Hello friends and Fortune readers.
This is another fascinating week of business news crammed into just four days because of President’s Day on Monday. So enjoy the three-day weekend (if you have one)! You may find yourself taking a vacation in one of the three hotel chains reporting earnings this week, including Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott. Then there’s the No. 1 company on the Fortune 500 list, Walmart (WMT), which will report earnings Thursday morning. And because we have another day off, you may be watching a little television through DISH (DISH) or DirecTV (DTV), both of which are reporting earnings Thursday morning as well.
Here’s what you need to know for your week ahead.
1. Hotels galore
If you’ve taken a vacation and stayed at a hotel, chances are you’ve been to a Hilton (HLT), Hyatt (H) or Marriott (MAR) in the past. Keep a look out for these three companies to report their earnings Wednesday. Hilton and Hyatt report in the morning while Marriott will do so in the afternoon. Look out for any sign of whether lower gasoline prices and a ever-stronger economy are making an impact on their business.
2. Walmart
As the top Fortune 500 company, Walmart is a business powerhouse. In November, the company reported that it fell short on revenue but that same-store sales were up. This will be a big report that includes the all-important holiday season and set the tone for retail landscape over the next three months.
3. DISH and DirecTV
There’s been somewhat of a catfight among the two satellite television providers recently. And both are announcing their earnings on Thursday. Last week, DISH launched a campaign in which it promised $250 in annual savings to people who switched from DirecTV to its service and another $250 if they failed to actually save at least that amount of money. “Why pay more?” the company asks, cheekily. For more, check out our recent post on the soap opera-like drama.
4. Toy Fair takes center stage
The Toy Fair in New York City will be going strong through Tuesday. Already, companies like Google (GOOG) and Mattel (MAT) have announced a partnership for a cool, new gadget. It may be aimed at kids, but adults are likely to find the retro View-Master something they can’t keep their hands off of either. Fortune tried out the toy, which will go on sale later this year. There is sure to be a lot more toys to toy around with on the show’s floor.
5. Other earnings to watch for
Along with Walmart and the hotels reporting this week, there are some assorted other important companies announcing their latest financials. Check out AMC (AMC) Tuesday afternoon (maybe there will be some discussion of its new series, Better Call Saul), and then SolarCity (SCTY) and Denny’s Wednesday afternoon. Intuit (INTU) and Nordstrom (JWM) are on Thursday after the close of trading.
