9% for the quarter [7]

Core Viewpoint - Dollar Tree, Inc. is expected to report a decline in both revenue and earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with significant pressures from reduced consumer spending and inflationary challenges [1][5][7]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $4.5 billion, reflecting a 40.5% decrease from the same quarter last year [1]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is $1.20 per share, indicating a 16.1% decline year-over-year [1]. - The company has a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 8.4% on average, with the last quarter's earnings missing the estimate by 3.2% [4]. Market Trends - Continued soft demand for discretionary items is anticipated due to reduced spending among low-income consumers [5]. - Inflationary pressures and increased interest rates are contributing to the company's challenges [5]. - Adverse foreign currency translations are also negatively impacting performance [5]. Operational Adjustments - The company is diversifying its supplier base and exploring alternative manufacturing locations to mitigate risks from additional tariffs [6]. - Adjustments to sourcing strategies may lead to transitional inefficiencies and increased short-term costs, affecting first-quarter results [6]. Cost Structure - Higher selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses are expected to negatively impact the top and bottom lines due to elevated operating costs [7]. - Earnings are projected to be negatively impacted by 30-35 cents per share due to shared service costs related to the Family Dollar sale [9]. Strategic Initiatives - Dollar Tree is making progress on restructuring and expansion initiatives, including steady store openings and improvements in distribution centers [10]. - Management predicts comparable store sales growth of 3-5%, with a model forecasting a 4.7% year-over-year increase for the Dollar Tree banner [11]. Valuation Insights - Dollar Tree shares are trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 16.47X, below the five-year median of 17.86X and the industry average of 33.28X, indicating attractive valuation [13]. - The stock has gained 230.7% in the past three months, contrasting with a 1.3% decline in the industry [16].

Core Viewpoint - American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) is expected to report disappointing first-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with significant declines in both revenue and earnings compared to the previous year [2][5][7]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEO's fiscal first-quarter revenues is $1.1 billion, indicating a 4.6% decline from the same quarter last year [2]. - The consensus estimate for earnings per share is a loss of 25 cents, representing a 174% decline from earnings of 34 cents reported in the year-ago quarter [2]. - Comparable sales are projected to decline nearly 3%, with American Eagle decreasing 2% and Aerie falling 4% [7]. Operational Challenges - The company has faced persistent macroeconomic pressures affecting consumer discretionary spending, including elevated household debt and inflation, which have dampened consumer confidence among younger shoppers [5]. - Management expressed disappointment with the execution of merchandising strategies, leading to increased promotions and excess inventory, resulting in an inventory charge write-down of approximately $75 million [6][8]. - AEO has withdrawn its earlier guidance for fiscal 2025 due to macro volatility [7]. Future Outlook - Despite near-term challenges, AEO is focused on long-term value creation through its Powering Profitable Growth plan, which emphasizes brand amplification and operational optimization [9]. - The company is taking steps to stabilize margins and enhance profitability by streamlining expenses and improving efficiency [9]. Valuation Perspective - AEO's shares are trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 9.4X, below the five-year median of 12.25X and the industry average of 17.68X, suggesting an attractive investment opportunity [11]. - Over the past six months, AEO's shares have declined by 42.4%, compared to a 10.7% decline in the industry [12].

Core Viewpoint - The Gap, Inc. is anticipated to report growth in both revenue and earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with revenues expected to reach $3.4 billion, reflecting a 0.9% increase year-over-year, and earnings estimated at 44 cents per share, indicating a 7.3% rise from the previous year [1][2]. Revenue and Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter revenues is $3.4 billion, marking a 0.9% increase from the same quarter last year [1]. - The earnings estimate for the first quarter is 44 cents per share, which is a 7.3% increase compared to the prior year [2]. Performance Trends - The company has shown a positive trend in earnings surprises over the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 77.5% [2]. - The last reported quarter saw earnings exceed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 50% [2]. Strategic Initiatives - Gap is focusing on enhancing its merchandise assortment, improving customer relations through marketing, and advancing its digital commerce strategy [4]. - The company aims to achieve $150 million in cost savings for fiscal 2025, which will be partially reinvested in growth initiatives [8]. Market Position and Brand Performance - Gap's diverse brand portfolio, including Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta, positions it well in the apparel industry [5]. - The company expects sales growth to be driven primarily by the Old Navy and Gap brands, with Banana Republic stabilizing and Athleta recovering [6]. Supply Chain and Cost Management - Gap has improved supply-chain efficiency and diversified sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts, with less than 10% of products sourced from China [9]. - The gross margin is expected to rise slightly from 41.2% in the prior year, with adjusted operating margins projected to increase by 30 basis points to 6.4% [10][11]. Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past year, Gap's shares have increased by 35.7%, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500 [12]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 12.01X, below the industry average of 17.68X, indicating attractive valuation [18]. Long-term Growth Outlook - The company is positioned for long-term growth through strategic marketing, digital initiatives, and operational efficiency [21]. - Despite macroeconomic challenges, Gap's disciplined cost management and brand diversification are expected to yield positive results [22].

Core Insights - Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (HLI) shares increased by 5.4% following the release of its fiscal fourth-quarter results on May 7, 2025, driven by growth in corporate finance, financial and valuation advisory, and financial restructuring businesses, although higher expenses partially offset these gains [1] Financial Performance - HLI reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.96 for fiscal Q4 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 21.7% and reflecting a 54% year-over-year increase [1] - Total revenues for the quarter rose by 28% year over year to $666.4 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.4% [2] - Income before provision for income taxes increased by 27.3% year over year to $150.3 million [3] - Total operating expenses grew by 26.2% year over year to $527.2 million, attributed to higher employee compensation and benefits, as well as non-compensation expenses [3] - The adjusted compensation expense ratio remained stable at 61.5% [3] Segment Performance - Corporate Finance segment revenues surged by 43.5% year over year to $412.7 million, benefiting from improved average transaction fees and an increase in the number of closed transactions, with Managing Directors up by 7.6% and closed transactions up by 21.5% [3] - Financial Restructuring revenues improved by 5.9% year over year, supported by an increase in closed transactions and average transaction fees, with Managing Directors and closed transactions rising by 5.6% and 8.6%, respectively [4] - Financial and Valuation Advisory segment revenues increased by 15.1% year over year, driven by a rise in the number of fee events, with Managing Directors up by 7.7% [5] Full-Year Update - For fiscal 2025, total revenues increased by 24.8% year over year to $2.4 billion, while total operating expenses rose by 21.7% to $1.9 billion [6] - Adjusted EPS for the full year rose by 40.1% year over year to $6.29 [6] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, HLI had cash and cash equivalents of $971 million, up from $721.2 million at the end of fiscal 2024 [7] - Total assets increased to $3.8 billion from $3.2 billion at the end of fiscal 2024 [7] - Total equity rose to $2.2 billion from $1.8 billion at the end of fiscal 2024 [7] Dividend Update - HLI announced a 5% increase in its cash dividend to 60 cents per share, payable on June 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 2 [9]

As DICK’S Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS) prepares to announce its first-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings on May 28, investors are closely watching for insights into its performance this season.DKS is expected to register a year-over-year sales increase in the quarter under review. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $3.12 billion, indicating a rise of 3.4% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. However, the consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $3.24 per share, which indicates a dip o ...