Uber ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšil EPS o 85,7 % na 1,17 USD a výnosy o 12,2 % na 14,19 miliardy USD, oba údaje překonaly odhady. Pro 3. čtvrtletí očekává gross bookings 58,25–60,25 miliardy USD, ale EPS 80–84 centů je pod odhadem 90 centů.
Key Takeaways Uber's Q2 EPS surged 85.7% and beat estimates, while revenues rose 12.2% year over year. UBER sees Q3 gross bookings of $58.25B-$60.25B, but EPS guidance trails the 90-cent estimate.Uber's AV partnerships, diversification and strategic investments support its long-term growth platform. Last week, Uber Technologies (UBER - Free Report) reported strong second-quarter 2026 results with respect to the bottom line. Quarterly revenues, however, fell short of expectations. While the third-quarter outlook for gross bookings was impressive, the projection for earnings per share was below par.
Given this backdrop, let’s first review the second-quarter results.
UBER’s Q2 Earnings SnapshotEarnings of $1.17 per share rose 85.7% year over year and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 41%. The company’s earnings beat three of the past four quarters, missing the mark on the other occasion. The average beat is 99.5%.
Quarterly revenues of $14.19 billion increased 12.2% year over year. The company saw impressive growth in its delivery and mobility segments, boosting the top line.
Gross bookings grew 22% on a constant currency basis year-on-year to more than $58 billion, above the high end of the company’s guidance and marking the fourth consecutive quarter above 20% growth for this key metric. Trips also accelerated with results benefiting from travel linked to the FIFA World Cup.
Uber’s ride-hailing business benefited from the mega event with millions of tourists taking rides across host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Operating income also increased significantly during the June quarter, with operating cash flow increasing 12% to $2.9 billion. Moreover, trailing 12-month free cash flow exceeded $10 billion for the first time.
Gross Bookings Q3 View Impressive Despite FX WoesFor the third quarter, Uber expects gross bookings in the band of $58.25-$60.25 billion. The mid-point of the guided range is roughly in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $59.2 billion. Unlike the previous few quarters, foreign exchange is likely to trim the metric by roughly 1 percentage point.
Despite that, the gross bookings forecast implies 18% to 22% year-over-year growth on a constant-currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA is forecasted in the $2.86-$2.96 billion band. Third-quarter adjusted earnings per share are expected in the 80-84 cents band. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is currently pegged at 90 cents per share.
Uber’s AV Ambitions ImpressIn view of the rapidly expanding autonomous vehicle (“AV”) market, Uber is adopting a partnership-focused strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities. By working alongside multiple technology leaders, the company has been able to avoid the substantial research and development costs associated with building in-house AV capabilities, while still progressing toward its automation ambitions.
Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, on the second-quarter conference call, dismissed speculations of Alphabet’s (GOOGL - Free Report) Waymo considering ending their partnership. The CEO stated that he expected Uber and Alphabet’s Waymo to continue operating together in Austin and Atlanta. Apart from the partnership with Alphabet’s Waymo, Uber has associations with many other vehicle firms, as it aims to gain a stronghold in the robotaxi market. Uber expects to operate in 15 markets by 2026.
UBER’s Overall Price Performance Is UnimpressiveDespite the second-quarter earnings beat, shares of UBER have declined in single digits (% wise) so far this year. UBER’s shares have also underperformed the Zacks Internet-Services industry over the same time frame. Rival Lyft’s (LYFT - Free Report) shares have performed even worse.
YTD Price ComparisonImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation PictureFrom a valuation perspective, Uber’s shares are cheaper compared with its industry. The company has a Value Score of C. Shares of Lyft are cheaper. Lyft has a Value Score of B.
UBER’s P/E F12M Vs. Industry & LYFTImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
How to Play Uber Stock Post-Q2 Earnings?Despite Uber’s weak stock performance, elevated debt burden and persistent macroeconomic pressures creating short-term headwinds, the long-term outlook for the ride-hailing leader remains encouraging.
The company’s emphasis on strategic diversification and shareholder-oriented initiatives continues to serve as a major strength. Backed by a robust market capitalization of $152.71 billion, Uber remains well-positioned to navigate the current economic uncertainty. Its diversification strategy — spanning acquisitions, international expansion and innovative service offerings — has played a vital role in reducing risks and reinforcing its competitive standing.
Overall, Uber’s large-scale operations, AV ambitions, strategic investments and diversification efforts create a strong platform for long-term growth. Maintaining positions in this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock, despite the year-to-date price decline, appears to be a sensible approach at present, while potential investors may prefer to wait for a more attractive entry opportunity.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Odvolací soud v USA umožnil pokračovat více než 3 000 žalobám proti Meta, Alphabet, ByteDance, Snap a dalším kvůli tvrzení, že jejich sítě jsou návykové pro mladé uživatele.
Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch and Reddit applications are displayed on a mobile phone ahead of new law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia, in this... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more
SummaryCompanies9th Circuit says Section 230 offers liability defense, not immunity, so appeal is too soonAppeals court also rejects Meta request to delay trial brought by 29 state attorneys generalFederal litigation covers more than 3,000 suitsAug 10 (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Monday allowed thousands of lawsuits to move forward against Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab, Alphabet's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Google, ByteDance's TikTok, and other social media companies over claims they designed their products to be addictive to young users.
The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the companies’ bid to reverse a lower court’s ruling forcing them to face more than 3,000 lawsuits over the claims filed in federal court, concluding that the appeal came too early in the litigation.
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The defendants, which also include Snap Inc's (SNAP.N), opens new tab Snapchat, had argued that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 -- which generally shields online companies from claims over content posted by their users - also bars lawsuits claiming they failed to warn the public about the addictive nature of their platforms.
Most appeals come after a case has concluded with a ruling or a verdict. Meta had argued that Section 230 provided it broad immunity and that it should be able to appeal the lower court's decision immediately. But the 9th Circuit said Section 230 provides a defense to liability, not immunity from lawsuits, so the appeal was premature.
The court also denied Meta's bid to postpone a trial beginning Wednesday in a lawsuit brought by 29 state attorneys general alleging that the company illegally collected and used children’s data, designed their social media platforms to keep young users hooked, and misled consumers about their safety. The company had argued that the trial couldn't go forward while the appeal had been outstanding.
A representative for Meta and a spokesperson for the lead attorneys in the appeal did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
THOUSANDS OF LAWSUITSFiled by states, municipalities, school districts and individuals, the lawsuits allege that social media companies intentionally addicted young users, contributing to surging depression, anxiety and body-image issues and a broader mental health crisis among American youth in recent years.
Parents, school districts, states and other plaintiffs had argued that the trial court’s ruling was not final and therefore could not be appealed. But they also objected to the companies’ arguments about Section 230, saying it does not cover claims related to how they operate and design their products.
The cases, which have been centralized before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California, seek damages, penalties and restitution from the companies. The companies appealed Rogers’ orders in 2023 and 2024 that largely allowed the litigation to move forward.
The companies are facing hundreds of additional lawsuits over similar claims in state court, with approximately 3,300 of them in a consolidated proceeding in California state court.
In the first lawsuit to go to trial in the California litigation, and a closely watched test of how juries might respond to similar claims, a Los Angeles jury in March found Meta and Google negligent for designing social media platforms that harm young people. The jury awarded $6 million to a now‑20‑year‑old woman who says she became addicted to Instagram and YouTube as a child.
And, Meta lost both phases of a landmark lawsuit brought by New Mexico in state court. A jury in March ordered it to pay $375 million after finding it had misled consumers about the safety of its platforms. On Thursday, a judge found Meta had created a public nuisance and ordered it to pay an additional $567 million and implement youth-safety measures.
Both Meta and Google, which have denied the claims in those cases, said they would appeal.
Reporting by Diana Novak Jones in Chicago, Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Matthew Lewis and David Bario
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Diana reports on product liability, litigation, mass torts and the plaintiffs' bar. She previously worked at Law360 and the Chicago Sun-Times.
Amazon (AMZN +0.81%) recently joined the $3 trillion club, with its stock driven higher by better-than-expected earnings results. The company's cloud computing platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS), was a standout in the results, and it could be the business that propels the company's value even higher over the next few years. In fact, Amazon could become a $5 trillion company by 2029 simply by sticking with its current course.
Over time, Amazon should see continued acceleration in AWS, ultimately producing considerable earnings and free cash flow for the business. Meanwhile, its core retail operations are increasingly profitable, driven by its growing advertising business and unparalleled scale.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Can AWS keep accelerating? Amazon's cloud computing business saw revenue grow 37% year over year, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of accelerating revenue growth for the segment. It's also the highest growth rate for the business in 18 quarters, despite doubling in size during that period.
That growth was bolstered by Amazon's strength in artificial intelligence services (Bedrock, SageMaker, training, and inference) and its own chips business (Trainium, Inferentium, and Graviton). Management said both segments reached a $25 billion annualized run rate last quarter, and both are growing at a triple-digit rate. Meanwhile, its core cloud computing services continued to grow quickly, providing a solid base for the business.
There's a lot of growth left, too. Amazon ended the quarter with $496 billion in contracted revenue. That includes deals with OpenAI and Anthropic to use its Trainium chips. It's set to provide 2 GW worth of Trainium chips to OpenAI. Anthropic will use up to 5 GW of Trainium and Graviton cores over its 10-year agreement with Amazon. As these deals ramp up, AWS should continue to see accelerating growth.
Importantly, the deals also involve the use of Amazon's custom silicon. Management has said that using its own chips rather than traditional GPUs yields better results for its customers and itself, enabling it to achieve wider operating margins. While many fear larger AI workloads will cut into AWS' margin, the push to use more Trainium chips and the massive scale of its growth should ensure margins continue to improve over time.
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It's worth noting that AWS isn't the only piece of the growth story at Amazon. Its retail business is quietly producing excellent results as well. The rest of its operations grew revenue by roughly 16% year over year last quarter, helped by shifting Prime Day from the third quarter to the second quarter. Still, double-digit growth for a business generating over $600 billion in annual revenue is pretty impressive.
What's more, margins are expanding for the retail business thanks to strong growth in advertising and improvements in its logistics network. Both should continue to push profitability higher, providing a solid base of earnings.
What could prevent Amazon from reaching $5 trillion? As mentioned, if Amazon continues on its current path, it should be able to reach a $5 trillion valuation in the near future. Strong revenue growth, plus an expanding operating margin, is a recipe for exceptional earnings growth. Meanwhile, the stock trades for just 22 times forward earnings.
Even if it maintains that earnings multiple, Amazon would only have to grow earnings an average of 18% per year to reach a $5 trillion market value by 2029. That's well within reason, considering the revenue expected to come to Amazon over the next couple of years through agreements with the leading AI labs, in addition to the continued growth of the retail business.
There are two big risks facing Amazon. The first is a collapse in demand for AI compute. While there are some edge cases where Anthropic or OpenAI is unable to pay on its commitments, those seem very unlikely. The bigger risk is that the hyperscalers build out more capacity than needed, and that weighs on pricing. That's mitigated by the upfront commitments signed with Amazon.
CEO Andy Jassy noted that the lead time for server expenses is a matter of months, and they have a useful life of about five years, with a payback period of just under three years. Servers make up the bulk of capital expenditures in most quarters, even as Amazon's standing up tons of new data centers to meet demand. But the tight lead time for servers gives it more leeway to pull back if it sees a drop in demand.
The massive capital required to meet the growing demand for compute will likely push Amazon's free cash flow further into negative territory. Investors may not be as keen to buy the tech stock if it's burning cash. Investors overly focused on near-term cash-flow challenges could weigh on the stock price. But I expect the company will start producing very strong free cash flow in 2028 and 2029, which will allow the stock to climb higher and hit the $5 trillion milestone.
Bernstein ponechává Microsoft na doporučení Outperform a zvedá cílovou cenu na 660 USD z 647 USD. Uvádí, že firma při silné poptávce buduje kapacity „překvapivě umírněně“.
Bernstein is sticking with its Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) rating while lifting its price target, arguing the company is taking a measured approach to capacity buildout despite strong demand signals.
The firm reiterated Microsoft at Outperform and raised its price target to $660 per share from $647, saying Microsoft is taking a "surprisingly measured approach" to building capacity given demand signals and its ability to pivot facilities to meet demand.
Bernstein wrote: "Simply stated Microsoft is not building too fast, but rather taking a surprisingly measured approach given the demand signals they are receiving and their ability to easily pivot facilities to meet demand,” per CNBC.
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AI Capex Surges to New HeightsThis disciplined approach comes amid a broader surge in AI-related capital expenditures. U.S. hyperscalers are projected to spend about $916 billion on AI capex over the next year, with expectations to reach nearly $1.2 trillion the following year. This spending spree is set to account for approximately 3.1% of U.S. GDP by 2027, tripling the investment levels seen during the 1990s telecom boom.
Concerns Over AI Investment StrategyHowever, not everyone views this spending positively. In a Friday note, Aswath Damodaran expressed concerns that Microsoft, along with Amazon, Meta, and Google, is “collectively overinvesting” in AI.
Damodaran, known as the “Dean of Valuation,” argues that these tech giants are betting on AI without a clear business model, likening their approach more to gambling than investing.
Technical Analysis
Microsoft is on a 3-day winning streak, adding about $67.42 billion in market cap over approximately three sessions. The stock is significantly outperforming the S&P 500 with a 1-month gain of 32.19% compared to the SPY’s 2.46% rise. Additionally, Microsoft’s RSI(14) stands at 79.67, indicating overbought conditions.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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NIKE zlepšuje logistiku a řízení zásob, aby lépe sladila nabídku s regionální poptávkou. Firma čeká, že tyto kroky zlepší marže ve fiskálním roce 2027.
Key Takeaways NIKE is improving logistics, inventory positioning and forecasting to better match regional demand.NIKE is tightening buys, reducing future sell-in and adjusting order books using weekly sell-through trends.NIKE expects supply-chain actions to improve margins in fiscal 2027 as inventory control gets healthier. NIKE, Inc. (NKE - Free Report) is enhancing its global logistics and supply-chain operations to improve the speed and efficiency of product distribution across international markets. The company is optimizing inventory positioning, distribution capabilities and demand forecasting to better match product availability with regional consumer demand.
The company is working to optimize the movement of products from manufacturing locations to distribution centers, retail stores and consumers, enabling it to respond more quickly to changing demand across different regions. Such efforts are helping NIKE reduce excess inventory, improve product availability and strengthen its ability to respond to the changing market trends.
NIKE has taken steps to simplify and accelerate its supply chain, including reducing the number of facilities, adjusting its workforce and changing how products move from factories to retail. The company is tightening buys, reducing future sell-in and adjusting order books based on weekly sell-through trends. This is intended to prevent excess inventory and create a healthier, more full-price business. Management expects these actions to improve margins in fiscal 2027.
NIKE’s logistics improvements appear to be working operationally, particularly through better inventory control, lower discounting and more efficient product flows. But the financial payoff is still developing, as international sales remain under pressure. Better inventory planning and product allocation should enable NIKE to place the right products in the markets where demand is strongest, improving product availability while limiting excess inventory and markdowns. Over time, more efficient logistics and supply-chain management could lower operating costs, improve full-price sales and strengthen revenue growth and profitability across international markets.
NKE’s Competitionlululemon athletica inc. (LULU - Free Report) is focused on driving sustainable growth through international expansion, product innovation and a stronger omnichannel presence. The company continues to expand its store network in key markets, particularly China, while adapting its products and marketing strategies to local consumer preferences. LULU is enhancing its supply-chain capabilities, improving inventory management and pursuing productivity initiatives to support operational efficiency and protect profitability.
adidas AG (ADDYY - Free Report) is focused on enhancing profitability and competitiveness by maintaining inventory discipline, improving operational efficiency and advancing its other strategic efforts. ADDYY’s global distribution network, regional sourcing and integrated wholesale, localized market strategies, retail and e-commerce operations, appear encouraging. adidas’ ability to respond quickly to local market demand can improve inventory placement, strengthen supply-chain agility and accelerate delivery times across key markets.
NKE’S Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of NIKE have lost 32% in the past six months compared with the industry’s decline of 26.8%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, NKE trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 22.47X compared with the industry’s average of 19.67X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NKE’s fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 10.1% and 34.5%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimate for fiscal 2027 and fiscal 2028 has moved south in the past 30 days.
Nvidia s finančními firmami včetně Apollo Global a Blackstone připravuje finanční balík na infrastrukturu AI za 500 miliard USD. Akcie Nvidie odpoledne klesly o více než 3 %.
Nvidia logo is seen in this illustration taken June 11, 2026. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
Aug 10 (Reuters) - A group of financial firms, including Apollo Global (APO.N), opens new tab and Blackstone (BX.N), opens new tab, is working with Nvidia to put together a $500 billion funding package for AI infrastructure development, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Monday.
Nvidia's (NVDA.O), opens new tab shares fell over 3% in afternoon trading.
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The tie-up highlights Nvidia's efforts to raise capital for the chips, power generation and data centers underpinning the AI boom.
Big Tech companies have signaled that spending on AI would not slow down, with combined outlays set to surpass $730 billion this year.
The group, which also includes BlackRock's (BLK.N), opens new tab Global Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Asset Management (BAM.N), opens new tab, Goldman Sachs (GS.N), opens new tab and KKR (KKR.N), opens new tab, is in talks to partner with Nvidia on the AI build-out, according to the Financial Times, which reported the development first.
BlackRock and KKR declined to comment when contacted by Reuters, while Nvidia and the other companies did not immediately respond to requests.
Nvidia said in June it would raise $25 billion through a U.S. bond issuance, as it taps the debt market to increase liquidity for the first time since 2021.
Reporting by Isla Binnie in New York and Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Jonathan Ananda and Shinjini Ganguli
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Isla Binnie reports on how company directors and executives manage stakeholder and shareholder interests, with a focus on compensation, corporate crises, dealmaking and succession. She also covers how politics, regulation, environmental issues and the broader economy affect boardroom discussions. Isla previously covered business, politics and general news in Spain and Italy. She trained with Reuters in London and covered emerging markets debt for the International Financing Review (IFR).
AMD oznámila dohodu o koupi společnosti Taalas, aby posílila AI inference a spojila její technologii s GPU Instinct. Firma chce zlepšit výkon i efektivitu na rychle rostoucím trhu.
Key Takeaways AMD will integrate Taalas' inference technology with Instinct GPUs to improve AI performance and efficiency.Taalas complements AMD's full-stack AI portfolio as demand for its Helios systems rises.NVIDIA and Alphabet pose major AI inference challenges with broad platforms, software ecosystems and scale. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD - Free Report) announced on Thursday (Aug. 6) that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Taalas, a Toronto-based developer of specialized AI inference silicon, as the company looks to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding AI inference market. Taalas’ technology is designed to optimize inference dataflows and reduce the compute and memory bottlenecks associated with more general-purpose architectures. AMD plans to incorporate the technology into its accelerator roadmap and develop system-level solutions that combine Taalas’ capabilities with AMD Instinct GPUs.
The acquisition appears strategically well aligned with AMD’s growing emphasis on inference, an area that is becoming increasingly important as AI workloads transition from model training toward large-scale production deployment. Taalas has developed an approach that effectively builds specialized hardware around AI models, potentially allowing workloads to run with higher efficiency than on general-purpose architectures. AMD believes the combination can improve inference performance and efficiency while giving Taalas access to AMD’s engineering resources, scale and global customer reach.
Taalas’ technology complements AMD’s broader full-stack AI portfolio, which includes Helios rack-scale systems, EPYC CPUs, Instinct accelerators, Pensando networking and ROCm software. AMD said Helios can deliver up to 15% higher throughput at the same rack power and as much as 30% more tokens per dollar than competing solutions across a broad range of inference workloads. Customer demand is also running ahead of AMD’s initial expectations. The integration of Taalas’ specialized inference technology could therefore give AMD another architectural lever to improve performance, power efficiency and token economics instead of relying solely on successive GPU improvements.
The Taalas deal strengthens AMD compute power with specialized inference silicon while retaining the ability to combine it with Instinct GPUs, EPYC processors and ROCm. AMD plans to introduce a new rack-scale AI platform every year, with successive generations targeting significant improvements in performance, efficiency and total cost of ownership. The company expects its 2027 platform, incorporating MI500-series GPUs, Verano CPUs and next-generation networking, to produce the largest generational performance improvement in Instinct history. The company remains on track to increase inference performance by more than 2,000 times over four years.
Tough Competition Hurts AMD’s ProspectsAMD’s prospects suffer from stiff competition. NVIDIA (NVDA - Free Report) and Alphabet (GOOGL - Free Report) are major competitors in the AI inference space. NVIDIA competes directly with AMD as a merchant supplier of AI infrastructure, while Alphabet is increasingly a vertically integrated rival through its internally developed TPUs, Google Cloud infrastructure and Gemini ecosystem.
NVIDIA’s Blackwell is already deployed across every major hyperscaler, cloud provider and major model maker, while frontier AI companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Gemini, Perplexity and Cursor, are building on its platform. This broad installed base creates a significant hurdle for AMD as it attempts to expand adoption of Instinct accelerators and ROCm. NVIDIA believes that its CUDA ecosystem, installed base and continually improving software stack allow customers to generate returns from GPUs beyond their depreciable lives, strengthening customer retention and raising switching costs.
Alphabet designs its own TPUs, deploys them across its enormous internal AI workloads, uses them to power Gemini, and offers the same infrastructure externally through Google Cloud. The company’s Google Cloud now offers TPU 8t and 8i alongside NVIDIA’s Vera Rubin, with Google highlighting the price-performance of its accelerators. Alphabet’s software stack supports JAX, PyTorch, vLLM and SGLang across GPUs and TPUs, while its Virgo network is designed to connect as many as one million accelerators across multiple data-center sites.
AMD’s Share Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAMD shares have jumped 125.7% year to date, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s return of 18.1%.
AMD Stock’s Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AMD stock is overvalued, with a forward 12-month price/sales of 11.37X compared with the broader sector’s 6.58X. AMD has a Value Score of F.
AMD Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $1.87 per share, up a couple of cents over the past 30 days, suggesting 55.83% year-over-year growth.
AMD currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
BofA čeká, že Nvidia po výsledcích za 2. čtvrtletí zvýší výhled na 107 miliard až 108 miliard USD tržeb, nad odhadem Wall Street kolem 104 miliard USD. Banka to vidí jako začátek vícečtvrtletního cyklu zvyšování odhadů.
Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA, XETRA:NVD) is set to report second-quarter earnings after the market closes on August 26 and Bank of America thinks the chipmaker is about to do what it usually does: beat expectations and raise its outlook, only this time with an extra catalyst behind it.
In a note maintaining its Buy rating and $350 price objective on the stock, BofA analysts said they expect Nvidia to post revenue of $94 billion to $95 billion, a $3 billion to $4 billion beat above the company's own $91 billion guidance.
More notable, though, is what they expect for guidance going forward: a raise to $107 billion to $108 billion, well above the roughly $104 billion that Wall Street analysts are currently modeling.
The reason for that optimism comes down to timing. Nvidia's next-generation Vera Rubin platform is starting to ship, along with new Vera CPU ramps, and BofA points to strong cloud capital spending trends as further support. The analysts also flagged that spot prices for renting GPU capacity have hit all-time highs, which they say could ease lingering concerns about return on investment and speed up how quickly customers move to the new generation of chips.
Rising memory prices are a worry across chipmakers this year, but BofA doesn't see it hitting Nvidia hard. The firm expects gross margin to settle around 73% to 74% long-term, down only modestly from about 75% today.
On upcoming Vera Rubin racks, the margin hit from memory is just 60 basis points versus the current Blackwell Ultra generation. New "pod-level" systems could see a steeper 500-basis-point hit, but BofA expects those to stay a small part of the mix. Long-term supply deals, including Nvidia's ties to SK Hynix, should also help cushion the pressure.
Critics argue Nvidia's direct stakes in customers like OpenAI ($30 billion) and Anthropic ($10 billion) artificially inflate demand. BofA counters that the roughly $70 billion invested so far is just 15% of the $470 billion in free cash flow it expects Nvidia to generate in 2026 and 2027, leaving room to keep returning 50% of free cash flow to shareholders. A separate $250 billion OpenAI/SB Energy backstop isn't upfront money either, BofA notes, but a contingent guarantee that only triggers on default, with payments back-end loaded to 2028 or later.
Five things to watch beyond the headline numbers BofA laid out what it considers the real debates investors should be paying attention to this quarter, beyond just whether Nvidia beats and raises:
The Vera Rubin rollout - any updates on supply and whether Nvidia's forecast of more than $1 trillion in revenue from calendar years 2025 through 2027 changes. OpenAI's financing arrangement - specifically, more clarity on the vendor financing and backstop deal, and when Nvidia might be able to redirect that cash toward stock buybacks instead. Whether margins hold up as memory costs keep rising. Memory now makes up 40% to 50% of the cost to build Nvidia's systems, compared with 15% to 20% or so historically. How hyperscalers are growing compared to what BofA calls ACIE (its term for AI cloud infrastructure providers outside the traditional hyperscalers). The open-versus-closed AI model debate and what it means for the size of Nvidia's addressable market.
American Airlines uskutečnila první komerční let s eSAF z Corpus Christi do DFW. Palivo Infinium může snížit emise v celém životním cyklu o více než 90 % a AAL má smlouvu na dodávky od roku 2027.
Key Takeaways American Airlines operated its first commercial flight powered by eSAF from Corpus Christi to DFW. Infinium's eSAF can cut lifecycle GHG emissions by more than 90% versus conventional jet fuel. AAL secured an offtake deal for Project Roadrunner, expected to deliver eSAF starting in 2027. American Airlines’ (AAL - Free Report) first commercial passenger flight powered by eSAF (electro-sustainable aviation fuel) marks a significant step in its efforts to advance sustainable aviation. The flight, operated from Corpus Christi to Dallas Fort Worth, demonstrates that Infinium’s eSAF, produced from waste carbon dioxide and renewable electricity, can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure without modifications.
The milestone strengthens America’s position in adopting next-generation SAF and could support its long-term efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Infinium’s eSAF can lower lifecycle GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions by more than 90% compared to conventional jet fuel, while the use of drop-in fuels reduces the need for changes to aircraft or airport infrastructure.
More importantly, American has secured an offtake agreement for commercial volumes from Infinium’s Project Roadrunner, which is expected to begin eSAF production and deliveries in 2027 and produce more than 5 million gallons annually at full capacity. This provides Americans with a potential source of lower-carbon fuel as SAF adoption expands, although the limited scale and currently higher production costs of alternative fuels remain challenges to widespread deployment.
Overall, the development is positive for America as it advances its sustainability strategy, diversifies its fuel supply and gains experience with eSAF ahead of broader commercial availability. However, the near-term financial impact is likely to remain limited given the small scale of eSAF production relative to the airline industry’s overall fuel requirements.
AAL’s Share Price PerformanceAAL’s shares have gained 37.6% over the past year compared with the Transportation - Airline industry’s 24% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AAL’s Zacks RankAAL currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to ConsiderInvestors interested in the Zacks Transportation sector may consider Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (EXPD - Free Report) and Teekay Tankers Ltd (TNK - Free Report) as well.
Expeditors currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
EXPD has an expected earnings growth rate of 28.6% for 2026. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 17.15%.
Teekay Tankers currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
TNK has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The company has an encouraging earnings surprise history. Its earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 10.9%.
Disney+ a Hulu uzavřely s iHeartMedia dohodu o video podcastech pro šest podcastových titulů, včetně „Hey Jonas!“. Služby tím rozšiřují nabídku v konkurenčním trhu.
Disney+ logo is seen in this illustration taken August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
Aug 10 (Reuters) - Disney+ (DIS.N), opens new tab and Hulu said on Monday they had struck a video podcasting deal with iHeartMedia (IHRT.O), opens new tab for six podcast titles, starting with "Hey Jonas!," as they expand their libraries to draw more users in a competitive market.
The agreement extends Disney+ and Hulu's push into video podcasts, a format also being embraced by rivals including Netflix (NFLX.O), opens new tab and HBO Max.
Here are some details:
"Hey Jonas!," hosted by the Jonas Brothers, will premiere on Disney+ and Hulu on August 14, the companies said.
The deal will bring several celebrity-hosted rewatch and companion podcasts to the platforms, including "Pod Meets World" on Disney+ and "Desperately Devoted," "Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald," "StraightioLab" and "Thanks Dad with Ego Nwodim" on Hulu in the coming months.
The podcasts will begin streaming on Disney+ and Hulu in phases over the coming months.
Disney and iHeartMedia did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.
Netflix and HBO Max have also moved into video podcasts, with Netflix striking deals with Spotify (SPOT.N), opens new tab and iHeartMedia for shows including "The Bill Simmons Podcast."
Reporting by Prathik Jayaprakash in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Target Hospitality zvýšila celoroční výhled tržeb na 410 až 420 milionů USD a upravené EBITDA na 85 až 95 milionů USD. Ve 2. čtvrtletí vzrostly tržby segmentu WHS o 142 % na zhruba 36 milionů USD.
Modine’s $4B AI Coup Freezes Out the CompetitionTarget Hospitality NASDAQ: TH reported second-quarter results marked by growth in its Workforce Hospitality Solutions, or WHS, segment, higher customer advance payments and an increased full-year outlook as it ramps recently awarded contracts tied to data center, power generation and other infrastructure projects.
Total second-quarter revenue was approximately $86 million, while adjusted EBITDA was approximately $18 million, Chief Financial Officer Jason Vlacich said. The company said adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by more than 700 basis points from the first quarter, reflecting growth in WHS operations, operating efficiencies and the ramp-up of new communities.
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Year-to-date cash flow from operating activities exceeded $110 million, including more than $100 million in customer advance payments associated with recent WHS contract awards. Vlacich said the payments reflect the contract structure and customer demand for Target Hospitality’s speed-to-market workforce accommodation offerings.
WHS growth drives quarterly performance The WHS segment generated approximately $36 million of quarterly revenue, up 142% from the prior-year period. Average utilized beds in the segment exceeded 4,000 during the quarter as several communities progressed from construction and mobilization into full-service operations.
President and Chief Executive Officer Brad Archer said Target Hospitality has secured more than 9,000 contracted beds since January, representing more than $1.4 billion in multiyear contracts. The company is targeting workforce accommodation demand connected to AI-driven data center construction, power generation expansion, critical minerals and other large infrastructure developments.
“Our focus on converting commercial wins into operating results underscores the momentum driving Target’s performance,” Archer said.
Management said WHS is expected to become the company’s largest segment for full-year 2026, contributing more than 50% of consolidated revenue based on the current contracted portfolio. Vlacich said the company’s two most recently announced large contracts, covering approximately 3,300 and 4,000 beds, are expected to take about a year to fully ramp and should be fully ramped by mid-2027.
Asked about segment margins, Vlacich said the WHS margin profile was generally consistent with the types of contract structures Target Hospitality has previously described. He attributed the quarter’s performance to earlier-than-expected ramping, faster realization of operational efficiencies and execution.
Other segments and asset strategy The HFS South segment generated approximately $33 million in second-quarter revenue. Management said the segment experienced some moderation but continues to provide an established network in active regions and longstanding customer relationships, with renewal rates exceeding 90%.
Archer said the company intends to optimize HFS South capacity while continuing to serve long-term customers. He pointed to data center and power-related development in the Permian Basin as a potential growth area, while noting that Target Hospitality would not displace existing customers.
The government segment generated approximately $13 million in revenue, aided by the reactivation of assets in Dilley, Texas. The company expects to incur approximately $5 million to $7 million of transitional costs over the next two quarters as it repurposes certain government assets for recently announced WHS awards. Those costs are expected to temporarily pressure government-segment margins.
When asked about media speculation regarding a potential Dilley divestiture, Archer declined to discuss possible asset monetization. He said the facility is tied to a contract expected to run through 2030 and that Target Hospitality is focused on servicing that customer. He added that the company is prioritizing capital deployment toward WHS rather than expanding the government segment.
Outlook raised as capital spending increases Target Hospitality raised its 2026 outlook to total revenue of $410 million to $420 million and adjusted EBITDA of $85 million to $95 million. The company expects capital spending, excluding acquisitions, of $490 million to $510 million for the year.
Vlacich said the higher outlook reflects enhancements and scope expansions requested by multiple customers, improved visibility into contract execution and operating efficiencies that have materialized faster than anticipated. Some scope additions are temporary, while others are longer term, he said.
The company spent approximately $132 million on capital projects during the second quarter as it began mobilization and construction for multiple large WHS communities. Vlacich said much of the capital spending is expected to occur in 2026, with spending anticipated to decelerate significantly in 2027 based on contracts awarded to date.
Management said cash flow in 2026 is expected to outpace adjusted EBITDA because of customer advance payments. Target Hospitality ended the quarter with approximately $141 million of total available liquidity and net leverage of 0.6 times.
On July 24, the company replaced its $175 million revolving credit facility with a new $660 million credit facility. Vlacich said the financing expanded committed borrowing capacity, broadened Target Hospitality’s bank relationships and reduced its cost of capital.
For 2027, the company expects to exit the year with annualized revenue exceeding $700 million and adjusted EBITDA above $260 million, based on its existing contract portfolio and excluding any contribution from its broader commercial pipeline. Management expects leverage to rise temporarily as capital is deployed but to finish 2027 well below three times net leverage under its current project schedule.
Pipeline exceeds 20,000 beds Target Hospitality said it has active discussions supporting a pipeline exceeding 20,000 beds across North America. Archer said the pipeline has expanded geographically beyond Texas into the Rockies and Midwest, and is heavily weighted toward data center and power-related activity, with some opportunities tied to critical minerals.
The company said it is finalizing multiple definitive agreements for large-scale workforce hubs supporting new customers’ long-term AI data center development. Archer told analysts that Target Hospitality expects near-term new projects of more than 1,000 beds each, while declining to provide customer names, contract sizes or specific signing dates.
Archer also discussed a proposed project in Uinta County, Wyoming, where the company has received approval for development of a workforce hub in support of a data center project. Final terms, conditions and the start date for occupancy remain under discussion, he said.
Management said the 2026 outlook does not include variable revenue above contracted minimums on new contracts. Its longer-term 2027 outlook includes about $30 million of annual variable revenue associated with one data center hub contract, while excluding other potential variable-revenue opportunities.
About Target Hospitality (NASDAQ:TH)Target Hospitality is a lodging solutions provider specializing in the ownership and operation of modular workforce housing communities across North America. The company serves large-scale clients in the energy, mining, construction and government sectors that require temporary or long-term accommodations for remote workforces. Its housing portfolio includes suite-style units, single-family cabins and “man-camp” dormitories, designed to match project size, duration and workforce composition.
In addition to lodging, Target Hospitality delivers integrated support services such as on-site dining and culinary management, housekeeping, maintenance, facility management and logistics planning.
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Společnost McDonald's za poslední čtvrtletí zvýšila tržby o 5 %, ale srovnatelné tržby vzrostly jen o 1,3 % a v USA o 0,8 %. Nové levné menu zatím nepřineslo výrazný impuls.
McDonald's (MCD -0.89%) is a leader in the fast-food industry, and it's an iconic brand all over the world. The challenge, however, is that when a business reaches a massive size, it becomes much harder for it to grow quickly. And the company's recent results highlight that, as they were fairly modest.
Can McDonald's still be a top stock to buy right now, or are its best days behind it?
Image source: Getty Images.
Comparable sales were light in the company's most recent quarter Last week, McDonald's reported its latest quarterly results for the period ending June 30. The numbers weren't great. While its total sales rose by 5% year over year, its comparable store sales growth rate was much more modest, coming in at just 1.3%. And in the U.S. market, it was just 0.8%.
Comparable store sales look at how much revenue the company is generating from existing locations versus the same locations in the prior-year period. Thus, it's reflective of the organic growth the business is generating, and it excludes the boost it gets from opening new stores.
What's concerning is that in April, the company expanded its value offerings, including the launch of a new under $3 menu, and that hasn't shown to be a huge catalyst, at least not in its early stages, anyway. At a time when consumers are looking to save on anything and everything, it's a move that investors may have expected to be a catalyst for the fast-food business. But that hasn't proven to be the case at all.
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McDonald's stock can still be a good buy, but it may not be ideal for growth investors McDonald's has a highly profitable and scalable business. But generating meaningful, organic growth may prove to be a challenge in a highly competitive fast-food industry. Rising prices in recent years don't make things any easier, either.
The stock can still be a solid option for income investors as it yields 2.7%, which is a far higher rate than the S&P 500 average of only 1.1%. But for growth investors, there are many other, better growth stocks to buy than McDonald's. Last year, its annual revenue totaled $26.9 billion, which rose by less than 4% from the previous year. It may still generate modest growth in the long run, but growth investors may be underwhelmed with its performance. In the past five years, the stock has risen by just 16%, while the S&P 500 has increased by 75% in value.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2028 $320 calls on McDonald's and short January 2028 $340 calls on McDonald's. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
HPE vzrostla v pondělí o více než 4 % poté, co Morgan Stanley zvýšila hodnocení na Overweight a cílovou cenu na 71 USD. Banka očekává další sílu výdajů na AI infrastrukturu.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise HPE stock rose more than 4% on Monday after Morgan Stanley upgraded the company, citing continued strength in enterprise AI infrastructure spending and arguing that demand for servers and networking hardware remains resilient despite concerns about the sustainability of the AI investment cycle.
Morgan Stanley analyst Erik Woodring upgraded HPE shares to Overweight from Equal-Weight and raised his price target to $71 from $69.
The move came after HPE shares surged 130% this year and 169% over the past 12 months.
Despite the strong rally, Woodring noted that HPE continues to trade at 14.3 times expected earnings over the next 12 months, below the S&P 500's multiple of 20 times.
Morgan Stanley identified HPE as its preferred original equipment manufacturer for investors seeking exposure to the enterprise infrastructure cycle.
“HPE is our preferred OEM [original equipment manufacturer] to play the enterprise infrastructure cycle, offering an attractive risk/reward,” Woodring wrote in a research note.
HPE develops servers and networking equipment that support artificial intelligence workloads.
As demand for AI computing continues to expand, the company has benefited from increased demand for its hardware, while higher memory prices have also contributed to stronger pricing for its products.
Although investors have questioned whether the AI hardware spending boom can continue, Morgan Stanley believes current industry trends remain supportive.
“Admittedly, we have been on the wrong side of the enterprise hardware trade, previously believing that record component inflation would quickly stymie a recovery in hardware spending,” Woodring wrote.
He added that AI demand continues to offset concerns about rising component costs.
“Together, these dynamics are supporting stronger revenue growth, greater pricing power and further earnings upside across enterprise hardware,” he said.
According to Morgan Stanley, enterprise customers continue to invest in computing and storage infrastructure as AI adoption accelerates.
Rather than delaying purchases, higher memory prices are encouraging customers to move ahead with infrastructure investments, supporting revenue growth for hardware suppliers such as HPE.
The firm believes these trends are strengthening pricing power across the enterprise hardware industry while creating additional earnings upside for companies exposed to AI infrastructure.
HPE stock traded around $55.50, extending a rally that has seen shares more than double since February.
HPE's rally this year has been notable enough that many retail investors have been tracking the stock closely through investment apps, alongside other AI infrastructure plays.
Morningstar also maintained a positive long-term view on HPE, assigning the company a fair value estimate of $64 per share.
The research firm expects AI-optimized servers and growing demand for general-purpose servers driven by agentic AI applications to remain key growth drivers.
It also believes HPE's acquisition of Juniper could strengthen its networking business.
Morningstar forecasts HPE's AI-optimized server business will generate roughly $10 billion in revenue by 2028.
It also expects general-purpose server revenue to grow at a 16% compound annual growth rate over the next three years and projects networking revenue to expand at a 30% CAGR through 2028, with normalized margins reaching 27%.
The firm said additional upside could emerge if HPE's AI-driven growth accelerates further.
Morningstar believes its fair value estimate could rise to $70 if investors assign a higher valuation to the company's growth prospects, and $80 or more if AI-driven expansion continues at an accelerated pace.
Hertz za 2. čtvrtletí vykázal upravenou ztrátu 11 centů na akcii a tržby ve výši 2,40 miliardy USD, které meziročně vzrostly o 9,7 %. Akcie od zveřejnění výsledků přidaly 12,4 %.
Key Takeaways Hertz posted a Q2 adjusted loss of 11 cents per share as revenues rose 9.7% to $2.40 billion. HTZ's revenues per day rose 9% & revenues per unit gained 8% despite operating with a 1% smaller fleet. Hertz expects Q3 adjusted EBITDA of $275M-$325M and positive EPS, with transaction days up about 1%. Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.(HTZ - Free Report) reported better-than-expected second-quarter 2026 results, wherein both earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Quarterly adjusted loss was 11 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 23 cents. The result represented a positive surprise of 52.2% and improved from the adjusted loss of 29 cents per share reported in the year-ago quarter.
Revenues of $2.40 billion beat the consensus estimate of $2.28 billion by 4.9% and increased 9.7% year over year. Growth was driven by strong pricing execution, with revenues per day up 9% and revenues per unit rose 8%, while the company operated with a 1% smaller fleet.
The impressive results had a positive impact on the market, as the company’s shares have risen 12.4% since the earnings release on Aug. 6.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Adjusted corporate EBITDA was $81 million, up $63 million from the prior-year quarter. Adjusted corporate EBITDA margin improved to 3.4% from 0.8% a year earlier. The results included an estimated $30 million EBITDA headwind from elevated vehicle recalls.
Direct vehicle and operating expenses increased 4.3% year over year to $1.45 billion. Net depreciation of revenue-earning vehicles and lease charges rose 17.3% to $487 million, while selling, general and administrative expenses increased 4.9% to $258 million. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A improved to 10.8% from 11.3%.
HTZ's Key Balance Sheet and Cash Flow FiguresHTZ exited the second quarter with total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents of $1.30 billion compared with $1.17 billion at the end of 2025. The company generated $381 million of net cash from operating activities and $162 million of adjusted free cash flow during the second quarter. Quarter-end liquidity was $984 million.
HTZ's 2026 GuidanceFor the third quarter of 2026, Hertz expects adjusted corporate EBITDA of $275 million to $325 million and positive earnings per share. Transaction days are projected to increase approximately 1% year over year, while net depreciation per unit is expected to range from $285-$295 per month.
For full-year 2026, the company expects adjusted corporate EBITDA of $225 million to $275 million, net depreciation per unit of approximately $300 per month and transaction days growth of approximately 2%. Hertz expects to end 2026 with liquidity between $1.0 billion and $1.4 billion and anticipates positive free cash flow in the second half of the year.
Currently, HTZ has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Q2 Performances of Other Transportation CompaniesWestinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB - Free Report) , operating as Wabtec Corporation, reported encouraging second-quarter 2026 results, wherein both earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increased year over year.
Quarterly adjusted earnings of $2.76 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.63 by 4.9% and increased 21.6% year over year, owing to higher sales and operating margin expansion.
Revenues climbed 17.5% to $3.18 billion and surpassed the consensus mark of $3.08 billion by 3.2%.
United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.99 per share, down 48.6% year over year but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.92 by 3.7%.
Operating revenues rose 16% to $17.67 billion and were essentially in line with the $17.68 billion consensus mark. A 12.1% increase in total revenues per available seat mile or TRASM, and broad-based gains across premium, loyalty and cargo revenues, supported the top line despite sharply higher fuel costs.
Pfizer letos vykázala čistý zisk 2,4 miliardy USD, což je meziročně o 58 % méně. Volný cash flow za poslední čtyři čtvrtletí ale činil 11 miliard USD a pokryl dividendu.
Dividend cuts don't typically happen without warning. Investors can see a business that's in trouble. Perhaps it's in the midst of a turnaround, it's restructuring, or its profits are simply declining, and the dividend may no longer be sustainable. These are all things to watch out for and consider before investing in a stock for its dividend.
Pfizer (PFE +0.87%) is a top healthcare stock, which investors have relied on for years for its growth and reliable payouts. But recently, it has had trouble attracting many investors due to question marks around its growth prospects and its poor financials. This year, its earnings are down big. Does that mean a dividend cut could happen soon?
Image source: Getty Images.
Is Pfizer's dividend still sustainable? Pfizer has been struggling to generate much growth, meanwhile, its expenses have been on the rise as it restructures its business and incorporates recent acquisitions into the fold. In its most recent quarter, which ended on June 30, it incurred a net loss of $248 million, largely due to $3.8 billion worth of impairment charges related to in-process research and development assets.
On a year-to-date basis, the company's net income totaled $2.4 billion, which was down 58% from the $5.9 billion it reported a year ago. Clearly, a big part of the reason for the decline relates to the recent impairment. The good news for income investors: it's a non-cash charge.
What may be more important is to focus on free cash flow, which tells investors how much cash the business has available to fund its payout. The number represents how much cash flow is left after deducting capital expenditures, which are necessary for the company's growth.
Cash can fluctuate significantly depending on when a company pays bills and collects revenue, which is why it's helpful to look beyond just a single period. Over the past four quarters, Pfizer's free cash has totaled $11 billion, which is more than the roughly $9.8 billion it has paid in dividends during that stretch. That's a positive sign that the dividend may still be safe.
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Pfizer has a lot of upside, but it does come with risk Year to date, Pfizer's stock has risen by 9%, but over the past five years, it's down a massive 44%. If it can show that its acquisitions are paying off and get back to growing, as it plans to, then there may be room for the stock to rise significantly higher. But there are no guarantees. The same goes for its dividend, which yields 6.4%. It appears safe for now, but if the company has to conserve cash to invest it into its future growth, there is the possibility that a cut to the payout may happen.
Pfizer could be a good stock to buy for the long haul, but there are definitely safer options out there for income investors.
Chevron vykázal za 2. čtvrtletí upravený zisk 12 miliard USD díky vyšší produkci a silným rafinérským maržím. Synergie z Hess dosáhly ročně 1,5 miliardy USD, tedy 50 % nad cílem.
Key Takeaways Chevron posted Q2 adjusted earnings of $12 billion, supported by higher output and strong refining margins.Hess synergies reached $1.5 billion annually, 50% above target, while costs fell $3 billion.Chevron faces commodity sensitivity and maintenance headwinds that could pressure earnings after a strong Q2. Chevron Corporation (CVX - Free Report) has entered the second half of 2026 with considerable operating momentum. The company recently delivered an impressive quarterly beat, reporting adjusted earnings of $12 billion for the second quarter of 2026. The strong performance was supported by solid operational execution, higher crude oil price realizations, robust refining margins and increased production following the Hess acquisition.
Results were further underpinned by stronger cash flow, a resilient upstream portfolio and disciplined shareholder returns. Yet with shares lagging both ExxonMobil (XOM - Free Report) and Shell (SHEL - Free Report) , and valuation sitting at a premium, the bigger question is whether this momentum can translate into meaningful upside for investors.
Strong Production and Cash Generation Support CVXChevron’s second-quarter operating performance was impressive. Worldwide net oil-equivalent production reached 4.07 million barrels per day, up 20% year over year, driven largely by legacy Hess assets and growth in the Permian Basin and Gulf of America. U.S. production reached a record 2.07 million barrels of oil equivalent per day. Refining operations were similarly strong, with U.S. crude unit throughput reaching a record 1.07 million barrels per day and utilization exceeding 97%.
Higher commodity prices amplified those operating gains. Chevron reported second-quarter earnings of $12.1 billion, or $6.11 per share, while adjusted earnings totaled roughly $12 billion, or $6.06 per share. Cash flow from operations excluding working capital was $19.7 billion, while adjusted free cash flow reached $15.4 billion.
That cash generation has provided significant financial flexibility. Chevron reduced debt by a record $8.4 billion during the quarter, while its net debt-to-CFFO ratio improved to 0.6X. At the same time, the company continued returning capital, paying $3.5 billion of dividends and repurchasing $3 billion of shares during the quarter.
Image Source: Chevron Corporation
Hess Integration and Cost Savings Strengthen the StoryThe Hess acquisition is also showing tangible benefits. One year after closing, Chevron had captured $1.5 billion of annual run-rate synergies — 50% above its initial target and six months ahead of schedule. Management said the acquired assets are generating free cash flow at roughly twice the incremental dividend burden, while Guyana provides exposure to high-margin production growth extending into the 2030s.
Cost discipline offers another lever. Chevron achieved $3 billion of annual run-rate structural cost reductions six months early, with more than 70% of the savings stemming from efficiency improvements. Meanwhile, management expects 2026 shale and tight capital spending per barrel of oil equivalent to be 25% below last year, indicating that production growth is becoming more capital efficient.
Chevron is also broadening its opportunity set beyond conventional oil and gas. Project Kilby in West Texas includes a 20-year take-or-pay agreement to supply Microsoft with 2.67 gigawatts of behind-the-meter power. Management expects the project to generate mid-teens returns and long-duration cash flows that are less correlated with commodity cycles, although the project remains subject to final investment decision and execution.
What Could Hold Chevron Back?Commodity exposure remains the biggest swing factor. Chevron estimates that every $1 change in Brent affects full-year after-tax earnings and cash flow by roughly $600 million. Second-quarter Brent averaged nearly $104 per barrel, providing a substantial earnings tailwind that may not persist.
Image Source: Chevron Corporation
Near-term operations also face maintenance headwinds. Chevron expects third-quarter upstream turnarounds and downtime to reduce production by 150,000-200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, while downstream maintenance could reduce after-tax earnings by $175-$225 million. Geopolitical exposure, particularly around Kazakhstan’s CPC export route and the Middle East, adds another layer of uncertainty. The company itself identifies commodity prices, OPEC+ actions, geopolitical conflicts and operational disruptions among material risks.
CVX’s Price Performance & ValuationsChevron’s shares have gained 1% over the past three months compared with the sub-industry’s 0.3% growth. However, the company underperformed its peers, as ExxonMobil and Shell have risen 2.2% and 3.7%, respectively, during the same time period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Chevron’s premium valuation also leaves less room for error. The stock trades at roughly a 12.61X forward price-to-earnings multiple, notably higher than Shell’s 9.44X but below ExxonMobil’s 13.32X.
Valuation Comparison
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CVX Merits a Balanced ViewChevron’s underlying picture is constructive: record production, accelerating Hess synergies, structural cost reductions, robust cash generation and a stronger balance sheet provide a solid foundation. The Microsoft power agreement also introduces an intriguing source of contracted, commodity-diversified growth.
However, elevated commodity sensitivity and upcoming maintenance could create earnings volatility after an exceptionally strong second quarter. For now, Chevron, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), appears well positioned operationally, but investors may want clearer evidence that recent earnings strength can endure through a less supportive commodity environment before taking a more bullish stance.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
TSMC zvýšila kapitálové výdaje na 60–64 miliard USD pro rok 2026, zatímco Intel chce získat 15 miliard USD emisí nových akcií na financování expanze výroby.
The AI boom is creating a semiconductor spending race, but Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM) and Intel Corp (NASDAQ:INTC) are entering it from very different financial positions.
TSMC raised its 2026 capital budget to $60 billion-$64 billion in July, saying strong demand from AI, high-performance computing and emerging AI agents is driving the need for more capacity. On Monday, Intel Corp. announced a $15 billion stock offering as it seeks more capital for its own manufacturing expansion.
The comparison is revealing: TSMC is expanding aggressively on the back of a booming business, while Intel is asking investors to help finance its attempt to become a more credible manufacturing rival.
TSMC Is Spending to Keep Up With DemandTSMC’s spending isn’t a speculative bet on whether AI demand will arrive. The company is already seeing it.
TSMC reported $40.2 billion in second-quarter revenue, up 36% year over year, while net income jumped 77%. Advanced technologies — defined by TSMC as 7-nanometer and more advanced processes — accounted for 77% of wafer revenue.
The company has since reported another strong data point: July revenue jumped 45% year over year to $14.5 billion, bringing its first-seven-month revenue growth to 37%.
TSMC plans to direct roughly 70%-80% of its 2026 capital budget toward advanced process technologies, with another 10%-20% going toward advanced packaging, testing and related areas.
In simple terms, TSMC is spending heavily because customers are already asking for more advanced chips.
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Intel Is Taking a Different RouteIntel’s challenge is different.
The company has raised its 2026 capital spending forecast to more than $20 billion as it invests in manufacturing and its foundry business, which makes chips for outside customers. Now it plans to raise another $15 billion by selling common stock, with underwriters able to purchase an additional $2.25 billion of shares.
Intel says the proceeds will support general corporate purposes, including capital expenditures and working capital. The company is targeting advanced manufacturing and packaging as it tries to attract more external customers.
That distinction matters.
TSMC’s $60 billion-$64 billion is not directly comparable to Intel’s $15 billion offering. One is an annual capital budget; the other is a financing transaction.
But together, they show the scale of the manufacturing race Intel has chosen to enter.
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The Gap Investors Need to WatchTSMC isn’t simply spending more. It is spending from a position of enormous current demand and profitability.
Intel, meanwhile, is trying to use fresh capital to build the manufacturing capabilities it hopes will create future demand. That makes Intel’s stock offering both an opportunity and a test.
If the new capital helps Intel secure enough customers and scale its advanced manufacturing business, the investment could strengthen the company’s long-term position. But issuing new shares also increases the number of shares investors ultimately own, creating a dilution trade-off.
For TSMC, the immediate question is whether it can keep expanding fast enough to capture AI demand without letting capacity become a constraint.
For Intel, the question is more fundamental: Can billions of dollars of new investment turn its foundry comeback into a business capable of competing with a company that is already spending $64 billion to stay ahead?
That is the real semiconductor race investors are watching.
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Foto: michelmond / Shutterstock
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Honeywell Technologies oznámila, že tržby divize Building Automation ve 2. čtvrtletí vzrostly o 10 % na 2 miliardy USD. Růst podpořila vyšší poptávka a investice do datových center a zdravotnictví.
Key Takeaways Honeywell Technologies' Building Automation sales rose 10% to $2 billion in the second quarter.Higher demand lifted organic sales in both products and solutions businesses in the quarter.Rising orders and capex in data centers and health care support Building Automation's growth. Honeywell Technologies (HON - Free Report) has been benefiting from strength in its Building Automation segment. An increase in demand for its products and solutions, led by increasing building projects across the Americas, India and the Middle East, is aiding the segment. In the second quarter of 2026, the segment’s revenues totaled $2 billion, up 10% year over year. Organic sales increased 9% year over year.
The segment’s performance was supported by higher demand across both its products and solutions businesses. Products generated $103 million of higher organic sales in the second quarter, while Solutions contributed $59 million of higher organic sales. The company attributed the gains in both businesses to higher demand. Rising order rates and capex investments in data centers and health care projects also bode well for the segment.
The Building Automation segment also maintained strong momentum in the first half of 2026. Its sales increased 10% year over year to $3.88 billion, while organic sales grew 8% year over year.
Honeywell Technologies’ Building Automation segment is well-positioned for continued growth, supported by healthy demand across its products and solutions businesses. Strong sales momentum and ongoing investments in data center provide a solid foundation for further expansion in the coming quarters.
Segmental Snapshot of HON’s PeersAmong HON’s major peers, 3M Company (MMM - Free Report) is poised to gain from solid momentum in the Safety and Industrial segment, driven by strength in personal safety, industrial adhesives and tapes, abrasives and electrical markets. Stable demand for electrical infrastructure products like medium voltage cable accessories and insulation tapes augurs well for 3M’s unit. Revenues from 3M’s Safety and Industrial segment grew 8.2% year over year in the second quarter of 2026.
Honeywell Technologies’ another peer, Carlisle Companies Incorporated’s (CSL - Free Report) Carlisle Construction Materials segment, is benefiting from healthy re-roofing demand, strategic initiatives and strong commercial execution. Revenues from Carlisle’s unit increased 7.8% year over year in the second quarter of 2026. Carlisle’s segment’s adjusted EBITDA of $363 million increased 4.8% year over year in the quarter.
HON's Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesFrom a valuation standpoint, HON is trading at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 20.90X. Honeywell carries a Value Score of f.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HON’s 2026 earnings has declined over the past 60 days.
Boeing a Airbus tlačí na vyšší dodávky letadel, což zvyšuje tlak na výrobce motorů GE a RTX. GE uvedla, že dodávky motorů v 1. pololetí 2026 vzrostly o 31 %.
Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) and Airbus SE (OTC:EADSY) have no shortage of customers waiting for new planes. The harder part is building enough of them.
Airbus delivered 418 aircraft through July, including 67 in July alone, but still needs to average roughly 90 deliveries a month for the rest of 2026 to reach its annual target of about 870 aircraft. Boeing is also working through a massive commercial backlog as it ramps production.
That puts an unusual spotlight on the companies supplying the engines.
For investors, GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) and RTX Corp (NYSE:RTX) are two of the biggest names to watch as the aerospace industry tries to turn aircraft orders into actual deliveries.
GE Is Ramping Engine DeliveriesGE Aerospace entered the second half of the year with a backlog worth more than $210 billion, including commercial engines, services and other businesses.
More importantly, GE said total engine deliveries rose 31% in the first half of 2026, with deliveries of its LEAP engines up 41%. The LEAP powers Boeing’s 737 MAX and Airbus’ A320neo family through GE’s CFM International joint venture with Safran. GE also said material received from priority suppliers increased at a double-digit rate in the second quarter.
That suggests GE is making progress on one of the industry’s biggest problems: getting enough components into factories to increase output.
Demand isn’t slowing, either. GE recently announced a deal with Copa Airlines for up to 120 LEAP-1B engines, adding another large order to an already substantial commercial pipeline.
RTX Has a Different Engine OpportunityRTX’s Pratt & Whitney is also seeing strong demand, particularly for its GTF engine, which powers Airbus A320neo-family aircraft.
BOC Aviation recently ordered up to 220 GTF engines for as many as 110 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft. Pratt & Whitney also secured another A320neo-family selection from aircraft lessor Jackson Square Aviation.
But Pratt & Whitney’s story also illustrates the industry’s challenge.
GTF engine issues have contributed to aircraft being taken out of service for inspections and repairs, creating additional pressure on the supply chain. RTX’s second-quarter results showed Pratt & Whitney’s commercial aftermarket sales — revenue from maintaining and repairing engines already in service — jumped 25%, even as commercial original-equipment sales fell 8%.
That is important for investors because aerospace suppliers can benefit from both sides of the cycle: new engines when aircraft production rises and maintenance when older aircraft stay in service longer.
Read Next
The Bottleneck Could Become the OpportunityThe aerospace supply chain is still far from fixed. Honeywell Aerospace Inc. (NASDAQ:HONA), for example, recently cut its 2026 outlook because supply constraints were making it difficult to meet demand and forcing the company to prioritize deliveries to Boeing and Airbus.
But that is also what makes GE and RTX interesting.
Boeing and Airbus need to increase aircraft deliveries. Airlines need those planes because existing fleets are staying in service longer. And every additional aircraft eventually requires engines, spare parts and years of maintenance.
The winners may not be limited to the companies building the planes.
As Boeing and Airbus race to turn enormous backlogs into deliveries, GE and RTX are racing to make sure the engines — and the aftermarket support behind them — are ready.
Read Next
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Broadcom rozšířil bezpečnost VMware Cloud Foundation o vDefend a Avi Load Balancer, aby zlepšil ochranu privátních cloudů a zjednodušil provoz. Firma říká, že nasazení ochrany proti hrozbám (ATP) může zkrátit z několika měsíců na několik týdnů.
Key Takeaways Broadcom says vDefend can cut ATP deployment time from several months to a few weeks.Avi Load Balancer adds native API protection across VMs, Kubernetes services and AI workloads.Nutanix targets VMware migrations, while IBM challenges VCF through Red Hat OpenShift. Broadcom (AVGO - Free Report) has expanded the security capabilities of VMware Cloud Foundation (“VCF”) with new enhancements to VMware vDefend and VMware Avi Load Balancer. The upgrades are designed to strengthen multi-layer cyber defense for private clouds while improving infrastructure efficiency and simplifying security operations through AI-powered automation. The enhancements arrive as enterprises increasingly deploy AI, Kubernetes and traditional virtualized workloads within a common private-cloud environment. It is also likely to boost VCF’s competitive prowess against solutions offered by Nutanix (NTNX - Free Report) and International Business Machines (IBM - Free Report) .
The latest vDefend release strengthens lateral, or east-west, security through a simplified vDefend 1-2-3 deployment framework for Advanced Threat Prevention (“ATP”). The workflow combines ATP with Distributed Firewall (“DFW”) capabilities and workload-level visibility to identify security posture, recommend rules and guide deployment. Broadcom said the approach can reduce deployment time from several months to a few weeks. vDefend also adds fully on-premises malware sandboxing and support for air-gapped environments, allowing organizations with stringent data-sovereignty or security requirements to keep sensitive information and threat-analysis processes within their own infrastructure.
Broadcom is also strengthening application-layer protection through Avi Load Balancer. The platform now provides native API protection across virtual machines, vSphere Kubernetes Services and AI workloads. The combination of Web Application Firewall functionality with API protection, Avi WAAP is intended to give enterprises greater visibility into application traffic while reducing their dependence on multiple stand-alone security products.
Broadcom said a new two-node vDefend Security Services Platform configuration can reduce required physical hardware by as much as 33%. DFW throughput can reach 75 Gbps on servers equipped with 100G NICs and scale to as much as 75 Tbps per VCF instance. Distributed IDPS performance can reach 17 Gbps per server and 17 Tbps per VCF instance, while Avi Load Balancer scale-out throughput has been increased to as much as 12.25 Tbps per controller instance. These figures are based on Broadcom's internal testing.
The update should strengthen Broadcom’s broader effort to make security an integrated component of the VCF private-cloud platform rather than a collection of separate point products. Broadcom identifies the ability of its software portfolio to manage and secure IT environments as an important business requirement and notes that generative AI has increased both vulnerability discovery and the effectiveness and frequency of cyber threats. The improvements should also make VCF more compelling for AI-intensive private clouds.
AVGO Faces Tough CompetitionBroadcom’s VCF is facing stiff competition from Nutanix and IBM.
Nutanix is directly targeting VMware migrations with a lower-friction alternative to VCF. Nutanix believes it is particularly well positioned for mission-critical VMware workloads because customers can migrate applications without modifying them, with much of the migration process automated. The company is broadening its addressable market beyond traditional hyperconverged infrastructure by supporting external storage, reducing one of the barriers to replacing VMware.
IBM is challenging VCF primarily through Red Hat OpenShift, with virtualization becoming an increasingly important component of its hybrid-cloud platform. IBM reported that Red Hat revenue growth accelerated to 11%, while OpenShift ARR reached $2.2 billion in the second quarter of 2026. Red Hat’s OpenShift offers customers a Kubernetes-centric platform spanning containers and virtual machines, which is a different approach compared with VCF. IBM’s broader hybrid-cloud strategy also strengthens its competitive position.
AVGO’s Share Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesBroadcom shares have appreciated 23.6% year to date, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s return of 18.1%.
AVGO Stock’s Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The AVGO stock is trading at a premium, with a forward 12-month price/sales of 12.83X compared with the broader sector’s 6.58X. Broadcom has a Value Score of D.
AVGO Stock’s Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $11.74 per share, up by a penny over the past 30 days, suggesting 72.14% growth from fiscal 2025’s reported figure.
Broadcom currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Palo Alto Networks po pátečním poklesu o 1 % v pondělí smazala ztráty a přidala 4,7 %. Čína prověřuje její produkty, ale TD Cowen to považuje jen za formalizaci stávajících omezení.
Investors in Palo Alto Networks (PANW +5.30%) stock got a bit of a scare last week.
As TheFly.com reports, China's Cyberspace Administration agency accused Palo Alto of harboring links to "intelligence services," and launched a "review" of the cybersecurity company's products to protect China's "critical infrastructure."
Palo Alto stock fell 1% on the news, but is bouncing back already Monday, recovering all losses and adding gains on top -- up 4.7% through 11:40 a.m. ET.
Image source: Getty Images.
Wall Street isn't scared of China Helping to dispel investor concerns is a report from investment bank TD Cowen, which last week argued China's "review" is really just a "procedural formalization of existing restrictions" -- not new news at all, but just added detail on rules already in place. As such, the banker doesn't see it as cause for worry.
Moreover, as TD points out, even if China is specifically targeting Palo Alto for attack, the Chinese market is "immaterial" to Palo Alto, representing less than 1% of the company's annual revenue. Viewed in that context, last week's 1% decline was perhaps justifiable... but really only in a worst-case scenario.
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What's next for Palo Alto stock Meanwhile, back at the ranch, U.S. investors are still waiting to see Palo Alto's Q3 shaped up. Earnings are due out Sept. 1, and analysts, on average, anticipate Palo Alto will report 32% sales growth to $3.35 billion for the quarter -- but only 3% earnings growth to $0.98 per share.
If you're looking for something to worry about, that's what I would focus on -- and forget about China. At last report, Palo Alto stock costs more than 350 times trailing earnings. If all the company can muster is 3% earnings growth, it's going to be really hard to justify that high stock price.
Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
It has been a volatile year for the stock market, with investors having to navigate the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, new leadership at the Federal Reserve, and a series of new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. But Spotify (SPOT +4.33%) stock is down 37% from its all-time high for a different reason.
The company operates the world's largest music streaming platform, and management is currently investing less aggressively in growth in order to prioritize profitability. The strategy is working very well, but it has forced investors to reconsider Spotify's previously elevated valuation.
According to Wall Street, the recent dip might be a great buying opportunity. The majority of analysts tracked by The Wall Street Journal have rated Spotify stock a buy, with none recommending selling. Plus, their average price target points to substantial potential upside over the coming 12 months. Here's why their bullishness might be justified.
Image source: Getty Images.
Transforming the user experience through technology Most music streaming services offer similar content catalogs, because a small handful of record labels control most of the industry's rights, and they want their artists to reach the widest possible audience. Therefore, Spotify can only differentiate its service from the competition by offering a better user experience, and it's leaning heavily on technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to do so.
Spotify has a growing portfolio of AI-powered features that are driving engagement. There is Prompted Playlist, which will curate custom music playlists based on a description provided by the user. Then there is AI DJ, which autonomously plays songs based on a user's listening history, complete with a software-powered voiceover.
Over the last few weeks, Spotify started rolling out a niche feature called Running Mode, which is tailored to the fitness community. A user can tell Spotify to craft a playlist based on the length of their workout, and it will group a series of appropriate songs together based on their beats per minute, and the user's individual tastes.
The more time a paying subscriber spends on Spotify, the more likely they are to stick around for the long term. The more time a free user spends on the app, the more likely they are to convert into a paying subscriber. That is why the company is focusing so heavily on developing features to lift engagement.
Sacrificing revenue growth for higher profits During the second quarter, Spotify had a record 300 million premium subscribers, and another 494 million free monthly active users who were monetized by advertising. The company generated a combined $5.5 billion in revenue from both user categories, which was up 14% year over year.
Spotify could have grown its revenue even faster if it spent more aggressively in areas like marketing, but management is prioritizing profitability instead. As a result, the company increased its total operating expenses by just 3% year over year to $1.08 billion during the quarter.
With the money coming in (revenue) growing much faster than the money going out (operating expenses), Spotify managed to generate $628 million in net income during Q2, which was a massive improvement over the $99 million net loss it produced in the same quarter last year.
This is really important because Spotify will have a more sustainable business over the long term if its profits continue to increase. Over time, this will give management more flexibility to redirect money into growth initiatives like marketing and research and development, without having to rely on debt or external funding from investors.
Wall Street is very bullish on Spotify stock, and I concur The Wall Street Journal tracks 42 analysts who cover Spotify stock, and 26 of them have given it a buy rating. Seven others are in the overweight (bullish) camp, while the remaining nine recommend holding. None recommend selling.
The analysts have an average price target of $600, implying a potential upside of 26% for Spotify stock over the next 12 months or so. The Street-high target of $720 suggests the stock could soar by 51% instead.
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Based on Spotify's trailing 12-month earnings of $15.86 per share, its stock is trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 30. That is a slight discount to the Nasdaq-100 index, which has a P/E of 32.6, so Spotify might be considered undervalued.
Moreover, Wall Street's average estimate (provided by Yahoo! Finance) suggests the company could grow its earnings to $18.20 per share in 2027, placing its stock at a forward P/E of 26. In other words, the stock would have to climb by 25% over the next 18 months or so to match the P/E of the Nasdaq-100, so Wall Street's average price target of $600 certainly looks achievable.
Reaching $720 might take more time, but it will be possible in the future, particularly if Spotify's bottom line keeps improving at the current pace.
CrowdStrike a Palo Alto Networks v pondělí vyskočily o více než 5 % na nová maxima po konferenci Black Hat, která zvýraznila rostoucí poptávku po bezpečnostních nástrojích s využitím AI. BTIG zároveň zvýšila cílovou cenu CrowdStrike na 237 USD za akcii a cílovou cenu Palo Alto Networks na 380 USD za akcii.
Cybersecurity stocks CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks jumped more than 5% to new highs on Monday on renewed demand for artificial intelligence security tools following the industry's annual Black Hat conference in Las Vegas.
"The single most consistent theme across our conversations — partners, vendors, and customers alike — was that AI agents have fundamentally changed the threat landscape," wrote analysts at BTIG in a note to clients.
While AI agents have become the predominant attack threat and the environment is "meaningfully worse," deployment and AI security tools are only in the early innings," they added.
Businesses are turning to cybersecurity companies for new agentic tools to fend off adversaries in a hyper-accelerated threat landscape fueled by new cyber models. Executives and potential customers gathered in Las Vegas last week in search of answers and ways to secure systems from rogue AI agents.
Read more CNBC tech newsHugging Face hack marks start of dangerous AI cyber era and many firms 'don't even know it'How a small Israeli startup was linked to rogue AI hacks at OpenAI, Anthropic and MetaWorld's biggest chipmaker TSMC's sales surge 45% amid buoyant AI demandMeta to open source its most powerful AI model as it takes swipe at OpenAI, AnthropicBTIG lifted its price target on Palo Alto to $380 a share, reflecting about 4% upside from Friday's close. Palo's identity platform stands to benefit from the proliferation of AI agents, while products such as XSIAM and Chronosphere create a "data moat" for other security verticals.
The firm lifted its price target on CrowdStrike to $237 per share, reflecting 11% upside from Friday's close, and boosted shares of Rubrik to a $109 per-share target.
"We think AI is creating a new modernization cycle in the endpoint security space, which directly benefits CRWD's core business," they wrote.
Other cybersecurity stocks rallied, with Tenable and Rubrik last up more than 7%. Netskope and Zscaler jumped about 5% each.
"AI has moved from being a cybersecurity feature to a key pillar of both the attack surface and the attacker/defender infrastructure," wrote analysts at Cantor.
Warner Bros. Discovery ve 2. čtvrtletí překonala odhad zisku, když EPS činil 6 centů, ale tržby klesly o 11,2 % na 8,72 miliardy USD kvůli slabosti studií.
Key Takeaways Warner Bros. Discovery's Q2 earnings beat estimates, while revenues fell 11.2% on Studios weakness.Streaming revenues rose 10% ex-forex, while Adjusted EBITDA jumped 63% to $512 million.Studios revenues fell 39% ex-forex, while Global Linear Networks revenues declined 17%. Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD - Free Report) stock gained 1.7% following its Aug. 6, 2026, earnings release against the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry’s 2.4% fall.
The company reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of 6 cents per share, down 90.5% from 63 cents year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 13 cents.
Revenues fell 11.2% year over year to $8.72 billion and missed the consensus mark by 6.19%. The top-line decline reflected sharp weakness in Studios and Global Linear Networks. Streaming was the bright spot, with revenues rising 10% ex-forex and Adjusted EBITDA up 63% ex-forex.
WBD's Revenue Mix Shows Broad Top-Line PressureDuring the quarter, Distribution revenues increased 1% ex-forex to $4.95 billion, supported by global streaming growth but partly offset by domestic linear pay-TV subscriber declines and the HBO Max domestic distribution renewal with a former related party.
Advertising revenues fell 22% ex-forex to $1.72 billion, while content revenues declined 26% to $1.83 billion. The absence of the NBA weighed on advertising, while lower theatrical revenues in the Studios segment drove the content decline.
Warner Bros. Discovery's Streaming Momentum BuildsStreaming revenues increased 10% ex-forex to $3.08 billion. Distribution revenues grew 11% ex-forex, while advertising revenues advanced 8% as global ad-lite subscribers increased. Subscriber-related revenues rose 10% ex-forex to $3.00 billion.
Streaming Adjusted EBITDA climbed to $512 million from $293 million, producing a nearly 17% margin. About 40% of global HBO Max subscribers were on the ad-supported tier at quarter-end, an 11% increase year over year. International streaming advertising revenues jumped 73% ex-forex following HBO Max launches in Germany, Italy, the U.K. and Ireland.
WBD's Studios Results Sink on Tough ComparisonsStudios revenues declined 39% ex-forex to $2.33 billion. Content revenues fell 41%, with theatrical revenues down 46% against the prior-year strength of A Minecraft Movie, Sinners and Final Destination Bloodlines. TV revenues decreased 45% on lower intercompany content licensing.
Games revenues increased 45% ex-forex following the release of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight. Studios Adjusted EBITDA declined 89% ex-forex to $96 million, while operating expenses decreased 24% ex-forex. Management continues to expect the segment to generate more than $3 billion of Adjusted EBITDA in the medium to long term.
Warner Bros. Discovery's Linear Networks ContractGlobal Linear Networks revenues fell 17% ex-forex to $3.99 billion. Distribution revenues declined 9%, mainly because domestic linear pay-TV subscribers fell 10%, while domestic affiliate rates increased 1%.
Advertising revenues dropped 27% ex-forex, reflecting 17% domestic audience declines and the absence of the NBA. Global Linear Networks Adjusted EBITDA decreased 5% ex-forex to $1.45 billion despite a 23% reduction in operating expenses. WBD still expects high-single-digit operating expense improvement for the segment in 2026.
WBD's Balance Sheet & Cash FlowWBD ended the second quarter with $3.37 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $33.06 billion of gross debt and $29.69 billion of net debt. Net leverage was 3.4x. The company refinanced its $15 billion bridge facility with $13 billion and €1.7 billion term loans and expects about 150 basis points of annual interest-cost savings versus the original bridge structure.
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $848 million, while free cash flow fell 19% year over year to $572 million. Free cash flow absorbed roughly $350 million of separation and transaction-related items.
Warner Bros. Discovery Sees Streaming Growth AheadManagement expects subscriber-related revenue growth to accelerate further in the second half of 2026 and remain healthy into 2027. The company reiterated its long-term Streaming Adjusted EBITDA margin target of more than 20%, while noting that fourth-quarter marketing around Harry Potter could cause quarterly margin volatility.
The second half also includes the planned HBO Max premiere of Harry Potter on Christmas Day. Warner Bros. Discovery remains confident that its pending merger with Paramount Skydance Corporation will be completed, with closing on hold until the earlier of five days after legal proceedings are complete or June 1, 2027.
Strategy prodala 1 690 bitcoinů za 108,6 mil. USD a 6,59 mil. akcií, což tlačí dolů náladu kolem těžařů kryptoměn. Riot Platforms, MARA Holdings i CleanSpark v pondělí oslabily.
Shares of Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:RIOT | RIOT Price Prediction) are down 6% to $19.36 in Monday midday trading, joined by MARA Holdings (NASDAQ:MARA) falling 6% to $9.52 and CleanSpark (NASDAQ:CLSK) sliding 5% to $11.69. Clearly, the Bitcoin mining sector is under broad pressure to start the week.
Bit Digital (NASDAQ:BTBT) shares are also lower by 5% to $1.31, while the CoinShares Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF (NASDAQ:WGMI) is off 5% to $45.87. Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) itself is down 2% over the past 24 hours to $63,867.58, extending a year-long slide.
The trigger appears to be a fresh 8-K from Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) that details continued selling of both Bitcoin and common stock, adding to a sentiment overhang already weighing on crypto-related equities. The disclosure has reignited concerns about the pace of Saylor’s capital-management pivot.
Strategy’s Selling Program Weighs On Sentiment In its Monday filing, the Michael Saylor-led firm disclosed that during the week ended August 9 it sold 1,690 Bitcoin for $108.6 million, an average of $64,262 per coin. That price sits well below Strategy’s $75,385 average cost basis, marking a realized loss.
Strategy also sold approximately 6.59 million common shares for $653.1 million, routing $650 million into its cash reserve. Bitcoin sale proceeds funded a $108.6 million repurchase of the company’s STRC preferred stock.
Strategy stock is down 3% to $96.95 midday, and management hasn’t added to the treasury since June. The activity continues a capital-management pivot Saylor began at the end of May, breaking the firm’s long-running “never sell” stance.
The Q2 2026 backdrop is challenging. Strategy reported a net loss of $8.22 billion on an $8.32 billion unrealized loss on digital assets, and lifted the STRC preferred dividend to 12% annualized. The board has authorized up to $1.25 billion of Bitcoin sales to fund the USD reserve.
Bitcoin Weakness Amplifies The Move Bitcoin’s slip to $63,867.58 layers additional pressure onto the mining group. Riot Platforms, MARA Holdings, and CleanSpark each carry direct exposure to Bitcoin’s spot price through both mining economics and mark-to-market treasury holdings.
Bitcoin is down 27% year to date (YTD) and down 46% over the past year. That backdrop has forced large public miners to reassess capital allocation, with Riot Platforms, MARA Holdings, and CleanSpark all announcing multi-year data center and AI infrastructure leases in recent quarters.
Bit Digital sits somewhat apart. The company has pivoted toward Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) staking and AI compute through its WhiteFiber stake, but Bit Digital shares still trade with the group when crypto sentiment turns. The trailing-year picture is mixed across the complex, with MARA Holdings stock down 38% and Riot Platforms stock up 75% on the RIOT data center pivot.
WGMI Tracks The Group Lower The CoinShares Valkyrie Bitcoin Miners ETF is a narrow, concentrated thematic fund holding Bitcoin-mining stocks, including Riot Platforms, MARA Holdings, and CleanSpark. Its 5% decline tracks the group cleanly rather than diluting the move.
The fund’s sector-concentration profile leaves it highly sensitive to Bitcoin’s price and to catalysts like Strategy’s disclosures. WGMI shares are still up 84% over the trailing year, showing how sharp the miner rally has been off the 2025 lows even after today’s drop.
What to Watch The prediction markets currently assign a 39% probability to Strategy announcing additional Bitcoin sales in the August 11 to 17 window, per Polymarket contracts tied to that outcome. The markets place minimal weight (3.6%) on a Strategy margin call in 2026, suggesting balance-sheet stress isn’t the primary concern.
Traders can watch for whether Bitcoin holds current levels into the U.S. close, and whether Strategy files further 8-Ks disclosing additional Bitcoin or share sales this week. Any follow-up commentary from Riot Platforms, MARA Holdings, or CleanSpark on their AI and high-performance computing pivots could also shift the narrative.
Sentiment across the miner complex remains fragile so long as Strategy’s balance-sheet actions drive the crypto-equity conversation. Investors sizing their exposure to the pure-play names may want to keep their position sizes measured until Bitcoin stabilizes.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
Global payments platform Paysafe has extended the availability of its digital wallet to Poland as the company continues the expansion of this offering across Europe.
With its launch in Poland, the PaysafeWallet enables consumers to pay, send and spend in zlotny by using a debit card in their pockets or on their phones, Paysafe said in a Monday (Aug. 10) press release.
Paysafe already offered PaysafeCard in Poland, and PaysafeWallet builds on that by adding a digital wallet, according to the release.
PaysafeWallet allows consumers to top up with cash, send money to friends, pay at stores and restaurants, spend online, send and receive bank transfers, and withdraw cash, the release said.
With the digital wallet, consumers receive a personal payment account with an IBAN and a virtual debit card, per the release.
Existing PaysafeCard account holders can add PaysafeWallet by clicking on the Wallet tab, while new customers can download the PaysafeCard and sign up in minutes, according to the release.
“Young consumers in Poland are digital natives and expect their money to move as fast as they do,” Paysafe Chief Product Officer Bob Legters said in the release. “PaysafeWallet gives them something that feels made for them; their own debit card on their phone, the freedom to pay, send and spend however they want, and the reassurance that cash is still an option when they need it.”
Paysafe said in April that it had expanded the availability of PaysafeWallet and offered the digital wallet in 18 European countries, including Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Italy, Australia, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Belgium, Portugal, Ireland, Slovenia, Cypress, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Malta.
According to Paysafe’s Monday press release, about 600,000 users have joined PaysafeWallet across Europe in the past 18 months.
Paysafe CEO Bruce Lowthers said during a May earnings call that the company’s wallet expansion in Europe was gaining ground and that PaysafeWallet recorded its strongest month on record, as of that time, in March.
“We are much more aggressive about consumer acquisition today than we have ever been,” Lowthers said during the call.
Paysafe also offers a PagoEfectivo wallet in Latin America and has seen that product become a contributor to user growth and engagement, Lowthers said.
EPAM Systems ve 2. čtvrtletí překonal odhady tržeb i zisku na akcii; akcie po oznámení vzrostly téměř o 5 %. Firma zároveň snížila výhled tržeb na rok 2026, ale zvýšila odhad non-GAAP EPS na 13,08–13,24 USD.
Key Takeaways EPAM Systems' Q2 revenues rose 4.5% as Financial Services and Life Sciences & Healthcare led growth.EPAM Systems' AI-native revenues topped 11% of business, while margins expanded 190 basis points.EPAM Systems lowered 2026 revenue growth guidance but raised its non-GAAP EPS outlook to $13.08-$13.24. EPAM Systems (EPAM - Free Report) stock climbed close to 5% after announcing strong second-quarter 2026 results, with revenues and earnings surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate despite continued macroeconomic uncertainty.
EPAM reported second-quarter non-GAAP earnings of $3.38 per share, which increased 22% year over year and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.14 by 7.6%.
The company’s second-quarter revenues of $1.415 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.52% and increased 4.5% year over year. On an organic constant-currency basis, revenues grew 3.4% year over year.
Traction in Financial Services Drives EPAM’s Q2 GrowthEPAM Systems’ year-over-year revenue growth was driven by strong performance in Financial Services and Life Sciences & Healthcare, while Software & Hi-Tech and Business Information & Media remained weak. Financial Services revenues were $366.2 million, accounting for 25.9% of total revenues and increasing 11.5% year over year. Life Sciences & Healthcare revenues were $169.1 million, or 12% of total revenues, up 8% year over year.
Revenues from Consumer Goods, Retail & Travel were $274.3 million, representing 19.4% of total revenues and increasing 2.3% year over year. Emerging Verticals revenues were $236.5 million, or 16.6% of total revenues, up 4.9% year over year. Meanwhile, Software & Hi-Tech revenues declined 1.3% year over year to $202 million, while Business Information & Media revenues fell 2.1% to $166.7 million.
EMEA Drives EPAM Systems’ Geographic Revenue GrowthGeographically, Americas revenues were $805.4 million, up 0.5% year over year, while EMEA revenues increased 10.9% to $582.3 million. APAC revenues declined 0.3% year over year to $27.1 million.
Management attributed the lower revenue outlook primarily to slower growth in North America and project ramp-downs in Software & Hi-Tech. The company said North American clients are shifting spending away from more traditional services toward AI-led modernization, creating a gap as replacement work ramps up. EPAM expects several large AI-related opportunities to contribute more meaningfully beginning in the first half of 2027, rather than in the second half of 2026.
EPAM Expands Margins as AI-Native Revenues AccelerateEPAM’s non-GAAP gross profit increased to $452.9 million from $407.7 million in the year-ago quarter, while the non-GAAP gross margin expanded 190 basis points to 32%. Non-GAAP operating income increased 14.7% year over year to $232.7 million, with the operating margin expanding to 16.4% from 15%. Non-GAAP net income rose to $176.8 million from $156.8 million.
The company said its AI-native revenues continued to accelerate, extending a run of double-digit sequential growth and accounting for more than 11% of total business. EPAM also expanded its strategic AI partnerships, including joining the OpenAI Partner Network as an Advanced Partner, certifying more than 2,000 professionals through Google’s Gemini program and becoming one of Anthropic’s top five globally certified partners with more than 5,700 certified engineers.
EPAM’s Balance Sheet & Cash FlowAs of June 30, 2026, EPAM had $789.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from $1.04 billion as of March 31, 2026, while long-term debt stood at $25 million.
During the first six months of 2026, cash used in operating activities was $38.8 million, compared with cash generated of $77.4 million in the year-ago period. Free cash flow was negative $71.8 million during the first half, with second-quarter free cash flow of negative $17.6 million. EPAM spent $409 million on share repurchases during the first six months, including $85 million in the second quarter.
EPAM Lowers 2026 Revenue Guidance, Raises Profitability OutlookFor the third quarter of 2026, EPAM expects revenues to be in the range of $1.410 billion to $1.425 billion, implying year-over-year growth of 1.7% at the midpoint. Organic constant-currency revenue growth is expected to be 1.8% at the midpoint.
The company expects third-quarter non-GAAP operating margin to be between 15.5% and 16.5% and non-GAAP EPS to be in the range of $3.38-$3.46.
For full-year 2026, EPAM now expects revenues to grow 3.2% to 4.2% year over year, with organic constant-currency growth of 2% to 3%.
The company expects a non-GAAP operating margin of 15.5-16%. EPAM now expects non-GAAP diluted EPS of $13.08-$13.24.
Zacks Rank and Stocks to ConsiderAt present, EPAM carries Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector are Lumentum (LITE - Free Report) , Applied Materials (AMAT - Free Report) and Analog Devices (ADI - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Shares of Lumentum have surged 141.5% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LITE’s fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $8.19 per share, up by 5 cents over the past 30 days, indicating an increase of 297.6% year over year.
Shares of Applied Materials have jumped 109.8% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMAT’s fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $12.14 per share, up by 3 cents over the past seven days, indicating a rise of 29.2% year over year.
Analog Devices shares have surged 43.8% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ADI’s fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $12.42 per share, up by 10 cents over the past 30 days, indicating an increase of 33.9% year over year.
Akcie Rocket Lab před výsledky za 2. čtvrtletí stouply od 29. července o 41,3 % na 82,83 USD. Wall Street čeká tržby 231,35 milionu USD a ztrátu 7 centů na akcii.
Rocket Lab Corp. (NASDAQ:RKLB) walks into Monday’s earnings report after the market closes, riding one of its sharpest rallies of the year. The stock closed at $82.83 on Friday, marking a 41.3% climb from the $58.60 close on July 29.
RKLB stock is up ahead of earnings. See the chart and price action here. Momentum built fast: a $266 million U.S. Space Force HASTE contract landed July 27, a $397 million Space Force satellite-tracking award followed on Aug. 4 and Rocket Lab notched its 92nd Electron mission along the way, extending a launch cadence that keeps repeat customers like iQPS coming back.
Together, those wins turned a stock trading in the high $50s two weeks ago into one of the market’s hottest space names heading into the print.
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Great Expectations Expectations have climbed alongside the share price. Wall Street models roughly $231.35 million in second-quarter revenue and a per-share loss of seven cents, with options pricing an implied move of about 13.59% on the release, according to Benzinga Pro data.
The comparison point is a strong one: Rocket Lab’s first quarter delivered $200.3 million in revenue against a $189.6 million estimate, a beat of roughly $10.7 million. Management’s own Q2 guidance of $225 million to $240 million already topped consensus when it was issued in May, which raises the bar further.
It’s ComplicatedThree threads complicate a simple beat-and-move-on outcome. Neutron’s debut remains pushed to the fourth quarter after a stage-1 tank test failure, and any fresh delay would likely overshadow revenue strength.
The $8 billion Iridium Communications acquisition still needs integration detail before skeptics soften. And sell-side enthusiasm is nearly unanimous — out of 21 analysts, 16 are bullish — while Morgan Stanley’s bull case reaches as high as $293 on the theory that Rocket Lab is becoming a smaller version of SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX).
A clean beat with confident Neutron language could extend the run. A guidance stumble, after a month this strong, risks a sharp reversal instead.
RKLB Stock Price Activity: Rocket Lab shares were down 1.42% at $81.65 on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Groupon ve 2. čtvrtletí vykázal upravenou ztrátu 4 centy na akcii, méně, než čekal trh, ale tržby klesly o 0,8 % na 124,68 milionu USD. Růst v mezinárodním segmentu Local částečně kompenzoval slabost v Severní Americe.
Key Takeaways Groupon's Q2 loss came in narrower than estimates, but revenues fell 0.8% as North America Local declined 2%.GRPN's International Local revenues rose 8%, helped by improved organic performance and stronger city supply.Groupon's active customers grew 2% to 16.1 million despite unit sales falling 7% year over year. Groupon (GRPN - Free Report) reported an adjusted loss of 4 cents per share for the second quarter of 2026, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 8 cents by 50%. This compares with earnings of 46 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. Revenues of $124.68 million fell 0.8% year over year and missed the consensus mark by 2.15%.
The revenue shortfall was concentrated in North America Local, where revenues declined 2% year over year. This was partly offset by International Local growth and continued customer gains.
Adjusted EBITDA was $14.8 million, down 4.7% year over year from $15.6 million.
GRPN's Local Trends Weigh on RevenueNorth America Local revenues declined 2% year over year, while Local billings decreased 1%. Softness in Health, Beauty & Wellness pressured the business, partly offset by strength in Things to Do and improving organic and managed channels.
International Local revenues were stronger, increasing 8% year over year, while Local billings rose 2%. Excluding Giftcloud, International Local revenue advanced 9%, and billings increased 5%, helped by improved organic performance and more seasonally relevant supply across major international cities.
Groupon Builds Momentum in International MarketsGroupon's global billings declined 1% year over year, matching the revenue trend. The decline was also 1% on an FX-neutral basis, indicating that currency movements were not the primary factor behind the billings pressure.
The product mix remained an important offset. Things to Do performed strongly, particularly tours, attractions and local activities. Beauty and Wellness was also a source of strength in July, with broad-based improvement seen across both North America and International markets.
GRPN's Customer Base Expands Despite Lower UnitsActive customers grew 2% to 16.1 million during the second quarter. Growth was recorded in both North America and International Local categories, providing a favorable customer trend despite weaker transaction volume.
Unit sales totaled 8.5 million, down 7% year over year. The decline reflected lower transaction volume in North America and international markets, partly offset by higher average order values as customers purchased higher-value local inventory.
Groupon Pushes Project Foundry and PersonalizationGroupon continued advancing Project Foundry, its company-wide effort to make operations AI-native. AI now builds and optimizes tens of thousands of hyperlocal marketing campaigns, while engineering output per developer has more than doubled over the past six months.
Organic revenues returned to growth in the second quarter and accelerated to double-digit growth in July. Managed channels continued improving, with revenue per send up strongly. Groupon expects the new consumer platform to be fully migrated across every surface and geography by the end of the third quarter.
GRPN Maintains Cash Generation and Restructuring PlanFree cash flow was $15 million compared with $25.19 million in the year-ago quarter, while operating cash inflow from continuing operations was $18.1 million versus $28.42 million a year earlier.
Cash and cash equivalents stood at $226.3 million at June 30, 2026, up 0.4% sequentially from $225.5 million at March 31. Groupon recorded $3.2 million of restructuring charges in the quarter and expects the payroll actions to generate $20 million to $25 million of annualized cost savings.
Groupon Maintains Q3 and 2026 OutlookFor the third quarter of 2026, Groupon expects billings growth of 4% to 6% and revenues of $128 million to $130 million. Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $19 million to $21 million, while free cash flow is expected to be negative.
The company maintained its 2026 outlook for billings growth of 3% to 5%, revenue of $513 million to $523 million and adjusted EBITDA of $75 million to $80 million. Free cash flow for 2026 is expected to be at least $60 million. The outlook implies second-half revenue growth of approximately 6% at the low end and approximately 10% at the high end, supported by easier year-over-year comparisons, additional marketing investment and increasing contributions from strategic initiatives.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderGroupon currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector are Newsmax (NMAX - Free Report) , H World Group Limited (HTHT - Free Report) and Viking Holdings (VIK - Free Report) , each currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Shares of Newsmax have returned 16.1% in the year-to-date period. Newsmax is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 13.
Shares of H World Group Limited have declined 9.9% in the year-to-date period. H World Group Limited is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 17.
Shares of Viking Holdings have returned 48.2% in the year-to-date period. Viking Holdings is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 19.
iRhythm ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšil tržby o 20,1 % na 224,2 mil. USD a zúžil provozní ztrátu na 2,5 mil. USD. Zároveň zvedl výhled tržeb na rok 2026 na 880–890 mil. USD.
Key Takeaways iRhythm's Q2 revenues rose 20.1% to $224.2 million, supported by sustained volume demand.Gross margin expanded 160 bps to 72.8%, while the operating loss narrowed to $2.5 million.iRhythm raised 2026 revenue guidance to $880-$890 million and EBITDA margin outlook to 13%-14%. iRhythm Holdings, Inc. (IRTC - Free Report) reported adjusted earnings per share of 58 cents in the second quarter of 2026, against an adjusted loss per share of 32 cents a year ago. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5900%.
GAAP loss per share for the quarter was 1 cent compared with 44 cents in the year-ago period.
IRTC’s Q2 Revenues in DetailiRhythm registered revenues of $224.2 million in the second quarter, up 20.1% year over year. The increase was primarily driven by sustained volume demand across the customer base, reflecting continued strength in the core business and contributions from newer growth channels. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.2%.
In the year-to-date period, the company’s shares have declined 27.9% compared with the industry’s loss of 0.8%. The broader S&P 500 Index has increased 13.1% in the same time frame.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
IRTC's Revenue Mix Shows Broad-Based GrowthiRhythm derives revenues from the following sources: Contracted third-party payors, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Healthcare institutions and Non-contracted third-party payors.
Contracted third-party payor revenues totaled $113.8 million in the quarter, up 16.4% year over year. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services revenues increased 31.6% to $58.6 million.
Healthcare institutions generated revenues of $37.8 million, up 18.7% from the prior-year quarter. Non-contracted third-party payor revenues rose 11.1% to $14.1 million.
iRhythm's Q2 Margin Expansion Supports ProfitabilityIn the quarter under review, iRhythm’s gross profit increased 22.8% year over year to $163.2 million. Gross margin expanded 160 basis points (bps) to 72.8%, reflecting operational efficiencies, product mix and scale benefits from higher volumes.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 4.2% year over year to $131.7 million, while research and development expenses decreased 5.6% to $19.8 million.
Adjusted operating expenses were $145.0 million, down 0.1% year over year despite continued investments in growth initiatives.
The operating loss narrowed to $2.5 million from $18.7 million in the prior-year quarter.
iRhythm’s Financial PositioniRhythm exited second-quarter 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of $246.7 million compared with $240.1 million at the end of first-quarter 2026.
Cumulative net cash provided by operating activities at the end of second-quarter 2026 was $24.9 million compared with $19.8 million a year ago.
IRTC Raises 2026 OutlookiRhythm has increased its outlook for the full year 2026.
IRTC now projects full-year revenues between $880 million and $890 million, up from the prior outlook of $875 million to $885 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $884.1 million.
The company expects an adjusted EBITDA margin between 13% and 14%, up from 12% to 13% previously.
iRhythm’s Innovation and Growth InitiativesiRhythm delivered a strong second quarter, delivering solid earnings and revenue growth. The quarter reflected broad-based commercial momentum across cardiology, primary care, innovative channels and international markets. Innovative channels were the fastest-growing area, supported by value-based care, primary care and population-health partnerships. Approximately 60% of volumes now come from EHR-integrated accounts, while nearly 80 of iRhythm’s top 100 customers are integrated, helping streamline workflows and expand patient access.
On the innovation front, iRhythm secured FDA clearance for its third-generation algorithm, which management expects to reduce clinical technician review time by as much as 50% and generate approximately $100 million in cumulative cost savings over five years. The company is advancing predictive arrhythmia solutions, with new commercial agreements through its Luum partnership and expanded work with Desert Oasis Healthcare.
iRhythm entered into an agreement to acquire Vital Connect for approximately $287.5 million. The transaction is expected to broaden its cardiac monitoring portfolio across mobile cardiac telemetry, event monitoring, long-term continuous monitoring and short-term Holter, while creating opportunities in inpatient and hospital-to-home monitoring. Alongside continued investments in Zio MCT, primary care, international expansion and adjacent markets such as sleep diagnostics, these initiatives support iRhythm’s strategy of expanding access and evolving into a broader cardiac monitoring and intelligence platform.
IRTC’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksiRhythm currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are West Pharmaceutical (WST - Free Report) , The Cooper Companies (COO - Free Report) and Cardinal Health (CAH - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
West Pharmaceutical reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.37, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 13.9%. Revenues of $872.3 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.2%.
West Pharmaceutical has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 16%. WST’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 17.40%.
The Cooper Companies reported a second-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.21, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.00%. Revenues of $1.08 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.6%.
The Cooper Companies has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 8.3%. COO’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 5.80%.
Cardinal Health reported a third-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS of $3.17, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 13.2%. Revenues of $60.94 billion missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.3%.
Cardinal Health has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 17%. CAH’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 10.27%.
Key Takeaways Wheaton Precious Metals posted Q2 adjusted EPS of $1.19, up 89.7% y/y.Revenues jumped 84.7% as higher realized prices and gold equivalent ounces sold boosted results.Wheaton Precious Metals reaffirmed its 2026 production guidance of 860,000-940,000 GEOs. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM - Free Report) reported adjusted earnings of $1.19 per share for second-quarter 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.15 by 3.48%. Adjusted earnings per share increased 89.7% year over year.
WPM's Revenue Mix Benefits From Higher PricesRevenues rose 84.7% year over year to $929 million and surpassed the consensus estimate of $877 million by 5.98%. Revenue growth reflected a 61% increase in the average realized gold-equivalent price and a 14% rise in gold-equivalent ounces (GEOs) sold. The company sold 209,115 GEOs in the quarter, up 14.4% from the year-ago period.
Gold contributed 46% to quarterly revenues, while silver accounted for 52%. Palladium represented 0.3% and cobalt contributed 2%.
In second-quarter 2026, the average realized gold price was $4,452 per ounce, up 34.2% from the year-ago quarter. Silver prices were $73.41 per ounce, increasing 115.6% year over year. Palladium prices rose 43.5% from the prior-year quarter to $1,429 per ounce. Cobalt prices increased 50.2% year over year to $27.93 per pound.
Wheaton Precious Metals’ Q2 Gold-Equivalent Production RisesGold production in the second quarter was 90,434 ounces, down 2.6% year over year. The figure missed our gold production projection of 98,995 ounces for the quarter. Silver production rose 14.5% year over year to 6.4 million ounces, which came in higher than our estimate of 5.9 million ounces.
Attributable gold-equivalent production in the quarter was 202,229 ounces, up 6.3% from the prior-year quarter’s output of 190,179 ounces. Our projection was 201,920 ounces.
WPM's Margins Expand Despite Higher Cash CostsThe total cost of sales increased 60.7% year over year to around $241 million in the second quarter. Gross profit rose 94.8% to $688 million. The gross margin was 74% in the reported quarter compared with 70.2% in the prior-year quarter.
General and administrative expenses increased 2.8% year over year to $11 million. Earnings from operations were $667 million, up 102.3% from the $330 million reported in the prior-year quarter.
Average cash costs in the second quarter of 2026 were $568 per GEO, up from $406 in the year-ago quarter. The cash operating margin increased 65% year over year to $3,875 per GEO sold due to a higher realized price per ounce.
Wheaton Precious Metals’ Balance Sheet UpdatesWPM had $0.1 billion in cash in hand at the end of second-quarter 2026 compared with $1.15 billion at the end of 2025. The company reported an operating cash flow of $649.5 million in the second quarter of 2026 compared with $415 million in the year-ago quarter.
WPM Reaffirms 2026 Production OutlookWPM maintained its 2026 production guidance of 860,000-940,000 GEOs. The outlook includes 400,000-430,000 ounces of gold, 27-29 million ounces of silver and 19,000-21,000 GEOs of other metals. The company expects production to be weighted to the second half, helped by mine sequencing at Salobo and Peñasquito, the full Antamina contribution, and continued ramp-up of newer assets.
The development pipeline also continues to advance. Blackwater's Phase 1A expansion was 57% complete at the end of the quarter and remains scheduled for commissioning in the fourth quarter of 2026. Koné targets first gold in late fourth-quarter 2026, while Platreef expects commercial production in the fourth quarter. WPM continues to forecast production of 1.2 million GEOs by 2030.
Wheaton Precious Metals’ Price PerformanceWPM shares have gained 38.5% in the past year compared with the industry’s 48.9% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
WPM’s Zacks RankWheaton Precious currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Performance of Mining StocksKinross Gold Corporation (KGC - Free Report) reported adjusted earnings of 71 cents per share for the second quarter of 2026, surging 61.4% from 44 cents in the year-ago quarter. The bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 66 cents by 7.6%.
Kinross Gold’s revenues increased 29.5% year over year to $2.2 billion but missed the consensus estimate of $2.3 billion by 2%.
Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM - Free Report) posted second-quarter 2026 earnings of $3.05 per share, up 57.2% from $1.94 a year ago. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.89.
Agnico Eagle Mines generated revenues of $3,802.8 million, up 35% year over year. The top line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,863.2 million.
Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.10 per share, up 46.9% from $1.43 in the prior-year quarter. The figure topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.05.
Newmont’s revenues for the second quarter were $6.12 billion, up 15.1% from the prior-year quarter. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.35 billion.
Interactive Brokers v červenci zvýšil DARTs o 27 % meziročně na 4,43 milionu a čisté přírůstky účtů o 43 % na 131 800. Celkový počet účtů dosáhl 5,32 milionu.
Key Takeaways Interactive Brokers' July DARTs rose 27% year over year to 4.43 million amid elevated market volatility.IBKR added 131,800 net new accounts in July, up 43% year over year, lifting total accounts to 5.32 million.IBKR shares rose 36% in three months, while 2026 and 2027 earnings estimates were revised higher. Last week, Interactive Brokers (IBKR - Free Report) reported robust operating metrics for July 2026, highlighted by strong growth in client trading activity and account additions.
Total client Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) reached 4.43 million in July, up 27% from the prior-year period. The increase reflects heightened trading activity amid elevated volatility across equities, options and global futures markets. Shifting expectations around the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, greater index dispersion and macro-driven portfolio repositioning also encouraged retail and professional investors to trade more actively, providing a meaningful boost to IBKR’s transaction volumes.
Beyond a favorable trading backdrop, Interactive Brokers continues to benefit from company-specific strengths. Its low-cost structure, competitive margin rates, ongoing product enhancements, streamlined account-opening process and highly efficient operating model are supporting strong client acquisition. In July, net new accounts surged 43% year over year to 131,800 and total accounts touched 5.32 million, further expanding the company’s client base.
IBKR is also broadening its addressable market by adding new products and capabilities designed to deepen client engagement and increase wallet share. At the same time, the company continues to expand its international platform, positioning itself to capitalize on growing cross-border investing activity and wealth creation across global markets.
These factors have supported sustained revenue growth. Interactive Brokers’ total net revenues recorded a CAGR of 22.8% over 2020-2025, aided by higher interest income, commission revenues and continued business expansion. With trading activity remaining healthy, client accounts increasing and engagement levels staying strong, IBKR appears well-positioned to sustain revenue momentum in the coming quarters.
IBKR Peers’ Business Diversification EffortsIBKR’s key competitors, Charles Schwab (SCHW - Free Report) and Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD - Free Report) , have also been rolling out products and services to bolster market share.
Schwab is diversifying beyond brokerage through wealth management, banking, asset management, lending and alternative investments. This is broadening Schwab’s revenue base and deepening client relationships. These offerings attract more assets and encourage clients to consolidate finances on its platform, supporting higher engagement and creating additional opportunities for trading activity.
Robinhood is diversifying beyond traditional stock trading through crypto, retirement, credit cards, advisory services, prediction markets and international expansion. This broader ecosystem attracts new customers and assets while increasing platform engagement, creating cross-selling opportunities at Robinhood. This is supporting higher trading activity across equities, options, futures and digital assets.
IBKR’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimate AnalysisShares of Interactive Brokers have rallied 17% in the past six months compared with the industry’s growth of 12.6%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, IBKR trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 29.43, well above the industry average of 14.02.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Interactive Brokers’ 2026 and 2027 earnings indicates year-over-year growth of 22.8% and 18%, respectively. Over the past 30 days, earnings estimates have been revised upward to $2.69 for 2026 and $3.17 for 2027.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Currently, Interactive Brokers sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Ziff Davis vykázala ve 2. čtvrtletí zisk na akcii 1,03 USD v souladu s odhady, ale tržby 286,7 milionu USD zaostaly za očekáváním. Po výsledcích analytici zvýšili cílové ceny akcií ZD.
Ziff Davis Inc (NASDAQ:ZD) reported mixed results for the second quarter after the closing bell on Thursday.
The company quarterly earnings of $1.03 per share which met the analyst consensus estimate. The company reported quarterly sales of $286.700 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $299.755 million.
“With the successful sale of our Connectivity business, our significant share repurchases, and our robust free cash flow, Ziff Davis is in a very strong financial position,” said Vivek Shah, CEO of Ziff Davis. “We are focused on deploying capital strategically to maximize long-term shareholder returns.”
Ziff Davis shares gained 0.5% to trade at $54.12 on Monday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Ziff Davis following earnings announcement.
Susquehanna analyst Shyam Patil maintained the stock with a Positive and raised the price target from $60 to $75. Citigroup analyst Ronald Josey maintained the stock with a Neutral and raised the price target from $48 to $59. Considering buying ZD stock? Here’s what analysts think:
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Berkshire Hathaway vzrostla asi o 2,5 % poté, co oznámila lepší výsledky za druhé čtvrtletí a vyšší alokaci kapitálu pod novým CEO Gregem Abelem. Tržby dosáhly 101,8 miliardy USD a EPS činil 6,02 USD.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc (NYSE:BRK.A) shares gained about 2.5% on Monday after the conglomerate reported stronger-than-expected second quarter results and increased its capital deployment under new CEO Greg Abel.
Revenue came in at about $101.8 billion, above analyst expectations of $96.52 billion.
The company posted earnings per share of $6.02, above estimates of $5.13.
Operating earnings rose to $12.98 billion from $11.16 billion.
Investment gains contributed significantly to the increase in net earnings. Berkshire recorded $12.68 billion in investment gains during the quarter, including $10.9 billion from changes in unrealized gains on its equity investments.
The results also highlighted a more active approach to capital deployment under Abel, who succeeded Warren Buffett as chief executive earlier this year.
Berkshire repurchased about $4.5 billion of its own shares during the second quarter and was estimated to have spent another $3.4 billion on buybacks in July.
The company also deployed $10 billion into Alphabet through a private placement and allocated $6.8 billion toward the acquisition of US homebuilder Taylor Morrison.
Berkshire became a net buyer of equities during the quarter, purchasing $23.5 billion of stocks while selling $3.7 billion. This marked a change from Berkshire's previous pattern, ending a 14-quarter streak in which the company was a net seller of stocks.
Amcor má 12. srpna oznámit výsledky za čtvrtletí; tržby mají vzrůst o 19,3 % na 6,06 miliardy USD a EPS o 20 % na 1,20 USD. Růst má podpořit e-commerce a akvizice Berry Global.
Key Takeaways Amcor's Q4 revenues are expected to rise 19.3%, while EPS is projected to increase 20% y/y.E-commerce growth may support demand as weak consumer spending and customer destocking weigh on volumes.Amcor's Global Rigid Packaging sales are projected to jump 29%, aided by Berry Global acquisition benefits. Amcor Plc (AMCR - Free Report) is scheduled to report fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 12, before the opening bell.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMCR’s fiscal fourth-quarter revenues is pegged at $6.06 billion, indicating a 19.3% rise from the year-ago reported figure.
The consensus estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.20 per share. The consensus estimate indicates growth of 20% from the year-ago quarter's actual. The estimate has been unchanged in the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AMCR’s Earnings Surprise HistoryAmcor’s earnings met the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, beat in one and missed in one, the average negative surprise being 0.29%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
What the Zacks Model Unveils for AmcorOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Amcor this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. But that is not the case here. You can uncover the best stocks before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
AMCR’s Earnings ESP: The Earnings ESP for Amcor is -0.64%.
Amcor’s Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank of 4.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Factors Likely to Have Shaped AMCR’s Q4 PerformanceAmcor’s total volume had been bearing the brunt of weak consumer demand across its key markets due to the inflationary environment. Customers have also been lowering their inventory, which has impacted demand. Nonetheless, Amcor is expected to have gained from the rise in e-commerce activities worldwide.
We expect 1% growth in volumes in the fiscal fourth quarter. Overall price/mix benefits are expected to be a positive 0.6% for the quarter and currency impacts are likely to have added another 1%.
Amcor has been facing intermittent supply shortages and price volatility of certain resins and raw materials because of market dynamics and higher rates of inflation impacting other costs. The impacts of this are expected to be reflected in the company’s fiscal fourth-quarter earnings results.
Our Q4 Projections for Amcor’s SegmentsWe expect volume for the Global Flexible Packaging Solutions segment’s fiscal fourth quarter to be 1%. The price/mix and currency impacts are expected to be 1% each. Our sales projection for the Global Flexible Packaging Solutions segment is pegged at $3.32 billion, indicating 11% year-over-year growth. The effect of the merger is expected to have a positive impact of 7%.
Our model estimates a 1% jump in volumes for the Global Rigid Packaging Solutions segment, a favorable currency impact of 1%. Price/mix is expected to be flat year over year. The sales projection for the segment is $2.69 billion, indicating a 29% year-over-year jump, including the positive impacts of the Berry Global acquisition, estimated at 32%.
AMCR’s Share Price PerformanceOver the past year, shares of Amcor have gained 5.4% compared with the industry’s 9.5% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Recent Earnings Performance of Amcor’s PeerPackaging Corporation of America (PKG - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.35 per share, down 5.2% year over year but beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31. The bottom line also came above Packaging Corp’s guidance of $2.33.
Packaging Corp’s revenues increased 14.7% year over year to $2.49 billion and surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.40 billion by 3.6%. Total corrugated products shipments reached an all-time quarterly record, rising 24.3% both per day and in total from the prior-year quarter.
Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK - Free Report) posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $2.49 per share, up 15.8% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.15 by 15.81%.
Crown Holdings revenues increased 16.5% to $3.67 billion and beat the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion by 9.88%. Global beverage can volumes rose 5%, led by 6% growth in Europe and 5% growth in the Americas. This was partially offset by softer demand in Latin America.
Sonoco Products Company (SON - Free Report) reported adjusted earnings of $1.51 per share in the second quarter of 2026, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.47 by 2.72%. The figure rose 10.2% from $1.37 in the year-ago quarter. Pricing actions, favorable foreign-exchange movements and productivity gains helped offset softer volume/mix during the quarter.
Sonoco’s revenues of $1.885 billion declined 1.3% year over year and missed the consensus mark of $1.886 billion by 0.05%. Sonoco’s top line declined from the prior-year period primarily due to the absence of sales from the ThermoSafe business, which was divested in November 2025.
VICI Properties už upsala emisi nových seniorních nezajištěných dluhopisů za 1,75 miliardy USD, aby refinancovala dluh splatný v roce 2026. Kupón nových emisí je vyšší než u odkupovaných dluhopisů.
Two gaming landlords reported within a day of each other, and the distance between their dividends is easy to state. What sits underneath is not the same measurement twice.
VICI Properties Inc. (NYSE:VICI) annualized dividend runs at 73.2% of the midpoint of its 2026 AFFO guidance. Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. (NASDAQ:GLPI) runs at 79.8%. A 6.6 percentage point gap, on the same basis, from filings a day apart.
The PrintVICI reported second-quarter AFFO of $0.62 per diluted share and guides to $2.45 to $2.47 for the year. Its quarterly dividend is $0.45, or $1.80 annualized. GLPI reported $1.03 per diluted share, guides to $4.10 to $4.12, and declared $0.82 quarterly, or $3.28 annualized.
Both operate on long-dated leases to gaming operators. The payout ratio is where the similarity ends and the calendar takes over.
At June 30, VICI carried $17.218 billion of debt against GLPI’s $8.159 billion. VICI reported a weighted-average coupon of 4.60% and a separately stated effective rate of 4.45%. GLPI reported a weighted-average interest rate of 5.073%. Those are both issuer-stated whole-book figures, and the labels are not identical, so the 47 basis points between them is a difference in what each company reports rather than a measured cost spread.
What each company owes in the next two yearsVICI entered the quarter with $1.75 billion of notes maturing in 2026: $500 million at 4.500% due Sept. 1 and $1.25 billion at 4.250% due Dec. 1.
GLPI has no fixed-rate note maturity before June 2028, when $500 million of 5.750% notes come due. Its filing does show $1.7 million and $3.3 million of variable-rate principal repayments in 2026 and 2027, amounts under a tenth of a percent of the book. Its term loan and revolver both run to December 2028.
GLPI’s $8.159 billion is $7.15 billion of senior unsecured notes running from 2028 to 2054, a $679 million term loan and $329.9 million drawn on the revolver. Those three figures reconcile to the total the company reports, with no residual.
So VICI had $1.75 billion of fixed-rate notes due within months, while GLPI’s first large fixed-rate note maturity is in June 2028. GLPI reported a weighted-average maturity of 6.9 years against VICI’s 5.5, though VICI’s average carries secured debt that runs to 2032, which is a different kind of tenor than an unsecured note.
The part that is already on the recordOn Aug. 5, VICI priced $1.75 billion of replacement senior unsecured notes: $900 million at 5.400% due 2031 with an issue price of 99.966% of par, and $850 million at 5.750% due 2036 with an issue price of 98.375%. The issuer said it intends to use the net proceeds to repay all or a portion of those 2026 notes, with any remaining proceeds available for general corporate purposes. VICI said the offering was expected to close Aug. 14.
The face amounts match exactly. What changed is the coupon. The retiring notes carried a principal-weighted coupon of 4.3214%. The replacement notes carry 5.5700%. That is a step-up of roughly 125 basis points on the same $1.75 billion, and it is not a forecast. It is a price the issuer accepted and disclosed.
Read against VICI’s own 4.60% whole-book coupon, the debt leaving was cheaper than the average and the debt arriving is more expensive than it. The 2036 tranche also carries an issue price below par, so coupon alone does not capture the effective borrowing cost. VICI has not stated a blended effective borrowing rate for the priced notes.
What the ratio does not carryVICI’s whole-book rate includes $3.0 billion of secured CMBS at 3.558%, roughly 17% of its debt, maturing in March 2032 and able to reset after March 2030. GLPI’s June 30 debt table shows no secured borrowing.
The rate mix also sits differently at each company. VICI reported 98.4% of debt as fixed-rate at June 30, leaving 1.6% outside that category. That is a balance-sheet-date figure, not a statement that the proportion holds through maturity. At GLPI, the term loan and revolver together are about 12% of debt outstanding, and the company reports those two at 4.91% and 4.94%.
Neither payout ratio shows any of this directly. Both companies raised or maintained guidance. The 6.6 point gap describes what each dividend claims of forecast cash flow this year. It does not describe when either company next has to go to the debt market, or on what terms.
For VICI, one of those terms is already priced. For GLPI, the next large fixed-rate test still sits in June 2028.
Source. VICI Properties second-quarter 2026 results and supplemental, released July 29, 2026; VICI pricing announcement dated Aug. 5, 2026; Gaming and Leisure Properties second-quarter 2026 results, released July 30, 2026; both companies’ Forms 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.
Disclosure. The author holds no position in any security mentioned. Structural research, not personalized investment advice. This article assigns no rating and no price target and makes no recommendation to transact.
Further dividend structure research is published at dividendforensics.com.
Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga’s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
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Tripadvisor ve 2. čtvrtletí nesplnil odhady zisku i tržeb; tržby klesly o 16,5 % na 441,9 milionu USD. Pro 3. čtvrtletí čeká pokles konsolidovaných tržeb o 7–10 %.
Key Takeaways Tripadvisor's Q2 revenues and earnings missed estimates amid macro and SEO headwinds.Experiences bookings rose 5%, while Viator delivered 10% growth despite SEO pressure.Trip's Q3 consolidated revenues are forecast to decline 7-10% as macro uncertainty persists. Tripadvisor (TRIP - Free Report) shares have appreciated 3.5% since the company reported its second quarter 2026 results on Aug. 6. The move comes even as both revenues and earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, likely reflecting adjusted EBITDA that came in above the company's own expectations and continued progress on its experiences-led portfolio simplification, including the pending sale of TheFork.
TripAdvisor reported second-quarter 2026 non-GAAP earnings of 35 cents per share, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents by 16.67%. The company had reported earnings of 46 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.
Revenues decreased 16.5% year over year to $441.9 million and missed the consensus mark by 13.12%.
TripAdvisor shares have appreciated 38.3% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector's 9.3% decline.
Q2 Details of TRIPExperiences: Revenues for the segment came in at $278.6 million, reflecting year-over-year growth of 3%. Excluding currency, growth was approximately 2%.
The number of experience bookings was approximately 6.5 million in the quarter, up approximately 5% year over year. Viator, TripAdvisor's largest owned and operated point of sale, delivered 10% bookings growth, while sustained SEO headwinds on the TripAdvisor point of sale pressured overall segment growth by approximately 5 percentage points.
Gross booking value reached approximately $1.4 billion, reflecting year-over-year growth of approximately 3%. Testing around discounting and a higher mix of lower-priced items pressured average booking value.
Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $30.8 million, or 11.1% of segment revenue, compared with $37.8 million, or 14% of segment revenue, in the year-ago quarter. Deleverage was primarily driven by a free-to-paid channel mix shift across Viator and the TripAdvisor point of sale.
Hotels & Other: Revenues totaled $163.3 million, down 21% year over year.
Hotels revenues were $117.9 million, down 23% year over year, as strong pricing growth was more than offset by hotel shopper volume headwinds. Media and advertising revenues declined 12% to $31.2 million on softer on-site traffic. Other revenues fell 20% to $14.2 million.
Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $45.6 million, or 27.9% of segment revenues, compared with $59.4 million, or 28.9% of segment revenues, a year ago. Margin deleverage was driven by an ongoing shift in prepaid channel mix and higher technology costs, partly offset by lower personnel costs.
TheFork: Following the June 2026 agreement to sell TheFork to American Express for $700 million, the business is now classified as discontinued operations and is no longer a reportable segment. Revenues for TheFork were $61 million, up 13% year over year (10% in constant currency), with adjusted EBITDA of $11 million, or approximately 19% of revenues. The transaction, expected to close by the end of 2026, is anticipated to generate net proceeds of approximately $680 million.
TRIP's Operating ResultsTotal costs and expenses from continuing operations were $404.1 million, down 3% year over year.
Cost of sales fell 15% year over year to $31 million, or 7% of revenue, aided by a benefit of approximately $2 million tied to an indirect tax refund.
Marketing costs rose 4% year over year to $215.4 million, or 48.7% of revenue, driven by continued free-to-paid channel mix pressure, including SEO headwinds in Experiences and Hotels & Other.
Personnel costs declined 21% year over year to $99.2 million, or 22.4% of revenue, reflecting lower Hotels & Other costs and reduced stock-based compensation tied to the 2025 cost savings program.
Technology costs were largely flat year over year at $21.6 million, or 4.9% of revenues. General and administrative costs rose 53% year over year to $14.5 million, or 3.3% of revenues, against an easier prior-year comparison stemming from a one-time true-up.
Operating income was $37.8 million compared with $57.9 million in the year-ago quarter.
Total adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $76.4 million, 17.3% of revenues, down 21% from $97.2 million and 20.4% of revenues, a year ago.
TRIP's Balance Sheet and Cash FlowAs of Jun 30, 2026, cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations were $843.2 million, down from $1.12 billion as of March 31, 2026, primarily reflecting the repayment of $345.4 million in 2026 Senior Notes on April 1. Long-term debt stood at $815.9 million, compared with $817.5 million at the end of the first quarter.
Operating cash flow from continuing operations was $141.2 million compared with $203.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Free cash flow was $129.8 million compared with $183.4 million a year ago.
The company did not repurchase any shares in the quarter given its ongoing portfolio review, including the TheFork sale process. Approximately $110 million remains available under the existing share repurchase authorization.
Q3 2026 GuidanceFor the third quarter, TripAdvisor expects Experiences bookings growth of approximately 5% to 7% and revenues in a range of a 2% decline to 1% growth, including approximately 1 percentage point of currency headwind. Experiences adjusted EBITDA margin is expected in the 14% to 17% range.
Hotels & Other revenues are expected to decline approximately 20-23%, with adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 22-25%.
On a consolidated continuing operations basis, TripAdvisor expects third-quarter revenues to decline 7-10%, with adjusted EBITDA margin of 17-20%. Management noted a more prudent outlook for the second half of 2026, citing continued macro uncertainty, weather-related cancellations and softer U.S. to Europe demand, while characterizing these pressures as transitory rather than structural.
Zacks Rank & Other Stocks to ConsiderThe TJX Companies is set to report second-quarter fiscal 2027 results on Aug. 19. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for The TJX Companies’ second-quarter EPS is pegged at $1.18, up by a penny over the past 30 days and indicating an improvement of 5.1% year over year.
Abercrombie & Fitch is slated to report second-quarter fiscal 2027 results on Aug. 26. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Abercrombie & Fitch’s second-quarter earnings is pegged at $1.9 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days and indicating a decline of 18.1% year over year.
Five Below is slated to report second-quarter fiscal 2027 results on Aug. 26. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Five Below’s second-quarter earnings is pegged at $1.28 per share, up by 4cents over the past 30 days and indicating an improvement of 58.02% year over year.
EMCOR ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšil tržby o 19,8 % na 5,15 miliardy USD a upravený zisk na akcii o 34,8 % na 9,06 USD. Firma zároveň zvýšila výhled na rok 2026.
Key Takeaways EMCOR posted Q2 revenue and earnings growth, supported by strength across all reportable segments.EMCOR's RPOs hit a record $17.14 billion, up 44% year over year and 10% sequentially.EME benefits from rising data center demand, broad end-market exposure and strategic acquisitions. EMCOR Group, Inc. (EME - Free Report) reported strong second-quarter 2026 results on July 30, with both earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 25.3% and 9%, respectively. The company also delivered strong year-over-year growth across key metrics. Shares of EMCOR have gained 21.5% since the earnings release, reflecting positive investor sentiment toward its strong execution and raised 2026 guidance.
Digging Deeper Into EMCOR’s Q2 ResultsAdjusted earnings per share stood at $9.06, up 34.8% from the prior-year quarter, while revenues of $5.15 billion increased 19.8%. This growth was driven by strong performance across all reportable segments, supported by higher activity in network and communications, institutional, manufacturing and industrial, and warehousing and distribution. Operating margin in the quarter was 10.6%, up 100 basis points year over year from 9.6%, driven by operating leverage and favorable project mix. Supported by strong revenues and improved execution, operating income grew 31.8% year over year to $547.3 million.
Furthermore, EMCOR raised its 2026 revenue and earnings guidance, backed by strong demand and record remaining performance obligations. (read more: EME Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates on Broad-Based Growth, Stock Up)
EME Stock Outperforms Peers, Industry & Market
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
So far this year, shares of this Connecticut-based infrastructure service provider have gained 33.5%, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry, the broader Zacks Construction sector and the S&P 500 Index. Let us take a closer look at the factors shaping EMCOR stock’s prospects.
Record RPOs Strengthen EME’s Growth VisibilityEMCOR’s record RPO position is providing a stronger base for revenue growth. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, RPOs reached $17.14 billion, up 44% year over year and 10% sequentially, with 95% of the increase coming organically. Strong bookings across network and communications, water and wastewater, healthcare and institutional markets contributed to the expansion.
The broad-based increase reflects healthy customer demand across several end markets rather than reliance on a single area of construction. Large project awards and expanding customer relationships should support future activity, while the record RPO base provides greater visibility into revenue generation. The strength in RPOs also supported EMCOR’s decision to raise its 2026 revenue guidance to $20-$20.5 billion (up from the previous range of $18.50-$19.25 billion) and EPS to $32-$33.25 (up from the previous range of $28.25-$29.75).
Data Center Investments Create New Opportunities for EMEGrowing investment in data center infrastructure is creating a larger opportunity across EMCOR’s Electrical and Mechanical Construction businesses. Second-quarter growth in both segments was led by network and communications activity, with electrical revenues in the market increasing 45% and mechanical revenues more than doubling year over year.
The increasing size and complexity of AI-related facilities is also expanding the scope of work available to EMCOR. Higher power requirements and greater cooling needs are increasing the value of electrical and mechanical services, while continued investment in AI infrastructure and digital transformation should support project activity across multiple markets.
Broad End-Market Exposure Supports EME’s Project PipelineEMCOR’s diversified market exposure is creating opportunities beyond data center construction. Institutional, commercial and manufacturing and industrial activity all recorded strong growth in the second quarter, while water and wastewater and healthcare also contributed to RPO expansion.
This range of end markets gives EMCOR multiple avenues to participate in infrastructure and facility investment. Demand for healthcare facilities, institutional projects, manufacturing capacity, logistics infrastructure and water-related projects should provide a broad base of opportunities as customers invest in new facilities and upgrades.
Strategic Acquisitions Broaden EMCOR’s Market ReachEMCOR is using acquisitions to add capabilities and expand its presence in selected geographic markets. Recent transactions strengthen electrical and industrial capabilities across Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, Texas and the Chicago area, while also broadening customer relationships and service offerings.
The acquired businesses also provide opportunities to enter data center projects through existing customer relationships and technical expertise. EMCOR expects the five acquisitions to contribute $250-$275 million in revenues during the second half of 2026, adding another source of growth alongside strong organic demand.
Earnings Estimate Revision of EMEEMCOR’s earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 have moved upward in the past 30 days to $31.42 and $35.48 per share, respectively. The estimates for 2026 and 2027 imply year-over-year growth of 21.5% and 12.9%, respectively. The upward revisions reflect the company’s strong project execution, improving operating efficiency and broad-based demand across construction and building services markets. The raised full-year guidance and record operating performance also provide support for the earnings outlook.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
EME’s Premium ValuationEME stock is currently trading at a premium compared with the industry peers, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.1, as evidenced by the chart below.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
EMCOR vs. Other Market PlayersEMCOR competes closely with Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR - Free Report) , Dycom Industries, Inc. (DY - Free Report) and MasTec, Inc. (MTZ - Free Report) in the infrastructure and engineering construction market.
Quanta operates across utility, technology and load center markets, providing electrical, mechanical, civil and fabrication services. Its solutions-based model, broad capabilities and long-standing customer relationships provide a competitive advantage in large and complex infrastructure projects. Quanta is also expanding across technology, power generation and utility markets, increasing exposure to several major infrastructure investment areas. However, exposure to utility capital spending and the timing of large project awards can affect the pace of growth.
Meanwhile, Dycom is a pure-play digital infrastructure contractor focused on fiber, broadband and communications network deployment. Strong demand for fiber-to-the-home, long-haul fiber routes and data center connectivity continues to support growth opportunities across the communications market. However, Dycom's concentrated exposure to telecommunications infrastructure increases dependence on customer network investment programs and broadband spending cycles.
Conversely, MasTec maintains a diversified infrastructure platform spanning telecommunications, power delivery, clean energy and infrastructure, pipeline and mission-critical construction. This broad exposure allows MasTec to benefit from multiple infrastructure investment themes, including data center development, grid modernization, power generation and natural gas infrastructure. However, project timing across individual end markets can create variability, as seen with near-term deferrals in Communications despite strength across Power Delivery, Pipeline and Clean Energy & Infrastructure.
EMCOR’s execution-focused operating model, diversified end-market exposure and balanced project portfolio provide a competitive advantage in terms of stability and demand resilience. However, Quanta’s broad infrastructure capabilities, Dycom’s communications specialization and MasTec’s diversified infrastructure presence may shape competition as investment in digital and critical infrastructure continues to increase.
How to Play EMCOR Stock?EMCOR’s strong second-quarter performance and raised 2026 guidance reinforce its favorable growth prospects. Record RPOs, broad-based demand across construction markets and rising data center activity are supporting revenue visibility, while improving project execution and operating efficiency are strengthening profitability. Strategic acquisitions also add capabilities and expand the company's reach across attractive infrastructure markets.
EME trades at a premium valuation, but the strong earnings outlook and upward revisions provide support for the higher multiple. With a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present, EMCOR remains an attractive choice for investors seeking exposure to infrastructure construction and long-term demand across data centers, industrial facilities and other critical infrastructure markets. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Cognex oznámil rekordní čtvrtletní výnosy kolem 290 milionů USD ve 2. čtvrtletí a ve 3. čtvrtletí čeká další rekord s mediánem 310 milionů USD. CFO zároveň uvedl, že AI je pro růst firmy katalyzátorem, nikoli hrozbou.
Prepare for the Next Wave of Factory Automation With These 3 Standout NamesCognex NASDAQ: CGNX Chief Financial Officer Dennis Fehr said the machine-vision company sees a strong demand backdrop, expects continued margin expansion and views artificial intelligence as a growth catalyst rather than a competitive threat.
Speaking at a company news event, Fehr described Cognex as a provider of machine-vision tools used in factories and warehouses for defect inspection, barcode reading, optical character recognition, robotic guidance and measurement. He said the company operates in an estimated $7 billion market growing at a 10% to 11% compound annual rate, according to Interact Analysis.
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Analysts Are Bullish on These 3 Laser Tech CompaniesThe company sells largely through a direct sales force and is also revitalizing its channel program to better serve system integrators and machine builders, Fehr said. Cognex's long-term average adjusted EBITDA margin has been about 28%, while its guidance for the current year calls for a 29% to 31% adjusted EBITDA margin.
Demand Outlook and Seasonality Fehr said Cognex upgraded its growth outlook for four of its five end markets, citing a more constructive macroeconomic environment. He pointed to purchasing managers' indexes that have remained in expansion territory for roughly six months and are around 55, which he said suggests the industrial cycle may still have room to run.
3 Underrated Robotics Stocks Poised for Major GrowthThe company reported record quarterly revenue in the second quarter in the approximately $290 million range and issued third-quarter guidance with a midpoint of $310 million, which would represent another quarterly record if achieved, according to Fehr.
He cautioned, however, that the second and third quarters benefit from consumer-electronics seasonality. Electronics contributes meaningfully in those periods but has limited impact in the first and fourth quarters, he said. As a result, Fehr said any sequential decline implied between the third and fourth quarters should not be interpreted as evidence of weakening demand.
“We would not take this as an indication that the growth rate year-over-year and that there is a sequential step down from Q3 into Q4 as any signs of a weaker demand environment,” Fehr said. “We think it is more a seasonality effect.”
Margins and Cost Structure Fehr said Cognex has made substantial progress on profitability since 2024, when adjusted EBITDA margin was 17%. The company is targeting $35 million in annualized operating-expense reductions by the end of the year and expects total 2026 adjusted operating expenses to be below 2025 levels in absolute dollars.
In the second quarter, Cognex generated what Fehr characterized as 100% flow-through from revenue to the bottom line. For the full year, the company expects roughly 87% flow-through, he said.
Looking beyond the current initiatives, Fehr said Cognex does not expect to pursue further cost reductions in 2027, but also does not anticipate needing to add significant costs as revenue grows. The company plans to continue automation and process-improvement efforts, potentially holding operating-expense growth near inflationary levels.
He said long-term revenue flow-through could be around 60%, while 2027 could fall between that level and the current year's expected 87%. Cognex reported a 32% EBITDA margin in the latest quarter and guided to a 33% midpoint for the third quarter, though Fehr noted that the company's 25% to 31% long-term margin range is intended as an annual measure and can be exceeded in seasonally strong quarters.
Electronics, Semiconductors and AI Consumer electronics, which represents about 20% of Cognex revenue, has experienced broad-based growth this year, Fehr said. Drivers include supply-chain reallocation out of China, new device categories and form factors such as glasses and other wearables, and increased activity connected to data centers.
Fehr said the company is particularly encouraged because growth has not been dependent on a single technology transition. He characterized data centers as a new component of the market Cognex has historically called consumer electronics and said the diversity of demand supports confidence that the growth could extend beyond one year.
Semiconductors, which account for about 10% of Cognex's portfolio, are also seeing strong demand, particularly from memory-related investment. Cognex supplies products to semiconductor capital-equipment manufacturers and is positioned to grow alongside that market, Fehr said.
Higher memory-chip prices are also raising Cognex's own costs. Fehr said the company is seeing prices roughly two to three times higher than a 2025 baseline and increased its expected third-quarter impact to 75 basis points from an earlier estimate of 50 basis points. Still, he said Cognex expects to offset the pressure through pricing actions and remains a net beneficiary of the broader memory demand trend.
On AI, Fehr said Cognex has been developing AI-based machine-vision capabilities for nearly a decade, including its acquisition of Switzerland-based ViDi in late 2017 or early 2018. The company launched its first AI-enabled product in 2022, and subsequent product introductions have included AI machine-vision capabilities, he said.
Fehr highlighted Cognex's OneVision platform, which allows customers to train models in the cloud using proprietary data and then deploy those models to edge devices for inspections. He said the approach gives customers cloud-based training capacity while maintaining the speed and data-security benefits of edge-based inspection. OneVision became fully commercially available about two months ago, and Cognex has seen “good attach rates” so far, according to Fehr.
Fehr said large language models are not currently viewed as a major risk because factory-automation inspections require highly specialized models capable of identifying small, specific defects. Cognex uses pre-trained models based on factory-automation data, he said.
Finally, Fehr said Cognex sees an opportunity for acquisitions to support diversification into adjacent markets, though he said the company does not believe it needs significant technology bolt-on deals given its current technology stack. Potential acquisitions could provide technology or sales synergies, but Fehr said there was nothing to announce.
About Cognex (NASDAQ:CGNX)Cognex Corporation is a leading provider of machine vision systems, software, sensors and industrial barcode readers used to automate manufacturing, logistics and distribution processes. The company designs and develops vision-based products that help manufacturers and logistics operators inspect, identify and guide parts, assemblies and packaged goods in real time. Its solutions are applied in a broad range of industries, including automotive, electronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and general manufacturing.
The company's product portfolio includes stand-alone vision systems, vision sensors and deep learning-based software platforms that enable automated inspection, quality control and traceability.
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Cabot ve 3. čtvrtletí překonal odhady: upravený EPS činil 1,67 USD a tržby vzrostly o 6,4 % na 982 milionů USD. Zároveň zúžil výhled upraveného EPS pro fiskální rok 2026 na 6,15–6,45 USD.
Key Takeaways Cabot's Q3 adjusted EPS beat estimates, while revenues rose 6.4% year over year to $982 million.Performance Chemicals EBIT climbed to $68 million on higher volumes and gross profit per ton.Cabot tightened fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $6.15-$6.45 from $6.00-$6.50. Cabot Corporation (CBT - Free Report) posted third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended June 30, 2026) adjusted earnings of $1.67 per share, down 12.1% year over year but ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.66.
Revenues increased 6.4% year over year to $982 million and surpassed the consensus mark of $914.5 million by 7.4%.
Performance Chemicals delivered stronger profitability, supported by higher volumes and gross profit per ton, while Reinforcement Materials faced pressure from lower gross profit per ton.
Segmental HighlightsReinforcement Materials sales increased 4.5% year over year to $599 million from $573 million. It beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $543 million. Segment EBIT declined to $97 million from $128 million in the prior-year period. The decrease primarily reflected lower gross profit per ton due to the outcomes of calendar 2026 customer agreements, partially offset by higher volumes and a more favorable regional product mix.
Reinforcement Materials volumes increased 5% globally. Asia Pacific volumes rose 10%, and Americas volumes increased 4%, while Europe, Middle East and Africa volumes declined 4%. Growth also benefited from additional capacity in Indonesia and the company's acquisition in Mexico.
Performance Chemicals sales advanced 9.7% year over year to $351 million from $320 million. It surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $339 million. Segment EBIT increased to $68 million from $57 million, supported by higher volumes and increased gross profit per ton.
Battery materials volumes benefited from stronger demand for electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems, as well as increased participation with leading global battery manufacturers. Fumed metal oxides volumes rose on growth in electronics applications. Higher gross profit per ton reflected price increases implemented ahead of rising raw material costs and a favorable product mix.
FinancialsCabot exited the third quarter of fiscal 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of $250 million. Cash provided by operating activities totaled $75 million during the quarter.
Capital expenditures were $38 million, while dividend payments totaled $24 million. The company ended the quarter with $1.3 billion of available liquidity and a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 1.4 times as of June 30, 2026. Free cash flow was $37 million, while discretionary free cash flow totaled $91 million.
OutlookFor fiscal 2026, Cabot tightened its adjusted earnings guidance to $6.15-$6.45 per share from the previous range of $6-$6.5. The company expects its full-year fiscal 2026 operating tax rate to be in the range of 28-30%.
Cabot also reaffirmed its expectation of approximately $40 million of EBITDA from its battery materials product line for fiscal 2026. The company is expanding global conductive additive capacity through targeted investments in the United States and China to support expected growth in global battery demand and broaden its participation with leading battery manufacturers.
CBT’s Price PerformanceShares of Cabot have gained 15.6% in the past year compared with the 9.6% rise of the industry.
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CBT’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksCBT currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks are Neo Performance Materials Inc. (NOPMF - Free Report) ,ClearSign Technologies Corporation (CLIR - Free Report) and Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (AIT - Free Report)
Neo Performance is slated to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 11. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 50 cents per share. NOPMF sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
ClearSign is expected to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 19. The consensus estimate for CLIR’s loss per share is pegged at 25 cents. CLIR presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Applied Industrial is expected to report fourth-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 13. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIT’s fourth-quarter earnings per share is pegged at $2.92. AIT carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
Supermicro očekává výsledky za 4. čtvrtletí: trh odhaduje tržby 11 miliard USD a EPS 0,68 USD. Pro další růst ale investoři chtějí hlavně zlepšení marží a exekuce dodavatelského řetězce.
Supermicro SMCI shares are inching higher ahead of the artificial intelligence (AI) server firm’s Q4 earnings scheduled for release after the market closes on August 11.
Consensus is for the company to post $11 billion in revenue – up an exciting 91% year-on-year – on $0.68 per share of earnings (EPS), which would represent a significant increase from $0.41 per share last year.
Despite the recent surge, Supermicro stock is down roughly 35% versus its year-to-date high in early June.
For a sustainable post-earnings rally in SMCI shares, institutional investors would want to see far more than just a top-line beat; the key catalyst lies in margin recovery and supply chain execution.
After experiencing margin pressure from the initial cost-intensive rollout of direct liquid cooling (DLC) infrastructure, the market needs concrete evidence that adjusted gross margins are trending cleanly toward the 15% to 17% range.
Experts are particularly focused on how effectively Super Micro is translating its significant multi-billion-dollar order backlog – boosted by Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS) – into recognized revenue.
Demonstrating working capital discipline, easing component supply constraints for next-gen GPU racks, and proving that competitive price discounting has stabilized will be the true test for driving multiple expansion.
Investors should also note that the derivative market is largely positive on Supermicro shares ahead of the company’s quarterly print.
According to Barchart, the put-to-call ratio on options contracts expiring August 14 sits at 0.26 at writing, indicating a strong bullish skew.
And the upper price on those contracts is set at $36.63 currently, signaling potential for a near 12% rally through the end of this week.
Crucially, this optimism is mirrored in the technical setup as well. SMCI is currently trading firmly above its key moving averages (MAs), with an RSI in the late 50s signaling intense buying pressure heading into the earnings release.
As Super Micro Computer enters fiscal 2027, it occupies a crucial middle ground between silicon designers and hyperscale data center operators.
Trading at an attractive forward price-to-sales multiple of roughly 0.61x – a major discount relative to AI hardware peers – its valuation reflects lingering caution over working capital intensity and OEM rivalry rather than fundamental demand erosion.
A strong full-year outlook paired with clean balance sheet management could quickly dispel those execution doubts.
If management provides reassuring guidance on rack-scale production capacity and enterprise customer site readiness, SMCI stock stands to reassert its status as a key hardware pure-play riding the secular wave of global AI infrastructure expansion.
Note that Wall Street rates Supermicro at Hold on average, with a mean price objective of $36.19 heading into its earnings release.
Marathon Petroleum ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšil EPS na 17,73 USD a překonal odhad díky silnějším rafinerským maržím. Tržby a ostatní příjmy vzrostly meziročně o 53,5 % na 52,34 mld. USD.
Key Takeaways Marathon Petroleum's Q2 EPS jumped 347.7% as Refining & Marketing performance strengthened sharply.Refining & Marketing EBITDA rose to $6.66 billion on higher crack spreads across all regions.Renewable Diesel EBITDA reached $258 million, aided by stronger margins, throughput and credit values. Independent oil refiner and marketer Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $17.73 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $14.52 by 22.1%. Earnings per share also surged 347.7% from the year-ago level of $3.96 per share, primarily reflecting significantly stronger Refining & Marketing performance.
Findlay, OH-based Marathon Petroleum reported revenues and other income of $52.34 billion, up 53.5% year over year and above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $34.83 billion by 50.3%. Refining & Marketing margin rose sharply to $36.33 per barrel from $17.58 a year ago, and also beat our consensus mark by 11.17%
Inside MPC's SegmentsRefining & Marketing (R&M): This segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $6.66 billion, up significantly from $1.89 billion in the year-ago quarter, and the reported figure was also 14.75% above our consensus estimate. The improvement primarily reflected higher crack spreads across all regions. Adjusted EBITDA per barrel increased to $24.84 from $6.79 a year earlier.
Midstream: This unit mainly reflects Marathon Petroleum’s general partner and majority limited partner interests in MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) — a publicly traded master limited partnership that owns, operates, develops and acquires pipelines and other midstream assets.
Segment adjusted EBITDA was $1.78 billion, up 8.3% from $1.64 billion in the second quarter of 2025, and the reported figure was also 5.51% above our consensus estimate. This increase was primarily driven by higher rates and throughputs, including contributions from equity affiliates and acquisitions, partly offset by the divestiture of non-core gathering and processing assets.
Marathon Petroleum's Renewable Diesel ResultsThe Renewable Diesel segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $258 million against a loss of $19 million in the corresponding period of 2025, and the reported figure was also 186.45% above our consensus estimate. The improvement reflected a stronger margin environment, higher throughputs and improved regulatory credit values.
Renewable Diesel margin increased to $321 million from $49 million a year ago. Following the completion of the Martinez turnaround in the first quarter, utilization reached 95% in the reported quarter. Management also highlighted feedstock optimization as a contributor to the segment's performance.
MPC's Refining Operating MetricsCrude capacity utilization during the quarter was 94% compared with 97% in the year-ago period. Net refinery throughput was 2,944 thousand barrels per day (mbpd), down from 3,060 mbpd a year earlier. However, refined product sales volumes increased slightly to 3,842 mbpd from 3,835 mbpd.
MPC achieved Refining & Marketing margin capture of 112%. Management attributed the strong capture to crude sourcing and optimization, inventory discipline, favorable clean-product margins and higher jet production. Refining operating costs increased to $5.72 per barrel from $5.34, while planned turnaround costs totaled $275 million compared with $250 million a year ago.
Marathon Petroleum's Financial AnalysisMarathon Petroleum reported total costs and expenses of $45.02 billion in the second quarter of 2026 compared with $31.90 billion in the year-ago period. Capital expenditures and investments totaled $1.39 billion, up from $1.07 billion a year earlier, with $1.02 billion directed toward the Midstream segment.
As of June 30, 2026, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $7.77 billion and total consolidated debt of $32.82 billion, with a debt-to-capitalization of 56.1%. MPC returned more than $2.8 billion of capital to its shareholders during the quarter, including $2.53 billion in share repurchases. The company had $6.1 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorizations.
MPC's Capital Projects ProgressMPC's 2026 capital spending outlook, excluding MPLX, remains $1.5 billion. Approximately 65% of the planned spending is focused on value-enhancing investments, while the remaining 35% is allocated to sustaining operations.
During the second quarter, the El Paso yield improvement and Robinson product flexibility investments were placed in service. The Robinson project enables approximately 10 thousand barrels per day of incremental jet fuel production, while the El Paso investment enhances the refinery's ability to produce specialty gasoline for key markets.
Marathon Petroleum's Q3 OutlookFor the third quarter of 2026, MPC expects crude oil throughput of 2,820 mbpd and total refinery throughput of 3,005 mbpd. Refinery utilization is projected at 94%.
This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company expects refining operating costs of $5.60 per barrel, distribution costs of $1.65 billion and planned turnaround costs of $290 million. Corporate expenses are projected at $260 million, including approximately $30 million of depreciation and amortization. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Important Earnings at a GlanceWhile we have discussed MPC’s second-quarter results in detail, let us take a look at two other key reports in this space.
San Antonio, TX-based oil and gas refining and marketing service provider, Valero Energy Corporation (VLO - Free Report) , reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.28 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.73. However, the bottom line declined from the year-ago quarter’s level of $2.71. The better-than-expected quarterly results can be attributed to an increase in refining margins per barrel of throughput and lower total cost of sales. The positives were partially offset by a decline in refining throughput volumes and renewable diesel sales volumes.
The company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.5 billion at the end of the second quarter. As of June 30, 2025, it had a total debt of $8.4 billion and finance-lease obligations of $2.3 billion.
Houston, TX-based oil and gas equipment and services provider, Halliburton Company (HAL - Free Report) , reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted net income of 55 cents per share, which was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate but below the year-ago quarter’s profit of 80 cents (adjusted). The numbers reflect softer activity in the North American region, partly offset by international growth.
As of June 30, 2025, the company had approximately $2 billion in cash/cash equivalents and $7.2 billion in long-term debt, representing a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 40.4. Halliburton reported second-quarter capital expenditure of $354 million, up from our projection of $338.2 million.
Celsius Holdings ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšila tržby o 10,6 % na 817,9 mil. USD, ale upravený zisk na akcii klesl na 36 centů a zaostal za odhady. Alani Nu rostla, zatímco značka CELSIUS oslabila o 11,7 %.
Key Takeaways Alani Nu drove CELH's Q2 growth as revenues rose 21% and tracked-channel retail sales jumped 55.7%.CELSIUS brand revenues fell 11.7% as SKU cuts, softer retail trends and inventory rebalancing weighed.CELH's gross margin fell 340 basis points to 48.1%, while adjusted EBITDA declined 12% to $184.2 million. Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH - Free Report) reported a second-quarter earnings miss even as its broader beverage portfolio continued to expand. Revenues rose 10.6% year over year to $817.9 million, supported by Alani Nu and Rockstar, but adjusted earnings fell 23% to 36 cents per share.
The quarter sharpened the divide inside the portfolio. Alani Nu is adding consumers, distribution and innovation-driven growth, while the flagship CELSIUS brand is working through SKU rationalization, softer retail trends and inventory rebalancing. Contracting margins add another hurdle, making the next phase of the story less about portfolio scale and more about whether that scale can translate into better earnings.
CELH Q2 Miss Exposes a Split PortfolioAdjusted earnings of 36 cents per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 42 cents. Revenues of $817.9 million also fell short of the $883 million consensus mark, although the top line increased 10.6% from the prior-year quarter.
The growth came from a broader portfolio rather than uniform brand momentum. Alani Nu contributed $364.4 million in second-quarter revenues and Rockstar added about $66.5 million, while CELSIUS brand revenues declined 11.7%. That mix helped consolidated revenues grow despite weakness in the company’s flagship franchise.
Portfolio retail trends were stronger than reported revenues. U.S. tracked-channel retail sales across CELSIUS, Alani Nu and Rockstar increased 31% in the quarter, and the portfolio held about 20.1% of the U.S. ready-to-drink energy category. The gap between portfolio growth and core-brand performance remains the key issue after the report.
Alani Nu Carries CELH's Near-Term GrowthAlani Nu remains Celsius Holdings’ clearest near-term growth engine. The brand generated about $364.4 million in second-quarter revenues, up roughly 21% year over year, while tracked-channel retail sales advanced 55.7%. Its U.S. ready-to-drink energy dollar share reached about 8.7%.
Innovation is helping sustain that momentum. Purple Cotton Candy became Alani Nu’s top-selling new flavor during the quarter, following launches such as Cherry Bomb and Lime Slush. Management said successful limited-time flavors can graduate into permanent placements, which can help expand the brand’s core assortment as it scales. Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST - Free Report) is a relevant industry benchmark, with its Monster Energy Drinks segment posting 27.6% net-sales growth in the first quarter of 2026.
Core Celsius Needs a 2027 RecoveryCELSIUS brand revenues fell 11.7% year over year in the second quarter, while tracked-channel retail sales declined 2%. The brand’s U.S. ready-to-drink energy dollar share was about 9.5%, down from roughly 9.9% in the first quarter.
Management tied the pressure to SKU optimization, delayed installation of targeted retail space, limited innovation, increased trade and promotional spending, softness in the club channel and distributor inventory rebalancing. The rationalization reduced distribution points before all planned shelf and cooler gains were in place. PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP - Free Report) remains central to execution because its direct-store-delivery system distributes CELSIUS, Alani Nu and Rockstar in the United States.
There are early productivity signs. Dollars per point of distribution increased about 16% from the first quarter to the second despite roughly 7% fewer distribution points. Fizz-Free tracked-channel dollar sales also rose more than 20% sequentially.
Those improvements have not yet restored brand growth. Management expects the third quarter to look similar to the second before CELSIUS returns to growth exiting 2026, with additional 16-ounce innovation planned for early 2027. That timing makes the next several quarters an execution test rather than a confirmed recovery.
CELH Margin Pressure Deepens the Earnings ImpactGross margin declined 340 basis points year over year to 48.1% in the second quarter. Higher promotional activity and direct-store-delivery channel mix pressured profitability, while aluminum and fuel costs offset some benefits from freight optimization and acquisition integration.
Adjusted EBITDA fell 12% to $184.2 million, with adjusted EBITDA margin dropping to 22.5% from 28.4%. The margin contraction explains why double-digit revenue growth did not translate into higher adjusted earnings.
Celsius Holdings is pursuing several offsets, including a second North Carolina manufacturing line, direct sourcing, freight improvements and price-pack architecture. Still, management expects third-quarter gross margin to remain in the high 40s at current diesel and aluminum levels.
The earnings recovery could therefore lag revenue growth even if portfolio sales remain healthy.
Rockstar Adds Scale but Not Yet Demand MomentumRockstar contributed about $66.5 million in second-quarter revenues, but consumer demand remains soft. Tracked-channel retail sales declined 13% year over year, and the brand held about 1.9% of U.S. ready-to-drink energy dollar share.
The integration was completed in June, shifting the focus from operational transition to demand stabilization. Management has cited early velocity gains after SKU rationalization and said Rockstar is tracking in line with the sales expectations set at acquisition. The company is also refreshing packaging and focusing marketing around motorsports, music and gaming.
The key issue is timing. Management continues to position 2026 as a stabilization year and Rockstar for a stronger 2027. Until retail growth improves, the brand adds scale to CELH’s portfolio but does not provide the same demand momentum as Alani Nu.
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CELH Signals Keep the Q2 Reset in FocusThe second-quarter report showed that Alani Nu can offset part of the weakness in the CELSIUS brand, but it has not yet fully offset the earnings impact of softer core trends and lower margins. That distinction matters because consolidated revenue growth can remain healthy while profitability stays under pressure.
CELH currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). The stock also has a Growth Score of A, Momentum Score of B, Value Score of D and VGM Score of B. The favorable Growth and Momentum Scores highlight the portfolio’s expansion potential, but the Zacks Rank remains the more important near-term signal because it incorporates the direction of earnings-estimate revisions.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
For investors evaluating the Q2 event, the next proof points are clear: CELSIUS brand growth needs to stabilize, margin initiatives need to overcome commodity and promotional pressure, and Rockstar needs to show better retail demand. Until those trends improve, Alani Nu is carrying more of the portfolio’s growth burden than the headline revenue increase alone suggests.
Archrock ve 2. čtvrtletí nesplnil odhady zisku i tržeb, když slabší poprodejní služby stáhly výsledky. Firma zároveň zpřesnila výhled upraveného EBITDA pro rok 2026 na 865–885 milionů USD.
Key Takeaways Archrock's Q2 2026 revenues declined 3.1% as weaker aftermarket services offset growth in contract operations.Archrock's contract operations revenues rose 3.4%, while the adjusted gross margin increased 5.6%.Archrock tightened its 2026 EBITDA guidance as softer services demand and higher costs weigh on the outlook. Archrock, Inc. (AROC - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 38 cents per share, down 2.6% from 39 cents per share a year earlier. The bottom line missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 46 cents by 17.4%.
Revenues of $371.2 million declined 3.1% from $383.2 million a year ago. The top line missed the consensus mark of $390.4 million by 4.9%.
The weak quarterly results were primarily due to softness in aftermarket services (AMS), which offset solid contract operations performance.
Period-end horsepower utilization remained high at 94.4%, while contract operations adjusted gross margin percentage improved from the year-ago period.
AROC's Contract Operations Remain ResilientContract operations revenues rose 3.4% to $329.3 million from $318.3 million. The increase reflected higher rates, an additional month of contribution from the NGCS acquisition and revenues from horsepower additions, partly offset by active horsepower sales used to high-grade the fleet.
Contract operations adjusted gross margin increased 5.6% to $234.6 million, while the adjusted gross margin percentage rose to 71% from 70%. Total operating horsepower ended the quarter at 4.5 million compared with 4.7 million a year earlier, with the decline largely driven by the sale of approximately 165,000 non-strategic operating horsepower.
Archrock's Aftermarket Services Lose MomentumAftermarket services revenues fell 35.2% to $42 million from $64.8 million in the second quarter of 2025. The decline was due to lower parts sales, the absence of non-recurring overhauled-engine sales that benefited the prior-year quarter and reduced demand for major maintenance activity.
The adjusted gross margin for the segment declined 33.6% to $9.9 million from $14.9 million. However, the adjusted gross margin percentage improved to 24% from 23%, reflecting disciplined execution and a focus on higher-quality, higher-margin work.
AROC's Margin Gains Offset Some Cost PressureTotal adjusted gross margin increased to $244.5 million from $237.1 million a year ago. The adjusted gross margin percentage expanded to 66% from 62%, helped by the stronger profitability of contract operations and the improved margin rate in aftermarket services.
Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 9.4% to $39.6 million from $36.2 million. Higher long-term incentive compensation, primarily driven by the stock price increase, was a key factor. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) remained flat at $212.6 million compared with $212.7 million in the prior-year quarter.
Archrock Generates Solid Cash FlowNet cash provided by operating activities was $160.8 million in the quarter. The adjusted free cash flow totaled $67 million, while adjusted free cash flow after dividends was $28.4 million. The total capital expenditure was$98.0 million.
AROC Raises DividendThe board raised the quarterly dividend around 10% to 23 cents per share from 21 cents a year earlier. Dividend coverage was 3.1X, supporting the company's continued emphasis on shareholder returns alongside growth investment.
Archrock Maintains Balance Sheet FlexibilityAs of June 30, 2026, AROC’s long-term debt was $2.35 billion, while the leverage ratio improved to 2.6X from 3.3X a year ago. Available liquidity totaled $631 million at the quarter-end.
During the quarter, Archrock redeemed $800 million of 6.25% senior notes due 2028 using borrowings under its revolving credit facility. The company ended June with $113.2 million in remaining share repurchase authorization and did not repurchase shares during the quarter.
AROC Tightens 2026 EBITDA GuidanceArchrock tightened its 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $865-$885 million from $865-$915 million. The revision reflects higher contract compression make-ready costs, anticipated second-half lube oil cost pressure, softer aftermarket services demand and higher selling, general and administrative costs tied to long-term incentive compensation.
The company maintained 2026 growth capital spending guidance of $250-$275 million and expects the total capital expenditure between $400 million and $445 million. Archrock introduced cumulative growth capital guidance of $1.4-$1.6 billion for 2027-2030, aimed at adding 1 million horsepower to meet expected demand. The company signed an eight-year agreement with a strategic customer covering approximately 665,000 horsepower, with a two-year extension option.
AROC’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderArchrock currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
Some better-ranked stocks from the energy sector are PBF Energy Inc. (PBF - Free Report) , Valero Energy Corporation (VLO - Free Report) and Cactus, Inc. (WHD - Free Report) . PBF sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and VLO and WHD carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.
PBF reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $6.22 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.05.
As of June 30, 2026, PBF had total debt of $1.75 billion, and cash and cash equivalents of $894.1 million.
Valero reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $12.54 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.87.
As of June 30, 2026, VLO had total debt of $9.10 billion, and cash and cash equivalents of $7.87 billion.
Cactus reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 93 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 71 cents.
As of June 30, 2026, WHD had cash and cash equivalents of $365 million.
Spectrum Brands oznámila za 3. čtvrtletí upravený zisk na akcii (EPS) 2,79 USD, nad odhady 1,47 USD, a výnosy 753,3 mil. USD, také nad očekáváním. Akcie v pondělí klesly o 3,9 % na 86,60 USD.
Spectrum Brands posted third-quarter adjusted EPS of $2.79, beating market estimates of $1.47. The company’s sales came in at $753.300 million, versus estimates of $735.500 million.
“We are pleased with our results this quarter, with all three businesses delivering top-line growth, highlighted by a record-setting quarter in our Home & Garden business. Across both Global Pet Care and Home & Garden, our categories benefited from solid underlying demand, and our key brands continued to outperform the market. In Home & Personal Care, while results remain impacted by soft consumer demand, we are seeing encouraging signs of stabilization in North America, and our key brands in Latin America continue to perform well. Our focus on profitability is reflected in our results, with each segment delivering Adjusted EBITDA growth. Importantly, the strength of our earnings performance was driven by operational execution and business fundamentals, independent of the benefit from IEEPA tariff refunds. These tariff refunds represent a recovery of prior losses which will allow us to invest back into our businesses for overall long term health,” said David Maura, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Brands.
Spectrum Brands shares fell 3.9% to trade at $86.60 on Monday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Spectrum Brands following earnings announcement.
Canaccord Genuity analyst Brian McNamara maintained the stock with a Buy and raised the price target from $99 to $110. RBC Capital analyst Nik Modi downgraded the stock from Outperform to Sector Perform and raised the price target from $85 to $92. Wells Fargo analyst Chris Carey maintained the stock with an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $85 to $90. Considering buying SPB stock? Here’s what analysts think:
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Labcorp vstupuje do druhé poloviny roku 2026 s rychlejším růstem tržeb, širšími maržemi a vyšším výhledem na celý rok díky silné poptávce po specializovaném testování. Akcie ale obchodují s prémií vůči historickému ocenění, což zvyšuje riziko zklamání.
Key Takeaways Labcorp enters the second half of 2026 with faster revenue growth, wider margins and higher guidance. LH's specialty testing and Biopharma Laboratory Services are supporting growth and profitability. Labcorp trades above its five-year median valuation, leaving less room for execution misses. Labcorp Holdings Inc. (LH - Free Report) is entering the second half of 2026 with faster revenue growth, wider margins and higher full-year guidance. Specialty testing and Biopharma Laboratory Services are adding operating support while efficiency programs are helping profitability.
The trade-off is valuation. LH now carries a premium to both its five-year median and its Zacks sub-industry multiple, leaving less room for execution misses. That backdrop favors a measured view of the shares.
Labcorp’s Specialty Mix Supports the Bull CaseSpecialty testing remains a central growth driver. Oncology, women’s health, autoimmune disease and neurology produced double-digit revenue growth in the first half of 2026, helping Labcorp win health-system and provider customers.
Per the Zacks Consensus Estimate, the company’s 2026 revenues are expected to grow 5.6% year over year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company also expanded its test menu and access points. New oncology offerings, a broader Epic collaboration and additional health-system relationships can support test utilization and a favorable mix because specialty patients often require more testing over time. Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX - Free Report) is a relevant diagnostics peer, with a broad testing portfolio that includes specialty and oncology services.
LH’s Margin Gains Improve Earnings QualitySecond-quarter adjusted operating margin expanded 70 basis points year over year to 15.8%. Diagnostics margin rose 50 basis points to 18%, while Biopharma Laboratory Services margin increased 130 basis points to 17%.
Labcorp attributed the gains to organic growth, operating efficiencies and actions within Early Development. Launchpad, automation, artificial intelligence and other technology initiatives remain part of the productivity effort. Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP - Free Report) , a full-service clinical research organization with central laboratory capabilities, provides a useful comparison point for the competitive biopharma-services landscape.
Labcorp’s Valuation Leaves Less Room for ErrorLH trades at 16.7X forward 12-month earnings, above the Zacks sub-industry multiple of 16.2X and its own five-year median of 14.4X. The current multiple is also closer to the upper end of its five-year range of 10.5X to 17.8X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
That premium raises the bar for execution. Continued earnings growth, margin expansion and delivery against the raised 2026 outlook become more important when investors are paying above the stock’s historical median valuation.
LH Still Faces Reimbursement and Cost RisksReimbursement remains a constraint for Diagnostics. Affordable Care Act-related changes reduced second-quarter diagnostic volume by an estimated 20-30 basis points, and Labcorp continues to assume a 30-basis-point full-year effect. Pressure tied to Protecting Access to Medicare Act reimbursement is another risk.
Cost inflation, tariffs, currency swings and competition add uncertainty. Cost of revenues rose 5.6% year over year in the second quarter, while full-year guidance includes foreign-currency benefits to enterprise and Biopharma Laboratory Services growth. A reversal in exchange rates could make the outlook harder to achieve.
Labcorp’s Ratings Point to a Balanced SetupThe operating picture has improved, but the valuation premium argues against treating the recent momentum as an automatic buy signal. Labcorp currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which is consistent with a more balanced near-term stance than the stronger buy-rated categories.
Its Value Score of B, Growth Score of C and Momentum Score of A produce a VGM Score of B. The A Momentum Score reflects favorable price and estimate-revision characteristics, while the C Growth Score keeps the broader profile mixed. Zacks Style Scores are designed to complement the Zacks Rank, and a #3 ranking can still be held when the overall setup remains acceptable. The combination supports patience rather than chasing the shares at a premium.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Odhady zisku Arista Networks pro roky 2026 a 2027 za posledních sedm dní vzrostly o 2,2 % a 3 %. Tržby ve 2. čtvrtletí meziročně vyskočily o 37,7 % díky AI, cloudu a poptávce podniků.
Key Takeaways Arista's 2026 and 2027 earnings estimates rose 2.2% and 3%, respectively, over the past seven days.Arista's Q2 revenues jumped 37.7% year over year, driven by AI, cloud and enterprise demand.ANET's Arista 2.0 strategy targets core innovation, SaaS expansion and entry into adjacent markets. Earnings estimates for Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET - Free Report) for 2026 and 2027 have moved up 2.2% to $3.72 and 3% to $4.52, respectively, over the past seven days. The positive estimate revisions depict bullish sentiments about the stock’s growth potential.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Solid Q2 Results Buoy ANETArista reported strong second-quarter 2026 results with both adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company posted a strong 37.7% year-over-year revenue increase, reflecting broad-based growth across its artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and enterprise networking businesses, supported by healthy customer demand and improved product availability.
On a non-GAAP basis, net income improved to $1.3 billion or $1.02 per share from $934.2 million or 73 cents per share in the year-earlier quarter. The bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 89 cents. Quarterly revenues increased to $3.04 billion from $2.2 billion in the prior-year quarter, mainly due to solid growth in both Product and Service segments. The top line beat the consensus estimate of $2.83 billion.
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Arista 2.0 Strategy Lends SupportThe company is gaining healthy momentum as the Arista 2.0 strategy is resonating well with customers. The strategy comprises three components that are likely to drive growth over the next few years. The first involves plans to invest in core businesses by rolling out new solutions and improved AI offerings. Secondly, Arista aims to emphasize software-as-a-service for improved revenue visibility. Last but not least, the company plans to enter adjacent markets to target a broader customer base.
Arista is witnessing solid demand trends among enterprise customers backed by its multi-domain modern software approach, which is built upon its unique and differentiating foundation, the single EOS (Extensible Operating System) and CloudVision stack. The versatility of its unified software stack across various use cases, including WAN routing and campus and data center infrastructure, sets it apart from other competitors in the industry. This has translated into solid revenue growth for the company over the years.
The company offers one of the broadest product lines of data center and campus Ethernet switches and routers in the industry. It provides routing and switching platforms with industry-leading capacity, low latency, port density and power efficiency. The company also innovates in areas such as deep packet buffers, embedded optics and reversible cooling. Arista holds a leadership position in 100-gigabit Ethernet switches for the high-speed data center segment and is increasingly gaining market traction in 200- and 400-gigabit high-performance switching products.
CloudEOS Edge: ANET’s X-Factor?Arista continues to benefit from the expanding cloud networking market, which is driven by a strong demand for scalable infrastructure. As more business enterprises transition to the cloud, the company is poised for growth in the data-driven cloud networking business with proactive platforms and predictive operations. In addition to high capacity and easy availability, its cloud networking solutions promise predictable performance and programmability, enabling integration with third-party applications for network management, automation and orchestration.
With customers deploying transformative cloud networking solutions, the company has announced several additions to its multi-cloud and cloud-native software product family with CloudEOS Edge. It has introduced cognitive Wi-Fi software that delivers intelligent application identification, automated troubleshooting and location services for video conferencing applications such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. This highly scalable, software-driven routing solution enables seamless connectivity between enterprise IT infrastructure, public cloud networks and service provider edges. It extends Arista’s core EOS capabilities beyond traditional data centers to multi-cloud environments, metro-edge deployments and 5G network boundaries.
Price PerformanceArista has surged 37.1% over the past year against the industry’s decline of 13.6%. It has, however, lagged peers like Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE - Free Report) and Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO - Free Report) . While Cisco has gained 71.8%, Hewlett Packard is up 158.5% over this period.
One-Year ANET Stock Price Performance
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End NoteWith healthy revenue-generating potential driven by steady demand trends, Arista appears poised for solid growth momentum. A strong emphasis on quality, diligent execution of operational plans and continuous portfolio enhancements are driving more value for customers. An uptrend in estimate revision further portrays positive investor sentiments.
The stock delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 8.9%. Arista currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Riding on a robust earnings surprise history and favorable Zacks Rank, it appears primed for further price appreciation. Consequently, investors are likely to profit if they bet on this high-flying stock.
Fox ve 4. fiskálním čtvrtletí překonal odhady zisku i tržeb, když EPS činil 1,79 USD a tržby 4,21 mld. USD. Tubi zvýšil tržby o 35 % a dosáhl 110 milionů měsíčních uživatelů.
Key Takeaways Fox topped Q4 EPS and revenue estimates with advertising strength carrying into fiscal 2027. Tubi posted 35% revenue growth, reached 110 million monthly users and saw viewing time rise 17%.Fox expects political ads, distribution growth and improving digital economics to support fiscal 2027. Fox Corporation (FOXA - Free Report) used its fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 call to emphasize sustained advertising demand and improving digital economics, while management expects the remaining World Cup benefit and the midterm political cycle to support fiscal 2027.
Management said Tubi and FOX One are running ahead of expectations. Adjusted EPS of $1.79 topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.34, while revenues of $4.21 billion exceeded the $3.6 billion consensus.
FOXA Sees Ad Strength Carry Into Fiscal 2027Executive chairman and CEO Lachlan Murdoch said FOX completed one of its strongest upfronts, with double-digit volume growth across sports, news and Tubi. Eight of the 10 advertising categories it tracks increased.
Murdoch said that the strength carried into fiscal 2027. He expects a record midterm political advertising cycle for FOX, compared with more than $260 million of revenue in the prior midterm cycle.
Chief financial officer Steve Tomsic expects both cable and television to contribute to distribution revenue growth in fiscal 2027, alongside further bottom-line improvement from the digital portfolio.
Fox One and Tubi Run Ahead of PlanMurdoch said Tubi posted 35% fourth-quarter revenue growth and a 17% increase in viewing time, ending fiscal 2026 with 110 million monthly active users. Its World Cup Hub attracted more than 20 million viewers.
A Goldman Sachs analyst asked how much the World Cup drove Tubi. Murdoch said tournament revenues were important but relatively small compared with Tubi’s overall growth, with momentum continuing into fiscal 2027.
Murdoch said FOX One subscribers have been incremental to traditional pay TV and churn remains below expectations. Tomsic said digital investment fell below $200 million in fiscal 2026 from just under $300 million in fiscal 2025.
FOXA Uses World Cup to Showcase Platform ReachMurdoch framed the World Cup as proof of FOX’s ability to deploy its stations, sports, news, Tubi, FOX One and digital properties around a major live event.
The tournament lifted advertising while increasing sports rights amortization and production costs. Television segment EBITDA rose 129% year over year, while Cable Network Programming EBITDA declined 3%.
A Guggenheim analyst asked how that momentum could extend beyond the tournament. Murdoch emphasized FOX’s marketing, reach and production capabilities as part of the value it can offer sports leagues.
Fox Holds NFL Terms Steady Through 2029A UBS analyst asked whether NFL rights pricing could change before 2030. Murdoch said FOX will not amend its existing contractual relationship, which runs through completion of the 2029 season.
A JPMorgan analyst later asked about the timing of league discussions and FOX’s broader rights strategy. Murdoch said talks about extensions beyond the current term would occur closer to the agreement’s end.
Murdoch also pointed to FOX’s recent acquisition of NFL rights in Mexico and reiterated that the company has a positive relationship with the league.
FOXA Keeps Buybacks in Place Around Roku DealMurdoch said the pending Roku acquisition remains on track to close in the first half of calendar 2027. He described it as an expansion of FOX’s connected-TV distribution, advertising and subscription capabilities.
Tomsic said FOX expects to close the deal at about 2.8 times net leverage. He also said the share repurchase program should continue through the transaction’s pendency and beyond.
FOX ended the quarter with about $4.2 billion of cash and $6.6 billion of debt. The board raised the semiannual dividend to 29 cents per share, with $3.4 billion remaining under the repurchase authorization.
Fox Enters Fiscal 2027 With Focused PrioritiesMurdoch’s message centered on sustaining advertising demand, expanding digital distribution with limited pay-TV cannibalization and using premium live content to reinforce FOX’s reach with viewers, advertisers and distributors.
Tomsic emphasized improving digital economics, distribution growth across both operating segments and continued capital returns while the Roku transaction remains pending.
FOXA Rank and Style Scores Show a Mixed SetupFOXA carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), with a Value Score of B, Growth Score of D, Momentum Score of C and VGM Score of C. Value is the strongest of the four indicators, while Growth is the weakest.
Zacks Style Scores complement the Zacks Rank, with A and B grades preferred to lower scores. FOXA’s combination does not match the framework’s preferred pairing of a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) with A or B Style Scores. The Zacks Rank can change as earnings estimates are revised after the latest results. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Crescent Energy ve 2. čtvrtletí 2026 překonala odhady upraveným EPS 63 centy na akcii a výnosy 1,4 miliardy USD. Zároveň zvýšila výhled produkce pro rok 2026 na 327–335 MBoe/d.
Key Takeaways Crescent Energy delivered 335 MBoe/d of production, up from 263 MBoe/d a year ago.Permian synergies rose to $250-$300 million, with about $190 million already captured.Crescent raised 2026 production guidance while cutting operating expense and production tax targets. Crescent Energy Company (CRGY - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 63 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 45 cents by 40%. The bottom line also increased from the year-ago adjusted earnings of 43 cents. The outperformance was supported by strong production, higher oil realizations and continued operating efficiencies.
Houston, TX-based oil and gas exploration and production company’s revenues of $1.4 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22 billion by 14.25%. The top line also increased sharply from $898 million in the year-ago quarter.
The quarter was marked by solid production, lower operating costs and record cash generation. Crescent produced 335 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBoe/d), which beat our consensus mark of 331 MBoe/d, while adjusted operating expenses were about 9% below the prior annual guidance midpoint.
CRGY's Production Base Remains StrongTotal production averaged 335 MBoe/d, up from 263 MBoe/d in the year-ago quarter. Oil production increased to 140 thousand barrels per day (MBbls/d) from 108 MBbls/d. The figure was also above our consensus estimate of 136 MBbls/d.
Natural gas production rose to 715 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) from 644 MMcf/d, while NGL production increased to 76 MBbls/d from 48 MBbls/d. Natural gas production was 2.5% below our consensus estimate, while NGL production was 7.6% above our consensus estimate.
During the quarter, Crescent drilled 43 gross operated wells and brought 32 gross operated wells online. Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, totaled $284 million.
Crescent's Permian Momentum AcceleratesCrescent continued to make progress in the Permian, where it has moved from the stabilization phase following the acquisition into optimization.
Permian production totaled 124 MBoe/d, with oil accounting for 42% of volumes. Capital spending in the basin was $104 million. Crescent drilled nine gross wells and turned 12 gross wells in line during the quarter.
Importantly, the company increased its Permian synergy target to $250-$300 million, roughly three times the original target of $90-$100 million. Approximately $190 million of annualized synergies have already been captured.
The gains are being driven by lower well and operating costs, improved workover and artificial-lift programs, better field operations and commercial optimization. Management expects a large portion of the updated synergy target to be captured as the company exits 2026 and moves into 2027.
CRGY's Eagle Ford Operations Stay EfficientThe Eagle Ford business produced 169 MBoe/d, with oil representing 39% of volumes. Capital spending totaled $147 million. Crescent drilled 26 gross wells and brought 16 gross wells online during the quarter.
Operational efficiencies remain a key driver in the basin. Well costs have declined more than 25% since 2023, while workover and artificial-lift optimization are supporting base production. CRGY is also seeing encouraging results from the Austin Chalk, which could expand its economic drilling inventory.
CRGY Sees Further Cost Gains in UintaCRGY continued to improve drilling and completion efficiency in the Uinta Basin. Year-to-date drilling efficiency increased to roughly 1,600 feet per day from about 1,300 feet in the 2025 program. Completion efficiency increased to approximately 3,000 lateral feet per day from about 1,600 feet.
Simulfrac utilization reached 100% of gross wells turned in line, while drilling, completion and facilities costs declined to below $800 per foot from approximately $950 in the 2025 program.
These efficiencies are helping CRGY lower development costs and improve returns across its portfolio.
CRGY 's Revenue Mix Benefits From OilOil remained the largest revenue contributor at $1.23 billion,more than doubling from $602.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The figure was also above our consensus estimate by 18.9%.
Natural gas revenues declined to $33.8 million from $159 million, while NGL revenues increased to $129.4 million from $98.1 million. Midstream and other revenues totaled $5 million compared with $38.4 million a year earlier. Natural gas revenues declined 61.2%, and NGL revenues declined 5.8%, while Midstream and other revenues declined 17% compared with our Consensus estimates.
Average realized oil prices before derivative settlements were $96.61 per barrel, up significantly from $61.47 a year ago. Natural gas realizations, however, declined to 52 cents per Mcf from $2.71. NGL prices fell to $18.67 per barrel from $22.59.
The company's total realized price before derivative settlements increased to $45.63 per Boe from $35.96 a year ago.
CRGY's Cash Flow & Balance SheetCRGY generated record adjusted EBITDAX of $798 million, up from $513.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Levered free cash flow reached a record $418 million, while operating cash flow totaled a record $707 million.
The company ended June with approximately $2.2 billion of liquidity. Total debt was approximately $5.17 billion, while net debt stood at $4.9 billion. Consolidated net leverage was 1.6 times.
CRGY further strengthened its balance sheet in July by redeeming the remaining $259 million of its 7.75% senior notes due 2029 at par. The transaction reduced interest expense and eliminated the company's nearest debt maturity. Pro forma liquidity following the redemption was expected to remain around $2 billion.
CRGY's board of directors declared a fixed quarterly dividend of 12 cents per share. As of June 30, CRGY had approximately $336 million remaining under its share-repurchase authorization.
CRGY's Minerals Business Adds Cash FlowThe minerals and royalties business produced 13 MBoe/d, more than doubling from 6 MBoe/d in the prior-year quarter. Oil production from the business increased to 6 MBbls/d from 2 MBbls/d. Average realized prices before derivatives totaled $51.45 per Boe, compared with $34.95 a year earlier. Operating expenses were $4.26 per Boe compared with $5.40 in the prior-year period. The business generated $49.4 million of adjusted EBITDAX during the quarter compared with $15.9 million a year earlier.
CRGY Raises 2026 OutlookThis Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company raised its 2026 total production guidance to 327-335 MBoe/d from 320-335 MBoe/d. The expected oil mix remains 40-42%. The company lowered adjusted operating expense guidance to $11-$12 per Boe from $11.50-$12.50. Production tax guidance was reduced to 5-6% of commodity revenues from 6-7%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Importantly, Crescent maintained its development capital guidance at $1.325-$1.425 billion, despite the higher production outlook. The combination of increased volumes and lower operating costs is expected to support additional free cash flow.
At current commodity prices, management expects to generate more than $1 billion of levered free cash flow in 2026. Crescent intends to use its financial flexibility to maintain the dividend, reduce debt and pursue accretive acquisitions or opportunistic share repurchases.
Important Earnings at a GlanceWhile we have discussed CRGY’s second-quarter results in detail, let us take a look at three other key reports in this space.
San Antonio, TX-based oil and gas refining and marketing service provider, Valero Energy Corporation (VLO - Free Report) , reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $2.28 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.73. However, the bottom line declined from the year-ago quarter’s level of $2.71. The better-than-expected quarterly results can be attributed to an increase in refining margins per barrel of throughput and lower total cost of sales. The positives were partially offset by a decline in refining throughput volumes and renewable diesel sales volumes.
The company had cash and cash equivalents of $4.5 billion at the end of the second quarter. As of June 30, 2025, it had a total debt of $8.4 billion and finance-lease obligations of $2.3 billion.
Houston, TX-based oil and gas equipment and services provider, Halliburton Company (HAL - Free Report) , reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted net income of 55 cents per share, which was in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate but below the year-ago quarter’s profit of 80 cents (adjusted). The numbers reflect softer activity in the North American region, partly offset by international growth.
As of June 30, 2025, the company had approximately $2 billion in cash/cash equivalents and $7.2 billion in long-term debt, representing a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 40.4. Halliburton reported second-quarter capital expenditure of $354 million, up from our projection of $338.2 million.
Norway-based integrated oil and gas operator, Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) , reported second-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 64 cents, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 66 cents. The bottom line declined 25% from the year-ago quarter’s level of 84 cents. Weak quarterly results can be attributed to lower liquids production across major segments and reduced liquids prices. Natural declines and portfolio divestments in Nigeria and Azerbaijan also contributed to the decrease in overall production.
As of June 30, 2025, the company reported $9,472 million in cash and cash equivalents. Its long-term debt was $24,505 million. During the same time, Equinor generated a negative net cash flow of $2,579 million compared with $4,022 million in the year-ago period. Equinor’s capital expenditures amounted to $3.4 billion in the second quarter.
Fluence Energy snížila výhled výnosů na fiskální rok 2026 na 2,9 až 3,1 miliardy USD kvůli zpožděním ve výrobě. Zároveň hlásí rekordní objem nevyřízených zakázek 6,4 miliardy USD a silnější poptávku ze strany datových center.
Key Takeaways FLNC cut fiscal 2026 revenue guidance to $2.9B-$3.1B as factory delays shifted sales into fiscal 2027.Fluence Energy's Q3 orders hit $1.44B and backlog reached a record $6.4B as data center traction accelerated.FLNC's data center pipeline topped 16 GWh, while about $2.2B of backlog is set for fiscal 2027 revenues. Fluence Energy, Inc. (FLNC - Free Report) used its fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings call to pair an execution setback with record commercial momentum. Factory ramp-up delays pushed revenues into fiscal 2027 and forced an outlook cut.
Management also emphasized record orders, backlog and faster data center traction, making production execution the central issue.
FLNC Cuts Fiscal 2026 Outlook on Factory DelaysChief financial officer Ahmed Pasha said fiscal 2026 revenues are now expected at $2.9 billion to $3.1 billion, with the midpoint down about $400 million to $3 billion.
CFO Pasha said adjusted EBITDA guidance moved to negative $30 million to positive $10 million from positive $40 million to $60 million. Delayed revenues account for about $44 million of lost margin, while a planned battery supply agreement adds $15 million.
The company reported a quarterly loss of $0.24, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.05. Third-quarter revenues came in at $600.18 million, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $761.90 million.
Fluence Sees Data Center Pipeline AcceleratePresident and CEO Julian Nebreda said third-quarter order intake reached $1.44 billion, nearly triple the year-earlier level, lifting backlog to a record $6.4 billion.
CEO Nebreda said data center business secured through July totaled about $850 million, including a $300 million developer order and about $550 million of hyperscaler awards not yet in purchase orders.
A Jefferies analyst asked about booking cadence. Nebreda said developers move faster because speed to power is the priority, while hyperscalers emphasize power quality. The data center pipeline reached 16 gigawatt-hours, up more than 35% sequentially.
FLNC Reshapes Supply-Chain OversightNebreda said an international factory delayed Smartstack components after initial output failed Fluence's quality tests. The facility is fully ramped, but lost fiscal 2026 volume cannot be fully recovered.
The Houston plant faced construction, utility and automation delays. Nebreda added the 15-gigawatt-hour facility is producing and should reach full production during the first quarter of fiscal 2027.
Nebreda said Roman Loosen will lead supply chain, while Peter Williams focuses on product, framing the change around execution and process transformation at greater scale rather than replacing manufacturing partners.
Fluence Defends Backlog Margins and ConversionA Citi analyst pressed management on margins. Nebreda said backlog and new orders remain within the company's 10% to 15% margin range, while scaling execution remains the key operational challenge.
Nebreda reiterated that 80% to 90% revenue coverage remains appropriate for fiscal 2027. About $2.2 billion of backlog is expected to convert to fiscal 2027 revenues.
A Goldman Sachs analyst asked whether data centers change the conversion cycle. Nebreda said the initial developer deal moved from lead to contract in less than three months versus 12 to 18 months for traditional segments.
FLNC Maps Liquidity Needs to Higher Order IntakeCFO Pasha said total liquidity ended the quarter at about $863 million, including roughly $365 million of total cash. He still expects about $900 million at fiscal year-end.
Pasha said higher fiscal 2027 order intake could require an additional $300 million to $500 million of working capital. Financing would be pursued only with a clear path to profitable growth and shareholder value creation.
A BMO Capital Markets analyst questioned fourth-quarter execution. Nebreda said roughly half of required quarterly production had been produced and integrated, while Pasha said the wider adjusted EBITDA range reflects potential ramp-up costs.
Fluence Centers Fiscal 2027 on ExecutionManagement's tone combined confidence in demand with acknowledgment that manufacturing execution must improve. Nebreda said delayed projects are older traditional contracts and do not affect data center master supply agreements.
Nebreda's near-term focus is bringing Houston to full production, sustaining international quality and converting commercial activity into revenues without repeating the fiscal 2026 ramp-up issues.
FLNC's Zacks Signals Remain MixedFLNC carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), a neutral ranking versus the top Zacks Rank categories. Its Momentum Score is A, while its Value, Growth and VGM Scores are D, making momentum the strongest style signal. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Zacks framework favors A or B Style Scores, especially alongside Zacks Rank #1 or #2 (Buy) stocks. FLNC's mixed profile lacks that preferred combination, and its Zacks Rank can change as analyst earnings estimates are revised after the just-reported results.
