CUPERTINO, Calif. – Despite raising prices on multiple popular devices, Apple reported record September-quarter revenue and earnings per share Monday, driven by strong iPhone and Mac sales in the first earnings report under new CEO John Ternus.
Revenue jumped a better-than-expected 12% from a year earlier to $114.5 billion, while earnings per share rose 14% to $2.10, both topping Wall Street estimates. The results capped Apple's best fiscal year ever, with revenue rising 15% to $478.8 billion.
The three months ended in September included just eight days of iPhone 18 Pro sales. Ternus said Apple was "thrilled with the customer response" to the new lineup, even as questions linger over whether the iPhone 18 can match the success of its predecessor. Analysts at JPMorgan, Wedbush and Evercore have pointed to the iPhone 17's exceptionally strong upgrade cycle, setting a difficult comparison for this year's models. iPhone revenue nevertheless grew 17% to $57.6 billion in the September quarter.
APPLE BREAKS WITH LONGTIME MACBOOK POLICY, INTRODUCES TOUCHSCREEN LAPTOPS AT HIGHER PRICES
Apple CEO John Ternus holds an iPhone 18 Pro at the Apple Fifth Avenue flagship store during the launch of the Apple iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max in New York City on Sept. 18, 2026. (Jeenah Moon/Reuters)
Meanwhile, Apple's first foldable iPhone, the Duo, remains in short supply, with delivery estimates on some orders stretching into 2027 and customers reporting difficulty finding the device in stores.
"The Duo is constrained as of today," Ternus said in an interview. "The ramp is going well, and we're working really hard to get it into customers' hands as quickly as possible." He said Apple could not yet predict when supply would catch up with demand.
Ternus, who succeeded Tim Cook on Sept. 1, said the stronger-than-expected September-quarter results came despite "supply constraints and FX headwinds." The quarter was his first earnings report at the helm of the company.
The iPhone Duo, Apple's first-ever foldable smartphone. (Apple Inc.)
One of the biggest challenges is surging memory-chip prices, driven in part by the AI buildout. Some flash-memory prices have climbed more than 500% from 2023 levels, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Ternus described the disruption as "absolutely unprecedented." Yet Apple's gross margin, a closely watched measure of profitability, came in broadly in line with expectations at 47.9%.
"As we said earlier in the September quarter, we did see higher memory costs compared to the June quarter," Ternus said. He said carry-in inventory and lower prices for certain non-memory components provided some relief. "We changed the price on many of our products, including Mac and iPad at the end of June and iPhone in September," he said, adding that the increases helped offset higher costs.
INSIDE JOHN TERNUS' FIRST APPLE LAUNCH EVENT AS CEO: FOLDABLE IPHONE DUO, AI AND MORE
But the AI boom is not just increasing Apple's costs. Ternus also attributed stronger demand for Mac computers to what he described as the Mac's "AI moment." Mac revenue surged 24% to $10.8 billion in the September quarter, powered by the MacBook Neo and MacBook Pro despite significant supply constraints.
"We have never sold more Macs in a fiscal year than we did in fiscal '26," he said, marking an all-time record for annual unit sales.
Customers inside the Apple Inc. store on Regent Street during the sales launch of their latest products in London on Sept. 18, 2026. (Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Apple has also launched its new iPhone 18 Pro lineup alongside a revamped, AI-powered Siri.
APPLE'S IPHONE 18 GOES ON SALE AS CUSTOMERS LINE UP AT STORES WORLDWIDE
"We're super happy with the initial reviews, but we're also seeing a lot of exciting advancements more broadly in the space," Ternus said. "And we think our products are the best platform for AI." He said Apple's users make more than 2.5 billion Siri requests a day.
Different color phones in Apple's iPhone 18 Pro lineup. (Apple Inc.)
Apple has outperformed other members of the Magnificent Seven this year, including Microsoft and Nvidia, adding more than $1 trillion in market value since July. Investors have embraced Apple's relatively restrained approach to AI spending: unlike some Silicon Valley rivals, it has declined to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into building AI data centers. The stock is trading at a historically elevated valuation, around 35 times expected earnings.
Apple also benefited from tariff refunds, which boosted gross margin by approximately one percentage point and added about 5 cents to quarterly earnings per share.
APPLE SETTLEMENT COULD MEAN A PAYOUT FOR SOME IPHONE OWNERS
Since taking over, Ternus has presided over an unusually busy run of product introductions, including Apple's push into smart-home products and accessories such as connected locks and doorbells, as well as its first touch-enabled MacBook Pro.
Four Apple MacBook Pro laptops sit on display beneath the company's logo during a product presentation. (Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Greater China revenue rose 21% to more than $17.5 billion, a September-quarter record, although sales in the region fell short of analysts' estimates. Ternus said iPhone revenue in Greater China also reached a September-quarter record, while Mac sales in the region posted strong double-digit growth.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Before becoming CEO, Ternus led Apple's hardware engineering group. He joined the company in 2001 and has spent more than two decades there.
Apple first closed above $5 trillion in market capitalization on Oct. 14, becoming only the second company to reach the milestone after Nvidia. It briefly overtook Nvidia again at the end of last week to reclaim the title of the world's most valuable publicly traded company.
Meta Platforms has faced intense scrutiny after announcing upcoming changes to its terms that, essentially, allow AI crawlers to run wild across business accounts.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
A few weeks ago, a Tesla (TSLA +1.00%) Roadster drove up a nearly vertical ramp, turned upside down, then fell -- I mean, launched itself -- into the air before its side thrusters kicked in, flipping the car upright and landing it on the road below. It was by far the most incredible maneuver I've ever seen a car pull off. The Tesla then drove out of a cloud of vapor as if nothing had happened.
If you haven't seen Tesla's new flying car, it's worth watching the video (in another stunt, the car launches itself upside down and literally barrel-rolls over five vehicles before landing upright). It's an extraordinary demonstration of engineering, and one of those rare glimpses of a future that, until recently, seemed firmly in the realm of science fiction.
But now, what does this mean for Archer Aviation (ACHR -0.71%)? After all, Archer has also spent years developing its own flying vehicle -- an electric air taxi. If Tesla can make a flying car, will there still be a market for Archer's flying taxi, assuming it can get it certified? Let's take a look.
Image source: Archer Aviation.
Tesla's flying car is stunning, but it's not a threat to Archer I'll just come out and say it: I don't think Tesla's flying Roadster will have an impact on Archer.
For starters, Tesla isn't really competing with Archer. Look at what Tesla is making: A sports car -- a really sleek and aesthetically striking sports car -- that can burst briefly into flight. In contrast, Archer is building an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and transition into forward flight like a traditional airplane. It's also an engineering feat, and unlike Tesla's Roadster, it doesn't need thrusters to launch into the air.
These are obviously different vehicles, built for different purposes. And between the two, Archer's is more practical. It's designed to carry four passengers and a pilot. The Roadster, on the other hand, can only carry one person.
ACHR Archer Aviation$4.17-$0.03 (-0.71%)
NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/02/26
Archer's aircraft is also likely closer to real-world use than Tesla's. The flying Roadster might be functional, but it's not approved for road use. There's some question as to whether Tesla could ever get regulatory approval to mass-produce a flying Roadster, but even if it did, it would likely not beat Archer to the punch. Archer has already completed three of the FAA's four type-certification phases and is now working through the final one.
Don't get me wrong, though: Tesla's recent demonstration was very impressive. But it was only impressive as a spectacle, not something that could solve transportation problems, like congested metropolitan roads. Archer's eVTOL, on the other hand, could alleviate traffic in some areas.
In sum, I don't believe Tesla's flying car changes much for Archer Aviation's future. If anything, it could even increase publicity around flying cars, helping Archer's air taxi services when it does get its eVTOL certified.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of GOOG, GOOGL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Alphabet (GOOG -0.07%) (GOOGL -0.30%) investors had reason to frown last week as the stock posted its worst trading day ever. The shares fell 13% in one session after certain key elements in the tech giant's earnings report disappointed investors.
What happened? It all starts with artificial intelligence (AI). Alphabet is at the forefront of the AI movement, something that has led to soaring revenue quarter after quarter. But to make this happen, Alphabet had to greatly invest in an infrastructure build-out, and this spending isn't over. Alphabet isn't the only company in this situation; others operating in the cloud space also are investing hundreds of billions of dollars annually to get the job done. In fact, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms aim to spend more than $700 billion this year alone on infrastructure expansion. Though these companies are generating growth from AI, investors worry it may not be enough given their spending levels.
Considering the full picture, following Alphabet's loss of $500 billion in market value in one trading session, you might approach AI stocks with a bit of hesitance. Should you really buy AI stocks now? Let's find out.
Image source: Getty Images.
Alphabet's biggest revenue driverWe'll start by talking about the negative impact of this spending on Alphabet. You probably know this company best for Google Search, as it's something many of us use daily. The Google platform is indeed the company's biggest revenue driver -- advertisers pay to promote across it, and that generates billions of dollars for Alphabet. In the recent quarter, Google ads accounted for 64% of the company's total revenue.
But Alphabet also has a cloud computing business that's growing in leaps and bounds, supercharged by demand for AI infrastructure and enterprise solutions. That business delivered a record 103% gain in revenue in the quarter to more than $30 billion. This is positive and offers investors reason to be optimistic, but as mentioned, to reach this level of growth, Alphabet poured investment into an infrastructure build-out.
As a result, capital spending has exploded higher, and this has hurt free cash flow -- these two elements were the points of concern in the company's earnings report. Alphabet kept its capex forecast for the year unchanged at $195 billion to $205 billion. As for free cash flow, it came in at negative $9 billion, missing analysts' estimates of $2.7 billion.
All of this reawakened investors' concerns that, though AI investment is driving growth, this growth still may not justify the spending levels of Alphabet and other tech players in this AI revolution.
GOOGL Alphabet$278.99-$0.85 (-0.30%)
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/02/26
AI companies are in a period of transitionNow, let's return to our question: Should you really buy AI stocks right now? AI companies today may indeed be in a period of transition. Over the past couple of years, investors have been excited about the initial AI opportunity as hardware and services companies have offered chips and related products to customers. This resulted in enormous revenue growth and double- and triple-digit gains in stock prices. And this, prior to the major infrastructure ramp-up, didn't involve today's capex levels.
Today, we're at a point where, to move forward along the AI path to fulfill demand and potentially generate more growth, tech giants must heavily invest. While this investment is unfolding, they will experience pressure. Amazon chief Andy Jassy told analysts during the company's second-quarter call in July that this spending would continue to be a headwind for free cash flow as the build-out unfolds.
With some investors frowning on this spending, we could see more turbulence in terms of stock performance in the months to come. If you're a very cautious investor, you might wait on the sidelines for this moment to at least partially pass. But for most investors, right now, as these stocks decline, it's the perfect time to buy at a bargain price. The long-term AI story remains bright, with the technology's ability to transform the way businesses operate in a positive way. And this means investors who include AI stocks in a well-diversified portfolio could score a major win over the long run.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, will help determine the direction of Washington for the next two years. Voters will decide whether Republicans keep control of Congress or Democrats gain enough seats to put a check on President Donald Trump's agenda.
Elections always have major implications for the stock market, but with 49% of the S&P 500 (^GSPC -0.51%) tied to artificial intelligence (AI) -- an industry whose future could be radically reshaped based on a number of potential shifts in policy -- this one could have an outsize impact.
Here's what investors should be watching.
Stock market history after midterm elections is encouragingFirst, despite what you might think, midterms tend to be good for the stock market. While there can be some near-term turbulence as the market digests the results, the historical record is pretty positive at the one-year mark.
Since 1950, the S&P 500 has gained an average of 15.1%, excluding dividends, in the 12 months following midterm elections, according to the investment management firm Capital Group.
Midterms in the U.S. tend to go the wrong direction for the party of the current President, often leaving the country with a divided government. That makes it harder -- especially in recent history -- for either party to push through sweeping changes. And while that sort of gridlock is frustrating for voters, the market tends to like the stability and lack of uncertainty gridlock brings.
Image source: Getty Images.
This could be especially true at a time when bond investors are eyeing the federal debt with increasing suspicion. Gridlock would likely mean no major increases in spending or major tax cuts for the next two years, which in turn could help keep yields steady.
How the midterms could affect AI stocks and data center spendingBuilding data centers and filling them with chips is expensive, and companies -- even the massive hyperscalers like Meta (META -1.34%) and Amazon (AMZN +2.20%) -- are increasingly borrowing to pay for it. And that dynamic makes the industry highly sensitive to borrowing costs -- bond yields. If borrowing becomes expensive enough, it could shift the math on the AI buildout. Larger players might pull back on spending, less certain of a return on capital, while smaller, heavily indebted players -- the CoreWeaves (CRWV -8.60%) and the TeraWulfs (NASDAQ: WULF) of the world -- might find themselves without the financing they need to survive.
Of course, there are other implications that may work in the opposite direction. A big one: Democrats have been more broadly opposed to data center building and friendly to implementing moratoriums on their construction than their Republican colleagues (though the issue is starting to look more like a rare area of common ground). A Democratic sweep could portend more regulatory difficulty for the AI industry.
Why Treasury yields may tell investors more than the S&P 500In truth, no one can predict just how tomorrow's results will play out in the market. However, I think it's safe to say that whatever happens will undoubtedly have major implications for investors. I would look past whether the S&P 500 moves up or down in the coming days and pay attention to how Treasury yields respond. I think that will tell you much more.
Amazon (AMZN +2.20%), the world's largest e-commerce and cloud infrastructure company, has delivered an impressive 534% gain over the past ten years. But does its stock still have more upside potential over the next decade?
What are Amazon's biggest catalysts?
Amazon generates most of its revenue from its e-commerce business, but its cloud platform, Amazon Web Services (AWS), brings in most of its operating profits.
Image source: Getty Images.
Over the past ten years, AWS' annual revenue jumped from $7.9 billion to $128.8 billion, while its operating margin expanded from 19.2% to 35.4%. AWS' surging profits enabled Amazon to expand its Prime ecosystem with more discounts, hardware devices, streaming media services, and other loss-leading strategies. It's already locked in more than 200 million Prime subscribers worldwide, which gives it a wide moat against other online and brick-and-mortar retailers.
AWS already hosts tens of millions of websites and apps, and it's helping its developers build and train new generative AI apps on platforms like Bedrock and SageMaker. Amazon has also been producing its own first-party AI accelerators, and it owns nearly a fifth of Anthropic -- the rapidly growing AI company that plans to go public by the end of 2026.
All of those AI catalysts for AWS -- along with the expansion of its e-commerce business into higher-growth overseas markets and the growth of its higher-margin advertising business -- could drive its earnings growth over the next decade.
AMZN Amazon$245.63+$5.28 (+2.20%)
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/02/26
What are Amazon's biggest challenges?
Amazon's growth rates are impressive, but its expansion will be costly. It expects its capex to reach $220 billion in 2026 (up from $131.8 billion in 2025) and to rise further in 2027. That increased spending -- and competition from other hyperscalers -- could compress AWS' margins. That pressure could also make it tougher for Amazon to expand its lower-margin retail business.
Rising interest rates will make it more expensive for Amazon to expand its AI infrastructure, reduce the market's demand for its cloud services, and compress its valuation. Inflation, which has been exacerbated by the Iran war and the Trump Administration's unpredictable tariffs, could also throttle the growth of its retail business (including Whole Foods).
Is Amazon a stock to buy, hold, or avoid?
I initially invested in Amazon in early 2016, and I only sold a quarter of my position after the stock quadrupled from my average purchase price. I've been holding the rest since then, and I don't plan to sell my shares because it's still one of the easiest ways to stay invested in the booming e-commerce, cloud, AI, and digital advertising markets.
If Amazon matches analysts' estimates through 2028, grows its EPS at a 15% CAGR through 2036, and trades at 25 times its current year's earnings, its stock would more than quadruple to nearly $1,120 over the next decade. That ride could be bumpy, but I plan to stick with Amazon -- even though it's already my top position and accounts for nearly 10% of my portfolio -- for the foreseeable future.
SummaryAmazon.com, Inc. is strengthening its competitive moat despite market concerns over aggressive AI CapEx and potentially delayed free cash flow margins recovery.AWS backlog has surged to $580B, with management targeting a $1T revenue run rate, justifying continued heavy investment, despite negative optics.CapEx is projected to reach $327B by FY2028, with robust advertising and ecosystem levers expected to support earnings during this investment cycle.AMZN is surprisingly trading near one-year valuation lows, although price action suggests that fears have been overstated.AMZN stock is still seeing robust buying support close to the $225 level, underscoring the conviction in its ability to monetize AI over the long term.Looking for a helping hand in the market? Members of Ultimate Growth Investing get exclusive ideas and guidance to navigate any climate. Learn More » 4kodiak/iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
AWS Is Aiming to Be a $1 Trillion Behemoth. Don't Blink Now Even e-commerce behemoth Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) is coming under renewed pressure lately, alongside the rest of its technology peers who have been
49.94K Followers
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AMZN, META, GOOGL, NVDA, MSFT either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
SummaryAmazon.com, Inc.'s AWS is projected to grow north of 40% annually through 2028, targeting a $1 trillion run rate in 5–10 years, underpinned by custom AI silicon and cloud leadership.Retail growth has slowed, but AWS and significant AI investments (Anthropic, OpenAI) provide strategic and financial upside, despite rising capex and debt.Key AMZN risks include heavy capital requirements, AI demand cyclicality, and agentic AI potentially eroding high-margin advertising revenue. krblokhin/iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Introduction Per my August article, Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) has a history of making great capital allocation decisions. We now have the Q3 '26 numbers and retail growth has slowed. AWS, however, is growing nicely
5.5K Followers
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AMZN, AAPL, ALAB, ASML, BABA, GOOG, GOOGL, META, MSFT, NFLX, NVDA, SHOP, TCEHY, TSLA, TSM, VOO either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Disclaimer: Any material in this article should not be relied on as a formal investment recommendation. Never buy a stock without doing your own thorough research.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Can Western dominance in cloud and commerce outperform Eastern scale and a cheaper valuation? Choosing between Amazon.com (AMZN +2.20%) and Alibaba (BABA +3.53%) requires weighing domestic growth against international expansion.
Amazon focuses on logistics and cloud infrastructure to serve global consumers and enterprises. Alibaba leverages its vast ecosystem in China and emerging markets to facilitate trade and cloud services. Investors often compare them as the primary titans of their respective regions, each offering unique paths to long-term growth.
The case for Amazon.comAmazon operates a massive logistics network and online marketplace, serving millions of global consumers through its dominance among retail stocks and cloud services. Its revenue comes from online retail, third-party seller services, advertising, cloud infrastructure, and Prime subscriptions, providing several sources of growth across consumer and enterprise markets.
In FY 2025, Amazon generated $716.9 billion in revenue, an increase of 12.4% year over year. Net income reached $77.7 billion, resulting in a profit margin of approximately 10.8%. Growth was supported by its retail operations and Amazon Web Services (AWS), which reported a 20% increase in annual sales as demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure continued to expand.
Amazon ended 2025 with a current ratio of approximately 1.1x and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.4x when including lease liabilities. Free cash flow totaled $11.2 billion, down from $38.2 billion in 2024, as the company substantially increased capital spending on AI infrastructure. While these investments are weighing on near-term cash generation, they could strengthen Amazon's long-term position in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
The case for AlibabaAlibaba operates one of China's largest e-commerce and cloud computing platforms, serving consumers and businesses through Taobao, Tmall, and Alibaba Cloud. The company also maintains a growing international presence through platforms such as AliExpress, Lazada, and Alibaba.com, providing exposure to online retail, digital services, and enterprise technology markets.
In FY 2026, Alibaba generated $148.4 billion in revenue, an increase of 2.7% year over year. However, excluding businesses sold during the year, revenue increased approximately 11%, reflecting stronger growth across its continuing operations. Net income reached $14.8 billion, down approximately 19% from the prior year, resulting in a profit margin of 10%. The results highlight Alibaba's continued business expansion alongside pressure on profitability.
Alibaba ended fiscal 2026 with a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.25x, excluding lease liabilities, and a current ratio of 1.3x. Free cash flow was negative $6.8 billion, compared with positive $10.7 billion the previous year, as the company significantly increased investments in AI and cloud computing infrastructure. While these expenditures could support future growth, they have placed considerable pressure on near-term cash generation.
Risk profile comparisonAmazon.com faces intense global competition from other technology giants in the retail and cloud sectors. Regulatory scrutiny regarding monopolization and data privacy remains a significant concern for the business. Additionally, the company manages operational risks related to its massive fulfillment network and potential liabilities from fraudulent activities by third-party sellers on its marketplace.
Alibaba operates in a complex regulatory environment that impacts its core e-commerce and cloud computing segments. The company must navigate intense competition from domestic rivals and shifting consumer habits within the Chinese market. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions and changes in international trade policy can affect its ability to expand successfully into other global markets over the next few years.
Valuation comparisonAlibaba appears cheaper, carrying a lower Forward P/E based on future earnings estimates and a lower P/S ratio based on sales over the past twelve months.
MetricAmazon.comAlibabaForward P/E18.7x14.8xP/S ratio3.3x1.6xValuation metrics include sourcing from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy for 2027?Alibaba looks particularly attractive from a valuation standpoint. Trading at 14.8 times forward earnings and 1.6 times sales, the company is considerably cheaper than Amazon, which trades at 18.7 times forward earnings and 3.3 times sales. Alibaba also has significant growth potential as it expands its cloud computing business and invests heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure. However, intense competition in China, regulatory uncertainty, and pressure on profitability remain important considerations.
Amazon commands a premium, but that valuation appears justified by its stronger financial performance. Revenue increased 12.4% in 2025, compared with Alibaba's 2.7% growth, while AWS continues to benefit from accelerating demand for cloud computing and AI services. Both companies are spending heavily on infrastructure, but Amazon's stronger revenue momentum and more diversified business provide greater confidence in its ability to generate long-term returns.
For investors heading into 2027, Amazon looks like the better buy. Alibaba offers an appealing valuation and potentially greater upside if its growth accelerates, but Amazon's established competitive advantages, stronger earnings momentum, and exposure to the AI investment cycle make it the more compelling holding.
Jed Ellerbroek expects to see decelerating earnings growth for the AI trade as stocks across the board get pummeled. However, that's not to say Jed doesn't see strengths in tech.
Information in Investor’s Business Daily is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, recommendation, solicitation, or rating to buy or sell securities. The information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no guarantee as to its accuracy, timeliness, or suitability, including with respect to information that appears in closed captioning. Historical investment performances are no indication or guarantee of future success or performance. Authors/presenters may own the stocks they discuss. We make no representations or warranties regarding the advisability of investing in any particular securities or utilizing any specific investment strategies. Information is subject to change without notice. For information on use of our services, please see our Terms of Use.
*Real-time prices by Nasdaq Last Sale. Real-time quote and/or trade prices are not sourced from all markets. Ownership data provided by LSEG and Estimate data provided by FactSet.
IBD, IBD Digital, IBD Live, IBD Weekly, Investor's Business Daily, Leaderboard, MarketDiem, MarketSurge and other marks are trademarks owned by Investor's Business Daily, LLC.
AMD guided for about $13 billion of third-quarter revenue, and Wall Street expects almost exactly that. Its new Helios AI systems began shipping in September, so the fourth-quarter outlook will show how fast the ramp is going.
San Francisco, California--(Newsfile Corp. - November 2, 2026) - On October 14, 2026, Senator Elizabeth Warren (Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee) issued a statement reacting to Bank of America's (NYSE: BAC) resolution of serious enforcement actions, calling it a "slap on the wrist" fine considering the seriousness of the bank's violations. On October 29, 2026, CNBC reported that the Senator is urging the Justice Department to launch a criminal investigation into the bank and its executives after the bank admitted it willfully violated federal anti-money-laundering laws.
While Walmart launches its holiday giving campaign with a $1 million match for military families, a separate federal action is putting far more money back into shoppers' pockets, and the math between the two tells a complicated story about the…
Walmart (NASDAQ:WMT | WMT Price Prediction) launched its holiday giving drive this morning. From November 2 to November 30, shoppers on Walmart.com and the Walmart app can round up their checkout totals for Operation Homefront, which supports military and veteran families. Walmart will match those donations 2:1, up to $1 million.
“Giving back is one of the greatest holiday traditions, and that’s what A Season to Spark Good is all about,” said Erin Hogue, Senior Director at Walmart.
This is the fourth consecutive year of the partnership. Walmart says the round-up program has raised more than $7.9 million for the nonprofit since 2023. Operation Homefront CEO Alan Reyes said, “We are deeply grateful for four years of continued support through Spark Good.”
Refund Checks Tied to Walmart Money Counters Are Arriving Now On October 15, the FTC announced it is mailing more than $9.8 million to consumers harmed by Walmart’s alleged failure to stop scammers who took hundreds of millions of dollars from U.S. consumers through its wire transfer services. Walmart settled the charges in June 2025, agreeing to pay $10 million, Fox6 News reported. The FTC’s case centers on whether Walmart properly warned customers, trained employees and secured its in-store transfer services against outside fraudsters.
USA Today reported that consumers who completed an eligible transfer between January 2015 and December 2024 could receive a check and should cash it within 90 days of receipt. Anyone who wired money at a Walmart counter in that window should check their mail.
The refund pool is 9.8 times the match Walmart is advertising, and it tops everything the round-up program has raised for Operation Homefront since 2023.
Tariff Refunds Show Who Collects the Big Government Checks Walmart is also receiving money from Washington. On the August earnings call, CFO John David Rainey said the company was eligible for “approximately $2.9 billion of tariff refunds” and added:
“We’ve taken a disciplined approach to investing these funds back into customer experience and price leadership.”
Peers recorded similar gains. Target (NYSE:TGT) recognized a $994 million pretax tariff refund worth $1.65 per share. Costco (NASDAQ:COST) reported a $0.15 per diluted share benefit, partly reinvested in member values. Target CEO Michael Fiddelke pointed to price cuts:
“Over the past year, we’ve reduced prices on more than 10,000 frequently purchased items as part of our commitment to delivering outstanding value every day.”
Walmart CEO John Furner framed price as a trust issue: “Having the best prices across a basket of goods helps us continue to build trust with our customers and members.”
Walmart’s Scale Shrinks the $1 Million Match Walmart posted fiscal 2026 revenue of $713 billion and serves roughly 280 million customers weekly. The match cap equals about 0.00014% of that revenue. Its market cap of roughly $1.013 trillion exceeds Costco’s $460.6 billion and Target’s $71.7 billion.
Investors are paying up. Shares trade at $127.30, up 22.5% in the past month and 25.57% over a year, at roughly 45 times earnings. The next test is third-quarter guidance for adjusted EPS of $0.62-$0.64, along with whether this year’s round-up total moves past prior efforts.
Data Sources Walmart and Operation Homefront release: campaign dates, match terms, fundraising history, executive quotes and company scale. Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
Amazon.com (AMZN +2.20%), a global e-commerce, cloud infrastructure, and digital advertising platform, closed at $245.63, up 2.20%. Phillip Securities upgraded the stock to "buy" and raised its price target, while investors are watching demand for AWS (Amazon Web Services) and AI spending.
Trading volume reached 57.7 million shares, coming in about 51% above its three-month average of 38.3 million shares. Amazon IPO'd in 1997 and has grown 250,755% since going public.
How the markets moved todayThe S&P 500 (^GSPC -0.51%) closed at 7,542, down 0.50%, while the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC -1.07%) finished at 25,164, down 1.07%. Among internet retail, digital advertising, and logistics services peers, Walmart closed at $127.69, up 3.38%, and Costco Wholesale closed at $1,040.55, up 2.79%, underscoring a mixed retail backdrop.
What this means for investorsOn Monday, Amazon regained positive momentum after the stock slid following the online retail and cloud services giant's earnings report last week. Phillip Securities is one Wall Street firm that said to buy that dip. Analyst Helena Wang raised her rating after boosting fiscal 2027 revenue estimates. She also raised her firm's price target by $10 to $330 per share.
The firm focused on the strength of Amazon's cloud demand, which was highlighted in the company's earnings report last week. AWS segment sales jumped 39% year over year to $46 billion, marking the fastest pace of growth in nearly five years. Operating income also surged 61%, amid a growing backlog.
AI-related capital spending and cash outflows led to an initial negative reaction, but investors were buying that dip today.
Howard Smith has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Costco Wholesale, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Nov 2 (Reuters) - Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), opens new tab CEO Ed Bastian said on Monday that Heathrow Airport's decision to move the US carrier's operations to Terminal 4 from a terminal shared with Virgin Atlantic was "deeply disappointing and bad for airline consumers".
Here are some more details:
Sign up here.
Delta said in a statement on Monday it would pursue all available remedies to correct the decision and urged UK's Heathrow to reconsider
Bastian criticized the move as "short-sighted"
He added that Delta and Virgin Atlantic had served millions of customers through their co-located operation in Terminal 3 for more than a decade
Delta and Virgin Atlantic provide UK travelers with a valuable competitive alternative across the Atlantic, Bastian said
"Separating our operation undermines years of investment and disregards the tightly integrated customer benefits that we offer in our co-located terminal"
Reporting by Anshuman Tripathy in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
SummaryINTC sold-off by ~47% in just 6 months, which I warned about in my strong sell and sell articles.INTC's valuation is still stretched relative to modest 20.9% sales growth and weak forward guidance.Competitive positioning lags peers like MRVL, TSM, and NVDA, with INTC's operating margins and growth rates underwhelming.Further upside requires either a much lower valuation or stronger financial growth.I warned you to get out of INTC before it sold-off. Now I recommend staying away, because the turnaround is unlikely. JHVEPhoto/iStock Editorial via Getty Images
There was a time when I used to like Intel Corporation (INTC) very much. I even wrote an article titled 'Intel: The Night Looks The Darkest Before The Dawn.' I rated it a buy, and I'm looking at
5.92K Followers
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NVDA, MU, MRVL either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
The information, opinions, and thoughts included in this article do not constitute an investment recommendation or any form of investment advice.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
AI’s meltdown week… Luke Lango’s take on the selloff… data centers are on tomorrow’s ballot… so is the drone budget… Luke’s Pennsylvania Plan
Friday put an exclamation point on a brutal month for the AI trade.
By the closing bell, the Nasdaq had fallen 2.9% on the day while the S&P 500 had lost 1.8% and the Dow had dropped 1%. Chip stocks took the brunt of it, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) sinking more than 7%.
For October, the Nasdaq fell roughly 5.2% – its worst month since March 2025 – while the SOX did far worse, dropping more than 15%.
Two earnings reports did most of Friday’s damage…
Intel Corp. (INTC) was the biggest casualty, plunging nearly 29% – its steepest one-day drop on record – after forecasting fourth-quarter revenue of $15 billion to $16 billion, well short of the roughly $17 billion Wall Street expected. CEO Lip-Bu Tan said customers were “signaling a PC slowdown” tied to memory prices and availability.
Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) fell too, though its story is more nuanced. Its cloud business, AWS, grew 39% to $46 billion, which is hardly a sign of weak AI demand. But Amazon spent $77.3 billion on capital expenditures in the quarter, more than double the $35 billion it spent a year earlier. Over the past 12 months, that spending has pushed Amazon’s free cash flow more than $42 billion into the red – a record.
That number gets at what’s really spooking investors…
Friday’s losses piled onto an already brutal stretch. Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) shed nearly $500 billion in market value after its earnings report earlier in the week, one of the largest single-day wipeouts in stock market history.
Alphabet and Meta Platforms Inc. (META) now sit more than 20% below their highs, which puts both in bear-market territory.
The fear isn’t that AI is failing. It’s that the bill is coming due. JPMorgan estimates that the tech giants will spend roughly $900 billion on AI this year, and investors are increasingly asking when – or whether – that spending will produce a return worth the price.
So, how should AI investors read this?
Is this the beginning of the end for the AI trade, or a gift for patient investors?
Our technology expert Luke Lango, editor of Early Stage Investor, spent the past few days digging through the hyperscalers’ earnings line by line – and while he doesn’t dismiss the bear case, that’s not where he ends.
Here he is from Friday’s Daily Notes:
We get why that story is spooking people. Parts of it are even true…
[But] the AI trade isn’t broken. It’s between paychecks. The spending is front-loaded, the payoff is back-loaded, and the gap between the two is about to start closing, sooner than most people think.
The key question is whether all that spending earns a return. Luke ran the rough math on each new dollar of AI spending, measured against a cost of capital of roughly 9% to 10%. Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) is earning about 19%, Alphabet about 12%, Amazon about 9% to 10%, and Meta about 8%.
In other words, it’s an uneven story. Back to Luke:
Companies that sell compute are expanding margins, while companies that use it internally are lagging for now.
And the companies selling compute have customers lined up. Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are sitting on roughly $1.8 trillion of contracted cloud backlog between them. AWS growth accelerated for a sixth straight quarter, to its fastest pace in about five years. That isn’t the hyperscalers spending money. It’s customers signing up to pay them.
Luke is also upfront about where the real risk lies:
The bigger uncertainty is 2028, when slower hyperscaler spending growth leaves suppliers more dependent on buyers exposed to tighter financing.
As for Amazon, Luke thinks Wall Street is reading too much into one quarter. Part of the weakness was simple timing.
For example, moving Prime Day into the second quarter knocked about 850 basis points off third-quarter ad growth, and management expects ads to bounce back to high-teens growth as soon as this quarter. And for all the worry about Amazon’s borrowing, it covers its interest costs about 16 times over.
To be clear, Luke isn’t calling a bottom, but his big-picture takeaway is clear:
The market is grading a decade-long build-out on one noisy quarter at peak spending, and that’s short-sighted. Our game plan: for long-term investors, this is a dip to buy with confidence.
The headlines say the AI boom is running out of money. The numbers say it’s about to start making a lot more of it.
Interestingly, the very first item on Luke’s catalyst calendar for the next three months is tomorrow’s midterm elections. That’s where the AI trade faces a different kind of test – one that won’t be decided on Wall Street.
Data centers are on Tuesday’s ballot
That’s not a figure of speech.
According to Ballotpedia, voters in 10 states will weigh in on at least 41 local data-center measures tomorrow. Ohio alone accounts for more than half of them – 21 measures across 18 communities – with proposals ranging from outright bans to caps on how much power a facility can draw.
We’ve already gotten a preview of how these votes can go. Earlier this year, about 88% of voters in Monterey Park, California, backed a policy prohibiting data centers. In Augusta Township, Michigan, roughly 90% voted against a rezoning that would have made room for one.
The issue has also worked its way into some of the biggest races on the map…
In Ohio’s U.S. Senate race, Democrat Sherrod Brown has run ads calling Republican Sen. Jon Husted the “face of data centers,” a reference to tax breaks Husted backed as lieutenant governor. Data centers have also become a talking point in the Texas and Pennsylvania governors’ races. In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro has already tightened the rules for approving new projects.
And this isn’t a one-party story. A Washington Post analysis of candidates’ posts found that politicians in both parties have turned significantly more negative on data centers since 2024 – with Republicans souring even more than Democrats.
The driver is the electric bill. A 2026 Reuters/Ipsos survey, cited by the Brookings Institution, found that 77% of Americans worry data centers will raise their electricity rates. Nearly two-thirds said building data centers at a rapid pace isn’t a good thing.
To be clear, a zoning vote in a small Ohio town won’t decide whether Amazon builds its next campus. But taken together, tomorrow’s results will give us the first nationwide read on how quickly public sentiment is turning against the AI buildout.
That matters more today than it would have a few months ago. As we just saw with Amazon, Big Tech is already spending far more than its operations bring in to build this infrastructure. If local resistance means slower permits, pricier power, and fewer available sites, the payback period on that spending stretches even further. And that’s exactly the question Wall Street is wrestling with right now.
The other spending boom on tomorrow’s ballot
AI isn’t the only corner of the market with a lot riding on tomorrow.
The election will also decide which party controls Congress come January. And that has major implications for a spending package that hasn’t gotten much attention from investors.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon sent Congress a $1.5 trillion budget request for fiscal 2027. Most of it would go through the normal appropriations process. But $350 billion – about 23% of the total – was earmarked for a separate budget reconciliation package.
Reconciliation lets the majority party pass spending with a simple majority, sidestepping the Senate filibuster. The catch is that it depends on party-line votes. According to Air & Space Forces Magazine, if Democrats win control of either the House or the Senate, that path effectively closes.
So, what’s in the package?
Two items stand out…
The first is the Golden Dome, the administration’s proposed missile-defense shield. The second is $53.6 billion for an office most Americans have never heard of: the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group, or DAWG – the Pentagon’s new drone-warfare unit.
That drone figure is staggering. DAWG received about $226 million in fiscal 2026. Including a small slice of base-budget funding, its fiscal 2027 request totals $54.6 billion, roughly 240 times larger.
Why is the Pentagon going all-in on drones?
I wrote about this last spring in our Investing Insider newsletter, and one comparison has stuck with me ever since.
Iran mass-produces a drone called the Shahed, which it fires in swarms. Each one costs roughly $20,000 to build.
The Patriot interceptor the U.S. fires to shoot one Shahed down costs approximately $3 million to $4 million.
The math here just isn’t sustainable. It’s like using a Ferrari to destroy a used Honda Civic – except the Civics keep coming, a thousand at a time.
The economics of warfare have flipped. Cheap, autonomous, mass-produced systems are overwhelming expensive ones, and the Pentagon is racing to catch up.
It’s also racing to restock…
Since July, the Pentagon has signed multiyear contracts worth more than $100 billion combined at their full values to replace missile stockpiles drained by conflict in the Middle East. But industry executives say Congress still hasn’t appropriated the money, which limits how fast contractors can invest in new capacity.
What happens if the package stalls?
It wouldn’t reverse the shift. But it could change the speed – and who ends up paying for it.
Defense analysts have long viewed the post-election “lame duck” session as the likeliest window to pass the package. Tomorrow’s results will tell us whether that window is a starting point or a last chance. And even if reconciliation fails, Pentagon leadership has signaled it may cut expensive legacy programs to fund low-cost autonomous weapons anyway.
And this brings us back to Luke…
He believes America is entering its biggest military buildup since World War II. And he argues that government spending is only part of the story.
He points to a recent gathering organized by Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania that brought together Wall Street heavyweights, defense leaders, government officials, and emerging technology companies. Luke calls the public-private effort coming out of it the “Pennsylvania Plan” – and he believes it could accelerate the rebuilding of America’s arsenal regardless of how any single budget fight plays out.
Luke has just wrapped up a research project on this rearmament boom – including the five companies he believes are best positioned to profit across its three phases. He’s put everything together in a new video presentation, which you can watch right here, free of charge.
Wrapping up
Tomorrow isn’t just a political event – it’s a market event.
For AI, it’s a referendum on how much patience voters have for the buildout. For defense, it could decide how quickly hundreds of billions of dollars start flowing – and Luke’s new presentation explains where he believes that money is headed.
Elizabeth Warren is pushing to dismantle UnitedHealth Group just as a nonprofit investor education group moves in the opposite direction, naming the embattled insurer its top undervalued pick for early 2027. The timing raises a question every UNH shareholder needs…
Senator Elizabeth Warren opened November by targeting UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH | UNH Price Prediction) again. In a Sunday post on X, she went after the company’s purchase of Amedisys:
“Now Trump’s DOJ let them buy home health and hospice giant Amedisys for $3.3 BILLION”
She argued that the deal hands the company “MORE power to raise costs and deny care” and ended with a demand: “We need to break up Big Medicine.”
That framing is Warren’s own. Benzinga reported that the Justice Department sued to block the deal in November 2024, reached a proposed settlement in August 2025, and won court approval in December 2025. The settlement required the sale of 164 home health and hospice locations in 19 states.
Nonprofit Puts UnitedHealth in Front of Members Right Now
On November 2, 2026, BetterInvesting named UnitedHealth its “Undervalued Stock” for the January February 2027 issue of its magazine, with Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) as its “Stock to Study.” The BetterInvesting release makes no mention of Warren. It says the picks are:
“for the informational and educational uses of investors” and “are not to be considered as endorsed or recommended for purchase by NAIC/BetterInvesting.”
The pick lands with the stock in an awkward spot. Shares traded at $399.90 this afternoon, down 1.74% on the day and 4.35% over the week. They are still up 23.51% this year but down 4.92% over five years.
Earnings Rebound Drives the Valuation Case
Third-quarter adjusted EPS came in at $4.69, ahead of the $4.15 estimate. The medical care ratio improved to 88.4% from 89.9%, a figure that includes $610M of favorable reserve development. Management raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to at least $20.50, which puts the stock at about 20x this year’s earnings. The CFO also pointed past 2026:
“We would offer that current analyst consensus for 2027 may understate the opportunity ahead, and we see the lower end of our long-term 13%-16% growth rate as a more reasonable starting point.”
Integration Sits at the Center of the Breakup Fight
Warren’s target is the same structure management says drives its results. Chief executive Stephen Hemsley said the company serves healthcare “as one enterprise and one leadership team.” An Optum executive put it more bluntly: “Integrated value-based care means just that: integrated.” Optum Health operating earnings rose to $735M from $41M, and more than 50% of Optum Rx membership now comes from outside UnitedHealthcare.
The peers show why diversification matters. Humana (NYSE:HUM), the Medicare pure-play, posted a second-quarter insurance benefit ratio of 91.2%. Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV) reported a 89.7% benefit expense ratio and a Health Benefits operating margin of just 2.1%. UnitedHealth’s insurance business is also shrinking: Medicare Advantage membership has fallen by 935,000 since year-end 2025.
Pending Legislation Investors Need to Track Now
Warren co-sponsored the Patients Before Monopolies Act (S. 4509) with Senator Josh Hawley. The bill would bar PBMs and pharmacies from common ownership and force divestitures within a year. UnitedHealth’s filings already flag “DOJ legal actions concerning participation in the Medicare program” every quarter. The company has also committed to passing through 100% of drug rebates by January 1, 2028. Investors should keep an eye on whether either breakup bill gains support and whether fourth-quarter margins hold without help from reserve releases.
Data Sources
BetterInvesting Magazine release: the Undervalued Stock and Stock to Study picks, the issue date, and the educational disclaimer.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE: IIPR) ("IIP" or the "Company") announced today results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. Executive Chairman Remarks “We are pleased to report strong earnings with our AFFO per share up 7% compared to the second quarter, and are encouraged by the continued leasing momentum across our portfolio, reflecting our team's ongoing efforts to re-lease properties,” said Alan Gold, Executive Chairman of IIP. “At the sa.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) today announced that Chris Nelson, President & CEO, will speak at Baird's 2026 Global Industrial Conference on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM CT (1:00 PM ET).
The live webcast will be available in the "Events" section of the Stanley Black & Decker Investors website at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/investors. A replay of the webcast will be provided on the website and will be available for 30 days.
About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company's approximately 41,000 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company's world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) today unveiled the next evolution of its brand and creative ecosystem, appointing Anomaly as strategic brand transformation partner, naming Highdive lead creative advertising agency and advancing AI-enabled creative production through its in-house T-Studios. The investments build on years of category-defining creative and marketing with partners that have helped make T-Mobile one of America's most distinctive brands. As the company's amb.
OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) today reported results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, which ended Sept.
The maker of cleaning products and other household goods said it now expects full-year adjusted earnings per share at the lower end of its guidance range of $5.70 to $6.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Realty Income Corporation (Realty Income, NYSE: O), The Monthly Dividend Company®, today announced operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026. All per share amounts presented in this press release are on a diluted per common share basis unless stated otherwise.
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS:
For the three months ended September 30, 2026:
Net income available to common stockholders was $403.9 million, or $0.43 per shareAdjusted Funds from Operations ("AFFO") increased 3.7% to $1.12 per share, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2025Invested $2.6 billion; our Pro-Rata Share was $2.2 billion at an Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield of 6.8%Net Debt to Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre was 5.4xAchieved a Rent Recapture Rate of 103.5% on properties re-leasedExpanded our private capital platform into Europe through a strategic joint venture with KKR, supported by an initial €528.0 million investmentIssued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.750% convertible senior notes due August 2031CEO Comments
"We delivered another quarter of strong operating performance, reflecting the resilience of Realty Income's business model, the quality of our portfolio, and the consistent execution of our team," said Sumit Roy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Realty Income. "As a result, we are raising our 2026 AFFO per share guidance to $4.45–$4.46 while reaffirming our $10.0 billion investment volume target, which is supported by a well-funded balance sheet."
"We have deliberately expanded our sources of capital and global investment capabilities, positioning us to prudently allocate capital. This quarter, we funded investments at a realized leverage-neutral spread of approximately 170 basis points and have fully prefunded our equity needs for the remainder of the year. As economic and cost of capital volatility persists, we remain focused on capital allocation while staying true to our ethos of delivering reliable, income-oriented returns for our investors."
Select Financial Results
The following summarizes our select financial results (dollars in millions, except per share data):
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Total revenue
$ 1,621.6
$ 1,470.6
$ 4,718.0
$ 4,261.4
Net income available to common stockholders(1)
$ 403.9
$ 315.8
$ 1,059.7
$ 762.5
Net income per share
$ 0.43
$ 0.35
$ 1.13
$ 0.84
Funds from operations available to common stockholders (FFO)(2)
$ 1,041.0
$ 981.1
$ 3,031.2
$ 2,874.5
FFO per share
$ 1.10
$ 1.07
$ 3.23
$ 3.18
Normalized FFO(2)
$ 1,043.7
$ 994.4
$ 3,046.8
$ 2,888.4
Normalized FFO per share
$ 1.10
$ 1.09
$ 3.25
$ 3.19
AFFO(2)
$ 1,061.1
$ 992.0
$ 3,140.8
$ 2,889.2
AFFO per share
$ 1.12
$ 1.08
$ 3.35
$ 3.19
(1)
The calculation to determine net income available to common stockholders includes provisions for impairment of real estate, provisions for credit losses on loans and financing receivables, gain on sales of real estate, and foreign currency gain and loss. These items can vary from quarter to quarter and can significantly impact net income available to common stockholders and period-to-period comparisons.
(2)
FFO, Normalized FFO, and AFFO are non-GAAP financial measures. Normalized FFO is based on FFO and adjusted to exclude merger, transaction, and other costs, net and AFFO further adjusts Normalized FFO for unique revenue and expense items. Please see the Glossary for our definitions and explanations of how we utilize these metrics. Please see pages 10 and 11 herein for reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Dividend Increase
In September 2026, we announced the 116th consecutive quarterly dividend increase, which is the 136th increase since our listing on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") in 1994. The annualized dividend amount as of September 30, 2026 was $3.258 per share. The amount of monthly dividends paid per share increased 0.7% to $0.813 in the three months ended September 30, 2026, as compared to $0.807 during the three months ended September 30, 2025, representing 72.6% of our diluted AFFO per share of $1.12 during the three months ended September 30, 2026.
Real Estate Portfolio Update
As of September 30, 2026, we owned or held interests in 15,536 properties, which were leased to 1,842 clients doing business in 96 industries. Our diversified portfolio of commercial properties under long-term, net lease agreements is actively managed with a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 8.5 years. Our portfolio of commercial real estate has historically provided dependable rental revenue supporting the payment of monthly dividends. As of September 30, 2026, portfolio occupancy was 98.8% with 182 properties available for lease or sale, as compared to 98.8% as of June 30, 2026 and 98.7% as of September 30, 2025. Our property-level occupancy rates exclude properties with ancillary leases only, such as cell towers and billboards, and properties with possession pending, and include properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures. The following summarizes our portfolio activity for the periods indicated below:
Changes in Occupancy
Three months ended September 30, 2026
Properties available for lease as of June 30, 2026
188
Lease expirations(1)
274
Re-leases to same client
(213)
Re-leases to new client
(9)
Vacant dispositions
(58)
Properties available for lease as of September 30, 2026
182
Nine months ended September 30, 2026
Properties available for lease as of December 31, 2025
173
Lease expirations(1)
1,074
Re-leases to same client
(818)
Re-leases to new client
(66)
Vacant dispositions
(181)
Properties available for lease as of September 30, 2026
182
(1)
Includes scheduled and unscheduled expirations (including leases rejected in bankruptcy), as well as future expirations resolved in the periods indicated above.
During the three months ended September 30, 2026, the new Annualized Base Rent on re-leased units was $67.6 million, as compared to the previous annual rent of $65.3 million on the same units, representing a Rent Recapture Rate of 103.5% on the re-leased units.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2026, the new Annualized Base Rent on re-leased units was $251.1 million, as compared to the previous annual rent of $243.5 million on the same units, representing a Rent Recapture Rate of 103.1% on the re-leased units. Please see the Glossary for our definitions of Annualized Base Rent and Rent Recapture Rate.
Investment Summary
The following table summarizes our investments for the periods indicated below (dollars in millions):
Three months ended September 30, 2026
Nine months ended September 30, 2026
Investment
Pro-Rata
Share(1)
Weighted
Average
Term
(Years)(1)
Number of
Properties
Investment
Pro-Rata
Share(1)
Weighted
Average
Term
(Years)(1)
Number of
Properties
Real estate acquisitions
U.S. wholly-owned
$ 780.1
$ 780.1
9.3
83
$ 2,039.8
$ 2,039.8
10.1
218
U.S. Core Plus Fund
417.8
98.5
8.6
18
1,261.7
344.5
10.7
76
Europe wholly-owned
721.0
721.0
8.2
17
1,721.0
1,721.0
7.4
64
Non-wholly owned(2)
240.8
240.8
13.6
1
520.9
479.3
13.8
7
Total real estate acquisitions(3)
$ 2,159.7
$ 1,840.4
9.3
119
$ 5,543.4
$ 4,584.6
9.4
365
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield(4)
6.6 %
6.5 %
Real estate properties under development
U.S. wholly-owned
$ 29.7
$ 29.7
16.9
27
$ 104.2
$ 104.2
17.0
31
Europe wholly-owned
51.3
51.3
14.7
20
102.6
102.6
14.3
20
Non-wholly owned(2)
64.2
62.7
8.9
16
229.6
226.8
8.7
16
Total real estate development(3)
$ 145.2
$ 143.7
12.5
63
$ 436.4
$ 433.6
12.0
67
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield(4)
7.2 %
7.4 %
Credit investments(5)
U.S. wholly-owned
$ 88.3
$ 88.3
5.8
—
$ 1,321.4
$ 1,321.4
3.9
—
U.S. Core Plus Fund
20.0
4.7
6.0
—
20.0
4.7
6.0
—
Europe wholly-owned
134.4
134.4
2.8
—
479.5
479.5
3.3
—
Other wholly-owned
18.8
18.8
1.4
—
100.8
100.8
1.8
—
Total credit investments
$ 261.5
$ 246.2
3.9
—
$ 1,921.7
$ 1,906.4
3.7
—
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield(4)
7.9 %
8.3 %
Total investments
$ 2,566.4
$ 2,230.3
8.9
182
$ 7,901.5
$ 6,924.6
7.7
432
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield(4)
6.8 %
7.1 %
Supplementary Information(1):
Three months ended
September 30, 2026
Nine months ended
September 30, 2026
Total U.S. and other volume
$ 1,290.2
$ 4,301.6
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield(4) - U.S. and other
6.5 %
7.1 %
Total Europe volume
$ 940.1
$ 2,623.0
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield(4) - Europe
7.1 %
7.0 %
Investment Grade Clients(6)
53 %
44 %
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield(4) - U.S. Core Plus Fund
6.1 %
5.9 %
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield(4) - U.S. wholly-owned
6.6 %
7.2 %
(1)
Reflects adjustments for our Pro-Rata Share based on our proportionate economic ownership of our joint ventures (which adds our economic ownership percentage of unconsolidated entities and deducts noncontrolling interests). Please see the Glossary for our definition of Pro-Rata Share.
(2)
Non-wholly owned represents U.S. and European investments not 100% owned by Realty Income, excluding the U.S. Core Plus Fund.
(3)
For the three months ended September 30, 2026, the new properties are 31.0% retail, 57.3% industrial, and 11.7% data center property types based on Cash Income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2026, the new properties are 42.6% retail, 51.6% industrial, and 5.8% data center property types based on Cash Income. Starting in the third quarter of 2026, data centers are reported as a separate property type; year-to-date investment activity has been recast to conform to current presentation. Please see the Glossary for our definition of Cash Income.
(4)
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield is a supplemental operating measure. Cash Income used in the calculation of Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield for investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 includes $0.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively, received as settlement credits as the reimbursement of free rent periods. Please see the Glossary for our definitions of these metrics.
(5)
Represents various loan investments across the U.S., Europe, and Mexico, as well as a preferred equity investment held by the U.S. Core Plus Fund.
(6)
Represents approximate percentage of annualized cash income generated by investments from Investment Grade Clients at the date of investment. Please see the Glossary for our definition of Investment Grade Clients.
Same Store Rental Revenue
The following summarizes our Same Store Rental Revenue for 14,443 properties under lease for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025 (dollars in millions):
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
% Increase
2026
2025
2026
2025
Three Months
Nine Months
Same Store Rental Revenue
$ 1,162.0
$ 1,149.0
$ 3,475.2
$ 3,438.7
1.1 %
1.1 %
For purposes of comparability, Same Store Rental Revenue is presented on a constant currency basis using the applicable exchange rate as of September 30, 2026. Same Store Rental Revenue also includes our Pro-Rata Share of rental revenue from properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures and amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests based on their respective ownership percentages. Please see the Glossary for our definitions of Same Store Pool and Same Store Rental Revenue.
Property Dispositions
The following summarizes our property dispositions (dollars in millions):
Three months ended September 30, 2026
Nine months ended September 30, 2026
Properties sold
182
359
Net sales proceeds
$ 526.6
$ 875.2
Gain on sales of real estate
$ 113.9
$ 187.8
Liquidity and Capital Markets
Liquidity
As of September 30, 2026, we had $5.4 billion total available liquidity at our Pro-Rata Share(1), comprised of the components summarized below (dollars in millions):
Cash and cash equivalents(2)
$ 355.8
Availability under credit facilities(3)
5,485.1
Unsettled At-the-Market ("ATM") forwards(4)
1,090.1
Less: commercial paper borrowings
(1,540.7)
Total available liquidity at our Pro-Rata Share
$ 5,390.3
(1)
Please see the Glossary for our definition of Pro-Rata Share for more information.
(2)
Reflects adjustments based on our proportionate economic ownership of our joint ventures. Calculated as cash and cash equivalents per the consolidated balance sheet of $368.5 million, plus our Pro-Rata Share of unconsolidated entities cash of $25.5 million, less adjustments allocable to noncontrolling interests of $38.2 million.
(3)
Represents our availability under the $5.5 billion revolving credit facility and our Pro-Rata Share of availability under the $1.38 billion Fund credit facility, which includes a $1.0 billion revolving facility, and a $380.0 million term loan which was fully drawn as of September 30, 2026.
(4)
As of September 30, 2026, we had outstanding forward sale agreements under our ATM program for a total of 18.5 million shares of common stock, which have been executed at a weighted average forward price of $58.97 per share (assuming full physical settlement of all outstanding shares of common stock, subject to such forward sale agreements and certain assumptions made with respect to settlement dates).
Capital Raising
During the three months ended September 30, 2026, we raised $472.5 million of proceeds from the sale of common stock at a weighted average price of $60.49 per share, primarily through the settlement of 7.8 million shares of common stock pursuant to forward sale agreements under our ATM program. As of November 2, 2026, approximately 18.5 million shares of common stock subject to ATM forward sale agreements remain unsettled, representing approximately $1.1 billion in expected net proceeds and a weighted average initial gross price of $60.61 per share. ATM net sale proceeds assume full physical settlement of all outstanding shares of common stock, subject to such forward sale agreements and certain assumptions made with respect to settlement dates.
In September 2026, we expanded our private capital platform into Europe through a strategic partnership with KKR. KKR invested €528.0 million for a 49% equity interest in a newly formed, euro-denominated joint venture comprising 54 stabilized net lease properties across four European countries.
In August 2026, we issued $1.0 billion principal amount of 3.750% convertible senior notes due August 2031 in a private offering, resulting in net proceeds of $983.2 million. We used approximately $33.2 million of the net proceeds to enter into capped call transactions with a cap price of $83.55 per share of common stock, which represented a premium of 35.0% above the closing price of our common stock of $61.89 per share on the NYSE on August 11, 2026. We also used approximately $188.7 million of the net proceeds to repurchase approximately 3.0 million shares of our common stock concurrently with the pricing of the offering.
In July 2026, we closed on the recast and expansion of our $5.5 billion multicurrency unsecured revolving credit facilities, upsized from the prior $4.0 billion capacity. In addition, we also expanded our global commercial paper programs to a total combined capacity of $5.5 billion, upsized from the prior $3.0 billion combined capacity.
In July 2026, we issued €600.0 million of 3.625% senior unsecured notes due July 2032 (the "2032 Notes"). The public offering price for the 2032 Notes was 99.518% of the principal amount for an effective annual yield to maturity of 3.716%.
Guidance
Summarized below are approximate estimates of the key components of our 2026 earnings guidance (with year-to-date 2026 actual results for comparison):
Revised 2026
Guidance
Prior 2026
Guidance(1)
YTD Actuals at
September 30, 2026
Net income per share(2)
$1.55 - $1.56
$1.59 - $1.60
$1.13
AFFO per share
$4.45 - $4.46
$4.44 - $4.45
$3.35
Same store rent growth
1.1% - 1.3%
1.1% - 1.3%
1.1 %
Occupancy
Above 98.5%
Approx 98.5%
98.8 %
Cash G&A expenses (% of total Gross Asset Value)(3)(4)
21 - 22 bps
21 - 22 bps
16 bps
Property expenses (non-reimbursable) (% of total revenue)(5)
1.3% - 1.5%
Approx 1.5%
1.3 %
Income tax expenses
$100 - $110 million
$100 - $110 million
$76 million
Investment volume (at 100%)
$10.0 billion
$10.0 billion
$7.9 billion
Lease termination income
$45 - $50 million
$45 - $50 million
$45 million
(1) As issued on August 5, 2026.
(2) Net income per share excludes future impairment and foreign currency or derivative gains or losses due to the inherent unpredictability of forecasting these items.
(3) Cash G&A represents 'General and administrative' expenses as presented in our consolidated statements of income, less share-based compensation costs.
(4) Please see the Glossary for our definition of Gross Asset Value.
(5) Total revenue excludes client reimbursements.
Summarized below is a reconciliation of estimated net income per share to estimated AFFO per share for the full year guidance:
2026 Per Share
Guidance
YTD Actuals at
September 30, 2026
Net income per share
$1.55 - $1.56
$1.13
Real estate depreciation
$2.73
$2.04
Provisions for impairment of real estate, gain on sales of real estate, and non-cash credit losses(1)
$0.14
$0.14
Straight-line rent and amortization of above and below-market leases, net
$(0.11)
$(0.09)
Amortization of deferred financing costs
$0.08
$0.06
Amortization of share-based compensation
$0.04
$0.03
Merger, transaction, and other costs, net
$0.02
$0.02
Other adjustments
$0.00
$0.02
AFFO per share
$4.45 - $4.46
$3.35
(1) Amounts represent year-to-date actual results. The company does not forecast impairment, gain on sales of real estate, and non-cash credit losses.
Conference Call Information
In conjunction with the release of our operating results, we will host a conference call on November 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PST to discuss the operating results. To access the conference call, dial (833) 816-1264 (United States) or (412) 317-5632 (International). When prompted, please ask for the Realty Income conference call.
A telephone replay of the conference call can also be accessed by calling (855) 669-9658 (United States) or (412) 317-0088 (International) and entering the conference ID 2991704. The telephone replay will be available through November 9, 2026.
A live webcast will be available in listen-only mode by clicking on the webcast link on the company's home page at www.realtyincome.com. A replay of the conference call webcast will be available approximately one hour after the conclusion of the live broadcast. No access code is required for this replay.
Supplemental Materials
Supplemental Operating and Financial Data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 is available on our corporate website at www.realtyincome.com/investors/quarterly-and-annual-results.
About Realty Income
Realty Income (NYSE: O), an S&P 500 company, is real estate partner to the world's leading companies®. Founded in 1969, we serve our clients as a full-service real estate capital provider. As of September 30, 2026, we have a portfolio of over 15,500 properties in all 50 U.S. states, the United Kingdom ("U.K."), and eight other countries in Europe. We are known as "The Monthly Dividend Company®" and have a mission to invest in people and places to deliver dependable monthly dividends that increase over time. Since our founding, we have declared 676 consecutive monthly dividends and are a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats® index for having increased our dividend for over 32 consecutive years. Additional information about the company can be found at www.realtyincome.com. Investors and others should note that we announce material financial and operational information to our investors using our investor relations website (www.realtyincome.com/investors), press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this press release, the words "estimate," "anticipate," "assume," "expect," "believe," "intend," "continue," "should," "may," "likely," "plan," "seek," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include discussions of our business, strategy, plans, and the intentions of management; joint ventures, partnerships, and portfolio including management thereof; our platform; growth and capital strategies including our private capital business, investment pipeline and intentions to acquire or dispose of properties (including geographies, timing, partners, clients and terms); re-leases, re-development and speculative development of properties and expenditures related thereto; operations and results; guidance; our share repurchase program; settlement of shares of common stock sold pursuant to forward sale confirmations under our ATM program; dividends, including the amount, timing and payments of dividends; and macroeconomic and other business trends, including interest rates and trends in the market for real estate or long-term leases of freestanding, single-client properties. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us which may cause our actual future results to differ materially from expected results. Some of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are, among others, our continued qualification as a real estate investment trust; general domestic and foreign business, economic, or financial conditions; competition; fluctuating interest and currency rates; inflation and its impact on our clients and us; access to debt and equity capital markets and other sources of funding (including the terms, structure and partners of such funding); volatility and uncertainty in the credit and financial markets; other risks inherent in real estate, private capital, credit and mezzanine investments, and joint ventures or co-investment ventures, including solvency, defaults under leases, bankruptcies, potential liability relating to environmental matters, illiquidity of real estate investments (including rights of first refusal or rights of first offer), and potential damages from natural disasters; impairments in the value of our real estate assets; volatility and changes in domestic and foreign laws and the application, enforcement or interpretation thereof (including with respect to tax laws and rates); property ownership through co-investment ventures, funds, joint ventures, partnerships and other arrangements which, among other things, may transfer or limit our control of the underlying investments; epidemics or pandemics; the loss of key personnel; the threat and outcome of any legal proceedings to which we are a party or which may occur in the future; acts of terrorism and war; the anticipated benefits from mergers, acquisitions, co-investment ventures, funds, joint ventures, partnerships and other arrangements; and those additional risks and factors discussed in our reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future plans and performance and speak only as of the date of this press release. Past operating results and performance are provided for informational purposes and are not a guarantee of future results. There can be no assurance that historical trends will continue. Actual plans and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in this press release and forecasts made in the forward-looking statements discussed in this press release may not materialize. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements or publicly release the results of any forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date these statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
REVENUE
Rental (including reimbursements)(1)
$ 1,483,799
$ 1,386,502
$ 4,351,083
$ 4,037,747
Interest income on financing receivables
32,248
32,635
96,402
97,652
Interest and dividend income on loans and preferred equity
investments
104,982
51,058
263,609
125,274
Other
553
357
6,926
762
Total revenue
1,621,582
1,470,552
4,718,020
4,261,435
EXPENSES
Depreciation and amortization
647,555
631,981
1,922,507
1,888,765
Interest
333,564
294,482
937,587
846,680
Property (including reimbursements)
122,393
106,621
351,675
320,724
General and administrative
54,315
55,039
170,805
148,412
Provisions for impairment of real estate
111,645
75,391
255,995
315,063
Provisions for credit losses on loans and financing receivables
14,212
11,581
60,573
31,861
Merger, transaction, and other costs, net
2,694
13,343
15,539
13,953
Total expenses
1,286,378
1,188,438
3,714,681
3,565,458
Gain on sales of real estate
113,865
49,107
187,767
110,210
Foreign currency and derivative loss, net
(2,513)
(2,818)
(28,357)
(9,751)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
2,927
3,080
7,800
10,706
Other income, net
6,225
10,015
28,610
24,551
Income before income taxes
455,708
341,498
1,199,159
831,693
Income taxes
(23,568)
(23,824)
(75,571)
(63,546)
Net income
432,140
317,674
1,123,588
768,147
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(28,198)
(1,903)
(63,925)
(5,642)
Net income available to common stockholders
$ 403,942
$ 315,771
$ 1,059,663
$ 762,505
Funds from operations available to common stockholders (FFO)
$ 1,041,026
$ 981,050
$ 3,031,227
$ 2,874,453
Normalized funds from operations available to common
stockholders (Normalized FFO)
$ 1,043,720
$ 994,393
$ 3,046,766
$ 2,888,406
Adjusted funds from operations available to common stockholders
(AFFO)
$ 1,061,097
$ 991,988
$ 3,140,770
$ 2,889,195
Amounts available to common stockholders per common share:
Net income per common share, basic and diluted
$ 0.43
$ 0.35
$ 1.13
$ 0.84
FFO per common share:
Basic
$ 1.10
$ 1.07
$ 3.24
$ 3.18
Diluted
$ 1.10
$ 1.07
$ 3.23
$ 3.18
Normalized FFO per common share:
Basic
$ 1.11
$ 1.09
$ 3.25
$ 3.20
Diluted
$ 1.10
$ 1.09
$ 3.25
$ 3.19
AFFO per common share:
Basic
$ 1.12
$ 1.09
$ 3.35
$ 3.20
Diluted
$ 1.12
$ 1.08
$ 3.35
$ 3.19
Cash dividends paid per common share
$ 0.8130
$ 0.8070
$ 2.4345
$ 2.4085
(1)
Includes client reimbursements of $104.9 million and $82.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively, and $293.6 million and $257.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively. Additionally, includes reserves to rental revenue, exclusive of non-cash reserves, of $2.5 million and $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively, and $13.5 million and $21.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (FFO) AND NORMALIZED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (Normalized FFO)
(in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
FFO and Normalized FFO are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the Glossary for our definitions and explanations of how we
utilize these metrics.
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Net income available to common stockholders
$ 403,942
$ 315,771
$ 1,059,663
$ 762,505
Depreciation and amortization
647,555
631,981
1,922,507
1,888,765
Depreciation of furniture, fixtures and equipment
(827)
(711)
(2,416)
(1,853)
Provisions for impairment of real estate
111,645
75,391
255,995
315,063
Gain on sales of real estate
(113,865)
(49,107)
(187,767)
(110,210)
Proportionate share of adjustments for unconsolidated entities
13,281
9,003
31,780
24,343
FFO adjustments allocable to noncontrolling interests
(20,705)
(1,278)
(48,535)
(4,160)
FFO available to common stockholders
$ 1,041,026
$ 981,050
$ 3,031,227
$ 2,874,453
FFO allocable to dilutive noncontrolling interests
2,420
2,346
6,797
7,188
Diluted FFO
$ 1,043,446
$ 983,396
$ 3,038,024
$ 2,881,641
FFO available to common stockholders
$ 1,041,026
$ 981,050
$ 3,031,227
$ 2,874,453
Merger, transaction, and other costs, net
2,694
13,343
15,539
13,953
Normalized FFO available to common stockholders
$ 1,043,720
$ 994,393
$ 3,046,766
$ 2,888,406
Normalized FFO allocable to dilutive noncontrolling interests
2,420
2,346
6,797
7,188
Diluted Normalized FFO
$ 1,046,140
$ 996,739
$ 3,053,563
$ 2,895,594
FFO per common share:
Basic
$ 1.10
$ 1.07
$ 3.24
$ 3.18
Diluted
$ 1.10
$ 1.07
$ 3.23
$ 3.18
Normalized FFO per common share:
Basic
$ 1.11
$ 1.09
$ 3.25
$ 3.20
Diluted
$ 1.10
$ 1.09
$ 3.25
$ 3.19
Distributions paid to common stockholders
$ 768,505
$ 737,859
$ 2,283,316
$ 2,177,133
FFO after distributions
$ 272,521
$ 243,191
$ 747,911
$ 697,320
Normalized FFO after distributions
$ 275,215
$ 256,534
$ 763,450
$ 711,273
Weighted average number of common shares used for FFO and
Normalized FFO:
Basic
944,261
913,949
936,219
902,935
Diluted
948,797
917,869
940,928
906,692
ADJUSTED FUNDS FROM OPERATIONS (AFFO)
(in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
AFFO is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see the Glossary for our definition and an explanation of how we utilize this metric.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no
impact on previously reported AFFO.
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Net income available to common stockholders
$ 403,942
$ 315,771
$ 1,059,663
$ 762,505
Cumulative adjustments to calculate Normalized FFO(1)
639,778
678,622
1,987,103
2,125,901
Normalized FFO available to common stockholders
1,043,720
994,393
3,046,766
2,888,406
Debt-related non-cash items:
Amortization of net debt discounts and deferred financing costs
21,656
9,001
54,133
23,532
Amortization of acquired interest rate swap value
1,531
2,251
4,592
9,517
Capital expenditures from operating properties:
Leasing costs and commissions
(2,392)
(1,754)
(5,690)
(4,619)
Recurring capital expenditures
(27)
(42)
(197)
(282)
Other non-cash items:
Provisions for credit losses on loans and financing receivables
14,212
11,581
60,573
31,861
Amortization of share-based compensation
6,461
7,719
27,112
21,728
Straight-line rent and expenses, net
(50,732)
(43,474)
(129,778)
(117,512)
Amortization of above and below-market leases, net
17,742
10,462
48,505
32,075
Deferred tax expense
—
3,829
1,718
4,138
Executive severance charge
1,473
—
3,319
—
Derivative and unrealized foreign currency loss (gain), net(2)
4,202
(1,941)
22,157
(730)
Other adjustments(3)
2,230
475
5,798
2,907
Proportionate share of adjustments for unconsolidated entities
(987)
(650)
(1,761)
(2,291)
Adjustments allocable to noncontrolling interests
2,008
138
3,523
465
AFFO available to common stockholders
$ 1,061,097
$ 991,988
$ 3,140,770
$ 2,889,195
AFFO allocable to dilutive noncontrolling interests
2,394
2,331
7,166
7,133
Diluted AFFO
$ 1,063,491
$ 994,319
$ 3,147,936
$ 2,896,328
AFFO per common share:
Basic
$ 1.12
$ 1.09
$ 3.35
$ 3.20
Diluted
$ 1.12
$ 1.08
$ 3.35
$ 3.19
Distributions paid to common stockholders
$ 768,505
$ 737,859
$ 2,283,316
$ 2,177,133
AFFO after distributions
$ 292,592
$ 254,129
$ 857,454
$ 712,062
Weighted average number of common shares used for AFFO:
Basic
944,261
913,949
936,219
902,935
Diluted
948,797
917,869
940,928
906,692
(1)
See Normalized FFO calculations on page 10 for reconciling items.
(2)
Represents non-cash foreign currency losses (gains) from remeasurement to USD and mark-to-market adjustments on investments and derivatives that are non-cash in nature.
(3)
Includes primarily obligations related to financing lease liabilities.
HISTORICAL FFO AND AFFO
(in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
For the three months ended September 30,
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
Net income available to common stockholders
$ 403,942
$ 315,771
$ 261,781
$ 233,473
$ 219,567
Depreciation and amortization, net of furniture,
fixtures and equipment
646,728
631,270
601,667
494,749
418,505
Provisions for impairment of real estate
111,645
75,391
33,151
16,808
1,650
Gain on sales of real estate
(113,865)
(49,107)
(50,563)
(7,572)
(42,883)
Proportionate share of adjustments for
unconsolidated entities
13,281
9,003
9,652
—
717
FFO adjustments allocable to noncontrolling interests
(20,705)
(1,278)
(762)
(1,312)
(402)
FFO available to common stockholders
$ 1,041,026
$ 981,050
$ 854,926
$ 736,146
$ 597,154
Merger, transaction, and other costs, net
2,694
13,343
8,610
2,884
3,746
Normalized FFO available to common stockholders
$ 1,043,720
$ 994,393
$ 863,536
$ 739,030
$ 600,900
FFO per diluted share
$ 1.10
$ 1.07
$ 0.98
$ 1.04
$ 0.97
Normalized FFO per diluted share
$ 1.10
$ 1.09
$ 0.99
$ 1.04
$ 0.97
AFFO available to common stockholders
$ 1,061,097
$ 991,988
$ 915,572
$ 721,370
$ 603,566
AFFO per diluted share
$ 1.12
$ 1.08
$ 1.05
$ 1.02
$ 0.98
Cash dividends paid per common share
$ 0.8130
$ 0.8070
$ 0.7890
$ 0.7665
$ 0.7425
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding - FFO,
Normalized FFO and AFFO
948,797
917,869
873,974
711,338
619,201
For the nine months ended September 30,
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
Net income available to common stockholders
$ 1,059,663
$ 762,505
$ 648,281
$ 653,904
$ 642,143
Depreciation and amortization, net of furniture,
fixtures and equipment
1,920,091
1,886,912
1,787,068
1,417,665
1,230,737
Provisions for impairment of real estate
255,995
315,063
208,552
59,801
16,379
Gain on sales of real estate
(187,767)
(110,210)
(92,290)
(19,675)
(93,611)
Proportionate share of adjustments for
unconsolidated entities
31,780
24,343
20,706
(465)
12,812
FFO adjustments allocable to noncontrolling interests
(48,535)
(4,160)
(2,575)
(2,808)
(1,075)
FFO available to common stockholders
$ 3,031,227
$ 2,874,453
$ 2,569,742
$ 2,108,422
$ 1,807,385
Merger, transaction, and other costs, net
15,539
13,953
105,468
4,532
12,994
Normalized FFO available to common stockholders
$ 3,046,766
$ 2,888,406
$ 2,675,210
$ 2,112,954
$ 1,820,379
FFO per diluted share
$ 3.23
$ 3.18
$ 2.99
$ 3.09
$ 2.99
Normalized FFO per diluted share
$ 3.25
$ 3.19
$ 3.11
$ 3.10
$ 3.01
AFFO available to common stockholders
$ 3,140,770
$ 2,889,195
$ 2,699,517
$ 2,043,836
$ 1,767,392
AFFO per diluted share
$ 3.35
$ 3.19
$ 3.14
$ 2.99
$ 2.92
Cash dividends paid per common share
$ 2.4345
$ 2.4085
$ 2.3350
$ 2.2830
$ 2.2230
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding - FFO,
Normalized FFO and AFFO
940,928
906,692
861,300
683,925
605,958
ADJUSTED EBITDAre
(dollars in thousands) (unaudited)
Three months ended
September 30, 2026
Net income
$ 432,140
Interest
333,564
Income taxes
23,568
Depreciation and amortization
647,555
Executive severance charge
1,473
Provisions for impairment of real estate
111,645
Provisions for credit losses on loans and financing receivables
14,212
Merger, transaction, and other costs, net
2,694
Gain on sales of real estate
(113,865)
Foreign currency and derivative loss, net
2,513
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
(2,927)
Adjusted EBITDAre(1)
$ 1,452,572
Annualized Adjusted EBITDAre(1)
$ 5,810,288
Annualized Pro Forma Adjustments
$ 32,601
Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre(1)
$ 5,842,889
Total debt per the consolidated balance sheet, excluding deferred financing costs and net discounts
$ 31,738,055
Less: Cash and cash equivalents
(368,534)
Net Debt
$ 31,369,521
Less: Expected proceeds from unsettled forward equity(2)
(1,090,080)
Net Debt - Inclusive of Unsettled ATM Forward Equity
$ 30,279,441
Net Debt/Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre(1)
5.4x
Net Debt/Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre - Inclusive of Unsettled ATM Forward Equity(1)
5.2x
(1)
Adjusted EBITDAre, Annualized Adjusted EBITDAre, Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre, Net Debt/Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre, and Net Debt/Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre - Inclusive of Unsettled ATM Forward Equity are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the Glossary for our definitions of these terms and an explanation of how we utilize these metrics.
(2)
As of September 30, 2026, we had outstanding forward sale agreements under our ATM program for a total of 18.5 million shares of common stock, which have been executed at a weighted average forward price of $58.97 per share (assuming full physical settlement of all outstanding shares of common stock, subject to such forward sale agreements and certain assumptions made with respect to settlement dates).
The Annualized Pro Forma Adjustments, which include transaction accounting adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP, consist of adjustments to incorporate Adjusted EBITDAre from investments we acquired or stabilized during the applicable quarter and Adjusted EBITDAre from investments we disposed of during the applicable quarter, giving pro forma effect to all transactions as if they occurred at the beginning of the applicable quarter. Our calculation includes all adjustments consistent with the requirements to present Adjusted EBITDAre on a pro forma basis in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. The following table summarizes our Annualized Pro Forma Adjustments related to our Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre calculation for the period indicated below (in thousands):
Three months ended
September 30, 2026
Annualized pro forma adjustments from investments acquired or stabilized
$ 80,896
Annualized pro forma adjustments from investments disposed
(48,295)
Annualized Pro Forma Adjustments
$ 32,601
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
(in thousands) (unaudited)
Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Annualized Adjusted Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the
Glossary for our definitions and an explanation of how we utilize these metrics.
Nine months ended September 30,
2026
2025
Net cash provided by operating activities
$ 2,945,560
$ 2,791,320
Changes in net working capital
172,226
62,233
Capital expenditures(1)
(87,918)
(57,716)
Distributions paid to common stockholders
(2,283,316)
(2,177,133)
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interests
(53,276)
(8,992)
Merger, transaction, and other costs, net
15,539
13,953
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
$ 708,815
$ 623,665
Annualized Adjusted Free Cash Flow
$ 945,087
$ 831,553
(1)
Excludes capital expenditures which directly generate incremental rental revenue on our leases.
Reconciliation of Same Store Rental Revenue to Rental Revenue (Including Reimbursements)
(in thousands) (unaudited)
Same Store Rental Revenue is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see the Glossary for our definition and an explanation of how we
utilize this metric.
Three months ended
September 30,
Nine months ended
September 30,
2026
2025
2026
2025
Rental revenue (including reimbursements)
$ 1,483,799
$ 1,386,502
$ 4,351,083
$ 4,037,747
Constant currency adjustment(1)
(4,156)
(4,804)
(14,007)
5,312
Straight-line rent and other non-cash adjustments
(6,293)
(7,512)
(1,928)
(7,747)
Contractually obligated reimbursements by our clients
(104,360)
(82,392)
(285,682)
(253,467)
Revenue from excluded properties(2)
(174,572)
(97,905)
(444,326)
(251,816)
Other excluded revenue(3)
(5,155)
(28,806)
(47,267)
(39,569)
Revenue from unconsolidated entities(4)
37,781
28,707
91,900
83,577
Revenue attributable to noncontrolling interests(5)
(65,038)
(44,745)
(174,613)
(135,298)
Same Store Rental Revenue
$ 1,162,006
$ 1,149,045
$ 3,475,160
$ 3,438,739
(1)
For purposes of comparability, Same Store Rental Revenue is presented on a constant currency basis using the applicable exchange rate as of September 30, 2026.
(2)
Please see the Glossary for our definitions of Same Store Pool and Same Store Rental Revenue.
(3)
"Other excluded revenue" primarily consists of reimbursements related to lease termination fees and other settlement income.
(4)
Represents our Pro-Rata Share of rental revenue from properties owned by unconsolidated joint ventures.
(5)
Represents the portion of rental revenue attributable to noncontrolling interests based on their pro-rata ownership.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
September 30, 2026
December 31, 2025
ASSETS
Real estate held for investment, at cost:
Land
$ 19,119,185
$ 18,368,029
Buildings and improvements
46,719,476
43,824,410
Total real estate held for investment, at cost
65,838,661
62,192,439
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(9,808,131)
(8,778,536)
Real estate held for investment, net
56,030,530
53,413,903
Real estate and lease intangibles held for sale, net
194,986
91,784
Cash and cash equivalents
368,534
434,842
Accounts receivable, net
1,217,817
1,053,487
Lease intangible assets, net
5,584,800
5,717,241
Goodwill
4,932,199
4,932,199
Investment in loans and financing receivables, net
5,030,205
3,271,002
Investment in unconsolidated entities
1,617,384
1,256,456
Other assets, net
2,973,959
2,624,698
Total assets
$ 77,950,414
$ 72,795,612
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Distributions payable
$ 265,518
$ 255,171
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
1,094,942
1,060,969
Lease intangible liabilities, net
1,463,929
1,493,958
Other liabilities
1,062,753
1,066,809
Revolving credit facilities and commercial paper
2,127,928
2,023,414
Term loans, net
2,772,340
1,701,615
Mortgages payable, net
36,745
37,761
Notes payable, net
26,451,863
25,031,947
Total liabilities
$ 35,276,018
$ 32,671,644
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
$ 71,745
$ —
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock and paid in capital, par value $0.01 per share,
1,300,000 shares authorized, 950,964 and 933,975 shares issued
and outstanding as of September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025,
respectively
$ 51,149,067
$ 49,861,660
Distributions in excess of net income
(11,761,979)
(10,527,984)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
104,861
105,019
Total stockholders' equity
$ 39,491,949
$ 39,438,695
Noncontrolling interests
3,110,702
685,273
Total equity
$ 42,602,651
$ 40,123,968
Total liabilities and equity
$ 77,950,414
$ 72,795,612
GLOSSARY
Adjusted EBITDAre. The National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("Nareit") established an EBITDA metric for real estate companies (i.e., EBITDA for real estate, or EBITDAre) it believed would provide investors with a consistent measure to help make investment decisions among certain REITs. Our definition of "Adjusted EBITDAre" is generally consistent with the Nareit definition, other than our adjustment to remove foreign currency and derivative gain and loss and merger, transaction, and other costs, net. We define Adjusted EBITDAre, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the most recent quarter as earnings (net income) before (i) interest expense, (ii) income taxes, (iii) depreciation and amortization, (iv) executive severance charge, (v) provisions for impairment of real estate, (vi) provisions for credit losses on loans and financing receivables, (vii) merger, transaction, and other costs, net, (viii) gain on sales of real estate, (ix) foreign currency and derivative gain and loss, net, and (x) equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities. Our Adjusted EBITDAre may not be comparable to Adjusted EBITDAre reported by other companies or as defined by Nareit, and other companies may interpret or define Adjusted EBITDAre differently than we do. Management believes Adjusted EBITDAre to be a meaningful measure of a REIT's performance because it provides a view of our operating performance, analyzes our ability to meet interest payment obligations before the effects of income tax, depreciation and amortization expense, provisions for impairment, provisions for credit losses on loans and financing receivables, gain on sales of real estate and other items, as defined above, that affect comparability, including the removal of non-recurring and non-cash items that industry observers believe are less relevant to evaluating the operating performance of a company. In addition, EBITDAre is widely followed by industry analysts, lenders, investors, rating agencies, and others as a means of evaluating the operating performance of business activities prior to servicing debt obligations. Adjusted EBITDAre should be considered along with, but not as an alternative to, net income as a measure of our operating performance.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, less certain capital expenditures and distributions paid to common stockholders and noncontrolling interests, plus merger, transaction, and other costs, net, and adjusted for changes in net working capital. We believe adjusted free cash flow to be a useful liquidity measure for us and our investors by helping to evaluate our ability to generate cash beyond what is needed to fund capital expenditures, debt service and other obligations. Notwithstanding cash on hand and incremental borrowing capacity, adjusted free cash flow reflects our ability to grow our business through investments and acquisitions, as well as our ability to return cash to shareholders through dividends. Adjusted free cash flow is not considered under generally accepted accounting principles to be a primary measure of an entity's residual cash flow available for discretionary spending, and accordingly should not be considered an alternative to operating income, net income, or amounts shown in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Adjusted Funds From Operations (AFFO), a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as FFO adjusted for unique revenue and expense items, which we believe are not as pertinent to the measurement of our ongoing operating performance. Most companies in our industry use a similar measurement to AFFO, but they may use the term "CAD" (for Cash Available for Distribution) or "FAD" (for Funds Available for Distribution). We believe AFFO provides useful information to investors because it is a widely accepted industry measure of the operating performance of real estate companies used by the investment community. In particular, AFFO provides an additional measure to compare the operating performance of different REITs without having to account for differing depreciation assumptions and other unique revenue and expense items which are not pertinent to measuring a particular company's ongoing operating performance. Therefore, we believe that AFFO is an appropriate supplemental performance metric, and that the most appropriate GAAP performance metric to which AFFO should be reconciled is net income available to common stockholders.
Annualized Adjusted EBITDAre, a non-GAAP financial measure, is calculated by multiplying Adjusted EBITDAre for the applicable quarter by four. Management believes the use of an Annualized Adjusted EBITDAre metric is meaningful because it represents our run rate operating performance for the period presented.
Annualized Adjusted Free Cash Flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is calculated by annualizing Adjusted Free Cash Flow.
Annualized Base Rent represents our Pro-Rata Share of contractual monthly base rent for all leases in place and exchange rates as of the balance sheet date, multiplied by 12, and excludes percentage rent and income on loans and preferred equity investments. If there is a rent abatement, we annualize the first monthly contractual base rent following the free rent period. Total annualized base rent has not been reduced to reflect reserves recorded as reductions to GAAP rental revenue in the periods presented. We believe total annualized base rent is a useful supplemental operating measure, as it excludes properties that were no longer owned at the balance sheet date and includes the annualized rent from properties acquired during the quarter.
Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as Annualized Adjusted EBITDAre, which includes transaction accounting adjustments in accordance with U.S. GAAP, adjusted to incorporate Adjusted EBITDAre from investments we acquired or stabilized during the applicable quarter and Adjusted EBITDAre from investments we disposed of during the applicable quarter, giving pro forma effect to all transactions as if they occurred at the beginning of the applicable quarter. Our calculation includes all adjustments consistent with the requirements to present Annualized Adjusted EBITDAre on a pro forma basis in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X. The ratio of our net debt to our Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre is also used to determine the vesting of performance share awards granted to our executive officers.
Cash Income represents expected rent for real estate acquisitions as well as rent to be received upon completion of the properties under development. For unconsolidated entities and consolidated entities with noncontrolling interests, this represents our Pro-Rata Share of the cash income. For loans receivable and preferred equity investments, this represents earned interest income and preferred dividend income, respectively.
Funds From Operations (FFO), a non-GAAP financial measure, consistent with the Nareit definition, is net income available to common stockholders, plus depreciation and amortization of real estate assets, plus provisions for impairments of depreciable real estate assets, and reduced by gain on property sales. Presentation of the information regarding FFO and AFFO is intended to assist the reader in comparing the operating performance of different REITs, although it should be noted that not all REITs calculate FFO and AFFO in the same way, so comparisons with other REITs may not be meaningful. FFO and AFFO should not be considered alternatives to reviewing our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities. In addition, FFO and AFFO should not be considered measures of liquidity, of our ability to make cash distributions, or of our ability to pay interest payments. We consider FFO to be an appropriate supplemental measure of a REIT's operating performance as it is based on a net income analysis of property portfolio performance that adds back items such as depreciation and impairments for FFO. The historical accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation of buildings and improvements, which implies that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values historically rise and fall with market conditions, presentations of operating results for a REIT using historical accounting for depreciation could be less informative. The use of FFO is recommended by the REIT industry as a supplemental performance measure. In addition, FFO is used as a measure of our compliance with the financial covenants of our credit facility.
Gross Asset Value is total assets before accumulated depreciation and amortization.
Initial Weighted Average Cash Yield for acquisitions and properties under development is computed as Cash Income for the first twelve months following the acquisition date, divided by the total cost of the property (including all expenses borne by us), and includes our Pro-Rata Share of Cash Income from unconsolidated joint ventures and consolidated entities with noncontrolling interests. Initial weighted average cash yield for loans receivable and preferred equity investments is computed using the Cash Income for the first twelve months following the acquisition date, divided by the total cost of the investment.
Investment Grade Clients are our clients, our clients that are subsidiaries or affiliates of companies, and credit investments secured with a real estate property leased to a tenant that, as of the balance sheet date, have a credit rating of Baa3/BBB- or higher from one of the three major rating agencies (Moody's/S&P/Fitch).
Net Debt/Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre, a ratio used by management as a measure of leverage, is calculated as net debt (which we define as total debt, excluding deferred financing costs and net discounts, less cash and cash equivalents), divided by Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre.
Net Debt/Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre - Inclusive of Unsettled ATM Forward Equity, a ratio used by management as a measure of leverage, is calculated as net debt inclusive of unsettled ATM forward equity (which we define as total debt, excluding deferred financing costs and net discounts, less cash and cash equivalents, less expected proceeds from unsettled ATM forward equity as of the balance sheet date), divided by Annualized Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDAre.
Normalized Funds from Operations Available to Common Stockholders (Normalized FFO), a non-GAAP financial measure, is FFO excluding merger, transaction, and other costs, net.
Pro-Rata Share represents our proportionate economic ownership of our joint ventures, which is derived by applying our economic ownership percentage of each such joint venture to calculate our proportionate share of the relevant line item information being presented, and aggregating that information for all such joint ventures. For balance sheet information and other capital-based metrics, we apply our economic ownership percentage as of the end of the applicable period being presented, and for activity- and earnings-based metrics, we apply our weighted average economic ownership percentage for the applicable period being presented, unless otherwise specified.
We believe this form of presentation offers insights into the financial performance and condition of our company as a whole, given the significance of our joint ventures that are accounted for either under the equity method or consolidated with the third parties' share included in noncontrolling interest, although the presentation of such information may not accurately depict the legal and economic implications of holding a noncontrolling interest in the joint venture. We do not control the unconsolidated joint ventures in which we are invested for purposes of GAAP and do not represent legal claim to such items.
The operating agreements of the joint ventures may contain provisions that would cause us to receive a different economic percentage of distributions from the joint venture under certain circumstances, such as the amount of capital contributed by each investor and whether any contributions are entitled to priority distributions. Similarly, upon a liquidation of any such joint venture, subject to the applicable terms of the operating agreement of such joint venture, we generally would be entitled to the applicable percentage of residual cash or other assets that remain only after repayment of all liabilities, priority distributions, and initial equity contributions. In addition, the economic interests in any joint venture may be different than our other legal interests or rights in such joint venture.
We provide pro-rata financial information because we believe it assists investors and analysts in estimating our economic interest in our joint ventures when read in conjunction with our reported results under GAAP. Other companies may calculate their proportionate interest differently than we do, limiting the usefulness as a comparative measure. Due to these limitations, the non-GAAP pro-rata financial information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our consolidated financial statements as reported under GAAP.
Rent Recapture Rate is calculated by comparing our Pro-Rata Share of new cash rents to our Pro-Rata Share of prior cash rents for renewals to the same client and leases to new clients with at least 12 months of new term. New cash rents represent the first month of contractual monthly base rent of the new lease or renewal, multiplied by 12. If there is a rent abatement, we annualize the first monthly contractual base rent following the free rent period. Prior cash rents represent the last month of contractual monthly base rent for the most recent expiring lease, multiplied by 12.
Same Store Pool, for purposes of determining the properties used to calculate our same store rental revenue, includes all properties that we owned for the entire year-to-date period, for both the current and prior year except for properties during the current or prior year that were: (i) vacant at any time, (ii) under development or redevelopment, or (iii) involved in eminent domain and rent was reduced.
Same Store Rental Revenue excludes straight-line rent, the amortization of above and below-market leases, and reimbursements from clients for recoverable real estate taxes and operating expenses. For purposes of comparability, same store rental revenue is presented on a constant currency basis by applying the exchange rate as of the balance sheet date to base currency rental revenue. We present same store rental revenue on a pro-rata basis to account for our share of same store rental revenue related to unconsolidated and consolidated joint ventures. For purposes of comparability, we calculate our Pro-Rata Share using our ownership percentage as of September 30, 2026 to same store rental revenue for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025.
10 updates · Last at 5:01pm ET
Updates appear automatically.
By Thomas Richmond
·
Updated Nov 2, 5:01pm ET
·
Published Nov 2, 2:07pm ET
Live UpdatesNewest first
That wraps up our initial coverage of Palantir’s Q3 results. Thank you for stopping by!
EPS
$0.44
est $0.41
+8.1%
Revenue
$2.31B
est $2.18B
+6.1%
U.S. commercial revenue of $984 million outgrew the government book for the first time ever, putting enterprise AI at the center of the bull case. Management raised full-year revenue guidance to roughly $8.53 billion.
Palantir (PLTR) just reported Q3 2026 earnings, with shares initially flat following the report. The company delivered explosive revenue growth and raised its full-year guidance.
Here are the key numbers:
Revenue: $2.313B vs. $2.183B expected (+96% YoY)
Adjusted EPS: $0.44 vs. $0.41 expected
U.S. Commercial Revenue Growth: +148% YoY
Net Income: $1.134B
Massive Revenue Beat: Revenue surged 96% year over year, beating Wall Street estimates by around $130 million.
Guidance Raised: Palantir now expects more than $8.53 billion in full-year revenue, well ahead of consensus estimates.
AI Demand Remains Explosive: U.S. commercial revenue jumped 148%, demonstrating continued momentum in enterprise AI adoption.
CEO Alex Karp highlighted the company’s extraordinary growth, stating that Palantir has essentially doubled its entire business compared with the same quarter last year.
Despite the blowout results, PLTR shares are initially flat in after-hours trading.
84.7%+3.9pp YoY
47.1%+20.3pp YoY
54.9%+22.3pp YoY
Operating margin has climbed every quarter for six straight quarters, reaching 47.1% in Q2 2026 from 15.6% two years earlier, while revenue nearly tripled. With revenue growth already priced in, investors are looking for continued operating leverage to keep the story intact.
Operating margin by quarter
$2.8Bacross 11 tracked filers
5 added · 3 trimmed · 2 exited
Renaissance Technologies LLC$883M+0.1%Two Sigma Investments LLC$413M-0.4%D. E. Shaw & Co Inc$381M-0.2%ARK Investment Management LLC$375M+0.0%Marshall Wace LLP$304M—Millennium Management LLC$204M+4.5%Tudor Investment Corp$144M—Gotham Asset Management LLC$59M-0.1%
+ 5 more tracked holders
As of Jun 30, 2026 quarter end · 13F disclosures lag ~45 days — long positions only, tracked filers only.
The last disclosed look at our tracked filers, as of June 30 and roughly 45 days stale by the time it hit, showed 5 buyers against 3 trimmers and two exits, with no new positions opened. Two Sigma and D. E. Shaw cut shares while Millennium more than quadrupled its stake, leaving the tracked set split heading into tonight's report.
Support & resistance · chart through Mon, Nov 2
R2$202.63+11.3%R1$194.73+7.0%Now$182.05S1$169.34-7.0%S2$165.13-9.3%
$186.95-2.6% below
$153.59+18.5% above
$106.37 – $212.94
Palantir goes into tonight's report sitting just under its 50-day average at 186.95, so reclaiming that line is the first test of any post-earnings pop, with 194.73 the next hurdle before the 52-week high at 212.94. On a miss, 169.34 is the first support that matters, and the 200-day at 153.59 sits far below after this year's run.
Put/call 1.50Puts dominant
CallsPuts
119.5%
Fri, Nov 6chain as of Fri, Oct 30
A 1.5 put/call ratio into tonight's report, with puts stacked nearly four to one against calls at the 190 strike, reads as traders paying up for downside protection on a stock that has already run hard. The contrarian read: that much hedging means investors are bearish going in, so an in-line quarter can unwind the protection just as fast. Either way, 119.5% implied volatility at the money says the options market expects a large move.
Open interest near the money · puts / calls
$1803.1k / 340$182.5793 / 211$1851.5k / 423$187.52.1k / 400$1903.9k / 981$192.51.4k / 588
Mon, Nov 2
Earnings call · after close
Analysts have pressed Palantir on customer AI adoption behavior in three of the last four calls, and it is the thread most likely to move the stock tonight: management's read on how quickly boot camp deals convert into production spending, a topic that resurfaced last quarter alongside AI labs and sovereignty questions. After this afternoon's setup on U.S. commercial momentum, the call commentary on that conversion pace matters more than the headline numbers.
Analyst hot topics · last 4 calls
Q3 25Q4 25Q1 26Q2 26
Commercial and government mixCustomer AI adoption behaviorBoot camp sales accelerationAI labs and sovereigntyBudget capture and expansion
Will Palantir (PLTR) beat quarterly earnings?
94%Yes
Polymarket · $1k traded · resolves Mon, Nov 2
Traders on Polymarket are pricing an earnings beat tonight as a near certainty, leaving almost no implied probability of a miss on the non-GAAP EPS line. That skew matters because it shifts the stock's reaction risk away from the headline numbers and onto guidance. Volume in the contract is thin, so it reflects sentiment more than it does a reliable signal.
Palantir heads into tonight’s Q3 earnings report with enormous expectations after its U.S. commercial revenue surged 149% last quarter.
Wall Street expects $2.18 billion in revenue, slightly above management’s guidance of $2.160 billion to $2.164 billion.
The bigger question is whether Palantir can deliver another major guidance raise as demand for its AI software accelerates.
With shares trading at roughly 261x trailing earnings, investors have already priced in extraordinary growth. Even another earnings beat might not be enough to send the stock higher.
This article is updated throughout the trading day. Check back for more.
Full CoverageThe story so far
Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR | PLTR Price Prediction) is expected to report third-quarter results today at 4:05 PM ET. Shares slipped 6.38% over the past week, raising the bar for a stock priced at about 114x FY2026 earnings estimates.
Record Growth Meets a Cooling Stock
Palantir posted Q2 revenue of $1.935 billion, up 93% year-over-year, its highest growth rate ever. EPS of $0.41 beat the $0.28 consensus, and the Rule of 40 score reached 155%. Management lifted full-year revenue guidance to $8.150 to $8.158 billion, calling it its largest-ever full-year revenue guidance raise.
The stock jumped 29.45% on earnings day. It then closed at a record high on October 9 for the first time in 11 months. Since then, momentum has faded, with shares trading at $184.19, up just 3.62% year to date.
The Q3 EPS consensus has drifted from $0.4137 to $0.4072 over 30 days, with two downward revisions. The FY2026 revenue consensus already sits above the top of guidance. The FY2027 revenue range spans $11 billion to $14.6 billion, which shows how far apart analysts are on durability.
What to Watch Tonight: U.S. Commercial Velocity and Margins
Tonight, I’ll be watching the U.S. commercial segment first. That segment grew 28% sequentially in Q2, while bookings hit $2.132 billion, up 153%. The full-year guide calls for more than $3.424 billion, and any raise shows how quickly pilot programs and agent camps are turning into multiyear contracts.
On the government side, U.S. revenue rose 90%. The key test there is whether Maven keeps moving from experiment into programs of record. Maven already has more than 25,000 builders.
On margins, management noted a significant seasonal ramp in Q3 expenses from new-hire starts and marketing initiatives, against adjusted operating income guidance of $1.292 to $1.296 billion. Stock-based compensation, which hit $265 million last quarter, deserves equal attention.
Net dollar retention rose to 157%, and remaining performance obligations reached $4.9 billion. Finally, analysts will be watching Alex Karp’s pledge to grow total revenue “at a rate equal or above to what we have in U.S. commercial for the next 18 months.”
On average, shares have fallen by 0.98% within a week of earnings over the past year.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
Thomas Richmond
Thomas Richmond is a financial writer and content strategist with 5+ years of experience covering stocks and financial markets. He has published over 500 articles focused on individual stock analysis, helping investors better understand business fundamentals, stock valuations, and long-term opportunities.
Thomas previously served as a Content Lead at TIKR, a stock research platform, where he helped scale the company’s blog to hundreds of articles per month and contributed to a weekly newsletter reaching more than 100,000 investors.
Outside of work, Thomas enjoys weight lifting and soccer.
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026. “The Sovereign AI movement is imposing the most dramatic dichotomy between haves and have nots that I have witnessed in 30 years of business. Every institution—government and commercial—is rapidly being forced, voluntarily or not, into one of these two categories,” said Alex Karp, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Palantir Technologies. “Witn.
Palantir topped Wall Street estimates for third-quarter revenue on Monday, powered by strong demand for its AI-powered data-analytics software from the US government and commercial clients.
Palantir beat Wall Street's third-quarter estimates after the bell on Monday, with U.S. commercial revenue topping government for the first time as businesses adopt more of the company's artificial intelligence tools.
Shares dipped about 3% in extended trading.
Here's how the company did compared to LSEG estimates:
Earnings per share: 44 cents adjusted vs. 41 cents expected Revenue: $2.31 billion vs. $2.18 billion expectedRevenue nearly doubled from a year ago and blew past $2 billion for the first time ever, Palantir said. Net income more than doubled to $1.13 billion, or 44 cents per share, from about $476 million, or 18 cents per share.
"I don't believe anyone's had consistent results like this in the history of software AI, ever," CEO Alex Karp told CNBC's Seema Mody in an interview, adding that the business is succeeding without salespeople.
Palantir has long been known for its strength in the government sector, but its commercial segment caught up in Q3.
U.S. commercial revenue jumped 148% to $984 million, surpassing U.S. government revenue of $953 million, which was up 96%. The company's U.S. commercial revenue has more than quintupled over the last two years.
Palantir lifted its guidance, saying it now expects U.S. commercial revenue "in excess of" $3.56 billion for the full year. Last quarter, the company boosted its forecast to $3.42 billion. The company projects about $2.65 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter and about $8.53 billion for full-year 2026.
Karp has openly supported the use of open-weight models and criticized leading AI labs, which he told CNBC earlier this year are forcing businesses to sell their data sovereignty. Karp, on Monday, also reiterated recent calls to nationalize AI labs, calling it the "only realistic way" to manage liability.
In September, Karp joined major tech CEOs at the White House as calls for regulation mounted following claims from AI researchers that the technology has a more than 10% of killing humanity.
"My message to everybody is: Beware of thinking you can delay the future in AI," he told CNBC. "The future is here. The political ramifications of it are here."
Palantir stock chart.
Read more CNBC tech newsHumans are still doing the work behind some AI agentsOpenAI pares fundraising goal, now seeking up to $20 billion in latest roundBinance resumes withdrawals following $6.3 billion hack, says 90% of stolen user assets are coveredWhy AI is boosting Meta’s ad business while hurting Google search
Palantir Technologies (PLTR -3.13%) grew third-quarter revenue 96% to about $2.31 billion and raised its full-year outlook again. Shares were up about 2% in after-hours trading. The business is turning growth into profit at a rare pace. But new contract signings barely grew, so future growth depends on signings picking up.
Key numbersRevenue: $2.31 billion, up 96% from $1.18 billion a year ago.U.S. commercial revenue: $984 million, up 148% from a year ago.GAAP operating margin: 47%, up from 33% a year ago.Full-year revenue guidance: Raised to about $8.53 billion, or 91% growth.What it meansU.S. commercial revenue passed U.S. government revenue for the first time, with government at $953 million. Government contracts are big and sticky, but budgets move slowly. Commercial customers can expand fast once one deployment pays off. That speeds growth but adds exposure to corporate spending cycles.
Profit outran sales because most of Palantir's costs don't rise with revenue. Operating expenses grew about 46% while revenue nearly doubled. Software costs little to deliver once it's built, so most of each new dollar falls to profit.
The soft spot is new business. Palantir closed $2.92 billion in total contract value, up just 6% from a year ago. Revenue is recognized from contracts already signed. When signings grow far slower than sales, the company works through its backlog faster than it refills it. Big deals are lumpy, so one soft quarter isn't a trend yet.
What to watch nextThe key number is U.S. commercial remaining deal value, which rose just 4% from last quarter while U.S. commercial revenue rose 29%. If that backlog doesn't speed up, today's growth rate will be hard to hold.
David Kretzmann has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Palantir Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The company's revenue surged and said businesses are increasingly turning away from AI labs and seeking to more fully control their use of the technology.
Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR) nearly doubled its quarterly revenue – but investors have a more revealing question to consider: is the company “replenishing” its growth engine as quickly as it is collecting sales? The software maker reported Q3 revenue of $2.313 billion after Monday's closing bell, up roughly 96% from a year earlier and above the $2.18 billion analysts expected.
Information in Investor’s Business Daily is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, recommendation, solicitation, or rating to buy or sell securities. The information has been obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no guarantee as to its accuracy, timeliness, or suitability, including with respect to information that appears in closed captioning. Historical investment performances are no indication or guarantee of future success or performance. Authors/presenters may own the stocks they discuss. We make no representations or warranties regarding the advisability of investing in any particular securities or utilizing any specific investment strategies. Information is subject to change without notice. For information on use of our services, please see our Terms of Use.
*Real-time prices by Nasdaq Last Sale. Real-time quote and/or trade prices are not sourced from all markets. Ownership data provided by LSEG and Estimate data provided by FactSet.
IBD, IBD Digital, IBD Live, IBD Weekly, Investor's Business Daily, Leaderboard, MarketDiem, MarketSurge and other marks are trademarks owned by Investor's Business Daily, LLC.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of PLTR either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Roku, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROKU) released third quarter 2026 results. Visit the Roku investor relations website to view the third quarter 2026 letter to shareholders.On June 15, 2026, Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) and Roku announced a definitive agreement under which FOX will acquire Roku. In light of the pending transaction, Roku will not host an earnings call and will not provide financial outlook.About RokuRoku pioneered streaming on TV. Today, it is t.
As its pending $22 billion merger with Fox Corp. inches continues to wind its way through the regulatory process, Roku delivered strong third-quarter results Monday.
Total revenue in the July-to-September period surged 24% from the prior-year period to hit $1.5 billion, with earnings per share zooming to $1.20 from 16 cents in the same frame of 2025. Both metrics were substantially better than Wall Street analysts’ consensus forecast.
When Fox reported its results earlier in the day, CEO Lachlan Murdoch said the merger has cleared all major regulatory hurdles outside the U.S. and also has received shareholder approval. The Department of Justice’s antitrust division is currently reviewing the transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2027.
“[We] expect to close the transaction as soon as we can,” Murdoch said on the Fox earnings call, adding that the company’s “conviction in the opportunity has only grown.”
Streaming hours on Roku TVs and connected devices climbed 9% to 39.9 billion, while advertising, subscription and platform revenue all jumped more than 20%. Ad revenue increased 23% to $727.4 million.
“Similar to Q2, political advertising on the Roku platform in Q3 exceeded the comparable quarter from the 2024 U.S. presidential election cycle,” the company wrote in its shareholder letter. “The Media & Entertainment vertical also continued to strengthen, and Q3 was the highest YoY revenue growth in four years as media companies invested on the Roku platform to promote their content and services.”
About 80% of all ads during the quarter were sold via programmatic systems, which involve an automated process rather than traditional campaign planning, the letter also noted.
While devices generate only a minority share of total revenue (up 33% in the quarter to $194 million), the makeup of the segment has shifted a bit. Three years into its effort to make its own TV sets as opposed to purely licensing its user interface to third parties, Roku said its own TVs now account for nearly 8% of all U.S. TV sales by volume.
Vizio, a smart-TV maker and longtime Roku rival, is now owned by Walmart and has sought to leverage its advantage at retail with its streaming advertisers.
Roku (ROKU +0.26%) earned $183 million in the third quarter, up from $25 million a year ago, as revenue rose 24% to about $1.5 billion. Shares were roughly flat in early after-hours trading. Most of that profit gain is real: Roku's ad business is growing fast and keeping more of each dollar. But lower marketing spend also helped, and Roku expects a big part of that cost to land in Q4.
Key NumbersPlatform revenue: $1.31 billion, up 23% year over year.Advertising gross margin: 63.2%, up from 58.4% a year ago.Sales and marketing expense: $191 million, down 21% year over year.Streaming hours: 39.9 billion, up 9% year over year.What It MeansAdvertising did most of the work. Ad gross profit rose about $114 million, nearly all of Roku's gross profit gain. Roku credits a shift toward higher-margin ad products. Platform revenue also grew more than twice as fast as viewing, so Roku is earning more on each hour people stream.
ROKU Roku$155.52+$0.40 (+0.26%)
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/02/26
Some ad strength is cyclical. Roku says political ads beat the same quarter of the 2024 presidential cycle. That money shows up in election years and fades in off years like 2027.
The cost side needs a footnote. Roku expects distribution costs for Roku TV models, a big piece of marketing spend, to be weighted toward Q4. The quarter also included a $22 million gain from ending part of an office lease. Neither changes the story, but both flatter this quarter.
What to Watch NextWatch Q4 sales and marketing spend to see how much of this quarter's savings was timing. Roku gave no financial outlook because of its pending sale to Fox (FOXA -0.76%), so updates on that deal matter too.
David Kretzmann has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Roku. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Earlier in the year, it looked as though Micron Technology (MU -5.78%) stock was unstoppable. It was soaring as demand for memory was through the roof, and the company was able to hike prices, benefiting from stronger margins and sky-high demand. Its numbers have been unreal, making it a must-buy for many growth investors.
But in recent months, that hasn't been the case. Even though the tech stock is trading at a low earnings multiple, investors haven't been taking the bait. And there could be another indication that the tech stock may have peaked: trading volumes are down significantly.
Image source: Micron.
Has the interest in Micron faded?When a stock is a hot buy with retail investors, trading volumes are through the roof, and that can send it to astronomical heights. Micron hit a milestone earlier this year, crossing $1 trillion in market cap. But it's now below that threshold, trading closer to a market cap of about $940 billion. It's still massive, but it's down significantly from the highs it reached during the summer.
A big telltale sign that the stock may have already peaked is its 30-day average trading volume. It's down significantly. The chart below shows that as it hit its high around late June, volumes were also up considerably.
MU 30-Day Average Daily Volume data by YCharts
Theoretically, news that the memory shortage will last longer than expected could draw interest, potentially give the stock a bigger boost, and attract more investors. However, there have been multiple reports of the shortage lasting for years, and many investors aren't willing to shake concerns that more supply could come online in the near future, earlier than expected. Or perhaps they simply want to cash out before it's too late, especially with the stock sitting on massive gains -- more than 1,000% in five years.
I wouldn't buy Micron's stock, even while it's trading lowerThe risk with volatile and historically cyclical stocks like Micron is that, while they can be hot buys when things are going well and there are shortages, they can quickly become the stocks no one wants to own when the bubble has burst and more supply comes online.
MU Micron Technology$833.59-$51.15 (-5.78%)
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 11/02/26
While Micron's earnings multiple of 11 may look enticingly low, it's skewed based on recent results which have been incredibly strong. Odds are, those numbers won't be sustainable over the longer term, and when prices inevitably come down, the stock price could crash even quicker.
With so many growth stocks trading lower these days, there are plenty of good options to pursue that don't come with nearly as much uncertainty and risk as Micron, which is why I wouldn't bother with it.
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Intuitive (NASDAQ: ISRG), a global technology leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic-assisted surgery, today announced the appointment of Aaron Martin, President of Insurance at Humana, to its board of directors, effective January 1, 2027.
“Aaron has spent his career building and scaling healthcare technology at the point where payers, providers, and patients converge – a perspective that will sharpen our board's thinking as we further expand access to minimally invasive care globally,” said Intuitive CEO Dave Rosa. “His combination of digital innovation expertise, health system leadership, and large-scale insurance operations experience will deepen our ability to reach more patients with the best care.”
In his role at Humana, Martin holds broad responsibility for strategy, growth, operations, and financial performance across Humana's insurance portfolio and serves on the Humana Enterprise Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO. Prior to Humana, Martin spent almost four years at Amazon as Vice President of Healthcare, where he launched Amazon Clinic – the company's first message and video-based telehealth platform – and built Amazon's Health Conditions Programs in partnership with leading digital health companies. He also led brand and performance marketing and strategic partnerships for Amazon Health Services.
Before Amazon, Martin served as Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Providence St. Joseph Health, a $26 billion not-for-profit health system, where he led the consumer-facing digital business and founded and served as Managing General Partner of Providence Ventures, a $300 million corporate venture fund with 27 portfolio companies. He has also served as a board member for organizations including Kyruus, Wildflower Health, Xealth, DexCare, AVIA, and Presbyterian Health System.
Martin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business & Economics and Music Performance from Austin College and an MBA in Finance and Healthcare Management from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
“Intuitive has differentiated its platforms by leveraging the power of technology to enhance patient care and improve outcomes, and I am honored to join the board at such an exciting moment in the company's journey,” said Martin. “I look forward to contributing to expanding access to minimally invasive care for more patients worldwide.”
With Martin’s addition, Intuitive’s board of directors will expand from 10 to 11 members.
Intuitive (NASDAQ: ISRG), headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, is a global leader in minimally invasive care and the pioneer of robotic surgery. Our technologies include the da Vinci surgical system and the Ion endoluminal system. By uniting advanced systems, progressive learning, and value-enhancing services, we help physicians and their teams optimize care delivery to support the best outcomes possible. At Intuitive, we envision a future of care that is less invasive and profoundly better, where disease is identified early and treated quickly, so that patients can get back to what matters most.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements which relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical facts. Statements using words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “will,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. It includes a forward-looking statement regarding the anticipated effective date of Martin's appointment to the board of directors. The appointment is subject to Martin's continued willingness and ability to serve, and actual results may differ. It also includes statements about expanding access to minimally invasive care and our ability to reach more patients. These forward-looking statements should be considered in light of various important factors and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Intuitive to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release and which are based on current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Intuitive undertakes no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Lifted, an Upwork company, acquires WorkMotion, a leading employer of record (EOR)
Third quarter revenue of $185.6 million and GAAP net income of $31.8 million
Third quarter adjusted EBITDA of $63.8 million or 34.4% adjusted EBITDA margin
PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Upwork Inc. (Nasdaq: UPWK), the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2026.
"In the third quarter, Upwork executed strongly as our strategic growth pillars continued to gain momentum," said Hayden Brown, president and CEO of Upwork Inc. "We are doubling down on our enterprise strategy with Lifted’s acquisition of WorkMotion, a leading Berlin-based EOR, to capture growing global demand. At the same time, the launch of Upwork’s MCP server is opening our marketplace to AI agents as a new class of client, and today we launched Upwork Now so clients can find talent to start work right away. Both mark a transformational shift toward making Upwork a capability wherever work begins. Combined with continued growth of our higher-margin products and high-value customers, we’re well positioned to capture new opportunities while continuing to drive strong, profitable growth."
“Our focus remains squarely on sustained profitability and disciplined execution across our growth pillars,” said Erica Gessert, CFO of Upwork Inc. “Our strong free cash flow profile and durable, high-margin business model give us the financial flexibility to navigate evolving market dynamics while delivering consistent long-term value.”
Third Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights
GSV(1) of $914.1 millionRevenue of $185.6 millionActive clients(1) of 717,000GSV per active client(1) of $5,418, an increase of 8% year-over-yearGAAP Net income was $31.8 million, an increase of 8% year-over-yearGAAP Diluted earnings per share was $0.25, compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.21 in the third quarter of 2025Adjusted EBITDA(2) was $63.8 million, up 7% year-over-yearCash provided by operating activities was $65.9 million, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $75.1 million in the third quarter of 2025Free cash flow(2) was $53.9 million, compared to free cash flow of $69.4 million in the third quarter of 2025
Third Quarter 2026 and Recent Operational Highlights
Building the World’s Human and AI-Powered Work Marketplace
The Upwork Model Context Protocol (MCP) server has seen rapid growth in adoption and usage among clients and freelancers. Weekly active users have increased 20x since the launch in August, while AI agents have made nearly 50 million requests, driving more than $3 million in estimated annualized Connects revenue.Launched the public beta of Upwork Now, which connects clients with freelancers who are online and ready to start working immediately. Upwork Now is also available through the MCP server, so people and their AI agents can bring in those freelancers the moment a need arises and without leaving their AI workflow. Growing AI Work on the Marketplace
GSV from freelancers with AI-skills reached an estimated annualized run rate of nearly $450 million in Q3 2026.GSV from freelancers with AI-skills increased 55% year-over-year in Q3 2026. Winning Bigger with SMB
Q3 2026 GSV from the Business Plus offering for SMBs increased 13% quarter-over-quarter and 132% year-over-year.Q3 2026 Business Plus active clients grew 9% quarter-over-quarter and 154% year-over-year.40% of active clients on Business Plus in Q3 2026 had their first Upwork spend on Business Plus, signaling strong product-market fit.
Unlocking the Enterprise Opportunity
We continue to make strong progress on the migration of Enterprise customers to the Lifted platform.Accelerated Lifted’s go-to-market momentum by signing three new logos, expanding the pipeline, and earning recognition as a leader in Everest Group’s Contractor of Record (CoR) and Contingent Employer of Record (CEoR) Solutions PEAK Matrix® Assessment for 2026.Building on the success of Ascen, Lifted acquired WorkMotion who will directly employ contingent talent across more than 30 countries. The acquisition is expected to strengthen our Enterprise offering, reduce third-party EOR dependency, and deliver more consistent pricing and experiences for global clients.
Financial Guidance & Outlook
Upwork’s guidance for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, and non-GAAP diluted EPS for the fourth quarter of 2026 is:
Revenue: $169 million to $177 millionAdjusted EBITDA: $51 million to $55 millionDiluted weighted-average shares outstanding: 125 million to 128 millionNon-GAAP diluted EPS: $0.30 to $0.32 Upwork’s guidance for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, and non-GAAP diluted EPS for full year 2026 is:
Revenue: $742 million to $750 millionAdjusted EBITDA: $236 million to $240 millionDiluted weighted-average shares outstanding: 131 million to 133 millionNon-GAAP diluted EPS: $1.45 to $1.47 Chief Financial Officer Transition
The Company also announced that Erica Gessert, Upwork’s CFO since April 2023, will step down as CFO on January 1, 2027 and remain with the Company in an advisory role for several months. Peter Sanborn, currently Upwork’s Chief Business Officer, has been appointed Upwork’s next CFO.
“Erica has been an exceptional business partner and financial leader for Upwork, and the Board and I are deeply grateful for her contributions,” said Brown. “During her tenure, Erica helped Upwork deliver record revenue and profitability, expand margins, strengthen cash generation, and manage our capital allocation strategy to drive value for our shareholders. She also developed a deep and talented finance team, hence the appointment of Peter Sanborn as our next CFO.”
“Peter has played an important role in shaping Upwork’s strategy, expanding our partnerships, establishing the new Lifted business, and bringing Upwork to more customers,” Brown continued. His experience across finance, strategy, corporate development, IR, investing, and partnerships, together with his deep understanding of Upwork’s market, customers, and long-term opportunity, make him well positioned to lead our finance team. All of us at Upwork wish Erica the very best and congratulate Peter on his new role.”
“It has been professionally and personally rewarding to serve as Upwork’s CFO, and I’m proud of all that we have accomplished together,” said Gessert. “With the growth pillars we’ve put in place across Business Plus, AI, and Lifted, as well as the operational discipline we’ve put in place, Upwork has a bright future with tremendous optionality. I’m especially thankful to Hayden, the Board, and to my colleagues across Upwork for their partnership. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition to Peter and to watching Upwork achieve even greater success.”
UPWORK INC.
Key Financial and Operational Metrics
(In thousands, except percentages and basis points)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2026 2025 Change 2026 2025 ChangeGSV(1)$914,064 $1,016,679 (10.1)% $2,866,539 $3,007,053 (4.7)%Marketplace revenue(1)$159,321 $174,572 (9)% $496,884 $511,525 (3)%Enterprise revenue(1)$26,278 $27,158 (3)% $75,858 $77,850 (3)%Gross profit$141,295 $155,887 (9)% $438,509 $458,294 (4)%Gross profit margin 76% 77% -115 bps 77% 78% -120 bpsOperating expenses$106,702 $126,129 (15)% $343,061 $357,281 (4)%Net income$31,810 $29,335 8% $88,675 $99,791 (11)%Adjusted EBITDA(2)$63,789 $59,627 7% $185,268 $172,699 7%Profit margin 17% 15% 260 bps 15% 17% -145 bpsAdjusted EBITDA margin(2) 34% 30% 481 bps 32% 29% 305 bpsCash provided by operating activities$65,947 $75,079 (12)% $135,840 $184,558 (26)%Free cash flow(2)$53,854 $69,431 (22)% $102,697 $165,847 (38)% As of September 30, (In thousands)2026 2025 % Change Active clients(1)717 794 (10)% (1) See Key Definitions in our third quarter 2026 earnings presentation.
(2) An explanation of non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures can be found in the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section and the subsequent tables at the end of this press release.
Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results Conference Call and Webcast
Upwork will host a conference call today at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time/5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the company’s third quarter 2026 financial results. An audio webcast archive will be available following the live event for approximately one year at investors.upwork.com. Please visit the Upwork Investor Relations website at investors.upwork.com/financial-information/quarterly-results to view Upwork’s third quarter 2026 earnings presentation.
Disclosure Information
We use our Investor Relations website (investors.upwork.com), our Blog (upwork.com/blog), our X handle (twitter.com/Upwork), Hayden Brown’s X handle (twitter.com/hydnbrwn) and LinkedIn profile (linkedin.com/in/haydenlbrown), and Erica Gessert’s LinkedIn profile (linkedin.com/in/erica-gessert) as means of disseminating or providing notification of, among other things, news or announcements regarding our business or financial performance, investor events, press releases, and earnings releases, and as means of disclosing material nonpublic information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.
About Upwork
Upwork Inc.’s (Nasdaq: UPWK) family of companies connects businesses with global, AI-enabled talent across every contingent worker classification. This portfolio includes the Upwork Marketplace, which connects businesses with on-demand access to highly skilled talent across the globe, and Lifted, which provides a purpose-built solution for enterprise organizations to source, contract, manage, and pay talent across the full spectrum of contingent work. From Fortune 100 enterprises to entrepreneurs, businesses rely on Upwork Inc. to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, the Upwork family of companies enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and transform their workforces for the age of AI and beyond.
Since its founding, Upwork Inc. has facilitated more than $30 billion in total transactions and services as it fulfills its purpose to create opportunity in every era of work. Learn more about the Upwork Marketplace at upwork.com and follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X; and learn more about Lifted at go-lifted.com and follow on LinkedIn.
This press release of Upwork Inc. (together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include all statements other than statements of historical fact, including any statements regarding our future operating results and financial position, including expected financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2026, information or predictions concerning the future of our business or strategy, future market opportunity and market size, future products, features, or functionality, including our MCP server and other AI-enabled offerings, anticipated events and trends, potential growth or growth prospects, competitive position, technological and market trends, industry environment, the economy, our plans with respect to share repurchases, the expected impact and timing of strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of WorkMotion Software GmbH by a subsidiary of the Company, or cost-saving initiatives, and other future conditions.
We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections as of the date hereof about future events and trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short- and long-term business operations and objectives, and financial needs. As such, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, known and unknown risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and in many cases outside our control, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment, and new risks emerge from time to time. We make no representation that the plans, intentions, expectations, or results disclosed in these forward-looking statements will be achieved or that future events and circumstances will occur, and actual results or events may differ materially and adversely from our expectations. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and we do not undertake, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, conform these statements to actual results, or make changes in our expectations, except as required by law. Additional information regarding the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations is included under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2026, filed with the SEC on August 10, 2026, and in our other SEC filings, which are available on our Investor Relations website at investors.upwork.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Additional information will also be set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2026, when filed.
Upwork, Lifted, UmaTM, and other registered or common law trade names, trademarks, or service marks of Upwork appearing in this press release are the property of Upwork. This press release may also contain additional trade names, trademarks, and service marks of other companies, including names and brands. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners, and any references to third-party trademarks are for identification purposes only and shall be considered nominative fair use under trademark law.
UPWORK INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except for per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Revenue Marketplace$159,321 $174,572 $496,884 $511,525 Enterprise 26,278 27,158 75,858 77,850 Total revenue 185,599 201,730 572,742 589,375 Cost of revenue 44,304 45,843 134,233 131,081 Gross profit 141,295 155,887 438,509 458,294 Operating expenses Research and development 34,889 47,494 122,090 138,489 Sales and marketing 33,832 34,985 106,183 107,407 General and administrative 36,805 41,257 108,841 104,964 Provision for transaction losses 1,176 2,393 5,947 6,421 Total operating expenses 106,702 126,129 343,061 357,281 Income from operations 34,593 29,758 95,448 101,013 Other income, net 3,951 5,917 12,909 18,112 Income before income taxes 38,544 35,675 108,357 119,125 Income tax provision (6,734) (6,340) (19,682) (19,334)Net income$31,810 $29,335 $88,675 $99,791 Net income per share: Basic$0.25 $0.22 $0.71 $0.75 Diluted$0.25 $0.21 $0.69 $0.72 Weighted-average shares used to compute net income per share: Basic 125,103 131,987 125,701 133,114 Diluted 128,261 139,666 131,383 140,910 UPWORK INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
September 30,
2026 December 31,
2025ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents$227,986 $294,356Marketable securities 76,346 378,425Funds held in escrow, including funds in transit 164,606 180,752Trade and client receivables, net 79,315 76,236Prepaid expenses and other current assets 19,651 21,064Total current assets 567,904 950,833Property and equipment, net 61,625 44,421Goodwill 149,192 149,192Intangible assets, net 28,388 37,161Operating lease asset 11,773 5,011Deferred tax asset 108,305 111,495Other assets, noncurrent 3,910 1,467Total assets$931,097 $1,299,580 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable$9,336 $7,858Escrow funds payable 164,606 180,752Debt, current — 359,770Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 69,725 94,023Deferred revenue 8,620 7,765Total current liabilities 252,287 650,168Operating lease liability, noncurrent 13,514 9,707Other liabilities, noncurrent 11,271 9,390Total liabilities 277,072 669,265 Stockholders’ equity Common stock 13 13Additional paid-in capital 528,633 592,599Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (245) 754Retained earnings 125,624 36,949Total stockholders’ equity 654,025 630,315Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$931,097 $1,299,580 UPWORK INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income$31,810 $29,335 $88,675 $99,791 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for transaction losses 876 2,113 4,993 5,707 Depreciation and amortization 11,353 7,946 29,232 18,686 Amortization of debt issuance costs 409 460 1,330 1,381 Accretion of discount on purchases of marketable securities, net (238) (2,195) (3,017) (5,699)Amortization of operating lease asset 444 179 1,280 564 Tides Foundation common stock warrant expense 188 188 563 563 Stock-based compensation expense 9,173 19,789 38,717 48,038 Deferred taxes 1,555 (2,463) 3,190 (399)Loss on disposal of fixed assets — — 178 — Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Trade and client receivables (1,352) (2,014) (2,741) (1,654)Prepaid expenses and other assets 5,827 3,378 192 40 Operating lease liability (697) (208) (1,253) 600 Accounts payable 2,311 4,571 1,466 (504)Accrued expenses and other liabilities 4,244 13,866 (27,820) 16,777 Deferred revenue 44 134 855 667 Net cash provided by operating activities 65,947 75,079 135,840 184,558 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of marketable securities — (106,791) — (365,939)Proceeds from maturities of marketable securities 61,890 70,314 302,111 302,725 Proceeds from sale of marketable securities — 64 1,986 3,601 Purchase of equity investment (250) — (250) — Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired — (39,436) — (59,846)Purchases of property and equipment (4,152) (482) (7,493) (5,335)Internal-use software and platform development costs (7,941) (5,166) (25,650) (13,376)Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 49,547 (81,497) 270,704 (138,170)CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Change in escrow funds payable, net (31,237) 6,451 (19,553) 23,025 Proceeds from exercises of stock options and common stock warrants 24 76 793 729 Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan — — 1,646 2,199 Repayment of convertible senior notes (360,998) — (360,998) — Repurchase of common stock — (31,001) (109,725) (101,923)Payment of debt issuance costs — — (1,223) — Net cash used in financing activities (392,211) (24,474) (489,060) (75,970)NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH (276,717) (30,892) (82,516) (29,582)CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH—beginning of period 673,109 506,903 478,908 505,593 CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS, AND RESTRICTED CASH—end of period$396,392 $476,011 $396,392 $476,011
The following table reconciles cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total of the same amounts shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows as of the following (in thousands):
September 30,
2026 December 31,
2025Cash and cash equivalents$227,986 $294,356Restricted cash 3,800 3,800Funds held in escrow, including funds in transit 164,606 180,752Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as shown in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows$396,392 $478,908
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement our condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), we present certain non-GAAP financial measures in this press release, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, free cash flow, and non-GAAP diluted EPS.
We define adjusted EBITDA as net income adjusted for stock-based compensation expense; depreciation and amortization; other income (expense), net, which includes interest expense; income tax benefit (provision); and, if applicable, certain other gains, losses, benefits, or charges that are non-cash or are significant and the result of isolated events or transactions that have not occurred frequently in the past and are not expected to occur regularly in the future. Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operations less purchases of property, plant and equipment and cash outflows from internally developed software.
We use non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP for planning purposes, including the preparation of our annual operating budget, as a measure of our core operating results and the effectiveness of our business strategy, and in evaluating our financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures provide consistency and comparability with past financial performance, facilitate period-to-period comparisons of our core operating results, and also facilitate comparisons with other peer companies, many of which use similar non-GAAP financial measures to supplement their GAAP results. In addition, adjusted EBITDA is widely used by investors and securities analysts to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to certain items that can vary substantially from company to company, and free cash flow allows investors to evaluate the cash generated from our underlying operations across periods.
Investors are cautioned that there are material limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. In particular, (1) adjusted EBITDA and certain of our other non-GAAP financial measures exclude stock-based compensation expense, which has recently been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a significant recurring expense for our business and an important part of our compensation strategy, (2) although depreciation and amortization expense are non-cash charges, the assets subject to depreciation and amortization may have to be replaced in the future, and adjusted EBITDA and certain of our other non-GAAP financial measures do not reflect cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital expenditure requirements, and (3) adjusted EBITDA does not reflect: (a) changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; (b) interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt, which reduces cash available to us; (c) tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us; or (d) material acquisition-related deal costs. In addition, the utility of free cash flow as a measure of our liquidity is limited as it does not represent the total increase or decrease in our cash balance for a given period. Moreover, the non-GAAP financial measures we use may be different from non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies, including companies in our industry, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes. We compensate for these limitations by providing specific information regarding the GAAP items excluded from the non-GAAP financial measures that we present. Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this press release to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures have been provided below, and investors are encouraged to review the reconciliations and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.
We have not reconciled our adjusted EBITDA guidance to GAAP net income or non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to GAAP diluted EPS because certain items that impact GAAP net income and GAAP diluted EPS are uncertain or out of our control and cannot be reasonably predicted. In particular, stock-based compensation expense is impacted by the future fair market value of our common stock and other factors, all of which are difficult to predict, subject to frequent change, or not within our control. The actual amount of these expenses during the fourth quarter of 2026 and fiscal year 2026 will have a significant impact on our future GAAP financial results. Accordingly, a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA guidance to GAAP net income and non-GAAP diluted EPS guidance to GAAP diluted EPS is not available without unreasonable effort.
UPWORK INC.
RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP RESULTS
(In thousands, except for percentages and share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Net income$31,810 $29,335 $88,675 $99,791 Add back (deduct): Stock-based compensation expense(1) 9,173 19,789 38,717 48,038 Depreciation and amortization(1) 11,353 7,946 29,232 18,686 Other income, net(1) (3,951) (5,917) (12,909) (18,112)Income tax provision 6,734 6,340 19,682 19,334 Other(1)(2)(3)(4) 8,670 2,134 21,871 4,962 Adjusted EBITDA$63,789 $59,627 $185,268 $172,699 Profit margin 17% 15% 15% 17%Adjusted EBITDA margin 34% 30% 32% 29% Cost of revenue, GAAP$44,304 $45,843 $134,233 $131,081 Stock-based compensation expense(1) (74) (193) (324) (580)Other(1) (1) — (271) — Cost of revenue, Non-GAAP 44,229 45,650 133,638 130,501 As a percentage of total revenue, GAAP 24% 23% 23% 22%As a percentage of total revenue, Non-GAAP 24% 23% 23% 22% Gross profit, GAAP$141,295 $155,887 $438,509 $458,294 Stock-based compensation expense(1) 74 193 324 580 Other(1) 1 — 271 — Gross profit, Non-GAAP 141,370 156,080 439,104 458,874 Gross margin, GAAP 76% 77% 77% 78%Gross margin, Non-GAAP 76% 77% 77% 78% Research and development, GAAP$34,889 $47,494 $122,090 $138,489 Stock-based compensation expense(1) (2,598) (6,101) (10,269) (17,528)Intangible amortization (2,930) (3,067) (8,772) (5,697)Other(1) (2,442) — (8,909) — Research and development, Non-GAAP 26,919 38,326 94,140 115,264 As a percentage of total revenue, GAAP 19% 24% 21% 23%As a percentage of total revenue, Non-GAAP 15% 19% 16% 20% Sales and marketing, GAAP$33,832 $34,985 $106,183 $107,407 Stock-based compensation expense(1) (959) (1,615) (3,700) (4,790)Intangible amortization — (403) — (1,236)Other(1) (302) — (3,439) — Sales and marketing, Non-GAAP 32,571 32,967 99,044 101,381 As a percentage of total revenue, GAAP 18% 17% 19% 18%As a percentage of total revenue, Non-GAAP 18% 16% 17% 17% General and administrative, GAAP$36,805 $41,257 $108,841 $104,964 Stock-based compensation expense(1) (5,542) (11,880) (24,424) (25,140)Other(1)(2)(3)(4) (7,567) (2,134) (10,893) (4,962)General and administrative, Non-GAAP 23,696 27,243 73,524 74,862 As a percentage of total revenue, GAAP 20% 20% 19% 18%As a percentage of total revenue, Non-GAAP 13% 14% 13% 13% Total operating expenses, GAAP$106,702 $126,129 $343,061 $357,281 Stock-based compensation expense(1) (9,099) (19,596) (38,393) (47,458)Intangible amortization (2,930) (3,470) (8,772) (6,933)Other(1)(2)(3)(4) (10,311) (2,134) (23,241) (4,962)Total operating expenses, Non-GAAP 84,362 100,929 272,655 297,928 As a percentage of total revenue, GAAP 57% 63% 60% 61%As a percentage of total revenue, Non-GAAP 45% 50% 48% 51% Income from operations, GAAP$34,593 $29,758 $95,448 $101,013 Stock-based compensation expense(1) 9,173 19,789 38,717 48,038 Intangible amortization 2,930 3,470 8,772 6,933 Other(1)(2)(3)(4) 10,312 2,134 23,690 4,962 Income from operations, Non-GAAP 57,008 55,151 166,627 160,946 Net income, GAAP$31,810 $29,335 $88,675 $99,791 Stock-based compensation expense(1) 9,173 19,789 38,717 48,038 Intangible amortization 2,930 3,470 8,772 6,933 Tax effect of non-GAAP adjustments (2,959) (4,897) (8,864) (13,613)Other(1)(2)(3)(4) 10,312 2,134 23,690 4,962 Net income, Non-GAAP 51,266 49,831 150,990 146,111 Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing earnings per share, GAAPBasic (in millions) 125.1 132.0 125.7 133.1 Diluted (in millions) 128.3 139.7 131.4 140.9 Basic earnings per share, GAAP$0.25 $0.22 $0.71 $0.75 Diluted earnings per share, GAAP$0.25 $0.21 $0.69 $0.72 Weighted-average shares outstanding used in computing earnings per share, Non-GAAPBasic (in millions) 125.1 132.0 125.7 133.1 Diluted (in millions) 128.3 139.7 131.4 140.9 Basic earnings per share, Non-GAAP$0.41 $0.38 $1.20 $1.10 Diluted earnings per share, Non-GAAP$0.40 $0.36 $1.16 $1.05 (1) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026, we incurred $4.3 million and $18.1 million in costs related to the restructuring announced in May 2026, respectively. Of these amounts, $2.7 million and $15.6 million, respectively, are included in Other, while the remaining amounts are allocated among “Stock-based compensation expense”, “Depreciation and amortization”, and “Other income, net”.
(2) For each of the three months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, we incurred $0.2 million of expense related to the warrant to purchase 500,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share issued to the Tides Foundation in 2018, and for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2026 and 2025, we incurred $0.6 million of such expense.
(3) For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026, we incurred transaction-related costs of $5.7 million in connection with the WorkMotion Software GmbH acquisition. These costs primarily consisted of legal, accounting, and other professional fees, and were recorded in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(4) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, we incurred acquisition-related costs of $1.9 million and $4.4 million, respectively, in connection with our business combinations. These costs primarily consisted of legal, accounting, and other professional fees, and were recorded in general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
UPWORK INC.
RECONCILIATION OF CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
TO FREE CASH FLOW
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
September 30, Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2026 2025 2026 2025 Cash provided by operating activities $65,947 $75,079 $135,840 $184,558 Less: purchases of property, plant & equipment and cash outflows from internally developed software (12,093) (5,648) (33,143) (18,711)Free cash flow $53,854 $69,431 $102,697 $165,847
Upwork Inc (NASDAQ:UPWK) shares are soaring after-hours Monday after the company reported third-quarter financial results and provided an update on forward guidance.
Chainlink 24/7 is live, supplying continuous prices for tokenized stocks and commodities through weekends and holidays, with Aave adopting the feeds on its Horizon platform.
@chainlink has launched Chainlink 24/7, a data service that supplies continuous market prices for stocks, commodities and other tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), including weekends and market holidays. @aave is the official launch partner and is using the feeds to value collateral on its institutional lending platform.
How Chainlink 24/7 Fills the Weekend Gap
Chainlink's earlier 24/5 service already covered regular, pre-market, post-market and overnight equity sessions, but a gap remained from 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, as well as on holidays, according to Chainlink.
Onchain applications keep running during that period, even though the underlying stock markets are shut.
The new service addresses this by combining two sources.
When traditional markets are open, it uses prices from regular and extended sessions.
It then blends those with quotes from multiple perpetual-futures venues when traditional markets close.
According to Chainlink, the off-hours reference filters stale inputs and limits the influence of outlier prices.
The result is one price series per asset, but the weekend figure is not a quote from an open exchange.
The weekend price reflects derivatives trading rather than actual transactions on closed exchanges
, as Bitcoinist noted. That distinction matters for any protocol that relies on the figure to manage risk.
Delivery runs through two products.
Lending protocols can read prices published directly onchain through Data Feeds, while trading platforms and prediction markets can use Data Streams for faster updates, which also flag the current market session so apps can adjust risk settings.
Aave Uses the Feeds on Horizon
Aave is using Chainlink 24/7 Data Feeds to price tokenized RWAs used as collateral within its institutional lending platform Horizon, starting with high-volume U.S. equities.
Horizon, which launched in August 2025, lets institutions borrow stablecoins against tokenized assets, and RWA collateral is restricted to qualified users approved by asset issuers.
Reliable weekend pricing matters because
collateral values need to stay current to manage liquidation risk, even when stock exchanges are offline.
Chainlink describes Aave as the largest DeFi protocol by total value locked, and the service builds on an earlier product line.
In January 2026, Chainlink introduced 24/5 US stock and ETF pricing covering pre-market, regular, post-market and overnight sessions.
That 24/5 service provides delayed pricing for nearly half of all tokenized stocks across six blockchains, representing over $1.6 billion in value.
Some details remain open.
Not every supported asset or every Aave market is necessarily using the new references yet
, according to CoinTurk, and
the complete asset list and practical rollout details for Aave remain to be confirmed.
On the market reaction,
LINK rose about 4% to $11.76 in 24 hours
, per one market report, though
CoinTurk found no noticeable response in LINK or AAVE market data linked to the launch as of October 31.
The two reports reflect different time windows and sources.
Aave has adopted Chainlink’s 24/7 price feeds for its Horizon lending platform, bringing weekend and holiday valuations to tokenized collateral, starting with heavily traded U.S. equities.
Summary
Aave Horizon is using Chainlink’s 24/7 feeds to value tokenized real-world assets pledged as collateral.
Weekend prices draw on perpetual futures venues while the underlying traditional stock exchanges remain closed.
Institutional borrowers must meet issuer requirements before using tokenized assets to access Horizon’s stablecoin liquidity.
Horizon’s existing documentation describes price safeguards designed to prevent faulty valuations from triggering liquidations.
Chainlink identified Aave as its official launch partner in posts published on Nov. 2, highlighting collateral management as one application for its continuous market data service. The posts follow the product’s October launch and name a lending use case alongside round-the-clock derivatives trading.
As crypto.news previously reported, the 24/7 pricing launch brought weekend and holiday coverage to a service whose earlier version covered weekday sessions. The announcement identified lending, prediction markets and perpetual futures among its applications.
Chainlink 24/7 uses derivatives prices when exchanges close
In its product announcement, Chainlink says Horizon is using the feeds for tokenized RWA collateral, beginning with high-volume U.S. equities.
“With Chainlink 24/7, Aave can reliably value RWA collateral through weekends and holidays,” Aave founder and CEO Stani Kulechov said in the announcement.
During active sessions, the service draws on existing 24/5 data. After traditional markets close, it switches to quotes from multiple perpetual futures venues. Weekend values therefore come from derivatives trading, rather than transactions on a closed stock exchange.
Chainlink says the system removes stale inputs and limits outliers, while its session-aware methodology manages transitions between sources. At the regular-session opening bell, the feed preserves immediate price discovery.
Lending applications receive onchain updates through Data Feeds. Data Streams provide another delivery route, with session information that applications can use when adjusting risk settings.
Aave Horizon separates qualified borrowers from stablecoin lenders
Aave’s Horizon documentation describes a separate, licensed instance of the protocol for institutional and qualified participants. Borrowers supply permissioned real-world assets, while stablecoin liquidity comes from pools open to suppliers without issuer approval.
Access to collateral depends on the asset issuer’s requirements. Onboarding typically includes identity verification, compliance checks, and acceptance of terms before an investor joins the issuer’s allowlist.
Deposited RWAs cannot be borrowed by other participants. Their receipt tokens are non-transferable, keeping collateral positions with the original supplier.
Borrowers must maintain the required collateralization ratios, with liquidation possible when positions fall below the applicable thresholds. Loan-to-value limits and liquidation settings depend on each asset’s characteristics and regulatory requirements.
The documentation names USDC, RLUSD and GHO as borrowable stablecoins. Stablecoins supplied to those pools cannot themselves serve as collateral in Horizon.
Horizon documents safeguards against faulty collateral prices
For its existing issuer-reported net asset value feeds, Horizon describes an oracle safeguard developed with Chainlink and LlamaRisk. Upper and lower bounds determine whether a new valuation can be published.
Updates outside those bounds are rejected, leaving the last valid price in place. A breach triggers an emergency response that prevents new borrowing and further exposure while the cause is investigated.
The documented NAV safeguards address erroneous issuer valuations; they do not establish the specific settings for the newly described equity feeds.
In its August 2025 launch announcement, Aave said Horizon had adopted Chainlink SmartData through NAVLink to deliver collateral valuations. The platform launched on Ethereum using Aave Protocol version 3.3, with borrowing and lending executed through smart contracts.
Aave described its non-custodial structure as preventing Aave Labs from moving user funds. Issuers retain responsibility for whitelisting, identity checks, and asset management.
Horizon’s original collateral included US Treasury exposure
At launch, Horizon supported Superstate’s USTB and USCC alongside Centrifuge’s JRTSY and JAAA, according to Aave’s announcement. The products covered short-duration U.S. government securities, crypto carry strategies, Treasury bills and AAA-rated collateralized loan obligations.
Circle’s USYC was listed as an upcoming addition at that time, offering qualified investors exposure to short-duration U.S. Treasury bills.
Aave said institutions could borrow against their holdings without selling or redeeming the underlying tokenized assets. Stablecoin suppliers received interest-bearing receipt tokens representing their deposits, with borrowing demand providing the lending opportunity.
The launch announcement named LlamaRisk as a risk-analysis provider and said Chaos Labs would join as a risk-management provider.
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Nov. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) will webcast management participation as follows:
2026 Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference in London at 2:00 p.m. GMT (9:00 a.m. ET) on Tuesday, November 17, 20269th Annual Evercore Healthcare Conference at 1:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 1, 2026Citi’s 2026 Global Healthcare Conference at 9:40 a.m. ET on Wednesday, December 2, 2026 The sessions may be accessed from the "Investors & Media" page of Regeneron's website at https://investor.regeneron.com/events-and-presentations. Replays and transcripts of the webcasts will be archived on the Company's website for at least 30 days.
About Regeneron
Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to numerous approved treatments and product candidates in development, most of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases, and rare diseases.
Regeneron pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery and accelerates drug development using our proprietary technologies, such as VelociSuite®, which produces optimized fully human antibodies and new classes of bispecific antibodies. We are shaping the next frontier of medicine with data-powered insights from the Regeneron Genetics Center® and pioneering genetic medicine platforms, enabling us to identify innovative targets and complementary approaches to potentially treat or cure diseases.
For more information, please visit www.Regeneron.com or follow Regeneron on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or X.
Contact Information:
Investor Relations
Ryan Crowe
914.847.8790 [email protected]