XOM, CVX, SHEL, IMO, APO, CBOE, DD, WEN, CI, NWG | Q1 2025 Earnings Preview: Friday, May 2, 2025

On May 2, 2025, a diverse group of companies across energy, financial services, basic materials, consumer discretionary, and healthcare will release their Q1 2025 earnings. These reports will provide critical insights into corporate performance amid a global economy marked by trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and persistent inflation risks. With the International Monetary Fund projecting global growth at 3.3% for 2025, slightly below historical averages, these earnings will serve as a barometer for corporate resilience and market trends.

Economic Backdrop

The global economic outlook for 2025 is characterized by cautious optimism. The IMF projects global growth at 3.3% for 2025, with advanced economies growing at 1.8% and emerging markets at 4.2%. However, risks are tilted to the downside, primarily due to escalating trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Recent tariff announcements and geopolitical challenges have introduced volatility into financial markets. Global headline inflation is expected to decline to 4.2% in 2025, but services inflation continues to complicate monetary policy, with central banks likely maintaining higher interest rates. Consumer sentiment remains subdued, particularly in advanced economies, where concerns over rising costs and economic stability are prevalent. Against this backdrop, these earnings reports will reveal how companies are navigating these challenges.

Sector-by-Sector Analysis

Energy Sector

The energy sector, represented by Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), Shell (SHEL), and Imperial Oil (IMO), faces significant challenges due to lower oil prices. As of May 1, 2025, crude oil prices have dropped to approximately $56.78 per barrel, a 19.53% decline since the beginning of the year, driven by trade tensions and OPEC+ production increases.

Company

Q4 2024 Revenue

Q4 2024 Adjusted EPS

Q1 2025 Expected EPS

Key Focus

XOM

$90.0B

$1.72

$1.86

Cost management, production

CVX

$51.9B

$2.06

$2.24

Refining margins, upstream

SHEL

$74.0B

$1.35

$1.66

LNG, divestments

IMO

$9.01B

$1.69

$2.16

Refinery utilization

Why It Matters: The energy sector is highly cyclical, and lower oil prices could pressure margins. However, companies demonstrating operational efficiency and strategic investments in renewables may mitigate these challenges, providing insights into global energy demand and supply dynamics.

Financial Services Sector

The financial services sector, including Apollo Global Management (APO), Cboe Global Markets (CBOE), and NatWest Group (NWG), operates in a complex environment shaped by interest rates, market volatility, and regulatory changes.

Company

Q4 2024 Revenue

Q4 2024 Adjusted EPS

Q1 2025 Expected EPS

Key Focus

APO

$6.5B

$1.89

$1.94

AUM growth, retirement services

CBOE

$532.0M

$2.22

$2.29

Trading volumes

NWG

£3.5B

0.106p

13.1p

Net interest margins

Why It Matters: Financial services earnings reflect broader market confidence and economic stability. Strong results could indicate resilience in capital markets, while weaker performance may signal caution amid higher interest rates and economic uncertainty.

Basic Materials Sector

DuPont de Nemours (DD) represents the basic materials sector, which is sensitive to commodity prices and global demand.

Company

Q4 2024 Revenue

Q4 2024 Adjusted EPS

Q1 2025 Expected EPS

Key Focus

DD

$3.1B

$1.13

$0.95

Electronics, water solutions

Why It Matters: The basic materials sector is a key indicator of industrial activity. Strong earnings could suggest robust demand from manufacturing and construction, while weaker results may reflect global economic slowdowns influenced by trade barriers.

Consumer Discretionary Sector

Wendy’s (WEN) represents the consumer discretionary sector, which is closely tied to consumer spending and confidence.

Company

Q4 2024 Revenue

Q4 2024 Adjusted EPS

Q1 2025 Expected EPS

Key Focus

WEN

$574.3M

$0.25

$0.25

Same-store sales, expansion

Why It Matters: Consumer discretionary spending reflects consumer confidence and economic health. Strong performance could indicate resilience in dining out, while weaker results may highlight inflation’s impact on discretionary budgets.

Healthcare Sector

Cigna Group (CI) leads the healthcare sector, known for its resilience during economic downturns.

Company

Q4 2024 Revenue

Q4 2024 Adjusted EPS

Q1 2025 Expected EPS

Key Focus

CI

$62.0B

$6.79

$6.52

Medical cost trends

Why It Matters: Healthcare’s defensive nature makes it a safe haven during economic uncertainty. Investors will look for growth in insurance and pharmacy benefits, as well as strategic shifts in Cigna’s portfolio.

Investor Implications

These earnings reports will likely drive stock price movements and shape market sentiment. Strong performances and optimistic guidance could bolster confidence, while disappointing results may exacerbate volatility. Investors should:

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Conclusion

The Q1 2025 earnings reports on May 2, 2025, are a pivotal moment for investors. Spanning energy, financial services, basic materials, consumer discretionary, and healthcare, these reports will provide a comprehensive view of corporate performance in a challenging economic environment. By focusing on key metrics, guidance, and sector trends, investors can make informed decisions to navigate the uncertainties ahead. These earnings will be crucial for understanding how industry leaders are positioning themselves for growth amid global economic shifts.

Disclaimers and Limitations

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