Brian Nelson

Nvidia Remains a Free Cash Flow Generating Powerhouse

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Image: Nvidia’s first-quarter fiscal 2025 results delivered, and the company remains a Wall Street darling of a stock. By Brian Nelson, CFA All eyes were on Nvidia’s (NVDA) first quarter fiscal 2025 results after the close May 22. The company put up record quarterly revenue of $26 billion in the quarter, which beat the consensus forecast, up 262% from the same period a year-ago. The company’s Data Center revenue came in at $22.6 billion, which also came in better than expectations, up 427% from last year’s quarter. The results were good enough to propel Nvidia’s shares higher following the quarterly report. Founder and CEO Jensen Huang had the following to say about the company’s bright prospects: The next industrial revolution … Read more

TJX Reports Strong First Quarter Results; Raises Fiscal 2025 Guidance

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By Brian Nelson, CFA On May 22, TJX Companies (TJX) reported strong first quarter results and increased its outlook for fiscal 2025. Net sales for the quarter ended May 4, 2024, advanced ~6% from the same period a year ago thanks in part to consolidated same store sales that increased ~3% due to strength in customer transactions. Diluted earnings per share came in at $0.93 versus $0.76 in the same period of fiscal 2024. The off-price apparel and home fashions retailer continues to deliver for consumers and investors alike. We like the company. Management spoke positively about the quarter and the current momentum it continues to experience: I am very pleased with our first quarter performance. Overall comp store sales … Read more

Target’s First Quarter Results Weren’t as Good as Walmart’s

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By Brian Nelson, CFA  On May 22, Target (TGT) reported mixed first quarter results that showed in-line revenue performance but a modest miss on the bottom line relative to the consensus forecast. Target’s results were not as good as Walmart’s (WMT) as Target’s first-quarter comparable sales fell 3.7%, while Walmart’s total U.S. comps showed a nice advance during its first quarter. Target’s adjusted earnings per share in the quarter of $2.03 showed a modest decline from the $2.05 mark it achieved in the same quarter of 2023. Nonetheless, Target CEO Brian Cornell was optimistic in his comments in the press release: Our first quarter financial performance was in line with our expectations on both the top and bottom line, tracking … Read more

Lowe’s First Quarter Results Come in Better Than Feared

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By Brian Nelson, CFA On May 21, Lowe’s (LOW) reported better-than-expected first quarter results for the period ended May 3, 2024, that showed a revenue decline of ~4.4%, but not one that was as great as feared. Comparable store sales fell 4.1% in the quarter, but this performance also came in better than the consensus forecast that expected a ~5.6% decline. Diluted earnings per share came in at $3.06 in the quarter versus adjusted diluted earnings per share of $3.67 last year. Management commentary was upbeat in the press release: We are pleased with our start to spring, driven by strong execution and enhanced customer service. This quarter we rolled out our new DIY loyalty program nationally, expanded same-day delivery … Read more

Walmart Winning Business as Consumers Remain Cost Conscious

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Image Source: Walmart By Brian Nelson, CFA On May 16, Walmart (WMT) reported better than expected first quarter results for its fiscal 2025. Strength was evident across the board. Consolidated revenue increased 6% (5.8% in constant currency), while its consolidated gross margin increased 42 basis points. Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 3.8%, while total U.S. comps, excluding fuel, came in at 3.9% in the period. The big box giant’s consolidated operating income increased 9.6% in the quarter, while adjusted operating income advanced 13.7%. Global e-commerce and its advertising business fared well, too, with sales increasing 21% and 24%, respectively, in the quarter. Adjusted earnings per share of $0.60 beat consensus, and management noted that inventory levels, which dropped in the … Read more

Cisco Still Looks Cheap, Shares Yield ~3.2%

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Image Source: Cisco By Brian Nelson, CFA On May 15, Cisco Systems (CSCO) reported better than feared third quarter results for its fiscal 2024. Revenue faced pressure, falling 13% on a year-over-year basis, as management noted that customers continue to implement “products on-hand.” Non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.88 beat consensus. Management spoke of a dynamic market environment, while mentioning some stabilization of demand: We delivered a solid Q3 performance in what remains a dynamic environment. Our unique ability to bring together networking, security, observability, and data enables Cisco to offer our customers unrivaled digital resilience for the AI era. Revenue, gross margin and non-GAAP EPS in Q3 were at the high end or above our guidance range, both including … Read more

Home Depot Sees Softness in Some Larger Discretionary Projects

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Image Source: Home Depot continues to experience some softness in sales of big ticket items. By Brian Nelson, CFA On May 14, Home Depot (HD) reported mixed first quarter results that showed revenue and earnings pressure, but the firm’s bottom line continued to hold up well relative to expectations. Total reported sales fell 2.3% in the quarter, while comparable store sales declined 2.8%, with comps declining 3.2% in the U.S. in the period. Net earnings for the first quarter dropped to $3.63 per share compared to $3.82 per share in the same period a year ago. Management noted some softness in its business to start the spring: The team executed at a high level in the quarter, and we continued … Read more

Energy Transfer Ups Adjusted EBITDA Guidance for 2024

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Image: Energy Transfer’s financials are in much better shape than they were years ago. By Brian Nelson, CFA On May 8, Energy Transfer (ET) reported strong first-quarter 2024 results. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31 came in at $3.88 billion, which was nicely higher than the $3.43 billion mark it achieved in the same period last year. Distributable cash flow [DCF] in the quarter came in at $2.36 billion, which was materially better than the $2.01 billion registered during the first quarter of 2023. During the first quarter of 2024, the company’s crude oil transportation volumes increased 44%, which set a new record. Crude oil terminal volumes increased 10%, NGL fractional volumes increased 11%, NGL exports increased … Read more

Disney Expects Strong Adjusted EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow

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Image: Disney’s shares have struggled, but management is working hard to get back on track. By Brian Nelson, CFA Disney (DIS) reported mixed second quarter results for fiscal 2024 on May 7 that showed revenue coming in a bit lighter than expectations, but non-GAAP earnings per share beating the consensus forecast. The company continues to recover from recent missteps, with the firm generating double-digit percentage growth in adjusted earnings per share in the period. Management had a lot of positive things to say about the quarter: Our strong performance in Q2, with adjusted EPS up 30% compared to the prior year, demonstrates we are delivering on our strategic priorities and building for the future. Our results were driven in large … Read more

Qualcomm’s Dividend Strength Is Undeniable

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Image: Qualcomm remains a tremendous free cash flow generator. By Brian Nelson, CFA Back on May 1, Qualcomm reported solid second quarter results for fiscal 2024, for the period ending March 24, 2024. Revenue edged up 1% higher, while earnings before taxes on a non-GAAP basis increased 11% year-over-year. Non-GAAP net income jumped 14% from last year’s quarter, while non-GAAP diluted earnings per share advanced 13%. Though its top line performance was rather modest, we liked how the firm was able to leverage that growth into strong earnings momentum. Management was upbeat on its quarter and outlook: We are pleased to report strong quarterly results, with EPS exceeding the high end of our guidance. We are excited about our continued … Read more