GM's Ultium Cells battery plant in Tennessee to add production of low-cost LFP cells
Dive Brief:
Ultium Cells, the electric vehicle battery joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution, is upgrading its battery cell manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee, to add production of lower-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, the company announced in a July 14 press release.
The plans are part of a $2.3 billion investment in the plant that was announced in 2021 to produce nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) pouch cells and LFP cells at the same facility. The conversion of existing production lines will begin later this year, with commercial production of LFP cells expected to begin in late 2027.
'The upgrade reflects the continued strength of our partnership with General Motors and our shared commitment to advancing EV battery innovation,' said Wonjoon Suh, executive VP and head of the Advanced Automotive Battery division at LG Energy Solution, in the release.
Dive Insight:
Introducing low-cost LFP battery chemistry into its growing lineup can help GM improve margins on its EVs, as well as reduce their costs for buyers. The higher costs of EVs using existing battery chemistries may deter shoppers and impact adoption in the U.S. now that the Federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500 is slated to end on Sept. 30. The elimination of the credit is included in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill,' which was signed into law on July 4.
GM currently uses more expensive nickel manganese cobalt aluminum oxide (NMCA) batteries for its EVs.
The cost-effectiveness of LFP batteries compared to NCMA or nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) types is due to the use of less expensive raw materials, including cobalt and nickel. Instead, LFP batteries use a higher amount of cheap and abundant iron and phosphate. LFP batteries contain virtually no cobalt and perform better than other cell chemistries in high temperatures, making them more resistant to cell degradation and fire for greater safety.
'At GM, we're innovating battery technology to deliver the best mix of range, performance, and affordability to our EV customers,' said Kurt Kelty, VP of batteries, propulsion, and sustainability at GM, in the release. 'This upgrade at Spring Hill will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LFP cell technologies in the U.S., complementing our high-nickel and future lithium manganese rich solutions and further diversifying our growing EV portfolio."
LFP batteries also have a significantly longer cycle life and can endure more charge-discharge cycles before degrading, translating into a longer service life.
In addition, LPF batteries can be fully charged to 100% without accelerating cell degradation compared to NMC batteries. This is among the reasons why many OEMs recommend charging EVs to just 80% to extend battery service life. However, the tradeoff is that drivers do not receive the vehicle's full EPA-estimated range.
One of the drawbacks of LFP batteries however, is their lower energy density compared to NMC and NCA chemistries, according to Quantumscape. An automaker must use more LFP cells to achieve EV range targets that buyers now expect. Although the use of additional cells and a larger battery pack may improve range, it also increases vehicle weight and can potentially reduce an EVs interior space.
In addition to Ultium Cells adding LFP cell production in Tennessee, GM and LG Energy announced in May the development of an improved lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cell design for the automaker's future electric vehicles. The LMR battery chemistry uses a higher percentage of lower-cost manganese to replace cobalt, while still delivering high energy density, according to GM.
GM aims to be the first major automaker to use LMR batteries, and the Ultium Cells joint venture plans to start commercial production of the new cells by 2028 for GM's full-size electric trucks and SUVs.
'Our expertise in these three battery chemistries will enable us to scale production of lower-cost LMR and LFP cell technologies so we can produce both full-size electric pickups and affordable EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt,' said GM president Mark Reuss in a blog post.
Ultium Cells broke ground on the Tennessee EV battery plant in 2021 and the first shipments of batteries to GM were in March 2024.
Recommended Reading
GM, LG Energy target commercializing manganese-rich batteries for EVs
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Corvette silenced in Europe — at least at start
General Motors' big, brash Corvette has been silenced in Europe for the first time — at least up to the first 70 kph (44 mph). The Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray hybrid launched in Europe with a 'stealth' mode that allows it to start on electric power for silent getaways. 'It's good for neighbor relations when you leave early in the morning,' GM Europe President Pere Brugal said at the supercar's launch at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10. The new model adds a 162-hp electric motor on the front axle mated to a 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery to create the first all-wheel-drive Corvette. Sign up for the Automotive News Europe Focus on Electrification newsletter, a weekly wrap-up of the latest electric vehicle news, including interviews and global EV sales data. Overall power is 644 hp and the 0 to 100 kph time is 2.9 seconds, making the E-Ray the quickest production Corvette available in Europe. The price in the U.K. is £153,440 ($206,000) for the coupe variant, undercutting the Z06 but far above the standard V-8 model at £92,890. Both coupe and convertible versions of the E-Ray will be sold across Chevrolet's 18 European markets. The hybrid technology gives the U.S. automaker an answer to the increasing number of electrified supercars from European rivals. 'We think the timing is perfect,' Brugal said. 'The hybrid supercar market is experiencing huge growth.' Half of the models sold in Europe's exotic segment were plug-in hybrids in the first six months of the year, marking 49 percent growth for PHEVs, preliminary figures from market researcher Dataforce show. Some were SUVs, topped by the BMW XM, but electrified supercars also include the segment's No. 4 seller, the Ferrari 296 GTS, as well as the Ferrari SF90, Lamborghini Revuelto and McLaren Artura. Lamborghini's new Temerario, a replacement for the Huracan, will also be a PHEV. The E-Ray is a hybrid rather than a PHEV, but the model will also compete with the new Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid. Like the E-Ray, the 911 hybrid will have a 1.9-kWh battery pack. The Corvette was GM's bestselling car in Europe in the first half of the year, with volume of 338 — 39 sales ahead of the Cadillac Lyriq full-electric SUV, according to Dataforce figures. No other models have so far been offered by Cadillac in its launch markets of France, Germany, Switzerland and Sweden. More markets and models are coming, but Cadillac is in no rush to announce them. 'We're not here to push metal,' Brugal said. GM returned to Europe in 2024 with Cadillac after exiting the market in 2017 with the sale of its Opel and Vauxhall subsidiaries to PSA Group. Opel and Vauxhall are now part of Stellantis. Premium rivals to BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz — along with JLR and Volvo — have found it difficult to gain traction in Europe, but Brugal insists that customers will be lured to Cadillac by the combination of design, brand awareness and technology. Cadillac has yet to offer its Super Cruise hands-off, eyes-on semi-autonomous driving system in Europe, but that will change next year, Brugal said. GM has a fleet of vehicles testing Super Cruise on Europe's major highways with the aim of following Ford, which already offers its similar BlueCruise system in certain models, including the Mustang Mach-E full-electric SUV. Last year, Ford said it won permission to offer BlueCruise in 15 European Union countries over 133,000 kilometers (82,744 miles) of Blue Zones.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
CFOs face surging trade compliance costs under Trump's high tariffs: Fed
This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: U.S. companies should expect Trump administration tariffs to push up trade compliance costs by between 1.4% and 2.5% of the value of a good, the Federal Reserve said, highlighting an extra burden from the import duties. Total new compliance costs to manufacturers from the highest U.S. import duties since the 1930s may annually range from $39 billion to $71 billion, Fed researchers said. 'Additional costs of compliance underlying increasingly complex trade regulations can be economically significant and thus should be explicitly considered and weighed against the intended benefits when crafting trade policies,' the researchers said. Dive Insight: Soon after taking office in January, President Donald Trump followed up on a campaign promise to soften regulation across the full range of U.S. industries by ordering the revocation of 10 federal rules for every new one implemented. During the first six months of Trump's term, the administration has cut total regulatory costs by $86 billion and reduced time spent on paperwork by 52.2 million hours, according to a mid-year study by the American Action Forum. Yet all of the deregulatory savings came with the repeal of the Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirement by the Financial Crime Enforcement Network, the forum said. Without the repeal, regulatory costs under Trump would have increased by $1.1 billion and hours of paperwork would have risen by 3.3 million. Trump's regulatory rollback may advance in coming months, Douglas Holtz-Eakin, forum president, said in a blog post Friday. Federal agencies have proposed rules that would result in net cost cuts of $6.3 billion and 11.8 million fewer paperwork hours. 'One can't make a slam-dunk numerical case for this deregulatory effort, but there is a lot of deregulatory work going on below the tip of the iceberg,' Holtz-Eakin said. Much of the new compliance and reporting costs to companies from Trump's tariffs stem from greater complexity in determining the rules of origin, or the national source of a product, the Fed researchers said. In addition to calculating the RoO, automakers seeking preferential tariff treatment for imported goods need to gain certifications for steel and aluminum and the value of labor involved in production, the researchers said. 'The stricter RoO imply potentially higher compliance costs due to higher content requirements and administrative costs of obtaining and filing the relevant documentation,' the central bank researchers said. Automakers have already reported setbacks from the tariffs. GM paid more than $1.1 billion in tariffs during the second quarter, GM CFO Paul Jacobson said in a second quarter earnings call. Tariff 'mitigation efforts will take time to yield results, limiting their effect on the second quarter,' he said. 'However, we're still tracking to offset at least 30% of the $4 billion to $5 billion full year 2025 tariff impact through strategic actions such as manufacturing adjustments, targeted cost initiatives and consistent pricing,' Jacobson said. Stellantis, the manufacturer of Jeep pickups, said on July 21 that import duties set it back by $350 million during the first half of 2025. The Fed study may underestimate the costs from Trump's import duties, the central bank researchers said. 'We consider our estimates to be a lower bound because in addition to the higher content and reporting requirements, U.S. importers must now navigate increased complexity in the tariff schedule,' they said. 'Increased complexity not only adds to the administrative burden but also potentially increases the risk of errors and associated penalties, further elevating the true cost of compliance for U.S. importers,' according to the researchers. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Earnings live: Microsoft, Apple, Amazon highlight parade of Q2 results next week
Second quarter earnings season is in full swing, and the results have been largely positive so far, with more positive surprises than negative ones. Companies had a lower bar to clear coming into the quarter, as analysts tempered their expectations amid President Trump's tariffs, stocks' lofty valuations, and uncertainty about the health of the US economy. This week, investors will get a glimpse of how corporate leaders are navigating these challenges, with 112 S&P 500 companies reporting results, including GM (GM), Coca-Cola (KO), Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG), and Tesla (TSLA). Data from FactSet published Friday showed that with 12% of the index having reported results, analysts now expect S&P 500 companies to report a 5.6% jump in earnings per share during the second quarter. Heading into the quarter, analysts expected S&P 500 earnings to rise 5% in Q2, which would mark the slowest pace of earnings growth since the fourth quarter of 2023. Here are the latest updates from corporate America. S&P 500 hits record highs amid parade of earnings with more Big Tech results on deck The S&P 500 (^GSPC) cleared its fifth straight record high on Friday after a busy week of earnings, headlined by reports from Google (GOOG) and (TSLA). With 34% of S&P 500 companies having reported results, 80% have reported a positive earnings per share surprise, and 80% reported a positive revenue surprise. Earnings season isn't slowing down just yet, however, with more major companies reporting next week. Notable companies reporting include Big Tech giants such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL) and consumer-facing names like Procter & Gamble (PG) and Mastercard (MA) that can provide an updated view on consumer health. Here's a look at the earnings calendar for the next five business days: Monday: Tilray (TLRY), Waste Management (WM), Whirlpool (WHR) Tuesday: Boeing (BA), Booking Holdings (BKNG), Caesars (CZR), Cheesecake Factory (CAKE), Merck (MRK), PayPal (PYPL), Procter & Gamble (PG), Spotify (SPOT), Starbucks (SBUX), SoFi (SOFI), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), UPS (UPS), Visa (V) Wednesday: Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), Arm (ARM), Altria (MO), Carvana (CVNA), Ford (F), Generac (GNRC), Harley Davidson (HOG), Hershey (HSY), Humana (HUM), The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC), Qualcomm (QCOM), Robinhood (HOOD) Thursday: Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), Cigna (CI), Coinbase (COIN), CVS Health (CVS), Mastercard (MA), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH), Reddit (RDDT), Roblox (RBLX), Roku (ROKU), Strategy (MSTR) Friday: Chevron (CVX), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Exxon Mobil (XOM) Intel turnaround story could realistically take years, analyst says Intel (INTC) stock fell 9% on Friday after the company reported quarterly results on Thursday that showed it was focused on cost-cutting. Intel's revenue of $12.8 billion beat analyst expectations of $11.8 billion, per Bloomberg data, and the chipmaker issued an upbeat Q3 revenue forecast of between $12.6 billion and $13.6 billion. But the company continues to face challenges as it attempts to transform into a chipmaker as well as a chip designer. As Yahoo Finance's Laura Bratton noted in our markets blog, investors focused on Intel's manufacturing roadmap instead of its headline numbers for the quarter. Intel, once a leading global chipmaker, has fallen behind its rivals in both its own products and its attempt to manufacture chips for outside customers. 'This is a multiquarter — realistically, probably multiyear — kind of complete turnaround story before all the benefits start to show up,' TECHnalysis Research president and chief analyst Bob O'Donnell told Yahoo Finance following the report. Boston Beer Company says strong profits helped brewer absorb tariff costs The Boston Beer Company (SAM) reported earnings and revenue that topped analyst expectations on Thursday, and the Samuel Adams brewer maintained its earnings outlook for the year. Profits were $5.45 per share on revenue of $625 million, versus estimates for earnings of $4.00 per share on $588 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. SAM stock popped 6% on Friday, as the company also said it expects to see lower tariff costs than previously expected. For the full year, Boston Beer expects tariffs to weigh on costs by about $15 million to $20 million, instead of the $20 million to $30 million it previously modeled. "Right now, I think we're very happy with the performance," Boston Beer CEO Michael Spillane said on the earnings call. "Not only that, but that's allowed us to offset some of the tariffs that we've seen so far." Charter loses more broadband users in Q2 as competition heats up Charter Communications (CHTR) stock fell 10% premarket Friday after reporting a higher-than-expected fall in broadband subscribers in the second quarter. Reuters reports: Read more here. Puma stock plunges after reporting net loss, with challenges persisting throughout 2025 Puma ( stock plunged 17% after the German sports apparel company lowered its forecast and said it now expects sales to fall by double digits this year. During the second quarter, sales fell everywhere except Latin America and the Middle East, particularly in apparel (-10.7%) and accessories (-6.4%). Footwear sales grew 5.1%, which wasn't enough to offset softness elsewhere. The company swung to a net loss of 241 million euros (roughly $282 million), compared to net income of 41.9 million euros the year before. The sportswear company also noted a hit from tariffs. "Despite ongoing mitigating measures such as supply chain optimization, pricing adjustments and partner collaboration, the U.S. Tariffs are expected to have a mitigated negative impact in 2025 of around € 80 million on gross profit," Puma said in its release. Phillips 66 profit beats estimates on higher refining margins Phillips 66 (PSX) stock rose about 1% in premarket trading after the US refiner reported an adjusted profit of $2.38 per share, beating Wall Street EPS estimates of about $1.71. During the quarter, Phillips 66 returned $906 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. Reuters reports: Read more here. Health insurer Centene reports surprise quarterly loss Centene's (CNC) stock fell 12% before the bell on Friday after the health insurance company reported a quarterly loss and warned of a revenue slump from government-backed plans. Read more here. Deckers stock soars after Hoka, Ugg sales surge Hoka sneakers and Ugg brand shoes boosted Deckers (DECK) sales and profits last quarter, sending shares up more than 14% after hours. On Thursday, Deckers reported net sales grew 17% to $964.5 million, above estimates of $901.4 million, per Bloomberg data. Profits surged 24%, with diluted earnings per share coming in at $0.93. "HOKA and UGG outperformed our first quarter expectations, with robust growth delivering solid results to begin fiscal year 2026," CEO Stefano Caroti said in a press release. "Though uncertainty remains elevated in the global trade environment, our confidence in our brands has not changed, and the long-term opportunities ahead are significant. We will lean on the fundamental strengths of our powerful operating model as we continue executing our strategy." The main story for the quarter was Deckers' international business: International net sales rose 49.7%, offsetting a 2.8% decline in domestic sales. The company expects net sales for the current quarter in the range of $1.38 billion to $1.42 billion, in line with analyst estimates. Earnings are expected to be in the range of $1.50 to $1.55 per share. Read more here. Intel stock rises on Q2 revenue beat, plans to cut 15% of workforce Intel (INTC) second quarter revenue beat analyst estimates, but its earnings fell short of expectations. The chip giant also said it is slashing its workforce by 15% and expects to have approximately 75,000 employees by the end of the year. Intel's new CEO Lip-Bu Tan has already undertaken or is exploring several cost-cutting measures. According to the Oregonian, the company is shuttering its automotive business, outsourcing marketing jobs, and laying off factory workers. Yahoo Finance's Daniel Howley has more details on Intel's results: Read more here. Intel to report Q2 earnings as Wall Street looks for signs of turnaround Intel (INTC) will report its second quarter earnings on Thursday as the company's new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, continues his attempt to turn around the ailing chip giant. Yahoo Finance's Dan Howley details what to expect when Intel reports: Read more here. Southwest CFO says decision to lower guidance by $1 billion was 'macro-driven' Southwest (LUV) stock tanked on Thursday after the airline's earnings results missed estimates. Shares fell over 12% as the earnings call with investors began. (You can listen to the full call here.) Earlier on Thursday, Southwest CFO Tom Doxey told Yahoo Finance that the company's disappointing results were primarily caused by broader economic challenges, tariff uncertainty, and weaker consumer sentiment. Doxey confirmed that Southwest lowered its full-year pre-tax profit (EBIT) guidance to $600 million-$800 million from the $1.7 billion forecast previously. 'There's an estimate of about $800 million to $1 billion in revenue degradation that has occurred as a result of the macro,' Doxey said. 'The number is large, but it is macro-driven.' He said that Southwest's domestic travel revenue outperformed peers. But the overall domestic segment underperformed international and premium travel, which are the strengths of other airlines like Delta (DAL) and United (UAL). Southwest's second quarter got off to a rocky start as consumer confidence plummeted to a three-year low after President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement in April. That translated to lower travel demand at the beginning of the peak summer season. However, things are improving, Doxey said. 'Demand fell off quite quickly during that period,' he noted. 'The great news is we're starting to see that stabilize.' Blackstone assets under management surge, COO says dealmaking pause 'is behind us' Blackstone (BX) surprised Wall Street analysts on Thursday when it reported its assets under management surged 13% to a record $1.21 trillion. Profits also rose 72% to $764 million, compared to the second quarter of last year, sending shares nearly 5% higher in early trading. Notably, Blackstone's No. 2 echoed other big banks in the company's earnings call in saying that the dealmaking pause is behind us. Yahoo Finance's David Hollerith reports: Read more here. Alphabet in 'AI (beast) mode': 5 takeaways from Google's earnings call Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) shares rose in early trading as investor sentiment grew positive on the stock following its bullish earnings call commentary and strong Q2 results. And my colleague Brian Sozzi jotted down some takeaways from the earnings call that help explain the bullish mood today: Sozzi noted that, in many ways, it's surprising that Alphabet stock is up just 1.5% this morning, as it's trading at only 19.3 times forward earnings on a PE basis (S&P 500 is at 24 times). Several Wall Street analysts agreed. "AI (beast) mode — it's time to close the valuation gap," KeyBanc analyst Justin Patterson said. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives added, "We continue see a favorable risk/reward for Alphabet and think there is a case for multiple expansion in the coming quarters as investors gain more comfort around the current macro environment, regulatory risk, and the impact of generative AI on the business." Read more takeaways from Google's earnings call here. Uptick in coal shipments boosts Union Pacific earnings Union Pacific (UNP) second quarter profits exceeded Wall Street's expectations, driven by operational improvements, higher freight volumes, and improved pricing. The stock fell 2% ahead of the opening bell Thursday. The economic bellwether saw an uptick in coal shipment volumes in the second quarter, as well as in shipments of grain products and industrial chemicals. The improvement in coal shipments stood out after President Trump signed executive orders boosting the industry, which has been a weak spot for railroad operators. Union Pacific confirmed that it is in talks with Norfolk Southern (NSC) on a possible merger that would reshape the US's railroad industry. The magnitude of a combination of the railroad operators would put the deal under close regulatory and antitrust scrutiny. Here's what Union Pacific reported in Q2, per Reuters: Read more here. American Airlines restores 2025 forecast, flags economic worries for keeping it broad American Airlines (AAL) maintained a broad 2025 forecast on Thursday, citing economic uncertainty, with one of the outcomes being a loss to profit. The carrier's shares fell 6% before the bell. The airline is facing challenges in the domestic travel market, where travel spending remains weak due to US tariffs and budget cuts. Reuters reports: Read more here. Honeywell beats on earnings, raises 2025 forecasts on sustained demand for aerospace parts, services Honeywell (HON) stock fell premarket despite reporting an earnings beat and guidance raise. Adjusted earnings per share of $2.75 exceeded Wall Street's estimates of $2.66 per share. Sales hit the top end of the company's guidance at $10.4 billion, compared to estimates of $10.1 billion. Strong demand for aerospace parts and maintenance services lifted Honeywell's results as it prepares to split into three companies. The company's aerospace division, its biggest revenue generator, posted a 10.7% jump in sales to $4.31 billion in the second quarter, as the Boeing (BA) and Airbus ( supplier benefited from rising demand and a shortage of new jets. Honeywell raised its revenue outlook and now expects between $40.8 billion and $41.3 billion for the year, up from the $39.6 billion and $40.5 billion it had previously forecast. It also sees 2025 adjusted profit per share between $10.45 and $10.65, up from its previous forecast of $10.20 to $10.50. Read more here from Reuters. Keurig Dr. Pepper earnings beat estimates as energy drinks shine, but coffee inflation lurks Yahoo Finance's Brian Sozzi reports: Read more here. Tesla stock takes a leg down during earnings call Tesla (TSLA) stock took a firm leg down during the company's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday as the company's CFO warned of "adverse impacts" from the "big bill" President Trump recently signed into law. Notably, the bill takes aim at two key tax credits that Tesla has taken advantage of to scale its company: the electric-vehicle tax credit and the solar tax credit. "The big bill has certain adverse impacts, even for the energy business," Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja. "We're doing our best to manage through this," he added. "But we will see shifts in demand and profitability." He said tariff costs increased to around $300 million this quarter. Tesla was down as much as 3.5% after seesawing between green and red right after the release of its earnings report — which you can see more details of by continuing to scroll. Also on the call, CEO Elon Musk predicted Tesla would "have autonomous ride-hailing reach half the population of the US by the end of the year." "That's at least our goal, subject to regulatory approvals," he added. Chart: Chipotle foot traffic declines for second straight quarter Chipotle (CMG) stock tanked 9% following second quarter results and as the earnings call began (listen to the live call here). As the chart below shows, foot traffic fell more than expected, accelerating the slowdown in traffic that began in the first quarter. Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma reports that overall foot traffic fell 4.9% against the 4.4% drop that had been forecast by the Street. Chipotle cut its guidance and said it expects same-store sales to be flat for the full year. On the earnings call, CEO Scott Boatwright highlighted initiatives — in marketing, the value proposition, menu innovation, and a revamped rewards program — aimed at jump-starting sales. But Boatwright acknowledged that the fast-casual chain is facing a slowdown in trends and one of the most challenging consumer backdrops in years. Southwest misses profit expectations as weak domestic demand erodes fares Southwest Airlines (LUV) missed Wall Street estimates for second quarter profit on Wednesday as a sluggish start to the peak summer travel season has translated to weak domestic travel demand and softer fares. Southwest reported operating revenue of $7.24 billion in the quarter through June, compared with $7.35 billion a year earlier. The budget carrier reported an adjusted profit per share of $0.43, compared with analysts' average expectations of $0.51, according to data compiled by LSEG. While Delta Air Lines (DAL) and United Airlines (UAL) were buoyed by more affluent customers, low-cost carriers like Southwest have noted their price-sensitive customers are coming under pressure. Still, airline executives and analysts have signaled that travel demand has remained broadly steady. Read more from Reuters. S&P 500 hits record highs amid parade of earnings with more Big Tech results on deck The S&P 500 (^GSPC) cleared its fifth straight record high on Friday after a busy week of earnings, headlined by reports from Google (GOOG) and (TSLA). With 34% of S&P 500 companies having reported results, 80% have reported a positive earnings per share surprise, and 80% reported a positive revenue surprise. Earnings season isn't slowing down just yet, however, with more major companies reporting next week. Notable companies reporting include Big Tech giants such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL) and consumer-facing names like Procter & Gamble (PG) and Mastercard (MA) that can provide an updated view on consumer health. Here's a look at the earnings calendar for the next five business days: Monday: Tilray (TLRY), Waste Management (WM), Whirlpool (WHR) Tuesday: Boeing (BA), Booking Holdings (BKNG), Caesars (CZR), Cheesecake Factory (CAKE), Merck (MRK), PayPal (PYPL), Procter & Gamble (PG), Spotify (SPOT), Starbucks (SBUX), SoFi (SOFI), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), UPS (UPS), Visa (V) Wednesday: Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), Arm (ARM), Altria (MO), Carvana (CVNA), Ford (F), Generac (GNRC), Harley Davidson (HOG), Hershey (HSY), Humana (HUM), The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC), Qualcomm (QCOM), Robinhood (HOOD) Thursday: Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), Cigna (CI), Coinbase (COIN), CVS Health (CVS), Mastercard (MA), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH), Reddit (RDDT), Roblox (RBLX), Roku (ROKU), Strategy (MSTR) Friday: Chevron (CVX), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Exxon Mobil (XOM) The S&P 500 (^GSPC) cleared its fifth straight record high on Friday after a busy week of earnings, headlined by reports from Google (GOOG) and (TSLA). With 34% of S&P 500 companies having reported results, 80% have reported a positive earnings per share surprise, and 80% reported a positive revenue surprise. Earnings season isn't slowing down just yet, however, with more major companies reporting next week. Notable companies reporting include Big Tech giants such as Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple (AAPL) and consumer-facing names like Procter & Gamble (PG) and Mastercard (MA) that can provide an updated view on consumer health. Here's a look at the earnings calendar for the next five business days: Monday: Tilray (TLRY), Waste Management (WM), Whirlpool (WHR) Tuesday: Boeing (BA), Booking Holdings (BKNG), Caesars (CZR), Cheesecake Factory (CAKE), Merck (MRK), PayPal (PYPL), Procter & Gamble (PG), Spotify (SPOT), Starbucks (SBUX), SoFi (SOFI), UnitedHealth Group (UNH), UPS (UPS), Visa (V) Wednesday: Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), Arm (ARM), Altria (MO), Carvana (CVNA), Ford (F), Generac (GNRC), Harley Davidson (HOG), Hershey (HSY), Humana (HUM), The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC), Qualcomm (QCOM), Robinhood (HOOD) Thursday: Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY), Cigna (CI), Coinbase (COIN), CVS Health (CVS), Mastercard (MA), Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH), Reddit (RDDT), Roblox (RBLX), Roku (ROKU), Strategy (MSTR) Friday: Chevron (CVX), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Exxon Mobil (XOM) Intel turnaround story could realistically take years, analyst says Intel (INTC) stock fell 9% on Friday after the company reported quarterly results on Thursday that showed it was focused on cost-cutting. Intel's revenue of $12.8 billion beat analyst expectations of $11.8 billion, per Bloomberg data, and the chipmaker issued an upbeat Q3 revenue forecast of between $12.6 billion and $13.6 billion. But the company continues to face challenges as it attempts to transform into a chipmaker as well as a chip designer. As Yahoo Finance's Laura Bratton noted in our markets blog, investors focused on Intel's manufacturing roadmap instead of its headline numbers for the quarter. Intel, once a leading global chipmaker, has fallen behind its rivals in both its own products and its attempt to manufacture chips for outside customers. 'This is a multiquarter — realistically, probably multiyear — kind of complete turnaround story before all the benefits start to show up,' TECHnalysis Research president and chief analyst Bob O'Donnell told Yahoo Finance following the report. Intel (INTC) stock fell 9% on Friday after the company reported quarterly results on Thursday that showed it was focused on cost-cutting. Intel's revenue of $12.8 billion beat analyst expectations of $11.8 billion, per Bloomberg data, and the chipmaker issued an upbeat Q3 revenue forecast of between $12.6 billion and $13.6 billion. But the company continues to face challenges as it attempts to transform into a chipmaker as well as a chip designer. As Yahoo Finance's Laura Bratton noted in our markets blog, investors focused on Intel's manufacturing roadmap instead of its headline numbers for the quarter. Intel, once a leading global chipmaker, has fallen behind its rivals in both its own products and its attempt to manufacture chips for outside customers. 'This is a multiquarter — realistically, probably multiyear — kind of complete turnaround story before all the benefits start to show up,' TECHnalysis Research president and chief analyst Bob O'Donnell told Yahoo Finance following the report. Boston Beer Company says strong profits helped brewer absorb tariff costs The Boston Beer Company (SAM) reported earnings and revenue that topped analyst expectations on Thursday, and the Samuel Adams brewer maintained its earnings outlook for the year. Profits were $5.45 per share on revenue of $625 million, versus estimates for earnings of $4.00 per share on $588 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. SAM stock popped 6% on Friday, as the company also said it expects to see lower tariff costs than previously expected. For the full year, Boston Beer expects tariffs to weigh on costs by about $15 million to $20 million, instead of the $20 million to $30 million it previously modeled. "Right now, I think we're very happy with the performance," Boston Beer CEO Michael Spillane said on the earnings call. "Not only that, but that's allowed us to offset some of the tariffs that we've seen so far." The Boston Beer Company (SAM) reported earnings and revenue that topped analyst expectations on Thursday, and the Samuel Adams brewer maintained its earnings outlook for the year. Profits were $5.45 per share on revenue of $625 million, versus estimates for earnings of $4.00 per share on $588 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. SAM stock popped 6% on Friday, as the company also said it expects to see lower tariff costs than previously expected. For the full year, Boston Beer expects tariffs to weigh on costs by about $15 million to $20 million, instead of the $20 million to $30 million it previously modeled. "Right now, I think we're very happy with the performance," Boston Beer CEO Michael Spillane said on the earnings call. "Not only that, but that's allowed us to offset some of the tariffs that we've seen so far." Charter loses more broadband users in Q2 as competition heats up Charter Communications (CHTR) stock fell 10% premarket Friday after reporting a higher-than-expected fall in broadband subscribers in the second quarter. Reuters reports: Read more here. Charter Communications (CHTR) stock fell 10% premarket Friday after reporting a higher-than-expected fall in broadband subscribers in the second quarter. Reuters reports: Read more here. Puma stock plunges after reporting net loss, with challenges persisting throughout 2025 Puma ( stock plunged 17% after the German sports apparel company lowered its forecast and said it now expects sales to fall by double digits this year. During the second quarter, sales fell everywhere except Latin America and the Middle East, particularly in apparel (-10.7%) and accessories (-6.4%). Footwear sales grew 5.1%, which wasn't enough to offset softness elsewhere. The company swung to a net loss of 241 million euros (roughly $282 million), compared to net income of 41.9 million euros the year before. The sportswear company also noted a hit from tariffs. "Despite ongoing mitigating measures such as supply chain optimization, pricing adjustments and partner collaboration, the U.S. Tariffs are expected to have a mitigated negative impact in 2025 of around € 80 million on gross profit," Puma said in its release. Puma ( stock plunged 17% after the German sports apparel company lowered its forecast and said it now expects sales to fall by double digits this year. During the second quarter, sales fell everywhere except Latin America and the Middle East, particularly in apparel (-10.7%) and accessories (-6.4%). Footwear sales grew 5.1%, which wasn't enough to offset softness elsewhere. The company swung to a net loss of 241 million euros (roughly $282 million), compared to net income of 41.9 million euros the year before. The sportswear company also noted a hit from tariffs. "Despite ongoing mitigating measures such as supply chain optimization, pricing adjustments and partner collaboration, the U.S. Tariffs are expected to have a mitigated negative impact in 2025 of around € 80 million on gross profit," Puma said in its release. Phillips 66 profit beats estimates on higher refining margins Phillips 66 (PSX) stock rose about 1% in premarket trading after the US refiner reported an adjusted profit of $2.38 per share, beating Wall Street EPS estimates of about $1.71. During the quarter, Phillips 66 returned $906 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. Reuters reports: Read more here. Phillips 66 (PSX) stock rose about 1% in premarket trading after the US refiner reported an adjusted profit of $2.38 per share, beating Wall Street EPS estimates of about $1.71. During the quarter, Phillips 66 returned $906 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. Reuters reports: Read more here. Health insurer Centene reports surprise quarterly loss Centene's (CNC) stock fell 12% before the bell on Friday after the health insurance company reported a quarterly loss and warned of a revenue slump from government-backed plans. Read more here. Centene's (CNC) stock fell 12% before the bell on Friday after the health insurance company reported a quarterly loss and warned of a revenue slump from government-backed plans. Read more here. Deckers stock soars after Hoka, Ugg sales surge Hoka sneakers and Ugg brand shoes boosted Deckers (DECK) sales and profits last quarter, sending shares up more than 14% after hours. On Thursday, Deckers reported net sales grew 17% to $964.5 million, above estimates of $901.4 million, per Bloomberg data. Profits surged 24%, with diluted earnings per share coming in at $0.93. "HOKA and UGG outperformed our first quarter expectations, with robust growth delivering solid results to begin fiscal year 2026," CEO Stefano Caroti said in a press release. "Though uncertainty remains elevated in the global trade environment, our confidence in our brands has not changed, and the long-term opportunities ahead are significant. We will lean on the fundamental strengths of our powerful operating model as we continue executing our strategy." The main story for the quarter was Deckers' international business: International net sales rose 49.7%, offsetting a 2.8% decline in domestic sales. The company expects net sales for the current quarter in the range of $1.38 billion to $1.42 billion, in line with analyst estimates. Earnings are expected to be in the range of $1.50 to $1.55 per share. Read more here. Hoka sneakers and Ugg brand shoes boosted Deckers (DECK) sales and profits last quarter, sending shares up more than 14% after hours. On Thursday, Deckers reported net sales grew 17% to $964.5 million, above estimates of $901.4 million, per Bloomberg data. Profits surged 24%, with diluted earnings per share coming in at $0.93. "HOKA and UGG outperformed our first quarter expectations, with robust growth delivering solid results to begin fiscal year 2026," CEO Stefano Caroti said in a press release. "Though uncertainty remains elevated in the global trade environment, our confidence in our brands has not changed, and the long-term opportunities ahead are significant. We will lean on the fundamental strengths of our powerful operating model as we continue executing our strategy." The main story for the quarter was Deckers' international business: International net sales rose 49.7%, offsetting a 2.8% decline in domestic sales. The company expects net sales for the current quarter in the range of $1.38 billion to $1.42 billion, in line with analyst estimates. Earnings are expected to be in the range of $1.50 to $1.55 per share. Read more here. Intel stock rises on Q2 revenue beat, plans to cut 15% of workforce Intel (INTC) second quarter revenue beat analyst estimates, but its earnings fell short of expectations. The chip giant also said it is slashing its workforce by 15% and expects to have approximately 75,000 employees by the end of the year. Intel's new CEO Lip-Bu Tan has already undertaken or is exploring several cost-cutting measures. According to the Oregonian, the company is shuttering its automotive business, outsourcing marketing jobs, and laying off factory workers. Yahoo Finance's Daniel Howley has more details on Intel's results: Read more here. Intel (INTC) second quarter revenue beat analyst estimates, but its earnings fell short of expectations. The chip giant also said it is slashing its workforce by 15% and expects to have approximately 75,000 employees by the end of the year. Intel's new CEO Lip-Bu Tan has already undertaken or is exploring several cost-cutting measures. According to the Oregonian, the company is shuttering its automotive business, outsourcing marketing jobs, and laying off factory workers. Yahoo Finance's Daniel Howley has more details on Intel's results: Read more here. Intel to report Q2 earnings as Wall Street looks for signs of turnaround Intel (INTC) will report its second quarter earnings on Thursday as the company's new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, continues his attempt to turn around the ailing chip giant. Yahoo Finance's Dan Howley details what to expect when Intel reports: Read more here. Intel (INTC) will report its second quarter earnings on Thursday as the company's new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, continues his attempt to turn around the ailing chip giant. Yahoo Finance's Dan Howley details what to expect when Intel reports: Read more here. Southwest CFO says decision to lower guidance by $1 billion was 'macro-driven' Southwest (LUV) stock tanked on Thursday after the airline's earnings results missed estimates. Shares fell over 12% as the earnings call with investors began. (You can listen to the full call here.) Earlier on Thursday, Southwest CFO Tom Doxey told Yahoo Finance that the company's disappointing results were primarily caused by broader economic challenges, tariff uncertainty, and weaker consumer sentiment. Doxey confirmed that Southwest lowered its full-year pre-tax profit (EBIT) guidance to $600 million-$800 million from the $1.7 billion forecast previously. 'There's an estimate of about $800 million to $1 billion in revenue degradation that has occurred as a result of the macro,' Doxey said. 'The number is large, but it is macro-driven.' He said that Southwest's domestic travel revenue outperformed peers. But the overall domestic segment underperformed international and premium travel, which are the strengths of other airlines like Delta (DAL) and United (UAL). Southwest's second quarter got off to a rocky start as consumer confidence plummeted to a three-year low after President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement in April. That translated to lower travel demand at the beginning of the peak summer season. However, things are improving, Doxey said. 'Demand fell off quite quickly during that period,' he noted. 'The great news is we're starting to see that stabilize.' Southwest (LUV) stock tanked on Thursday after the airline's earnings results missed estimates. Shares fell over 12% as the earnings call with investors began. (You can listen to the full call here.) Earlier on Thursday, Southwest CFO Tom Doxey told Yahoo Finance that the company's disappointing results were primarily caused by broader economic challenges, tariff uncertainty, and weaker consumer sentiment. Doxey confirmed that Southwest lowered its full-year pre-tax profit (EBIT) guidance to $600 million-$800 million from the $1.7 billion forecast previously. 'There's an estimate of about $800 million to $1 billion in revenue degradation that has occurred as a result of the macro,' Doxey said. 'The number is large, but it is macro-driven.' He said that Southwest's domestic travel revenue outperformed peers. But the overall domestic segment underperformed international and premium travel, which are the strengths of other airlines like Delta (DAL) and United (UAL). Southwest's second quarter got off to a rocky start as consumer confidence plummeted to a three-year low after President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcement in April. That translated to lower travel demand at the beginning of the peak summer season. However, things are improving, Doxey said. 'Demand fell off quite quickly during that period,' he noted. 'The great news is we're starting to see that stabilize.' Blackstone assets under management surge, COO says dealmaking pause 'is behind us' Blackstone (BX) surprised Wall Street analysts on Thursday when it reported its assets under management surged 13% to a record $1.21 trillion. Profits also rose 72% to $764 million, compared to the second quarter of last year, sending shares nearly 5% higher in early trading. Notably, Blackstone's No. 2 echoed other big banks in the company's earnings call in saying that the dealmaking pause is behind us. Yahoo Finance's David Hollerith reports: Read more here. Blackstone (BX) surprised Wall Street analysts on Thursday when it reported its assets under management surged 13% to a record $1.21 trillion. Profits also rose 72% to $764 million, compared to the second quarter of last year, sending shares nearly 5% higher in early trading. Notably, Blackstone's No. 2 echoed other big banks in the company's earnings call in saying that the dealmaking pause is behind us. Yahoo Finance's David Hollerith reports: Read more here. Alphabet in 'AI (beast) mode': 5 takeaways from Google's earnings call Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) shares rose in early trading as investor sentiment grew positive on the stock following its bullish earnings call commentary and strong Q2 results. And my colleague Brian Sozzi jotted down some takeaways from the earnings call that help explain the bullish mood today: Sozzi noted that, in many ways, it's surprising that Alphabet stock is up just 1.5% this morning, as it's trading at only 19.3 times forward earnings on a PE basis (S&P 500 is at 24 times). Several Wall Street analysts agreed. "AI (beast) mode — it's time to close the valuation gap," KeyBanc analyst Justin Patterson said. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives added, "We continue see a favorable risk/reward for Alphabet and think there is a case for multiple expansion in the coming quarters as investors gain more comfort around the current macro environment, regulatory risk, and the impact of generative AI on the business." Read more takeaways from Google's earnings call here. Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) shares rose in early trading as investor sentiment grew positive on the stock following its bullish earnings call commentary and strong Q2 results. And my colleague Brian Sozzi jotted down some takeaways from the earnings call that help explain the bullish mood today: Sozzi noted that, in many ways, it's surprising that Alphabet stock is up just 1.5% this morning, as it's trading at only 19.3 times forward earnings on a PE basis (S&P 500 is at 24 times). Several Wall Street analysts agreed. "AI (beast) mode — it's time to close the valuation gap," KeyBanc analyst Justin Patterson said. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives added, "We continue see a favorable risk/reward for Alphabet and think there is a case for multiple expansion in the coming quarters as investors gain more comfort around the current macro environment, regulatory risk, and the impact of generative AI on the business." Read more takeaways from Google's earnings call here. Uptick in coal shipments boosts Union Pacific earnings Union Pacific (UNP) second quarter profits exceeded Wall Street's expectations, driven by operational improvements, higher freight volumes, and improved pricing. The stock fell 2% ahead of the opening bell Thursday. The economic bellwether saw an uptick in coal shipment volumes in the second quarter, as well as in shipments of grain products and industrial chemicals. The improvement in coal shipments stood out after President Trump signed executive orders boosting the industry, which has been a weak spot for railroad operators. Union Pacific confirmed that it is in talks with Norfolk Southern (NSC) on a possible merger that would reshape the US's railroad industry. The magnitude of a combination of the railroad operators would put the deal under close regulatory and antitrust scrutiny. Here's what Union Pacific reported in Q2, per Reuters: Read more here. Union Pacific (UNP) second quarter profits exceeded Wall Street's expectations, driven by operational improvements, higher freight volumes, and improved pricing. The stock fell 2% ahead of the opening bell Thursday. The economic bellwether saw an uptick in coal shipment volumes in the second quarter, as well as in shipments of grain products and industrial chemicals. The improvement in coal shipments stood out after President Trump signed executive orders boosting the industry, which has been a weak spot for railroad operators. Union Pacific confirmed that it is in talks with Norfolk Southern (NSC) on a possible merger that would reshape the US's railroad industry. The magnitude of a combination of the railroad operators would put the deal under close regulatory and antitrust scrutiny. Here's what Union Pacific reported in Q2, per Reuters: Read more here. American Airlines restores 2025 forecast, flags economic worries for keeping it broad American Airlines (AAL) maintained a broad 2025 forecast on Thursday, citing economic uncertainty, with one of the outcomes being a loss to profit. The carrier's shares fell 6% before the bell. The airline is facing challenges in the domestic travel market, where travel spending remains weak due to US tariffs and budget cuts. Reuters reports: Read more here. American Airlines (AAL) maintained a broad 2025 forecast on Thursday, citing economic uncertainty, with one of the outcomes being a loss to profit. The carrier's shares fell 6% before the bell. The airline is facing challenges in the domestic travel market, where travel spending remains weak due to US tariffs and budget cuts. Reuters reports: Read more here. Honeywell beats on earnings, raises 2025 forecasts on sustained demand for aerospace parts, services Honeywell (HON) stock fell premarket despite reporting an earnings beat and guidance raise. Adjusted earnings per share of $2.75 exceeded Wall Street's estimates of $2.66 per share. Sales hit the top end of the company's guidance at $10.4 billion, compared to estimates of $10.1 billion. Strong demand for aerospace parts and maintenance services lifted Honeywell's results as it prepares to split into three companies. The company's aerospace division, its biggest revenue generator, posted a 10.7% jump in sales to $4.31 billion in the second quarter, as the Boeing (BA) and Airbus ( supplier benefited from rising demand and a shortage of new jets. Honeywell raised its revenue outlook and now expects between $40.8 billion and $41.3 billion for the year, up from the $39.6 billion and $40.5 billion it had previously forecast. It also sees 2025 adjusted profit per share between $10.45 and $10.65, up from its previous forecast of $10.20 to $10.50. Read more here from Reuters. Honeywell (HON) stock fell premarket despite reporting an earnings beat and guidance raise. Adjusted earnings per share of $2.75 exceeded Wall Street's estimates of $2.66 per share. Sales hit the top end of the company's guidance at $10.4 billion, compared to estimates of $10.1 billion. Strong demand for aerospace parts and maintenance services lifted Honeywell's results as it prepares to split into three companies. The company's aerospace division, its biggest revenue generator, posted a 10.7% jump in sales to $4.31 billion in the second quarter, as the Boeing (BA) and Airbus ( supplier benefited from rising demand and a shortage of new jets. Honeywell raised its revenue outlook and now expects between $40.8 billion and $41.3 billion for the year, up from the $39.6 billion and $40.5 billion it had previously forecast. It also sees 2025 adjusted profit per share between $10.45 and $10.65, up from its previous forecast of $10.20 to $10.50. Read more here from Reuters. Keurig Dr. Pepper earnings beat estimates as energy drinks shine, but coffee inflation lurks Yahoo Finance's Brian Sozzi reports: Read more here. Yahoo Finance's Brian Sozzi reports: Read more here. Tesla stock takes a leg down during earnings call Tesla (TSLA) stock took a firm leg down during the company's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday as the company's CFO warned of "adverse impacts" from the "big bill" President Trump recently signed into law. Notably, the bill takes aim at two key tax credits that Tesla has taken advantage of to scale its company: the electric-vehicle tax credit and the solar tax credit. "The big bill has certain adverse impacts, even for the energy business," Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja. "We're doing our best to manage through this," he added. "But we will see shifts in demand and profitability." He said tariff costs increased to around $300 million this quarter. Tesla was down as much as 3.5% after seesawing between green and red right after the release of its earnings report — which you can see more details of by continuing to scroll. Also on the call, CEO Elon Musk predicted Tesla would "have autonomous ride-hailing reach half the population of the US by the end of the year." "That's at least our goal, subject to regulatory approvals," he added. Tesla (TSLA) stock took a firm leg down during the company's quarterly earnings call on Wednesday as the company's CFO warned of "adverse impacts" from the "big bill" President Trump recently signed into law. Notably, the bill takes aim at two key tax credits that Tesla has taken advantage of to scale its company: the electric-vehicle tax credit and the solar tax credit. "The big bill has certain adverse impacts, even for the energy business," Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja. "We're doing our best to manage through this," he added. "But we will see shifts in demand and profitability." He said tariff costs increased to around $300 million this quarter. Tesla was down as much as 3.5% after seesawing between green and red right after the release of its earnings report — which you can see more details of by continuing to scroll. Also on the call, CEO Elon Musk predicted Tesla would "have autonomous ride-hailing reach half the population of the US by the end of the year." "That's at least our goal, subject to regulatory approvals," he added. Chart: Chipotle foot traffic declines for second straight quarter Chipotle (CMG) stock tanked 9% following second quarter results and as the earnings call began (listen to the live call here). As the chart below shows, foot traffic fell more than expected, accelerating the slowdown in traffic that began in the first quarter. Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma reports that overall foot traffic fell 4.9% against the 4.4% drop that had been forecast by the Street. Chipotle cut its guidance and said it expects same-store sales to be flat for the full year. On the earnings call, CEO Scott Boatwright highlighted initiatives — in marketing, the value proposition, menu innovation, and a revamped rewards program — aimed at jump-starting sales. But Boatwright acknowledged that the fast-casual chain is facing a slowdown in trends and one of the most challenging consumer backdrops in years. Chipotle (CMG) stock tanked 9% following second quarter results and as the earnings call began (listen to the live call here). As the chart below shows, foot traffic fell more than expected, accelerating the slowdown in traffic that began in the first quarter. Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma reports that overall foot traffic fell 4.9% against the 4.4% drop that had been forecast by the Street. Chipotle cut its guidance and said it expects same-store sales to be flat for the full year. On the earnings call, CEO Scott Boatwright highlighted initiatives — in marketing, the value proposition, menu innovation, and a revamped rewards program — aimed at jump-starting sales. But Boatwright acknowledged that the fast-casual chain is facing a slowdown in trends and one of the most challenging consumer backdrops in years. Southwest misses profit expectations as weak domestic demand erodes fares Southwest Airlines (LUV) missed Wall Street estimates for second quarter profit on Wednesday as a sluggish start to the peak summer travel season has translated to weak domestic travel demand and softer fares. Southwest reported operating revenue of $7.24 billion in the quarter through June, compared with $7.35 billion a year earlier. The budget carrier reported an adjusted profit per share of $0.43, compared with analysts' average expectations of $0.51, according to data compiled by LSEG. While Delta Air Lines (DAL) and United Airlines (UAL) were buoyed by more affluent customers, low-cost carriers like Southwest have noted their price-sensitive customers are coming under pressure. Still, airline executives and analysts have signaled that travel demand has remained broadly steady. Read more from Reuters. Southwest Airlines (LUV) missed Wall Street estimates for second quarter profit on Wednesday as a sluggish start to the peak summer travel season has translated to weak domestic travel demand and softer fares. Southwest reported operating revenue of $7.24 billion in the quarter through June, compared with $7.35 billion a year earlier. The budget carrier reported an adjusted profit per share of $0.43, compared with analysts' average expectations of $0.51, according to data compiled by LSEG. While Delta Air Lines (DAL) and United Airlines (UAL) were buoyed by more affluent customers, low-cost carriers like Southwest have noted their price-sensitive customers are coming under pressure. Still, airline executives and analysts have signaled that travel demand has remained broadly steady. Read more from Reuters. Sign in to access your portfolio
