The major U.S. markets are moderately lower this afternoon. As of 12:50 p.m. EDT the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) is down 42 points, or 0.27%, while the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:.INX) has lost 0.45% and the NASDAQ Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) is 0.33% lower. Earlier today it was reported that homebuilder confidence is now at its highest level in seven and a half years and that industrial production rose in June. But investors are now seeing signs that the economy may not be as strong as it seems and may face serious challenges in the future. A few earnings reports (more on those below) and inflation concerns are sending stocks lower today. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its Consumer Price Index today, reporting that prices rose 0.5% in June. While the bulk of the increase owed to higher energy prices, which rose 3.4%, the CPI is up 1.6% over the past year, and when you take out food and energy, the core CPI rose 0.2% in June.
On to earnings
As earnings season marches on, two Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) components released results this morning. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) reported earnings of $0.63 per share when excluding one-time items, which is in line with expectations, but it missed Wall Street’s estimated revenue of $12.95 billion, posting sales of $12.75 billion. The company cited “bad weather” as a reason for its weakness. Its overall volume rose, even as its key product, sodas, realized a 4% volume decline. Shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) are down 1.4% at the time of writing.
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) also delivered quarterly results, beating estimates on both the top and bottom lines — yet shares are nonetheless flat this afternoon. Johnson posted ex-item earnings of $1.48 per share on revenue of $17.88, topping expectations of $1.39 in EPS and $17.72 billion in revenue. But despite beating the Street, the management team did note a number of times during the conference call that the company is experiencing pricing pressure from the government and insurance payers. Additionally, the company cited changes in the “dynamic global macroeconomic environment” as a reason to be concerned about revenue growth.
Although The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) has not yet announced second-quarter earnings — they’re scheduled to be released on Aug. 6 — shares are down 1.3% today. The drop may be a continuation of yesterday’s decline; the stock lost 1.6% on to lead the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI)’s laggards yesterday after The Lone Ranger‘s second weekend at the box office turned out to be a massive disappointment. The movie, which is estimated to have cost the studio about $250 million, has only brought in just more than $70 million after two weeks in theaters.
The article Weak Earnings and Possible Problems in the Future Pull Stocks Lower originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Matt Thalman.
Fool contributor Matt Thalman owns shares of Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) and Johnson & Johnson. Check back Monday through Friday as Matt explains what caused the Dow’s winners and losers of the day, and every Saturday for a weekly recap. Follow Matt on Twitter @mthalman5513. The Motley Fool recommends Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of Johnson & Johnson and Walt Disney.
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