Microsoft představil AI čip Maia 300, který má ve srovnání s GPU zpracovat o 40 % více tokenů na megawatt a snížit náklady na AI; výroba začne v roce 2027.
On Monday, Microsoft (MSFT -1.80%) unveiled its latest AI chip architecture, the Maia 300.
And the company went out of its way to point out the ways in which the Maia 300 was superior to graphics processing units (GPUs). "This is our biggest bet yet on our own silicon," said CEO Satya Nadella.
This was seen as a shot across the bow to the world's premier GPU maker, Nvidia (NVDA -3.16%).
So is the Maia 300 the "Nvidia killer" that everyone has been anticipating for years? It might be, but not in the way you might think. Here's what's really going on.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Cutting the cost of AI The Maia 300 is an upgraded version of the Maia 200, which was released in January.
The Maia 200 is currently in production and has already been deployed at Microsoft facilities in Iowa and Arizona, where it's used instead of GPUs and other components from Nvidia, Intel (INTC -4.56%), and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD -5.73%).
Microsoft claims the new, upgraded Maia 300 chip is even more economical and can process 40% more tokens per megawatt when compared to GPUs. A higher token-per-megawatt ratio results in lower AI costs because the biggest expense for an AI data center is electricity.
But even if it's cheaper to operate, it's certainly not going to match the power of Nvidia's top-of-the-line systems. Won't that be an issue?
It's not always about being first Perhaps more than any other company, Microsoft has done very well by coming in second. Its Azure cloud platform is the second-largest, compared to Amazon's Amazon Web Services. Its Surface tablets have never outsold Apple's iPad. Its Xbox has always played second fiddle to the Sony PlayStation.
So it shouldn't surprise anyone that Microsoft isn't trying to beat Nvidia at its own game, but to compete on a more favorable playing field: cost. "Moving data efficiently, rather than raw compute power, is increasingly the bottleneck in large inference systems," Microsoft said in its blog post announcing the Maia 300 system. The company hopes to leverage this to its advantage.
Image source: Getty Images.
Austin Lyons, an analyst for Chipstrat, thinks there's an opportunity here in optimizing different AI processors for different tasks. "The advantage of custom silicon is that Microsoft can optimize for the latency its own workloads actually require," he wrote. "A meeting summary and a coding agent don't need the same response time. Maia targets more throughput at each of those latency points, translates to more useful tokens served per megawatt and lower cost passed for customers."
Pat Moorhead of Moor Insights & Strategy agrees, writing:
Microsoft is now moving toward deploying Maia at meaningful production scale. At that scale, custom silicon isn't just about performance. It can become an important margin driver by improving the economics of delivering Microsoft's own AI services.
The AI race is changing Lyons and Moorhead are echoing commentary from across the industry that suggests the AI race is evolving away from a zero-sum contest to create the fastest, most powerful processors. Hyperscalers and other major players are starting to think about the economics of AI and what customers will be willing to pay in an era where the tech giants start to monetize the new technology.
By running lower-difficulty, in-house AI queries on processors that operate more cheaply, Microsoft is taking another step in proactive cost management, which is one of the key reasons investors rewarded the stock earlier this year.
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So while the Maia 300 isn't an Nvidia killer on its own, it's evidence that the most powerful AI processors -- currently Nvidia's GPUs -- may not be everyone's universal first choice in the future for every application. Routing an AI query to the cheapest infrastructure possible for the difficulty of the problem presented may become the norm.
In other words, even if Nvidia continues to produce the best tech in the world for decades to come, its sales volume might suffer regardless.
Nvidia will still be in the mix The Maia 300 doesn't even begin production until sometime in 2027. And even then, Nvidia AI infrastructure is almost certain to remain a critical part of Microsoft's AI mix.
Just last week, Microsoft started taking preorders for a new Surface Laptop Ultra with a starting price of $2,599. That hefty price tag is thanks to its powerful processor that can run AI models without requiring cloud access.
The maker of that incredibly powerful chip? You guessed it: Nvidia.
Společnost ExxonMobil získala průzkumná práva k hlubokomořskému bloku TTUD-1 u Trinidadu a Tobaga; první průzkumný vrt může následovat na konci roku 2027 nebo začátkem roku 2028.
ExxonMobil (XOM +1.68%) is looking for its next major offshore oil discovery, and Trinidad and Tobago could be where it finds one. The company has secured exploration rights to a massive deepwater block near Guyana, where Exxon and its partners have already discovered roughly 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil resources.
Exxon's head of global exploration, John Ardill, recently told the Financial Times that the company sees Trinidad as a geological extension of its successful Guyana operations. But there's a difference between identifying promising geology and discovering billions of barrels of oil. So the question is: Should you buy Exxon now or wait until the company drills its first exploration well?
Why Trinidad could become another Guyana
Exxon's Trinidad exploration block, known as TTUD-1, covers approximately 7,165 square kilometers, an area larger than Trinidad and Tobago's entire landmass. The block lies in waters roughly 2,000 to 3,000 meters deep, making exploration technically challenging and expensive. But Exxon has a lot of experience operating in similar conditions.
Image source: Getty Images.
In 2015, the company made its landmark Liza discovery offshore Guyana. Since then, Exxon and its partners have made more than 30 discoveries, transforming Guyana into one of the world's fastest-growing oil-producing countries. By late 2025, production had reached approximately 900,000 barrels per day.
Exxon and its partners have committed more than $60 billion to developing Guyana's offshore resources, with plans that could eventually lift production capacity to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030. Now the company wants to apply that same development strategy to Trinidad.
Exxon actually negotiated its Trinidad production-sharing agreement in just seven months, which is significantly faster than the usual process. It now expects to select its first drilling location by mid-2027, with an initial exploration well potentially following in late 2027 or early 2028.
If the well produces encouraging results, the company could move toward additional exploration and eventual development. Of course, there's no guarantee Trinidad contains anything close to Guyana's enormous resources. But that wouldn't be the end of the world.
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Exxon doesn't need Trinidad to succeed
If you're considering buying shares of Exxon today, you're not buying a company dependent on one speculative exploration project. In the second quarter of 2026, Exxon reported $14.5 billion in earnings, or $3.48 per share. Operating cash flow reached $23.6 billion, while free cash flow totaled $17.2 billion. The company also returned $9.4 billion to shareholders during the quarter, including $4.3 billion in dividends and $5.1 billion in share repurchases.
Meanwhile, its existing operations continue expanding. In fact, Exxon is increasing production in the Permian Basin where output reached a record 1.8 million oil-equivalent barrels per day in Q2 2026, and its fifth offshore production vessel in Guyana is expected to begin operations in Q4, adding another 250,000 barrels per day of production capacity.
So Trinidad really just represents another potential source of long-term growth, not the foundation of Exxon's current profitability. And that gives you some flexibility. In other words, a disappointing Trinidad exploration result wouldn't erase Exxon's established production, refining operations, or cash-generating assets.
I'd lean toward buying Exxon before the first Trinidad well, particularly if you're planning to hold the stock for several years. Waiting for a successful discovery could provide greater confidence in Trinidad's resource potential. But it could also mean buying after some of that optimism has already been priced in.
That said, I wouldn't buy the stock solely because management hopes to repeat Guyana's success. Exploration wells can disappoint, and commercial production would likely remain years away even after a discovery. But if you want exposure to a financially established energy company with additional growth potential, I see little reason to make a Trinidad drilling result the deciding factor. Exxon's existing business supports the investment case. A major Trinidad discovery would just be an added benefit.
Oracle (ORCL -8.83%), an enterprise cloud software and database platform provider, closed at $130.55, down 8.83%. Oracle fell on Wednesday after hotter-than-expected September Consumer Price Index (CPI) data lifted Treasury yields and revived rate-hike bets. Investors are also watching AI cloud expansion costs and the next earnings update on December 14, 2026.
Trading volume reached 50.4 million shares, coming in about 61% above its three-month average of 31.3 million shares.
How the markets moved todayS&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) closed at 7,721, down 1.08%, while the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) finished at 26,693, down 1.88%. Among enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and database management peers, Salesforce (CRM -0.87%) closed at $236.00, down 0.84%, while SAP (SAP +0.34%) closed at $220.40, up 0.30%.
What this means for investorsOracle shares were already under pressure from financing and execution worries around AI cloud expansion, including its Project Jupiter data center, which is pending government approvals, and power logistics costs. The company's spending on AI infrastructure has resulted in its debt heading toward $167 billion, and a revenue timing gap before OpenAI-related contract revenue starts in 2027. As a result, Oracle's credit rating was downgraded to BBB-, one notch above speculative grade.
The CPI data pointing to elevated inflation suggests more federal rate increases could come, making Oracle's growing debt load and shrinking free cash flow a risk for investors. One outcome of the situation could be that Oracle has to cut its dividend.
That said, in September, Oracle reported outstanding revenue growth of 30% year over year to $19.3 billion for its 2027 fiscal first quarter, ended Aug.31. The increase was driven by triple-digit cloud infrastructure gains, so investors are now weighing that momentum against heavier spending. Oracle's next earnings announcement on December 14 will be the clearest test of whether cloud demand can offset margin pressure and borrowing needs.
Robert Izquierdo has positions in Oracle and Salesforce. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Oracle and Salesforce. The Motley Fool recommends SAP. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Costco vyplatí čtvrtletní hotovostní dividendu ve výši 1,47 USD na akcii. Nárok na dividendu mají akcionáři evidovaní k 30. říjnu 2026. Výplata proběhne 13. listopadu 2026.
ISSAQUAH, Wash., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Costco Wholesale Corporation (“Costco” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: COST) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend on Costco common stock of $1.47 per share. The quarterly dividend is payable November 13, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 30, 2026.
Costco currently operates 939 warehouses, including 647 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 115 in Canada, 43 in Mexico, 37 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 20 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, three in France, two in Sweden, and one each in Iceland, and New Zealand. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and China.
Certain statements contained in this document constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For these purposes, forward-looking statements are statements that address activities, events, conditions or developments that the Company expects or anticipates may occur in the future. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified because they contain words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events, results or performance to differ materially from those indicated by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, domestic and international economic conditions, including exchange rates, inflation or deflation, the effects of competition and regulation, uncertainties in the financial markets, consumer and small business spending patterns and debt levels, breaches of security or privacy of member or business information, conditions affecting the acquisition, development, ownership or use of real estate, capital spending, actions of vendors, rising costs associated with employees (generally including health-care costs and wages), workforce interruptions, energy and certain commodities, geopolitical conditions (including tariffs and global conflicts), the ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting, regulatory and other impacts related to environmental and social matters, public-health related factors, and other risks identified from time to time in the Company’s public statements and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law. Comparable sales and comparable sales excluding impacts from changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange are intended as supplemental information and are not a substitute for net sales presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Wedbush zvýšil cílovou cenu akcií Unity Software (NYSE: U) z 50 USD na 55 USD díky rostoucímu využívání reklamní platformy Vector a potvrdil doporučení „outperform“.
Wedbush has raised its price target for Unity Software Inc (NYSE:U), the video game development software and advertising technology company, to $55 from $50, citing growing adoption of its Vector advertising platform.
The broker reiterated its 'outperform' rating after industry checks suggested Vector had progressed from an experimental channel to a fully budgeted option for user acquisition teams, which help game developers attract players.
An advertising technology adviser interviewed by Wedbush on October 12 ranked Unity second among gaming demand-side platforms (DSPs), which help advertisers buy digital advertising, behind AppLovin and ahead of Liftoff.
Wedbush left its financial estimates unchanged because Vector's growing adoption has yet to translate into measurable improvements in advertisers' reported results.
The broker raised its valuation multiple to 20 times estimated adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the 2028 financial year, from 19 times, reflecting expected earnings growth of about 29% and expanding margins.
Its 2028 EBITDA forecast is about 6% above the market consensus, while applying the same valuation multiple to consensus estimates would support a price target of approximately $52.
Wedbush expects Unity to report third-quarter results before the US market opens on November 5, forecasting revenue of $567 million and adjusted EBITDA of $187 million.
The revenue forecast matches market consensus, while the EBITDA estimate is slightly below the consensus figure of $188 million.
The broker expects strategic growth revenue, generated by Unity's advertising business, to reach $385 million, the upper end of guidance, while strategic Create revenue from its development tools is forecast at $162 million.
Wedbush expects non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.37, compared with the market forecast of $0.36.
The fourth-quarter outlook will be a key focus, particularly whether Grow can sustain sequential growth close to the pace expected in the third quarter, with Wedbush forecasting revenue of $610 million against a consensus of $601 million.
An industry expert told the broker in July that Vector accounted for about 20% of his firm's budget, up from 5% a year earlier, while an October adviser said campaign assessment times had shortened to seven to 10 days from 10 to 30 days.
Wedbush expects Vector's contribution to become more visible in fourth-quarter results and throughout 2027, while identifying access to AppLovin's MAX advertising mediation platform as a risk to monitor.
A court denied AppLovin's request for a temporary restraining order against Unity's Ad Quality kit on October 1, sending the dispute into arbitration, with a hearing on sealing issues scheduled for October 23.
Clarify the Vector investment case. Tighten the earnings forecast section
Lockheed Martin investuje 300 milionů USD do rozšíření závodu v Grand Prairie v Texasu a plánuje vytvořit 6 000 pracovních míst v USA, z toho 2 000 v Texasu.
New Hadrian partnership bringing world-class, commercial-style manufacturing technology to accelerate production of critical munitions
, /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today announced plans to create 6,000 jobs across the United States including 2,000 in Texas, as the company expands advanced manufacturing capacity to accelerate production of critical munitions.
Lockheed Martin celebrated a ribbon cutting for a nearly 200,000-square-foot expansion of a new advanced manufacturing facility that will expand the company‘s manufacturing footprint in Grand Prairie, Texas, to more than 735,000 square feet.
Hadrian will bring innovative, highly automated machining cells to the Grand Prairie facility, operated by the world-class Lockheed Martin production workforce.
At the center of that growth is Lockheed Martin's Grand Prairie operation, where the company is investing $300 million and expanding its manufacturing footprint to more than 735,000 square feet. The expansion includes 100,000 square feet of new space and 85,000 square feet of office space being transformed for advanced manufacturing, creating additional capacity for automation, digital manufacturing and high-precision machining.
The company also announced today that Hadrian will bring an innovative, highly automated machining cell to the Grand Prairie facility, operated by the world-class Lockheed Martin production workforce. Expected to be operational in early 2027, the 24-machine cell will bring commercial-style manufacturing technology directly into Lockheed Martin's production environment and add dedicated capacity for critical defense components.
THE BIG PICTURE
Lockheed Martin is building a manufacturing model designed for speed, scale and sustained production, bringing together the best of defense and commercial manufacturing to build a more resilient, automated and digitally integrated production model designed to deliver critical capabilities faster. The new Hadrian cell is the latest example of that strategy. It follows Lockheed Martin's recently announced collaboration with GM Defense to apply commercial automotive manufacturing expertise to defense production.
EXPERT PERSPECTIVE
"This expansion is more than just a new facility; it is a stronger supply chain and a more resilient industrial base," said Michael P. Duffey, Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment. "Today in Grand Prairie, American industry is answering the call to support our warfighters."
"Lockheed Martin has brought together commercial speed and combat-proven performance because America needs both," said Jim Taiclet, chairman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin. "By combining advanced technology with the expertise of our American workforce, we're transforming manufacturing to deliver critical munitions at speed and scale."
"The warfighter can't wait on peacetime timelines. Hadrian is bringing the automation, software and workforce training from our own factories directly inside Lockheed Martin, so we can produce more, faster. Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom at the scale America needs will take partnerships that combine expertise and speed, and this is what that looks like," said Chris Power, CEO of Hadrian.
WHY IT MATTERS
Delivering critical munitions: Lockheed Martin's Grand Prairie facility supports all Missiles and Fire Control programs, including PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, PrSM and JATM. The expansion and partnership announced today will help Grand Prairie reach record production levels and deliver components to final-assembly sites including Camden, Arkansas, and Troy, Alabama.
Investing ahead of demand: The $300 million investment in this expansion is part of the company's broader commitment to invest $8–9 billion through 2030 to scale munitions production and modernize or expand more than 20 facilities across the United States.
Building a manufacturing model that can scale: Lockheed Martin is combining a highly skilled workforce with automation, digital manufacturing, precision machining and commercial manufacturing practices to increase capacity and strengthen the defense industrial base.
Creating greater predictability: Working with Department of War leadership, Lockheed Martin is applying commercially inspired contracting approaches through landmark agreements for PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, PrSM and JATM. These agreements provide greater predictability to invest in people, equipment and supply chains while accelerating production and delivery.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT
The Grand Prairie facility is already home to hundreds of critical machining and advanced manufacturing assets, and Lockheed Martin is rapidly adding even more capacity. In just a few months, the company has transformed former office space into advanced manufacturing areas and installed more than 30 additional high-precision machines now producing thousands of critical components each week.
By the end of 2026, Lockheed Martin expects to have added nearly 100 new advanced machines across the facility.
Nearly 800 production employees currently work at the facility which manufactured 250,000 parts in 2025.
Today's announcement with Hadrian follows the signing of a seven-year agreement signed by both companies in 2025.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.
About Hadrian
Hadrian is rebuilding America's industrial base with highly automated factories that combine process engineering, AI, and robotics. Its mission is to help space and defense manufacturers produce full programs at scale in the U.S. while giving American workers the tools to compete globally.
The company operates four facilities covering just under 3 million square feet: two in Torrance, California, and newly launched sites in Arizona and Alabama, with additional sites in development across the country. More information at https://www.hadrian.co/.
Key Takeaways A. O. Smith hiked its quarterly dividend 6% to 38 cents per share, marking over 30 years of consecutive hikes.AOS generated $233.3 million in free cash flow in the first half of 2026, supporting dividends and buybacks.A. O. Smith repurchased shares for $162.4 million in the first half and targets $300 million for 2026.
In a shareholder-friendly move, A. O. Smith Corporation (AOS - Free Report) recently announced a hike in its dividend payout. The company increased its quarterly dividend by 6% to 38 cents per share (annually: $1.52). The company will pay the new dividend on Nov. 16, 2026, to shareholders of record as of Oct. 30.
The move underscores A. O. Smith’s sound financial health as it utilizes free cash flow to enhance its shareholders’ returns. The five-year compound annual growth rate of its dividend is 6.2%. The company has increased its dividend consecutively for more than 30 years. Before this, it had hiked its dividend by 6% to 36 cents per share in October 2025.
Sound Capital-Allocation StrategiesStrong cash flows allow A. O. Smith to deploy capital effectively to reward shareholders through dividend payments and share buybacks. In the first six months of 2026, the company generated operating cash flow of $253.8 million, while its free cash flow totaled $233.3 million.
In the same period, the company paid dividends of $99.8 million, up 2.4% year over year. In the same period, it repurchased 2.6 million shares for approximately $162.4 million. While exiting the second quarter of 2026, A. O. Smith had 3.2 million shares remaining under its existing repurchase authorization. It is worth noting that, in January 2026, the company’s board boosted the buyback program by another 5 million shares. For 2026, AOS expects to repurchase shares worth approximately $300 million.
Zacks Rank & Price PerformanceA. O. Smith currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The company is benefiting from higher demand for water treatment and residential boilers within the North America segment. However, it is witnessing softness in the Rest of the World segment due to lower volumes of residential water treatment and water heater products in China.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In the past month, the company’s shares gained 1.2% compared with the industry’s 8.5% growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AOS’ 2026 earnings has been stable over the past 60 days at $3.74 per share.
3 Promising StocksSome better-ranked stocks from the same space are discussed below.
Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT - Free Report) currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
AIT delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 4.3%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Applied Industrial’s fiscal 2027 (ending June 2027) earnings has increased 0.5%.
Emerson Electric Co. (EMR - Free Report) currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. EMR delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 1.3%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Emerson’s fiscal 2026 (ending September 2026) earnings has increased 0.2%.
Eaton Corporation plc (ETN - Free Report) currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. Eaton delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 1.3%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ETN’s 2026 earnings has increased 0.6%.
Plug Power (PLUG -7.05%), a clean hydrogen and fuel-cell solutions provider, closed at $1.45, down 7.05%. Price target cuts from Susquehanna and Morgan Stanley pressured shares, and investors are watching hydrogen adoption and guidance.
Trading volume reached 81.5 million shares, coming in about 52% above its three-month average of 53.7 million shares. Plug Power IPO'd in 1999 and has fallen 99% since going public.
How the markets moved todayThe S&P 500 (^GSPC -1.11%) fell 1.11% to 7,719, and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC -1.88%) fell 1.88% to 26,693. Concern also spread to peers in clean hydrogen, fuel cells, and zero-emission power solutions. Bloom Energy closed at $239.38, down 9.14%, and FuelCell Energy closed at $14.16, down 8.65%.
What this means for investorsSusquehanna cut its Plug Power price target from $2.50 to $1.75 per share, while Morgan Stanley lowered its target from $1.65 to $1.20.
The revisions come amid growth concerns for the alternative energy sector ahead of Q3 reports. Investors will need to watch what Plug says about challenges related to margins and cash flow. Plug Power said gross margin improved to approximately breakeven in Q2, so that trend needs to continue.
Concerns also persist for renewable and power equipment suppliers in a higher-rate environment. Plug Power has debt obligations that include convertible debt instruments, long-term debt, and various lease obligations.
The company faces ongoing net cash usage, but created some breathing room late last year by refinancing convertible notes and retiring short-term debt with a capital raise, issuing 2033 convertible notes. Investors need to focus on whether Plug's trend toward positive gross margin and revenue growth continues when it reports Q3 results on Nov. 9.
Howard Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bloom Energy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Dell shares plummeted 11% on Wednesday and dragged down other data center equipment names on mounting concerns that enterprise spending on artificial intelligence won't justify the AI buildout.
Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Oracle and Super Micro all joined in the downward slide.
In a report to clients on Wednesday, analysts at Barclays downgraded its rating on Dell, HPE and NetApp, "after a significant run and on enterprise AI timing."
Makers of data center servers and other backend equipment have been favored on Wall Street this year on optimism that they'll be selling huge volumes of gear tied to demand for AI chips and systems for years into the future. Dell has been one of the top performers on the market, up more than 300% this year, while HPE has jumped about 160% and NetApp has doubled.
However, sentiment toward the AI infrastructure space has shifted of late due in part to concerning revenue figures out of OpenAI and more broadly out of fear that rising interest rates will create a challenging environment as so much of the buildout is reliant on debt. Oracle, a heavy borrower, dropped 9% on Wednesday and is now down 33% for the year while neocloud CoreWeave plunged 15%, wiping out its gains for 2026.
The Barclays analysts said they haven't seen a "meaningful AI inflection" when it comes to enterprise spending for Dell, HPE and NetApp, lowering the rating on each to the equivalent of a hold from buy. They instead attribute increased revenue to the global memory shortage and noted that infrastructure companies have passed the higher price of memory along to customers.
"There is growing sentiment about enterprise AI adoption creating a hardware refresh," the Barclays analysts wrote, adding that businesses are typically allocating just 5% of their IT budgets to AI. "We believe the strong enterprise revenues are more of a function of memory costs than a move to enterprise AI at this time."
The Barclays analysts also found that only about a quarter of total enterprise AI spend is going towards hardware. They said normalizing and eventually declining memory prices could weigh on infrastructure-related revenue.
Memory is a notoriously cyclical business, and stocks were hit this week after China's ChangXin Memory Technologies, or CXMT, reported progress over the weekend on a new chip structure. Micron is down 11% for the week, while South Korea's SK Hynix has tumbled 13% in U.S. trading and Western Digital has dropped more than 8%.
Jefferies snížila odhad zisku společnosti Yum! Brands pro rok 2026 na 6,09 USD na akcii; odprodej Pizza Hut by měl v roce 2027 snížit EPS zhruba o 10 %.
Jefferies has cut its earnings forecasts for Yum! Brands Inc (NYSE:YUM), the owner of Taco Bell and KFC, as weaker Taco Bell sales and the disposal of Pizza Hut weigh on its outlook.
The broker reiterated its 'hold' rating and $147 price target, highlighting uncertainty over Taco Bell’s recovery and whether the remaining businesses can deliver faster long-term growth.
Jefferies lowered its forecast for Taco Bell’s same-store sales, which measure performance at established restaurants, to a 2% decline in the third quarter from its previous expectation of flat growth.
The revised estimate remains ahead of the 2.7% contraction expected by analysts, although foot traffic and observed sales data suggest the recovery has been slower than anticipated.
Jefferies also cut its fourth-quarter Taco Bell sales growth forecast by one percentage point to 3%, taking its full-year 2026 estimate down from 4.8% to 4%.
The broker expects Taco Bell to recover fully and outperform quick-service restaurant peers consistently from 2027, supported by its brand, value offerings, marketing, menu innovation and digital rewards programmes.
The sale of Pizza Hut is expected to create an additional earnings headwind, with Jefferies estimating that the removal of about 20,000 restaurants and approximately $300 million in operating profit will dilute 2027 earnings per share by around 10%.
The forecast includes an assumed increase in share repurchases funded partly by proceeds from the disposal, with Jefferies doubling its expected quarterly buybacks to $400 million for the fourth quarter and 2027.
Jefferies cut its 2026 earnings-per-share forecast to $6.09 from $6.46 and its 2027 estimate to $6.41 from $7.24, leaving both below consensus estimates that already account for the Pizza Hut sale.
The broker maintained its KFC same-store sales forecast at 1.8% for both the third and fourth quarters, slightly below market expectations of 2% and 2.1%, respectively.
Yum Brands’ longer-term growth prospects remain a key question for investors, as the removal of Pizza Hut could allow the group to accelerate growth through its remaining restaurant businesses.
Jefferies said Taco Bell’s underlying strengths and global restaurant expansion had helped support the shares, but it remained cautious about the uncertain United States quick-service restaurant market and potential emerging-market challenges.
Quarterly revenue increased 30%, while free cash flow declined 35%.
Summary
NetApp’s storage growth must also produce stronger cash returns.
NetApp, the enterprise storage and data-management supplier NTAP, faces fresh scrutiny after a Barclays downgrade, with shares at $224.59, down approximately 6.0%, at 12:11:54 p.m. ET on October 14. According to Stocktwits, analyst Tim Long cut his rating to Equal Weight from Overweight and kept his $219 price target. That target sits below the trading price. The valuation graphic adds another pressure point: shares stand 65.27% above the $135.89 GF Value estimate, suggesting substantial growth expectations are already priced in.
The cash numbers deserve attention. NetApp reported fiscal first-quarter revenue of $2.025 billion, up 30% from a year earlier, while free cash flow fell 35% to $401 million. That leaves free cash flow at roughly 19.8% of revenue. All-flash array sales jumped 47% to $1.3 billion, and GAAP operating margin reached 23.9%. Storage demand looks strong. But faster sales have yet to translate into stronger cash generation.
One weak cash-flow quarter does not prove the business is losing steam. Payment timing, working capital and capital spending can all change the picture. Still, a stock carrying this valuation premium has a higher bar to clear. The next test is straightforward: keep storage sales growing and turn more of that revenue into cash. An AI growth story becomes more convincing when it also produces the money to fund expansion and shareholder returns.
Disclosures
I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.
Nasdaq zahájil proces vyřazení společnosti RedCloud (RCT) z obchodování kvůli nesplnění požadavku na minimální nabídkovou cenu 1 USD. Odvolání zatím umožňuje pokračování obchodování; firma plánuje reverzní rozdělení akcií.
As a result of the appeal, there is no immediate impact on the listing of RedCloud ordinary shares, which continue to trade in the normal manner on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “RCT” | Source: RedCloud Holdings plc
LONDON, Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RedCloud Holdings plc (Nasdaq: RCT) (“RedCloud” or the “Company”), which is building the AI prediction infrastructure for global FMCG trade, today announced that on October 13, 2026, it received a Staff Delisting Determination (the “Staff Determination”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), notifying the Company that Nasdaq has initiated the process of delisting the Company’s ordinary shares from the Nasdaq Capital Market as a result of the Company’s non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Rule”), which requires primary securities listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market to maintain a minimum bid price of at least $1.00 per share. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) provides that a failure to meet the minimum bid price requirement exists if a deficiency under the Minimum Bid Price Rule continues for a period of consecutive 30 business days. The Company is not eligible for a second 180-day compliance period because it lacks the stockholders’ equity required to meet the initial listing standards.
The Company has appealed the Staff Determination by filing a request for an oral hearing before the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Hearings Panel”). This request has stayed the suspension of trading or delisting of the Company’s securities pending the hearing and the Hearing Panel’s decision. In the meantime, the Company’s securities will continue to trade in the normal manner on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “RCT”.
The Company will submit to the Hearings Panel a written plan of compliance, including a commitment to effect a reverse stock split. As previously announced on October 6, 2026, the Company’s Board of Directors has convened a General Meeting scheduled for October 30, 2026 (the “General Meeting”). At the General Meeting, the Company will seek shareholder approval to effect a share consolidation. If approved by shareholders, the share consolidation is expected to be effective on or about November 13, 2026. Depending on the timing of the hearing before the Hearings Panel, the share consolidation may already be effective.
About RedCloud
RedCloud Holdings plc (Nasdaq: RCT) builds AI infrastructure for the prediction of FMCG trade. More than $8.4 billion of FMCG transactions have passed through its infrastructure between early 2023 and June 2026, across more than 100,000 customers and 6,700 brands. RedCloud uses this proprietary transaction data to develop RAID (Real-time AI for Distribution), its prediction model for distribution, and deploys its infrastructure and associated products (“RedAI”) either directly or through joint ventures with partners who fund and operate local markets.
RedCloud is a British company registered in London. Justin Floyd is its Founder and Chief Executive Officer. For more information, please visit www.redcloudtechnology.com and connect on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
The information in this press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the expected general meeting of shareholders. Words such as “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “forecast,” “target,” “predict,” “may,” “should,” “would,” “could,” and “will,” the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict, including, but not limited to, the granting of the Company’s request a hearing before the Hearings Panel and, the outcome of the General Meeting. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described in “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” “Item 3. Key Information – D. Risk Factors” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” in RedCloud’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the Company’s periodic reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. RedCloud undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ARRAY Technologies, Inc. (the “Company” or “ARRAY”) (NASDAQ: ARRY), a leading global provider of integrated energy infrastructure products, software, and service solutions, today announced that the Company will release its third quarter 2026 results after the market closes on Thursday, November 5, 2026, to be followed by a conference call at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) that same day.
The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (800)-717-1738 (domestic) or (646)-307-1865 (international), or via webcast of the live conference call by logging onto the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at http://ir.arraytechinc.com. A telephonic replay will be available approximately three hours after the call by dialing (877)-660-6853 (domestic), or (201)-612-7415 (international), with the passcode 13763040. The replay will be available until 11:59 p.m. (ET) on November 19, 2026. The online replay will be available for 14 days on the same website, immediately following the call.
About ARRAY Technologies
ARRAY Technologies (NASDAQ: ARRY) is a leading global provider of integrated energy infrastructure for utility-scale and distributed generation providers. Engineered for interoperability, ARRAY’s innovative hardware, software, and services span solar trackers, fixed-tilt systems, foundations, wire management, and other balance-of-system solutions. ARRAY’s products work together to maximize energy production, withstand harsh weather conditions, and deliver value for the entire lifecycle of a project. For more news and information on ARRAY, please visit www.arraytechinc.com.
Investor Relations Contact:
Investor Relations
505-437-0010 [email protected]
Wedbush očekává, že AppLovin ve 3. čtvrtletí dosáhne tržeb ve výši 2,085 mld. USD, tedy horní hranice výhledu, a upraveného zisku EBITDA ve výši 1,74 mld. USD.
AppLovin Corp (NASDAQ:APP) is valued as if it is losing market share, but Wedbush Securities says its checks show otherwise.
Advertisers the firm spoke with held spend steady in the third quarter and expect an e-commerce-led lift in the fourth. They pointed to creative, rather than demand, as the main constraint on consumer spend, which Wedbush views as surmountable.
AppLovin (APP) reports third-quarter results after the close on Wednesday, November 4. Wedbush models revenue of $2.085 billion, at the high end of the company’s $2.055 billion to $2.085 billion guidance, and adjusted EBITDA of $1.74 billion, an 83.5% margin. It estimates diluted earnings per share of $3.99, compared with Street estimates of $2.074 billion in revenue, $1.732 billion in adjusted EBITDA and $4.03 in EPS.
Wedbush described the quarter as the test of the model update that arrived just after the second quarter closed.
Strong growth in net revenue per installation would make it harder to sustain the argument that the take rate is maturing, the firm said.
For the fourth quarter, it expects guidance for revenue of $2.252 billion, or 8% sequential growth.
For 2027, Wedbush models revenue of $10.144 billion, up 25%, and adjusted EBITDA of $8.465 billion, slightly below consensus of $10.24 billion and $8.544 billion. Its fiscal 2026 free cash flow estimate of $5.1 billion implies about 75% conversion, in line with management’s August framing.
The firm left three sources of upside out of its estimates: model improvements, stronger creative tools that could speed e-commerce budget growth, and hybrid monetization that opens in-app-purchase-only games to ads.
Constellation Energy uzavřela s Alphabet dvacetiletou smlouvu v hodnotě 4,3 mld. USD, která prostřednictvím modernizace 11 reaktorů přidá do roku 2028 890 MW jaderné kapacity.
Shares of Constellation Energy (CEG -5.49%) jumped from $291.11 on Oct. 6 to $309.80 the same day following the announcement of its landmark 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) and strategic collaboration with Alphabet.
There was plenty of enthusiasm for the $4.3 billion deal, which will add 890 megawatts of new nuclear capacity through updates at 11 Constellation-owned nuclear units in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
However, in the days since the announcement, Consellation stock is actually down more than 3%. The reason is that the energy stock is already trading at a high multiple relative to its peers, at more than 28 times trailing earnings and more than 23 times forward earnings.
Here are three reasons why Constellation is worth that lofty valuation after the Alphabet agreement.
Image source: Getty Images.
The deal provides cash flow security The deal locks in long-term demand over a 15- to 20-year horizon. It also has an additional 15-year agreement covering 2,700 megawatts from Constellation's existing nuclear fleet. Pairing the Alphabet announcement with a similar recent $3 billion, 20-year deal with Amazon establishes a predictable baseline of contracted cash flows.
This shields a significant portion of Constellation's nuclear fleet from merchant power price volatility and guarantees high-margin monetization for decades.
Instead of worrying about the typical construction delays, budget overruns, and regulatory hurdles connected with building nuclear plants from scratch, this deal focuses on uprates, which increase the maximum licensed electricity output of an existing, operational nuclear reactor. These include modernizing turbines, steam generators, and controls at existing facilities.
Just look at what happened with the last two new reactors, Georgia Power's Vogtle 3 and Vogtle 4 plants in Georgia, which cost more than $35 billion to build and took 15 years to build. Constellation is updating reactors already in place, a far more economical process, and expects to have the updates ready in 2028.
Analysts have an average price target of $341.53 for the stock, well above its current trading price.
Premium Feature
Moneyball Superscore
80/100
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Constellation isn't really overpriced The stock is trading at lower valuations than its historical averages. That's because its shares have fallen more than 17% so far this year. It isn't fair to compare Constellation to other nuclear power stocks, as there isn't a direct comparison. Constellation operates the largest nuclear fleet in the U.S., about one-fifth of all nuclear capacity in this country.
Through six months, the company reported revenue of $18.6 billion, up 44.5%, year over year. Earnings per share were $5.88, an increase of 92.7% over the same six months a year ago. Those numbers show that the mystery isn't the company's valuation, but why it isn't even higher.
The company is a go-to for hyperscalers Its size and scope mean Constellation is best positioned to benefit from the growing need for stable power for data centers, as it can provide 22 gigawatts of carbon-free nuclear power, three times more than any other utility in the U.S.
Hyperscalers such as Alphabet require firm, 24/7 carbon-free power to fuel energy-hungry artificial intelligence data centers, making intermittent renewables insufficient on their own. This deal, alongside consecutive mega-deals from other tech giants, validates that nuclear operators possess irreplaceable pricing power. It also shows that tech companies are willing to heavily co-invest to secure reliable electricity.
Most of Constellation's nuclear assets are on the PJM Interconnection grid. PJM encompasses Northern Virginia and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic regions, with the highest density of data center infrastructure in the world.
Individual hyperscalers are asking for multi-gigawatt commitments. Constellation is one of the only energy providers in the country with a large enough portfolio to handle multiple GW-scale agreements without exhausting its asset base.
Worth it, despite some risks There are legitimate reasons that Constellation isn't trading higher. It's important to note that revenue from these uprates won't begin until 2028, leaving the stock vulnerable to a broader tech sector sell-off, especially if artificial intelligence (AI) spending cools.
However, these deals also de-risk the company's investments in expanding its nuclear capacity. Constellation shouldn't be viewed as another boring utility stock but as a prime enabler of infrastructure for AI data centers. It expects more than 20% EPS growth through 2029, and based on its first-half earnings, is delivering on that forecast.
Společnost Leonardo DRS získala desetiletou hlavní smlouvu v programu NASA SEWP VI, která federálním agenturám umožní pořizovat její produkty a služby až do roku 2036.
ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) has been awarded a 10-year prime contract under NASA’s Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) VI Program. The government-wide acquisition contract (GWAC) vehicle gives federal agencies a proven and streamlined path to rapidly procure approved Leonardo DRS products and services through 2036.
NASA administers the government-wide SEWP acquisition contract. The award extends DRS's role as a SEWP prime contractor, a position the company has held since 2015. The DRS award covers a broad range of the company’s products and services. DRS currently lists 368 contract line items representing vetted approved products, parts and services from multiple business units in its SEWP V catalog. These offerings are expected to transition to the SEWP VI contract, subject to final program requirements.
Recent task orders have supported the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Army Communications-Electronics Command, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS). Government agencies have already procured more than $110 million in DRS products and services through SEWP V. NASA documented an “Excellent” performance rating for DRS in January 2026.
DRS is not a traditional reseller. DRS focuses on providing its own products directly to US Government customers via SEWP, complemented by commercial off-the-shelf offerings available through teaming relationships with stocking distributors. The ten-year SEWP VI ordering period opens Nov. 1, 2026, through October 31, 2036. All SEWP VI awards are indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with the ability to issue firm-fixed-price, labor-hour, time-and-materials and other pricing-arrangement task orders. The current SEWP V contract will continue to be administered through April 30, 2027.
"This award recognizes a decade of proven performance, and directly benefits to our current and future customers," said Denny Crumley, senior vice president and general manager of the DRS Land Electronics business unit. "In today's dynamic environment, our customers need more contracting options and faster paths to buy and field trusted capability. This award preserves a rapid, low-cost procurement path for the next decade. We are proud of the team that earned it and DRS is committed to delivering for every customer who uses it."
The SEWP contract provides streamlined access to commercial products and services, including hardware, software, cloud services, cybersecurity tools, engineering and consulting services, and data-intensive mission support. SEWP VI areas of focus include: information technology, computing, software, navigation, communications and power technologies. The program also introduces stand-alone services, giving agencies greater flexibility to acquire solutions that address mission and program requirements.
About Leonardo DRS
Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) is at the forefront of developing transformative defense technologies using its proven agility and delivering innovative solutions for U.S. national security customers and allies worldwide. We specialize in rapidly providing high-performance, multi-domain capabilities across next-generation advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion. Our reputation as a trusted provider is built on a continuous focus on practical innovation, delivering quality, and meeting our customers’ most demanding mission requirements. For further information on our complete range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements reflect current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements which include contract values, contract performance and our development and production of products are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.
, /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors for Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. ("Southwest Gas") (NYSE: SWX) has declared the following fourth quarter cash dividend:
Common Stock
Payable
December 1, 2026
Of Record
November 16, 2026
Dividend
$0.645 per share
The dividend equates to $2.58 per share on an annualized basis. The Company has paid quarterly dividends continuously since going public in 1956.
Additional dividend information, including the tax status of Southwest Gas' dividend distributions, can be obtained through the Investor Relations section of Southwest Gas' website, www.swgasholdings.com.
About Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc.:
Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc., through its primary operating subsidiary Southwest Gas Corporation, engages in the business of purchasing, distributing, and transporting natural gas for its customers. Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of over 2 million customers in Arizona, Nevada, and California by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel the growth in its communities.
Applied Industrial Technologies zvýšila ve 4. čtvrtletí fiskálního roku 2026 organické tržby segmentu Service Center o 7,9 % meziročně díky silné poptávce po technických MRO službách.
Key Takeaways Applied Industrial benefits from strong MRO demand, with Service Center organic sales rising 7.9% in Q4 FY26.AIT's acquisitions expand its automation capabilities and geographic reach, supporting long-term growth.Applied Industrial raised its quarterly dividend 11% and repurchased $317.2 million in shares in fiscal 2026. Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (AIT - Free Report) is well-poised to benefit from strength across its business, acquisitions, focus on improving the product line and operational excellence. The company remains focused on investing in growth opportunities and solidifying its long-term market position.
AIT has a market capitalization of $12.3 billion and currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Let’s delve into the factors that have been aiding the firm for a while now.
Business Strength: Applied Industrial continues to benefit from demand for technical MRO services, which remains a key support for the Service Center segment. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 (ended June 30, 2026), the Service Center segment’s organic sales rose 7.9% year over year, with U.S. organic sales up 9% as technical MRO demand and internal sales initiatives supported growth.
Acquisition Benefits: The company continues to add assets that expand capabilities and geographic reach. In the fiscal fourth quarter, acquisitions had a positive impact of 0.3% on the company's sales. The company announced the bolt-on acquisition of Thompson Industrial Supply (in January 2026), which is expected to generate approximately $20 million of annual sales in its first year and has been integrated into Service Center operations.
In May 2025, the company acquired IRIS Factory Automation (“IRIS”). The acquisition boosted Applied Industrial’s automation offerings and was integrated into the Engineered Solutions segment.
Price Performance of AIT
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In the past year, AIT stock has gained 35% compared with the industry’s 3.8% growth.
Business Initiatives: AIT’s focus on improving the product line, increasing value-added services and initiatives to drive operational excellence will boost results in the quarters ahead. Its focus on pricing, mix, channel execution and internal initiatives remains supportive of underlying margins.
Shareholder-Friendly Policies: It remains committed to rewarding its shareholders through dividend payouts and share buybacks. In fiscal 2026, it paid out dividends worth $72.6 million, up 14% on a year-over-year basis. Also, the company increased its quarterly dividend by 11% to 51 cents per share in January 2026 and repurchased shares worth $317.2 million during fiscal 2026.
Estimate Revisions: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIT’s fiscal 2027 (ending June 2027) earnings is pegged at $11.96 per share, reflecting an increase of 9.2% from year-ago figure. The consensus estimate for first-quarter fiscal 2027 (ended September 2026) earnings is pegged at $2.84, indicating an increase of 8% year-over-year.
Other Key PicksSome other top-ranked stocks from the same space are presented below.
IDEX Corporation (IEX - Free Report) presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The company delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.7%. In the past 60 days, the consensus estimate for IEX’s 2026 earnings has increased 1.2%.
Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH - Free Report) currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. Parker-Hannifin delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.8%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for PH’s fiscal 2027 (ending June 2027) earnings has increased 0.7%.
Emerson Electric Co. (EMR - Free Report) currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. EMR delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 1.3%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Emerson’s fiscal 2026 (ending September 2026) earnings has increased 0.2%.
Čisté tržby společnosti Spectrum Brands ve 3. čtvrtletí fiskálního roku 2026 meziročně vzrostly o 7,7 %, zatímco organické tržby se zvýšily o 6,6 %, a to díky růstu ve všech třech segmentech.
Key Takeaways SPB's Q3 net sales rose 7.7%, while organic sales increased 6.6% across all three businesses.Innovation in Pet Care and Home & Garden is expanding distribution and strengthening the product pipeline.Digital commerce, ERP upgrades and cost initiatives aim to improve efficiency and strengthen profitability. Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc. (SPB - Free Report) is pursuing growth by focusing on product innovation, consumer-centric marketing, digital commerce and operational improvements. The company is also working to strengthen its businesses' commercial performance while maintaining disciplined financial management. During the third quarter of fiscal 2026, net sales grew 7.7% year over year, while organic net sales increased 6.6%, supported by growth across all three business segments.
Innovation remains central to Spectrum Brands’ growth strategy, particularly across its Global Pet Care and Home & Garden businesses. The company continues to prioritize consumer-focused product development and distribution expansion to strengthen its brands and gain market share. In Home & Garden, products such as Spectracide Wasp and Hornet Traps have benefited from broader distribution and strong demand. These initiatives support category growth and reinforce the company’s focus on improving commercial performance.
Digital commerce and operational transformation remain important priorities. Spectrum Brands is advancing its digital selling capabilities and consumer engagement efforts while strengthening the systems that support its businesses. In July 2026, the company completed the first SAP S/4HANA deployment in its North American Home & Personal Care business and finalized implementation across the remaining Global Pet Care and Home & Garden entities. As a result, all Global Pet Care and Home & Garden operations, along with all Home & Personal Care operations except EMEA, now run on a unified enterprise resource planning platform.
The remaining EMEA implementation is expected later in 2026, completing a multiyear transformation intended to standardize processes and improve operational efficiency. Spectrum Brands continues to use pricing, productivity and cost controls to offset tariff and inflation costs. In third-quarter fiscal 2026, positive pricing contributed across all three businesses. The tariffs and inflation are expected to be largely offset in fiscal 2026 through mitigation measures, including pricing.
Overall, Spectrum Brands is strengthening its brand portfolio and improving commercial execution through investments in product innovation, consumer insights, digital commerce and operational efficiency. Global Pet Care and Home & Garden remain key growth drivers, benefiting from new product launches, stronger distribution and market-share opportunities. Sustained progress in these areas, alongside disciplined cost management and operational improvements, will be important to supporting revenue growth, enhancing profitability and driving long-term performance.
SPB’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesSpectrum Brands’ shares have lost 1.4% in the past six months against the industry’s 4.3% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, SPB trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.56X compared with the industry’s average of 14.33X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SPB’s fiscal 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year rise of 17.5%, while that of fiscal 2027 EPS shows a decline of 11.1%. The company’s EPS estimates for fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027 have been stable over the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Spectrum Brands currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Key Picks in the Broader Consumer Discretionary SpaceDuluth Holdings Inc. (DLTH - Free Report) , which deals in casual wear, workwear and accessories for men and women, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Duluth Holdings delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 122.5%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DLTH’s current financial-year EPS indicates a rise of 18.6% from the year-ago number.
G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (GIII - Free Report) designs, sources, distributes and markets a broad range of apparel and accessories under owned, licensed and private-label brands, and currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for G-III Apparel’s current financial-year sales is expected to decline 8.4% from the corresponding year-ago reported figure. GIII delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 1.4%, on average.
Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL - Free Report) , which is a designer and marketer of premium lifestyle products, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.
RL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 8.7%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ralph Lauren’s current financial-year sales indicates growth of 7.6% from the year-ago number.
Key Takeaways Coherent aims to double InP manufacturing capacity by late 2026, then expand it more than twofold by 2027.Its six-inch wafer platform and 400G-per-lane technology target rising AI data center connectivity needs.COHR stock gained 162.6% in a year, while fiscal 2027 earnings estimates rose over the past 60 days. Coherent Corp. (COHR - Free Report) is strengthening its position in the artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure market through capacity expansion and advanced optical technologies. The company's efforts to increase manufacturing output, improve connectivity performance and develop energy-efficient solutions should help it capitalize on rising demand for high-speed data center infrastructure.
Capacity Expansion Strengthens COHR's AI Growth ProspectsCoherent is accelerating production investments to meet increasing demand for optical components used in AI computing environments. The company aims to double its internal indium phosphide (InP) manufacturing capacity by the end of 2026, followed by another expansion exceeding twofold by 2027.
Its transition toward six-inch wafer manufacturing supports higher production yields than conventional three-inch processes. This manufacturing platform accommodates electro-absorption modulated lasers, continuous-wave lasers and photodiodes, helping Coherent improve production efficiency and address growing customer requirements.
Higher manufacturing capacity should enhance supply availability, strengthen customer relationships and create opportunities to capture additional spending from hyperscale data center operators.
Advanced Optical Technologies Support Competitive PositioningBeyond manufacturing expansion, Coherent is developing optical networking technologies designed to accommodate increasingly demanding AI workloads. Its portfolio includes silicon photonics, co-packaged optics and vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, providing customers with multiple connectivity options.
The company's 400G-per-lane technology enables faster information transfer, while its advanced optical transport solutions can quadruple fiber transmission capacity. These capabilities should support increasingly complex AI infrastructure requirements.
Energy Efficiency Adds Another Growth OpportunityCoherent is also advancing thermal management technologies and optical components that reduce energy consumption during data transmission. Such innovations could become increasingly important as operators seek to manage power requirements and infrastructure expenses.
Although substantial capital investments and manufacturing execution risks remain concerns, expanding production capabilities and technological innovation should strengthen Coherent's competitive standing in the AI infrastructure market.
How Are Coherent's Industry Peers Positioned?Lumentum Holdings (LITE - Free Report) and Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI - Free Report) are expanding their presence in the AI optical networking market. Lumentum is investing in advanced laser technologies and manufacturing capacity to address growing hyperscaler requirements. Its strategic collaboration with NVIDIA strengthens opportunities in next-generation optical connectivity. Lumentum's broader photonics portfolio also supports high-bandwidth networking applications.
Meanwhile, Applied Optoelectronics is benefiting from demand for advanced data center transceivers. The company secured significant orders for 800G optical products and is expanding manufacturing capabilities. Applied Optoelectronics is also progressing with 1.6T technology, positioning it to serve increasingly bandwidth-intensive AI infrastructure deployments worldwide.
COHR’s Price Performance & EstimatesCOHR stock has surged 162.6% over the past year against the industry’s 23.3% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, COHR trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 27.26X, above the industry’s 19.51X. It carries a Value Score of C.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COHR’s fiscal 2027 earnings increased over the past 60 days.
COHR stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
SAXONBURG, Pa., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR) (“Coherent,” “We,” or the “Company”), a global leader in photonics, announced today that it will release its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, on Wednesday, November 4, after the New York Stock Exchange closes. The release will be followed by a live audio webcast at 4:30 p.m. ET to discuss the results.
The Company invites investors to join the live audio webcast at ir.coherent.com. The webcast will be recorded and a replay will be available within 24 hours after the live audio webcast on the company’s website.
About Coherent
Coherent is the global photonics leader. We harness photons to drive innovation. Industry leaders in the datacenter, communications, and industrial markets rely on Coherent’s world-leading technology to fuel their own innovation and growth.
Founded in 1971 and operating in more than 20 countries, Coherent brings the industry’s broadest, deepest technology stack; unmatched supply chain resilience; and global scale to help its customers solve their toughest technology challenges. For more information, please visit us at coherent.com.
Jefferies snížila cílovou cenu akcií Wendy’s na 6,50 USD a očekává v roce 2026 čistý úbytek 291 restaurací v USA v důsledku nákladné restrukturalizace a slabého trhu.
The Wendy's Company (NASDAQ:WEN), the US fast-food chain, faces a longer and more expensive turnaround as Jefferies cuts earnings forecasts and lowers its price target to $6.50 from $7.50.
The broker maintains a 'hold' rating, arguing that soft quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry trends, potential franchise closures and higher investment requirements warrant a more conservative outlook under new chief executive Wright.
Jefferies expects US same-store sales, which track sales at established restaurants, to fall 6.8% in the third quarter, compared with the market consensus for a 6.5% decline, while international sales are forecast to drop 3%.
The broker also expects earnings per share (EPS) of $0.09 for the quarter, below the consensus estimate of $0.10, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) forecast at $101 million against expectations of $103 million.
Jefferies expects Wendy’s to close a net of 291 US restaurants in 2026, compared with the market forecast of 277 closures, before further net reductions of 68 locations in 2027 and 60 in 2028.
The revised forecasts reflect concerns about financially stretched franchise operators facing high interest rates, rising beef and labour costs, and expensive restaurant construction.
One of Wendy’s largest franchisees filed for bankruptcy in September, although the company has contested the proceedings in light of an earlier termination of its franchise agreement.
Jefferies believes further closures are possible over the next 6 to 12 months as Wendy’s works to strengthen its franchise network, although it acknowledges limited visibility over the final outcome.
The broker has also cut its international restaurant growth forecasts slightly but expects the overseas business to remain a net contributor, with 94 net additions in 2026, 110 in 2027 and 122 in 2028.
Jefferies forecasts earnings per share of $0.48 in 2026, $0.40 in 2027 and $0.47 in 2028, below consensus estimates of $0.50, $0.52 and $0.61, respectively.
The reductions reflect additional spending on food quality, technology, franchisee training, operational support and incentives intended to improve the brand and its restaurant network.
Jefferies expects the market’s earnings forecasts to drift lower because analysts have yet to fully account for the transition, although it believes investors already understand the broad challenges facing the business.
The broker sees promise in Wright’s previous turnaround experience and familiarity with Wendy’s, alongside the appointment of new chief marketing officer Tariq Hassan, who joined from McDonald’s in August.
Jefferies values Wendy’s at about 8.5 times its reduced 2027 EBITDA forecast, while warning that the recovery will take time in a difficult operating environment.
Humana vytvoří s fondy spravovanými společností BlackRock společný podnik zahrnující téměř 150 klinik CenterWell; BlackRock v něm získá většinový podíl za zhruba 2,8 miliardy USD.
Key Takeaways HUM partners with BlackRock to own nearly 150 CenterWell clinics, with BlackRock holding majority ownership.The venture will fund clinic operations, new locations and strategic acquisitions over the next two years.HUM expects lower balance sheet liabilities and greater financial flexibility, with closing set for Q4 2026.
Humana Inc. (HUM - Free Report) is forming a joint venture with funds and accounts managed by HPS Investment Partners, part of BlackRock, to own nearly 150 CenterWell Senior Primary Care clinics. BlackRock will acquire Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe’s (“WCAS”) existing equity stake, valued at approximately $2.8 billion, and hold majority ownership. CenterWell will retain minority ownership and continue managing and operating the clinics.
The new venture is expected to deploy additional capital over the next two years to support existing operations, open new clinics and pursue strategic acquisitions. The arrangement will also eliminate existing put options, which Humana expects to significantly reduce related balance sheet liabilities, with BlackRock receiving certain protections. Greater financial flexibility and a lower cost of capital could help Humana fund growth more efficiently. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, without materially affecting 2026 adjusted earnings guidance of at least $9 per share.
The partnership could accelerate CenterWell’s expansion of senior-focused, value-based primary care. A broader clinic network may improve care coordination, support chronic disease management and help reduce avoidable hospital visits. BlackRock’s capital resources could enable expansion without requiring Humana to fund the entire investment independently. However, returns will depend on patient volumes, staffing costs and the ability of new locations to achieve sustainable profitability.
Looking ahead, CenterWell will have the option to purchase clinics from the joint venture beginning in 2028. This gives Humana flexibility to increase ownership as the business matures. If any remain by the end of 2033, BlackRock can initiate a sale process, with CenterWell retaining the right to make the first offer.
If executed well, the partnership could strengthen Humana’s healthcare-services strategy by supporting capital-efficient expansion, improving clinic-level profitability and generating sustainable long-term returns.
HUM’s Price PerformanceOver the past year, HUM’s shares have surged 60.3% compared with the industry’s growth of 10.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
HUM’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksHUM currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some top-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Phibro Animal Health Corporation (PAHC - Free Report) , Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated (CORT - Free Report) and TG Therapeutics, Inc. (TGTX - Free Report) , each currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Phibro Animal Health’s current-year earnings is pegged at $3.50 per share, suggesting 8.7% year-over-year growth. PAHC beat earnings estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 18.4%. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $1.6 billion, suggesting 3.8% year-over-year growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Corcept Therapeutics’ current-year earnings of $1.86 per share has remained stable over the past seven days. CORT beat earnings estimates in one of the trailing four quarters, met once and missed twice. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $1.1 billion, suggesting 50.3% year-over-year growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TG Therapeutics’ current-year earnings of 94 cents per share has witnessed one upward revision in the past seven days, against no movement in the opposite direction. The consensus estimate for TGTX’s current-quarter revenues is pegged at $965.2 million, suggesting 56.6% year-over-year growth.
Akcie společnosti Glaukos za posledních šest měsíců vzrostly o 36,8 % poté, co její tržby ve 2. čtvrtletí meziročně vzrostly o 50 % na rekordních 185,6 mil. USD.
Key Takeaways Glaukos shares gained 36.8% in six months, outperforming the industry's 8% growth on commercial progress.GKOS posted 50% revenue growth to $185.6 million in Q2 and raised its 2026 sales outlook to $680-$700 million.Epioxa's commercial expansion, positive iDose TR data and pipeline advances boosted GKOS' growth prospects. Glaukos Corporation (GKOS - Free Report) shares have gained 36.8% over the past six months, outperforming its industry’s 8% growth. This reflects growing investor confidence in its ophthalmic treatment portfolio. The rally has been supported by the commercial expansion of iDose TR, progress in launching Epioxa for keratoconus, and clinical and pipeline developments that strengthen the company's long-term growth prospects.
Headquartered in Aliso Viejo, CA, Glaukos develops pharmaceutical and medical technology solutions for glaucoma, corneal disorders and retinal diseases. Its focus on interventional therapies, which seek to improve treatment outcomes while reducing reliance on conventional approaches, provides multiple growth opportunities. Recent commercial milestones, better-than-expected results and encouraging clinical developments have reinforced the investment case for GKOS.
Here, we examine the key factors that may have driven GKOS’ significant share price gains over the past six months.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Commercial Progress With EpioxaThe first catalyst over the past six months was the receipt of a permanent Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) J-code for Epioxa. Code J2789 became effective on July 1. The product-specific code should help streamline reporting and reimbursement by U.S. payers, supporting market access for the company's epithelium-on corneal cross-linking therapy. This milestone strengthened the commercial launch framework for Epioxa, which treats keratoconus, a progressive, sight-threatening corneal disease.
Earlier this month, Glaukos reported positive three-year results from a Phase 3 extension study of Epioxa. Treated eyes maintained a 1.9-diopter improvement in maximum corneal curvature from baseline, while 29% gained at least two lines of best-corrected visual acuity. The results supported the therapy's potential to deliver durable benefits following a single treatment. The benefits demonstrated in the clinical study may lead to higher adoption of the drug going forward.
Strong Q2 Results and Higher GuidanceGlaukos’ second-quarter results provided a strong fundamental basis for the rally. Consolidated net sales increased approximately 50% year over year to a record $185.6 million, prompting management to raise its 2026 revenue guidance to $680-$700 million from $620-$635 million. The company also recorded lower-than-expected loss during the quarter. Loss per share of 14 cents beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 50%.
The U.S. glaucoma franchise generated $118.5 million in sales, up 64% year over year, with iDose TR contributing approximately $74 million. International glaucoma sales increased 17% to $36.6 million, while Corneal Health revenues rose 48% to $30.4 million, including approximately $11 million from Epioxa.
Management also highlighted progress in Epioxa’s commercial rollout, with access pathways covering more than 125 million commercially insured U.S. lives and a treatment-center network spanning locations that serve roughly 85% of the U.S. population. These developments indicate that Glaukos is establishing the infrastructure needed to translate clinical interest into sustained commercial growth.
Positive Clinical Evidence and Pipeline ExpansionGlaukos’ uptrend has also been supported by continued progress with its pipeline development. Successful clinical trials can pave the way for further studies or regulatory approvals, ultimately enabling commercialization and improving sales prospects.
In June, Glaukos announced completion of patient enrollment in the Phase 2 study of GLK-321, an investigational treatment for Demodex blepharitis. The candidate uses the company's iLution platform, which is designed to deliver medication through the eyelid skin rather than conventional eye drops. The enrollment milestone advanced its ocular-surface disease pipeline and expanded the company's opportunities beyond its established glaucoma and corneal franchises.
The momentum continued in July as Glaukos completed patient enrollment in the U.S. pivotal study of PRESERFLO MicroShunt, a minimally invasive drainage device intended to lower intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who have not responded adequately to previous medical and surgical treatment. The milestone advanced the program toward a potential FDA marketing submission soon.
Last week, Glaukos announced an exclusive licensing agreement with RevOpsis Therapeutics for RO-104, an investigational tri-specific biologic targeting three angiogenic pathways implicated in retinal diseases. The agreement also provided rights to develop up to four additional retinal biologic candidates, broadening Glaukos' longer-term innovation opportunities.
During the same week, positive Phase 4 results for iDose TR used in conjunction with cataract surgery marked another encouraging clinical milestone. At three months, the combination achieved an 11.1-mmHg reduction in mean diurnal intraocular pressure, compared with 7.4 mmHg for cataract surgery alone. The statistically significant results strengthened the evidence supporting iDose TR across different treatment settings.
Concerns for GKOSGlaukos faces reimbursement uncertainty for iDose TR, as proposed Medicare coverage policies could introduce treatment restrictions and affect adoption. Epioxa's commercialization also faces near-term volatility as providers transition to its permanent J-code, potentially delaying revenue realization.
International operations remain exposed to competitive pressures and reimbursement headwinds in Germany and Switzerland. Moreover, sustained investments in commercial infrastructure and clinical development could delay profitability, while the success of pipeline candidates remains subject to clinical and regulatory risks.
ConclusionGlaukos’ six-month rally reflects a combination of robust revenue growth, raised guidance, improving commercialization prospects and positive clinical developments. Carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, the company is likely to sustain its uptrend on the back of continued adoption of iDose TR and Epioxa, while its expanding pipeline offers additional long-term opportunities.
A Glance at GKOS’ EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 suggests a 64.4% narrower loss of 32 cents per share while the same for 2027 EPS is pinned at 55 cents per share. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company's 2026 loss per share has narrowed 8.6%.
Revenues for 2026 are projected to grow 36.2% to $691 million, followed by a 20.9% jump to $835.2 million in 2027.
Other Key PicksSome other top-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are OPKO Health (OPK - Free Report) , Globus Medical (GMED - Free Report) and Merit Medical Systems (MMSI - Free Report) .
OPKO Health, currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reported a second-quarter 2026 adjusted loss of 1 cent per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 87.5%. Revenues of $163.6 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 24.7%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
OPK has an estimated earnings growth rate of 23.3% for 2026. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 95.1%.
Globus Medical, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2, reported a second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.34, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19.6%. Revenues of $789.6 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.4%.
GMED has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 12.4%. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 27.9%.
Merit Medical Systems, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.19, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 23.9%. Revenues of $418.8 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.5%.
MMSI has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 10.4%. MMSI’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 14.1%.
Advokátní kancelář Rosen Law Firm vyšetřuje společnost Azenta kvůli možnému zveřejnění podstatně zavádějících informací. Akcie Azenta (AZTA) 24. srpna 2026 klesly o 12 % po rezignaci generálního ředitele Johna P. Marotty.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - October 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Azenta, Inc. (NASDAQ: AZTA) resulting from allegations that Azenta may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Azenta securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/azenta-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On August 24, 2026, Azenta filed with the SEC a current report on Form 8-K which stated that on "August 22, 2026, John P. Marotta resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of Azenta, Inc. (the "Company") and as a member of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective as of August 22, 2026 (the "Effective Date")."
On this news, Azenta's stock fell 12% on August 24, 2026.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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ONEOK (NYSE: OKE) vyplatí čtvrtletní dividendu ve výši 1,07 USD na akcii, což je beze změny oproti předchozímu čtvrtletí. V ročním přepočtu dividenda činí 4,28 USD.
TULSA, Okla., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The board of directors of ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE: OKE) today declared a quarterly dividend of $1.07 per share, unchanged from the previous quarter, resulting in an annualized dividend of $4.28 per share.
The dividend is payable Nov. 16, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business Nov. 2, 2026.
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At ONEOK (NYSE: OKE), we deliver energy products and services vital to an advancing world. We are a leading midstream operator that provides gathering, processing, fractionation, transportation, storage and marine export services. Through our approximately 60,000-mile pipeline network, we transport the natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), refined products and crude oil that help meet domestic and international energy demand, contribute to energy security and provide safe, reliable and responsible energy solutions needed today and into the future. As one of the largest integrated energy infrastructure companies in North America, ONEOK is delivering energy that makes a difference in the lives of people in the U.S. and around the world.
ONEOK, Inc. is an S&P 500 company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
For information about ONEOK, visit www.oneok.com. For the latest news, visit the ONEOK newsroom or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Some of the statements contained and incorporated in this news release are forward-looking statements as defined under federal securities laws. The forward-looking statements relate to our anticipated financial performance and results (including projected levels of quarterly and annual dividends), liquidity, market conditions and other matters. We make these forward-looking statements in reliance on the safe harbor protections provided under federal securities laws and other applicable laws.
Forward-looking statements include the items identified in the preceding paragraph, the information concerning possible or assumed future results of our operations and other statements contained or incorporated in this news release identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "intend," "may," "might," “outlook,” "plan," "potential," "project," "scheduled," "should," "will," "would" and other words and terms of similar meaning.
One should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Those factors may affect our operations, markets, services, dividends and results. These and other risks are described in greater detail in Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the other filings that we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Any such forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, other than as required under securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or change in circumstances, expectations or otherwise.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc., (NYSE: SFBS) (“ServisFirst”), the holding company for ServisFirst Bank, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program, under which ServisFirst may repurchase up to two million shares of its outstanding common stock through December 31, 2027. Repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market at prevailing prices and based on market conditions, or in privately negotiated transactions.
This represents ServisFirst’s inaugural stock repurchase program and reflects the Board’s confidence in ServisFirst’s financial strength, capital position, and long-term growth prospects, and commitment to capital management tools that allow ServisFirst to maximize shareholder value.
About ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc.
ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Through its subsidiary ServisFirst Bank, ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. provides business and personal financial services from locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Through the Bank, we originate commercial, consumer and other loans and accept deposits, provide electronic banking services, such as online and mobile banking, including remote deposit capture, deliver treasury and cash management services and provide correspondent banking services to other financial institutions. ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. files periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of its filings may be obtained through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or at www.servisfirstbank.com.
Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the amount, timing, manner and overall impact of future purchases under the repurchase program, as well as any other statement regarding future operations, results or performance, are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for the purpose of the safe harbor provided by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might” and similar expressions often signify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. ServisFirst cautions that such forward-looking statements, wherever they occur in this press release or in other statements attributable to ServisFirst, are necessarily estimates reflecting the judgment of ServisFirst’s senior management and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various factors that could affect the accuracy of such forward-looking statements. For discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, please refer to “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings. If one or more of the factors affecting our forward-looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking information and statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. ServisFirst assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements that are made from time to time.
More information about ServisFirst Bancshares, Inc. may be obtained over the Internet at www.servisfirstbank.com or by calling (205) 949-0302.
Contact: ServisFirst Bank
Davis Mange (205) 949-3420 [email protected]
Akcie společnosti Arm Holdings během dne klesly o 6,7 % poté, co zářijová inflace v USA překonala očekávání a zvýšila pravděpodobnost dalšího zvýšení úrokových sazeb Fedu.
Shares of Arm Holdings (ARM -6.80%) were falling today amid a broader sell-off in tech and chip stocks after the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in hotter than expected.
That was enough to send tech stocks swooning as it makes it more likely that the Fed will raise interest rates at its next meeting later this month.
Arm is especially sensitive to interest rates because most of the stock's value comes from earnings that are several years into the future, as investors are betting on strong profits from its new AGI CPU, which has yet to go on sale.
As of 3:13 p.m ET, Arm stock was down 6.7% on the news.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
What happened with the CPIThe Consumer Price Index is one of the most important data points in determining the Fed's action on interest rates, and faster-than-expected inflation is more likely to trigger a rate hike to help slow the economy down and reel in inflation.
The CPI rose 3.7% on an annual basis last month, ahead of expectations at 3.6%, while core CPI, which strips out the volatile food and energy categories, was up 2.6%, compared to expectations of 2.5% growth.
Energy prices continue to surge due to the war in Iran, up 5.2% from August, and gasoline was up 9.1%.
Premium Feature
Moneyball Superscore
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Today's Change
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What it means for ArmInflation doesn't directly impact Arm. While the company's chip designs are found in smartphones and an array of other consumer devices, the stock is down because of valuation-related adjustments. As interest rates go up, the discount rate in the discounted cash flow also goes up, and that makes earnings in the future less valuable than they were.
Investors should expect Arm stock to continue moving up and down according to interest rate expectations.
Jeremy Bowman has positions in Arm Holdings. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Arm Holdings. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Doximity čelí hromadné žalobě investorů kvůli údajnému nadhodnocování vlivu Newsfeedu na růst tržeb a ztrátě podílu na trhu od 8. srpna 2024 do 13. května 2026.
, /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Doximity, Inc.
IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN DOXIMITY, INC. (DOCS), CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF HOWARD G. SMITH BEFORE NOVEMBER 16, 2026 (LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.
Contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss your legal rights by email at [email protected], by telephone at (215) 638-4847 or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.
What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed in this class action alleges that between August 8, 2024 and May 13, 2026, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Doximity overstated the impact that its Newsfeed had on its revenue growth; (2) the Company was losing market share to its competitors with more favorable pricing and engagement models; (3) the Company was using banner ads and e-newsletters instead of deep engagement tactics; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:
If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact:
Howard G. Smith, Esq.,
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith,
3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112,
Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020,
Call us at: (215) 638-4847
Email us at: [email protected],
Visit our website at: www.howardsmithlaw.com.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
Contact Us:
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith
Howard G. Smith, Esquire
215-638-4847
[email protected]
www.howardsmithlaw.com
Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR, NYSE:QSR) has received an improved sales outlook from Jefferies, which raised its forecast for Burger King's US same-store sales growth in the third quarter to 6.5% from 5%, as the fast-food chain's turnaround gains traction.
The broker said customer footfall had remained relatively steady after Burger King delivered 8.5% comparable sales growth in the second quarter, supporting expectations that momentum could extend into 2027.
Jefferies expects Burger King’s value-focused marketing, improvements to the Whopper and customer service, and recent product upgrades to continue attracting customers.
The bank’s new forecast exceeds the market consensus estimate of 5.7%, strengthening the outlook for Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR, NYSE:QSR), the owner of Burger King, Tim Hortons (TSX:THI) and Popeyes.
However, Jefferies maintained its 'hold rating' and $80 price target on Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR, NYSE:QSR), saying the improving operating performance had yet to translate into a sufficiently compelling case for further share price gains.
The broker expects Popeyes’ US same-store sales to fall 2% in the third quarter, compared with its previous forecast of a 1% decline, as difficult market conditions continue to weigh on the chicken restaurant chain.
Jefferies expects Popeyes’ sales performance to stabilise in the fourth quarter, with comparable sales remaining flat as management works to reposition the brand and restore growth.
At Tim Hortons (TSX:THI), the Canadian coffee and restaurant chain, the broker forecasts same-store sales growth of 1% in the third quarter, improving from broadly flat growth in the previous quarter.
Jefferies expects Tim Hortons (TSX:THI)’ Canadian performance to benefit from improved marketing, although it cautioned that visibility remained limited amid mixed conditions across the country’s quick-service restaurant market.
The broker forecasts earnings per share of $1.09 for the third quarter, marginally above the consensus estimate of $1.08, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation are expected to reach $834 million.
Jefferies also expects Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR, NYSE:QSR) to remain on track to deliver its target of 8% growth in adjusted operating income, supported by stronger Burger King sales, improving costs and share buybacks.
Net restaurant openings are forecast to reach 278 in the third quarter, slightly below the market estimate of 287, with growth expected to gradually accelerate towards the company’s longer-term target of 5% net restaurant growth in 2028.
Despite improving sales momentum and a strengthening franchise business, Jefferies said the scope for meaningful earnings upgrades remained limited, leaving the broker on the sidelines while the turnaround develops.
Očekává se, že Regions Financial ve třetím čtvrtletí roku 2026 vykáže zisk 64 centů na akcii (EPS), což představuje meziroční nárůst o 6,4 %, při tržbách ve výši 1,98 miliardy USD, což je meziročně o 3,4 % více.
Key Takeaways RF is expected to report Q3'26 earnings of 64 cents per share, suggesting a year-over-year rise of 6.4%.The company expects NII to increase nearly 2% in Q3'2026 on a sequential basis. RF's capital markets revenue is expected to fall 12.3%, while total fee income may rise 2.2% year over year.
Regions Financial Corporation (RF - Free Report) is scheduled to report third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 16, 2026, before the opening bell. Quarterly earnings and revenues are expected to register year-over-year growth in the to-be-reported quarter.
In the last reported quarter, the company’s results benefited from higher net interest income (NII), wealth management income, service charges and lower provisions. However, higher non-interest expenses played spoilsport.
Regions Financial has a decent earnings surprise history. Its earnings have surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with an average surprise of 1.58%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings of 64 cents per share has been unchanged over the past seven days. The figure indicates a 6.4% rise from the year-ago reported number.
The consensus estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.98 billion, indicating a 3.4% increase from the prior-year reported figure.
RF’s Recent DevelopmentsIn July 2026, Regions Financial acquired The Frazer Lanier Company, strengthening its municipal and corporate investment banking capabilities and expanding fee-based revenue opportunities. In September 2026, RF also announced plans to add 130–150 branches over the next three to four years and renovate more than 1,000 existing branches, primarily in key Southeastern markets. These initiatives support its broader growth strategy by deepening customer relationships and expanding its deposit franchise.
Key Factors & Estimates for RF's Q3NII & Loans: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points in mid-September 2026, bringing the target range to 3.75-4.00% amid persistently elevated inflation. Given that rates remained unchanged for most of the third quarter, the latest hike is unlikely to have materially affected RF’s NII in the quarter to be reported. Management expects NII to grow nearly 2% sequentially in the third quarter of 2026.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NII is pegged at $1.30 billion, indicating a 3.81% rise from the year-ago quarter’s actuals.
Following solid lending activity in the first half of 2026, loan growth momentum likely moderated in the third quarter. According to the Federal Reserve’s latest data, the demand for overall loans was decent in the third quarter. Given this, the company is likely to have witnessed improvement in average interest-earning assets. The Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.42 billion for average earning assets indicates a 1.42% rise from the year-ago quarter’s actual.
Non-Interest Income: After a record-setting first half, global deal-making activity moderated in the third quarter of 2026 amid geopolitical uncertainty, persistent valuation gaps, elevated inflation and interest rates and a stubbornly high backlog of private equity exits.
Although strategic buyers remained active, pursuing acquisitions to enhance scale, strengthen resilience and improve supply-chain security, overall global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity remained subdued, with only a handful of large transactions dominating the market. Thus, the subdued deal-making environment is anticipated to have weighed on RF’s capital markets revenues in the quarter to be reported. Management expects quarterly capital markets revenue to be at the lower end of the $90-$105 million range compared with $104 million recorded in the prior-year quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for capital markets income is $91.20 million, indicating a 12.3% decline from the prior-year quarter’s actual.
In the third quarter of 2026, mortgage rates remained elevated near 7%, as borrowing costs and affordability constraints continued to weigh on housing demand. As such, refinancing activities and mortgage origination volumes likely faced persistent headwinds. Thus, RF’s mortgage banking income is expected to have declined in the third quarter. The consensus estimate for mortgage income is pegged at $34.29 million, indicating a 9.8% decline from the prior quarter’s reported figure.
Although persistent inflation and financial pressures may have constrained spending growth, resilient consumer spending across income groups and sustained card usage are expected to have supported RF’s card and ATM fee revenue in the third quarter of 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for card and ATM fees is $128.01 million, implying a 4.9% rise from the year-ago quarter’s actual.
The consensus estimate for revenues from service charges on deposit accounts of $173.46 million indicates an 8.4% rise from the prior year’s reported level.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for wealth management income is pegged at $152.70 million, indicating a 9.8% increase from the prior-year quarter’s reported number.
Overall, the consensus estimate for total non-interest income is pegged at $673.30 million, indicating a 2.2% rise from the prior-year quarter’s reported number.
Expenses: RF’s expenses are expected to have remained elevated in the third quarter of 2026 due to higher salaries and employee benefits, along with continued investments in technology and franchise strengthening. Despite ongoing expense-management efforts, these factors are likely to have kept the expense base elevated.
Asset Quality: Persistent inflation and higher borrowing costs could have weighed on borrowers’ repayment capacity in the third quarter of 2026. Nevertheless, the year-over-year decline in provisions in the first half of 2026 and lower non-performing loans indicate improving asset quality. This, along with high-quality loan growth, is likely to have supported RF’s provision numbers in the third quarter.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for non-performing loans is pegged at $683.90 million, indicating an 11.1% decline from the prior-year quarter's reported figure.
What Our Quantitative Model Predicts for RFOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for RF this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. However, that is not the case here, as you can see below. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Earnings ESP: Regions Financial has an Earnings ESP of -0.54%.
Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.
Bank Stocks to ConsiderHere are a couple of other bank stocks that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these also have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time around.
The Earnings ESP for M&T Bank (MTB - Free Report) is +0.73% and carries a Zacks Rank #3 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The company is slated to report third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 16, 2026. Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for MTB's quarterly earnings has been revised downward to $4.98 per share.
The PNC Financial Services Group (PNC - Free Report) is scheduled to announce third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 15. The company has an Earnings ESP of +0.80% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present.
Quarterly earnings estimates for PNC Financial have been revised lower to $4.97 over the past week.
Akcie GE Vernova klesly z letošního maxima 1 193 USD na 938 USD, tedy o více než 20 %. Ve druhém čtvrtletí však tržby vzrostly o 22 % na 11,1 mld. USD a objem nevyřízených zakázek dosáhl 176 mld. USD.
GE Vernova’s stock has slipped into a bear market this year, falling from its year-to-date high of $1,193 to $938. The retreat has erased part of the gains made earlier in the year, when the stock was one of Wall Street’s top performers. Attention now turns to the company’s upcoming earnings report, where investors will scrutinize revenue and backlog growth.
GEV stock has slumped more than 20% from its year-high as investors book profits after its strong rally. At its peak this year, the stock was up over 960% from its 2024 low.
The ongoing retreat has also coincided with the sell-off in other industrial companies like Caterpillar and GE Aerospace.
In addition to profit-taking, investors are concerned about the company’s valuation, which has soared in recent years. Seeking Alpha data shows that, despite the recent sell-off, the company has a forward non-GAAP price-to-earnings ratio of 66.19, higher than the sector median of 19.
On a GAAP basis, the company has a forward PE ratio of 33, also higher than the sector median of 21. Most notably, these numbers are significantly higher than the S&P 500 Index’s average of 19.1. They are also higher than other faster-growing companies in the AI industry like Micron and Nvidia. As such, the ongoing pullback is a sign that the company is going through a valuation reset.
Despite the ongoing weakness in its stock, all signs are that GE Vernova’s business is firing on all cylinders as demand for its products soars.
The most recent quarterly results showed that its backlog jumped to $176 billion in Q2’26 from $129 billion in the same period last year. The CEO expects that this backlog will jump to $200 billion early next year.
GE Vernova’s revenue rose 22% in the quarter to $11.1 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.2 billion. Most of the company’s orders came from its power division, where orders jumped 134% to $16.7 billion. The electrification business is also thriving, with orders rising 66% to $6.3 billion.
Analysts expect the company’s business to continue rising. The upcoming results, which will be released on October 28, are expected to show that its revenue rose by 20.3% to $12 billion. A 20% increase in revenue is a big achievement for a company in the industrial sector.
This view explains why analysts are bullish about its business. Susquehanna sees the stock rising to $1,270, while Guggenheim expects it to jump to $1,450. Other top analysts, including those from Evercore, Jefferies, and Bernstein, expect it to jump to $1,100 and above.
GEV stock chart | Source: TradingView
The weekly chart shows that the GEV share price has jumped from a low of $114.68 in 2024 to a record high of $1,193 in July. This surge has not been in a straight line as the stock has had some major pullbacks. For example, it dropped from $444 in January 2025 to a low of $251 in April of that year.
It also dropped from $673 in July to a low of $527 in November. Most recently, the stock has pulled back from $1,193 to the current $931. This pullback is part of the bullish flag pattern.
Therefore, the stock will likely resume the upward trend, potentially to the all-time high of $1,193. A move above that level will point to more gains, potentially to the psychological level of $1,250.
Akcie společnosti Nebius během obchodování 14. října klesly o 10,33 % na 185,50 USD. Ředitel prodeje Marc Boroditsky prodal 7 000 akcií v rámci obchodního plánu přijatého 15. června.
An October 13 filing records 7,000 shares sold after an option exercise; 336,000 options remained.
Summary
Nebius’s insider-selling headlines need separation from the actual transaction and its timing.
Nebius Group, the AI-cloud infrastructure provider NBIS, faces renewed scrutiny over executive share sales, with its stock at $185.50, down 10.33%, at 12:30 p.m. ET during October 14 regular trading. Investing.com's report highlighted insider selling alongside a spike in CoreWeave's bond yields. That puts financing pressure and executive transactions in focus. But neither establishes why Nebius fell so sharply.
The October 13 SEC filing records chief revenue officer Marc Boroditsky exercising 7,000 options at $40 each on October 12, then selling the shares for $211.23 apiece. Gross proceeds totaled $1,478,610 before fees and taxes. The disclosed trading plan dates to June 15, months before this selloff. The filing lists zero directly held Class A shares after the transactions, but also 336,000 remaining stock options. Selling those shares did not erase his entire economic exposure.
The screenshot's GF Score of 52/100, with momentum outpacing financial strength and valuation, highlights the gap between market enthusiasm and underlying fundamentals. The investor question goes beyond one executive's sale: can Nebius turn its cloud expansion into durable cash generation? Watch deployed capacity, customer revenue and the funding needed to bring new infrastructure online. A scheduled transaction offers limited insight into those economics. Stronger operating results—and a clearer path to financing growth—would provide much more useful evidence.
CEO Buys, CFO Buys: Stocks that are bought by their CEO/CFOs. Insider Cluster Buys: Stocks that multiple company officers and directors have bought. Double Buys: Companies that both Gurus and Insiders are buying Triple Buys: Companies that both Gurus and Insiders are buying, and Company is buying back.
Disclosures
I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.
IREN uzavřel smlouvy na cloudové služby pro AI v hodnotě přesahující 13 mld. USD, včetně pětileté smlouvy se společností Microsoft v hodnotě 9,7 mld. USD na kapacitu 200 MW.
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
$28.93▼
$76.87$81.13
IREN Limited NASDAQ: IREN drew market attention with its Q2 earnings release, prominently announcing a new multi-year deal with a frontier hyperscale AI lab. The news was compounded by an as-yet unconfirmed report that the customer may be Anthropic. Regardless, it is potentially game-changing news for the company, validating the shift from cryptocurrency mining to AI, and putting in place another long-term contract that improves revenue visibility.
The question is what it means for the stock’s price, and the implications could be substantial. Hyperscale deals with leading frontier labs that provide greater visibility into future operations, validating the AI buildout industry-wide, but, more importantly, this company’s cash flow and future profitability.
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Among the questions answered is who will pay for IREN's capacity, and how. Assuming the contract is with Anthropic, Anthropic’s revenue run rate topped $65 billion as of July, up from $47 billion in May, underpinned by enterprise demand. Reported projections suggest Anthropic could generate roughly $190 billion to $200 billion in annual revenue by 2028. The question it doesn’t answer is whether Anthropic can monetize the capacity and sustain the contract longer term, providing value to its and IREN’s investors over time.
IREN Aggressively Expands Its Data Center BusinessIREN is aggressively expanding its data center business, having decommissioned cryptocurrency capacity sooner than expected to shift it to AI. The impact on results was tangible, leading to wider-than-expected losses, but it accelerated the timeline to monetize the backlog.
As it stands, the company is targeting approximately 300MW of AI IT capacity by year-end and about 800MW by the end of 2027. Looking ahead, IREN has secured 5 GW of power across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific regions, with additional AI infrastructure projects under construction and in development. Not all of that future capacity is covered by long-term contracts. Customer concentration risk remains, with most of the backlog tied to Microsoft NASDAQ: MSFT, but the portfolio is growing.
IREN’s announced AI cloud contracts exceed $13 billion in total value, underpinned by a $9.7 billion five-year contract with Microsoft. Microsoft booked 200MW of capacity over four installments, the first of which was delivered in August. It, along with other contracts with AI developers, brought contracted annualized run-rate revenue to $4 billion for planned 2026 capacity, compared with $1 billion in operating annualized revenue as of late August. Much of the associated GPU spending is covered by committed financing and customer prepayments.
IREN’s outlook is also less risky, to some extent, because of its project funding, which includes upfront payments and innovative financing that help limit the need for dilutive funding. Microsoft agreed to pay 20% upfront to finance GPU capacity, while newer contracts include customer prepayments covering approximately 45% to 55% of GPU costs, with additional financing provided by private creditors. The Microsoft deal includes debt and upfront payments that total about 96% of the build, while the newer contracts are even more favorable. In some cases, financing and prepayments exceed the associated GPU costs.
IREN Buys Growth, Expands Capacity in SpainIREN isn’t just building data centers; it's buying growth as it accelerates its AI infrastructure business. Recent additions include Spain’s Nostrum Group and Mirantis Inc., providing an entry into the European Union (EU) and shifting its business from infrastructure provider to full-stack AI factory original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Nostrum Group, notably, is the Spanish version of IREN, building eco-friendly data centers and power solutions, while Mirantis Inc. provides what it calls a “metal to models” platform that can automate data center operations from initialization to model training and deployment.
Current Price$31.23High Forecast$100.00Average Forecast$81.13Low Forecast$40.00IREN Stock Forecast Details
And if there was ever any doubt about the seriousness of IREN’s build-out plans, investors need only look to the NVIDIA NASDAQ: NVDA partnership. Announced in May 2026, the deal aims to accelerate the deployment of up to 5 GW of NVIDIA-based capacity, with a focus on IREN’s 2 GW Sweetwater, Texas, facility. The partnership also includes a $3.4 billion contract for IREN to provide AI cloud capacity for NVIDIA’s own internal workloads.
The next catalyst is the upcoming earnings report, expected in early November. Analysts are hopeful, but a hurdle remains: they forecast a year-over-year revenue decline tied to the decommissioned cryptocurrency business. Investors should focus on details such as new capacity, updates on its timing, new contracts, and balance sheet health. The balance sheet boasts significant growth and ample liquidity, offset by rapidly increasing debt. The good news is that the business is on track to pay it back, but it will take time, and that is the risk for investors. The company is on track to ramp up capacity, but the big jumps won’t happen until next year and 2028, a long time to wait.
Should You Invest $1,000 in IREN Right Now?Before you consider IREN, you'll want to hear this.
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Akcie společnosti SanDisk tento týden klesly o 11 % kvůli obavám z pokroku čínské společnosti CXMT v oblasti pamětí DRAM, přestože SanDisk vyrábí paměti NAND a CXMT není přímým konkurentem.
This is starting to look serious. Tic-tac-toe, three days in a row, Sandisk (Nasdaq: SNDK) stock has gone nowhere but down. Adding Wednesday's 4.6% decline (as of 2:35 p.m. ET) to similar declines Monday and Tuesday, shares of Sandisk -- one of the world's biggest makers of computer memory chips -- are now down 11% for the week, and approaching a 20% loss for the month.
Don't say you were not warned.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
What's dogging Sandisk stock this weekAs far back as Monday -- my, how time flies! -- I warned that this downturn had the potential to turn into a rout, as investors worried over news that Chinese DRAM company CXMT -- which makes DRAM memory chips -- was closing its technology gap with Western memory chipmakers.
CXMT bragged on Monday that it is making "key progress" on "4F square" technology to increase DRAM storage density. It further promised to introduce products targeting the market for high bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI data centers before the end of this year.
The last time something like this happened, Sandisk stock got cut nearly in half.
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What's next for Sandisk stockAnd yet, several things are worth remembering for investors spooked by the Sandisk sell-off. First and foremost: CXMT makes DRAM memory, but Sandisk doesn't. Instead, Sandisk makes NAND, a related technology that can be used similarly to HBM in a form that Sandisk calls "high bandwidth flash".
But they're not directly comparable, and CXMT is not a direct competitor to Sandisk.
It may not even be much of a competitor to Micron. In a note on StreetInsider.com today, Mizuho analyst Jordan Klein points out that while CXMT promised to "introduce" its 4F square product in 2026, it's probably years away from producing the chips at scale. He also doubts the CXMT product is comparable to HBM chips that Micron builds today, or to Sandisk's HBF. Most likely, it's an ordinary DRAM chip not suitable for AI data centers at all.
TL;DR Sandisk investors are panicking over this. They shouldn't.
Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Micron Technology. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
SailPoint představila agenty AI a kontroly přístupu v reálném čase pro ochranu lidských i AI identit. Agentic Fabric a Entro mají být plně integrovány a dostupné od listopadu.
Three Stocks Under $20 With Massive Upside PotentialSailPoint NASDAQ: SAIL used its Navigate conference briefing to outline product updates centered on securing both human and AI identities, including autonomous agents, runtime authorization controls, expanded cloud infrastructure support and a redesigned user interface.
Chandra Gnanasambandam, SailPoint’s executive vice president of product and chief technology officer, said the company views identity security as a combined “human plus AI” challenge rather than one requiring separate platforms. He said large enterprises may face tens of millions of agentic interactions per day as AI agents interact with large language models, APIs and data systems.
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Autonomous agent vision and runtime controls SailPoint Had a Week to Forget—Is This the Buying Window?Gnanasambandam introduced SailPoint’s vision for autonomous identity agents, grouped into red, blue and green categories. Red agents would identify potentially risky or unauthorized activity, such as an AI agent accessing information beyond its owner’s permissions. Blue agents would investigate and, if warranted, stop the activity. Green agents would focus on “peacetime” governance tasks, including automation of access-certification processes.
He said SailPoint has signed one of the world’s largest banks as a design partner for a green certification agent, with a targeted delivery timeframe of December or January.
Why SailPoint May Cruise Past Cybersecurity Rivals in 2025The company also said its platform can support least-privilege and zero-standing-privilege access models for both humans and AI. SailPoint described its role as a policy decision point that evaluates whether access should be permitted in real time, even after a user or agent has been authenticated by an identity provider such as Okta, Microsoft Entra or Ping.
Gnanasambandam said identity providers primarily handle authentication, while SailPoint’s platform is intended to provide fine-grained authorization based on identity context, access behavior, policy compliance and risk.
Entro integration and Agentic Fabric capabilities SailPoint said its Agentic Fabric and Entro, which SailPoint acquired roughly 90 days before the briefing, are expected to be fully integrated and generally available in November. The company also said that a majority of the capabilities discussed during the presentation are expected to be generally available by Nov. 1 or by the end of the year, with a smaller group planned for the first quarter of the following year.
Levent Besik, SailPoint’s chief product officer, demonstrated the Agentic Fabric, which the company said is designed to inventory AI agents, non-human identities and credentials across enterprise environments. The platform uses connectors, endpoint sensors, browser plugins and integrations with AI, SaaS, security information and event management, and data-security platforms, according to Besik.
In the demonstration, SailPoint showed how security administrators could review an AI agent’s owner, credentials, activity history, access graph and risk factors. Besik said the platform can identify issues including unsanctioned AI platforms, exposed credentials, access to production systems and anomalous behavior. Administrators can deactivate agents, rotate credentials or establish authorization policies from the platform, he said.
SailPoint also highlighted scheduled audit reports designed for frameworks including GDPR, HIPAA and the EU AI Act. Besik said the reports can be exported, scheduled and customized. The company plans to unify similar audit capabilities across its agentic and human-focused offerings.
Human identity updates Dan Martillotti, SailPoint’s vice president of product management, outlined additions to the company’s Human Fabric. These include posture management intended to show identity risk across human and non-human identities, along with recommended remediation actions.
The company said it has automated the creation of entitlement descriptions when applications are onboarded and added tools to assess privilege severity. SailPoint also introduced “effective privilege” views intended to reveal access that may be inherited indirectly through roles and groups.
For end users, SailPoint demonstrated an agentic access-request experience that can recommend entitlements based on a user’s role and needs. For privileged access, the platform supports just-in-time sessions in which access is provisioned when a user begins a task and removed when the session ends.
Martillotti also described certification automation that can recommend retaining or revoking access based on policy guardrails, such as whether privileged access has been used recently.
Customer demand shifts toward action and compliance In response to analyst questions, Gnanasambandam said customer conversations have shifted from discovery of agents and credentials toward acting on identified risks. He cited credential rotation, immediate removal of exposed access and runtime controls as key customer priorities.
He also said audit and compliance discussions have increased, particularly around accountability and fine-grained controls for AI systems. SailPoint said its Agentic Fabric can operate alongside customers’ existing IdentityIQ deployments and can connect to IdentityIQ to incorporate human identity context without requiring a migration.
About SailPoint (NASDAQ:SAIL)SailPoint, Inc NASDAQ: SAIL is an identity security company that helps organizations manage and protect digital identities and access to applications, data, and other technology resources. Its software is designed to help enterprises determine who should have access to specific resources, enforce access policies, and identify and address inappropriate or excessive access.
The company's offerings include its cloud-based identity security platform, which supports identity governance, access management, lifecycle automation, compliance, and analytics.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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CNX Resources v posledním čtvrtletí vykázala zisk 0,72 USD na akcii, což je o 26,32 % více než konsenzuální odhad; ukazatel překvapení ziskem (Earnings ESP) pro nadcházející výsledky činí +10,12 %.
Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? CNX Resources Corporation. (CNX - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry, could be a great candidate to consider.
When looking at the last two reports, this company has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 28.21%, on average, in the last two quarters.
For the last reported quarter, CNX Resources came out with earnings of $0.72 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.57 per share, representing a surprise of 26.32%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $0.93 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.21 per share, delivering a surprise of 30.11%.
Price and EPS Surprise
For CNX Resources, estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.
Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
CNX Resources has an Earnings ESP of +10.12% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on October 29, 2026.
When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss.
Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.
Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Toll Brothers a Brookfield Residential zahájily terénní práce na projektu LakePointe v Covingtonu; prodej rodinných a řadových domů se očekává v polovině roku 2027.
COVINGTON, Wash., Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Toll Brothers, Inc. (NYSE:TOL) and Brookfield Residential today announced their joint venture master-planned community, LakePointe, is coming soon to Covington, Washington. Situated just 35 minutes from downtown Seattle in the desirable commuter corridor of King County, this exclusive community will offer contemporary single-family homes and townhomes by Toll Brothers in a scenic lakeside setting. Site work is underway at 25430 200th Lane SE in Covington, and sales are anticipated to begin in mid-2027.
The highly anticipated LakePointe master-planned community will bring contemporary single-family and townhome living to a picturesque lakeside location. Surrounded by parks, trails, and future walkable retail, Brookfield Residential has designed LakePointe as a dynamic, social neighborhood uniquely nestled in nature. The landmark opening of LakePointe Boulevard to Highway 18 later this year will connect residents to Seattle, Bellevue, SeaTac International Airport, Tacoma, and beyond, adding ease to commutes and making this community an ideal place to call home.
"We are thrilled to introduce LakePointe, a thoughtfully planned community that combines the beauty of lakeside living with the convenience of urban accessibility," said Todd Callahan, Regional President of Toll Brothers for the Pacific region. "With a wide variety of home designs, exceptional amenities, and an unbeatable location, LakePointe is set to redefine luxury living in south King County."
LakePointe will offer six distinctive collections of Toll Brothers homes, including 2- to 4-bedroom townhomes and 3- to 6-bedroom single-family homes, ranging from 1,204 to 2,878 square feet, all with 2-car garages. Walking paths will connect residents to community parks, green spaces, the future lake, retail, and dining, fostering a vibrant and connected lifestyle.
Toll Brothers customers will experience one-stop shopping at the Toll Brothers Design Studio. The state-of-the-art Design Studio allows home shoppers to choose from a wide array of selections to personalize their dream home with the assistance of Toll Brothers professional Design Consultants.
To learn more about LakePointe and to join the Toll Brothers interest list, call 844-845-5263 or visit TollBrothers.com/WA.
About Toll Brothers
Toll Brothers, Inc., a Fortune 500 Company, is the nation's leading builder of luxury homes. The Company was founded in 1967 and became a public company in 1986 with common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "TOL." Toll Brothers builds new homes and communities in over 60 markets across the United States, serving first-time, move-up, active-adult, and second-home buyers. The Company also operates its own architectural, engineering, mortgage, title, land development, smart home technology, landscape, and building components manufacturing businesses.
Toll Brothers was named the #1 Most Admired Home Builder in Fortune magazine's 2026 list of the World's Most Admired Companies®, the ninth year the Company has achieved this honor. Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information, visit TollBrothers.com.
Brookfield Residential Properties ULC is a leading land developer and homebuilder in North America. The company entitles and develops land to create master-planned communities, builds and sells lots to third-party builders, and conducts its own homebuilding operations. Participation in select strategic real estate opportunities includes infill projects, mixed-use developments, and joint ventures. As the flagship North American residential property company of Brookfield Corporation (NYSE: BN; TSX: BN), Brookfield Residential is committed to excellence in residential development. Further information is available at BrookfieldResidential.com and BrookfieldResidentialLand.com.
Contact: Andrea Meck | Toll Brothers, Senior Director, Public Relations & Social Media | 215-938-8169 | [email protected]
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f02acb24-bc25-4162-bf49-37f3e563bf67
Sent by Toll Brothers via Regional Globe Newswire (TOLL-REG)
Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is closing the gap with Anthropic in artificial intelligence, giving Guggenheim Securities fresh reason to back the stock. The next test is turning those gains into a business through its Muse AI agent.
Analyst Michael Morris maintained a Buy rating and raised his price target to $850 from $700 in an Oct. 14 note, citing higher 2027 estimates and the longer-term opportunity in agentic AI.
Meta now scores 56 on the Artificial Analysis Intelligence Index, behind only Anthropic’s 58 among the companies in the note’s comparison. Guggenheim sees the launch of Muse Wonder as a potential catalyst, provided the model’s capabilities translate into a more useful agent.
META stock is moving. See the chart and price action here. The Big Question: How Does Muse Make Money? Guggenheim expects Meta to follow a familiar playbook: let consumers use the product for free, then charge businesses to reach them.
"Over time, we believe Muse monetizes primarily through businesses paying to reach consumers through their agents, consistent with the economics of Meta’s core advertising business, rather than consumer wallets," the analysts wrote.
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The firm expects management to prioritize growing usage before near-term revenue. Muse reached 1.3 million daily active users after five weeks, up from 300,000 in its first week, according to Guggenheim’s analysis of Apptopia data.
Even so, that audience represents less than 0.05% of Meta’s 3.6 billion daily users. Guggenheim views free distribution across that enormous potential audience as an advantage as Meta competes to make AI agents part of everyday shopping, travel and scheduling.
A Costly OpportunityGuggenheim raised its 2027 capital expenditure forecast to approximately $225 billion from $203 billion and expects free cash flow to remain under pressure through 2028.
A rival breakthrough could also force Meta into a prolonged spending race. Morris nevertheless pointed to the company’s record with WhatsApp globally and Reels against TikTok as reasons to believe it can emerge as a leader at scale.
Guggenheim expects agent monetization to ramp more significantly beyond 2027, supporting its willingness to assign Meta a higher valuation now. On the third-quarter earnings call, the firm will look for management to connect stronger models with a stronger agent business.
Without that connection, the analysts warned, the frontier model race becomes "a competitive cost center rather than a growth investment."
META Stock Price Activity: Meta Platforms shares were down 3.17% at $738.32 at the time of publication Wednesday, according to Benzinga Pro.
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Akcie společnosti Meta během dne klesly o 3,66 % poté, co analytik společnosti Guggenheim zvýšil svůj odhad kapitálových výdajů společnosti Meta pro rok 2027 na 225 miliard USD.
Meta Stocks Fall 3.7% as Analyst's $225 Billion Spending Forecast Raises Stakes
Guggenheim's 2027 capital-spending estimate is an analyst projection, separate from company guidance.
Summary
Meta’s advertising engine must support its AI investment while protecting profitability.
Meta Platforms, the social-media and AI-products group META, faces a bigger spending hurdle as enthusiasm for Muse meets the bill for building it. Shares traded at $734.605, down 3.66%, at approximately 12:41 p.m. ET on October 14. According to Barron's, Guggenheim analyst Michael Morris lifted his 2027 capital-spending estimate to $225 billion from $203 billion. That extra $22 billion sharpens the question: how much investment can Meta absorb before earnings feel more pressure? The estimate belongs to Morris; it is not company guidance.
Advertising is still doing the heavy lifting. Meta's second-quarter filing reported 14% growth in ad impressions and a 12% increase in average ad prices. Revenue climbed 28% to $60.80 billion, but operating income fell 8% to $18.78 billion. That puts the operating margin near 30.9%. More sales, less operating profit—a clear sign that rising expenses are swallowing the advertising gains. The company also projected $130 billion–$145 billion in 2026 capital expenditures to support AI and its core business.
The valuation picture shows shares 15.16% below the $865.88 GF Value™ estimate, suggesting a potential valuation cushion rather than a guaranteed bargain. Muse could broaden Meta's revenue base, but investors still need evidence that its financial contribution can justify the infrastructure bill. Watch ad pricing, impression growth and operating margin alongside the next spending update. Product buzz can lift expectations fast. Turning that buzz into durable profit is the harder job.
Disclosures
I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.
Meta představila modely AI Muse Wonder a Muse Wonder Full; její akcie během dvou dnů po představení vzrostly přibližně o 6 %. Bank of America potvrdila doporučení „koupit“ a cílovou cenu 810 USD.
Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META, XETRA:FB2A, SIX:FB) has strengthened its artificial intelligence credentials with two new models, prompting Bank of America to reiterate its 'buy' rating and $810 price target.
The bank said Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full demonstrate progress by Meta Superintelligence Labs, which was formed 16 months ago, and could improve confidence in the company’s ability to compete with leading AI developers.
Meta shares rose about 6% over the two days following the launch, outperforming a broadly flat S&P 500 index.
Benchmark results from Artificial Analysis, an AI model evaluation platform, placed Muse Wonder Full’s intelligence score at 56, broadly in line with leading models from rival developers that scored between 53 and 58.
Bank of America said the release represented a meaningful achievement and should support investor confidence in Meta’s recent AI initiatives.
The models build on Muse Spark, which was designed for lightweight tasks requiring rapid responses, with the new versions targeting more complex workloads such as software development and agentic workflows, where AI systems can carry out multi-step tasks.
Muse Wonder is available through Meta’s model application programming interface (API) and Muse Code, a coding service, at $4 per million input tokens and $20 per million output tokens, while Muse Wonder Full is restricted to Muse Code subscribers.
The standard Wonder model will also power Meta’s Muse personal AI agent, initially for subscribers.
Bank of America expects the more capable models to strengthen Meta’s potential to generate revenue from enterprise contracts, API access and cloud distribution partnerships.
The bank also sees scope for improvements in Muse’s usefulness and task-completion rates, potentially supporting user adoption and retention.
More capable AI models could improve content recommendations and advertising targeting, helping advertisers generate better returns on advertising spend and encouraging additional investment on Meta’s platforms.
The models could also reduce Meta’s reliance on external AI systems, lowering the cost of processing requests through third-party models.
Bank of America believes analysts’ forecasts currently include limited contributions from Meta’s emerging AI businesses, leaving room for upgrades if advertising, subscriptions and computing capacity leasing generate meaningful revenue.
The bank highlighted Meta’s planned computing capacity expansion, with more than 3 gigawatts targeted for 2026 and 6 gigawatts for 2027, as a potential source of upside to earnings estimates for 2027 and 2028.
Potential enterprise agreements represent the next important catalyst, although the bank warned that slower Muse adoption, competing AI agents from Google and concerns about rising capital expenditure in 2027 could weigh on sentiment.
Tesla plánuje se společností SpaceX vybudovat a provozovat Terafab, komplex na výrobu čipů pro umělou inteligenci, přestože letos očekává rekordní kapitálové investice ve výši více než 25 miliard USD.
Elon Musk has never been one to think small, and his latest ambition might be one of his boldest ideas yet. Tesla Inc. NASDAQ: TSLA, the electric-vehicle giant increasingly being pitched as an AI and robotics company, is no longer content to design its own chips. It now wants to build and run the factory that makes them.
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The stock has been on a tear lately, up around 25% since the end of July to trade near $375, though it remains down about 19% in 2026 and, on the charts at least, still stuck in a downtrend. Investors clearly like the recent direction of travel, even if the longer-term picture looks far less settled.
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Musk first unveiled plans for Terafab, a massive AI chip manufacturing complex, in March. Earlier this month, he doubled down on the project, insisting that Tesla and SpaceX would build and operate the facility themselves rather than hand control to an established chipmaker like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. NYSE: TSM. With earnings due Oct. 21, the question is whether this is visionary vertical integration or an expensive distraction.
The Logic Behind Owning the FabStrip away the bravado, and there is real strategic logic here. By controlling chip design, fabrication, and packaging in-house, Tesla could tailor its silicon to its own needs, from Full Self-Driving (FSD) to its Cybertruck robotaxis and Optimus robots. The prize isn't merely cheaper chips, but chips optimized for Tesla’s software, power limits, and autonomous-driving workloads.
It fits the bigger story the bulls have told for a while: that Tesla is morphing from a carmaker into an AI-first business, with autonomy and robotics becoming the real profit engines. Owning the chip supply chain would hand it more control over that shift, and less dependence on outsiders.
A Very Different Kind of FactoryHere is the rub, however. Building cars, batteries, and robots is one thing; running an advanced semiconductor fab is entirely another, demanding expertise in process control, yield management, and clean-room manufacturing that Tesla doesn’t have today. Musk’s cheerful admission that he does not yet know how to make microchips is not a detail investors should wave away.
Then there’s the timeline. A fab has to be built, equipped, qualified, and painstakingly ramped before it reliably produces anything, a process more likely to be measured in years rather than quarters. Any slip would leave Tesla funding an enormous facility while still leaning on the very suppliers it set out to replace, the worst of both worlds. Musk has floated roles for partners to share the load, with Intel Corp NASDAQ: INTC named as a development partner and TSMC possibly subleasing part of the site.
All of this lands on top of an already steep capital-spending bill. While Tesla now expects to spend more than $25 billion this year, its largest ever, management has already conceded it may need additional funding to see the plans through. Add a chip-making factory, and that already heavy bill climbs even higher.
Priced for a Lot to Go RightThe bigger worry is what all this means for a stock that already prices in near-flawless execution. Even with the stock trending down since the start of the year, Tesla trades on a price-to-earnings ratio north of 300, which tells you just how much value the market is assigning to businesses that barely contribute to profit today.
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) Price Chart for Wednesday, October, 14, 2026
That leaves precious little room for disappointment, and Wall Street itself is split on whether the current price is a bargain or a stretch. A delayed or underused chip plant would not just be a costly misstep in isolation; it could be read as proof that Tesla’s whole AI and robotics timetable is slipping. For a stock priced on promises, perception matters almost as much as the numbers.
What That Means for Next Week’s ReportThat is what makes the upcoming earnings report so important. Beyond the usual focus on deliveries and margins, investors will be hunting for signs that Terafab is a disciplined bet rather than an open-ended one, with clarity on how much capital it will consume and which partners are truly committed, plus evidence that robotaxi and FSD economics are improving with or without a fab attached.
For all the obvious risks, betting against Musk’s ambition has rarely paid off for long, given how many of his longest shots eventually came good. But chipmaking is among the hardest games in technology, and with the stock already priced as if future success is guaranteed, Tesla has seldom needed to reassure investors more than it does in its upcoming release.
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Demokratičtí zákonodárci vyzvali FAA k novému posouzení dopadů plánovaného dronového centra Amazon Prime Air ve Westborough na životní prostředí a obyvatele.
A group of Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday urged the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a new environmental review before allowing an Amazon Prime Air drone delivery hub to be located about 30 miles (48.28 km) west of Boston.
Massachusetts Democratic US Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Representatives Jim McGovern and Lori Trahan wrote to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford seeking a new review after communities raised concerns about the planned Westborough hub and its impact on the environment and residents’ quality of life, including noise pollution, health and safety, and privacy.
The FAA said it would respond directly to the lawmakers. Amazon did not immediately comment.
Here are more details:
On September 28, a group of 15 states and a Texas county on Monday sued the FAA over the agency's environmental review of planned commercial drone package delivery rules.
The agency in July issued a broad environmental review that allows qualifying drone operators to launch fleets without a site-specific environmental analysis.
The states — including New York, California, Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Michigan — and Harris County, Texas, said the FAA violated the law by failing to adequately analyze the potential environmental impacts of expanded drone package delivery operations.
Drone delivery operations are already happening in states including California, Texas, Arkansas, Florida and Utah under the waiver process.
The FAA said last year that eliminating the need for waivers "will significantly expand the use-case for drone technologies in areas like: manufacturing, farming, energy production, filmmaking, and the movement of products including lifesaving medications."
The FAA environmental review included reviewing the noise impacts of 1,150 average drone deliveries from a single hub. Drones would depart a hub and travel en route at an altitude of less than 400 feet (121 meters).
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) on Tuesday posted better-than-expected third-quarter results.
Citigroup reported revenue, net of interest expense, of $23.85 billion, up 8% year over year and above the analyst estimate of $23.72 billion. Net income surged 40% to $5.25 billion. Earnings of $2.85 per share beat the consensus estimate of $2.67.
Citigroup’s fixed-income, currency and commodities trading business generated $4.4 billion in revenue, exceeding the $4.3 billion analyst estimate cited by Bloomberg. The business delivered its strongest third-quarter performance in at least a decade.
Citigroup shares fell 1.1% to trade at $123.20 on Wednesday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Citigroup following earnings announcement.
RBC Capital analyst Gerard Cassidy maintained the stock with an Outperform rating and lowered the price target from $150 to $135. TD Cowen analyst R. Scott Siefers maintained the stock with a Buy and lowered the price target from $150 to $148. Evercore ISI Group analyst Glenn Schorr maintained the stock with an In-Line rating and cut the price target from $140 to $135. Considering buying C stock? Here’s what analysts think:
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Bank of America najala 1 000 externistů k odstranění zranitelností odhalených AI Anthropic Mythos; ve třetím čtvrtletí ji náprava a dodržování pravidel proti praní špinavých peněz (AML) stály více než 200 milionů USD.
Bank of America has hired an army of external contractors to help it patch software vulnerabilities exposed by advanced artificial intelligence models including Anthropic's Mythos, the bank's CEO, Brian Moynihan, told CNBC on Wednesday.
In an interview after the bank's third-quarter earnings release, Moynihan said that earlier this year the company rushed to bolster a wide spectrum of its internal and vendor code using thousands of employees and outside personnel.
"That risk is real risk, and that's why when the frontier-type models came out. … A lot of us sat down and said, 'How do we figure out how to get through this quickly?" Moynihan told CNBC's Leslie Picker.
"We put on 1,000 contractors to help us do the patching work in the second quarter, and those people remain here today, helping us, on top of the 3,000 people we have in that area," he said.
The bank spent a "couple hundred million plus" on the software remediation and regulatory issues related to anti-money laundering compliance in the third quarter, Moynihan told analysts earlier Wednesday.
The comments are some of the first by a major U.S. corporation to specify the manpower and dollars spent to protect software systems from Mythos, which was released to a small group of banks, technology firms and government agencies in April.
They also highlight the dual-edged nature of AI: While it can help companies save money by boosting productivity, the ability of models like Mythos to uncover and exploit decades-old software flaws has also forced firms into a costly defensive scramble.
"We've got to stay ahead of them, and we've got to be mindful that the people doing the software development are the people trying to sell us the services," Moynihan said.
Still, Moynihan — speaking as his company's shares slumped as much as 8% Wednesday — sought to reassure investors that the spending increase was temporary.
"Once you patch, you don't have to patch as much. … The pipeline moves through," Moynihan said, adding that the bank expects remediation costs to decline over time.
In other places, AI is helping to reduce expenses. Bank of America has about 130 internal AI projects, and savings from those efforts are expected to rise from $300 million this year to $700 million in 2027, Moynihan told analysts.
Bank of America's head count fell by about 3,400 employees in the past year as the firm cut roughly 5% of managers, he said. It's unclear how much of that workforce reduction is attributable to AI.
Key Takeaways Delta Air Lines slashes its 2026 EPS guidance to $5.10-$5.60 as rising fuel costs pressure profitability.DAL's Q3 fuel expenses surged 62% to $4.14B, while operating margin contracted 170 basis points to 9.4%.DAL's free cash flow fell to $463M while its valuation premium & downward earnings revisions raise concerns.
Delta Air Lines (DAL - Free Report) has lowered its full-year 2026 earnings guidance following disappointing third-quarter results released on Oct. 9, as surging fuel expenses and rising operating costs continue to pressure profitability. The airline now expects adjusted earnings of $5.10-$5.60 per share, down from its earlier projection of $6.50-$7.50.
In the third quarter of 2026, adjusted earnings of $1.72 per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.44%. Despite a 16% increase in adjusted revenues to $17.59 billion, escalating expenses weighed on margins. The combination of disappointing earnings and reduced guidance raises concerns about DAL's near-term prospects.
DAL's Share Price OutperformanceDAL's shares have gained 29% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry's 3.3% decline and the S&P 500's 18% growth. However, mounting cost pressures and weakening earnings expectations could challenge this momentum.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Factors Weighing on DAL's Investment AppealSurging Fuel Costs Pressure Margins: Delta's adjusted fuel expenses surged 62% year over year to $4.14 billion in the third quarter, as average fuel prices increased 60% to $3.61 per gallon. Consequently, adjusted operating income declined 2% to $1.66 billion, while adjusted operating margin contracted 170 basis points to 9.4%. Non-fuel expenses also increased 8%, reflecting higher crew and revenue-related costs.
The challenging fuel environment poses risks across the airline industry. United Airlines (UAL - Free Report) and American Airlines (AAL - Free Report) also operate in a fuel-sensitive industry, where higher energy prices can constrain profitability. Like DAL, both UAL and AAL face the broader challenge of balancing revenue growth with escalating operating expenses. We expect high fuel costs to hurt the third-quarter results of both United Airlines (scheduled to be released on Oct. 20) and American Airlines (scheduled to be released on Oct. 22).
Weakening Cash Flow and Financial Obligations: Delta generated $463 million in free cash flow during the September quarter, down from $833 million a year earlier. Higher capital expenditures and increased operating costs constrained cash generation. Although adjusted net debt declined $2.24 billion year over year to $13.35 billion, substantial financial obligations continue to limit flexibility.
The company's plan to repay more than $2 billion of debt in 2026 supports balance-sheet improvement. However, persistent cost inflation and weaker free cash flow could constrain its ability to simultaneously fund expansion, reduce debt and reward shareholders.
Strong Demand Offers Limited Relief: Despite these challenges, Delta continues to benefit from healthy travel demand and premium offerings. Passenger revenues increased 15% year over year to $15.53 billion, while premium-ticket revenues climbed 18% to $6.82 billion. Loyalty-related revenues also grew, supported by its American Express partnership.
DAL's premium-focused strategy remains a competitive strength against United Airlines and American Airlines, which also compete for corporate and leisure travelers. However, strong demand alone may not offset rising operating costs, particularly when fuel expenses increase faster than revenues.
Delta expects approximately 20% revenue growth in the fourth quarter but anticipates adjusted operating margins of only 7-9%. Its projected fuel price of $4.25 per gallon suggests continued pressure on profitability.
DAL's Valuation and Earnings Revisions Signal CautionDAL currently trades at 11.41 X forward 12-month earnings, above the industry average of 10.23 X. Although its strong premium-travel franchise supports its valuation, the earnings outlook raises questions about whether this premium is justified.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
With profitability under pressure, DAL's valuation offers limited comfort. Industry competition involving United Airlines and American Airlines adds to the challenges, as airlines seek to protect margins while managing elevated expenses. Without stronger earnings visibility, investors may find it difficult to justify paying a premium for DAL.
Moreover, analysts have sharply lowered earnings expectations. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings has declined 19.72% over the past 60 days to $5.25 per share. The 2027 consensus estimate has fallen 15.10% to $7.42 per share over the same period, indicating weakening confidence in the company's earnings trajectory.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Should Investors Sell DAL Stock Now?Delta's reduced earnings guidance underscores the growing impact of elevated fuel costs and margin pressure despite healthy passenger demand. Weakening cash generation, substantial debt and negative earnings estimate revisions further cloud its investment outlook.
Although premium revenues and improving leverage remain encouraging, DAL's valuation premium and Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) suggest limited near-term investment appeal. Given the mounting profitability challenges and downside risks, investors may consider avoiding fresh exposure or reducing their holdings in DAL stock until earnings visibility improves. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Wednesday is meeting with the CEOs of major aerospace companies including Boeing (BA.N) and GE (GE.N) on his efforts to reform new aircraft certification, officials said.
On Sept. 30, Duffy said he wants to speed certification of new airplanes from Boeing and other manufacturers, citing competition concerns from China. Approving a new airplane can take five or more years and require substantial testing and data and extensive documentation. The Federal Aviation Administration in June proposed changes to modernize and speed certification of new commercial airplanes.
A spokesperson for Duffy confirmed he was meeting with industry executives. Boeing and GE declined to comment.
"If we can't move at a different pace in certification, we're going to lose. China is going to beat us. We're going to lose not because you don't have the innovation," Duffy told reporters last month, warning that private capital is not going to invest in innovation because it is going to take a decade for approvals.
The effort could be a boost to manufacturers like Boeing (BA.N) Airbus (AIR.PA) Embraer (EMBJ3.SA) and Bombardier (BBDb.TO).
It took Boeing over eight years to get the smaller 737 MAX 7 certified, which was finally approved in August. The certification of the 777x is more than five years behind Boeing's original schedule.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford has pushed for reforms to certification and disclosed earlier this year the agency has a few projects working with industry "to see how they can streamline the process."
The prior FAA head, Mike Whitaker, told Reuters in 2024 that the agency was looking at using better technology to streamline the process.
Reuters first reported the FAA's planned changes in September, disclosing the agency planned to reduce the number of "exemptions, special conditions, and equivalent level of safety findings required during the certification process."
Duffy also urged more entrants in commercial space. "It needs to be more vibrant. We need more competition, more players," Duffy said, adding the government is also trying to move faster in space to speed innovation.
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc (NYSE:GS) on Tuesday reported upbeat earnings for the third quarter.
The company posted quarterly earnings of $17.01 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $13.08 per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $18.679 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $16.705 billion.
Goldman Sachs’ Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $5 per common share on Oct. 12, 2026, payable on Dec. 30 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 2, 2026.
Goldman Sachs shares fell 2.2% to trade at $872.79 on Wednesday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Goldman Sachs following earnings announcement.
RBC Capital analyst Gerard Cassidy maintained the stock with a Sector Perform and lowered the price target from $1220 to $1010. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Christopher McGratty maintained the stock with a Market Perform and lowered the price target from $1130 to $1100. Considering buying GS stock? Here’s what analysts think:
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HPE po snížení doporučení od společnosti Barclays intradenně klesla o 7,4 % na 63,695 USD. Tržby z datacentrových sítí vzrostly o 112,2 % na 382 milionů USD, ale tvořily jen 3,1 % čtvrtletních tržeb.
Data-center networking generated about 3.1% of quarterly sales, despite growing more than 100%.
Summary
HPE’s broader networking growth needs separation from its narrower data-center opportunity.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise, the networking and enterprise-computing supplier HPE, slid to $63.695, down approximately 7.4%, at 11:48 a.m. ET on October 14 as investors digested Barclays' downgrade. According to Investing.com, the bank lowered its rating to Equal Weight and trimmed its price target to $77 from $83, keeping its financial forecasts intact. That distinction matters. The downgrade challenges how much investors should pay for the growth story, rather than signaling weaker earnings expectations.
The AI-networking opportunity is growing fast. Its contribution to total sales remains small. HPE's September 2 earnings release reported data-center networking revenue of $382 million, up 112.2% year over year. That works out to roughly 3.1% of quarterly revenue of $12.2 billion. The broader Networking segment brought in $2.9 billion across data-center, campus, routing and security products, with a 22% operating margin versus 17% for Cloud & AI. Those figures show a profitable networking business, but they do not make every networking dollar an AI dollar.
The valuation picture raises the stakes: the $63.695 share price sits 124.2% above the displayed GF Value™ estimate of $28.41, suggesting investors already expect substantial growth. That estimate is a valuation reference, not a prediction of where the stock will trade. Still, rapid growth in a business contributing roughly 3% of sales needs time to move the whole company. Investors should watch whether data-center networking gains revenue share while the broader portfolio sustains profitability. With Barclays leaving its forecasts unchanged, the next earnings report needs to give investors stronger evidence that the premium has financial backing.
Disclosures
I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.
Tržby Intelu ve 2. čtvrtletí meziročně vzrostly o 25 % na 16,1 mld. USD, přičemž tržby z datových center a umělé inteligence stouply o 59 % na 6,3 mld. USD.
Shares of Intel (INTC -4.73%) are up about 180% over the past year, as of Oct. 12, reflecting growing demand for its chips for artificial intelligence (AI) workloads.
The stock is more expensive than it was a year ago, but the prospect of sustainable revenue growth from AI leaves room for further gains over the next several years. "AI is driving unprecedented demand for compute, and as we continue to execute, Intel is well-positioned to capture sustainable growth across our CPU franchise, ASICs, advanced packaging, and vast wafer foundry network," CEO Lip-Bu Tan stated in the 2026 second-quarter earnings report.
Here are three reasons the stock is a buy heading into 2027.
Image source: Intel.
1. Strong execution is producing momentum in financial results Intel has topped its own financial expectations for seven straight quarters. Beating guidance repeatedly shows the company is executing well against its goals and managing its factories and costs, which can support a higher stock price over time as investors gain confidence. Here are the key highlights from the Q2 earnings report that point to building momentum in the business:
Revenue rose 25% year over year to $16.1 billion -- the company's strongest growth in more than 15 years. Non-GAAP gross margin (the share of revenue left after production costs) reached 41.8%, more than 12 points higher than a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share of $0.42 more than doubled the guidance of $0.20, and reversed a loss of $0.10 in the year-ago quarter. Higher revenue, better manufacturing yields (more working chips per wafer), and stronger average selling prices drove the strong results, with data-center and AI sales growing 59% to $6.3 billion. AI-related businesses made up roughly 70% of Intel's total revenue in the quarter.
CFO David Zinsner said the near-term goal was to get gross margins "comfortably into the 40s" every quarter -- implying the potential for more gains over its Q2 gross margin. Overall, the prospect of expanding margins is a positive for the stock heading into 2027.
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2. AI is driving more demand for Intel's processors than it can supply AI will need a massive number of central processing units (CPUs), as well as specialized accelerators and graphics processing units (GPUs). CPUs have proven more effective at handling orchestration, data movement, and storage around AI training and inference. The growing use of AI agents (software that performs tasks autonomously) will put more strain on existing compute capacity and is a long-term tailwind for Intel.
Intel faces growing competition in the CPU market from Advanced Micro Devices and Nvidia. But all these companies should continue to post robust growth, since demand for CPUs continues to outrun supply.
AI agents require a four to six times increase in CPU requirements, which is leading to higher core counts and more stable pricing. Beyond servers, Intel sees further opportunities in edge computing and physical AI systems such as industrial equipment and robotics.
These opportunities support analysts' expectations that Intel's revenue will increase by 21% in 2027, reaching $78 billion.
3. Manufacturing progress is opening additional growth opportunities Intel's foundry efforts (making chips for other companies) and advanced packaging technology, which connects multiple chips into more powerful processing systems, are showing progress. The 18A process is in high-volume production. Better yields and execution in ramping new technologies mean Intel can produce more chips at lower cost, which improves margins and can attract outside customers for Intel's foundry.
Management sees its advanced packaging business potentially reaching billions of dollars in revenue with attractive margins. Revenue is expected to ramp more meaningfully in the second half of 2027 and can also open the door to larger foundry deals.
Intel's foundry posted a Q2 operating loss of $2.1 billion, although the loss narrowed by $348 million over Q1. The foundry's persistent losses have been an overhang on the stock in recent years, but management is working to bring this business to breakeven by the end of 2027 or into 2028. Narrowing losses at Intel Foundry could support a higher stock price in 2027.
Intel's shares are not cheap, trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 67 on 2026 earnings estimates. Even so, accelerating growth, expanding margins, and long-term opportunities in physical AI could still support excellent returns for investors in 2027 and beyond. The forward multiple drops to 49 on 2027 estimates, with analysts expecting 69% annualized earnings growth in the next several years.
