Restaurant Brands International: Navigating Seasonal Revenue SwingsRestaurant Brands International (QSR +1.52%) operates and globally franchises a diverse portfolio of quick-service chains, including Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs.
It reached a court-ordered mediation impasse regarding litigation from its Carrols Restaurant Group acquisition in March of 2026, and it posted 15% net income margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
McDonald's: Maintaining Global Revenue ScaleMcDonald's (MCD +1.97%) operates and licenses a vast worldwide network of fast-food restaurants that serve a broad menu of hamburgers, chicken items, and breakfast selections.
It recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge related to internal organizational changes, and it reported 30% net income margin for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.
Why Revenue Matters for Retail InvestorsRevenue shows investors the total amount of money a business brings in before deducting any expenses. This metric helps investors measure a business's overall size, market footprint, and long-term trajectory.
Quarter (Period End)Restaurant Brands International RevenueMcDonald's RevenueQ2 2024 (June 2024)$2.1 billion$6.5 billionQ3 2024 (Sept. 2024)$2.3 billion$6.9 billionQ4 2024 (Dec. 2024)$2.3 billion$6.4 billionQ1 2025 (March 2025)$2.1 billion$6.0 billionQ2 2025 (June 2025)$2.4 billion$6.8 billionQ3 2025 (Sept. 2025)$2.4 billion$7.1 billionQ4 2025 (Dec. 2025)$2.5 billion$7.0 billionQ1 2026 (March 2026)$2.3 billion$6.5 billionData source: Company filings. Data as of June 23, 2026.
Foolish TakeThe revenue trends between McDonald's and Restaurant Brands International (RBI) reveal both are experiencing year-over-year growth. As an iconic brand, McDonald's enjoys far larger sales, yet its stock slid in June to a 52-week low of $264.53 as investors became concerned persistent inflation and rising labor costs will eventually force menu price increases that drive away customers.
Wall Street’s sentiment towards RBI is rosier for a few reasons. The company’s Burger King brand enjoyed strong year-over-year comparable store sales growth of 6% in the first quarter of 2026. This means existing stores are producing greater revenue through repeat customer visits and price increases. McDonald's saw a 4% comparable store sales increase in Q1.
In addition, RBI’s international division is expanding rapidly with outstanding 11% year-over-year sales growth in Q1. While RBI has a long way to go before it gets close to the level of revenue produced by McDonald's, its successes with Burger King and international expansion drove shares to a 52-week high of $81.96 in May.
Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Restaurant Brands International and recommends the following options: long January 2028 $320 calls on McDonald's and short January 2028 $340 calls on McDonald's. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Pfizer (PFE +2.58%) is offering dividend investors a huge 6.9% yield. To put that into perspective, the S&P 500 index (^GSPC 0.05%) has a tiny 1% yield right now, and the average pharmaceutical stock's yield is 1.6%. Dividend lovers will clearly find Pfizer's yield attractive.
However, that lofty yield is also a sign that this pharmaceutical company is deeply out of favor on Wall Street. If you have a long-term investment approach that allows you to practice what I call time arbitrage, you may want to consider buying this high-yield drugmaker.
Image source: Getty Images.
What's wrong with Pfizer? Pfizer's stock price is rough 60% below its late 2021 high. In fact, the share price is lower today than it was prior to the coronavirus pandemic. That's actually quite important, because Pfizer was one of the companies to develop a COVID vaccine. In typical Wall Street fashion, investors bid up the price, thinking that COVID would forever be a health scourge. Only the world learned to live with the illness, and vaccine sales didn't live up to lofty investor expectations.
The stock dropped, as you would expect. However, at the same time, Pfizer has also been struggling to develop new drugs to replace blockbusters that are set to lose patent protection in the next couple of years. Its biggest miss came in 2025, when it had to abandon a GLP-1 weight-loss drug it was working on. That wasn't a good look and leaves the company far behind its industry peers, Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), in this emerging new drug category.
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Meanwhile, the company's dividend payout ratio sits at 130%. There's a good reason why dividend investors would be worried about buying this deeply out-of-favor stock.
Pfizer has worked through hard times before Investors got too excited about Pfizer during COVID. But it looks like they may be too pessimistic about the stock today. Yes, Pfizer is struggling, but the problems it faces are really fairly normal in the drug sector. Research and development don't work on a set timeline, even though patent expirations do. And Pfizer hasn't given up on finding new drugs. In fact, it has a number of important drug trials in the works and, notably, quickly bought a company with an attractive GLP-1 candidate after its own weight-loss drug flamed out. Simply put, it's doing the right things.
PFE Payout Ratio (TTM) data by YCharts
Meanwhile, dividends aren't paid out of earnings. They are paid out of cash flows. And comparing the dividend to free cash flow, using the cash dividend payout ratio, is a bit more reassuring. That ratio sits at about 100%, with management stating clearly that sustaining the dividend is a priority. That may mean leaning on the balance sheet for a while to pay the dividend, but given the company's long and successful history, it is highly likely that Pfizer eventually develops new, highly profitable drugs to support the quarterly shareholder payment.
Pfizer: A time arbitrage opportunity Wall Street tends to be myopically focused on the short term. If you think in decades and not days, you can use the market's short-term focus to your benefit. Pfizer's history suggests it will muddle through this weak patch and return to a position of strength, though it may take a little while. While there's no guarantee of a positive future, it seems far more likely that Pfizer will discover exciting new drugs than that it will end up in bankruptcy court. If you can handle a little near-term uncertainty, you can collect a huge 6.9% yield while you wait for better days.
The big draw with Enbridge (ENB +0.09%) is its lofty 5.1% dividend yield. And that yield is backed by 31 annual dividend increases. That's a great start for any investor looking to buy a high-yield stock, but the story gets even better when you consider where Enbridge will be in 10 years.
Enbridge isn't your typical midstream stock The core of Enbridge's business is its midstream oil and natural gas operations. Essentially, it charges fees for facilitating the movement of these vital energy commodities worldwide. The price of the commodities moving through its system is less important than the volume. And given the importance of oil and natural gas to modern life, volume is high most of the time. In fact, the conflict in the Middle East may even increase demand for oil and natural gas from North America as countries reconsider energy security.
Image source: Getty Images.
Despite the ongoing growth of renewable power, Enbridge's midstream operations are likely to continue expanding over the next decade. But that's not the only growth opportunity, as the company's regulated natural gas utility business is also poised for expansion. Natural gas is increasingly replacing oil in the home heating market, but it is also in high demand among electric utilities, which are attempting to keep up with AI-driven demand for power.
So, more slow-and-steady growth from the company's oil and natural gas-linked operations is likely for years to come. Since Enbridge's midstream and regulated utility operations (which comprise four utilities) account for around 95% of its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, it is well positioned to continue paying investors well. The company is calling for 3% distributable cash flow growth in 2026, but 5% each year over the longer term. Dividends should increase by around the same amounts.
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The small, but vital, clean energy business The one knock that a long-term dividend investor might have here is that Enbridge is heavily involved in carbon energy while the world is slowly shifting toward cleaner alternatives. Only, the company's goal is to provide the world with the energy it needs. For example, it has been growing its natural gas exposure because that is a cleaner-burning fuel than oil.
That said, Enbridge's third and final business line is actually clean energy. It is small today, but clean energy still accounts for a small share of the world's energy needs. This division will continue to grow over the next decade, keeping the company apace with the changing face of the energy market. And over the long term, that means Enbridge will remain a vital player in the global energy market. So even an investor who believes renewable energy is the future can comfortably buy this high-yield energy stock and hold it for 10 years or more.
Choosing between Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT +0.43%) and Realty Income (O +1.85%) requires balancing a focus on premium local quality against the safety of international scale. Both companies have long histories of rewarding shareholders, but they follow very different paths to growth.
Federal Realty concentrates on a small number of high-value shopping centers in specific metropolitan hubs, while Realty Income utilizes a triple-net lease model across thousands of standalone buildings. These structural differences mean each real estate stock reacts differently to economic shifts and interest rate changes.
Federal Realty focuses on high-quality mixed-use properties. The company owns roughly 104 properties that combine retail shopping centers with residential or office space in high-barrier coastal markets. Recent activity includes the acquisition of the Congressional North Shopping Center for $72.3 million in March of 2026.
In its 2025 fiscal year (FY), revenue reached $1.3 billion, representing a 6.3% increase over the previous year. Net income available for common shareholders for the period was $403 million. This growth was supported by strategic property turnover, including the sale of a Falls Church shopping center for $58 million in June of 2026.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was 1.5x, meaning the company carries $1.50 in total debt for every dollar of shareholder equity. The current ratio, which measures the ability to cover short-term bills with short-term assets, stood at roughly 1.0x. Free cash flow, calculated as cash from operations minus capital expenditures, was $331 million during the 2025 fiscal year.
The case for Realty IncomeRealty Income operates a massive portfolio of more than 15,500 properties across all 50 states and several European countries. The company uses a triple-net lease structure, where tenants like 7-Eleven and Dollar General pay for taxes, insurance, and maintenance. This model provides highly predictable cash flow, which the company uses to pay its famous monthly dividend.
In FY 2025, revenue rose to $5.7 billion, a 9.1% increase compared to the prior year. Net income reached nearly $1.1 billion. The company continues to expand aggressively, highlighted by its January 2026 entry into the Mexican market and the acquisition of an Ohio-based Lowe's property for $18.9 million.
As of the December 2025 balance sheet, the company maintained a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.8x. This indicates a lower level of leverage relative to its equity than many of its peers. The current ratio was 0.5x, and the company generated $4 billion in free cash flow during the 2025 fiscal year.
Risk profile comparisonFederal Realty faces risks from its heavy concentration in major coastal metropolitan markets. Economic downturns in these specific regions can have a disproportionate impact on its rental revenue and occupancy levels. Furthermore, the company is vulnerable to the health of its anchor tenants, as large-format retail bankruptcies could leave significant vacancies that are difficult to fill quickly. It also competes for premium space with companies like Kimco Realty.
Realty Income carries risks related to its aggressive expansion into new verticals like data centers and international markets. These new ventures require management expertise that may differ from its traditional retail core. Additionally, the company relies heavily on consistent access to capital markets to fund its acquisitions. This makes it sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and competition from other large net-lease players like W. P. Carey.
Valuation comparisonFederal Realty Investment Trust appears to be the more affordable option for investors based on the sales multiple but is pricey based on earnings estimates.
MetricFederal Realty Investment TrustRealty IncomeSector BenchmarkForward P/E42.9x39.5x32.2xP/S ratio8.4x10.1xSector benchmark uses the SPDR XLRE sector ETF. Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?Investing in real estate investment trusts (REITs) is a great way to gain passive income. REITs offer substantially higher dividend yields than many dividend-paying companies. Federal Realty Investment Trust and Realty Income are two prominent REITs to consider. Both are worth owning shares in, making the choice between them a tough call.
Federal Realty Investment Trust delivered an outstanding first quarter. Its Q1 diluted earnings per share (EPS) soared to $1.81 from $0.72 in the prior year as revenue rose to $341.1 million compared to $309.2 million in 2025. The company raised its full-year guidance, which helped to propel its stock to a 52-week high of $126.41 in June.
Realty Income is a solid income generator that has raised its dividend for 114 consecutive quarters. Its Q1 sales jumped up to $1.5 billion from $1.4 billion in 2025.
However, Realty Income’s Q1 diluted EPS was $0.33, which is substantially lower than Federal Realty Investment Trust’s Q1 result. Moreover, the company cut its 2026 guidance from diluted EPS of at least $1.65 to $1.60.
Federal Realty Investment Trust is doing well, and its premium properties boasted nearly a 94% occupancy rate. These factors and its higher diluted EPS make it the better REIT to purchase over Realty Income at this time. Because Federal Realty Investment Trust’s forward earnings multiple is elevated after the run-up in its share price, the prudent approach is to wait for the stock to drop before buying.
Weekly Market HighlightsThis week, 521 stocks gained more than 15%, while 1,436 stocks declined by more than 10%, reflecting significant market challenges.The
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 27, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS) between January 14, 2025 and May 6, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important July 27, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Zoetis securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Zoetis class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/zoetis-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 27, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and touted growing market share, strong veterinarian adoption, and accelerating sales growth across Zoetis' flagship Companion Animal products and/or failed to disclose that: (1) veterinarian prescription growth and adoption of Zoetis' Librela, a canine pain treatment, were sharply weakening as clinicians became more cautious following FDA safety warnings concerning serious neurological complications in dogs; (2) Zoetis' Simparica Trio was losing significant market share to a lower priced competing canine parasiticide with broader indicated use in a slowing overall market; and (3) Zoetis' dermatology products, Apoquel and Cytopoint, were losing substantial market share to a newly launched competing canine treatment. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Zoetis class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/zoetis-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/303163
Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA
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Tesla (TSLA +1.38%) is one of the biggest companies in the world. But Tesla's auto sales have actually been on the decline for several years now. With shares trading at 13.5 times sales, it's clear that the market doesn't just value the company as an EV stock. Instead, Tesla is now arguably a bona fide AI stock, with a valuation premium to match.
What exactly makes Tesla an AI stock? There are many aspects to the equation, but perhaps the biggest reason deals with autonomous driving. Self-driving cars have been promised for decades. But AI is advancing self-driving capabilities faster than ever before. And Tesla has one of the leading positions in a market enabled by autonomous cars: robotaxis.
"We think $8 trillion to $10 trillion for the entire autonomous taxi opportunity throughout the world, from almost nothing," predicts Cathie Wood, the CEO of Ark Invest, a major Tesla shareholder. "That's how quickly AI is going to cause these things to happen."
Tesla's core auto manufacturing business, combined with what could become a $10 trillion robotaxi opportunity, helps justify the company's $1.2 trillion valuation. But there's another EV stock following a similar path to growth yet trading at just 3.2 times sales, with a market cap under $20 billion.
Here's why every growth investor should be taking a closer look at Rivian (RIVN +5.18%).
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Rivian is ready to follow Tesla's recipe for growth While Tesla's history is long and complex, the company's meteoric rise comes down to a few key moves. The company first launched the Roadster in 2008, cementing its status as a carmaker of quality (if not expensive) products. In 2017, Tesla launched the Model 3, followed by the Model Y a few years later. Today, those affordable models account for more than 90% of Tesla's auto sales. Finally, in 2024, the company unveiled its Cybercab model, followed up by the launch of its robotaxi service in 2025.
Rivian's growth strategy so far has followed many of the same key pillars. In 2018, the company announced its first vehicles: the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV. These EVs had luxury price tags, but owners loved the build and quality. Earlier this year, Rivian launched its R2 SUV, its first vehicle priced under $50,000 that will compete directly with Tesla's ultra-successful Model Y. Then in December 2025, the company announced a major strategic pivot that would focus on autonomous cars and AI, clearing the way for it to compete in the nascent robotaxi market.
Image source: Rivian.
Rivian doesn't have the scale, access to capital, or brand name recognition of Tesla. But it's putting the pieces in place to compete in the same markets as Tesla. We received early validation of Rivian's strategy in early 2026 when Uber Technologies agreed to purchase up to 50,000 Rivian R2 SUVs in a $1.25 billion deal aimed at supporting Uber's robotaxi division.
When it comes to attacking the robotaxi market, there are more risks with Rivian stock than with Tesla. But Rivian's deeply discounted valuation provides more than enough margin of safety for investors looking to hit a home run.
On June 11, 2026, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (CHKP +5.87%) Director Shavit Shenhav Tal exercised options to acquire and immediately sold 25,000 Ordinary Shares, generating proceeds of approximately $3.08 million according to the SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueShares traded (direct)25,000Transaction value~$3.08 millionPost-transaction shares (direct)4,008Post-transaction value (direct ownership)~$493KTransaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($123.07); post-transaction value based on the June 11, 2026 market value of 4,008 shares ($493,464.96).
Key questionsWhat was the structure and economic rationale for this transaction?
The transaction was an exercise-and-sell event, with 25,000 Ordinary Shares acquired via option exercise and immediately sold; this allowed Tal to monetize vested awards without increasing net equity exposure to the company.How did this sale impact Tal's direct ownership stake?
Direct Ordinary Share holdings declined by 86.18%, from 29,008 shares pre-transaction to 4,008 shares post-transaction, materially reducing Tal's remaining direct capacity for open-market sales.Was this activity conducted through a 10b5-1 plan or routine administration?
The event was administrative in nature, aligned with the vesting and exercise of options, and did not involve discretionary or open-market accumulation or disposition beyond the option exercise and immediate sale.What capacity remains for future transactions and are there additional equity awards?
Post-sale, Tal holds 4,008 Ordinary Shares directly.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$2.76 billionNet income (TTM)$1.06 billionPrice (as of market close 2026-06-11)$123.071-year price change-40%Company snapshotCheck Point Software provides a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions, including network security gateways, endpoint protection, cloud security, IoT security, and unified management platforms.The firm generates revenue primarily through the sale of software licenses, security appliances, subscription-based services, and ongoing technical support and professional services.It targets a global customer base ranging from small and medium-sized businesses to large enterprises, data centers, telecom operators, and managed security service providers.Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. operates at scale as a leading cybersecurity provider, with a focus on multi-layered threat prevention and unified security management. The company leverages its Infinity Architecture to deliver integrated protection across networks, endpoints, cloud, and mobile environments. Its strong global presence and continuous innovation in threat prevention technologies underpin its competitive positioning in the infrastructure software segment.
What this transaction means for investorsTal’s transaction comes amid broader pressure for Check Point, and it’s a sizable amount of his available ordinary shares, but it’s hard to read too much into what could simply be a routine monetization of vested equity rather than a clear signal about Check Point Software's outlook. Because the shares were acquired through an option exercise and immediately sold, the filing appears more administrative than discretionary, even though the transaction significantly reduced his direct share ownership.
The company's fundamentals, however, remain a more important story for long-term investors. In the first quarter, Check Point reported 5% revenue growth to $668 million, with security subscription revenue climbing 11% to $323 million. Non-GAAP earnings per share increased 13% to $2.50, while adjusted free cash flow rose 11% to $457 million. CEO Nadav Zafrir said the cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a "fundamental shift" as AI fuels increasingly sophisticated threats, adding that the company's strategy is designed to capitalize on growing demand for enterprise AI security.
Management has also continued returning capital to shareholders. In May, the board authorized a $2 billion expansion of its share repurchase program after the company had already repurchased roughly 230 million shares for $17.4 billion since the program began.
Shares are down roughly 40% over the past year, a testament to the punishing stretch for many software names as of late, but investors should pay closer attention to whether Check Point can accelerate growth in higher-margin subscription and AI-driven security offerings than to a single options-related insider transaction.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Check Point Software Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Greg Abel's first quarterly report as Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA +1.60%)(BRKB +2.22%) CEO came with a number that's hard to look past. The conglomerate ended the first quarter of 2026 with a record $397 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term Treasury bills -- up from around $373 billion at the end of 2025, and equal to more than a third of the company's market value.
A pile that size invites a dramatic reading: that Warren Buffett and Abel are bracing for a crash. But that may read too much into it. The cash is less a market call than the result of a simpler problem. At today's prices, Berkshire continues to struggle to find much worth buying.
Warren Buffett. Image source: The Motley Fool.
How the cash got so big The balance didn't swell in a single quarter. Berkshire has been a net seller of stocks for more than a dozen quarters in a row, parting with well over $150 billion more in equities than it has bought since late 2022.
In the first quarter of 2026 specifically, Berkshire sold about $8 billion more stock than it purchased. Money that leaves the equity portfolio and isn't put into a new investment generally lands in Treasury bills, where it earns a decent yield while it waits.
Buffett, who handed the CEO role to Abel at the start of 2026 but stayed on as chairman and still advises him, has been candid about what he sees in the market.
"We've never had people in a more gambling mood than now," he said at Berkshire's annual meeting in May, pointing to investors paying up for stocks and piling into short-term options and prediction markets.
That helps explain the cash. The S&P 500 has gained about 7% in 2026 and is trading near record highs, while Berkshire has mostly stood aside.
What it would take to put it to work Abel, however, hasn't sat still. In late May, Berkshire agreed to buy homebuilder Taylor Morrison for about $8.5 billion including debt, working out to $72.50 a share, for the country's sixth-largest homebuilder.
It's Abel's first major acquisition, and a familiar Berkshire move: paying cash for an out-of-favor, cyclical business. But $8.5 billion is a small fraction of a $397 billion cash position. A deal that size barely moves it.
Berkshire has also recently agreed to invest an additional $10 billion in Alphabet as part of the tech giant's $80 billion capital raise. This is a more meaningful amount, but still not enough to move the needle for a nearly $1.1 trillion company in a big way.
Another lever is Berkshire's own stock. In March, Abel restarted share repurchases for the first time since May 2024, spending about $234 million -- a token amount next to the cash, but a notable shift after a nearly two-year pause. He has said he cleared the timing with Buffett, and Berkshire's rules allow it to buy back stock only when management judges the price to be below the company's intrinsic value.
That judgment -- a valuation call -- is the heart of the deployment question at the conglomerate.
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So, is a crash coming?
No one can predict the market, and even a $397 billion cash balance isn't a forecast that one is. The more grounded read is that Berkshire can't find enough sizable opportunities priced attractively enough to deploy a big share of its capital -- which is what you'd expect from a disciplined buyer in an expensive market. A deal here and a small buyback there, and the pile keeps growing.
For now, that leaves shareholders waiting. Berkshire stock is about flat in 2026 as of this writing, even as the S&P 500 has risen. If that gap holds and the shares keep lagging, buying back more of its own stock at a cheaper price may turn out to be the best use Abel has for all that cash.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 27, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds sellers of common stock of ChampionX Corporation (NASDAQ: CHX) between February 29, 2024 and April 1, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important July 14, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you sold ChampionX common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the ChampionX class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/championx-corporation/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 14, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period failed to disclose material information, which artificially deflated the price of ChampionX common stock. On February 29, 2024, ChampionX received an unsolicited non-public offer from Schlumberger Limited to purchase all the outstanding shares of ChampionX for $36.70 per share. On March 7, 2024, Schlumberger raised its offer to $37.80 per share. The lawsuit alleges that while these offers were on the table and unknown to the investing public, ChampionX was repurchasing its common stock at market prices significantly below the prices offered by Schlumberger. ChampionX had an obligation to disclose that it had received a formal acquisition offer from Schlumberger or abstain from purchasing ChampionX stock from unsuspecting investors. During the Class Period, ChampionX's average stock price was $33.32 per share. On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, during pre-market hours, ChampionX disclosed the merger with Schlumberger. The merger eventually closed on July 16, 2025, with Schlumberger acquiring ChampionX for $40.58 per share.
To join the ChampionX class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/championx-corporation/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
-------------------------------
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/303197
Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA
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WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Commvault Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVLT) between April 29, 2025 and January 26, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important July 17, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Commvault securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Commvault class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/commvault-systems-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than July 17, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Commvault's ARR growth environment; pertinently, Commvault knew or recklessly disregarded that its ARR growth guidance failed to properly factor in crucial variables, such as the type of sale. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Commvault class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/commvault-systems-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
-------------------------------
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - June 27, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) between February 24, 2026 and May 26, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 4, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Verra common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Verra class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/verra-mobility-corporation-2026/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 4, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Verra's relationship with Avis Budget Group ("Avis"), and in particular obtaining a contract extension with Avis. Further, Verra minimized concerns that major rent-a-cars could replace Verra with in-house solutions or outsourced alternatives. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Verra class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/verra-mobility-corporation-2026/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
-------------------------------
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/303078
Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA
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WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) between February 24, 2026 and May 26, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important August 4, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Verra common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Verra class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/verra-mobility-corporation-2026/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 4, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Verra’s relationship with Avis Budget Group (“Avis”), and in particular obtaining a contract extension with Avis. Further, Verra minimized concerns that major rent-a-cars could replace Verra with in-house solutions or outsourced alternatives. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Verra class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/verra-mobility-corporation-2026/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
The SoFi Technologies (SOFI +3.35%) stock price has been climbing over the past month, which is welcome news for shareholders. That's because, as of June 24, shares are down more than 30% on the year.
SoFi will likely report its 2026 second-quarter earnings results in late July or early August, which could help decide the next direction for the stock price. In the report, there will be a few updates that investors will want to follow.
Image source: Getty Images.
Will forward guidance be maintained? In its 2026 first-quarter earnings report, SoFi maintained its adjusted full-year revenue and adjusted full-year net income guidance of $4.6 billion and $825 million, respectively. Even without boosted guidance, that would still be a 30% increase in net revenue and a 72% increase in net income from its 2025 totals. That said, expectations are still high.
If forward guidance is strengthened, it could fuel a stock price rally. If guidance is maintained and the rest of the results underwhelm, the stock price would likely dip lower.
Member growth and cross-selling For Q1 2026, SoFi added 1.1 million new members, setting a record. That also marked the third straight quarter of 35% growth in its member totals, which reached 14.7 million.
As SoFi adds new members, it's also focusing on cross-selling products. In what SoFi calls its financial services productivity loop, it includes everything from home loans to student loans to an investing platform to credit cards. SoFi is seeing more existing customers signing up for more products in that productivity loop.
That should help it rely less on new members for long-term revenue growth, and it is a sign that the company has an opportunity to generate more revenue from current members. This next earnings report will offer a look into whether that momentum is continuing or has stalled.
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Updates on a slumping division In the first quarter, SoFi reported disappointing results for its Technology Platform, which basically powers the infrastructure for banks and other financial entities to build and run apps. That division's revenue fell 27%, with SoFi mentioning the loss of a major client.
SoFi is rebranding that platform to SoFi Technology Solutions for enterprise clients, offering them products and services across processing, banking, core ledgers and services, payment hubs, and risk and fraud. The second quarter will offer insight into whether that part of SoFi's business is returning to growth or is still experiencing declining revenue.
Investment considerations After climbing 70% in 2025, SoFi stock has struggled to find its footing in 2026. Its upcoming Q2 2026 earnings report can help establish the direction that shares move next, but long-term investors can view it more as a progress report.
The fintech operator will need to show that the loss of that client, mentioned in Q1 2026, was a one-time issue and that revenue is growing again in its SoFi Technology Solutions division. It will also need to show it's continuing to add new members at a steady pace, and that it's connecting current members with more of its products and is effectively creating cross-selling opportunities.
Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFSI) resulting from allegations that PennyMac may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
So What: If you purchased PennyMac securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.
What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51887 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
What is this about: On January 29, 2026, PennyMac filed a Current Report with the Securities Exchange Commission on Form 8-K announcing PennyMac's fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results. The report stated that PennyMac's "servicing segment pretax income was $37.3 million, down from $157.4 million in the prior quarter and $87.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024," as well as "[retax income excluding valuation-related items was $47.8 million, down 70 percent from the prior quarter driven primarily by increased realization of mortgage servicing rights (MSR) cash flows as lower mortgage rates drove higher prepayment activity."
On this news, PennyMac's stock price fell $49.78 per share, or 33.3%, to close at $99.92 per share on January 30, 2026.
Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
[email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
On June 15 and June 16, 2026, 10% Owner William Radford Lovett II reported the indirect sale of 103,591 shares of Dream Finders Homes (DFH +2.50%), according to a SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueShares sold (indirect)103,591Transaction value~$1.6 millionPost-transaction shares (direct)22,349Post-transaction shares (indirect)3,400,036Post-transaction value (direct ownership)~$334KTransaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($15.08).
Key questionsWhat is the impact of this transaction on William Radford Lovett II's overall stake in Dream Finders Homes?
The transaction reduced holdings by roughly 3%, with the vast majority of remaining ownership held indirectly through the W. Radford Lovett II GST Exempt Trust; direct holdings remain unchanged at 22,349 shares.What does the method of sale indicate about insider intent?
All shares were sold via indirect trust ownership, indicating continued reliance on trust vehicles for liquidity management; no new direct holdings were affected, and the sale was executed in two separate open-market transactions.How does the transaction's timing relate to market conditions and valuation?
Shares were sold at an average price of around $15.08 per share, close to the June 16, 2026 market close of $14.96 and below the current price of $15.60 as of June 18, 2026, during a period when the stock has declined 29.4% over the past year.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$4.2 billionNet income (TTM)$175.55 millionPrice (as of market close June 16, 2026)$15.08Company snapshotDream Finders Homes offers single-family home construction, mortgage origination, and insurance agency services across major U.S. metropolitan areas.The firm generates revenue through home sales, mortgage brokerage, and ancillary services such as title and escrow solutions.It targets first-time and move-up homebuyers, serving both individual consumers and real estate brokers.Dream Finders Homes is a national residential construction company with a focus on scalable growth in diverse U.S. markets. The company leverages vertical integration by combining homebuilding operations with mortgage and insurance services, supporting a comprehensive customer experience. Its strategy emphasizes flexibility in product offerings and market presence, positioning the business to capture demand across multiple buyer segments.
What this transaction means for investorsThis sale ultimately appears more consistent with ongoing portfolio management than a meaningful shift in conviction. Lovett trimmed only a small portion of his overall position and continues to control a substantial stake through trust ownership, suggesting he remains closely aligned with Dream Finders Homes' long-term performance.
The bigger story is that the homebuilder is navigating one of the toughest housing markets in years. While shares have fallen about 29% over the past 12 months, Dream Finders reported record first-quarter net sales of 2,408 homes, up 19% from a year earlier, while reducing its cancellation rate to 7.5% from 11.7%. Management also reaffirmed its outlook for roughly 9,250 home closings in 2026 despite pressure from elevated mortgage rates and affordability concerns.
CEO Patrick Zalupski said the company continues to adapt pricing and incentives to current market conditions while remaining focused on "long-term growth" and operational discipline. Separately, Dream Finders has been pursuing an acquisition of Beazer Homes, arguing the proposed deal could create additional value for shareholders through its asset-light operating model and acquisition experience.
For long-term investors, insider sales are often less important than execution. The key questions remain whether Dream Finders can protect margins, sustain strong sales momentum, and successfully capitalize on growth opportunities as the housing cycle improves.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Dream Finders Homes. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Investor attention may have turned elsewhere in recent weeks, but the autonomous vehicle race is still quietly churning behind the scenes. In just the last few days, for example, Finland took a significant step toward approving key self-driving software, and privately held Terawatt Infrastructure secured $300 million in debt financing to expand driverless vehicle infrastructure, among other developments.
Vehicle sensing technology is critical to the development of this industry, and there is still intense competition among firms developing light detection and ranging (lidar) tools, perception systems, and related components. Many of these companies are on the smaller side and will rely on the success of their R&D to continue growing, making them at least moderately risky ventures. However, the potential for a breakout moment is also strong, and the names below may be top contenders.
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Hesai's Shipments Soar, But Margin Remains a ChallengeHesai Group Today
$14.80 -0.22 (-1.46%)
As of 06/26/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
52-Week Range$14.40▼
$30.85P/E Ratio33.64
Price Target$30.13
With a market capitalization of just over $2 billion, Hesai Group NASDAQ: HSAI is not the largest autonomous vehicle sensing tech firm. However, it may have the most technological momentum, thanks in large part to its May 2026 announcement of a key partnership and supply agreement with Mercedes-Benz. Through this agreement, Hesai's Thai manufacturing facility will support Mercedes' vehicle programs across Europe and China. Hesai has also recently made breakthroughs in 3D perception that give it a crucial advantage over camera-based systems.
In its latest earnings report, the Chinese company noted 30% year-over-year (YOY) revenue growth as lidar shipments topped 471,000 units, helping Hesai achieve a fourth straight quarter of GAAP profitability. The firm sees lidar shipments of 3 million to 3.5 million units this year, putting it on pace to roughly double last year's already-record figure.
One area of potential concern for investors is margin. Hesai's gross margin declined in the latest quarter, and if the company continues to focus on lower-margin products, it may not help it recover. Scaling shipments does not seem to be the issue here—Hesai clearly has products in demand—but the company will have to continue to focus on efficiency to remain competitive. Still, with six Buy ratings and a single Hold, plus upside potential of over 100%, analysts are quite optimistic about this firm.
Mobileye Will Take Its Technology to the Streets With a Robotaxi ServiceMobileye Global Today
$7.85 -0.01 (-0.18%)
As of 06/26/2026 03:59 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$6.47▼
$20.18Price Target$13.77
Advanced drive-assistance system developer Mobileye Global Inc. NASDAQ: MBLY has recently made headlines not for its autonomous vehicle technology directly, but rather because it plans to launch a U.S. robotaxi service in 2027. The company is positioned well to expand in this direction, as it already has a robust tech stack and mobility tools. However, it faces intense competition that already has a foothold in the burgeoning industry.
Competitors like Waymo and Tesla Inc. NASDAQ: TSLA are significantly ahead of Mobileye when it comes to driverless taxi services. However, Mobileye does have a solid cash pile and growing top and bottom lines (revenue climbed 27% YOY and adjusted operating income grew by 61% over the same timeframe for the last reported quarter).
Mobileye's valuation remains fairly attractive based on a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 3.43, but the venture into robotaxi services is a big gamble. Analysts are split on their assessments of the company, with 10 Buys but 15 combined Holds and Sells.
Aeva: A Riskier Venture With Promising TechAeva Technologies Today
AEVA
Aeva Technologies
$20.89 +0.74 (+3.67%)
As of 06/26/2026 04:00 PM Eastern
52-Week Range$8.83▼
$38.80Price Target$25.33
The smallest company in this list by market cap, Aeva Technologies NASDAQ: AEVA, is a $1.3-billion firm developing and commercializing lidar tools. While the company is still seeking profitability, it has narrowed its net losses progressively over the past several years, and revenue has also trended higher. Q1 2026 revenue, for instance, was $2.9 million above Q1 2025 figures. The company has some breathing room thanks to $100 million in cash and short-term investments.
The company's strength may lie in its partnerships—it announced a major collaboration with NVIDIA Corp. NASDAQ: NVDA early in 2026, for instance. The firm's 4D lidar technology shows significant promise as well, though Aeva has so far had a difficult time translating that potential into revenue growth. If it is able to turn that around, it could see a breakout moment.
On the other hand, Aeva is likely the riskiest play on this list because of its dilution risk, its stretched valuation, and its continued struggles to achieve profitability. It's no surprise, then, that analysts are fairly divided on AEVA shares as well, with two calling it a Buy and another two assigning it either Hold or Sell ratings.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Hesai Group Right Now?Before you consider Hesai Group, you'll want to hear this.
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Stock Market Skids As Trump Blasts Iran; Warsh Appearance, Jobs Report Due SpaceX stock will be added to the Nasdaq-100 index before the open on Tuesday, July 7, Nasdaq confirmed late Friday. That will pave the way for passive investment flows from mutual funds and ETFs that track the big-cap tech index. The SpaceX news is not a surprise. Nasdaq recently announced fast-track rules for large IPOs to join the Nasdaq-100 index…
Whether you think Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SPCX +0.15%), commonly known as SpaceX, is fairly valued at $2 trillion or not, there's no denying its plans are ambitious.
SpaceX plans to dominate the AI computing market by putting data centers into outer space. Admittedly, this would solve a bunch of problems. Unfortunately, it would also likely cause a whole host of new ones.
If SpaceX is unable to pull it off, one sector is likely to be a big winner. Here are the flaws in SpaceX's "out-of-this-world" plan, and the surprising "down-to-earth" company likely to benefit.
Keeping it cool AI spending is continuing to grow, and one of the biggest expenditures is on building new AI data centers.
Image source: Getty Images.
These facilities require lots of electricity. A recent report by the International Energy Agency found that a ChatGPT query consumes 10 times as much electricity as a Google search.
All that electricity use cranks out a lot of heat, so AI data centers also require massive cooling systems to prevent overheating. Air-cooled systems require even more electricity to operate, while liquid-cooled systems require massive amounts of water.
Recently, the AI data center buildout has run into a new snag. Across the country, concerned residents have successfully petitioned local zoning boards and other elected officials to prevent the construction of proposed AI data centers in their communities, citing environmental concerns and the impact on local electricity and water supplies.
SpaceX's plan sounds like a simple solution to this problem: Instead of battling locals over your energy-intensive data center, just put it into orbit instead.
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In space, no one can see you sweat Outer space is extremely cold under most circumstances, with a temperature of about -455 degrees Fahrenheit. Logically, with a base temperature that cold, your orbital data center wouldn't need a cooling system, which would lower your computing costs.
As for the huge power requirements, SpaceX points out that solar power is actually more concentrated in space, making solar panels more efficient. By attaching solar panels to the orbital center and aiming them at the sun, you could inexpensively generate enough power to operate the data center, further lowering costs.
When it comes to communicating queries to and from the AI, SpaceX would simply utilize and expand its existing Starlink satellite network.
It all sounds so simple, you have to wonder why nobody's tried it before.
Image source: Getty Images.
The obvious flaws with SpaceX's plan Well, nobody's tried it because of the obvious, glaring flaws in the plan.
First of all, the cold environment in space isn't necessarily a good thing. Most electrical equipment can't function at temperatures below about -340 degrees Fahrenheit, because electrons lose the thermal energy required to move and stop flowing. There are ways around this issue, but they require costlier materials, components, and designs. A recent report by Wood Mackenzie estimates that a 1-gigawatt orbital data center would cost about $170 billion, more than three times that of an equivalent terrestrial facility.
Meanwhile, AI data centers and solar arrays contain thousands of small, interconnected components, such as circuit boards, wires, and fuses. If one of those components fails in a terrestrial facility, a technician can quickly walk over and fix the problem. Not in outer space! Although launch costs have come down in recent years, it's unlikely to ever get so cheap as to justify the cost of launching and performing a spacewalk to swap out a fuse.
Who will win? Wood Mackenzie estimates that the cost of an orbital data center would need to drop by 70% to be competitive. That could happen by 2040 or so if launch costs continue to drop exponentially, but in the meantime, we'll still have to use terrestrial data centers and absorb their massive electricity requirements.
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And that's where electric utility stocks stand to benefit. One of the likeliest beneficiaries is American Electric Power (AEP +1.23%), which operates the largest electricity transmission network in the U.S., and operates in regions that have been historically friendly to large-scale energy development, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Appalachia. It also has a near-monopoly on 765-kilovolt power transmission infrastructure.
Recently, AEP instituted a "Data Center Tariff" in Ohio, prompting data center developers to sign binding contracts for 5.6 gigawatts of data center load. This insulates the utility from the financial repercussions if a data center project doesn't use its projected capacity or gets canceled altogether.
With a 2.8% dividend yield and huge expansion prospects, AEP will likely pay off for investors long before SpaceX's orbital data centers even get off the ground (literally).
Tesla (TSLA) is evolving beyond electric vehicles, with artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and energy storage becoming central to its long-term growth strategy. George Tsilis breaks down Tesla's Robotaxi rollout in Austin, advances in Full Self-Driving and A.I.
An Amazon box moves along a conveyor belt at Amazon?s fulfillment center in Robbinsville, New Jersey, U.S., December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz// Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
SummaryCompaniesU.S. online shoppers spent more than $26.4 billion during June 23 to June 26, Adobe Analytics saidNumerator said average Prime Day order size fell to $47.66 from $53.34Adobe said discounts matched last year's levels, suggesting promotions may stay heavy into holidaysNEW YORK, June 27 (Reuters) - U.S. online shoppers clawed for deals on electronics, appliances, items for children and everyday essentials during Amazon.com's (AMZN.O), opens new tab annual sales event Prime Day, spending more than $26.4 billion from June 23 through June 26, according to data firm Adobe Analytics.
The multibillion-dollar spend marks a 9.3% year-over-year increase that retail experts attribute to high inflation coupled with shoppers' purchasing of more discretionary, long-lasting products.
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Adobe said that strong discounts during the four-day Prime event drove many shoppers to purchase higher-priced items including electronics, toys, appliances and personal care products, meaning that retailers may have to continue offering deep discounts to get their products off the shelves for the holiday season.
In addition to discounts, tax refunds "could have provided a sizable tailwind to a lot of these discretionary categories," CFRA Research analyst Arun Sundaram said. Tax refunds will not be a factor for most shoppers in the fall and winter months.
Tax refund amounts increased 11.1% to $3,462 in 2026, according to data from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, giving shoppers a financial boost to help with purchases they had been holding off on, Sundaram said.
Shoppers also purchased kids' items and apparel ahead of back-to-school season, personal hygiene products and home goods, signaling that the Prime Day customers aimed to stock up on products "that they were going to buy anyway," Sonia Lapinsky, managing director of retail at consultancy Alix Partners, said.
"It's really pointing to that fatigued consumer. They're not necessarily spending more-- they're just trying to spread what they have over better deals and discounts," she said.
Prime Day deals were on par with last year's discounts, according to Adobe. Discounts for electronics averaged 24% compared to last year's discounts of 23% , apparel at 24% compared to 23% and toys at 20% versus last year's 19%.
A separate survey by data firm Numerator, which tracked more than 178,000 Prime Day orders, showed that the average order size was $47.66, down from $53.34, a signal that some experts say shows that consumer strength is waning.
Reporting by Arriana McLymore in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Arriana McLymore is a New York-based reporter covering e-commerce, online marketplaces, alternative revenue streams for retailers and in-store innovation. She previously reported on telecoms and the business of law.
Nvidia (NVDA 1.42%) makes the chips behind most of the artificial intelligence (AI) build-out, and the payoff for its shareholders has been enormous. But lately a new worry has surfaced: What if AI spending is near its peak? That question has pushed the stock down about 18% from its mid-May high as of this writing, even as Nvidia's business keeps accelerating.
Given this backdrop, it's a good time to tune out the near-term noise and focus on the long-term. So, where could the stock realistically be in 2030?
Unfortunately, the possible outcomes are wide -- not just because of the unpredictable nature of its business in a fast-changing industry, but also because of its stock's premium valuation. Nvidia could keep executing at full speed and still deliver only ordinary returns to investors from here. Or AI spending could prove more durable than skeptics expect, letting the company grow into and beyond today's price.
Both outcomes are plausible.
Image source: Nvidia.
The bull case: demand is still booming Demand certainly isn't a problem. And this is great news for investors, because the entire bull case rests on it.
Nvidia's most recent quarter showed no sign of a slowdown. In its fiscal first quarter of 2027 (the period ended April 26, 2026), revenue rose 85% year over year to $81.6 billion, and its AI-focused data center segment grew 92% to $75.2 billion.
Additionally, management guided for about $91 billion in revenue for fiscal Q2.
"The buildout of AI factories -- the largest infrastructure expansion in human history -- is accelerating at extraordinary speed," said Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang in the company's fiscal first-quarter earnings release.
The spending behind that demand is staggering. Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms are together on track to spend about $725 billion on capital projects in 2026 -- up about 77% from last year, with most of it pointed at AI infrastructure.
Of course, not all of those dollars flow to Nvidia. But graphics processing units (GPUs) remain a central piece of the build-out, and Nvidia still supplies the large majority of them.
A fresh product cycle is coming, too. Nvidia's next-generation Vera Rubin platform is due from partners in the second half of 2026. If this build-out turns out to be a multiyear shift rather than a one-time surge, Nvidia can keep growing well into 2030.
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The bear case: a peak, and rising competition But here is where the bears have a point worth taking seriously.
That $725 billion is increasingly funded with debt (and, in some cases, equity, which dilutes shareholders), and free cash flow is under pressure and, for some of these customers, may even turn negative as they spend. So, spending at this pace may not keep accelerating, and when it slows, Nvidia's growth would likely slow with it.
The chip business has always moved in cycles, and there's little reason to think this one won't.
Competition is the other pressure point.
Nvidia's biggest customers are also its emerging rivals. Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are all designing in-house chips to cut their dependence on Nvidia and lower the cost of AI computing -- and Amazon- and Google-built silicon already powers large workloads at AI developers like Anthropic. Advanced Micro Devices is pushing its own accelerators as well.
Of course, Nvidia is still the dominant player. But over several years, credible alternatives could erode its pricing power -- and Nvidia's roughly 75% gross margin sits far above a typical chipmaker's. If that margin narrows while growth cools, Nvidia's financial results could disappoint on two fronts at once.
The one thing working in the stock's favor is that the valuation has already come down. Nvidia trades at about 30 times earnings -- well below the 40-plus multiple it carried for much of the past two years. Clearly, there's some unease about when the cycle may peak already priced into the stock.
So, where does that leave the stock in 2030?
Nvidia is very likely to be a larger and more profitable business by then. But the range of outcomes for the stock is unusually wide. If the build-out keeps running and margins hold, the shares could compound at a high-single-digit to low-double-digit annual rate -- which from about $193 today would put them somewhere in the high-$200s to low-$300s by 2030. If AI spending peaks within a year or two and competition softens pricing, the stock could spend years going nowhere, even as revenue grows.
Given the stock's more reasonable valuation multiple today and the extraordinary underlying business momentum, I'm personally leaning modestly toward the optimistic side of that range.
Shares of the payments provider trade at a 69% discount to the overall S&P 500 index. Strong free cash flow has allowed management to aggressively repurchase shares.
Qualcomm unveiled major AI infrastructure products and raised non-handset FY29 revenue targets to $40B, signaling a transformative growth phase. The wireless chip company raised its non-handset FY29 revenue target to $40B, with $15B+ from Data Center contracts with hyperscalers and Automotive guidance up 25% to $10B. Management targets FY29 EPS above $18 and envisions scaling total revenue toward $100B, while maintaining robust free cash flow and capital return flexibility.
Coinsilium Group Limited (AQSE:COIN, OTCQB:CINGF, FRA:5CT) CEO Eddy Travia and CFO Ben Proffitt discuss the company's latest annual results, Bitcoin treasury strategy and evolving accounting treatment for digital assets.
The pair also outline Coinsilium's growing focus on frontier technologies, including agentic AI, prediction markets and blockchain infrastructure through investments such as Yellow Network and Predictive Labs.
Watch the full interview and read the transcript below.
Proactive
The annual report includes a change in the accounting treatment of your digital assets. What's changed and why is it important for shareholders to understand?
Ben Proffitt
There are no major surprises in this year's figures, but the key development is the accounting treatment of crypto assets. Since IFRS does not have a specific standard for Bitcoin and similar assets, Coinsilium previously accounted for its crypto holdings at fair value through profit and loss.
The company adopted this approach because crypto assets are highly tradable and share characteristics with liquid assets such as gold, bonds and equities. However, as crypto assets have become more mainstream, many UK and European companies reporting under IFRS have moved toward classifying them under intangible asset standards.
As Coinsilium's Bitcoin holdings increased substantially during the year, the company decided to adopt this increasingly standardised IFRS treatment.
The assets themselves remain recorded at fair value, but they are now classified as intangible assets rather than current assets. The main change is how value movements are recognised. Increases in value are recorded through other comprehensive income and accumulated in a revaluation reserve, rather than through profit and loss.
The change also required retrospective application, meaning prior-year figures have been restated for comparison purposes.
Separately, the company's Bitcoin holdings have been reclassified from current assets to non-current assets due to the adoption of its Bitcoin treasury policy and long-term holding strategy.
The company ended the year with approximately £1.4 million in cash and around £12 million in Bitcoin holdings. Post year-end developments include the Predictive Labs investment and the launch of the Yellow token, which will be reflected in future reporting periods.
Proactive
Coinsilium has sharpened its focus around frontier technology, particularly the emerging agentic AI economy and prediction markets. What does this mean in practice, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for value creation?
Eddy Travia
Frontier technology refers to sectors that remain at an early stage of development but have the potential to become important future infrastructure.
Coinsilium has invested in blockchain technology since 2014 and has built a business model around identifying transformative technologies early.
The company's capital advisory and venture-building activities will focus on areas where blockchain, artificial intelligence and data-driven systems converge. Coinsilium sees significant opportunities within the emerging agentic AI economy and prediction markets.
The company is particularly interested in infrastructure layers rather than solely end-user applications.
Through Predictive Labs, Coinsilium has exposure to data infrastructure for prediction markets. Through Otomato, it has exposure to execution infrastructure for autonomous AI agents. Through Yellow Network, it has exposure to settlement and payment infrastructure for the agentic economy.
Coinsilium believes the convergence of these technologies creates attractive long-term opportunities for value creation.
Proactive
Take us through the progress you're seeing at Yellow Network and what milestones investors should watch for next.
Eddy Travia
Yellow Network is building settlement infrastructure for the agentic economy while also operating exchange-related activities where the Yellow token is traded.
Key milestones include broader token availability on additional centralised and decentralised platforms and continued growth in trading activity.
Another important indicator is adoption of the Yellow SDK, which enables developers to build applications using Yellow's settlement technology. More than 500 projects are currently working with the SDK.
Coinsilium wants to see these applications achieve broader adoption and attract larger user bases.
At Predictive Labs, the company entered at a very early stage as the first external investor. The business is still building its product, with a potential launch expected within the coming months.
Important milestones include product development progress, user adoption and the development of commercial activity around its applications.
Proactive
It sounds like another exciting year ahead. I hope you continue to keep us updated with your progress.
Nextech3D.AI (CSE:NTAR, OTCQX:NEXCF, FRA:1SS) earlier this week discussed its Q4 and full-year 2026 financial results with Proactive, outlining record revenue growth, improving margins and a clearer path toward profitability as recent acquisitions begin to contribute to performance.
Chief executive Evan Gappelberg said the latest results reflected several years of operational restructuring and strategic repositioning.
He indicated that the company had focused on rebuilding its business model, improving execution and establishing itself as a high-growth, high-margin participant in the AI-powered event technology market.
A standout metric was fourth-quarter revenue growth of 216% year-over-year. According to management, the company generated nearly $1 million in revenue during the quarter, almost matching the revenue produced during the previous three quarters combined.
Gappelberg described the result as a significant milestone, stating: "So in one quarter, we did almost what we did in the prior three quarters in revenue for Q4 2026. So that's a very big signal to investors that, hey, you know, it's showtime."
Chief financial officer Anum Waqas attributed the growth to stronger sales execution, contributions from the Eventdex and Kratylabs acquisitions, and increased demand for the company's software offerings. Waqas said the benefits of integrating technologies and customer relationships were beginning to emerge and suggested there remained meaningful upside as those integrations progress.
Profitability metrics also moved in a positive direction. Waqas reported software margins above 90%, lower costs of sales and substantial operational efficiencies. The company reduced overhead, streamlined teams and increased its use of AI and automation across the organization.
Operating losses improved by approximately 80% for the full year and by approximately 96% in the fourth quarter, according to management. Waqas said these trends provided a clearer view of the company's future financial trajectory, adding that increasing revenue should allow more earnings to flow to the bottom line.
Gappelberg further highlighted reduced accounts payable, lower operating losses and what he described as exceptionally strong gross margins. He suggested that, excluding certain one-time charges, the company would be cash-flow positive and that profitability could be achieved in the foreseeable future.
Looking ahead, management identified continued integration of recent acquisitions, sustained revenue growth and expanding software adoption as key catalysts. Gappelberg also pointed to growing investor interest in the event technology sector, citing recent multibillion-dollar transactions involving BlackRock and Apollo as evidence of increasing industry momentum.
The executives expressed confidence that the company's operational improvements and market positioning could support continued growth into 2027.
Aftermath Silver Ltd (TSX-V:AAG, OTCQX:AAGFF, FRA:FLM1) CEO Ralph Rushton talked with Proactive about progress on the company's Phase 3 drilling program, resource confidence upgrades and ongoing pre-feasibility study work at its flagship silver project.
Proactive: Welcome back inside our Proactive newsroom. Joining me now is Ralph Rushton, CEO of Aftermath Silver. Ralph, it's great to see you again. How are you?
Ralph Rushton: I'm good, thank you. Just back from a critical metals conference in Las Vegas.
I'm sure there was plenty of interest in your project. You're out with some drill results from the Phase 3 program. These results relate to infill drilling. Can you explain what that means?
As engineering advances, it becomes increasingly important to have confidence in the resource estimate. Sometimes additional infill drilling is required to reach the statistical confidence engineers need to plan a mining operation. That's what we've been doing. We're also conducting metallurgical drilling to recover samples for test work, but the primary objective is upgrading confidence in the resource around the planned starter pits.
These results cover the final 15 holes from a 90-hole, 15,000-metre program. Where was this drilling focused?
The drilling was focused in the middle to slightly western side of the deposit. There are historical mine workings, open pits and tunnels in that area that indicate higher-grade mineralization. Historically, miners targeted the areas with the strongest silver mineralization. Our objective is to maximize early silver and copper production to support revenues and achieve rapid project payback.
How important are the grades you're seeing in these areas?
The project benefits from silver and copper credits in addition to manganese, giving us three potential revenue streams. Since the early stages of mining are crucial for debt repayment and project economics, it makes sense to focus on higher-grade regions of the deposit.
I noticed you've mobilized a second drill. What's next?
We have two programs underway. One is geotechnical drilling, which helps engineers understand rock quality, fracture patterns and pit stability. We also have another rig coming on to explore a potential high-grade copper target on the eastern side of the project. We previously reported a historical intercept of about 156 metres grading roughly 1.1% copper and 290 grams per tonne silver. We want to follow that up. We also have another target located several miles southwest of the main project area.
You're also working on a pre-feasibility study. What's the latest update?
We're on schedule, perhaps about a week behind where we originally planned, and we're currently on budget. Our target is to complete the pre-feasibility study in the first quarter of next year, hopefully in January. The work is being led by DRA, with support from several consulting groups covering different aspects of the project.
Great update as always. Thanks for your time.
Thanks very much.
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and style
Varon Corp (OTCID:OZSC) CEO Benjamin Schubert talked with Proactive about two significant developments for the company's Ballislife Hydro sports drink brand: the addition of youth basketball standout Egypt Dean as a partner and owner in the brand, and the continued retail expansion of the product across Central Florida.
Schubert discussed how Egypt Dean, the son of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, developed an organic relationship with Ballislife Hydro before deciding to become involved as an investor and partner. According to Schubert, Dean's interest in the brand came after he personally used the product and conducted extensive research into the business opportunity.
The interview also covered Ballislife Hydro's retail growth, with the product now available in 95 retail locations across Central Florida. Schubert described the rollout as part of a broader strategic expansion plan and highlighted the importance of the Florida market for a hydration-focused product. He also noted the involvement of NBA player and equity partner Desmond Bane in supporting the brand's visibility as it enters the region.
Schubert explained that the Florida launch serves as an important foundation for gathering consumer insights, strengthening distributor relationships, and creating opportunities for further retail expansion in the future.
Proactive: Welcome back inside our Proactive newsroom. Joining me today is Benjamin Schubert, CEO of Varon Corp (OTCID:OZSC). A couple of pieces of news to discuss. First, Ballislife Hydro has attracted a notable young investor and partner. Tell us about that development.
Benjamin Schubert: We're very excited to announce that Egypt Dean is now a partner and owner in the Ballislife sports drink brand. He had an organic relationship with the brand from the beginning. We had followed him on our platforms as a rising youth basketball player, he got his hands on the product, became interested, and conversations developed from there. With support from his family, he decided to get involved with the brand.
Egypt Dean is the son of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Despite being only 15 years old, he appears to be very focused on business and investments.
I met him a few months ago during one of our photo shoots and was genuinely surprised when I later learned he was only 15. He's very intelligent and conducts thorough due diligence. He has passed on other opportunities and chose to invest in the sports drink. He has a strong support system and a genuine connection to basketball. This opportunity allows him to stay involved with the sport while also exploring the business side.
He seems to fit perfectly within the target demographic for Ballislife Hydro.
That's exactly right. Staying connected to younger consumers is important for us. Because Ballislife Hydro focuses on hydration, health and wellness, we can market to younger demographics in a way that energy drink brands often cannot. Egypt understands youth culture, trends, language and consumer interests. His perspective gives us direct insight into the audience we're serving.
His family is very well known. How involved have they been in the process?
They've been supportive throughout. It's important to emphasize that this was Egypt's decision and his project. However, having the support and network that comes with his family background creates exciting opportunities. We've already seen the benefits of those connections and expect more opportunities moving forward.
Let's move to your second announcement. Ballislife Hydro is now available in 95 retail locations across Central Florida.
Yes, this is part of a carefully planned rollout strategy. This is one of several regions we've entered with this retailer. Florida is a very important market for a hydration product because of the climate. We're also leveraging our relationship with NBA equity partner Desmond Bane, who now plays for the Orlando Magic. His signature can is rolling out in stores, which we're very excited about.
The 95-store launch is a strong start. Is expansion expected from here?
Absolutely. This rollout provides valuable analytics about consumers, product preferences, flavours and packaging. It also creates opportunities for larger discussions with distributors and retailers. This is an anchor account that helps us establish a presence in the market. As we demonstrate success, it becomes much easier to expand into hundreds of additional locations.
Congratulations on both announcements. Thanks for your time today.
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Quotes have been lightly edited for style and clarity
When it comes to mergers and acquisitions, one of the big questions is always, "Is it better to buy the acquirer or the target?" That's particularly interesting with regard to NextEra Energy's (NEE +0.98%) planned purchase of Dominion Energy (D 0.17%). The key factor is the long approval process that normally accompanies large utility mergers. Here's a look at this merger and which of these two stocks is the better dividend option right now.
Why is NextEra buying Dominion? NextEra Energy is one of the world's largest utilities and also one of the world's largest solar and wind companies. That said, on the regulated utility side of the business, it primarily operates in just one state, Florida. That's been a net positive for years, as the Sunshine State has benefited from in-migration. However, scale is increasingly important in the utility industry.
Image source: Getty Images.
Dominion Energy is a multi-state utility that has slimmed down in recent years, becoming primarily a regulated electric utility. It operates in three states: Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Notably, in Virginia, it has a regulator-granted monopoly in one of the world's most important data center markets. That sets the company up to benefit from the growth of artificial intelligence (AI).
Essentially, NextEra Energy is expanding its geographic reach while, at the same time, leaning into an expected increase in electricity demand. It looks like a reasonable move, noting that Dominion's operating region is just up the East Coast from Florida. Neither company needs this deal to go through, but it is expected to be immediately accretive to NextEra Energy's business and to improve its growth outlook.
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There's a long way to go before the deal is done The merger was announced in May 2026, and the companies expect it to take 12 to 18 months to obtain all required regulatory approvals. So there's likely at least a year in which Dominion will remain a public company. During that time, Dominion will continue to pay its regular dividend. So there's no particular reason why investors shouldn't own it.
Each Dominion shareholder will receive 0.8138 of a NextEra Energy share upon consummation of the deal, plus a portion of a one-time $360 million cash distribution. The two shares are currently tied at the hip. NextEra is trading around $86 per share, while Dominion is around $68, which is just a little below the transaction price. Given the deal, the two stocks will likely rise and fall in tandem most of the time.
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However, there is one area of notable difference. Dominion's dividend yield is currently 3.9%. NextEra Energy's yield is 2.9%. For dividend investors who believe the merger will go through, which seems likely, buying Dominion could allow for a higher income stream until the merger is completed. When that happens, NextEra Energy's dividend policy will become the default. Which isn't terrible, noting that the game plan is for 6% annual dividend growth.
The risk, of course, is that the deal doesn't go through. In that case, Dominion Energy's share price is likely to fall back to its level before the merger announcement. That would mean a drop to around $63 per share, about a 7%. That's a pretty modest downside risk.
Keep things simple or play around at the edges? The truth is that owning Dominion over NextEra Energy right now isn't going to be a millionaire-maker move. But it could add incrementally to the income stream you generate from your portfolio over the next year or so. For investors who like to keep things simple, buying NextEra Energy is the way to go. However, if you are willing to take on a little extra risk for a little extra income, owning Dominion could be worth the effort, as its acquisition by NextEra works through the necessary checks and balances.
Jefferies' Christopher Wood flags a "DeepSeek moment" as cheaper Chinese models gain ground on Western incumbents
The launch of a low-cost Chinese artificial intelligence model has been described by Jefferies strategist Christopher Wood as another "DeepSeek moment" for the technology sector.
Wood, author of the bank's widely read Greed & fear note, said the GLM-5.2 model from Hong Kong-listed Z.ai, formerly Zhipu AI, was almost a match for Anthropic in the corporate market at a quarter of the cost per token.
The challenge lands as Anthropic, the US AI developer behind the Claude chatbot, prepares for a planned stock market listing.
Anthropic's annualised run-rate revenue has surged from $9 billion at the end of 2025 to $47 billion in May, growth Wood expects to slow as companies push back against heavy token consumption.
He argued the threat was greater still for rival OpenAI (Unlisted:OPAI), which has already lost ground to Anthropic among corporate customers and is also weighing a listing.
Cheaper Chinese models are already gaining share, with the top Chinese systems processing 21.37 trillion tokens on the OpenRouter aggregator platform in the week to 21 June, up from 4.37 trillion in late April, against 5.76 trillion for the leading US models.
Wood sees the shift reinforcing a view that large language models will become commoditised, while giving companies an incentive to move smaller models onto their own servers to protect data.
Despite the competitive pressure on the model developers, Wood remains positive on the "picks and shovels" suppliers that have driven AI-related stock gains, citing the Jevons paradox, under which cheaper tokens spur greater overall demand for computing power and memory chips.
He named memory makers as the principal beneficiaries, arguing SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (ADR) (LSE:BC94) and Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:MU) should now be valued on earnings rather than book value, and still looked cheap on that measure.
Wood said he was raising exposure to technology hardware across the Greed & fear portfolios, adding Hynix and Kioxia to the global long-only portfolio while removing Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Alibaba.
The main risk to the wider trade, he said, was a sudden realisation among investors that hyperscalers and the leading AI developers cannot earn an adequate return on their spending, a fear compounded by circular financing arrangements such as Nvidia funding OpenAI's chip purchases.
For now, Wood said, such concerns remained theoretical, with no sign yet of the AI capital spending race slowing.
Other stocks that are of interest:
Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT)
Oracle Corp (NYSE:ORCL, XETRA:ORC)
Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN)
Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META, XETRA:FB2A, SIX:FB)
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG +1.39%) makes the da Vinci surgical robot. It is a leader in the surgical robotics niche of the broader healthcare sector. The company has been growing rapidly, with its installed base of robots increasing 12% in 2025, to 11,106 systems. The installed base grew to 11,395 in the first quarter of 2026.
Wall Street has rewarded the medical device company for its growth, with the stock up over 400% over the past decade. However, it goes through frequent and deep drawdowns, which could be an opportunity for investors right now.
Image source: Getty Images.
Intuitive Surgical is building a cash-flow machine The big story with Intuitive Surgical isn't actually da Vinci robot sales. That segment of the business only accounts for around 25% of the top line. The big story is the sale of services, instruments, and accessories. Those are annuity-like revenue streams that grow with each new robot that gets installed. The flywheel here is very powerful, given the strong demand for robotic surgery. In the first quarter of 2026, there were 12% more da Vinci systems in place, but 17% more surgeries performed with da Vinci systems.
Investors are clearly aware of the long-term opportunity, given the stock's price advance over the past decade. But, as an aggressive growth stock, it goes through swings. Right now, the shares are experiencing a deep drawdown, with the stock off more than 30% from its all-time highs. That said, this is the third drawdown of at least that magnitude since 2020. It has experienced eight drawdowns of this magnitude since its IPO. Each time it has recovered and gone on to reach new highs.
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Notably, the average price-to-earnings ratio over the past five years is around 69x while the current P/E ratio is roughly 49x. It is an expensive stock and won't likely interest value investors. However, it is cheap relative to its own history. And each time the stock has pulled back as it has just done, it has eventually gone on to new highs. If you are an aggressive growth investor, it could still be a no-brainer buying opportunity.
Intuitive Surgical isn't for the faint of heart To be fair, the deepest drawdown in Intuitive Surgical's history was a punishing 82%. So there's no reason this drawdown couldn't continue. However, that decline was early in the company's history. Its business is far more developed now, and it is generating strong recurring revenue from the sale of services, instruments, and accessories. Given the history here, more aggressive investors may want to risk buying Intuitive Surgical, expecting that Wall Street will again see the long-term opportunity in the reliable cash flow machine this highly focused and growth-oriented healthcare company is building.
Reuben Gregg Brewer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Booking Holdings (BKNG) is down 15% YTD, mainly due to AI disruption fears, but I see these risks as potentially priced in. BKNG's ecosystem remains vital for tourism and agentic AI, as listings are still essential for bookings regardless of AI advances. At 17x forward P/E, BKNG trades at a 9% premium to peers, yet I believe its strong fundamentals and consistency justify a higher premium.
On May 18, 2026, Board of Directors member Dr. Carladenise Armbrister Edwards reported a direct sale of 67,160 shares of Clover Health Investments (CLOV +3.55%) in an open-market transaction, according to the SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueShares sold (direct)67,160Transaction value~$230,000Post-transaction shares (direct)285,432Post-transaction value (direct ownership)~$968,000Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average reported price ($3.42); post-transaction value based on May 18, 2026 closing price.
Key questionsHow does this transaction compare to Edwards' historical trading activity?
This is Edwards' second direct sale in the past two years, with the previous transaction in March 2025 involving 200,000 shares; the latest sale of 67,160 shares is smaller in scale, reflecting reduced available holdings.What portion of Edwards' position was affected by this sale?
The transaction reduced Edwards' direct holdings by 19.05%, from 352,592 to 285,432 shares.Was this sale influenced by recent market performance or valuation?
The sale price of around $3.42 per share was modestly below the market close price during a period when the stock’s one-year total return was 8.23%, indicating the transaction occurred amid muted performance and may reflect routine portfolio management.What is the remaining ownership profile for Edwards after the transaction?
Following this sale, Edwards continues to hold 285,432 shares of Common Stock directly, with no indirect or derivative securities reported, representing a continuing material stake in Clover Health Investments.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$2.21 billionNet income (TTM)($56.94 million)Employees5701-year price change8.23%* 1-year price change calculated using May 18, 2026 as the reference date.
Company snapshotClover Health offers Medicare Advantage insurance plans and operates the Clover Assistant software platform, which supports healthcare providers in delivering care to Medicare-eligible individuals.It generates revenue primarily through insurance premiums, leveraging technology to improve care coordination and reduce medical costs.The company targets Medicare-eligible consumers in the United States, focusing on seniors and individuals seeking comprehensive healthcare coverage.Clover Health Investments is a healthcare company specializing in Medicare Advantage plans, supported by proprietary technology aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes and operational efficiency.
The company's strategy centers on integrating advanced analytics and provider support tools to differentiate its offerings within the competitive Medicare market. With a focus on technology-driven cost management and customer engagement, Clover Health Investments seeks to expand its presence among Medicare-eligible populations.
What this transaction means for investorsThe May 18 sale of Clover Health stock by Dr. Carladenise Armbrister Edwards came at a time when the share price was up thanks to an excellent first-quarter earnings report. Since then, the stock has skyrocketed, reaching a 52-week high of $5.49 on June 26 due to its victory in a court case that mandated Medicare upgrade Clover’s rating in the government program, which can unlock additional revenue.
Edwards' disposition is understandable given the stock was well above April’s 52-week low of $1.58, and as of June 26, she has not sold more shares despite the soaring price. Combined with her post-transaction holdings of more than 285,000 directly-held shares, this suggests she is not rushing to dispose of her equity stake, a sign that she has confidence the stock could rise higher.
Clover Health’s business is doing well. Its Q1 revenue rose 62% year over year to $749.2 million as Medicare Advantage memberships increased 51% year over year. The massive sales growth helped the company swing from a net loss of $1.3 million in Q1 of 2025 to net income of $27.3 million this year.
Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Listen to the audio version of this article (generated by AI).
Editor’s Note: Micron just posted one of the most extraordinary earnings reports in semiconductor history. Revenue more than quadrupled. Earnings skyrocketed 1,215%, and management’s guidance implies the memory boom is just getting started.
Most investors are focused on what that means for Micron. My friend and colleague Louis Navellier — who recently recorded a presentation focused on uncovering where the smart money is moving next — is on the hunt for the next great investment opportunities.
Louis has spent five decades finding where institutional money moves before the rest of the market catches on. Today he explains why Micron’s blowout quarter is actually a signal about the next bottleneck in AI — and how his system is already tracking the names that could benefit before Wall Street figures it out.
Read on for all the details.
In 1909, Theodore Roosevelt left the White House and set out for East Africa.
He was not going there as a tourist.
Roosevelt, his son Kermit and a team of naturalists were traveling on behalf of the Smithsonian Institution. Much of the journey came down to one difficult task:
Tracking elephants.
In the thick African brush, you don’t just wait for an elephant to step into view. By then, it might already be too late.
You had to look for signs: Fresh tracks in the mud. Broken branches. Disturbed grass. A path through the brush that told you something enormous had passed through before you ever saw it.
That is how I think about stocks.
I am not interested in waiting until the whole world can see the elephant. By then, Wall Street has usually figured out the story. The headlines are everywhere. The crowd has shown up. And a lot of the easy money has already been made.
That brings me to Micron Technology, Inc. (MU).
Micron is no longer hiding in the brush. The stock is up 325% year-to-date and 853% over the past year. It became a $1 trillion market cap company last month. And after this week’s blowout earnings report, it is quickly becoming one of Wall Street’s favorite AI stocks.
That did not happen by accident.
It happened because Micron is helping solve one of the biggest problems in artificial intelligence today: The memory bottleneck.
So, in today’s Market 360, we’ll dig into Micron’s blowout quarter, discuss why it matters and then talk about how my system is already helping me find winners from the next phase of the AI boom before the crowd catches on.
Micron Crushed Wall Street’s Expectations. Here’s What the Numbers Actually Mean. For the past few years, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) has been the grand finale of earnings season. But now, I believe Micron has taken that role.
Here’s why.
NVIDIA tells us how strong demand is for GPUs, the chips that power today’s AI systems. But Micron tells us whether those systems can get the memory they need to keep running at full speed.
Micron is one of the world’s largest makers of memory and storage chips. In plain English, its chips help computers and data centers store information, access it quickly and move it where it needs to go.
That may not sound as exciting as a cutting-edge GPU. But without memory, those GPUs cannot do their job.
Think of it like this: A GPU is the engine in a race car. Memory is the fuel line. You can build the most powerful engine in the world. But if the fuel line cannot deliver enough fuel, the engine cannot run at full speed.
That is the bottleneck AI is running into now. AI models are getting bigger. More companies are using AI in the real world. Data centers are being pushed harder. And all of that creates a need for faster, more advanced memory.
That is why Micron’s results matter so much.
The stock surged out of the gates Thursday morning after releasing blowout results for its third quarter in fiscal year 2026. Revenue jumped 73.8% year-over-year to $41.46 billion, while earnings surged a whopping 1,223.1% year-over-year to $28.86 billion, or $25.11 per share.
Wall Street was already expecting a strong quarter. The consensus estimate called for earnings of $20.71 per share on $35.82 billion in revenue. So, Micron posted a 21.2% earnings surprise and a 15.7% revenue surprise.
Micron also issued a stronger-than-expected outlook. For the fourth quarter in fiscal year 2026, the company expects total revenue of about $50 billion and earnings of about $31 per share. That would represent 342% year-over-year revenue growth and 923.1% year-over-year earnings growth.
That tells me this memory boom still has legs.
And management made clear why. The company noted, “Micron’s record fiscal third-quarter financial results and even stronger outlook for the fourth quarter reflect the strategic value of memory in the AI era.”
That last phrase is the key: The strategic value of memory in the AI era.
For years, memory chips were treated like a cyclical commodity business. Important? Yes. Exciting? Not really.
But AI has changed that. Today, memory is becoming one of the most important pressure points in the entire AI buildout. And Micron is standing right in the middle of it.
Is Micron Stock Still Worth Buying After a 325% Run? Now, I know what some folks are thinking: Can a stock be up this much and still be attractive?
That is a fair question.
For decades, memory was a brutally cyclical business. That’s why, just before announcing earnings, Micron traded at just nine times forward earnings. That is far below Western Digital Corporation (WDC) and Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX), which both trade at more than 36 times forward earnings.
The bears say that discount makes sense. They argue that memory is still memory, and this cycle will eventually turn.
I understand that argument, but there is a real case that this time is different.
Instead of short bursts of demand tied to PCs and smartphones, Micron is now tied to the ongoing buildout of AI data centers. And those data centers need massive amounts of high-performance memory.
Micron’s long-term supply agreements support that idea. MarketWatch reported that Micron has signed 16 strategic customer agreements, and 14 of them include pricing that represents about $100 billion in cumulative revenue, minimum.
That kind of visibility is something memory companies didn’t always have. So, there is a strong argument that this run may not be over yet.
The AI Crowding Trap — and Why Micron’s Popularity Is the Warning Sign That said, I have been around long enough to know what happens when a trade gets too crowded.
The more popular a stock becomes, the more crowded it can get. And in today’s market, crowding can happen faster than ever.
That is because millions of investors are now leaning on the same AI tools, the same AI-generated research, the same model portfolios and the same automated trading systems. So, when a stock becomes the obvious AI winner, the crowd can pile in all at once.
That can feel good for a while. It can push a stock higher. It can make everyone feel like they are on the right side of the trade.
But it can also create a dangerous setup.
When retail investors and AI-driven systems rush into the same obvious names, institutional investors often get the liquidity they need to sell into that demand. In other words, the crowd may be buying just as the smart money is quietly moving on.
That is the trap I want to help my readers avoid.
Again, Micron is a great company. I still like it. But the bigger lesson is that by the time a stock becomes obvious to everyone, the elephants of Wall Street may already be looking for the next opportunity.
That is why I do not want to chase the crowd. I want to look for the fresh tracks.
That is what my Precursor Intelligence (P.I.) system is designed to do.
P.I. is my way of looking for fresh tracks in the numbers. It helps me find companies with accelerating fundamentals and improving money flow before they become the obvious names every AI tool is recommending.
In my Accelerated Profits service, we have already seen this approach lead us to several powerful winners in the AI space, including:
Celestica, Inc. (CLS): +836% Sezzle (SEZL): +625% TechnipFMC plc (FTI): +254% And more… These are the kinds of gains that can happen when you find the fresh tracks early, before the elephant steps into the clearing.
To further explain how my P.I. system works, I recorded a special presentation. I also discuss why AI-powered crowding could become a serious risk for investors and where I believe the smart money is moving next.
I also reveal several stocks my system is flagging right now.
Getting big returns from financial portfolios, whether through stocks, bonds, ETFs, other securities, or a combination of all, is an investor's dream. But when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.
While cash flow can come from bond interest or interest from other types of investments, income investors hone in on dividends. A dividend is the distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders; it's often viewed by its dividend yield, a metric that measures a dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends make up large portions of long-term returns, and in many cases, dividend contributions surpass one-third of total returns.
Headquartered in Madison, MGE (MGEE - Free Report) is a Utilities stock that has seen a price change of 0.55% so far this year. The public utility holding company is currently shelling out a dividend of $0.47 per share, with a dividend yield of 2.41%. This compares to the Utility - Electric Power industry's yield of 2.99% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.45%.
Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $1.90 is up 2.7% from last year. Over the last 5 years, MGE has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 4.83%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. MGE's current payout ratio is 49%, meaning it paid out 49% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.
Looking at this fiscal year, MGEE expects solid earnings growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $3.98 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 6.99%.
Investors like dividends for many reasons; they greatly improve stock investing profits, decrease overall portfolio risk, and carry tax advantages, among others. It's important to keep in mind that not all companies provide a quarterly payout.
High-growth firms or tech start-ups, for example, rarely provide their shareholders a dividend, while larger, more established companies that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options. Income investors have to be mindful of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. With that in mind, MGEE presents a compelling investment opportunity; it's not only an attractive dividend play, but the stock also boasts a strong Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
Bloom Energy (BE) is rated a buy after a 28% drawdown, attributed mainly to mechanical selling from Russell index reconstitution. BE reported Q1 non-GAAP EPS of $0.44 (vs. $0.13 consensus) and revenue up 130% YoY, prompting raised FY 2026 guidance. Management now guides for $3.4–$3.8B FY 2026 revenue, 34% gross margin, and $600–$750M operating income, with strong operating leverage and positive free cash flow.
Peter Migliorini, Director at Steven Madden (SHOO +4.20%), reported the sale of 4,000 shares of common stock in an open-market transaction on June 15, 2026, according to the SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueShares sold (direct)4,000Transaction value$181,200Post-transaction shares (direct)16,830Post-transaction value (direct ownership)$764,000Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 reported price ($45.30); post-transaction value based on June 15, 2026 market close ($45.42).
Key questionsHow does the size of this sale compare to Migliorini's previous transactions?
This 4,000-share sale is the largest in the past two years, modestly above his prior sell-only event sizes, which have ranged from 3,000 to 3,989 shares, and aligns with the reduction in available shares since 2023.What portion of Migliorini's direct equity exposure remains after this transaction?
Following this sale, Migliorini continues to hold 16,830 shares directly.Was this transaction part of a multi-year pattern or a deviation from typical activity?
Migliorini has consistently made one to two sales per year since 2023; this transaction fits his historical cadence rather than reflecting an abrupt increase in sales activity.Does Migliorini have any remaining economic interest in other share classes?
The filing shows Migliorini holds 16,830 shares of common stock directly, and retains these as a continuing economic interest; no additional share classes or indirect holdings are reported.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$2.63 billionNet income (TTM)$76.06 millionDividend yield2%1-year price change81%Company snapshotSteven Madden offers contemporary footwear, accessories, and apparel under proprietary and licensed brands, with products spanning shoes, handbags, small leather goods, and fashion accessories.The firm generates revenue through a diversified model encompassing wholesale distribution, direct-to-consumer retail (including e-commerce), licensing, and private label manufacturing for third parties.It targets a broad customer base across women, men, and children, serving department stores, mass merchants, specialty boutiques, and consumers through both physical stores and digital platforms.Steven Madden is a leading global designer and marketer in the footwear and accessories sector, operating with a multi-channel approach that balances wholesale, direct-to-consumer, and licensing streams. The company leverages a portfolio of recognized brands and a robust retail footprint to address evolving consumer preferences in the fashion industry. Its strategy emphasizes brand diversity, innovation, and an agile supply chain to maintain competitive advantage and drive growth across domestic and international markets.
What this transaction means for investorsThis sale looks like a routine trim by a longtime director. Peter Migliorini has followed a steady pattern of selling small blocks of shares once or twice a year, and this latest transaction leaves him with 16,830 shares, suggesting he still has meaningful skin in the game.
The bigger story for investors is Steven Madden's business momentum. Shares have surged about 81% over the past year as the footwear and accessories company continues expanding beyond its flagship brand. First quarter revenue climbed 18% year over year to $653.1 million, while reported diluted earnings nearly doubled to $1.00 per share. The company also raised its full-year revenue outlook, now expecting sales growth of 10% to 12%, and introduced fiscal 2026 earnings guidance of $2.55 to $2.65 per share. CEO Edward Rosenfeld said the company saw "healthy underlying demand" across its brands, highlighting strong consumer response to the Steve Madden label and continued momentum at Kurt Geiger. He added that management expects earnings growth to resume in the second quarter and believes the company's "powerful brands, proven business model and talented team" position it for sustainable long-term growth.
For long-term investors, a relatively small insider sale matters far less than whether Steven Madden can continue integrating Kurt Geiger, grow its direct-to-consumer business, and deliver on the stronger outlook management just issued.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
If you were in New York City between April 27 and May 1, 2026, and if you happened to be where the sky was in plain view, then you might have seen a bright spot hovering like a helicopter, but quietly like no helicopter can. That bright spot was an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and the company behind this demonstration was Joby Aviation (JOBY 0.45%).
This flight -- the first of its kind in the Big Apple -- was a bright spot in another way: It showed, foremost, that Joby's aviation prowess is paying off, and that the next chapter of flight might come sooner than many people were expecting. It also gave Joby investors something new to hang their hats on, since commercialization of these electric air taxis is likely still a few years away.
Joby Aviation stock has been in the gutter this year, with shares down about 35% since January. Yet if the NYC demonstration was the first of a new kind of flight, a tenfold gain over the next decade could be coming. Here's how.
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What a mature Joby business could look like Joby is trying to build flying taxis. That wording is less figurative than you might think: The company's long-term vision is to build a platform -- likely an app -- through which you can call one of its eVTOLs to give you a ride through the air -- hopefully above gridlocked traffic, so you can feel good about the $50 or so spent on the lift.
To be sure, nobody knows how much an eVTOL ride could cost (an airport transfer in Manhattan on Blade Air Mobility, which Joby acquired, costs about $200 a seat). That's part of the uncomfortable uncertainty around Joby stock, along with the question of whether an "Uber of the skies" will really take off at all.
Image source: Joby Aviation.
But if demand is strong, the economics could work extremely well in Joby's favor. Analysts from Morgan Stanley put it like this: Assuming Joby's eVTOLs can complete a trip within 12 minutes or so, a single aircraft could finish as many as 40 trips in an eight-hour day. At a $50 fare per ride, that works out to $2,000 in revenue per shift. That's close to $730,000 in annual revenue, if it flew every day. If these aircraft completed more shifts and worked more hours, annual revenue could approach $1.5 million per aircraft, Morgan Stanley estimates.
If you can imagine a world in which thousands of these aircraft operate in hundreds of cities, then you can also picture the multibillion-dollar opportunity Joby is looking at. That, in a nutshell, is how Joby could grow tenfold from here, with a fleet of eVTOLs flying nonstop at a price that stays competitive with ground transportation.
Joby is a long way from that vision (its current target is to produce four eVTOLs a year). But the encouraging news for investors is that this vision of Joby dominance isn't far-fetched or unrealistic. It has important hurdles to clear first -- like FAA type certification -- but for investors with the patience to hold Joby long-term, the reward could be worth the wait.
Timothy Price Crain II, SVP & Chief Technology Officer at Intuitive Machines (LUNR +5.83%), reported the redemption of 150,000 common units and immediate sale of an equivalent number of Class A Common Stock shares for $3.28 million on June 18, 2026, according to the SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueShares sold (direct)150,000Transaction value$3.3 millionPost-transaction shares (direct)9,071,894Post-transaction value (direct ownership)$207.3 millionTransaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($21.87); post-transaction value based on June 18, 2026 market close.
Key questionsWhat was the structure and intent of this transaction?
This was a derivative-driven transaction: 150,000 common units were redeemed and immediately sold as Class A shares, providing liquidity without drawing on previously held shares.Did the sale meaningfully reduce Price’s overall economic exposure to Intuitive Machines?
No, the 1.63% reduction only affected direct Class A holdings; substantial exposure remains through Class A shares and 8,720,615 Class C/Common Units, all held directly.How does this trade compare to Crain Price II's historical trading cadence and capacity?
The transaction falls within the pattern of routine, capacity-driven selling.Does the transaction timing suggest opportunism in response to stock price movements?
The Rule 10b5-1 plan adopted in September 2025 governs the sale, indicating this was a pre-scheduled, routine portfolio management event rather than a discretionary response to the recent 124.9% one-year share price increase (as of June 18, 2026).Company overviewMetricValueMarket capitalization$3.2 billionRevenue (TTM)$328.2 millionNet income (TTM)-$109.3 millionCompany snapshotIntuitive Machines provides lunar access services, orbital services, lunar data services, and space products and infrastructure, with revenue primarily generated from aerospace contracts and lunar mission services.The firm operates a project-based business model focused on delivering high-value aerospace solutions for lunar and deep space exploration, leveraging proprietary technology and mission execution capabilities.It targets government space agencies, commercial aerospace clients, and scientific organizations engaged in lunar and planetary exploration.Intuitive Machines, Inc. is a Houston-based aerospace company specializing in lunar and deep space exploration technologies. The company leverages integrated service offerings and proprietary platforms to address the growing demand for lunar access and data services. With a focus on enabling both government and commercial missions, Intuitive Machines positions itself as a key player in the next generation of space infrastructure and exploration.
What this transaction means for investorsThis sale ultimately looks more like disciplined portfolio management than a shift in conviction, especially because it was executed under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan.
The backdrop is particularly noteworthy given the excitement and volatility surrounding SpaceX’s massive IPO this month, which has fueled sharp moves across the industry. Intuitive Machines shares had climbed roughly 125% over the past year, but have since pared yearly gains to about 74%.
The business has also continued to deliver operational momentum. First quarter revenue nearly tripled year over year to a record $186.7 million, adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $2.7 million, and backlog reached a record $1.1 billion after the company completed its acquisition of Lanteris Space Systems. Management also reaffirmed full-year revenue guidance of $900 million to $1 billion. CEO Steve Altemus said Intuitive Machines is "building" the infrastructure that will define the next phase of the space economy.
For long-term investors, scheduled insider sales are worth monitoring, but execution on that growing backlog, major NASA and defense contracts, and the company's ability to translate today's enthusiasm into sustainable profits are likely to matter far more.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Intuitive Machines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX +0.13%) has plenty of supporters, including the billionaire investor Ron Baron -- and for good reason.
Baron founded the asset management firm Baron Capital in 1982 with just $10 million. Earlier this month, the fund had total assets nearing $56 billion. SpaceX and Tesla (TSLA +1.38%) founder Elon Musk have played a big role in Baron Capital's gains over the past 12 years, and Baron thinks SpaceX is poised to be something special.
Here's what a $50,000 investment in SpaceX stock today could be worth in a decade, according to Baron.
Image source: Getty Images.
Baron Capital has made a killing off Elon Musk Baron is widely considered one of the best growth investors ever, so it should come as no surprise that some of Musk's companies appealed to him. Baron first struck it rich off Musk by investing $400 million in Tesla between 2014 and 2016.
That turned out to be a good bet. Baron, on CNBC, said the fund has made about $8 billion in profit from its Tesla investment. This also served as a segue into SpaceX. Baron started investing in SpaceX when it was private in 2017, eventually building a $1.7 billion stake.
In a letter to investors earlier this year, Baron said the SpaceX position would be worth $24 billion if SpaceX proved successful in raising $70 billion. Including the greenshoe allocation -- additional shares that the underwriters have the right to purchase following a company's initial public offering -- SpaceX raised close to $86 billion.
SpaceX also trades at a market cap of roughly $2 trillion, and Baron bought an additional $1 billion worth of shares in the IPO.
Why Baron thinks SpaceX will moon Baron thinks Musk and SpaceX have a huge head start on the competition, at least a decade, when it comes to making satellites and rockets and building networks. Baron has also long been a believer in Elon and doesn't think there will ever be anyone like him again.
While SpaceX's artificial intelligence unit (which houses the Grok intelligence platform, data centers, and a potential future chip manufacturing facility) has grabbed most of the attention in discussions of SpaceX's growth potential, Baron is extremely excited about the company's low Earth orbit satellite internet service, Starlink.
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"It's going to be the internet for the entire planet," Baron said on CNBC on June 16, adding that the service is now planning to eventually have 100,000 satellites because the demand for data is so massive.
In a decade, Baron also expects Starlink to generate $1 trillion in annual revenue and about $700 billion to $800 billion in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), which he believes would put the value of Starlink alone at $14 trillion.
Baron is also excited about the company's artificial intelligence unit, specifically the potential for orbital data centers, which he thinks SpaceX can launch as soon as 2027. In fact, in three years, Baron thinks it's possible that SpaceX will have 1 million satellites in space.
Finally, Baron is also extremely excited about the facility SpaceX is planning to build in partnership with Tesla and Intel, which will focus on building custom chips that are cheaper and specifically designed for the performance needs of these companies.
Baron's expectations for the stock Needless to say, Baron is as enthusiastic about SpaceX as anyone out there.
Retail investors should be careful not to blindly follow institutional investors and instead conduct their own due diligence.
While Baron is widely regarded as one of the best investors, institutional money can get it wrong just like anyone else. Furthermore, several things need to happen for Baron's predictions to come true.
For one, SpaceX needs to make its heavy-lift, fully reusable rocket, Starship, operational. It must also determine whether orbital data centers are feasible and how much they could cost.
That said, in a letter to shareholders in late April, Baron said he expects SpaceX to be worth 10, 20, or even 30 times its post-IPO value in 10 to 15 years. If he's correct, a $50,000 investment in SpaceX around the IPO price of $135 could be worth anywhere from $500,000 to $1.5 million.
I think it's difficult to make a call like this so early in the company's public life, but if you are looking for a bull on SpaceX, Baron is your guy.
No stock has been discussed as much over the past few weeks as Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX +0.13%), or SpaceX, as the company set an initial public offering (IPO) record, raising $75 billion and being valued at $1.77 trillion.
The stock experienced a nice run-up in its first few trading days but has since been on a downward trajectory. As of market close on June 23, SpaceX's stock was down 3% since its IPO. Many investors expected the volatility it has been experiencing, but it may be sooner than expected.
Regardless of how SpaceX pans out over the next few weeks, I wouldn't consider investing in SpaceX (or adding more shares) for another 90 days. Here's why.
Image source: Getty Images.
More shares will be hitting the market soon To prevent a bunch of shares from hitting the market for sale immediately after an IPO (which could cause the stock to crash), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) encourages a lockup period where insiders, such as employees and investors, must hold on to their shares before being able to sell them. The SEC doesn't legally require a set lockup period, but it's universally accepted as good business practice.
SpaceX also made only about 4% of its total shares available to the public in its IPO. As milestones are met, SpaceX will issue additional shares to the public to gradually increase liquidity.
Here is the current schedule of SpaceX's lock-up periods and the number of shares expected to be released at each time.
Key DatesDays Post-IPOSupply ReleasedLate July or early August 2026 (Q2 earnings)TBD20% to 30%Aug. 20, 202670 days7%Sept. 9, 202690 days7%Sept. 24, 2026105 days7%Oct. 9, 2026120 days7%Oct. 24, 2026135 days7%Late October or early November 2026 (Q3 earnings)TBD28%Dec. 8, 2026180 daysRemaining employee balanceFebruary 2027 to August 2027240 to 420 days100% of institutional investorsJune 12, 2027366 days100% of Elon Musk's stake Data source: SpaceX's 424B4 filing.
As more shares become available and insiders unload some of their holdings, SpaceX's stock could face downward pressure. After the 90-day mark in September, when the second block of shares is released, we'll have a clearer picture of how the market is reacting to the new shares. Less than 10% of SpaceX shares would be floating around, but that's much more liquid than they are now.
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Will SpaceX be a buy after 90 days? One thing about the stock market is that nobody can predict how stock prices will move in the short term. We can make educated guesses, but those rely on rationality, and the stock market is far from rational. That said, history suggests that SpaceX's stock could underperform over the first couple of years after its IPO.
There are exceptions to every rule, but that has been the norm for many blockbuster IPOs. I would reassess SpaceX's stock after 90 days, but even then, I wouldn't rush to invest unless it's somehow trading at a much steeper discount.
Paul Meade, the Apple vice president in charge of the Vision Pro headset, is leaving the company to join OpenAI's hardware team, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Artificial intelligence has turned the stock market into a contest over who will own the infrastructure powering the next decade of computing. Investors have poured hundreds of billions of dollars into AI leaders, pushing many technology stocks to lofty valuations. Yet even after Microsoft‘s (NASDAQ:MSFT | MSFT Price Prediction) stock climbed over the past several years, it’s fallen hard over the past eight months, falling almost 33%.
One of Wall Street’s best-known contrarian investors believes the market is missing the bigger picture. Michael Burry, whose successful bets against the housing bubble were chronicled in The Big Short, has revealed a new long-term wager that suggests he sees Microsoft’s AI opportunity extending well beyond today’s expectations.
Burry’s Leveraged Bet on Microsoft’s Future Rather than purchasing Microsoft shares outright, Burry disclosed that he bought December 2028 LEAP call options with strike prices around $700.
LEAPs — Long-Term Equity AnticiPation Securities — are simply long-dated options. In this case, they give Burry the right to purchase 100 Microsoft shares per contract at $700 any time before the options expire in December 2028. The strike price stands far above Microsoft’s recent trading range of roughly $350 to $373, making the options deeply out of the money today.
Here’s what the bet tells investors:
Trade Detail What It Means Expiration December 2028 Strike price Approximately $700 Current MSFT price About $350-$373 Investment thesis Microsoft could rise well above $700 before expiration Maximum loss Limited to the premium paid Potential upside Large if Microsoft delivers another multi-year rally The options don’t become profitable simply because Microsoft reaches $700. Burry must also recover the premium he paid, meaning his breakeven price is roughly the strike plus that premium. If Microsoft finishes below that level, the options could expire worthless.
To put that into perspective, if Microsoft were trading at $900 in late 2028, each option would carry about $200 per share in intrinsic value before accounting for the purchase price of the contract.
Why Options Instead of Buying the Stock? Burry has said he already views Microsoft around $350 as an attractive entry point. Rather than commit the capital required to purchase shares, he believes these long-dated calls were inexpensive relative to his outlook.
Instead of tying up tens of thousands of dollars buying stock, LEAPs provide leveraged exposure while limiting downside to the premium paid. Granted, leverage cuts both ways. If Microsoft’s shares fail to appreciate enough before expiration, time decay — known as theta — will steadily reduce the options’ value.
The trade also fits Burry’s investing style. He has built his reputation by making concentrated, high-conviction investments when he believes markets have mispriced an opportunity. While he’s often associated with bearish calls, this position is the opposite — a multi-year bullish bet on one of the world’s largest technology companies.
His thesis likely rests on Microsoft’s leadership across several fast-growing businesses, including Azure cloud computing, enterprise software, AI infrastructure, and its partnership with OpenAI.
This Might Not Be an All-In Position One important detail remains unknown: the size of Burry’s investment. Although he publicly disclosed purchasing the December 2028 LEAPs, he did not reveal how many contracts he owns or how much capital he committed. Because Scion Asset Management no longer files regular Form 13F reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, investors have no independent way to verify the position’s size.
The trade could actually represent a small speculative position or a major portfolio allocation. Without additional disclosure, nobody outside Burry’s firm knows.
This isn’t the first time Burry expressed bullishness about Microsoft. Earlier this year, he revealed he had gone long on the stock, though he also didn’t reveal any details about his trade. Shares traded at much the same price back then as they do today.
Key Takeaway In short, Burry’s Microsoft trade sends a clear message even if the dollar amount remains a mystery. He believes Microsoft is undervalued enough that shares could climb well beyond $700 over the next two and a half years, making long-dated call options an attractive way to express that conviction.
That said, most retail investors should resist copying the trade outright. LEAP options can generate outsized returns, but they also can lose 100% of their value if the underlying stock falls short of expectations. Investors who share Burry’s optimism — but prefer a wider margin for error — may find simply owning Microsoft shares offers a more forgiving way to benefit from the company’s expanding AI, cloud, and enterprise software businesses over the long run.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly shifting from the cloud to the devices we use every day. The first wave of generative AI relied on massive data centers packed with expensive graphics processors. The next phase is about making AI faster, cheaper, and more private by moving more of that computing directly onto smartphones, laptops, and vehicles.
That transition has become a battleground for chipmakers, and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM | QCOM Price Prediction) believes the same technology it is developing for AI data centers can eventually power the next generation of edge devices.
Qualcomm’s Answer to AI’s Memory Problem At the center of Qualcomm’s strategy is a new chip architecture called high bandwidth compute (HBC). According to Qualcomm, HBC places dedicated AI accelerator logic directly beneath vertically stacked LPDDR memory using through-silicon vias (TSVs), dramatically shortening the distance data must travel between memory and compute.
That may sound like semiconductor jargon, but the problem it addresses is simple. Modern AI models spend an enormous amount of time moving data back and forth between memory and processors. Engineers refer to this bottleneck as the “memory wall.” As AI models grow larger, that movement increasingly consumes more power than the calculations themselves.
Qualcomm says HBC offers several advantages over traditional high-bandwidth memory (HBM) designs:
Feature Qualcomm HBC Traditional HBM Memory type LPDDR HBM Bandwidth efficiency ~6x higher bandwidth per watt Baseline Cost Lower Higher Primary target AI inference AI training and inference Those advantages could make HBC attractive not only for cloud providers but also for smartphones, PCs, and automotive systems where power efficiency is every bit as important as raw performance.
Qualcomm Is Building on Existing Technology — Not Reinventing It Qualcomm isn’t inventing an entirely new category of computing. Companies including Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD), Samsung, Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU), and SK hynix already rely on advanced 3D memory stacking in AI accelerators. AMD’s MI300 family, for example, combines CPUs, GPUs, and HBM into tightly integrated packages, while Samsung has invested heavily in processing-in-memory technology.
The difference is Qualcomm’s focus on inference rather than training.
Inference — the process of generating AI responses — is becoming the largest long-term AI workload. By pairing lower-power LPDDR memory with near-memory compute, Qualcomm believes it can deliver better performance per watt while reducing total system costs.
That strategy also aligns with Qualcomm’s historical strengths. The company has spent decades optimizing chips for battery-powered devices, giving it deep expertise in LPDDR memory and power management. Extending those capabilities from smartphones into AI servers — and then bringing the architecture back to consumer devices — is an unusual but logical roadmap.
In any 3D package, heat generated by the compute die must travel upward through multiple silicon layers before reaching a cooling solution. That creates hotspots that can reduce performance or shorten component life if temperatures climb too high.
Data centers can offset this with liquid cooling and sophisticated thermal systems. Smartphones, laptops, and vehicles have far tighter space and power constraints.
Qualcomm believes several factors help manage those thermal challenges:
LPDDR consumes less power than HBM. Advanced bonding materials reduce thermal resistance. Dynamic power management can throttle workloads before overheating occurs. Qualcomm’s experience designing mobile processors gives it an advantage in balancing sustained performance and battery life. That said, investors should wait for independent benchmarks. Real-world testing will determine whether HBC delivers its promised gains without sacrificing sustained performance.
Key Takeaway In short, Qualcomm’s high-bandwidth compute architecture isn’t a revolutionary break from existing semiconductor design, but it could become an important evolution in AI computing. Rather than chasing Nvidia in massive AI training clusters, Qualcomm is targeting the next wave of AI inference with an architecture designed around efficiency instead of brute force.
If Qualcomm succeeds, the payoff could extend well beyond data centers. Smartphones, PCs, and connected vehicles could run larger AI models locally, reducing cloud costs, improving privacy, and extending battery life. The remaining question isn’t whether the idea is compelling — it is whether Qualcomm can prove its thermal design and manufacturing approach work at scale. For long-term investors, those benchmarks and early customer deployments will be worth watching closely.
Looking for stocks that pay dividends? You may have come across pharmaceutical outfit Pfizer (PFE +2.58%) in your search. After all, its forward-looking dividend yield of 7.1% is one of the highest among blue chip stocks right now.
So how many shares of this drugmaker would you need in order to collect, say, $5,000 worth of annual dividend income? If you annualize its quarterly per-share payment of $0.43, 2,907 shares would do the trick. That's about $69,940 worth of this stock, assuming you're getting in at today's price.
The question is: Is this actually a stock you can count on to continue paying -- and growing -- its dividend?
Image source: Getty Images.
Preparing for the future The growing concern here is the impending expiration of the patents protecting several of Pfizer's breadwinning drugs. These include the blood thinner Eliquis, cancer-fighting drugs Ibrance and Xtandi, and pneumonia vaccine Prevnar 13. All of these will lose patent protection within the next couple of years, posing a threat to roughly one-third of the company's revenue.
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But take a step back and look at what the company has done -- and is doing -- to prepare for this inevitable tumble off the patent cliff. Since 2022, it has acquired Arena Pharmaceuticals, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Global Blood Therapeutics, Seagen, and Metsera.
These deals have brought drugs with varying degrees of readiness and marketability under Pfizer's umbrella, but they've dramatically boosted its potential in the oncology and anti-obesity markets. All told, the pharmaceutical outfit intends to bring at least eight new blockbuster drugs to market as a result of these acquisitions, although more are certainly possible.
The only catch? We won't start seeing meaningful impacts from these investments until after 2028.
All this dealmaking hasn't exactly been cheap, either. It's still arguably been worth it, though, particularly to income investors. While it may not drive widening profits or produce wild profit growth, it will provide reliable cash flow that supports continued dividend payments.
James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Pfizer. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The market had a challenging week. The two most popular market indexes declined 2% to 5%. It's still been a winning year for many investors, but if the market continues to slide this summer, you might want to warm up to some stocks that can do well in a dicey market environment.
Costco (COST +1.13%) scratches that itch. The country's leading warehouse club operator isn't just recession-resistant. At its best, the chain can also be recession-resilient. Let's take a closer look at why Costco could be worth every dollar of the next $1,000 you put to work in the market.
Image source: Getty Images.
You know where Kirk will land If you're a Costco member, you're not alone. There are 82.9 million paid memberships, serving 149 million cardholders. Even if you're not a Costco shopper, you are likely familiar with the experience. Members get great deals on bulk-sized offerings, and it reflects in their allegiance to the brand.
Despite an increase in membership prices two summers ago, Costco members remain loyal. Its U.S. and Canada renewal rate clocks in at an impressive 92.2%. This is important, speaking to the stickiness of the retail platform. Folks know they're not being gouged at Costco. Its trailing net margin is at a record 3%, and most of that is just the membership fee.
Members stick around in good times because they can save money on everything they spend. In lean times, it's essential to get as much bang for every buck that they hand over. The all-weather business model works.
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It's time to back up my claim of Costco's resiliency. Costco has delivered positive revenue growth in all but one of the last 33 years. The one outlier -- the Great Recession of 2009 -- its top line slipped a modest 1.5%.
Unlike the deep value in its warehouses, Costco stock isn't cheap. It's trading for 48 times trailing earnings. You don't expect safe stocks to trade at multiples this high, but you're not likely to get Costco at a bargain-basement profit multiple.
Investors flock to the reliable performance of steady comps growth stacked on top of slow but steady expansion. There is also more than two decades of rising quarterly dividends (22 years, to be exact), along with the occasional one-time distributions.
Success adds up over time. The stock is a 148-bagger since going public in 1993. The dividends are just gravy for the real star of this show. It doesn't mean that the shares won't slide from time to time. However, Costco's one-year beta of 0.02 shows how weakly it's correlated to the more volatile swings of the general market. You've worked hard for the next $1,000 that you will be investing. Costco has historically done a great job of working just as hard to keep it growing for you.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL | AAPL Price Prediction) rarely raises prices. That has been a working assumption on Wall Street for roughly two decades. The company absorbs component costs, squeezes suppliers, redesigns around the problem, and protects its margin envelope without making customers pay more for the same box.
So when Apple confirmed Friday that it was raising prices an average of about 20% across Macs, iPads, home devices and the Vision Pro, the reaction was violent. KOSPI fell as much as 9% intraday and was halted for the second time this week, Nasdaq futures dropped 1.2%, and global equities sank to a two-week low. Bloomberg Senior Market Strategist Neil Campling summed up the problem in one line. “Even during COVID Apple did not need to basically raise prices to reflect these shortages.”
What Apple actually did, and why markets recoiled The magnitude mattered. “We are not talking small price increases, we are talking an average of about 20% increases to these product pricing,” Campling said. Apple is the company that, two months ago, told investors it had just done its best March quarter ever, with revenue of $111.2 billion and iPhone revenue of $56.994 billion, fueled by what Tim Cook called extraordinary iPhone 17 demand. None of that demand picture suggested a company needing to claw back margin from the consumer.
The stock moved accordingly. AAPL fell 6.12% on Thursday, and is now down 6.1% over the past week and 9.3% over the past month, sitting at $279. Polymarket traders assign a 72.5% probability AAPL closes lower again Friday, and only a 7% chance Apple closes above $290 by end of June. A week ago that target was the base case.
The supply chain reads the same memo Campling’s worry was downstream. “If Apple is struggling, then what is happening with all the other companies who have much less pricing power? That has sent shockwaves through the tech complex.”
Apple builds its silicon at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM), which would normally benefit from higher Apple ASPs. TSM fell 8.6% on the week anyway, because a 20% price hike implies the foundry’s biggest customer is paying more for chips and may sell fewer finished products. The shares are still up 94% over the past year, so this reads as a sentiment crack.
Memory tells a more interesting story. Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) reported Wednesday night and posted Q3 FY26 revenue of $41.46 billion, up 345.7% year-over-year, with gross margin of 84.6% and Q4 revenue guidance of $50.0 billion plus or minus $1.0 billion.
CEO Sanjay Mehrotra called the results a reflection of “the strategic value of memory in the AI era.” Micron is the smoking gun on Campling’s component-shortage theory. Memory prices have quadrupled in a year, and that cost is appearing at the consumer end. The stock is up 270% year-to-date. One r/stocks post asked “345% YoY revenue growth from Micron. Is this just the memory cycle or something bigger?”
The OpenAI footnote that made it worse Friday’s selloff had a second leg. The New York Times reported OpenAI is delaying its IPO to potentially 2027, and SoftBank shares fell 14%, the worst intraday loss since November. Campling’s read was blunt. “You could say the latest update is advantage Anthropic.” That matters for NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) because the AI capex story rests on a small group of hyperscaler customers writing increasingly large checks.
NVDA posted Q1 FY27 revenue of $81.62 billion last month and Jensen Huang described the AI factory buildout as the largest infrastructure expansion in human history.
Apple is raising prices because chips cost more. Memory suppliers are booking record margins because chips cost more. AI infrastructure spending faces its first real customer-side question. The IPO calendar is suddenly lighter. Winnie Hsu described it as a vicious cycle. Hyperscalers passing chip-cost inflation to consumers hurts demand, which feeds back to chipmakers. Apple just did the first visible piece of that loop. Whether it stays a one-quarter pricing reset or becomes the start of a demand problem is what the next earnings cycle has to answer.
On June 22, 2026, Devon Energy Corp, a 10% owner, reported the indirect sale of 1,755,174 Class A shares of WaterBridge Infrastructure LLC (WBI +2.34%) for a transaction value of approximately $52.7 million, as disclosed in a SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueShares sold (indirect)1,755,174Transaction value$52.7 millionTransaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($30.05).
Key questionsWhat was the mechanism behind the Class A share sale?
The shares sold originated from the redemption of 1,755,174 WBI Operating LLC units and the cancellation of an equal number of Class B shares, which were converted into Class A shares immediately prior to the open-market sale pursuant to Rule 144.Did this transaction affect any direct holdings?
No direct holdings were involved; all shares sold were held indirectly through Devon Holdco, a wholly owned subsidiary structure under Devon Energy.Does the insider retain a continuing economic interest in WaterBridge Infrastructure LLC?
Yes, Devon Holdco continues to hold 16,002,051 Class B shares and an equivalent number of WBI Operating LLC units, which are convertible into Class A shares on a one-for-one basis, preserving substantial potential ownership.How does the size of this sale relate to prior activity and remaining capacity?
This sale comprised 100.00% of Devon Holdco's indirect Class A position; future liquidity events will depend on conversions from the remaining Class B/OpCo units, as Class A holdings have been fully sold in this filing.Company overviewMetricValueMarket capitalization$1.46 billionRevenue (TTM)$628.62 millionNet income (TTM)$13.7 millionPrice (as of market close 2026-06-22)$30.05Company snapshotWaterBridge Infrastructure provides comprehensive water resource management services for upstream oil and gas operators, including water gathering, transportation, reclamation, and disposal.The firm operates a fee-based model leveraging a network of water infrastructure assets primarily in the Delaware Basin, with additional presence in the Eagle Ford and Arkoma regions.It serves exploration and production companies in the oil and gas sector, focusing on clients with significant water management needs in major U.S. shale plays.WaterBridge Infrastructure LLC specializes in water logistics and lifecycle management for the energy sector, supporting oil and gas producers through a dedicated infrastructure footprint in key shale basins. The company's scale and integrated service offerings enable efficient, compliant water handling solutions for its customers. Strategic positioning in high-activity regions provides a competitive advantage in serving the evolving needs of upstream energy clients.
What this transaction means for investorsWhile Devon Energy monetized a sizable stake worth roughly $52.7 million, the transaction represented a conversion of operating units into Class A shares before the sale, and the company continues to own 16 million Class B shares and an equal number of operating units that remain convertible into Class A stock. In other words, Devon still has significant economic exposure to WaterBridge.
Operationally, WaterBridge continues to build momentum. The company recently raised its full-year guidance for produced water handling volumes to 2.525 million to 2.725 million barrels per day and increased its Adjusted EBITDA outlook to $425 million to $465 million after reporting first quarter revenue of $201 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $102.9 million. Management said stronger customer demand and a more supportive backdrop for exploration and production activity gave it confidence to lift guidance. CEO Jason Long said the company's opportunities "are as compelling as they have ever been," while CFO Scott McNeely pointed to strengthening commercial demand across the Delaware Basin.
The company also recently announced plans to join several Alerian energy indexes and formed a special committee to evaluate converting from an LLC to a Texas corporation, a move management believes could broaden its investor base and improve liquidity over time.
For long-term investors, Devon's sale does not materially change the ownership picture. The bigger questions remain whether WaterBridge can execute on its higher guidance, expand its infrastructure network, and capitalize on growing demand for produced water management.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Investing in the airline industry often means choosing between established giants and nimbler carriers. You must decide if the premium stability of Delta Air Lines (DAL +0.50%) or the recovery potential of JetBlue Airways (JBLU +1.52%) fits your strategy.
Airlines are navigating a landscape defined by shifting travel demand and high operational costs. Choosing between Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways requires weighing a dominant global leader against a smaller player attempting a major financial turnaround. Both carriers face distinct hurdles in today's economy.
The case for Delta Air LinesDelta Air Lines operates a global network serving nearly 200 million annual travelers and nearly 4,000 daily departures. Its business strategy relies on premium service and strategic international alliances, including partnerships with Air France-KLM and Korean Air. American Express (AXP 0.35%) is a critical commercial partner, providing nearly $8.2 billion in annual remuneration as of 2025. Since this accounts for over 10% of revenue, customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $63.4 billion, representing growth of approximately 2.9% over the prior year. Net income for the period was just over $5 billion, which resulted in a net margin of roughly 7.9%. This reflects a steady performance compared to previous fiscal years as the company continues to capture demand for international and business travel.
As of the December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 1.0x, which compares total debt to the value of shareholder equity. Free cash flow, which is cash from operations minus capital spending, was nearly $3.8 billion for the year. This is a common indicator of financial health among industrial stocks.
The case for JetBlue AirwaysJetBlue Airways operates a low-fare model centered on key focus cities like New York, Boston, and Fort Lauderdale. The company recently launched the "Blue Sky" collaboration with United Airlines (UAL +1.17%), which facilitates interline connectivity and reciprocity of loyalty points for passengers. Success largely hinges on the "JetForward" plan, a strategic effort to optimize the route network and manage rising infrastructure costs across its 100 destinations.
During FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $9.1 billion, a decline of roughly 2.3% from the previous year. This performance resulted in a net loss of $602 million for the period, as the company struggled with higher expenses and fluctuating demand in its primary markets.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was roughly 4.8x, indicating that total debt is nearly five times larger than shareholder equity. Free cash flow for the fiscal year was negative at close to $845 million, reflecting the ongoing capital demands of maintaining a modern aircraft fleet and executing a turnaround.
Risk profile comparisonDelta Air Lines faces significant cybersecurity risks, as demonstrated by the 2024 global outage involving CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD +3.40%) which disrupted global travel. Regulatory shifts regarding the Groupo Aeroméxico (AERO +0.16%) joint venture could force a wind-down of certain routes if antitrust immunity is eventually lost. Additionally, volatile fuel costs, managed through its Monroe Energy refinery, and potential labor strikes among its 20% unionized workforce pose ongoing operational hurdles.
JetBlue Airways faces intense legal pressure from a $100 million lawsuit involving American Airlines (AA +1.92%). Financial liquidity is strained by close to $7.7 billion in net debt and potential collateral demands from credit card processors. Operational limits in the Northeast airspace and ongoing engine issues from RTX Corporation (RTX +0.74%) further complicate the execution of the company's strategic recovery plan.
Valuation comparisonDelta Air Lines appears more expensive on a Forward P/E basis but maintains positive earnings, whereas JetBlue Airways offers a lower P/S ratio despite its current financial losses.
MetricDelta Air LinesJetBlue AirwaysSector BenchmarkForward P/E17.1x56x31.3xP/S ratio0.9x0.2xn/aSector benchmark uses the SPDR XLI sector ETF.
Valuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
For a long time, JetBlue was one of the industry’s leading innovators and best-performing airline stocks. Those days are gone, though, as the business has struggled with scale against larger competitors. An attempt to merge with Spirit Airlines was quashed by regulators, meaning growth will have to come organically for the airline, for now. The recent spike in fuel costs due to the Iran war hurt the business in the still-to-be-reported seconds quarter of fiscal 2026 because more than 90% of its seats were already booked before the spike in prices, meaning it could not pass along the higher costs.
Part of its JetForward strategy is to become more like Delta by offering premium experiences that customers will pay for. For JetBlue, that includes the planned introduction of domestic first class this year and the continued rollout of BlueHouse, a new lounge concept. The result will be higher revenue in 2026, abotu $10.1 billion, but a larger net loss as it works through costs and growth plans.
On the other hand, Delta has emerged as the largest and most successful of the U.S. airlines, mainly by focusing on customer experience rather than slashing fares to gain market share, which has largely been the strategy of other U.S. carriers. There are no fewer than three classes of service on any Delta plane, and many have four, allowing it to tier customers with cheap fares and premium seating. The business focuses exceptionally well on the customer experience to drive loyalty, which in turn brings better margins. That starts with the Delta staff, who get high marks for in-flight service, and also for services like in-flight WiFi, which allows passengers to connect their mobile devices to the seat-back screens on many planes. Expanding and improving WiFi is a priority for the company this year, including improved connectivity from provider ViaSat Inc (VSAT +3.22%). All of that should boost 2026 revenue 11% to $70.3 billion and net income of $2.9 billion, though that is a decline from 2025.
The U.S. airline business is a cutthroat one, and Delta Air Lines seems to have cracked the code. Don’t count out JetBlue turning itself around, but Delta is the better pick in 2026.