U.S. Stock Futures Lower as Oil Surges Above $100
Stock futures are lower across the board this morning as investors adjust to a renewed U.S.-Iran escalation scenario. Markets are starting the week on the back foot after the weekend collapse in peace negotiations.Crude has surged back above $100 following the announcement of a potential U.S. naval blockade around Iranian shipping routes. Volatility is ticking higher and safe-haven flows are creeping back into the dollar. Energy stocks are bid on higher crude, while airlines and travel names are under pressure as fuel costs spike. At the same time, markets are showing a degree of resilience. Earnings season is kicking off with major banks leading this week, which introduces another layer. Up to this point, macro and geopolitics have been the main drivers.In pre-market trading, S&P 500 futures fell 0.50%, Nasdaq futures fell 0.44% and Dow futures fell 1.00%.Check out this morning's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.HIGHER -Allogene Therapeuticsup 61% after reporting data from the planned interim futility analysis of its randomized Phase 2 ALPHA3 trialRevolution Medicinesup 33% after announcing topline results from its controlled Phase 3 RASolute 302 clinical trialLeggett & Plattup 8% after Somnigroupand the company announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which Somnigroup will acquire Leggett & Platt in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $2.5BWilliams-Sonomaup 2% after Goldman Sachs upgraded the stock to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $218, up from $185Baker Hughesup 1% after announcing that it has entered into an agreement to sell its Waygate Technologies business to HexagonToll Brothersup 1% after Evercore ISI upgraded shares to Outperform from In Line with a price target of $176, up from $174DOWN AFTER EARNINGS -Goldman Sachsdown 4%Fastenaldown 2%LOWER -Best Buydown 4% after Goldman Sachs double downgraded the stock to Sell from Buy with a price target of $59, down from $76Somnigroupdown 1% after the company and Leggett & Platt announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement pursuant to which Somnigroup will acquire Leggett & Platt in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $2.5B
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- Earnings Miss: Leggett & Platt reported a Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.15, missing expectations by $0.09, indicating a significant decline in profitability that may undermine investor confidence.
- Revenue Decline: The company posted revenues of $918 million, an 8.2% year-over-year decrease, falling short of market expectations by $28.79 million, reflecting pressures from weak market demand and intensified competition.
- Guidance Withdrawal: Leggett & Platt has withdrawn its previously issued 2026 guidance due to the pending acquisition by Somnigroup International, which could increase uncertainty regarding future performance among investors.
- Market Reaction: The earnings miss and guidance withdrawal may trigger negative market reactions towards Leggett & Platt's stock, prompting investors to closely monitor the acquisition's progress and its strategic implications for the company.
- Earnings Decline: Leggett & Platt reported a net income of $20 million for Q1, translating to $0.14 per share, which is a significant drop from last year's $30.6 million and $0.22 per share, indicating mounting pressure on profitability.
- Adjusted Earnings: The company reported adjusted earnings of $0.15 per share, slightly above the GAAP figure, yet still reflects weakened profitability that could impact investor confidence moving forward.
- Revenue Drop: Revenue for the quarter fell to $918.2 million, a 10.2% decrease from $1.022 billion last year, highlighting the effects of soft market demand and intensified competition.
- Uncertain Market Outlook: The dual decline in revenue and earnings may pose challenges for the company's future market performance, prompting investors to closely monitor its strategic responses and signs of market recovery.
- Sales Performance Decline: Leggett & Platt reported first-quarter sales of $918 million, a 10% decrease year-over-year, reflecting weak demand in the U.S. mattress market, particularly in residential sectors, leading to overall performance falling short of expectations.
- EBIT and Profit Drop: The first-quarter EBIT was $45 million, down 29% from $63 million in the same period last year, with EBIT margin declining from 6.2% to 4.8%, indicating a dual impact from cost pressures and insufficient market demand.
- Merger Agreement Progress: Leggett has signed a merger agreement with Somnigroup, anticipated to close by the end of 2026, which will provide shareholders with an opportunity to participate in future growth, highlighting the company's commitment to long-term strategic goals.
- Increased Cost Pressures: The company faces heightened cost pressures due to rising transportation costs and chemical prices driven by the war in Iran, and while Leggett is implementing product and sourcing measures to mitigate these impacts, future profitability remains a concern.
- Earnings Announcement: Leggett & Platt (LEG) is set to release its Q1 earnings on May 7 before market open, with a consensus EPS estimate of $0.24, indicating stable profitability year-over-year.
- Revenue Decline Expected: The revenue estimate for Q1 stands at $946.79 million, reflecting a 5.3% year-over-year decline, suggesting potential pressure on market demand that the company must address.
- Historical Performance Review: Over the past two years, LEG has only beaten EPS and revenue estimates 25% of the time, indicating a lack of consistency in meeting earnings forecasts, which could impact investor confidence.
- Estimates Revision Dynamics: In the last three months, EPS estimates have seen one upward revision and two downward revisions, while revenue estimates have experienced two upward and two downward revisions, reflecting analyst divergence on the company's future performance, potentially affecting stock price volatility.
- Merger Investigation: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating the merger between McCormick & Company and Unilever's Foods business, where McCormick shareholders will own 35% of the combined company upon closing, potentially impacting shareholder rights and market competition.
- Shareholder Rights Protection: Leggett & Platt is selling to Somnigroup International Inc. for 0.1455 shares of Somnigroup common stock per share of Leggett & Platt, resulting in shareholders owning approximately 9% of the combined company, prompting Halper Sadeh LLC to remind shareholders of their legal rights.
- Acquisition Price Dispute: Organon & Co. is being sold to Sun Pharmaceutical Industries for $14.00 per share, with Halper Sadeh LLC potentially seeking to increase the acquisition price to ensure shareholders receive fair compensation.
- Internal Transaction Review: Kennedy-Wilson Holdings is being sold for $10.90 per share in cash to a consortium led by executives, with Halper Sadeh LLC possibly requesting additional information and disclosures to protect shareholder interests.
- Legal Investigation Launched: Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating companies including Leggett & Platt, Select Medical Holdings, KORE Group Holdings, and Forian Inc. for potential violations of federal securities laws and breaches of fiduciary duties, which may impact shareholder rights.
- Transaction Terms Scrutiny: Leggett & Platt shareholders are set to sell their shares for 0.1455 shares of Somnigroup common stock each, resulting in approximately 9% ownership of the combined company post-transaction, potentially limiting superior competing offers.
- Cash Acquisition Proposals: Select Medical shareholders will sell their shares for $16.50 each in cash, while KORE shareholders will receive $9.25 per share, with Halper Sadeh LLC possibly seeking increased consideration and other remedies to protect shareholder interests.
- Investor Rights Protection: Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors globally, focusing on combating securities fraud and corporate misconduct, having successfully implemented corporate reforms and recovered millions for defrauded investors, highlighting its critical role in safeguarding investor rights.










