Rolling in Corollas… Toyota reports earnings this week along with Nissan and Honda. Toyota has been the world’s top-selling carmaker for three years straight, but auto sales in general have been losing traction. Last year was the worst for new-car sales in 10+ years as production issues hit supply (picture: record-low inventories). Meanwhile, higher interest rates are making car payments pricier, which could ding demand. But while Ford reported weak #s last week, Chevy maker GM infused hope with expectation-smashing earnings and gave strong guidance for the year.
KenTacoHut earnings… Yum Brands, the owner of fast-food faves like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, is expected to deliver earnings this week — along with fast-casual icon Chipotle. Last week, McDonald's dropped tasty sales growth as its inflation-friendly prices and cult fave menu items kept McCustomers coming. But while McD’s prices dropped last year, Chipotle and Yum kept hiking. Analysts expect same-store sales growth, but price hikes might be dimming appetites. Meanwhile, rising avo prices are threatening Chipotle’s “burrito season” profits.