Investing

Earnings Hits and Misses: Applied Materials, Palo Alto Networks, Ross Stores, Deere

Aaron Hawkins / E+ via Getty Images

Here’s a quick look at several earnings reports that were released after markets closed on Thursday or before Friday’s opening bell.

Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) beat both top-line and bottom-line estimates when it reported fiscal second-quarter results after markets closed Thursday. The semiconductor equipment maker said it had earnings per share (EPS) of $1.63, 12 cents above the consensus estimate, and revenue of $5.58 billion, nearly 9% better than expected. Third-quarter EPS guidance was raised from a prior range of $1.44 to $1.56 to a new range of $1.70 to $1.82, and revenue guidance was raised from $4.97 billion to $5.52 billion, plus or minus $200 million in both estimates.

In Friday’s premarket session, shares were up about 1%, at $131.69 in a 52-week range of $53.32 to $146.00. The consensus price target is $156.38.

Palo Alto Networks Inc. (NYSE: PANW) also reported late Thursday and also beat consensus estimates. EPS came in at $1.38, 10 cents better than expected, and revenue topped estimates by $16 million, reaching $1.07 billion. The company boosted its fiscal year EPS guidance from a prior range of $5.80 to $5.90 to a new range of $5.97 to $5.99 and lifted revenue guidance from $4.13 billion to $4.15 billion.

Shares traded up by about 6% to $363.40, in a 52-week range of $217.48 to $403.00. The consensus price target is $441.28.

Ross Stores Inc. (NASDAQ: ROST) reported first-quarter numbers Thursday that also beat on the top and bottom lines. Revenue of $4.52 billion was nearly 19% above the consensus estimate, and EPS of $1.34 was 51 cents better than expected. The company guided full-year same-store sales to rise by 7% to 9% compared to pre-pandemic sales in 2019. Ross also said it plans to repurchase up to $1.5 billion in stock by the end of next year.

The stock traded up about 1.5% in Friday’s premarket, at $124.30 in a 52-week range of $79.65 to $134.22. The consensus price target is $136.07

Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) posted its first-quarter results before Friday’s opening bell and also reported better-than-expected numbers for both EPS and revenue. Sales totaled $11.0 billion, 7% above the consensus estimate, and EPS beat expectations by $1.30 to come in at $5.68. The company raised its full-year net income estimate from a prior range of $4.6 billion to $5.0 billion to a new range of $5.3 billion to $5.7 billion. Deere also noted that it expects to face “supply-chain pressures” through the remainder of 2021.

Shares traded up about 1.8% to $361.50, in a 52-week range of $138.76 to $400.34. The consensus price target is $398.47.

Essential Tips for Investing: Sponsored

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.