Economic Events and Corporate Reports — Tuesday, July 29, 2025: Visa, Boeing, Spotify, and More

On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, investors are anticipating a busy day featuring fresh financial results from several major companies as well as key macroeconomic data. Below is a brief overview of the day's pivotal events and corporate reports, tailored for investors from the CIS countries.

Macroeconomic Events of the Day (MSK):

• 11:00 AM – Inflation expectations in the Eurozone (a critical indicator for ECB policy);

• 3:30 PM – U.S. trade balance (impact on the dollar exchange rate and trade sentiment);

• 4:00 PM – S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index (snapshot of the U.S. real estate market);

• 5:00 PM – CB Consumer Confidence Index and JOLTS Job Openings (two metrics on U.S. economic health);

• 11:30 PM – API oil inventory report (important for the oil market and inflation expectations).

In addition to macroeconomic statistics, July 29 will see a substantial issuance of corporate reports. The focus will be on reports from companies across various sectors, from tech giants to consumer goods manufacturers. Below is a structured overview of the financial results of major companies that will release their reports before the market opens (premarket) and after it closes (aftermarket). The expected EPS (earnings per share) and revenue estimates from analysts are provided, along with a brief commentary from analysts for investors on key factors and potential market reactions. This detailed analysis will assist investors in determining where to focus their attention on this day.

Corporate Reports Before Market Open (Premarket)

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: EPS around $4.49 (down 34% year-on-year) on revenue of ~$111.6 billion (up 13% year-on-year). The largest insurer faces pressure from rising medical costs—with a noticeable drop in profits expected. Commentary: Investors should focus on the Medical Cost Ratio and the trend in the number of insured individuals. If actual medical service costs turn out to be lower than feared, UNH stock may react positively. However, a decline in margins or a cautious outlook could heighten market concerns.

SoFi Technologies (SOFI) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: Positive EPS of $0.06 (up from a loss last year; approximately 500% year-on-year growth) on revenue of ~$804 million (up 34.7% year-on-year). The fintech platform is close to achieving its first quarterly profit. Commentary: SoFi's results will be critical as an indicator for the fintech sector. Investors will assess user growth, new products, and credit portfolio quality. EPS forecasts are already high, so a strong profit above expectations or an optimistic management tone regarding future growth is necessary for a positive market reaction. A confident earnings beat could trigger a SoFi stock rally, while any hints of slowing growth may lead to profit-taking.

PayPal (PYPL) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: EPS of $1.29, revenue of $8.08 billion for the quarter (moderate growth of ~7–8% year-on-year). Commentary: For PayPal, key indicators will be transaction volume growth and active accounts. The company is undergoing a transformation under new leadership, focusing on cost reductions and competition (notably from fintechs and Big Tech). Investors need to see signs of accelerated financial performance growth—such as margin improvements or substantial transaction volume increases. If the report indicates an EPS outperformance or revised annual forecasts, PYPL shares may rebound. Conversely, lackluster results or a weak forecast could further pressure shares, which are already lagging behind the market this year.

Boeing (BA) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: Loss of approximately -$1.30 per share on revenue of ~$21.7 billion (up 29% year-on-year). Despite significant revenue growth, Boeing still expects to report a quarterly loss. Commentary: The increase in sales is attributed to ramping production of commercial airplanes (particularly the 737 MAX), yet one-off costs and delivery delays continue to pressure profits. Investors will be looking for signals of progress in addressing manufacturing issues and increasing aircraft deliveries. If Boeing's management confirms improved free cash flow in the second half and stabilization in its defense unit, the market may respond positively. However, ongoing losses and cautious commentary (such as supply chain issues) could restrain BA stock growth.

Spotify (SPOT) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: EPS of $2.19 (growth of +53% year-on-year) on revenue of ~$4.93 billion (up 20% year-on-year). Commentary: The streaming service surprises with expected profitability—historically, the company has operated at a loss, reinvesting for growth. Investors will focus on paid subscriber growth and gross margins. Spotify's financial results may reveal that price increases and cost controls (e.g., reducing spending on exclusive content) have improved profitability. A positive surprise in subscriber numbers or margins could boost market confidence in Spotify's strategy and drive shares higher. However, if audience growth slows or the company provides a cautious forecast, a negative reaction may occur—considering the recent strong share price increase, expectations are already high.

United Parcel Service (UPS) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: EPS of $1.57 (down from $1.79 last year) on revenue of $20.85 billion (below $21.82 billion last year). A decline in metrics (~–12% for profits, –4% for revenue year-on-year) is expected amidst high costs and moderate demand. Commentary: For UPS, investor focus will be on updated guidance following last year’s labor dispute with the union. Rising courier wages and volume losses from large clients (e.g., Amazon) are pressuring margins. If UPS management reports better-than-expected results (e.g., driven by growth in express delivery or cost reductions) and reaffirms guidance, it could mitigate negative sentiment. However, weak financial results or pessimistic comments (e.g., about slowing global trade) may further pressure shares. Investors should monitor the trend in average daily shipments and plans for optimizing the delivery network.

Merck & Co. (MRK) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: EPS of ~$2.03 (down 11% year-on-year) on revenue of ~$15.87 billion (down 1.4% year-on-year). A slight decline is attributed to high comparatives from the previous year and falling sales of certain products. Commentary: The key question is whether Merck can offset revenue declines from COVID-19 products and withstand competition from generics. Investors will pay close attention to sales of the flagship immunotherapy, Keytruda, and the Gardasil vaccine. Also of focus will be comments about progress in new drug development (pipeline) that could help in future replenishments for expiring patent drugs. If financial results exceed forecasts (e.g., due to unexpectedly high vaccine or new drug sales) or the company raises its annual guidance, MRK shares may receive support. Conversely, stagnating revenue and cautious outlook may induce a neutral or negative market reaction.

Procter & Gamble (PG) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: EPS of ~$1.43 on revenue of ~$20.79 billion for April–June (the final quarter of the fiscal year 2025, showing small year-on-year growth). Commentary: For P&G, organic sales are key—balancing price increases and volumes. In previous quarters, the company raised prices, supporting revenue despite declining volumes. Investors need reassurance that revenue growth of ~0–2% has been achieved not only through raising product prices but also via sustained demand. A continuation of strong consumer activity (particularly in household and cosmetic product categories) while improving margins will be positive for the market. P&G may also announce new cost-saving programs or share buybacks to support stock prices. Conversely, if the report shows a decline in sales volumes due to consumers shifting to cheaper brands, market reaction could be negative. Overall, P&G is a defensive dividend stock, so even with mixed results, significant sell-offs may not follow; however, signs of accelerated organic sales or raised growth forecasts for the new fiscal year will be necessary for stock growth.

Commvault Systems (CVLT) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: Adjusted EPS of ~$0.46, revenue of ~$263 million for the quarter (1st quarter of fiscal 2026; double-digit revenue growth year-on-year). Commentary: Commvault—provider of data storage and backup solutions—surprised with a 23% revenue growth last quarter. Current expectations are also quite high (approximately +17% year-on-year sales). Investors should assess whether the trend of increased demand for data protection and backup services in the corporate sector continues. If financial results exceed consensus (e.g., revenue >$270 million) or management raises its annual guidance, it will confirm that Commvault is successfully monetizing the transition of companies to the cloud and data growth—potentially driving stock prices higher. However, any signs of slowing growth (e.g., a weak influx of new large clients) may lead to profit-taking in CVLT shares, considering the recent rally. The state of operating margins is also crucial; the company actively invests in cloud solutions, and investors will assess how profitable this growth remains.

Lithia Motors (LAD) – Report Before Market Open

Forecasts: EPS of $8.96 (up 13.9% year-on-year), revenue of ~$9.53 billion (up 3.3% year-on-year). Despite modest revenue growth, profit is rising faster due to margin improvement. Commentary: Lithia—a major automotive dealership network in the U.S. (brand Driveway)—is benefiting from consistently high demand for used vehicles and expanding its footprint through acquisitions. Investors should watch comparable sales at existing dealerships and inventory levels. EPS growth coupled with moderate revenue growth indicates improved operational efficiency or a more profitable inventory mix (e.g., a greater proportion of high-margin used vehicle sales). If management reports continuation of M&A strategy (new dealership acquisitions) and healthy consumer demand, LAD shares may see upward momentum. However, risks include potential cooling in the automotive market—signs of declining prices for used cars or rising interest rates (increased auto loan costs) may temper investor enthusiasm even with strong current results.

Corporate Reports After Market Closure (Aftermarket)

Visa (V) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: EPS of $2.85, revenue of ~$9.85 billion, exceeding last year's $2.42 and $8.9 billion, respectively. This reflects sustainable double-digit growth in the payments business. Commentary: Visa traditionally surpasses expectations by increasing transactions and consumer spending. It is crucial for investors to ascertain whether this trend is maintained: growth in card transaction volume, especially cross-border (international transactions), which boosts fee income. Visa is also actively developing its Value-Added Services segment (analytics, payment security, etc.), which accounted for approximately 60% of revenue growth recently—advancement of these services may support future margin expansion. In the report, investors will seek comments on regulatory pressures (U.S. Department of Justice investigation concerning fees) and competition from fintech and crypto-payment firms. Investor analysis: If Visa demonstrates double-digit revenue and profit growth without signs of a slowdown, shares may strengthen as a "safe haven" within the sector. Potential negative reactions may follow only if results come in below forecasts or management expresses caution (e.g., a decrease in transaction volume in July). Overall, Visa's financial results are typically stable and positively received by the market.

Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: Adjusted loss of approximately -$0.19 per share (a broader loss than the previous year) with a sharp revenue increase—forecasted around $210 million (up ~58% year-on-year) attributed to increased Bitcoin mining. Commentary: The company is among the largest Bitcoin miners, so its metrics are heavily dependent on cryptocurrency prices and energy costs. The anticipated significant revenue growth can be attributed to increased mining power and high BTC prices in Q2, yet profitability remains negative. Investors should focus on the Cost of Mining and plans for expanding hash rate. If the loss turns out to be less than expected (e.g., due to effective cost reductions or re-evaluation of Bitcoin reserves) and management expresses optimism regarding prospects amid the recent crypto rally, MARA shares may see a positive response. However, analysts caution that the volatility of the crypto market remains a high risk. Any indication of the need for additional funding (dilution of shares) or rising costs could provoke a negative reaction. Investors interested in MARA should also consider the current Bitcoin dynamics at the time of the report release—often they outweigh the financial metrics of mining companies.

Starbucks (SBUX) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: EPS of ~$0.64 (a significant decline of ~31% year-on-year) on revenue of ~$9.3 billion (up 2% year-on-year). Despite growing sales, profits are squeezed by rising costs. Commentary: The main topics for Starbucks are the recovery of business in China and the impact of inflation costs (wages, rent, raw materials) on operating margins. Weak profit growth is expected, partly due to increased wages for employees and investments in café modernization. Investors will be keen to learn about comparable sales (like-for-like) on key markets: the U.S. (where Starbucks faces competition and labor movements) and China (experiencing post-pandemic consumption recovery). If the Chinese segment exhibits double-digit sales growth following the lifting of COVID restrictions, this would be a strong positive signal. Additionally, the market awaits details from the new CEO regarding strategic initiatives—from expanding the product assortment (cold drinks remain a driver) to digital channel development and loyalty programs. Potential reaction: If revenue and financial results exceed expectations, and guidance improves, SBUX shares could gain upward momentum. However, weak figures or cautious comments (e.g., about traffic slowing or rising expenses) could lead to declines in stock prices, given the already cooling interest from investors in the consumer sector this year.

Seagate Technology (STX) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: EPS of ~$2.43, revenue of ~$2.42 billion—approximately on par with the same quarter last year (expected flat growth, which is acceptable after last year's decline). Commentary: The hard disk drive manufacturer has passed the bottom of the demand cycle and is showing signs of stabilization. Seagate previously provided a broad revenue forecast range for the quarter ($2.25–2.55 billion). Consensus sits in the middle, reflecting cautious optimism. Investors should watch for comments regarding demand from major cloud providers and new trends (e.g., data storage for AI—an emerging area requiring high-capacity drives). If Seagate reports signs of recovering orders for large storage arrays and provides a confident forecast for the next quarter, the market is likely to respond positively. STX shares have already risen on expectations that data storage demand will increase due to the generative AI boom. Therefore, financial results that align with the upper end of the forecasts may reinforce this growth. Conversely, if the company warns of persistent inventory surpluses among customers or delays in the demand recovery, a correction in shares may occur. Overall, a stable report without surprises will likely be neutrally perceived by the market, while any deviations from forecasts will elicit heightened reactions due to investors' increased sensitivity to the tech sector.

Booking Holdings (BKNG) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: EPS around $50.5 (up ~20% year-on-year) on revenue of ~$6.55 billion (up 11–12% year-on-year). The post-pandemic recovery in travel continues strongly. Commentary: The parent company of Booking.com, Kayak, Agoda, etc., is benefiting from high travel demand, especially in Europe and North America. Investors will look for confirmation in the report of the sustainability of the "revenge travel" trend—though booking growth may be slowing, it remains double-digit. Key metrics will be gross booking volume (GBV) growth and the number of hotel nights booked through Booking's platforms. If these figures exceed expectations, this would indicate that the summer travel season has kicked off better than anticipated. Furthermore, management's comments on demand trends in Asia (including China) and fall bookings will be crucial—are there signs of demand saturation? Potential reaction: BKNG shares are trading near historical highs, so even slight outperformance in EPS expectations ($50+ per share against ~ $50) could support further stock price increases. The market would respond particularly positively if Booking raises its annual forecast or announces a new buyback. However, risks are also present: increased marketing expenses or weak booking growth for 2026 could weaken investor enthusiasm. Nonetheless, given current trends, Booking Holdings' financial results will likely reaffirm the company's status as a beneficiary of the global tourism recovery.

The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: EPS of ~$1.05, revenue of ~$947 million (growth of ~5% year-on-year). The restaurant operator expects profit improvement compared to last year amid stabilizing costs. Commentary: The casual dining chain has faced inflationary pressures from food and labor costs in recent years. Analysts now anticipate a notable EPS increase, suggesting successful menu-price enhancements and cost reductions. Investors will evaluate comparable sales at Cheesecake Factory restaurants—whether customer traffic has been maintained after the price hikes. If the company has successfully increased average checks while retaining visitors, then revenue will likely exceed expectations of ~$946 million. Additionally, it's important to ascertain how the restaurant margin has improved—it has previously suffered due to soaring ingredient prices (dairy, meat) and wages. Potential reaction: A strong report (EPS above $1.05 and optimistic comments about summer trends) could boost CAKE shares as this signals successful adaptation to the inflationary environment. William Blair recently raised its EPS forecast for Q2 to $1.07, so if the company even exceeds this, the market will respond very positively. However, if margins remain under pressure or management points to weakening consumer demand due to high prices, investor enthusiasm may wane. In the restaurant sector, many stocks have already rebounded, so flawless financial results and management's confidence in sustained demand will be required for further growth.

Teradyne (TER) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: Adjusted EPS of ~$0.54 (down from $0.86 year-on-year) with revenue of ~$650 million (down 10.9% year-on-year). The decline in the semiconductor industry continues to pressure results. Commentary: Teradyne—a manufacturer of equipment for testing microchips—feels the pinch of reduced investments by chipmakers amid a downturn cycle. The company already lowered its forecasts in March 2025, anticipating a sales decline in the memory testing segment. Investors will be interested to know how close we are to the cycle's nadir: will there be hints of demand recovery in the second half due to increased chip production for AI and the automotive sector? If management hints that orders are beginning to rise (e.g., new requests from memory chip manufacturers or 5G equipment), the market will view this as a leading signal of a turnaround. The report itself will likely be weak—projected profit decline of ~37% and revenue drop—but this has already been factored into prices. Potential reaction: If financial results align with expectations and Teradyne maintains its annual guidance without downgrades, shares might even rise on expectations of future improvement (the principle of “not as bad as feared”). Retaining the dividend and buyback would also signal confidence in long-term prospects. However, any negative surprises (e.g., deeper sales declines or weak Q3 forecasts) could amplify pressure on TER shares. Overall, investors focusing on this cycle will be looking for signals of future demand recovery in chip equipment despite a dismal Q2.

Caesars Entertainment (CZR) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: EPS of ~$0.06 (up from a loss of -$0.56 last year) on revenue of ~$2.87 billion (up ~1.5% year-on-year). A return to a small profit is expected due to business optimization. Commentary: The casino operator (owner of Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and a regional casino network) demonstrates stable gaming revenue, but the key question is the online segment. Caesars has actively developed online sports betting and casino (William Hill) in recent years, investing substantial amounts. Investors hope to see progress: a reduction in losses or a profit from the Digital division. The EPS improvement in the reporting quarter partially reflects cuts in online promotional spending and recovering attendance at offline casinos. If the company reports profitability in its digital segment or significant margin growth in Las Vegas (where tourist attendance is high), this would be a significant bullish factor for shares. Potential reaction: If EPS exceeds expectations (e.g., $0.10+), and optimistic comments (e.g., “summer in Vegas is breaking records, online business is on the path to profitability”) follow, CZR shares may surge—as they still trade below pre-COVID levels, a return to stable profitability would heighten investor interest. However, if financial results disappoint—say, paltry profits amid stagnant revenue or if the CEO signals weak consumer activity—the market may react with selling pressure, given Caesars' debt burden. Plans for debt reduction will also be in focus—any news about refinancing or selling non-core assets to improve the balance sheet will impact investor valuations.

FTAI Aviation (FTAI) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: EPS of $1.56 (up 83.5% year-on-year), revenue of ~$542.8 million (up 22.3% year-on-year). The company demonstrates rapid growth amid high demand in the aviation sector. Commentary: FTAI Aviation leases and services aircraft engines. Following the separation from the infrastructure business, FTAI has focused on aviation, and the results are impressive—both profit and revenue are growing at double-digit rates. Investors need to assess how sustainable this growth is. A factor will be the recovery of global aviation—airlines are actively returning fleets to operation, leading to increased demand for engines and parts. If financial results exceed forecasts (e.g., EPS closer to $1.6–1.7, revenue >$550 million), it will confirm FTAI's effective capitalization on market conditions. It is important to hear from management about plans to expand the fleet of leased engines and long-term contracts with carriers. Potential reaction: FTAI shares have already risen significantly this year, so a truly strong report and positive guidance are needed for continued rally. If results meet expectations (but do not outperform), the reaction may be muted since a significant portion of good news may already be factored in. Concerns would arise from any mentions of supply chain issues or slowing pace in new leasing agreements—this could provoke profit-taking among investors following a powerful rally (EPS growth from ~$0.26 to $1.33–1.56). Overall, the market has a positive outlook towards niche aviation lessors due to projected increases in air travel, and FTAI stands a good chance of consolidating investor trust if trends persist.

Penumbra (PEN) – Report After Market Closure

Forecasts: EPS of ~$0.82 (up 28% year-on-year), revenue of ~$327.4 million (up 9.3% year-on-year). The medtech company continues to show steady sales growth, although the pace is slightly slowing. Commentary: Penumbra specializes in devices for treating strokes and peripheral vascular diseases, as well as innovative VR solutions for rehabilitation. In the previous quarter, the company exceeded forecasts (revenue $324 million vs consensus of $316 million), and investors hope for a repeat of this success. Revenue growth of ~9% indicates strong demand for products, although it is lower than last year's growth of +14–16%. Investors should focus on the neurointervention segment—how have sales of thrombectomy catheters for stroke changed, where Penumbra competes with Stryker and others? Also in focus are new products such as Lightning (thrombus aspiration system) and REAL (VR rehabilitation platform)—their contributions to revenue and outlook. Potential reaction: If Penumbra reports double-digit growth again (e.g., effectively >10% year-on-year) and management indicates an acceleration in demand in H2, PEN shares could hit new highs. High EPS projections ($0.82) imply improving margins, and confirming this trend (e.g., through scaling production or pricing) would be an additional positive. However, if growth slows more than expected or if the company encounters delays in getting new devices approved, investors may react negatively—Penumbra shares trade at a premium and are sensitive to growth rates. Overall, the medtech sector is currently attractive, and Penumbra, with a stable report, will confirm its reputation as a rapidly growing innovative player, making it a compelling case for long-term investment.

Summary – What Investors Should Focus on on July 29, 2025

The day promises to be busy with both macro and microeconomic events. In the morning, markets will respond to the inflation expectation data from Europe and U.S. economic indicators (trade balance, housing market, consumer sentiment). These indicators set the overall tone; for instance, above-expected inflation expectations or strong employment data may fuel discussions about further central bank policies, potentially influencing investor sentiment.

In the afternoon, the focus will shift to corporate reports. Corporate earnings on July 29, 2025, span a wide range of sectors—from high-tech and fintech to industry and consumer sectors. Investors need to monitor not only the EPS and revenue figures from each report but also the management's comments during conference calls. Often, the forecasts and assessments of top management regarding future quarters trigger the most significant volatility in stocks.

Special attention should be given to companies whose results can serve as barometers for entire industries. For instance, Visa's report will reflect the state of global payments and consumer spending, Boeing's will reveal the status in aerospace and supply chains, UPS will indicate trade and e-commerce volumes, Starbucks will illuminate consumer demand health, particularly in China, and Booking Holdings will depict the strength of the travel boom. The market's reaction to their reports will set the tone for their corresponding sectors.

For CIS investors focusing on the global market on this day, it is advisable to maintain diversification (as news will be mixed), be agile in reacting to reports by comparing them against consensus estimates, and take macro trends into account. If many companies surpass expectations and macro data does not present negative surprises, it will reinforce positive sentiment across markets. However, in the event of disappointments in key reports or unfavourable macro statistics, increased volatility may arise. The key is to have an action plan for both scenarios and to use the information obtained for informed investment decisions, rather than succumbing to emotional impulses from the market. This day will provide valuable analytics for investors regarding economic and business conditions, ultimately assisting in strategy adjustments and the identification of new investment opportunities.

In conclusion, corporate earnings on July 29 depict an overall positive picture—many companies continue to grow (fintech, tourism, medtech, aviation leasing), some are facing temporary difficulties (semiconductors, healthcare), but systemic crisis signals are not apparent. Macroeconomic data will help assess how favorable the ambient environment (inflation, demand) is for this growth. On July 29, investors should focus on the balance of these factors: strong reports combined with positive macro statistics could provide momentum for the markets, while any significant discrepancies from expectations will require caution and reassessment of risks.