Danaher Corporation, a leading life sciences company, reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2024, surpassing analyst estimates and indicating a recovery in the biotech industry. Revenue reached $5.8 billion, a 4% organic decline year-over-year but above expectations of $5.62 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.92, a 6.3% annual decrease but ahead of consensus estimates of $1.71 per share. Key operating segments all delivered better-than-expected results, including biotechnology, life sciences, and diagnostics.
Results for: Earnings
Nucor Corporation (NUE) shares experienced a significant decline during Tuesday’s session following the release of the company’s financial results for the quarter. Nucor reported earnings per share of $3.46, falling short of the analyst consensus estimate of $3.65. Quarterly sales also missed expectations, coming in at $8.14 billion compared to the anticipated $8.26 billion. The company’s stock price plunged by 6.5% to $179.20. Other stocks that exhibited notable movements during the mid-day session include Cyngn Inc. (CYN), Pineapple Energy Inc. (PEGY), Oportun Financial Corporation (OPRT), Palisade Bio, Inc. (PALI), and KULR Technology Group, Inc. (KULR), all of which reported positive gains. In contrast, Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (ABEO), Greenwave Technology Solutions, Inc. (GWAV), Lichen China Limited (LICN), Tungray Technologies Inc. (TRSG), and Tian Ruixiang Holdings Ltd (TIRX) faced declines in their stock prices.
Tesla is set to release its first-quarter earnings report on Tuesday, with investors eagerly anticipating updates on the company’s growth trajectory and demand outlook. Despite a challenging year, analysts remain divided on Tesla’s prospects, with some expressing optimism while others caution about potential headwinds. Key factors to watch for in the earnings report include: deliveries, production, earnings per share, and updates on the Model 2 and robotaxi initiatives.
Stocks rallied broadly on Tuesday, extending Monday’s rebound, as lower-than-expected economic data fueled expectations of a potential Federal Reserve rate cut by summer’s end. Market participants parsed the S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for April, which pointed to a slowdown in private sector growth and eased inflationary pressures. The probability of a Fed rate cut by September jumped to 72%, prompting optimism in the markets. Corporate earnings have also largely exceeded estimates, with investors awaiting results from Visa and Tesla after market close. By midday, the S&P 500 had gained 1.2%, on track for its best performance in over a month. The Nasdaq 100 outpaced the broader market with a 1.5% rise, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced by a more modest 0.6%.
MSCI’s stock price experienced a significant drop of 13.2% in late morning trading on Tuesday following the release of its first-quarter 2024 financial results. The company’s profitability was impacted by higher expenses, which overshadowed higher-than-expected adjusted EPS. Operating revenue slightly missed analyst estimates, while total operating expenses surged by 22.7% year-over-year. Despite these challenges, MSCI reported growth in its total run rate and recurring subscription run rate. The company also reaffirmed its outlook for fiscal year 2024.
Super Micro Computer (SMCI) experienced a significant rebound on Tuesday, reversing a two-day sell-off that had reduced its valuation by over 20%. The AI server company’s shares surged by more than 7% during late morning trading, becoming the top gainer in the S&P 500. This rise came after Super Micro Computer’s announcement on Friday that it would release its fiscal third-quarter results on April 30. In previous quarters, the company has provided pre-announced results, including an 11-day advance notice of its earnings call in January. Analysts generally predict a quarterly revenue of $3.92 billion and an earnings per share of $5.72. Last week, Loop Capital set a $1,500 price target for the stock, emphasizing the company’s dominance in generative AI servers and its growing advantage over competitors. The rebound in AI stocks, including Super Micro Computer, comes after a challenging Friday trading session. Fears surrounding Super Micro Computer and AI drove down semiconductor stocks.
Spotify reported strong first-quarter earnings on Tuesday, exceeding analyst expectations on both revenue and earnings per share. The streaming giant also beat guidance on quarterly gross margin and issued optimistic guidance for the upcoming quarter, including a 28.1% gross margin driven by cost improvements.
Alphabet (GOOGL) is expected to report strong first-quarter earnings and analysts speculate that the company could announce its first-ever dividend. The move would follow Meta Platforms’ recent dividend announcement and would be a major development for the Google parent. Alphabet has traditionally relied on stock buybacks to return capital to shareholders, but a dividend would provide investors with a more regular income stream. Analysts at Truist expect solid first-quarter results and have raised their price target on the stock to $170 from $158.
Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW) reported lower-than-expected first-quarter earnings per share and revenue, impacted by delayed capex projects and sluggish sales. Consolidated net sales declined by 1.4% in the quarter. Net sales from stores in the Paint Stores Group open more than twelve calendar months remained flat. Gross margin expanded to 47.2%, driven by cost-cutting initiatives. The company expects full-year revenue to grow moderately, but lowered its adjusted EPS guidance. SHW shares declined by 3.2% in pre-market trading.
S&P 500 futures are edging closer to yesterday’s highs in pre-market trading, with a gain of 20 points or 0.4%. This upward momentum is fueled by positive earnings reports, particularly from GM, whose shares have surged 6% after exceeding expectations and raising guidance on the back of strong truck sales. Spotify’s shares have also witnessed an 8% increase due to impressive earnings. However, UPS, Pepsi, JetBlue, Nucor, and Cleveland-Cliffs have reported earnings misses or declines in demand, resulting in lower share prices.