Tech Giant "Sea-ing" Green After Earnings Beat

Author

Adam Garcia
March 04, 2025

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A major tech stock is soaring after a strong earnings beat, and a retail giant is reporting strong holiday sales but warning of slower growth ahead, while an auto parts retailer is trending downwards due to a mixed earnings report. Read on to find out more.

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What to Watch

Earnings:

  • CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (CRWD): Aftermarket

  • Flutter Entertainment PLC (FLUT): Aftermarket

  • Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST): Aftermarket

  • Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (CRDO): Aftermarket

  • Ingram Micro Holding Corporation (INGM): Aftermarket

Economic Reports:

  • New York Fed President Williams will speak at 2:20 p.m.

E-Commerce

Sea Limited Shares Surging on Strong E-Commerce and Finance Growth

Sea Limited (NYSE: SE) is soaring over 8% in early trading today as its fourth-quarter revenue is above market expectations.

The Southeast Asian tech firm generated $4.95 billion ($5.35 billion) in revenue, surpassing the projected $4.62 billion ($5 billion).

However, adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.39, slightly below the anticipated $0.41.

The company’s e-commerce division, Shopee, saw impressive growth, with gross merchandise value (GMV) rising 23.5% to $28.6 billion ($30.9 billion) and gross orders increasing 20.1% to 3 billion.

Additionally, its digital financial services arm posted a 55.2% jump in revenue to $733.3 million ($793 million).

CEO Forrest Li highlighted how 2024 marked the company’s second straight year of profitability, with all three business units—e-commerce, digital finance, and gaming—contributing to the positive momentum.

For the full year, Sea Limited reported $16.8 billion ($18.1 billion) in revenue, a 28.8% year-over-year increase, and net earnings of $447.8 million ($484.6 million), a turnaround from $162.7 million ($176.2 million) in 2023.

Looking ahead, the company forecasts around 20% GMV growth for Shopee in 2025, alongside improved profitability.

Its gaming division, Garena, is expected to achieve double-digit growth in both user engagement and bookings over the coming year.

Retail

Target Posts Strong Holiday Sales, Warns of Slower Growth in Early 2025

Target (NYSE: TGT) reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings today, driven by robust holiday demand for discretionary items, though overall sales declined.

The retailer posted an adjusted earnings of $2.41 per share, surpassing analyst projections of $2.26 per share.

Increased sales of toys, electronics, and apparel helped boost profitability.

However, net sales are down 3.1% year-over-year to $30.9 billion ($33.7 billion), slightly ahead of Wall Street’s $30.8 billion ($33.6 billion) estimate.

Same-store sales are up 1.5%, aligning with expectations. Following the report, Target’s stock is up 0.6% in premarket trading.

For fiscal 2025, Target anticipates 1% sales growth, below analyst expectations of 2.5%.

Earnings are forecasted to range between $8.80 and $9.80 per share, with the midpoint of $9.30 ($10.20) slightly exceeding estimates of $9.29 ($10.19).

First-quarter profits are expected to face pressure due to consumer uncertainty, tariffs, and a slight February sales decline.

Cold weather and declining consumer confidence impacted apparel sales last month, according to CFO Jim Lee.

Foot traffic in February dropped 6.8% year-over-year, with the slowdown being more pronounced than at competitors Walmart and Costco.

Despite past challenges, Target is focusing on value-driven product launches, including partnerships with Champion and Warby Parker, to attract shoppers.

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Electronics Retail

Best Buy’s Q4 Revenue and Earnings Beat Expectations, Sales Rebound

Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) reported fourth-quarter results that are better than Wall Street expectations. However, its stock is trending downwards on a weak outlook for 2026.

The electronics retailer’s earnings per share of $2.58 are above analyst forecasts of $2.39.

Total revenue for the quarter is at $13.95 billion ($15.1 billion), beating the expected $13.66 billion ($14.8 billion).

A notable turnaround came in enterprise comparable sales, which rose 0.5%, reversing a 4.8% decline from the prior year and outperforming analysts' expectations of a 1.43% drop.

Additionally, gross margin improved to 20.9%, slightly above last year’s 20.5% and ahead of the 20.7% projection.

For fiscal 2026, Best Buy anticipates earnings per share between $6.20 and $6.60, with revenue ranging from $41.4 billion ($44.7 billion) to $42.2 billion ($45.6 billion).

Analysts had forecasted revenue of $41.81 billion ($45.2 billion).

As the retailer enters the new fiscal year, it is focusing on stabilizing sales while maintaining profitability.

Automotive Parts

AutoZone Reports Higher Sales, Lower Profits in Q2 Results

AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) is trading lower this morning due to a mixed second-quarter earnings report.

While AZO’s revenue is stronger than anticipated, earnings per share (EPS) are below analyst expectations.

For the quarter ending February 15, the auto parts retailer posted $4 billion in net sales, marking a 2.4% increase year-over-year and slightly exceeding Wall Street’s $3.98 billion estimate.

However, EPS is at $28.29, missing projections of $29.06.

Same-store sales is up 0.5% overall, with domestic locations seeing a 1.9% rise.

Internationally, same-store sales are down 8.2%, though they increased 9.5% when adjusted for currency fluctuations.

Gross profit margin held steady at 53.9%, but operating profit declined 4.9% to $706.8 million, while net income fell 5.3% to $487.9 million.

The company opened 45 new stores, bringing its total footprint to 7,432 locations across the U.S., Mexico, and Brazil. It also repurchased 100,000 shares for $329.4 million, leaving $1.3 billion in its buyback program.

AutoZone remains confident in its growth strategy, highlighting strong performance in both the DIY and Commercial segments.

Movers and Shakers

Interactive Strength Inc. [TRNR] - Last Close: $2.312

Interactive Strength Inc. is an innovative fitness equipment company known for its CLMBR and FORME brands.

Its shares are surging 30%+ during premarket after the company secured an exclusive distribution deal for CLMBR in the United Kingdom, one of the world’s largest fitness markets.

My Take: The agreement strengthens CLMBR’s presence in Europe. However, the stock’s value has dropped 99% in the last one year and is struggling to achieve profitability. Keep it on your wait and watch list for now.

Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. [CAPR] - Last Close: $13.67

Capricor Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on cell therapies for conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Its shares are surging 15% in early trade after the FDA accepted its application for deramiocel, a cell therapy aimed at treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy, and granted it priority review.

My Take: This could be a big moment for Capricor, as the firm continues to struggle with its revenues in the current year. Keep a close watch on how the FDA approval progresses.

Okta, Inc. [OKTA] - Last Close: $87.16

Okta, Inc. is a leading identity and access management company

Its shares are rising 12% in premarket trading after it reported strong Q4 earnings and an upbeat 2026 outlook during after-hours yesterday.

My Take: The company’s EPS of $0.78 and revenue of $682 million both beat expectations. Forward guidance is also impressive. Keep this stock on your radar.

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Everything Else

That’s all for today. Thank you for reading. If you have any feedback, please reply to this email.

Best Regards,

— Adam Garcia
Elite Trade Club

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