Core Viewpoint - JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers has lowered estimates for Lowe's Companies Inc. ahead of its first-quarter earnings release, indicating a more challenging environment than previously anticipated [1][4]. Group 1: First Quarter Estimates - First-quarter comparable sales estimates for Lowe's have been cut to -2.7%, which is below the Street's consensus of -1.7% and broader buyside expectations of a decline between 2% to 3.5% [1][2]. - Lowe's had previously guided for a -2% comparable sales for the first quarter and expected flat comps for the first half, anticipating a ~$400 million shift of spring sales into the second quarter [2][3]. Group 2: Weather Impact - The company faced significant headwinds from unfavorable DIY weather conditions earlier in the quarter, leading to underperformance compared to Home Depot, even as weather conditions improved later [2][3]. - The second quarter is expected to have easier weather comparisons, but estimates have been slightly lowered to +2% from +3% due to first-quarter underperformance and uncertain weather outlook [3]. Group 3: Earnings and Guidance - The estimated first-quarter EPS for Lowe's is $2.87, compared to the Street's estimate of $2.91 [3]. - Given the expectation of missing the first-quarter outlook, Lowe's is anticipated to adjust its full-year guidance towards the lower end of flat comparable sales and around a 12.3% operating margin [4]. - The company is expected to reiterate confidence in managing tariffs and safeguarding margins despite a less favorable scenario [4].

Core Viewpoint - Block is expected to report first-quarter 2025 results on April 30, with revenue estimates of $6.18 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 3.81% and earnings per share (EPS) of 88 cents, indicating a 3.53% increase from the previous year [1][2]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates that Block's earnings have beaten expectations in two of the last four quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 11.25% [2]. - Gross Payment Volume (GPV) for Block reached $61.95 billion in Q4 2024, marking a 7.8% year-over-year increase, driven by strong performance in the Square ecosystem [3]. - Gross profit is anticipated to grow 11% year-over-year to $2.32 billion, with adjusted operating income expected at $430 million and an adjusted operating margin of 19% [4]. Market Conditions - Block shares have declined 31% year-to-date, underperforming the Zacks Computer & Technology sector's decline of 11.1% and the Zacks Internet Software industry's fall of 6.2% [6]. - The company faces challenges from a difficult macroeconomic environment, including the risk of recession due to higher tariffs [6]. Competitive Position - Block's stock is currently trading at a Price/Cash Flow ratio of 21.84X, which is higher than the sector average of 18.75X and competitors like PayPal at 8.84X [10]. - The company is expanding its product offerings, including a new Square POS app that integrates various functionalities for different industries [14][15]. Strategic Initiatives - Cash App's partnership with Google Play enhances its payment options, and the Afterpay division has seen significant consumer engagement, with over $72 billion spent since its acquisition [16]. - Block's comprehensive commerce ecosystem supports sellers by combining software, hardware, and payment services, which is expected to sustain momentum [13]. Investment Outlook - Despite strong product offerings and a growing partner base, challenging macroeconomic conditions and sluggish consumer spending trends raise concerns [18]. - Block's shares are currently trading below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating a bearish trend [18].

The Procter & Gamble Company (PG) has reported mixed third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, wherein earnings met the Zacks Consensus Estimate and sales missed. The bottom line improved year over year while the top line fell. The company’s organic sales grew year over year, on higher pricing.Procter & Gamble’s core earnings of $1.54 per share inched up 1% from the year-ago quarter and matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Currency-neutral core earnings per share (EPS) also rose 1% year over year.Stay up-to-date ...

Core Insights - Netflix is shifting its focus from subscriber growth to free cash flow as the primary metric for measuring success [1][2][5] - The company will no longer report membership counts or average revenue per member starting in the first-quarter 2025 report [2] - The new key performance indicators include revenue growth, operating margin, and free cash flow [2][4] Financial Performance - Free cash flow increased significantly in 2022 and 2023 but remained stable in 2024, with a full-year figure of $6.9 billion [3] - Despite a 13% year-over-year decline in free cash flow during the holiday quarter of 2024, Netflix shares rose 13% following management's guidance for 2025 [3][4] - The company anticipates a 13% revenue growth and a 2 percentage point increase in operating margin for 2025, along with a projected 16% increase in free cash flow [4]