This podcast discusses the recent earnings of major retailers Macy's, Lowe's, and Dick's, as well as the upcoming earnings report of NVIDIA and its impact on the future of computing. It also explores the role and practices of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in the healthcare system and the growing focus on specialty drugs. Additionally, the podcast analyzes the recent slowdown in the stock market and explores investment opportunities in the tech industry, particularly AI.
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Quick takeaways
The retail sector is facing challenges with declining purchases, shrinkage, and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Investment opportunities exist in the energy sector and healthcare industry due to attractively priced valuations and advancements in AI technology.
Deep dives
Retail sector earnings show signs of consumer pullback and theft
The retail sector, including Macy's, Lowe's, and Dick's Sporting Goods, is experiencing a decline in purchases, indicating a pullback by department store customers. Macy's CEO cited ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and implemented targeted promotions to clear out seasonal items. Dick's Sporting Goods reported higher-than-expected shrinkage due to theft. Lowe's, on the other hand, witnessed strength in its housing division, possibly driven by consumers opting to invest in their homes rather than move.
Concerns over increased shrinkage and theft affecting retailers
Retailers, such as Target and Macy's, are facing issues related to shrinkage, which includes theft, employee stealing, and damaged goods. Dick's Sporting Goods reported an unexpected level of shrinkage that impacted its earnings. The rise in shrinkage, along with elevated credit card balances and higher costs of living, indicates challenges in the retail industry. Retailers are focusing on strategies to combat theft and improve security measures to protect their merchandise.
Opportunities in the energy sector and healthcare industry
Investment opportunities are emerging in the energy sector and healthcare industry. The energy sector, with attractively priced valuations and healthy balance sheets, presents a potential opportunity for investors. The healthcare sector, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), can provide long-term growth prospects due to improved productivity and innovation. Telehealth and AI advancements can transform the healthcare infrastructure and drive positive returns for investors.
Expectation of a potential market correction in September
During the summer months, the market has experienced a digestion phase after a strong seven-month rally. This period of consolidation, combined with the historical seasonality trend that suggests September as the worst month for stocks, raises concerns of a potential market correction ahead. While a correction is not abnormal, it could lead to opportunities for investors to deploy cash and capitalize on market pullbacks as the year progresses.
Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Retail Analyst Mary Ross Gilbert and Bloomberg News Reporter Simone Foxman discuss Macy’s, Lowe's and Dick’s earnings. Bloomberg News US Semiconductor & Networking Reporter Ian King has a preview of Nvidia earnings. Bloomberg Businessweek Editor Joel Weber and Bloomberg News Health Care Reporter John Tozzi provide the details of John's Businessweek Magazine story Drug Benefit Firms Devise New Fees That Go to Them, Not Clients. And we Drive to the Close with Lauren Sanfilippo, Senior Investment Strategy Analyst for the Chief Investment Office at Bank of America Corporation. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.