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U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves in November as Inflation Expectations Ease U.S. consumer sentiment improved more than expected in November, while

improved more than expected in November, while both short- and long-term inflation expectations declined. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index...

11-06-26

U.S. Payrolls Surge by 165,000 in October as Unemployment Falls to 4.1% U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 165,000 in October,

U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 165,000 in October, far above the 65,000 forecast and up from 60,000 previously, signaling substantially stronger-than-expected job creation. The...

11-06-26

Brookfield Infrastructure Rises 3.8% as FFO Grows 10% and AI Investment Pipeline Expands Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP) shares rose

Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP) shares rose about 3.8% after the company reported 10% third-quarter FFO growth and highlighted a rapidly expanding pipeline of...

11-06-26

Plains All American Falls 2.6% Despite Solid Q3 Results as Guidance Offers Limited Upside Plains All American Pipeline (NASDAQ: PAA)

Pipeline (NASDAQ: PAA) shares fell about 2.6% despite reporting solid third-quarter results and reaffirming its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook. Third-quarter...

11-06-26

PPL Edges 0.4% Higher as Q3 Earnings Rise and Long-Term Growth Outlook Improves PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) shares rose about

PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) shares rose about 0.4% after the utility reported higher third-quarter earnings, introduced its 2027 outlook and increased its long-term earnings...

11-06-26

Vistra Rises 4% as Q3 EBITDA Jumps More Than 50% and 2027 Outlook Signals Further Growth Vistra (NYSE: VST) shares

Vistra (NYSE: VST) shares rose about 4% after the company reported a sharp increase in third-quarter earnings, raised its 2026 outlook and introduced a...

11-06-26

Humana Rises 4.3% as Benefit Ratio Beats Guidance and 2026 EPS Outlook Increases Humana (NYSE: HUM) shares rose about 4.3%

Humana (NYSE: HUM) shares rose about 4.3% after the company reported a better-than-expected insurance benefit ratio and raised its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings outlook....

11-06-26

Brookfield Asset Management Falls 1.5% Despite 15% Earnings Growth and Strong Fundraising Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) shares fell about

(NYSE: BAM) shares fell about 1.5% despite reporting double-digit growth in fee-related and distributable earnings and strong fundraising momentum. Third-quarter fee-related...

11-06-26

Moderna Jumps 6.3% as Revenue Growth Accelerates and 2026 Outlook Improves Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) shares rose about 6.3% after the

Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) shares rose about 6.3% after the company reported stronger third-quarter results, raised its 2026 revenue outlook and improved its expected year-end...

11-06-26

Enbridge Falls 2.8% Despite Higher Earnings as Equity Raise and Acquisition Spending Weigh Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) shares fell about 2.8%

Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) shares fell about 2.8% after the company reported higher third-quarter earnings and reaffirmed its 2026 financial guidance, but investors appeared to...

11-06-26

Microchip Technology Falls 2.3% Premarket as Q3 Guidance Points to Sequential Slowdown Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) shares fell about 2.3%

Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: MCHP) shares fell about 2.3% in premarket trading despite reporting stronger-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results. Net sales rose 42.2% year over year...

11-06-26

Con Edison Q3 Earnings Rise as 2026 EPS Outlook Narrows Consolidated Edison (NYSE: ED) reported higher third-quarter earnings as regulated

Consolidated Edison (NYSE: ED) reported higher third-quarter earnings as regulated utility operations continued to support steady profit growth. Third-quarter net income increased to $766...

11-06-26

NASDAQ:QCOM

Qualcomm Plunges 10% Premarket as Handset Weakness and Margin Pressure Overshadow AI Data Center Growth

Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) shares fell about 10% in premarket trading after the company reported weaker fiscal fourth-quarter revenue and profit, while its near-term outlook highlighted continued margin pressure from rising semiconductor input costs.

Fourth-quarter revenue fell 8% year over year to $10.32 billion, while non-GAAP revenue declined 7% to $10.44 billion. Non-GAAP EPS dropped 28% to $2.17, and QCT earnings before tax fell 26%.

The main weakness came from handsets, where QCT revenue declined 26% to $5.14 billion. By contrast, automotive revenue surged 89% to a record $1.99 billion, while IoT revenue increased 4%.

For fiscal 2027, Qualcomm expects non-handset revenue to grow more than 60% and reiterated its $5 billion data center revenue target, supported by its multi-generational collaboration with Amazon.

However, management also warned that semiconductor input costs are rising across wafers, assembly, testing, packaging and memory. Qualcomm expects pricing actions to fully offset those pressures only in the second half of fiscal 2027.

For fiscal Q1, the company expects revenue of $10.4 billion to $11.2 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $2.15 to $2.35.

The sharp premarket decline appears to reflect investor concern over the 26% drop in handset revenue, lower QCT profitability and near-term cost pressure, despite strong automotive growth and an increasingly important AI data center opportunity.

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Global Finance News 11-05-26

Top Stock Market Highlights of the Week: Apple, Qualcomm, Sembcorp Industries and Mapletree Logistics Trust

We look at Apple's shift to a split iPhone launch strategy, a major AI chip partnership, and two corporate developments from Singapore-listed companies.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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The Investor 09-12-26

Qualcomm Stock Falls 4.8% Premarket as Smartphone Weakness Overshadows Automotive Growth

Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) shares fell 4.8% in premarket trading on Thursday after the chipmaker reported lower fiscal third-quarter earnings and revenue, as continued weakness in its smartphone business outweighed strong growth in its automotive and IoT segments.

Revenue declined 4% year-over-year to $9.95 billion, landing near the high end of the company's guidance. GAAP earnings per share fell 23% to $1.87, while non-GAAP EPS decreased 20% to $2.21. CEO Cristiano Amon said the company delivered solid execution despite a challenging memory and supply environment and reaffirmed Qualcomm's long-term diversification strategy.

Handset Business Remains Under Pressure

The biggest drag on results continued to be Qualcomm's core handset business. QCT handset revenue dropped 20% year-over-year to $5.09 billion, driving a 5% decline in total QCT revenue to $8.50 billion.

The weakness was partially offset by continued momentum outside smartphones. Automotive revenue surged 61% to $1.59 billion, marking the company's 23rd consecutive quarter of double-digit growth, while IoT revenue increased 9% to $1.83 billion. Qualcomm also recently completed its acquisition of Modular Inc., expanding its software capabilities for generative and agentic AI applications.

Guidance Meets Expectations

For the fiscal fourth quarter, Qualcomm forecast revenue between $9.7 billion and $10.5 billion and non-GAAP earnings per share of $2.05 to $2.25. The company also noted that higher semiconductor input costs, including wafer fabrication, advanced packaging and memory, are expected to gradually be reflected in pricing, supporting margins over time.

What to Watch

The premarket decline suggests investors remain focused on the pace of recovery in Qualcomm's smartphone business despite continued strength in automotive, IoT and AI-related opportunities. Going forward, the market will closely monitor handset demand, automotive expansion and whether accelerating non-handset revenue growth can offset ongoing weakness in the mobile market.

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European Investor 07-30-26

Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) gained 3.7% on Thursday after a flurry of analyst actions following the company's recent momentum in AI and semiconductor markets. While opinions remained mixed, the overall tone turned more constructive as several firms upgraded their views or raised price targets.

Barclays upgraded Qualcomm to Overweight from Underweight, while Monness Crespi Hardt also upgraded the stock to Buy. Raymond James initiated coverage with a Strong Buy rating, and RBC Capital Markets and UBS both raised their price targets to $250 and $235, respectively.

The positive actions were partially offset by downgrades from Craig Hallum and Lake Street Capital, while Goldman Sachs initiated coverage with a Neutral rating. Despite the mixed recommendations, the balance of analyst revisions reflected growing confidence in Qualcomm's long-term opportunities in AI-enabled devices, smartphones, automotive, and edge computing.

The stock's advance suggests investors focused on the increasing number of bullish analyst calls and higher price targets, reinforcing optimism that Qualcomm is well positioned to benefit from the expanding AI ecosystem beyond traditional mobile markets.

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European Investor 06-25-26

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) and Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) fell sharply on Tuesday despite receiving higher price targets from Bank of America, as a broad selloff across semiconductor and technology stocks weighed on investor sentiment.

Micron dropped 7.9% to $1,115.82 after Bank of America raised its price target to $1,500 from $950 and maintained a Buy rating. The sizable increase reflects growing confidence in the memory chip maker's position within the AI infrastructure market, where demand for high-bandwidth memory and advanced data center products continues to expand.

Qualcomm fell 6.9% to $206.55 after Bank of America increased its price target to $195 from $165. Although the firm maintained an Underperform rating, the higher target suggests improving expectations for the company's earnings outlook and AI-related opportunities.

The declines came as investors broadly reduced exposure to semiconductor and AI-related stocks following weakness across the technology sector. The selloff overshadowed otherwise positive analyst commentary and reflected concerns about near-term demand trends and elevated valuations after a strong rally in chip stocks.

Despite Tuesday's weakness, the analyst actions indicate Wall Street remains constructive on long-term semiconductor growth, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to drive investment in advanced computing infrastructure and next-generation devices.

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European Investor 06-23-26

Qualcomm Gains After Cantor Fitzgerald Raises Price Target

Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) rose 1.7% after Cantor Fitzgerald raised its price target to $200 from $150, while maintaining a Neutral rating on the semiconductor company.

The higher target reflects improving confidence in Qualcomm's ability to benefit from growing artificial intelligence adoption across smartphones, PCs, wearables, and edge computing devices. The company has increasingly positioned itself as a key player in on-device AI, where processing occurs directly on consumer devices rather than in the cloud.

Investor sentiment has also been supported by Qualcomm's recent launch of Snapdragon START, a platform designed to accelerate development of AI-powered smart glasses and other personal AI devices. The initiative expands Qualcomm's presence beyond traditional smartphones and highlights the company's efforts to capitalize on emerging AI hardware opportunities.

Qualcomm continues to benefit from its leadership in mobile processors and wireless connectivity, while diversification into automotive, industrial, and AI-driven products provides additional growth avenues. The company is viewed as a potential beneficiary of a new wave of AI-enabled consumer electronics expected to emerge over the coming years.

Despite maintaining a Neutral rating, Cantor Fitzgerald's substantial price target increase suggests analysts see improving long-term prospects as Qualcomm expands its role in the broader AI ecosystem. The stock's advance indicates investors welcomed the more optimistic valuation outlook and continued momentum in AI-related semiconductor spending.

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Global Finance News 06-22-26

Qualcomm Gains 4.3% as Wells Fargo Raises Price Target on AI and Smartphone Recovery Outlook

Qualcomm (QCOM) rose 4.3% on Friday after receiving a vote of confidence from Wells Fargo, which raised its price target on the semiconductor company from $160 to $230 while maintaining its Equal Weight rating.

The substantial target increase reflects growing optimism about Qualcomm's positioning in several key growth markets, including artificial intelligence-enabled devices, premium smartphones, automotive technology, and edge computing. While Wells Fargo stopped short of issuing a more bullish rating, the higher target suggests analysts see significantly greater earnings potential than previously anticipated.

Investor sentiment toward Qualcomm has improved in recent months as demand for AI-capable smartphones and connected devices continues to strengthen. The company is increasingly viewed as a beneficiary of the next wave of on-device AI adoption, with its Snapdragon processors enabling advanced AI features directly on smartphones, PCs, and other edge devices.

The rally also comes amid broader strength across the semiconductor sector, where investors continue to favor companies exposed to artificial intelligence spending. While much of the market's attention has focused on data-center AI leaders, Qualcomm is emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of AI deployment at the consumer device level.

Wells Fargo's decision to reaffirm its positive view while sharply increasing its price target reinforced investor confidence that Qualcomm's growth opportunities extend beyond the traditional smartphone market. The firm's expanding presence in automotive chips, industrial applications, and AI-powered computing platforms is helping diversify revenue streams and support long-term growth expectations.

Friday's advance suggests investors are increasingly recognizing Qualcomm as an important player in the AI ecosystem, with the target increase serving as another indication that Wall Street expects stronger earnings growth as AI-enabled devices become more widely adopted.

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WS Investor 06-12-26

Qualcomm Jumps 11.7% in Pre-Market as Automotive and AI Momentum Overshadow Handset Weakness

Qualcomm shares are surging 11.7% in pre-market trading, extending an after-hours rally following a Q2 fiscal 2026 earnings report that beat expectations on both revenue and profit, even as near-term headwinds in the handset business temper the longer-term outlook.

The San Diego chipmaker reported non-GAAP EPS of $2.65 on revenue of $10.6 billion, surpassing analyst forecasts of $2.55 EPS and $10.58 billion in revenue. The beat is consistent with the company's strong track record in its diversification drive, which was already evident in the FY2025 full-year results where non-Apple QCT revenues grew 18% year-over-year and combined automotive and IoT revenues rose 27%. (Investing*com)

The standout story remains automotive. Automotive exceeded $5 billion in annualized revenues for the first time in Q2, driven by Qualcomm's fourth-generation Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform covering connectivity, telematics, infotainment and advanced driver assistance. The company expects to exit fiscal 2026 at an automotive run rate above $6 billion. QTL licensing added stability with 5% revenue growth to $1.38 billion and EBT margins above 70%. (Yahoo Finance, Stocktitan)

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WS Investor 04-30-26

Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.92 per common share, payable on June 25, 2026, to stockholders of record on June 4, 2026.

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European Investor 04-18-26

Qualcomm urged its shareholders to reject an unsolicited “mini-tender” offer from Tutanota LLC, warning that the proposal is structured to potentially acquire shares at a below-market price.

The offer seeks to purchase up to 500,000 Qualcomm shares—less than 0.05% of outstanding stock—at $150 per share, but is conditional on the company’s share price exceeding that level before expiration. Qualcomm stated that this condition, along with other uncertainties such as financing requirements, could disadvantage investors and delay payment.

Qualcomm emphasized that it is not affiliated with Tutanota and does not endorse the offer, advising shareholders not to tender their shares. The company also noted that investors who have already participated can withdraw their shares before the April 27, 2026 deadline.

The company further highlighted that mini-tender offers typically fall below the 5% ownership threshold, allowing bidders to bypass certain U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission protections. Regulators have cautioned that such offers may attempt to exploit investors who do not compare the offer price with current market values.

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European Investor 04-18-26

11-05-26The Investor

09-09-26European Investor

NASDAQ

U.S. Jobless Claims Fall to 189,000 as Tech Stocks Slide

U.S. initial jobless claims fell to 189,000, below the 197,000 forecast and down from 195,000 previously, pointing to continued resilience in the labor market.

Continuing jobless claims, however, increased to 1.718 million from 1.695 million, slightly above the 1.710 million forecast. The combination suggests layoffs remain low, while workers already unemployed may be taking somewhat longer to find new jobs.

U.S. equities traded mixed following the data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 0.54%, while the S&P 500 fell 0.32% and the Nasdaq declined 1.12%.

The stronger initial claims reading may reinforce expectations that the labor market remains relatively firm, potentially limiting the case for faster monetary easing. The heavier decline in the Nasdaq suggests rate-sensitive technology stocks were under greater pressure, while the Dow showed relative strength.

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The Investor 11-05-26

U.S. Stock Futures Rally After Democratic Midterm Sweep as ADP Employment Matches Prior Month

U.S. stock futures moved sharply higher on Wednesday as investors digested the Democratic sweep of both chambers of Congress and a stronger-than-expected private-sector employment report.

Dow futures climbed about 2.1%, S&P 500 futures rose 1.1%, while Nasdaq futures gained 0.4%. The broader move followed confirmation that Democrats won control of both the House and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, creating a divided government with Republican President Donald Trump.

Labor-market data also provided support. ADP reported that U.S. private payrolls increased by 86,000 in October, matching the previous month’s reading and exceeding the 67,000 forecast. The result points to continued hiring momentum, although employment growth remains relatively moderate.

The market reaction suggests investors are balancing two themes. The election outcome has increased expectations that large legislative changes may become more difficult, while the ADP report indicates the labor market has not weakened sharply. Together, those factors supported cyclical shares and helped push Dow futures substantially higher.

The Nasdaq’s smaller gain also reflects a more complicated post-election backdrop for technology stocks. Democratic victories have increased investor focus on possible tighter oversight of AI infrastructure and data-center development, particularly after election campaigns in several states highlighted concerns over energy use, utility costs and local opposition to new data centers.

Overall, the combination of greater political clarity and resilient employment data is supporting U.S. equities ahead of the opening bell. However, investors are likely to remain focused on how the new congressional balance may affect fiscal policy, AI regulation and future Federal Reserve decisions.

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WS Investor 11-04-26

U.S. Stocks Rise as Oil Plunges and ISM Manufacturing Beats Forecasts

U.S. stocks extended gains Monday as sharply lower oil prices eased inflation concerns and stronger-than-expected ISM manufacturing data supported confidence in the economy.

The Dow Jones rose 1.03% to 52,304.31, the Nasdaq gained 0.87% to 25,658.79, and the S&P 500 advanced 0.62% to 7,627.00.

Brent crude fell more than 6% to around $106.41 a barrel. The sharp decline in energy prices provides a favorable backdrop for equities by reducing concerns over fuel-driven inflation and potentially lowering costs for businesses and consumers.

Economic data also offered support. The ISM Manufacturing PMI increased to 55.5 in October, beating the 54.5 forecast and improving from 54.5 previously. The reading remained well above the 50 threshold, indicating continued expansion in U.S. manufacturing activity.

At the same time, the ISM Manufacturing Prices index eased to 75.2 from 77.9 and came in below the 77.2 forecast. Although input-price pressures remained elevated, the decline provided some reassurance on the inflation outlook. Manufacturing employment slipped slightly to 52.4 from 52.7 but remained in expansion territory.

Construction spending was the major weak point, falling 1.9% month over month in September compared with expectations for a 0.4% increase and a previous 2.0% gain.

Overall, the rise in U.S. indexes appears to reflect a combination of sharply lower oil prices, stronger manufacturing activity and some moderation in manufacturing price pressures. The weak construction spending figure limited the otherwise positive macro picture but was not enough to offset the broader improvement in investor sentiment.

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European Investor 11-02-26

U.S. Stocks Trade Mixed as Wider Trade Deficit Offsets Inventory Growth

U.S. stocks were mixed after fresh economic data showed a wider-than-expected goods trade deficit alongside stronger retail inventory growth. The S&P 500 rose 0.15% and the Dow gained 0.27%, while the Nasdaq was nearly unchanged, down 0.01%.

The U.S. goods trade deficit widened to $134.90 billion in September, larger than the $130.40 billion consensus estimate and the previous $132.07 billion deficit. The deterioration suggests imports continued to outpace exports and could weigh on the trade component of third-quarter GDP calculations.

Retail inventories excluding autos increased 0.4% in September, accelerating from 0.1% previously. Higher inventories can provide some near-term support to GDP, although persistent inventory accumulation can become a negative signal if it reflects weaker-than-expected final demand.

Overall, the releases offered a mixed economic signal: stronger inventory accumulation was offset by a larger trade deficit, helping explain the relatively subdued reaction across major U.S. equity indexes.

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WS Investor 10-28-26

Wall Street Rises as Strong Consumer Confidence Offsets Mixed U.S. Economic Data

U.S. stocks moved higher Tuesday, with the Nasdaq gaining 1.19%, the S&P 500 rising 0.66% and the Dow Jones adding 0.14%, as investors digested a mixed batch of economic data.

Conference Board Consumer Confidence climbed to 91.7 in October, well above the 81.2 forecast and up from 84.2 previously. The stronger-than-expected reading pointed to improved household sentiment and provided the clearest positive signal from the day’s releases.

New home sales also came in better than expected at an annualized 676,000 in September, compared with the 651,000 forecast, although sales edged down from 680,000 previously.

Other indicators were softer. Building permits slipped to 1.398 million, slightly below the 1.400 million forecast and 1.403 million prior reading. Weekly ADP employment growth slowed to 16,800 from 18,500, suggesting some moderation in private-sector hiring.

Durable goods orders rose 1.8% in September, a sharp improvement from the prior 0.1% increase but slightly below the 2.0% consensus estimate.

Overall, the data presented a mixed economic picture, with stronger consumer confidence and housing demand offsetting softer employment and building activity. The stronger move in the Nasdaq suggests risk appetite remained relatively firm despite the uneven macro signals.

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European Investor 10-27-26

Wall Street Falls as Mixed Jobless Claims and Surging Oil Keep Rate and Inflation Concerns in Focus

U.S. stocks traded lower after the latest labor-market data sent a mixed signal while a sharp rise in crude oil added to inflation concerns.

Initial jobless claims fell to 194,000, better than the 200,000 consensus estimate and down from 200,000 previously. The reading suggests layoffs remain relatively contained and the labor market is still holding up.

Continuing jobless claims, however, rose to 1.728 million, above the 1.720 million forecast and up from 1.703 million previously. That points to some difficulty for unemployed workers in finding new jobs even as new layoffs remain low.

Equities were under pressure, with the S&P 500 down about 0.78%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average off 0.15%, and the Nasdaq falling roughly 1.42%. The heavier Nasdaq decline suggests continued pressure on rate-sensitive growth and technology stocks.

At the same time, Brent crude climbed about 2.4% to $111.48 per barrel. Higher oil prices can complicate the inflation outlook by increasing energy and transportation costs, potentially reinforcing concerns that the Federal Reserve may need to keep monetary policy restrictive for longer.

Overall, the combination of resilient initial claims and rising oil prices appears to be weighing on risk appetite, even as the increase in continuing claims points to some underlying softening in the labor market.

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WS News 10-22-26

Wall Street Trades Mixed as Hotter PPI and Strong Retail Sales Reinforce Rate Concerns

U.S. stocks traded mixed after a batch of economic data showed stronger consumer spending, hotter producer inflation and continued labor-market resilience. The S&P 500 fell 0.26% to 7,698.99 and the Nasdaq dropped 0.86% to 26,463.05, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.55% to 51,907.65.

September retail sales increased 0.8% month over month, well above the 0.3% consensus estimate, although growth slowed from 1.3% previously. Core retail sales rose 0.9%, also beating the 0.6% forecast but easing from 1.4%.

Inflation data were more concerning. Producer prices jumped 1.3% month over month, more than double the 0.6% expected and sharply above the prior 0.5% increase. Core PPI rose 0.7%, compared with a 0.3% forecast and 0.2% previously.

The labor market remained firm. Initial jobless claims were 199,000, matching expectations and little changed from 198,000, while continuing claims came in at 1.710 million, exactly in line with forecasts and slightly below 1.714 million previously.

Manufacturing data were also much stronger than expected, with the New York Empire State Manufacturing Index jumping to 25.5 in October from 7.6, far above the 12.1 consensus estimate.

The data combination points to an economy that remains resilient but is also experiencing renewed inflation pressure. That backdrop may reinforce expectations for interest rates to remain elevated for longer, which appears to be weighing particularly on the rate-sensitive Nasdaq even as the Dow moves higher.

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The Investor 10-15-26

Wall Street Falls as September Inflation Comes in Hotter Than Expected

U.S. stocks moved lower after September inflation data showed broader price pressures remained firmer than economists expected. The S&P 500 fell 0.76% to 7,745.85, while the Nasdaq dropped 0.99% to 26,934.31. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.14% to 51,597.18.

Headline CPI increased 0.6% month over month in September, matching expectations but accelerating from 0.4% in August. On a year-over-year basis, inflation rose to 3.7%, above the 3.6% consensus estimate and up from 3.4% previously.

More importantly for the Federal Reserve outlook, core inflation also came in hotter than expected. Core CPI rose 0.3% month over month versus the 0.2% forecast, while the annual core rate accelerated to 2.6% from 2.4%, also exceeding the 2.5% consensus estimate.

The combination of higher headline inflation and an upside surprise in core prices suggests underlying inflation pressures remain persistent. That could reduce expectations for near-term monetary easing or reinforce the case for keeping interest rates elevated for longer.

The Nasdaq’s larger decline is consistent with renewed rate concerns weighing more heavily on growth and technology stocks, while the relatively smaller move in the Dow suggests a more defensive market response.

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Global Finance News 10-14-26

Wall Street Trades Mixed as U.S. Housing Data Beats Expectations

U.S. stocks traded mixed Tuesday as investors digested stronger-than-expected housing data alongside another increase in weekly private-sector employment.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.07% to 7,801.82, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.11% to 27,217.00. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was slightly higher, gaining 0.04% to 51,868.87.

U.S. existing home sales increased to an annualized 3.99 million units in September, above expectations of 3.95 million and up from 3.93 million previously. On a monthly basis, sales rose 1.5%, significantly stronger than the expected 0.8% decline and reversing the previous month’s 3.2% drop.

Separately, ADP’s weekly employment measure showed private payrolls increasing by 24,800, up from 23,800 in the previous reading.

The data points to continued resilience in parts of the U.S. economy, particularly housing and employment. However, the relatively muted equity-market reaction suggests investors remain cautious about how stronger economic activity could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook.

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European Investor 10-13-26

U.S. Stocks Edge Higher as Brent Crude Holds Near $104

U.S. stocks opened modestly higher on Thursday, with the S&P 500 up 0.27% at 7,786.27, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.28% to 51,375.78, and the Nasdaq rising 0.34% to 27,285.85.

Brent crude was trading at $103.89 per barrel, down 0.37% on the day, after moving between roughly $102.50 and $103.90 during the session. Oil remains at elevated levels despite the slight decline.

The combination of firm equity markets and Brent holding above $100 suggests investors are balancing resilient risk appetite against continued inflation concerns from high energy prices. Elevated crude can increase transportation and input costs across the economy, potentially keeping some pressure on headline inflation.

For equities, the near-term question is whether oil prices stabilize around current levels or resume their recent rise. A renewed move higher in crude could revive concerns over inflation and interest rates, while a pullback would provide some relief to broader market sentiment.

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Global Finance News 10-09-26

11-05-26The Investor

10-19-26WS News

10-07-26Global Finance News

10-03-26WS News

NYSE:NET

Cloudflare Jumps 13.5% Premarket as Revenue Growth Accelerates and Q4 Outlook Impresses

Cloudflare (NYSE: NET) shares jumped about 13.5% in premarket trading after the company reported its fastest revenue growth in nearly four years and issued a strong fourth-quarter outlook.

Third-quarter revenue rose 39% year over year to $782.5 million. Non-GAAP operating income increased to $137.1 million, representing a 17.5% margin, while adjusted EPS rose to $0.38 from $0.27 a year earlier.

Current remaining performance obligations grew 37%, providing additional visibility into future revenue. Operating cash flow increased to $215.4 million, while free cash flow reached $82.1 million.

For the fourth quarter, Cloudflare expects revenue of $845-$846 million and adjusted EPS of $0.43. Full-year revenue is projected at $2.963-$2.964 billion, with adjusted EPS of $1.35.

The 13.5% premarket surge appears to reflect accelerating top-line growth, expanding non-GAAP profitability and a strong forward revenue outlook, reinforcing investor confidence in Cloudflare’s position across AI infrastructure, connectivity and cybersecurity.

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European Investor 11-06-26

Cloudflare Stock Rises 3.3% as Bernstein Raises Price Target to $181

Cloudflare shares rose 3.3% to $335.46 after Sanford C. Bernstein raised its price target on the stock to $181 from $164 while maintaining a Market Perform rating.

The new target remains well below Cloudflare’s current share price, suggesting the analyst continues to take a cautious valuation view despite lifting expectations.

Broader probable reasons behind the stock’s strength include continued investor enthusiasm around cybersecurity, edge computing and AI infrastructure. Cloudflare is positioned across content delivery, application security, zero-trust networking and developer services, areas benefiting from rising enterprise spending on cloud and AI-related workloads.

The stock may also be benefiting from strong momentum across high-growth software names, although its elevated valuation remains an important consideration for investors.

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The Investor 09-17-26

Cloudflare Secures FedRAMP High Authorization, Expanding Access to U.S. Government Security Market

Cloudflare (NYSE: NET) announced Monday that Cloudflare for Government has achieved FedRAMP High certification and GovRAMP Moderate authorization, expanding the company's ability to provide cloud security, performance and developer services to U.S. public-sector organizations.

FedRAMP High is particularly significant because it allows federal agencies and their partners to use Cloudflare's platform for High Impact data, including sensitive information associated with national security, critical infrastructure and financial systems.

Cloudflare said authorized data will be processed within a U.S. boundary spanning 15 metro areas.

Cloudflare Targets Defense and Regulated Markets

The company also announced plans to pursue Department of Defense Impact Level 4, or IL4, authorization, which could further expand its opportunity within defense-related workloads.

Cloudflare for Government combines Zero Trust security, network performance, application development and AI-related capabilities on a unified platform. The company also provides post-quantum cryptography designed to protect data in transit against emerging cryptographic threats.

Cloudflare said more than 100 U.S. government agencies already use its technology, including agencies within the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Homeland Security, Justice and State.

The new authorizations could allow Cloudflare to compete for a broader range of sensitive government workloads while helping agencies consolidate legacy networking and cybersecurity infrastructure.

For Cloudflare, the certifications represent another step in expanding beyond its traditional commercial customer base into government and highly regulated markets, where security certifications can be an important barrier to entry and a prerequisite for larger contracts.

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European Investor 08-10-26

Cloudflare (NET) Stock Soars 15% as Q2 Revenue Growth Accelerates and AI Demand Strengthens

Cloudflare (NYSE: NET) shares surged about 15% in premarket trading on Friday after the company delivered strong second-quarter results, highlighted by accelerating revenue growth, expanding customer adoption, and an upbeat outlook.

Revenue reached $696.1 million, up 36% year over year, while current remaining performance obligations (RPO) also increased 35%, providing another strong indicator of future contracted revenue.

Revenue Growth Accelerates

Cloudflare reported broad-based growth across its platform, including record increases in total paying customers, large customers, and developers.

Key Q2 results included:

* Revenue: $696.1 million, +36% year over year
* Non-GAAP operating income: $96.1 million
* Non-GAAP EPS: $0.29, up from $0.21
* Free cash flow: $56.4 million, up from $33.3 million
* Current RPO growth: +35%

Cloudflare remained unprofitable on a GAAP basis, posting a $170 million net loss. Gross margin also declined year over year, but investors appear to be focusing more heavily on accelerating growth and improving cash generation.

AI Opportunity Adds to Optimism

CEO Matthew Prince emphasized Cloudflare's position in what he described as the emerging “Agentic Internet,” where AI agents increasingly interact directly with websites, applications, and other machines.

This could represent an important growth opportunity for Cloudflare because its global network already provides security, connectivity, developer infrastructure, and traffic management services. Rising AI-related internet traffic could therefore increase demand across multiple parts of its platform.

## Strong Outlook Supports the Rally

For Q3, Cloudflare expects revenue of $736 million to $737 million and non-GAAP EPS of $0.34. Full-year revenue is projected at $2.864 billion to $2.870 billion, with non-GAAP EPS of $1.25 to $1.26.

Friday's premarket rally suggests investors are particularly encouraged by the combination of accelerating revenue growth, strong bookings momentum, improving free cash flow, and Cloudflare's growing exposure to AI infrastructure demand.

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WS Investor 08-07-26

Cloudflare Introduces Digital Wallets and Payments for AI Agents

Cloudflare announced Cloudflare Wallets and cloudflare*pay, a new set of tools designed to give AI agents secure digital identities and the ability to make online purchases on behalf of their users.

The new platform aims to support the growing trend of agentic commerce, where AI agents can browse websites, access APIs and complete transactions autonomously. Cloudflare said the new infrastructure will allow businesses to verify who is behind an AI agent while enabling agents to transact securely within spending limits defined by their human owners.

Each Cloudflare account will receive a unique web address that serves as a persistent digital identity, which can also be extended to individual AI agents. The company is also introducing Account Wallets capable of holding stablecoins and Virtual Wallets that AI agents can use to make purchases. Users will be able to set spending caps, approved merchant lists and maximum transaction limits to maintain control over agent activity.

Cloudflare said the new payment and identity system will integrate with its Monetization Gateway, helping create a trusted infrastructure for AI-powered online commerce.

Handle reservations for Cloudflare Wallets are now open, while full wallet functionality—including funding, withdrawals and Virtual Wallet issuance—is expected to roll out in the coming months. The announcement highlights Cloudflare's continued expansion into AI infrastructure as autonomous software agents become increasingly important in digital commerce.

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European Investor 08-04-26

Cloudflare Sinks 16% After Hours as Mass Layoffs and Soft Q2 Guide Rattle Investors

San Francisco, May 7, 2026 — Shares in Cloudflare plunged around 16% in after-hours trading yesterday after the connectivity cloud company delivered a strong first quarter beat but simultaneously announced it is cutting approximately 1,100 employees — roughly 20% of its entire workforce — as part of a sweeping shift to what management is calling an "agentic AI-first operating model."

The Q1 numbers were genuinely impressive. Revenue grew 34% year-over-year to $639.8 million, beating analyst estimates of around $622 million by a comfortable margin. Adjusted EPS of $0.25 beat expectations of $0.23. Free cash flow rose to $84 million, or 13% of revenue. Full-year guidance was raised, with revenue now expected at $2.805 to $2.813 billion — above prior estimates — and adjusted EPS of $1.19 to $1.20, well ahead of the $1.14 consensus.

Yet none of that was enough to offset the shock of the layoff announcement. CEO Matthew Prince and COO Michelle Zatlyn announced the cuts in a letter to staff, framing them as a necessary transformation as AI agents increasingly take over work previously done by humans. The restructuring is expected to cost $140 to $150 million, with the bulk hitting Q2 earnings. Cloudflare, which had been aggressively hiring, joins a growing list of technology companies including Oracle, Meta, and Atlassian in using AI-driven efficiency as justification for significant headcount reductions.

Adding fuel to the selloff, Q2 revenue guidance of $664 to $665 million came in just below the analyst consensus of $665.3 million — a small miss in absolute terms but enough to amplify negative sentiment on a night already dominated by the layoff news. Valuation concerns also linger, with the stock having traded at a significant premium ahead of the report.

The irony is stark: Cloudflare is cutting jobs because AI is making its workforce more productive, while simultaneously telling investors that AI is the biggest tailwind in the company's history. The market, at least tonight, is focused on the human cost and the near-term uncertainty rather than the long-term opportunity.

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WS Investor 05-08-26

Cloudflare Inc. partnered with Wiz to strengthen security for AI applications by combining Cloudflare’s edge protections with Wiz’s cloud visibility platform.

The integration enables organizations to identify “shadow AI” tools, monitor AI traffic in real time, and detect risks such as prompt injection and sensitive data exposure. By mapping AI applications and data flows, the solution helps security teams prioritize vulnerabilities and respond to threats more effectively.

The partnership aims to provide a unified approach to managing the growing AI attack surface, allowing companies to adopt AI technologies more securely without sacrificing performance or requiring major infrastructure changes.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-14-26

Cloudflare announced an expansion of its Agent Cloud platform, introducing new tools and infrastructure to support the development and large-scale deployment of autonomous AI agents.

The update includes features such as Dynamic Workers for efficient execution of AI-generated code, Git-compatible “Artifacts” storage for managing agent-generated data, and general availability of Sandboxes—isolated environments where agents can run full operating systems. The platform also introduces “Think,” a framework enabling long-running, multi-step agent tasks.

Cloudflare aims to address key challenges in scaling AI agents, including cost, security, and infrastructure limitations, by offering a unified platform that integrates multiple AI models and simplifies switching between providers.

The company said the enhancements are designed to move AI agents from experimental use cases to production-grade applications, supporting a future where millions of autonomous agents operate simultaneously across enterprise environments.
Business Wire

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European Investor 04-13-26

Cloudflare, Inc. and GoDaddy Inc. announced a strategic partnership aimed at enabling a more transparent and secure “agentic web” for the AI era.

The collaboration introduces tools that allow website owners to control how AI-powered crawlers access their content, including integration of Cloudflare’s AI Crawl Control into GoDaddy’s hosting platform. It also supports new open standards such as Agent Name Service (ANS) and Web Bot Authentication to verify the identity of AI agents.

The companies said the initiative will help address growing concerns over unverified bot traffic and content usage, while enabling a more trusted digital ecosystem where AI agents can interact securely with websites.

The partnership reflects efforts to establish infrastructure and standards for managing AI-driven interactions as the internet evolves beyond human-centric use.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-07-26

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) announced it is the first SASE platform to fully support modern post-quantum encryption standards across its entire Cloudflare One ecosystem.

The update extends post-quantum (PQ) protection to wide-area networking (WAN) use cases through IPsec and Cloudflare One Appliance, complementing its existing Zero Trust and Secure Web Gateway capabilities. The move is designed to protect organizations against emerging quantum computing threats, including “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, while ensuring interoperability and high-availability routing.

Cloudflare said the quantum-safe SASE capabilities are available immediately at no additional cost.

Source: Business Wire

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The Investor 02-23-26

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US

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves in November as Inflation Expectations Ease

U.S. consumer sentiment improved more than expected in November, while both short- and long-term inflation expectations declined.

The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 51.0 from 48.0, beating the 48.1 forecast. Consumer expectations also improved to 50.9 from 48.8, above expectations of 49.5.

One-year inflation expectations fell to 4.3% from 4.7%, below the 4.6% forecast. Five-year inflation expectations eased to 3.4% from 3.5%, also slightly better than expected.

The combination of stronger sentiment and softer inflation expectations is broadly constructive, suggesting consumers became somewhat less pessimistic while inflation concerns moderated. For monetary policy, the decline in inflation expectations partly offsets the earlier strength in payrolls and wages, leaving the Federal Reserve with mixed signals on the inflation outlook.

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WS Investor 11-06-26

U.S. Payrolls Surge by 165,000 in October as Unemployment Falls to 4.1%

U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 165,000 in October, far above the 65,000 forecast and up from 60,000 previously, signaling substantially stronger-than-expected job creation.

The unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, compared with expectations for it to remain at 4.2%.

Average hourly earnings also came in stronger than expected, rising 0.4% month over month versus the 0.3% forecast and previous increase.

Taken together, the data point to a resilient labor market with stronger hiring, lower unemployment and firm wage growth. The report could reduce expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts, as persistent labor-market strength and wage pressures may keep inflation risks elevated.

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WS Investor 11-06-26

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The Investor 11-05-26

U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows in September as Exports Rise Faster Than Imports

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $105.0 billion in September, slightly better than the $107.9 billion forecast and down from $105.7 billion in the previous month.

Exports increased to $321.5 billion from $315.7 billion, a rise of $5.8 billion. Imports also increased, reaching $426.6 billion from $421.4 billion, but the $5.2 billion gain was smaller than the increase in exports.

The data therefore point to a modest improvement in the U.S. external trade position, with export growth outpacing import growth during the month.

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WS Investor 11-04-26

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WS Investor 11-04-26

Gold and Bitcoin Rally as Democratic Midterm Sweep Reshapes U.S. Market Outlook

Gold and Bitcoin moved sharply higher on Wednesday while market volatility declined as investors digested a sweeping Democratic victory in the U.S. midterm elections that handed the party control of both the House and Senate.

Democrats captured both chambers of Congress in the November 3 elections, creating a divided government with Republican President Donald Trump and raising expectations that parts of the administration’s legislative agenda could face greater resistance during the second half of his term.

Gold futures jumped 2.9% to about $4,055 an ounce in early trading, rebounding strongly above the $4,000 level. The move coincided with a weaker U.S. dollar and a post-election rally in Treasuries. The move is particularly notable because gold had struggled as a traditional safe haven in the weeks leading into the election. The post-election rebound suggests that falling yields, dollar weakness and renewed political uncertainty may be providing support for the non-yielding metal.

Bitcoin also recovered strongly, rising 1.6% to around $78,200 after briefly falling below $76,000 overnight. The rebound came as broader risk sentiment stabilized following the election result. Lower interest-rate expectations can provide support for speculative assets such as cryptocurrencies, although Bitcoin has also been dealing with crypto-specific volatility following recent market disruptions.

Treasury markets showed an important shift around the election. The 10-year yield had closed November 3 at about 4.95%, up 1.2% on the day, but yields subsequently moved lower as investors assessed the implications of Democratic congressional control.

Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index fell 8.2% to 19.13. The decline in the VIX suggests that the removal of election uncertainty outweighed immediate concerns about political confrontation in Washington.

The market response therefore presents an unusual combination: gold is benefiting from lower yields and political uncertainty, Bitcoin is rebounding alongside improving risk appetite, and volatility is declining as investors gain greater clarity over the political landscape.

The Democratic sweep could still create significant sector-level consequences. With Congress now positioned to challenge Trump administration policies and increase oversight, markets are likely to focus increasingly on fiscal spending, tariffs, energy policy and regulation of the rapidly expanding AI and data-center industries.

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European Investor 11-04-26

U.S. Job Openings and Factory Orders Beat Forecasts in September

U.S. economic data came in stronger than expected in September, with both job openings and factory orders exceeding market forecasts.

JOLTS job openings rose to 7.523 million, well above the 7.150 million forecast and up from 7.190 million previously. The stronger reading suggests labor demand remained relatively resilient despite signs of gradual cooling elsewhere in the employment market.

Factory orders increased 1.8% month over month, also beating the 1.2% forecast and accelerating sharply from the previous 0.3% increase.

The combination of stronger labor demand and faster factory-order growth points to firmer underlying economic activity than expected. For financial markets, the data may modestly reduce expectations for aggressive Federal Reserve easing, particularly if upcoming employment and inflation indicators also remain strong.

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The Investor 11-03-26

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NASDAQ:APP

AppLovin Jumps 16% Premarket as Revenue Surges 55% and Q4 Outlook Stays Strong

AppLovin (NASDAQ: APP) shares jumped about 16% in premarket trading after the company reported record third-quarter revenue and profit, alongside a strong fourth-quarter outlook.

Revenue rose 55% year over year to $2.18 billion, while net income increased 72% to $1.44 billion. Adjusted EBITDA climbed 59% to $1.84 billion, representing an 84% margin.

Diluted EPS reached $4.30, while both operating cash flow and free cash flow were approximately $1.4 billion for the quarter.

AppLovin also continued returning capital to shareholders, repurchasing or withholding 4.1 million shares for $1.4 billion during the quarter. The board later increased the company’s share repurchase authorization by $3.2 billion, bringing total authorization to $3.6 billion.

For the fourth quarter, AppLovin expects revenue of $2.365 billion to $2.395 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.995 billion to $2.025 billion, implying an 84%-85% margin.

The 16% premarket gain appears to reflect the combination of rapid revenue growth, exceptional profitability, strong cash generation and a Q4 outlook showing that momentum remains intact.

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Global Finance News 11-05-26

AppLovin Surges 3.55% in Premarket as First Quarter Results Shatter Expectations

AppLovin is one of the standout premarket movers today, with shares climbing 3.55% after the company released a first quarter 2026 earnings report that delivered across every major metric. Revenue, profit, margins, and cash generation all came in at levels that left little for investors to critique, and guidance for the current quarter pointed to further acceleration.

Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 reached $1.84 billion, a 59% increase compared to the same period a year ago. Net income more than doubled, rising 109% to $1.21 billion, while net income from continuing operations grew 67% to the same figure. The net margin stood at 65%, a meaningful step up from 50% in the prior year period. Basic earnings per share came in at $3.57, compared to $1.70 a year earlier — though that prior-year figure was weighed down by losses from discontinued operations. On a continuing operations basis, the improvement was a clean 67%.

The adjusted EBITDA figure is where the report's quality truly stands out. AppLovin generated $1.56 billion in adjusted EBITDA in the quarter, representing an 85% margin — up from 81% a year ago. That level of profitability is exceptional for a company still growing revenue at nearly 60%, and it reflects the highly scalable nature of the company's AI-powered marketing platform. Costs and expenses grew only modestly relative to revenue, with total costs of $402 million against $1.84 billion in revenue, underlining the operating leverage embedded in the business model.

Cash generation was equally impressive. Net cash from operating activities reached $1.29 billion, and free cash flow came in at $1.29 billion as well, with minimal capital expenditure requirements. The company ended the quarter with $2.76 billion in cash and cash equivalents, up from $2.49 billion at the end of 2025, even after returning $1 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and related tax withholding payments during the quarter.

Looking ahead, AppLovin guided for second quarter 2026 revenue of between $1.915 billion and $1.945 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $1.615 billion to $1.645 billion and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 84% to 85%. The guidance implies continued strong momentum and suggests the company sees no signs of deceleration in demand for its advertising technology platform.

The 3.55% premarket gain reflects a market that sees AppLovin as one of the cleaner AI monetization stories in the market — a company not just building AI infrastructure, but generating billions in cash flow from deploying it at scale today.

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The Investor 05-07-26

AppLovin Corporation, (NASDAQ: APP) announced that it will report financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 after the stock market closes.

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Global Finance News 04-03-26

AppLovin announced that its Axon platform has launched a fully automated AI system to generate interactive advertising creatives for advertisers.

The system uses a multi-agent AI pipeline that automatically gathers brand context, generates concepts, produces creative assets using image and video models, and performs quality checks before delivering ready-to-use interactive ads. Advertisers can opt in and receive multiple interactives within minutes without needing to design them manually.

Initial rollout results show hundreds of advertisers using the feature and thousands of AI-generated interactives already deployed. The company plans to expand the system to automatically generate videos and playable ads, aiming to automate the full advertising creative process and allow advertisers to scale campaigns more easily.

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Global Finance News 03-06-26

AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ: APP) reported strong fourth quarter and full-year 2025 results.

Fourth quarter revenue rose 66% year over year to $1.66 billion, while net income increased 84% to $1.10 billion. Adjusted EBITDA grew 82% to $1.40 billion.

For full-year 2025, revenue increased 70% to $5.48 billion. Net income more than doubled, up 111% to $3.33 billion, and adjusted EBITDA rose 87% to $4.51 billion.

Operating cash flow reached $1.31 billion in Q4 and $3.97 billion for the full year, with full-year free cash flow of $3.95 billion. The company repurchased $2.58 billion of shares in 2025.

For Q1 2026, AppLovin expects revenue of $1.75–$1.78 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1.47–$1.50 billion, implying an 84% adjusted EBITDA margin.

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European Investor 02-12-26

AppLovin has rebranded its advertising business as **Axon**, expanding beyond gaming into performance advertising for all types of businesses. Since launching Axon AI technology, the company has quietly onboarded hundreds of e-commerce and web advertisers, adding integrations like Shopify apps, Dynamic Product Ads, and credit card billing to make setup and measurement easier. With this shift, AppLovin has also divested its remaining apps business to fully focus on advertising.

The new **Axon Ads Manager**, opening on a referral basis starting October 1, offers self-service access with transparent tools, merchant integrations, and AI-powered real-time bidding designed to maximize returns. Backed by access to over a billion daily active users in mobile games, Axon promises advertisers broad reach and improved efficiency. Existing clients can refer peers, with new advertisers receiving $5,000 in ad credit after matching spend. CEO Adam Foroughi emphasized that while Axon is broadening its scope, gaming partners remain central, and the expansion will only enhance results by fueling smarter AI models.

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The Investor 10-01-25

AppLovin Finalizes $400 Million Sale of Mobile Gaming Business to Tripledot Studios

Palo Alto – July 1, 2025 – AppLovin (NASDAQ: APP) has completed the sale of its mobile gaming division to Tripledot Studios for $400 million in cash and a 20% equity stake in Tripledot. The deal, originally announced in May, closed on June 30 following regulatory approvals.

The divested portfolio includes 10 studios such as Machine Zone, Magic Tavern, PeopleFun, and Lion Studios—developers of hit titles like Wordscapes, Cooking Madness, and Project Makeover. AppLovin CEO Adam Foroughi said the transaction allows the company to focus solely on its core marketing platform and AI solutions.

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WS Investor 07-01-25

AppLovin Shareholders Approve Director Slate and Auditor Appointment at 2025 Annual Meeting

AppLovin Corporation held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on June 4, 2025, where shareholders voted on two key proposals. All nine director nominees were elected to serve until the 2026 annual meeting. The vote counts showed strong shareholder support, with Eduardo Vivas receiving the highest number of votes in favor, followed closely by Todd Morgenfeld and Maynard Webb.

In addition to board elections, shareholders ratified the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. The proposal passed with more than 850 million votes in favor and minimal opposition.

With a combined voting power of over 921 million, shares represented at the meeting constituted a quorum, affirming the legitimacy of all approved actions. The outcomes reflect continued investor confidence in AppLovin’s leadership and financial governance.

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ME NEWS 06-10-25

AppLovin Appoints Maynard Webb to Board; Edward Oberwager to Step Down After Term Ends

AppLovin Corporation has appointed Maynard Webb to its Board of Directors as of April 9, 2025. Webb will also serve on the Audit Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. With a career spanning key leadership roles—including COO at eBay and CEO at Liveops—Webb currently serves on the boards of Salesforce and Visa. He will receive standard non-employee director compensation and enter into an indemnification agreement with the company.

Additionally, Edward Oberwager has notified AppLovin of his decision not to seek re-election at the company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. He will continue to serve on the Board until his term concludes. The company clarified that his decision was not due to any disagreement with management.

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ME NEWS 04-10-25

AppLovin has appointed Maynard Webb to its Board of Directors as an independent director.

Webb, founder of Webb Investment Network and a veteran tech executive, will also join the board’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. His current board roles at Visa and Salesforce, along with previous leadership positions at companies like eBay and LiveOps, bring extensive operational and strategic expertise to AppLovin.

CEO Adam Foroughi highlighted Webb's longstanding relationship with the company, dating back to his investment in 2012, and emphasized the value Webb will add as AppLovin continues expanding its performance marketing platform.

In the same announcement, AppLovin disclosed that Ted Oberwager of KKR will not seek re-election at the next annual meeting but will remain on the board until then.

Webb joins a diverse board that includes leaders from companies like Wynn Resorts, Montai Health, and Roblox, reflecting AppLovin’s focus on experienced guidance to support its continued growth.

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The Investor 04-10-25

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US Dividends

The UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) board of directors has authorized payment of a cash dividend of $2.32 per share, to be paid on December 15, 2026, to shareholders of record of common stocks as of the close of business December 7, 2026.

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WS Investor 11-04-26

Corning Incorporated Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on October 6, 2026 of $0.28 per share.

The dividend will be payable on December 11, 2026, to shareholders of record on November 13, 2026.

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Global Finance News 10-07-26

The Board of Directors of Trane Technologies plc declared a quarterly dividend of $1.05 per ordinary share, $4.20 per share annualized. The dividend is payable December 31, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 4, 2026.

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Global Finance News 10-07-26

Pfizer Declares $0.43 Fourth-Quarter Dividend, Extending Long-Running Payout Streak

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) said its board of directors approved a fourth-quarter 2026 cash dividend of $0.43 per share.

The dividend will be payable on December 7, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 6.

Pfizer said maintaining — and over the longer term growing — its dividend remains part of the company’s capital allocation strategy.

The payment will mark Pfizer’s 352nd consecutive quarterly dividend, extending the pharmaceutical company’s decades-long record of regular shareholder distributions.

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The Investor 10-06-26

Dividend Growth Stocks: Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) Dividend Stock Analysis

Your source for finding the best dividend growth stocks

(dividend-growth-stocks.com)

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The Investor 10-04-26

Honeywell Technologies (NASDAQ: HON) declared a quarterly dividend payment of $0.70 per share on common stock. The dividend is payable on December 4, 2026 to holders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2026.

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Global Finance News 09-25-26

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (Nasdaq: TXN) announced it will raise its quarterly cash dividend 7%, from $1.42 per share to $1.52. The dividend will be payable November 10, 2026, to stockholders of record on October 30, 2026, contingent upon formal declaration by the board of directors at its regular meeting in October.

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Global Finance News 09-19-26

Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ: KDP) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share, payable in U.S. dollars, on the Company's common stock. The regular quarterly dividend will be paid on October 9, 2026 to shareholders of record on September 28, 2026.

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The Investor 09-17-26

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of sixty-three cents ($0.63) per share on the $0.10 par value common stock of the company.

The dividend is payable on November 2, 2026, to stockholders of record at the close of business on October 2, 2026.

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WS Investor 09-16-26

Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) announced today that its Board of Directors has approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share of its common stock, payable on October 30, 2026 to holders of record on September 30, 2026.

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WS Investor 09-16-26

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NASDAQ:AMD

AMD Jumps 8% Premarket as Data Center Revenue Nearly Doubles and Q4 Outlook Accelerates

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) shares rose about 8% in premarket trading after the company reported record third-quarter 2026 revenue, nearly doubled Data Center sales and issued a strong fourth-quarter outlook.

Third-quarter revenue increased 45% year over year to a record $13.4 billion and rose 16% sequentially. Non-GAAP EPS climbed 74% to $2.09, while non-GAAP operating income increased 75% to $3.92 billion.

Data Center was the clear growth engine. Segment revenue surged 97% year over year to a record $8.5 billion, driven by strong demand for EPYC processors and the launch of Instinct MI450 Series GPUs. AMD said demand for Instinct and EPYC products continues to strengthen as production of Helios systems and 6th Gen EPYC “Venice” processors scales.

Operating leverage improved sharply alongside the revenue acceleration. GAAP operating margin expanded to 21% from 14% a year earlier, while non-GAAP operating margin increased five percentage points to 29%. Non-GAAP gross margin was 56%, up from 54% a year earlier.

Performance outside Data Center was more mixed. Client revenue grew 7% to $2.9 billion, while Gaming revenue fell 40% to $773 million due to weaker semi-custom and graphics sales. Embedded revenue increased 29% to $1.1 billion.

AMD also highlighted broader adoption of its AI infrastructure, with Anthropic, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure running workloads on AMD Helios rack-scale systems. The company continues to expand its AI capabilities through software development and planned acquisitions including World Labs and Taalas.

For the fourth quarter, AMD expects revenue of approximately $17 billion, plus or minus 3%. The midpoint implies roughly 66% year-over-year growth and a 27% sequential increase, signaling a significant acceleration from the already strong third quarter. Non-GAAP gross margin is expected at approximately 55%.

The 8% premarket gain appears to reflect the combination of exceptional Data Center growth, expanding operating margins and an unusually strong Q4 revenue outlook. With Data Center now accounting for the majority of quarterly revenue and management forecasting another sharp sequential increase, investors are increasingly treating AMD’s AI accelerator and server CPU businesses as the central drivers of its growth trajectory.

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European Investor 11-04-26

AMD Expands Meta AI Partnership as Helios Systems Enter Deployment

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) said it is expanding its strategic partnership with Meta across CPUs, GPUs, networking, systems and software as the two companies scale infrastructure for Meta’s AI and superintelligence workloads.

Initial AMD Helios rack-scale systems have been installed and are being tested by Meta ahead of a broader deployment. AMD EPYC processors already support Meta’s Muse AI agent, while Meta has deployed millions of EPYC CPUs across multiple generations and is a lead customer for sixth-generation EPYC processors.

AMD Instinct GPUs are also being used in production for training, ranking and recommendation workloads. Meta was an early definition customer for the MI450 architecture and plans to deploy a custom Instinct GPU optimized for its workloads. The collaboration is also influencing future AMD platforms, including the MI500 series and next-generation rack-scale systems.

On the software side, AMD and Meta are working together on ROCm, PyTorch and Triton, including optimization of large-scale AI training on MI350X GPUs. AMD also said its hardware provides Day-0 support for Meta models including Muse Spark Open and Muse Glimmer.

The companies said they are aligning future silicon, software and system roadmaps around Meta workloads, with the goal of building integrated AI infrastructure at gigawatt scale. AMD will also invest $1 billion in Meta’s equity offering.

The announcement strengthens AMD’s position as a supplier to one of the world’s largest AI infrastructure buyers and expands its role beyond individual processors into full rack-scale systems, networking and software.

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Global Finance News 11-01-26

AMD Gains as Citi Lifts Price Target to $800, Mizuho Raises Target to $705

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares rose about 2.7% on Tuesday after analysts issued bullish updates tied to the company’s expanding role in AI infrastructure and server CPUs.

Citi analyst Atif Malik reiterated a Buy rating on AMD and raised his price target to $800 from $575. Malik said Meta’s newly launched Muse AI agent could significantly increase compute demand and strengthen AMD’s position in the server CPU market.

Citi now estimates the CPU total addressable market could grow from $29 billion in 2025 to $300 billion by 2030, implying a roughly 60% compound annual growth rate.

Malik expects AMD to be the primary beneficiary of what he described as a “CPU renaissance,” with Meta viewed as one of AMD’s largest server customers. He also argued that agentic AI could require orders of magnitude more computing power than traditional chatbot workloads (yahoofinance).

Mizuho also became more bullish on AMD, with analyst Vijay Rakesh raising the firm’s price target to $705 from $580 while maintaining an Outperform rating.

The analyst optimism follows a strong run of fundamental catalysts for AMD. The company recently reported record second-quarter revenue of $11.5 billion, up 50% year over year, while Data Center revenue more than doubled to $6.7 billion on strong demand for EPYC server processors and Instinct AI accelerators (yahoofinance).

AMD is also preparing its next generation of AI hardware, including the Instinct MI450 GPUs, 6th Gen EPYC Venice CPUs and Helios rack-scale AI systems.

The combination of higher analyst price targets, expectations for rapidly expanding AI-driven CPU demand and continued strength in AMD’s data center business appears to be supporting the stock’s latest move higher.

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The Investor 10-06-26

AMD Rose 2.2% After Piper Sandler Initiated Coverage With $600 Target

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares rose 2.2% yesterday after Piper Sandler initiated coverage of the chipmaker with an Overweight rating and a $600 price target.

AMD has built a strong position in the rapidly expanding AI and data-center market through its Instinct accelerators, EPYC server processors and increasingly complete rack-scale AI infrastructure. Data Center revenue more than doubled year over year to $6.7 billion in the second quarter, driven by strong demand for EPYC processors and Instinct MI350-series GPUs.

The company is also expanding its position in large-scale AI infrastructure. Its latest portfolio includes the MI400-series accelerators, sixth-generation EPYC CPUs and Helios rack-scale systems, giving AMD exposure across AI training, inference and agentic workloads. Major AI and cloud customers working with AMD technology include OpenAI, Meta, Microsoft and Anthropic.

AMD’s combination of accelerating data-center growth, a broader AI product portfolio and expanding hyperscale deployments provides a strong fundamental backdrop as the company competes for a larger share of global AI infrastructure spending.

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European Investor 09-16-26

AMD Stock Rises 3.5% as CLSA Reiterates Outperform Rating With $710 Price Target

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares rose 3.5% to $523.37 on Wednesday as CLSA reiterated its Outperform rating on the semiconductor company.

CLSA maintained a $710 price target on AMD, implying approximately 36% upside from the stock price shown.

The reiterated bullish rating comes as AMD remains a major beneficiary of growing investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, with investors closely watching the company’s ability to expand its position in the AI accelerator market.

AMD shares have attracted strong investor attention as the company competes for a larger share of AI computing demand while continuing to expand its data center processor business.

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WS Investor 09-09-26

AMD, Cisco and HUMAIN Expand Saudi AI Infrastructure With Instinct GPUs

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD), Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN announced Monday that their first AMD-powered AI infrastructure is now operational in the Kingdom, marking a major step in their plans to build large-scale sovereign AI capacity.

The production system uses AMD Instinct MI355X GPUs and EPYC CPUs alongside Cisco Silicon One networking and 800G optics. HUMAIN is already using the infrastructure to provide GPU-as-a-service for AI workloads ranging from model training to inference.

The companies also announced the next major phase of the project. Beginning in 2027, they plan to deploy up to 250 megawatts of additional AI infrastructure based on AMD Instinct MI400 Series GPUs, EPYC processors and ROCm software, combined with Cisco networking technology. Capacity is expected to begin coming online in the second half of 2027.

The expansion forms part of the previously announced AMD-Cisco-HUMAIN joint venture, which remains on track to deploy up to 1 gigawatt of AI infrastructure by 2030. The companies said strong customer demand is supporting the buildout.

The project is particularly significant for AMD as it expands the footprint of its Instinct accelerators in large-scale AI data centers, competing for a greater share of a market currently dominated by NVIDIA. For Cisco, the project provides another major opportunity for its high-speed networking technology as AI clusters become larger and more demanding.

The partnership also supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a major global AI infrastructure hub, with locally operated computing capacity designed to give governments and enterprises greater control over their data, models and AI systems.

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The Investor 08-31-26

AMD Upgraded to Strong Buy at Raymond James as Price Target Jumps to $641

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) received a bullish analyst upgrade Tuesday, with Raymond James raising its rating to Strong Buy from Outperform and lifting its price target to $641 from $565.

Analyst Simon Leopold's new target represents substantial upside from AMD's recent price of about $477.14.

Why the Upgrade Matters

The upgrade reinforces optimism around AMD's position in the rapidly expanding AI and data-center semiconductor market.

AMD has become one of the most important challengers to Nvidia in AI accelerators, while also maintaining a strong presence in server CPUs through its EPYC product line. The company's growing exposure to hyperscale data centers, enterprise AI infrastructure and next-generation computing gives it significant leverage to continued AI capital spending.

The higher price target suggests Raymond James sees stronger long-term earnings potential as AMD expands its AI product portfolio and competes for a larger share of accelerator and data-center spending.

The shift from Outperform to Strong Buy is also notable because it signals increased conviction rather than simply maintaining an already-positive stance.

Investors will now focus on AMD's AI accelerator shipments, data-center revenue growth, margins and its ability to gain market share as the global AI infrastructure buildout continues.

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WS Investor 08-25-26

MD Acquires Taalas to Strengthen AI Inference Chip Portfolio

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) has agreed to acquire Taalas, a Toronto-based developer of specialized AI inference silicon, as the chipmaker expands its technology portfolio for the rapidly growing AI inference market.

Founded in 2023, Taalas develops technology designed specifically to optimize AI inference dataflows, reducing compute and memory bottlenecks associated with more general-purpose architectures. AMD said the technology could provide significant improvements in inference performance and efficiency.

The acquisition is intended to complement AMD's broader full-stack AI platform, which includes Instinct GPUs, EPYC CPUs, ROCm software and Helios rack-scale systems.

## AMD Targets Growing AI Inference Demand

AMD plans to integrate Taalas' technology into its accelerator roadmap and combine it with Instinct GPUs to develop system-level AI solutions.

The strategy reflects the industry's increasing focus on inference — the process of running trained AI models — as artificial intelligence moves into high-volume, real-time applications. More specialized silicon can potentially lower the computing, memory and energy requirements associated with deploying increasingly large AI models.

AMD said Taalas' engineering team will also strengthen its AI capabilities while expanding the company's existing semiconductor and AI presence in Canada.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The deal represents another step in AMD's effort to build a broader AI computing platform and compete across multiple layers of the AI infrastructure market, with Taalas adding specialized inference technology alongside AMD's existing GPU-based accelerator portfolio.

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

## AMD Stock Falls 10% After Hours Despite Record Revenue as Investors Focus on AI Expectations

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares fell 10% in after-hours trading Tuesday, despite reporting record second-quarter revenue and earnings, as investors appeared to take profits following high expectations for the company's AI business.

AMD delivered record second-quarter revenue of $11.5 billion, up 50% year over year, while non-GAAP earnings per share surged 246% to $1.66. Gross margin expanded to 56%, and operating income climbed to $3.1 billion, reflecting strong profitability as AI demand continued to accelerate.

The Data Center business remained AMD's primary growth engine. Segment revenue more than doubled, rising 107% year over year to $6.7 billion, driven by robust demand for EPYC server processors and Instinct AI accelerators. The segment accounted for approximately 58% of total company revenue during the quarter. Meanwhile, the Client business continued to perform well with Ryzen processor demand driving 23% growth, although Gaming revenue declined 31% due to weaker semi-custom sales.

Management highlighted a series of major AI announcements during the quarter, including the launch of the Helios AI rackscale platform, the new Instinct MI400 GPU family, sixth-generation EPYC processors, and expanded partnerships with leading AI companies including OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, Anthropic, Oracle, and others. AMD also announced new collaborations designed to accelerate AI infrastructure deployments and broaden adoption of its hardware and software ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the company forecast third-quarter revenue of approximately $13.0 billion, representing roughly 41% year-over-year growth and another sequential acceleration, while maintaining an expected non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 56%.

Despite the strong financial performance and optimistic outlook, the stock declined after hours as investors appeared to have anticipated another exceptional quarter following AMD's strong rally and elevated expectations surrounding AI infrastructure spending. While the earnings reinforced AMD's growing position in AI computing, the market reaction suggests investors are demanding increasingly larger upside surprises from leading semiconductor companies.

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WS Investor 08-04-26

Semiconductor Stocks Fall as China's Chip Breakthrough Pressures Nvidia and the AI Sector

Semiconductor stocks came under pressure on Monday, dragging the Nasdaq lower as investors weighed China's rapidly advancing semiconductor industry against the latest developments in the global AI infrastructure race. Nvidia led the sector's decline, falling more than 4%, while weakness spread across AI and memory chipmakers.

The latest catalyst on the AI front came after reports that Nvidia is in talks to provide roughly $250 billion in financing guarantees for OpenAI's massive AI data center project in Ohio. The proposed 10-gigawatt facility would rank among the world's largest AI infrastructure projects, underscoring the enormous capital being committed to artificial intelligence. While the news reinforces long-term demand for AI hardware, it also highlights the rapidly evolving competitive landscape and the unprecedented scale of investment required across the industry.

Investor sentiment was also weighed down by developments in China. ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China's largest memory chipmaker, surged more than 400% in its Shanghai trading debut following Asia's largest IPO of 2026. The emergence of another major Chinese chipmaker renewed concerns that global competition in memory and AI-related semiconductors will intensify. Those concerns were particularly significant for Nvidia, whose growth opportunities in China have already been constrained by U.S. export restrictions.

The weakness extended across the broader semiconductor sector. Memory-related companies including Sandisk, Micron Technology, Western Digital, and SK Hynix posted notable declines, while ASML, AMD, Intel, Marvell Technology, Super Micro Computer, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) also traded lower as investors reassessed the industry's competitive outlook.

Despite Monday's selloff, the semiconductor industry's long-term fundamentals remain supported by accelerating AI adoption and record investment in data center infrastructure. However, the combination of elevated valuations, China's rapid technological progress, and an increasingly competitive global landscape prompted investors to lock in profits following the sector's strong rally.

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European Investor 07-27-26

11-05-26The Investor

11-04-26WS Investor

NYSE:ED

Con Edison Q3 Earnings Rise as 2026 EPS Outlook Narrows

Consolidated Edison (NYSE: ED) reported higher third-quarter earnings as regulated utility operations continued to support steady profit growth.

Third-quarter net income increased to $766 million, or $2.07 per share, from $688 million, or $1.91 per share, a year earlier. Adjusted EPS also rose to $2.07 from $1.90.

For the first nine months of 2026, adjusted earnings increased to $1.86 billion, or $5.08 per share, compared with $1.72 billion, or $4.82 per share, in the prior-year period.

Con Edison now expects full-year adjusted EPS of $6.05-$6.15, narrowing its previous guidance range of $6.00-$6.20.

The company also reiterated plans to invest heavily in grid modernization and resilience, including approximately $797 million in climate-related investments through 2030.

The results point to continued earnings growth from Con Edison’s regulated utility base, while the narrower guidance range provides greater visibility into full-year performance.

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European Investor 11-06-26

Consolidated Edison, Inc (NYSE: ED) declared a quarterly dividend of 88.75 cents a share on its common stock, payable March 16, 2026 to stockholders of record as of February 18, 2026.

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WS Investor 01-28-26

Consolidated Edison, Inc (NYSE:ED) plans to report its 2025 earnings on February 19, 2026 after the market closes.

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European Investor 01-17-26

Dividend Growth Stocks: Consolidated Edison, Inc. (ED) Dividend Stock Analysis

Consolidates Edison dividend ...

(dividend-growth-stocks.com)

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WS Investor 10-20-25

Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) has entered into an underwriting agreement with Barclays Capital Inc. for the sale of 6.3 million common shares. The shares were registered under the Securities Act of 1933 through a previously filed registration statement. The filing includes the underwriting agreement, a legal opinion from Senior Vice President and General Counsel Deneen Donnley, and related exhibits.

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WS Investor 03-06-25

NYSE:UBER

Amazon and Uber Launch Prime Restaurant Delivery Partnership Across the U.S.

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Uber (NYSE: UBER) launched a new U.S. partnership that allows Prime members to order restaurant delivery through Amazon*com and the Amazon Shopping app using the Uber Eats network.

Prime members receive $0 delivery fees on eligible restaurant orders of $25 or more and can access restaurants across nearly 10,000 U.S. cities and towns. Orders can be placed using existing Amazon credentials and payment methods without creating a separate Uber account.

The companies are also offering introductory promotions, including $20 off each of a member’s first two eligible Uber Eats orders of $25 or more during the first 14 days. Prime Visa customers can earn 5% back on Uber Eats orders through December 5, 2026.

For Amazon, the partnership expands Prime further into restaurant delivery and adds another everyday-use benefit to its membership ecosystem. For Uber, it provides access to Amazon’s large Prime customer base while extending the reach of the Uber Eats restaurant network.

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The Investor 11-05-26

Uber Rises 2.4% as Bookings Growth, Margin Expansion and Strong Q4 Outlook Support Shares

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) shares rose about 2.4% after the company reported another quarter of strong bookings growth, expanding profitability and a fourth-quarter outlook that points to continued earnings momentum.

Third-quarter Gross Bookings increased 20% year over year to $59.8 billion, marking Uber’s fifth consecutive quarter of at least 20% growth. Trips rose 16% to 4.1 billion, supported by a 14% increase in monthly active platform consumers and a 2% rise in trips per user.

Revenue increased 10% to $14.8 billion, despite an eight-percentage-point drag from business model changes. GAAP operating income rose 30% to $1.4 billion, while non-GAAP operating income increased 38% to $2.3 billion.

Profitability continued to improve. Adjusted EBITDA climbed 31% to $3.0 billion, with adjusted EBITDA margin reaching 5.0% of Gross Bookings from 4.5% a year earlier. Non-GAAP operating margin also expanded to a record 3.9% of Gross Bookings.

Non-GAAP EPS increased 35% to $0.88, while non-GAAP net income rose 29% to $1.8 billion. Free cash flow reached $2.5 billion, and Uber ended the quarter with $10.1 billion in unrestricted cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

The company also highlighted progress in autonomous driving. Uber expects approximately 700 fully driverless vehicles to be operating on its platform by year-end and more than 2,000 in 2027, with management shifting its focus toward commercial deployment.

For the fourth quarter, Uber expects Gross Bookings of $63.25 billion to $65.25 billion, representing 18%-22% constant-currency growth. Non-GAAP EPS is projected at $0.95-$0.99, implying 34%-39% year-over-year growth, while adjusted EBITDA is expected at $3.13 billion to $3.23 billion.

The 2.4% share gain appears to reflect continued confidence in Uber’s ability to convert strong platform growth into higher margins and earnings. The combination of sustained 20% bookings growth, record profitability metrics and a strong Q4 outlook reinforces the company’s improving operating leverage heading into 2027.

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WS Investor 11-04-26

Uber Eats Adds Sur la table Nationwide as Retail Marketplace Expands Beyond Food

Uber announced that Sur la table has joined the Uber Eats marketplace, allowing customers across the U.S. to order cookware, appliances, bakeware and other kitchen products for on-demand or scheduled delivery.

The partnership is rolling out across all Sur la table locations nationwide. Customers can order products from brands such as Le Creuset and All-Clad, along with everyday kitchen tools and hosting essentials, with delivery available in as little as 25 minutes.

For Uber, the deal expands Uber Eats further beyond restaurant delivery and into general retail. The company has been steadily broadening the platform’s product mix, aiming to make the app a destination for a wider range of everyday purchases rather than meals alone.

The partnership could be particularly useful during the holiday season, when demand for cooking equipment, gifts and last-minute kitchen items typically increases.

For Sur la table, joining Uber Eats adds another distribution channel without requiring customers to visit stores or rely on traditional shipping. For Uber, the agreement strengthens its retail marketplace strategy and increases the number of use cases that can generate delivery volume and customer engagement on the platform.

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European Investor 10-08-26

Uber to Acquire ezCater for $2.3 Billion, Expanding Uber Eats Into Catering

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) agreed to acquire ezCater in an all-cash transaction valued at $2.3 billion, expanding Uber Eats further into workplace meals and large-group catering.

ezCater operates a U.S. catering platform connecting businesses with more than 140,000 restaurants. The company generated more than $2.5 billion in gross bookings over the trailing 12 months, with growth in the high-teens year over year, and is profitable on a non-GAAP operating income basis.

Uber said the acquisition will combine ezCater’s catering and business-to-business expertise with Uber Eats’ restaurant network and Uber for Business relationships. The company expects the deal to create more high-value orders for restaurants while giving corporate and group customers a simpler way to manage catering and workplace meals.

Average orders on ezCater exceed $400, making the business an attractive addition to Uber’s delivery platform. Uber also said ezCater is expected to be margin accretive.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming months, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

The acquisition strengthens Uber’s push beyond individual meal delivery and gives the company greater exposure to the larger-ticket corporate catering market.

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The Investor 10-06-26

Uber Expands Costco Delivery Across 47 U.S. States

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and Costco announced a major expansion of their U.S. partnership, bringing Costco delivery through Uber Eats to 47 states, up from 17. Nearly 600 Costco locations are now available through the platform for on-demand or scheduled delivery.

The expansion significantly increases Uber Eats’ presence in grocery and retail delivery, allowing Costco members to order groceries, household essentials and other products while retaining their Costco member pricing. The partnership also extends Uber’s relationship with one of the largest U.S. retailers as it works to broaden Uber Eats beyond restaurant delivery.

Costco members will receive additional benefits, including 50% off an annual Uber One membership for the first year and 20% off in subsequent years for eligible members. Uber is also offering $100 gift cards for $79.99 at participating Costco locations for a limited period, while consumers can purchase Costco memberships directly through Uber Eats and receive 30% off their first eligible Costco order.

The companies already work together internationally, with Costco available through Uber Eats in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, France and Spain. The broader U.S. rollout strengthens Uber’s growing grocery and retail marketplace and could increase order frequency by expanding the range of everyday purchases available through its platform.

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WS Investor 09-16-26

Uber and WeRide Secure Spain’s First National Permit for Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles

Uber, WeRide and AVOMO have received Spain’s first national operating permit for Level 4 autonomous passenger vehicles, clearing the way for testing and deployment preparations in the Madrid region. The approval represents an important step toward launching Spain’s first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service.

The permit allows the companies to begin mapping, route validation and operational-readiness testing. An initial fleet of 20 WeRide autonomous vehicles will operate across high-demand areas of Greater Madrid under the supervision of in-car vehicle specialists.

Commercial operations are expected to begin by the end of 2026, subject to additional operational and regulatory milestones. The service will combine WeRide’s autonomous-driving technology, Uber’s mobility platform and AVOMO’s fleet-management capabilities.

Madrid will become the fourth of 15 cities included in the Uber-WeRide strategic partnership, which plans to deploy tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles globally. The Spanish approval is also the first national authorization for WeRide’s GXR autonomous vehicle in the European Union, potentially providing a pathway toward broader European commercialization.

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The Investor 09-10-26

Uber Eats Partners With Wakefern to Add More Than 375 Grocery Stores Across U.S. Northeast

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) announced a partnership with Wakefern Food Corp. that will bring more than 375 supermarkets across the U.S. Northeast to the Uber Eats grocery delivery platform.

The rollout includes stores operating under ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage, Morton Williams, Dearborn Market and Di Bruno Bros. Customers will be able to order fresh produce, meat, seafood, prepared foods, pantry items and household essentials for on-demand or scheduled delivery.

The partnership significantly expands Uber Eats’ grocery presence across the Northeast, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Uber said grocery and retail continues to see strong growth across North America as consumers increasingly use on-demand delivery for everyday purchases. The addition of Wakefern, the largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative in the U.S., broadens Uber’s selection beyond restaurant delivery and strengthens its position in the grocery delivery market.

Uber One members will also receive $0 delivery fees on eligible Wakefern orders, subject to applicable terms, while promotional discounts of up to 30% will be offered on some customers’ first orders.

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WS Investor 09-09-26

Uber and Wayve Launch UK’s First Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service in London

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and British autonomous-driving company Wayve have launched supervised autonomous rides in London, marking the first time autonomous ride-hailing trips have become available to the public in the United Kingdom.

Starting September 3, London customers requesting UberX, Uber Electric or Uber Comfort may be matched with an autonomous Wayve vehicle at no additional cost. The initial fleet consists of all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with the Wayve AI Driver and surrounding sensors. A trained, Transport for London-licensed driver will remain onboard during the supervised launch phase.

The service initially covers London except airports and will begin with a small number of vehicles before expanding according to demand, regulatory developments and operational readiness. Uber said more than 140,000 Londoners have already opted in to increase their chances of being matched with a Wayve vehicle.

Wayve’s technology differs from many traditional autonomous-driving systems. Its AV2.0 approach uses an AI Driver trained to learn from driving experience and adapt to different environments without depending on high-definition maps or extensive hand-coded rules. This mapless, hardware-agnostic approach could potentially make the technology easier to deploy across different vehicles and markets.

The London rollout is part of a broader Uber-Wayve partnership designed to deploy Wayve-powered vehicles across 12 markets. The companies also plan to introduce autonomous Nissan LEAF vehicles using Wayve AI Driver and NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion in Tokyo later this year.

The launch represents another step in Uber’s strategy to become a major distribution platform for autonomous transportation rather than developing all autonomous-driving technology internally. Uber now works with more than 30 autonomous-vehicle partners across mobility, delivery and freight, which collectively complete millions of autonomous trips annually on its platform. Uber expects AV rides to be available through its network in as many as 15 cities by the end of 2026 and aims to become the world’s largest facilitator of autonomous trips by 2029.

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European Investor 09-03-26

Tech stocks today: Uber cuts 3,300 roles, implements stricter remote work policy

Tech stocks were muted as Uber announced layoffs and Dell earnings impressed.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 09-02-26

Uber Launches €41.50-a-Share Takeover Offer for Delivery Hero

Uber (NYSE: UBER) has formally launched its voluntary takeover offer for Delivery Hero after receiving approval from German regulator BaFin. The company is offering €41.50 in cash per share, representing a roughly 108% premium to Delivery Hero’s unaffected May 8 closing price. The acceptance period runs from August 27 through November 5, 2026.

The acquisition would significantly expand Uber’s global delivery footprint. The combined businesses would operate across 99 markets with pro-forma 2025 gross bookings of $236 billion, while the number of markets where Uber offers both mobility and delivery would nearly double from 34 to 58.

Uber already owns about 24.77% of Delivery Hero and has additional exposure through derivatives. Combined with an irrevocable commitment from Prosus covering roughly 16.68% of Delivery Hero shares, Uber’s total economic interest is approximately 53%. The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, with settlement expected in the second half of 2027.

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Global Finance News 08-27-26

09-02-26WS News

08-19-26WS Investor

08-18-26WS News

08-06-26European Investor

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