Chipotle drops 4% as same-store sales turn negative for the first time since the pandemic.
Sectors & Industries
April 28, 2025
Table of Contents
Oblong Inc. (OBLG) rocketed +70% after unveiling a $500,000 stock buyback plan, potentially repurchasing up to 25% of its float. With no debt and $5M in cash, management emphasized the move reflects strong conviction in the company’s undervaluation. The announcement comes amid Oblong’s broader M&A strategy focused on AI-enabled SaaS targets. CEO Peter Holst framed the buyback as a dual strategy to boost shareholder value and maintain flexibility for long-term growth.
Alphabet (GOOG) rose 4% after crushing Q1 estimates with EPS of $2.81 on $90.2B in revenue, well ahead of forecasts. Advertising revenue jumped to $66.9B (+8.5% YoY), while Google Cloud grew 28% to $12.3B. The board authorized a $70B share buyback and hiked its dividend by 5%, signaling confidence despite ongoing antitrust battles and rising regulatory pressure.
Management warned that Trump’s repeal of the de minimis tariff exemption could weigh on APAC ad demand later this year. Still, AI investments and strong growth in search and YouTube helped power robust margins. With net income up 46% and upbeat commentary from CFO Ashkenazi, Alphabet reaffirmed its spot as a Big Tech standout in a volatile macro environment.
Tesla (TSLA) shares rallied 6% despite a brutal 71% drop in Q1 profit to $409M and a 9% revenue decline. The rebound followed Elon Musk’s surprise announcement that he will reduce time spent on Trump’s DOGE initiative to refocus on Tesla. Adjusted earnings received a 12% lift by excluding $97M in crypto losses, drawing potential SEC scrutiny.
Meanwhile, falling deliveries, brand damage from political blowback, and canceled guidance stoked concerns. Still, Musk touted upcoming autonomous vehicle projects and a potential robotaxi pilot launch in Austin by June. With margins under pressure and protests intensifying, Tesla’s forward path may now hinge on Musk’s renewed leadership and execution.
Intel (INTC) plunged 10% after issuing a grim Q2 forecast and revealing deeper-than-expected structural issues. New CEO Lip-Bu Tan plans to cut over 20% of the workforce, slash capex by $2B, and require four in-office days per week to fix Intel’s “bloated bureaucracy.” Q1 revenue beat at $12.7B, but Q2 guidance of $11.2B–$12.4B missed consensus.
Gross margins remain depressed at 39.2%, with further downside expected. Analysts warned that Intel’s foundry strategy lacks traction, and weak AI offerings leave it vulnerable to rivals like Nvidia. Tan acknowledged a “multi-quarter reset,” as looming tariffs and soft consumer demand weigh heavily on chip outlooks.
Chipotle (CMG) slid 4% after reporting its first same-store sales decline (-0.4%) since the pandemic. Q1 revenue of $2.88B missed expectations as transactions fell 2.3%, with average check growth of just 1.9% failing to offset traffic losses. CEO Scott Boatwright blamed “a more nervous consumer” and tariff-driven inflation, particularly on imported avocados.
The chain lowered its full-year same-store sales forecast to low-single digits and warned Q2 margins will take a 20bps hit from tariffs. Higher inflation expectations for the second half prompted management to emphasize cost controls and targeted marketing, including new summer offerings. While net income rose to $386.6M, investor sentiment remains cautious as foot traffic stalls and tariff-related headwinds mount.
A wave of U.S. companies—from Chipotle to P&G—are scaling back 2025 guidance as Trump’s tariff policy tightens margins and spooks consumers. Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Hasbro all warned of potential price hikes, while airlines like Delta and American pulled forecasts entirely. CEO commentary cited supply chain strain, demand uncertainty, and price-sensitive consumers already reducing discretionary spending.
The 10% baseline tariff, along with the 145% China-specific rate, is hitting commodities from aluminum to avocados and putting inflation back on the radar. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at de-escalation, but firms aren’t waiting. “Tariffs are inherently inflationary,” said P&G’s Jon Moeller, as retailers brace for potential job cuts and rising input costs. With core brands already under pressure and shopper sentiment plunging, Wall Street is watching closely to see if July’s policy review brings relief—or escalation.
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