As the Q4 earnings season wraps, let's dig into this quarter's best and worst performers in the specialized consumer services industry, including ADT (NYSE:ADT) and its peers.

Some consumer discretionary companies don’t fall neatly into a category because their products or services are unique. Although their offerings may be niche, these companies have often found more efficient or technology-enabled ways of doing or selling something that has existed for a while. Technology can be a double-edged sword, though, as it may lower the barriers to entry for new competitors and allow them to do serve customers better.

The 10 specialized consumer services stocks we track reported a mixed Q4; on average, revenues were in line with analyst consensus estimates, while next quarter's revenue guidance was 4.6% below consensus. Stocks--especially those trading at higher multiples--had a strong end of 2023, but 2024 has seen periods of volatility. Mixed signals about inflation have led to uncertainty around rate cuts, and specialized consumer services stocks have had a rough stretch, with share prices down 12% on average since the previous earnings results.

ADT (NYSE:ADT)

Founded in 1874 and headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, ADT (NYSE:ADT) is a provider of security, automation, and smart home solutions, offering comprehensive services for home and business protection.

ADT reported revenues of $1.22 billion, down 7.2% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 11.4%. It was a mixed quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts' earnings estimates but a miss of analysts' revenue estimates.

“2023 was a pivotal year for ADT. Following the divestiture of our commercial business and decision to exit solar, our model is simplified and focused on our core consumer security and smart home business. Entering 2024, we are focused on driving significant cash flow, while continuing to invest in both growing and serving our customer base,” said ADT Chairman, President, and CEO, Jim DeVries.

ADT delivered the weakest performance against analyst estimates of the whole group. The stock is down 5.7% since the results and currently trades at $6.16.

Read our full report on ADT here, it's free.

Best Q4: Carriage Services (NYSE:CSV)

Established in 1991, Carriage Services (NYSE:CSV) is a provider of funeral and cemetery services in the United States.

Carriage Services reported revenues of $98.83 million, up 5.2% year on year, outperforming analyst expectations by 5.5%. It was a very strong quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts' revenue and earnings estimates.

Carriage Services delivered the highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. The stock is down 4.3% since the results and currently trades at $24.

Is now the time to buy Carriage Services? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free.

Weakest Q4: Mister Car Wash (NYSE:MCW)

Formerly known as Hotshine Holdings, Mister Car Wash (NYSE:MCW) offers car washes across the United States through its conveyorized service.

Mister Car Wash reported revenues of $230.1 million, up 7.4% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 0.1%. It was a weak quarter for the company, with underwhelming earnings guidance for the full year.

The stock is down 23% since the results and currently trades at $6.71.

Read our full analysis of Mister Car Wash's results here.

1-800-FLOWERS (NASDAQ:FLWS)

Founded in 1976, 1-800-FLOWERS (NASDAQ:FLWS) is an online retailer of flowers, gifts, and gourmet foods, serving customers globally.

1-800-FLOWERS reported revenues of $822.1 million, down 8.4% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 0.5%. It was a weak quarter for the company, with a miss of analysts' earnings and revenue estimates.

The stock is down 13.2% since the results and currently trades at $9.

Read our full, actionable report on 1-800-FLOWERS here, it's free.

WW (NASDAQ:WW)

Formerly known as Weight Watchers, WW (NASDAQ:WW) is a wellness company offering a range of products and services promoting weight loss and healthy habits.

WW reported revenues of $206 million, down 7.6% year on year, falling short of analyst expectations by 0.5%. It was a weak quarter for the company, with full-year revenue guidance missing analysts' expectations.

WW had the weakest full-year guidance update among its peers. The stock is down 55.6% since the results and currently trades at $1.69.

Read our full, actionable report on WW here, it's free.

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