Big Tech Reports… And Eli Lilly’s Letdown 10/30/24
Oct 30, 2024
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Gene Munster, Managing Partner at Deepwater Asset Management, dissects Meta and Microsoft’s strong earnings, highlighting AI’s role in Azure’s growth. Loretta Mester, former President of the Cleveland Fed, discusses the Federal Reserve’s strategies amid rising Treasury yields. Meanwhile, Jared Holes of Mizuho analyzes Eli Lilly's disappointing Q3 results, questioning whether the euphoria over weight loss drugs is waning. Together, they explore the shifting landscape of tech performance and its broader economic implications.
Meta and Microsoft's earnings reports highlight the significant role of AI in driving future growth amidst challenges in user expectations and expenses.
Eli Lilly's stock decline following missed estimates emphasizes cautious market sentiment and the need for improved prescription rates for weight loss drugs.
Deep dives
Earnings Insights from Major Companies
The podcast delves into significant earnings reports from major companies like Meta and Microsoft, highlighting their financial performance and projections. Meta reported strong revenue growth of 19% but faced challenges, including missed user growth expectations and increased capital expenditures for AI investments. Despite a slight drop in after-hours trading, analysts argue that Meta's advancements in AI will drive future growth. Microsoft also posted earnings beats and experienced notable Azure growth, attributed significantly to contributions from AI, showing a promising trajectory for the company's cloud services.
Challenges for Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly faced a substantial decline in stock value following its third-quarter earnings report, which missed expectations. The company attributed part of its struggles to wholesalers de-stocking and a slowdown in the growth of its weight loss drugs, notably Manjaro and ZepBound. Analysts remain optimistic about underlying demand for these medications, suggesting that the issues may be more about timing than a fundamental lack of interest. The overall sentiment indicates caution, with potential for recovery if the pace of prescriptions picks up in the near future.
Supermicro's Troubling Audit Situation
Supermicro's stock plummeted after its auditor, Ernst & Young, resigned due to concerns over management's representations, raising serious red flags about the company's financial practices. The company had already delayed filing its last financial report, contributing to fears of potential delisting from the NASDAQ. Analysts point out that the resignation from a reputable auditing firm signals deeper issues within the company, which could deter current and future investors. This situation illustrates the importance of transparency in corporate governance, especially for firms under significant market scrutiny.
Starbucks' Strategic Pricing Changes
Starbucks announced significant changes, including the removal of surcharges for non-dairy milk options, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction and attract more patrons. The company plans to improve service times while maintaining stability in menu prices through the end of fiscal 2025, showing a commitment to customer value. Newly appointed CEO Brian Niccol emphasized a focus on internal promotions and unique marketing strategies to reinvigorate the brand image. These adjustments reflect Starbucks' intention to adapt to current market conditions while addressing customer preferences.
Meta and Microsoft in focus, as the big tech names report results. How our traders are handling the moves, and what it means for entire tech trade. Plus Eli Lilly getting hit, as the pharma stock misses estimates and slashes guidance. So are the disappointing results a sign the weight loss drug boom is slimming out?