ToplineNetflix will report its first-quarter earnings results Thursday afternoon, a report which analysts expect will show the streaming giant’s best quarter ever by several metrics, setting the stakes for Netflix stock moving forward after it emerged as a perhaps surprising stock market safe haven during the recent slump.Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos attends a Netflix premiere in February.Getty Images for Netflix Key FactsIn its Q1 due shortly after 4 p.m. EDT market close, Netflix is expected to report its ...

Core Viewpoint - Palantir Technologies Inc. is not typically considered a defensive stock despite a significant correction of over 25% from its all-time highs, and it continues to trade at a high P/E ratio exceeding 160 [1]. Group 1 - The company is currently viewed positively by some investors, with a bullish outlook on its stock, US equities, and Bitcoin [1]. - The market sentiment around Palantir remains strong, indicating potential asymmetric investment opportunities despite its high valuation metrics [1].

Group 1: Tariff Impact and Market Sentiment - The announcement of new tariffs has led to a significant decline in the stock market and increased concerns about a potential recession, with JPMorgan raising the recession probability to 60% [2] - Despite rising recession fears, some stocks, particularly dividend stocks, are still considered viable investment options [3] Group 2: Coca-Cola - Coca-Cola's stock has increased over 14% year-to-date, contrasting with the broader market decline following tariff announcements [5] - The company's strong financials, world-class distribution network, and consistent product demand make it a recession-resistant investment [6][7] - Coca-Cola offers a reliable quarterly dividend of $0.51, with an average yield of around 2.9% over the past year, and has increased its annual dividend for 63 consecutive years [9][10] Group 3: AT&T - AT&T's stock has risen over 64% in the past year, marking a turnaround from previous struggles [11] - The company faces challenges due to its reliance on imported goods, which may impact margins due to new tariffs, but it has sufficient free cash flow to maintain its dividend [12][13] - AT&T remains a leader in the essential telecom industry, with strong growth in its postpaid phone and fiber businesses, adding 1.7 million and 1 million net customers respectively in 2024 [15] - The spin-off of WarnerMedia has allowed AT&T to focus on its core telecom business, enhancing its commitment to shareholder value [16]

While competitors struggle, Netflix trades near all-time highs with even greater gains planned for the next five years. Here's what you should watch for in Thursday evening's Q1 report.Media-streaming innovator Netflix (NFLX -1.40%) has been swimming against the broader market currents recently. Industry giants such as Walt Disney and Comcast are trading closer to their yearly lows than to 52-week highs. But Netflix is hovering just below a recently notched record price, posting robust gains in the last wee ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Prologis reported a core FFO of $1.42 per share, including net promotes, and $1.43 per share excluding net promotes, both exceeding forecasts [14] - Occupancy at the end of the quarter was 95.2%, a decrease of 70 basis points from year-end, attributed to strong retention [14] - Net effective rent change during the quarter was 54%, with cash basis at 32%, leading to same-store growth of 5.9% and 6.2% respectively [15] - The net effective lease mark-to-market ended at 25%, representing an additional $1.1 billion of incremental NOI [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Prologis leased 58 million square feet, nearing record levels, and initiated approximately $650 million in new developments, with 80% being build-to-suit projects [9][16] - The data center business expanded power capacity by 400 megawatts, a 13% increase, totaling 2 gigawatts in advanced stages [9][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The operating environment showed increased leasing activity in sectors like transport, food and beverage, consumer products, and electronics [20] - Net absorption for the quarter was 21 million square feet, with a global decline of 1.5%, primarily in Southern California [79] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to invest in markets where goods are consumed rather than produced, emphasizing the need for more warehouse space in a disconnected world [13][92] - Prologis plans to reduce development start guidance to $1.5 billion to $2 billion due to uncertainty in the market [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about potential recession impacts on consumption and decision-making, while also noting the resilience of Prologis due to its diversified rent roll and strong balance sheet [11][12] - The company anticipates increased inventory levels as businesses stockpile, with e-commerce expected to gain more market share [28] Other Important Information - Prologis raised approximately $400 million in new capital for its flagship open-ended funds, with a similar amount in redemptions, resulting in a near-neutral capital raise [19] - The company received a Moody's upgrade to an A2 rating, making it one of only two public REITs with an A-flat rating from both agencies [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on customer interactions and demand - Management noted that consumption is expected to decline in a recession, but long-term trends indicate growth [40][41] Question: Clarification on leasing and occupancy - The occupancy drop was attributed to a high number of leases rolling in the first quarter, with retention at 73% [48] Question: Stress test scenarios and market conditions - The stress test indicated potential occupancy declines and rent drops, with bad debt expectations adjusted to 75 basis points [78] Question: Impact of tariffs on customers - Management speculated that customers could absorb a 10% tariff, with Mexico expected to benefit from shifts in sourcing [86] Question: Demand for warehouse space - The company believes that a disconnected world will require more warehouse space due to the need for inventory and supply chain adjustments [91][92]

Netflix unveils its first-quarter results Thursday afternoon. The report will kick off a rather momentous earnings season for media amid churning stock markets and recession jitters prompted by the Trump administration’s global tariffs. Traditionally the company that fires the starting gun for entertainment and tech numbers every three months, Netflix may be a calming place to start this time. As tariffs cast a pall across business sectors including media, the streaming giant may be Wall Street‘s top stock ...

Subscribers to Chart of the Week received this commentary on Sunday, April 6. Click here to get your hands on our critically-acclaimed 18- pick stock report.It feels too strange to begin Chart of the Week without addressing the elephant in the room, which is the past week’s intense oscillation that has taken place on Wall Street. U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policy has taken global trade by storm -- and not always in a good way. On Monday, April 7, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) suffered its ...

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock markets are experiencing extreme volatility due to the imposition of new tariffs by the Trump administration, which has raised concerns about a potential global trade war and its impact on the U.S. economy [2][4]. Group 1: Market Overview - The baseline tariff of 10% was imposed on all imports starting April 5, 2025, with rates reaching as high as 145% for certain countries like China [2][3]. - The S&P 500 index is currently in correction territory, having declined by 8.6% year to date, and was trading close to bear market levels last week [5]. Group 2: Featured Stocks - A selection of stocks that have provided double-digit returns year to date includes American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK), Exelon Corp. (EXC), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), The Progressive Corp. (PGR), and Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO), all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [6]. Group 3: American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK) - AWK is benefiting from contributions from acquired assets and military contracts, with new water and wastewater rates enhancing performance [7]. - The company is expanding its operations through both organic and inorganic initiatives, with 17 pending acquisitions expected to add 24,200 customers [9]. - AWK has projected revenue and earnings growth rates of 1.6% and 6.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a recent 0.2% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate [10]. Group 4: Exelon Corp. (EXC) - Exelon's investments are aimed at strengthening its transmission and distribution infrastructure, with initiatives in grid modernization expected to enhance service reliability [11]. - The company anticipates revenue and earnings growth rates of 4.2% and 6.4%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.8% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [12]. Group 5: CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from increasing electricity demand driven by the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [13]. - The company has an expected revenue and earnings growth rate of 3.2% and 8%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.6% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 60 days [16]. Group 6: The Progressive Corp. (PGR) - PGR is experiencing growth due to higher premiums and a strong product portfolio, focusing on becoming a one-stop insurance destination [17]. - The expected revenue and earnings growth rates for PGR are 16.1% and 10.9%, respectively, with a 1% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last seven days [18]. Group 7: Brown & Brown Inc. (BRO) - BRO's growth trajectory is supported by a compelling portfolio and strategic initiatives that enhance its capabilities and geographic reach [19]. - The company has projected revenue and earnings growth rates of 8.4% and 9.1%, respectively, for the current year, with a 0.2% improvement in the earnings consensus estimate over the last 30 days [20].

Core Viewpoint - The outlook for U.S. Lodging C-Corps and Timeshares has been downgraded due to weaker consumer demand, geopolitical uncertainty, and negative impacts from U.S. airlines, leading to a reduction in 2025 RevPAR forecasts by approximately 125 basis points [1] Group 1: Market Conditions - A 45% probability of a U.S. recession is assumed, although not fully factored in, with a focus on asset-light companies that have global exposure and less reliance on U.S. resorts [2] - The preference is for stocks with more global diversity, lower U.S. resort exposure, asset-light business models, and stronger prospects for non-RevPAR and ancillary revenues in a choppier macro environment [3] Group 2: Historical Context - Historical data indicates that lodging revenue growth is cyclical, with significant downturns during previous recessions, where business demand impacts leisure travel first, and premium chains experience larger RevPAR declines than economy chains [4] - Hotel C-Corps have transitioned to asset-light, fee-based business models over the past decade, which have shown resilience during downturns, as franchise revenues tend to perform better than owned/leased or timeshare revenues [4] Group 3: Company-Specific Updates - Choice Hotels International Inc (CHH) was upgraded from Sell to Buy, with a price forecast lowered from $141 to $138, due to its defensive position driven by franchise revenue structure and strong balance sheet [6] - CHH is less affected by current macroeconomic challenges compared to other U.S. lodging companies, with improving trends in consumer purchase intent and performance among lower-income segments [7] - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (H) was downgraded from Neutral to Sell, with a price forecast lowered from $150 to $110, due to higher macro sensitivity and significant exposure to China [8] - Hilton Worldwide Holdings (HLT) and Marriott International Inc (MAR) were downgraded from Buy to Neutral, with price forecasts lowered from $296 to $235 and from $313 to $245, respectively, due to macro volatility and consumer pressures impacting macro-sensitive segments [9][10] - Both HLT and MAR have strong business models but face high valuations compared to historical cycles, with consensus estimates for IMF and non-RevPAR fees considered too optimistic [11]

Warner Bros Discovery will not be selling its Polish network TVN. Following a strategic review, WBD management has decided to keep the broadcaster in its ranks, according to a note sent today to staff from Kasia Kieli, Head of WBD Poland and CEO at TVN, and Gerhard Zeiler, President of International at WBD. “That review has been completed, and WBD has concluded that the best path forward is retaining ownership of TVN, continuing to support our business, our strategy and the incredible journalistic work of ...