Group 1 - Truist Financial Corporation's CEO, William Henry Rogers, noted that there has been momentum in loans and deposits, which continued into the first quarter of the year [5]. - Clients are currently adopting a "wait and see" approach due to market volatility, but there is a gradual increase in clarity regarding future opportunities [5]. - Consumer confidence remains strong, as evidenced by continued spending [6].

Core Viewpoint - Lululemon is facing challenges due to economic factors, including tariffs imposed by President Trump and reduced consumer spending, leading to a decline in sales growth and customer dissatisfaction [1][7][12]. Company Performance - The company reported only a 1% year-over-year increase in sales, falling short of the 3% forecast, indicating a struggle to maintain growth amidst economic pressures [4]. - Lower store traffic in the Americas has been attributed to economic uncertainty, inflation, and changes in discretionary spending, affecting even loyal customers [2][7]. Pricing Strategy - Lululemon plans to implement modest price increases on a small portion of its product assortment in response to rising costs due to tariffs [5][11]. - The company is negotiating with vendors to mitigate the impact of tariffs on its pricing strategy [9][11]. Supply Chain and Tariffs - A significant portion of Lululemon's products is sourced from Vietnam (40%) and China (28%), both of which have been affected by tariffs, leading to increased costs for the company [8][14]. - The company attributes its challenges to these tariffs, particularly on goods manufactured in the affected countries [8][12]. Customer Sentiment - There is notable backlash from customers regarding the pricing and manufacturing decisions, with many expressing dissatisfaction on social media [9][11]. - Critics argue that the brand's reliance on foreign manufacturing and high prices is detrimental to its reputation and sales [12][13].

May 27, 2025 10:12 PM GMT Global Macro Commentary | Global May 27 Sharp super-long JGB rally amid speculation for lower long-end issuance; positive EU and US trade developments support US assets; USTs bull-flatten; miss in France CPI; LatAm currencies outperform; Fed's Barkin warns of effects of uncertainty; DXY at 99.58 (0.5%); US 10y at 4.444% (-6.7bp) Please refer to our recent publications and collaborations (Euro Area Rates Strategy: More Room to Go; Hong Kong Macro Strategy, Economics, Property & Bank ...

Core Viewpoint - Carnival's stock has seen significant volatility in 2023, currently trading around $23, down from a 52-week high of $28.72, despite more than doubling since 2022 [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Carnival reported record quarterly revenue of $5.8 billion in Q1, with operating income nearly doubling year over year to $543 million, driven by strong demand across its cruise brands [6] - Analysts expect Carnival's earnings per share to improve from $1.42 in fiscal 2024 to $1.86 in fiscal 2025, despite the company carrying $27 billion in debt [9] - The company saved $94 million in interest expense last quarter due to lower debt, which has positively impacted profitability [8] Group 2: Market Demand and Pricing - Demand for cruises is exceeding the limited availability of rooms, leading to higher pricing and historically high prices for 2025, with bookings extending into 2026 [7] - The consensus price target for Carnival's stock is $27.73, indicating a potential upside of 20% from current prices [3] Group 3: Risks and Challenges - Declining consumer confidence could weaken demand for cruise vacations, with consumer confidence down for five consecutive months as of April [2][10] - Potential new taxes on cruise lines could negatively impact Carnival's profitability, as indicated by comments from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick [11] Group 4: Future Outlook - The upcoming launch of Celebration Key, an exclusive destination, is expected to drive strong demand through 2030, potentially offsetting risks and contributing to revenue growth [13] - If Carnival's earnings reach analyst estimates of $2.46 in 2027, with a fair P/E of 15, the share price could rise to nearly $37, implying a 60% upside over the next few years [13]

Economic Overview - U.S. consumers have regained confidence in the economy following a trade truce between the United States and China, leading to a sharp market rebound [1][2] - Consumer confidence jumped to 98 in May, up 12.3 points from April, significantly exceeding the consensus estimate of 87 [4] - The present situation index increased by 4.8 points to 135.9, while the expectations index surged by 17.4 points to 72.8 [5] Consumer Sentiment - Positive sentiment is attributed to the easing of trade tensions, with 44% of investors believing stocks will rise over the next 12 months, a 6.4% increase from April [5][6] - The labor market outlook improved, with 19.2% expecting more job availability in the next six months [5] Stock Recommendations - Recommended consumer discretionary stocks include Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (JAKK), Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB), Fox Corporation (FOX), and Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) due to positive earnings estimate revisions [2][3] - Each of these stocks carries a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) or 1 (Strong Buy) [3] Company Insights - **Netflix, Inc. (NFLX)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 27.7% for the current year, with a 3% improvement in earnings estimates over the past 60 days [8][9] - **JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (JAKK)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 12.7%, with a 3.1% improvement in earnings estimates [10][11] - **Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 9.6%, with a 2.9% improvement in earnings estimates [12][13] - **Fox Corporation (FOX)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 32.36%, with a 2% improvement in earnings estimates [14] - **Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 13.2%, with a 4.5% improvement in earnings estimates [15][16]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook on consumer confidence, with the consumer confidence index rising significantly above expectations [2]. Core Insights - The Conference Board index of consumer confidence increased by 12.3 points to 98.0 in May, surpassing consensus expectations, with a prior revised level of 85.7 [2]. - The expectations component of the index rose by 17.4 points to 72.8, recovering from its lowest level since October 2011 [2]. - The present situation component also saw an increase of 4.8 points to 135.9 [2]. - The labor differential decreased slightly to 13.2, with 31.8% of respondents indicating jobs are plentiful and 18.6% stating jobs are hard to get [2]. - The survey's measure of 12-month ahead inflation expectations decreased by 0.5 percentage points to 6.5% [2]. - The rebound in consumer confidence was noted to have gained momentum following the announcement of a 90-day pause in US-China retaliatory tariffs [2]. Summary by Sections Consumer Confidence Index - The consumer confidence index rose to 98.0 in May, a significant increase from the revised April level of 85.7 [2]. - The expectations component increased to 72.8, while the present situation component rose to 135.9 [2]. Labor Market Insights - The labor differential decreased to 13.2, with a slight increase in the percentage of respondents indicating jobs are plentiful [2]. Inflation Expectations - The 12-month ahead inflation expectations decreased to 6.5%, indicating a decline in inflation concerns among consumers [2].

Many investors were eager to see how retail giant Target's (TGT -0.79%) latest quarter would look, and, unfortunately, it wasn't great. The company missed analysts' consensus estimates for sales and earnings, and management lowered the company's full-year outlook.Target has been on a rough path over the past few years, and the next 12 months could be rocky as well. Here's where Target stock could be in one year. From bad to worseTarget's sales declined in 2024, and investors were hoping that 2025 might be t ...

Core Insights - Target reported a 3.8% decrease in comparable sales for Q1 and anticipates a low single-digit decline in sales for fiscal 2025 [1] - The decline in sales is attributed to five consecutive months of declining consumer confidence and uncertainty regarding tariffs [2] - Target's comparable digital sales grew by 4.7%, while comparable store sales fell by 5.7% [4] Sales Performance - The company experienced a decline in both traffic and sales, particularly in discretionary categories [1] - Comparable store sales fell by 5.7%, contributing to the overall decline in sales [4] - Same-day delivery grew by 36%, and curbside pickup now accounts for nearly half of digital sales [5] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are becoming more cautious and focused on saving as they manage their budgets, influenced by declining consumer confidence [3] - There is a noticeable shift from discretionary spending to needs-based categories due to high inflation [2] Strategic Responses - To mitigate tariff impacts, Target is negotiating with vendors, reevaluating product assortments, changing production locations, and adjusting pricing as a last resort [3][4] - The company has reduced the share of its own brand products made in China from 60% in 2017 to 30% currently, with a goal of lowering it to under 25% by the end of 2026 [4] Financial Position - Target maintains a strong balance sheet and ample cash, allowing it to navigate near-term challenges while continuing to invest in new stores, remodels, and technology [6]

Investment Rating - The retail sector in Spain is rated positively, with significant investment inflows and growth indicators suggesting a strong market outlook [10]. Core Insights - The tourism sector in Spain has seen a 7% increase in visitors during the first two months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 22% [1]. - The International Monetary Fund has revised Spain's GDP growth forecast for 2025 to 2.5%, indicating a more dynamic economic outlook compared to the eurozone average of 0.8% [2]. - Retail turnover in February recorded a positive annual variation of 3.6%, although consumer confidence saw a slight decline of 3.5% compared to January [4]. Retail Investment Overview - The retail sector led investment inflows in Q1 2025, accumulating €891.4 million, which is nearly 35% of the total real estate investment volume for the period [10]. - Investment in the retail sector has shown a remarkable annual growth of over 225% in the previous year, with Q1 2025 exceeding the average of the past five years by more than 70% [10]. - Shopping centers accounted for approximately 77% of total retail investment, driven by strong performance in foot traffic and sales per visit, which increased by around 3% in 2024 [11]. Notable Transactions - The most significant transaction in Q1 2025 was Castellana Properties' acquisition of the Bonaire shopping center for €305 million, representing half of the total investment volume in this category [16]. - Other notable deals included Rivioli Asset's purchase of a 50% stake in the Xanadú shopping center for €200 million and Lighthouse Properties' acquisition of the Alcalá Magna shopping center for over €96 million [15][16]. Yield Trends - Prime yields in shopping centers, retail parks, and high street units have declined more sharply than expected, with current yield levels at 7.25%, 6.5%, and 4% respectively [12].

US Consumer Pulse Survey: Tariffs Top of Mind as Spending Plans Deteriorate M This report provides a full breakdown of data from our 64th survey of ~2,000 consumers in the U.S., which ran April 24th - 28th, to gauge consumer behavior, attitudes and outlook. Our survey was fielded after both the initial liberation day announcement April 2 and subsequent tariff pause April 9. | M May 5, 2025 04:02 AM GMT Thematic Alpha x AlphaWise North America US Consumer Pulse Survey: M Plans Deteriorate | Morgan Stanley & ...