PREVIEW: Block climbs ahead of report

** Block Inc XYZ shares gaining 0.7% on Thurs ahead of qtrly results after the bell, as investors watch for signs of health in consumer spending following last qtr's profit drop and guidance cut

** Analysts expect the online payments firm to report qtrly rev up 3% to $6.31 bln; adj EPS seen at $0.69 vs $0.93 yr-ago, per LSEG

** XYZ on May 1 cut its 2025 profit forecast and missed estimates for qtrly earnings as it grappled with muted consumer spending amid worries about tariffs

** XYZ stock down about 10% YTD vs S&P 500 SPX up 7%

** Stock recently at 23x expected earnings, well below 5-yr avg forward PE of 65