AI's Ascent (CRM), China's Shadow (NVDA) and Old Dogs New Tricks (HP and Dell) and the Tariff Tale (AutoZone)

Apple (AAPL)
Brief Description: Apple, the multinational technology company known for its iPhones, Macs, iPads, and services, is expected to report on its performance amidst evolving global trade conditions and its plans for future growth in areas like AI and software. Investors will be particularly interested in insights on tariff impacts and manufacturing strategies.
Key Points to Watch: CEO Tim Cook's comments on navigating tariffs and supply chain risks.
Update on manufacturing diversification efforts, particularly in India.
Performance in the China market amid rising nationalism.
Details on the upcoming iOS overhaul ("Project Blue" and iOS 19).
Any news regarding the integration of AI ("Apple Intelligence") and potential partnerships (e.g., with Google's Gemini).
Microsoft (MSFT)
Brief Description: Microsoft, a leader in software, cloud services (Azure) and gaming (Xbox), has already reported strong Q3 FY25 earnings driven by its cloud and AI offerings. The focus now shifts to investor reactions and forward-looking guidance.
Key Points from the Report:Revenue increased by 13% year-over-year to $70.1 billion.
Microsoft Cloud revenue saw a significant 20% increase.
Azure and other cloud services revenue grew by 33%.
The company highlighted continued strong demand for its differentiated cloud and AI solutions.
Forward-looking guidance on the earnings call will be crucial.
Amazon (AMZN)
Brief Description: Amazon, the e-commerce and cloud computing giant, is anticipated to reveal its first-quarter performance, with keen interest in the growth of its Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud division, the impact of potential tariffs on its retail business and its investments in AI.
Key Points to Watch:Revenue growth for AWS and overall e-commerce.
Insights into the impact of tariffs on imported goods and consumer behavior.
Updates on spending and demand related to AI infrastructure.
Performance of its advertising business.
Meta Platforms (META)
Brief Description: Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has reported strong first-quarter earnings, exceeding expectations in both revenue and earnings per share. The company's investments in AI and the growth of its "Meta AI" are key highlights.
Key Points from the Report:Revenue increased by 16% year-over-year to $42.31 billion.
Net income saw a substantial 35% increase.
Advertising revenue grew by 16%.
Meta AI now has nearly 1 billion monthly active users.
The company raised its capital expenditure plans for the year to support AI capacity growth.
Second-quarter revenue guidance is between $42.5 billion and $45.5 billion.
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
Brief Description: Eli Lilly, a major pharmaceutical company, is expected to report earnings with significant attention on the sales performance of its weight loss drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, and any updates on its drug development pipeline.
Key Points from the Report:Revenue increased significantly by 45% to $12.73 billion, driven by Mounjaro and Zepbound.
The company reaffirmed its full-year revenue guidance but lowered its profit outlook due to investment losses and acquired R&D charges.
Sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound reached $3.84 billion and $2.31 billion, respectively.
Progress in the pipeline, including positive trial results for its oral GLP-1 agonist, orforglipron, was highlighted.
Apr 28 - May 2
NOTABLE EARNING$
5 companies reporting earnings that must be on the radar.