Madison Mills

    Host and Reporter

  • Paramount shareholder raises dilution concerns in Skydance bid

    Paramount Global (PARA) is caught in the middle of a bidding war between Skydance Media and a joint offer from Sony (SONY) and Apollo Global Management (APO). Paramount CEO Bob Bakish has stepped down from his role, replaced by an "Office of the CEO" consortium comprised of three chief executives from across Paramount's top broadcast networks. Ariel Investments Co-CEO John Rogers, who is also a Paramount shareholder, finds Bakish's ousting to be a "pretty extraordinary" event during major M&A talks. Rogers sits down with Catalysts to share his thoughts on these headlines and what is ultimately being offered by prospective bidders. "We really do believe that Apollo, from what we've read, again, has a much stronger deal... Apollo has plenty of cash, a potentially great partner with Sony. it just makes much more sense to have those kind of experienced hands take over this company, pay out all of us A&B shareholders, get cash for our shares — it makes all the sense," Rogers says. "Skydance is an up-and-coming company, it's smaller. It's something we don't know whether it can work, but the price they're willing to pay and the valuations that we've seen, it's just a significant discount from the value we would get from Apollo." Rogers also weighs in on what to expect from Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A, BRK-B) CEO Warren Buffett at the company's annual shareholders meeting on Saturday, May 4. Disclosure: Apollo Global Management is the parent company of Yahoo and Yahoo Finance. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.

  • 'Everybody's looking for value': Tanger CEO on consumer spending

    Shares of Tanger (SKT) are trading higher after the company reported strong first quarter growth and increased its 2024 full-year guidance. Tanger CEO Stephen Yalof joins Catalysts to discuss the state of consumer spending and how Tanger continues on its path of growth. Yalof explains that "everybody's looking for value," and points to shopping outlets' ability to mark down prices almost daily as a unique advantage that attracts and retains customers. He also tells Madison Mills and Brian Sozzi that Tanger is expanding outside retail stores. The company is introducing more dining, entertainment, and fitness options to keep its customers returning. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Melanie Riehl

  • EBay, Etsy's Q1 earnings are signaling weaknesses in consumer

    Shares of Etsy (ETSY) and eBay (EBAY) are both sliding Thursday morning after both companies posted their first-quarter earnings results, revealing signs of weakening spending in the consumer discretionary category. At Etsy, merchandise sales were down 3.7% year-over-year with habitual buyers down 2.9% year-over-year. Yahoo Finance's Madison Mills joins Wealth! to break down the consumer pressures afflicting these e-commerce platforms. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Wealth! This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Wayfair stock jumps on Q1 earnings, rise in active customers

    Shares of Wayfair (W) move higher as the online furniture retailer posted its first-quarter earnings, topping revenue estimates and narrowing its expected losses per share. Wayfair's active consumers rose by 22.3 million, or 2.8%, in the quarter. The company laid off 13% of its staff at the beginning of 2024. Catalysts Co-Hosts Madison Mills and Brian Sozzi break down Wayfair's earnings figures. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • DoorDash, Shake Shack earnings point to consumer troubles

    Shares of DoorDash (DASH) and Shake Shack (SHAK) are sliding on Thursday morning as both companies posted mixed first quarter earnings. The companies are feeling the pressure of weakening consumer demand, with DoorDash posting a profit forecast that disappointed Wall Street. Yahoo Finance Anchors Madison Mills and Brian Sozzi break down the latest developments for these companies and how it will impact them moving forward. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Probability of 3 rate cuts this year still uncertain: Strategist

    With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates higher for longer, the debate over when the next rate cut will occur is keeping Wall Street on its toes. Many events on the horizon could affect the Fed as it analyzes economic data, but the upcoming Presidential election could be a big factor. Deutsche Bank Americas Chief Investment Officer Deepak Puri joins Catalysts to discuss the path for the Federal Reserve to cut rates multiple times and the factors that impact the Fed's decisions. "Our base case is that we still are going to see one to two rate cuts this year and another one early next year. And I think the rate cuts, it's really the timing that's been pushed back. Now, looking at probably June, July out, September most likely the first month where rate cuts would come into picture, and most likely, post election. You have two Fed meetings post elections, and those could be the live meetings for rate cuts and that's what market needs to factor now in." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Etsy stock falls on slowing sales and consumer spending

    Shares of Etsy, Inc. (ETSY) are falling during Thursday's trading session, as the company reported a drop in gross merchandise sales for the first quarter. The e-commerce platform saw its gross merchandise figures decrease by over 3%, a setback driven by weakening consumer spending. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • DEA's reclassifying marijuana sends signal to DC: Curaleaf CEO

    Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials have proposed reclassifying marijuana (or cannabis) as a Schedule Three drug. Despite a majority of states having legislation allowing for medicinal and recreational use, marijuana it still classified as a Schedule One narcotic along with heroin. Curaleaf (CURLF) CEO Matt Darin sits down with Catalysts Hosts Seana Smith and Madison Mills to talk about how long cannabis businesses has been waiting for a change like this and what it signifies for the future of the industry and the SAFE Banking Act. "It's a long time coming, but I think the findings are really backed in science and backed under a very detailed review that the government did to evaluate the medicinal benefits of cannabis," Darin says, "and that it truly does belong as a Schedule Three, a substance versus Schedule One on par with things like heroin and fentanyl which all Americans have known for quite some time, just was not right." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.

  • Fed's higher-for-longer environment is 'deceptively simple'

    According to the latest ADP private payroll data, the US added 192,000 new private sector jobs in April, a decrease from the 208,000 jobs added in March. With the jobs report looming on Friday, ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson offered her insights on the labor market ahead of the Federal Reserve's pivotal policy decision. Richardson compared the Fed's current stance to a one-legged "tree pose," describing the situation as appearing "deceptively simple" on the surface. However, she cautions that while the Fed can keep interest rates elevated for an extended period, the longer they hold, the more pressure the central bank will face from Wall Street and consumers, making it "harder to maintain the position." Richardson says the Fed considers "the distribution of their policy effects" and that wage growth will play a crucial role. Highlighting a scenario detrimental to the "big picture monetary policy" objective, Richardson is concerned for low-income workers, burdened by rising inflation and soaring prices: "Their pay is not keeping up," she says. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • Amazon's AI growth story: Big Tech's race for AI dominance

    Amazon (AMZN) posted its first quarter report on Tuesday, revealing an AI-driven boost in the company's cloud computing growth. Multiple companies — including Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL), Meta (META), and Microsoft (MSFT) — have all announced an increase in AI spending in a bid for dominance in tech. Yahoo Finance Tech Editor Dan Howley joins Catalysts to break down Amazon's part in the AI-fueled competition. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Norwegian Cruise Line, Marriott: Trending Tickers

    Shares of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) are dropping on Wednesday morning as the company posted its first quarter report revealing mixed results. While the company's top and bottom line increased year-over-year, the company missed on revenue expectations for the quarter. In addition, the company offered a softer-than-expected full-year guidance. Shares of Marriott (MAR) are also moving down as the company reported mixed results for its first quarter, but lifted its full-year profit outlook for 2024. Yahoo Finance Anchors Madison Mills and Seana Smith break down the latest developments with these companies and how they may operate moving forward. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Consumer spending: A new headwind for food companies

    In the face of persistent inflationary pressures, numerous companies have implemented price increases to offset the mounting costs. However, this strategy may encounter headwinds as the consumer's financial resilience slows, particularly within the food industry. Yahoo Finance's Executive Editor Brian Sozzi breaks down the details, providing insights into how businesses plan to combat this issue moving forward. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • Powell likely 'more optimistic' than Fed colleagues: Economist

    As markets brace for the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates, Dreyfus and Mellon Chief Economist and Former Fed Economist Vincent Reinhart joins Catalysts to provide his insight on the Federal Reserve's impending decision. According to Reinhart, in light of the continued hot economic data, Powell's commentary is likely to convey a "bumpy" sentiment regarding the path of inflation. He acknowledges that the "last mile" to achieving the 2% inflation target is taking "longer than they [the Fed] thought." However, Reinhart emphasizes that inflation is "a lot lower than it was" previously. Reinhart highlights two key themes that investors can anticipate from Powell's remarks. First, the Fed typically "leans into the policy action of the previous meeting" to avoid surprising the markets. Additionally, he expects Powell to provide an update on "the slowing of the run-off on balance sheets." While Reinhart anticipates the Fed to hold rates steady, he asks, "How true to that storyline will Chair Powell be at his press conference?" For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • US job openings fall to three-year low in March: JOLTS report

    US job openings trailed behind estimates for the month of March, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 8.5 million job openings against expectations of 8.7 million. Additionally, the ISM Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) fell to 49.2 in April; ISM's prices paid index jumped to 60.9. Yahoo Finance Senior Reporter Josh Schafer joins Catalysts to break down the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) results ahead of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision, commenting on whether the Fed is taking into account wage growth or not. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.

  • NYCB stock surges, CEO says path to profitability in sight

    Shares of New York Community Bancorp (NYCB) are surging after CEO Joseph Otting claimed that the company has a "clear path to profitability over the following two years." In addition, the bank has reportedly put money aside to ease the burden of loan losses. Catalysts Anchors Seana Smith and Madison Mills break down the regional bank's reported first-quarter losses. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino and updated by Melanie Riehl

  • 3 factors this strategist believes will impact interest rates

    Treasury yields (^TYX, ^TNX, ^FVX) are surging on Tuesday as the Treasury Department announced higher yields will be expected for the next two quarters. BlackRock Head of iShares Investment Strategy Americas Gargi Chaudhuri joins Catalysts to discuss the implications of higher yields on the broader equity market (^DJI, ^IXIC, ^GSPC). Chaudhuri notes that although yields have risen, the market has remained "extremely resilient." However, moving forward, she emphasizes that attention will shift to earnings, as the better-than-expected earnings reported so far "have given a boost" to "some pockets" of the market. Chaudhuri highlights that there are "a number of data points" that need to be considered when assessing the future trajectory of monetary policy. She identifies three main factors that could contribute to a prolonged higher-for-longer interest rate environment: supply dynamics, the path of inflation, and labor market growth trends. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • McDonald's has 'outpriced' customers amid menu hikes: Analyst

    McDonald's (MCD) first-quarter earnings report showcased a combo meal of international headwinds, including global sales growth slowing behind figures from this time last year and boycotts related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Additionally, inflation and rising menu prices are taking a toll on lower-income consumers. On the fast-food chain's earnings call, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that "consumers continue to be even more discriminating with every dollar that they spend as they face elevated prices in their day-to-day spending." Placer.ai Head of Analytical Research R.J. Hottovy sits down with Catalysts to discuss whether McDonald's item prices are beginning to price out certain consumer demographics. Placer.ai data found McDonald's to maintain higher monthly foot traffic growth over the past year than its competition. "Right now consumers are really focused on value, and not just discounts. I think that low price point is something that they're certainly focused in on," Hottovy says. "We've seen groups that really market around a low price point, generally a higher visitation trade. And so I think that's what McDonald's may be pivoting to in the future. There's a lot of discussion about future value plans in the US and abroad in the earnings call today. I think that's really going to be a key message..." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.

  • Molson Coors stock dips after reaffirming soft Q1 guidance

    Shares of Molson Coors Beverage (TAP) are trading lower on Tuesday morning as the company reported its first quarter earnings, reiterating its soft 2024 guidance due to softness observed in the US and Canadian markets. Although the company remains cautious, the company did post an increase in net sales totaling $2.59 billion, a 10.7% increase year-over-year. Yahoo Finance Anchors Madison Mills and Seana Smith break down the latest developments for Molson Coors and how younger generations' movement away from alcohol may impact the company. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Q1 earnings have supported market growth: Strategist

    Stocks (^DJI, ^IXIC, ^GSPC) face downward pressure ahead of pivotal market catalysts, including the highly anticipated Amazon (AMZN) earnings and the Federal Reserve's impending policy decision. BNY Mellon Head of Investment Strategy and Equity Advisory Solutions Alicia Levine joins Catalysts to provide her insights on market outlooks. Levine acknowledges that earnings have been a driving force behind market movements, with companies reporting better-than-expected results. However, she emphasizes that investors "can't get away from the macro story" — economic growth remains resilient, while inflation continues to show stickiness. Still, Levine stresses that markets have "held up pretty well." Addressing concerns over potential rate hikes, Levine believes the Federal Reserve is unlikely to pivot in that direction. However, she cautions that a prolonged higher-for-longer interest rate environment could create a "squeeze" on certain sectors of the economy. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • McDonald's sales growth setback from Middle East conflict

    Are McNuggets no longer selling like hotcakes? McDonald's (MCD) stock slipped Tuesday morning after a mixed earnings report — $6.17 billion in revenue against estimates of $6.15 billion, adjusted earnings per share of $2.70 below estimates of $2.72. Much of McDonald's first-quarter performance has to do with its same-store sale figures — falling below global growth figures from this time last year — heavily attributed to international pressures from geopolitical events and overall rising menu prices. Catalysts Anchor Madison Mills breaks down how boycotts tied to Middle Eastern conflicts have put a damper on McDonald's sales performance. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.