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U.S. Oil Rig Count Rises to 449 as Total Drilling Activity Holds Steady

The number of active U.S. oil rigs increased in the latest Baker Hughes survey, while overall drilling activity remained unchanged.

The U.S. oil rig count rose to 449 from 447 in the previous week, an increase of two rigs. Meanwhile, the total U.S. rig count held steady at 588.

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European Investor 09-05-26

U.S. Stocks Slip as Strong Jobs Report Revives Fed Rate-Hike Fears

U.S. stocks traded slightly lower Friday after a much stronger-than-expected August employment report revived expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its September meeting.

The S&P 500 fell 0.21% to 7,731.74, while the Dow Jones dropped 0.46% to 53,436.70. The Nasdaq was nearly flat at 26,583.15.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 in August, nearly triple expectations of around 55,000. July's figure was also revised sharply higher to a gain of 21,000 from an initially reported decline of 23,000. Private payrolls rose by 127,000, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1%.

Strong Labor Market Pushes Treasury Yields Higher

The unexpectedly strong report challenged hopes that the Fed could keep rates unchanged. Markets increased bets on a 25-basis-point September hike, with the implied probability rising to around 60% following the data. U.S. Treasury yields moved sharply higher in response.

The report comes just a day after Fed Governor Christopher Waller suggested he could support holding rates steady if inflation continues to cool. With the labor market showing renewed strength, next week's inflation data could now prove decisive for the Fed's September decision.

The modest decline in equities suggests investors are balancing evidence of a resilient U.S. economy against the risk that stronger employment gives the Fed more room to tighten monetary policy further.

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Global Finance News 09-04-26

U.S. Stocks Rise as Strong Services Activity and Lower Treasury Yields Offset Inflation Concerns

U.S. stocks traded higher Thursday as investors weighed stronger-than-expected services activity against signs of a cooling labor market and renewed inflation pressure from rising oil prices. The S&P 500 gained 0.37% to 7,694.65, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.46% to 53,304.90, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.66% to 26,391.59.

Economic data painted a mixed but generally resilient picture. Initial jobless claims increased slightly to 206,000 from 204,000, marginally above the 205,000 consensus, while continuing claims climbed to 1.779 million from 1.771 million. The figures suggest layoffs remain relatively limited even as hiring momentum has weakened ahead of Friday’s closely watched August employment report.

Services activity was considerably stronger. The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.4 in August from 54.1, comfortably beating expectations for an unchanged 54.1 reading. S&P Global’s Services PMI also increased to 56.5 from 54.6, although it came slightly below the 56.8 forecast. Together, the readings indicate that the dominant U.S. services sector continues to expand at a healthy pace.

The inflation component, however, complicated the outlook for the Federal Reserve. ISM services prices jumped to 72.6 from 70.3, well above the 70.0 forecast, signaling persistent input-cost pressures. Investors are already sensitive to inflation after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole message increased expectations that monetary policy may need to remain restrictive.

Oil remains another major inflation risk. Brent crude climbed to around $97 a barrel and WTI moved above $93 as renewed U.S. strikes on Iran and threats of further escalation raised concerns about supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite those risks, declining Treasury yields are currently providing support to equities, particularly technology stocks, helping the Nasdaq outperform. Markets now turn to Friday’s U.S. employment report, which could determine whether investors focus more heavily on slowing labor demand or the increasingly visible inflation pressures coming from services and energy markets.

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European Investor 09-03-26

U.S. Stocks Trade Mixed as Weak Jobs Data Collides With Oil-Driven Inflation Fears

U.S. stocks traded mixed Wednesday as investors weighed softer-than-expected labor-market data against rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields and renewed concerns that energy costs could keep inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target.

The S&P 500 was nearly flat at 7,638.19, up 0.09%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.39% to 52,975.28. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.08% to 26,079.81, with technology shares remaining more sensitive to elevated bond yields.

Fresh labor data provided some support for equities. ADP reported that private employers added only 38,000 jobs in August, below expectations for 47,000 and down from an upwardly revised 46,000 in July. It was the weakest pace of private-sector job creation since January. Manufacturing lost 17,000 jobs and professional and business services shed 16,000, while education and health services added 45,000.

Ordinarily, weaker employment growth would strengthen expectations for easier monetary policy. This time, however, the signal is being complicated by renewed inflation risks. Escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities have pushed crude prices sharply higher, with Brent trading around $95 a barrel Wednesday after surging in recent sessions. Concerns over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have put an additional geopolitical premium into energy markets.

Higher oil prices are feeding directly into inflation expectations and challenging hopes that slowing employment will quickly translate into lower interest rates. U.S. Treasury yields have consequently remained elevated, with the 10-year yield reaching roughly 4.8%, its highest level since late 2023. Markets have also increased expectations for another Federal Reserve rate hike following Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s recent hawkish comments on inflation.

The result is an increasingly difficult backdrop for equities: labor-market momentum is weakening at the same time that an external energy shock is threatening to revive inflation. That combination helps explain Wednesday’s divergence, with the Dow advancing while the rate-sensitive Nasdaq remains under pressure. Investors will now turn to Friday’s official U.S. employment report for a clearer indication of whether labor-market cooling is becoming significant enough to alter the Fed’s inflation-focused policy stance.

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The Investor 09-02-26

U.S. Stocks Fall as Treasury Yields and Mixed Economic Data Pressure Tech Shares

U.S. stocks traded lower Tuesday as a renewed selloff in government bonds pushed Treasury yields higher, while investors assessed mixed manufacturing and labor-market data ahead of Friday’s key U.S. jobs report.

The S&P 500 fell about 0.6% to 7,640, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined roughly 0.4%. The Nasdaq Composite underperformed with a drop of about 1%, reflecting greater pressure on technology and other growth stocks as borrowing costs increased.

Treasury yields remained one of the biggest headwinds for equities. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to around 4.79%, its highest level since January 2025, as a global government-bond selloff continued. Higher yields make bonds more competitive with equities and reduce the present value of future corporate earnings, putting particular pressure on richly valued technology companies.

Tuesday’s economic data provided a mixed picture. The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI was finalized at 53.9 for August, above the 53.2 preliminary estimate and signaling continued expansion. The ISM Manufacturing PMI, however, declined to 54.6 from 55.6 and missed the 55.2 forecast. ISM’s prices index remained elevated at 71.1, slightly above expectations, keeping inflation concerns in focus.

The labor market also showed signs of cooling. JOLTS job openings increased to 7.271 million in July from 7.182 million but remained below the 7.330 million forecast. ISM manufacturing employment fell to 51.2 from 52.8, while construction spending unexpectedly declined 0.5% in July.

The combination is uncomfortable for markets: economic activity remains relatively resilient, but employment indicators are softening while price pressures remain elevated. That makes the Federal Reserve’s next move more difficult, particularly after Chair Kevin Warsh’s recent hawkish Jackson Hole remarks increased expectations for another rate hike.

Geopolitical risks are adding to those inflation concerns. Brent crude traded above $92 per barrel as renewed U.S.-Iran fighting raised fears of further disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Higher energy prices have contributed to the global bond selloff by increasing concerns that inflation could remain above central-bank targets for longer.

Investors will now focus heavily on Friday’s August employment report. Strong jobs data could reinforce expectations that the Fed has room to raise rates, potentially keeping Treasury yields elevated and technology stocks under pressure. Weaker employment figures, however, would highlight the growing tension between slowing labor demand and persistent inflation.

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WS Investor 09-01-26

US Stocks Fall as Iran Tensions, Oil Prices and Fed Rate-Hike Bets Weigh

U.S. stocks traded lower Monday as renewed military clashes between the United States and Iran pushed oil prices higher and revived concerns about inflation and interest rates.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 370 points, or 0.69%, to 53,189.64. The S&P 500 declined 0.50% to 7,673.22, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.45% to 26,284.22.

The main pressure came from the renewed U.S.-Iran conflict. U.S. forces carried out fresh strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliation and raising fears of further disruption to one of the world's most important oil-shipping routes. Brent crude climbed above $90 per barrel as geopolitical risk returned to energy markets.

Higher oil prices are particularly important for equities because they could add another layer of inflationary pressure just as investors are becoming more concerned about Federal Reserve policy. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish message at Jackson Hole last week, saying borrowing costs may need to rise if inflation does not move toward the central bank's 2% target. Markets now see a greater than 60% probability of a September rate increase, up sharply from 41.4% a week earlier (Reuters).

Economic data added another concern. The Chicago PMI plunged to 47.1 in August from 57.6, far below the 57.8 forecast. The move below 50 signaled a return to contraction in regional business activity, creating an uncomfortable combination of weaker growth signals and renewed inflation risks.

Treasury yields also remained elevated following Friday's jump after Warsh's comments. The 10-year Treasury yield was around 4.76%, while longer-term yields remained under pressure from inflation and interest-rate concerns.

Energy stocks were among the few beneficiaries of the geopolitical escalation, with higher crude prices supporting oil producers, while most other S&P 500 sectors traded lower.

Investors will now turn their attention to this week's U.S. labor-market data, culminating in Friday's August jobs report. A weak employment report could reinforce concerns about slowing economic growth, while stronger data could further strengthen expectations that the Fed has room to raise rates despite signs of softer activity.

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The Investor 08-31-26

Chicago PMI Plunges to 47.1 in August, Signaling Renewed Contraction

Business activity in the Chicago region deteriorated sharply in August, with the Chicago PMI falling to 47.1 from 57.6 in July. The reading was far below the 57.8 market forecast and dropped beneath the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction.

The 10.5-point monthly decline pushed the Chicago Business Barometer into contraction territory for the first time since April and to its lowest level since December.

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The Investor 08-31-26

# S&P 500 Slips 0.25% as Hawkish Fed Message Pressures Technology Stocks

U.S. stocks ended Friday modestly lower as investors reacted to Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole speech, with rising Treasury yields weighing particularly heavily on technology and other rate-sensitive sectors.

The S&P 500 closed at 7,711.76, down 0.25%. The index had climbed above 7,770 earlier in the session before reversing around midday and remaining under pressure through the afternoon.

Warsh emphasized that inflation remains too high and reinforced the Fed’s commitment to bringing it back toward the 2% target. The remarks pushed Treasury yields higher as investors increased expectations for tighter monetary policy. Higher yields tend to pressure equity valuations, particularly for technology and other growth companies whose valuations depend more heavily on future earnings.

The sector breakdown showed a clear rotation. Information technology was the weakest S&P 500 sector, falling 1.29%, followed by utilities at 1.14%, industrials at 0.96% and real estate at 0.49%. In contrast, consumer discretionary jumped 1.69% and communication services gained 1.56%. Energy rose 0.59%, while financials advanced 0.34%.

The relatively small decline in the broader S&P 500 despite the technology selloff suggests investors were rotating rather than abandoning equities altogether. Consumer-oriented and communication stocks provided significant support, limiting the index’s losses.

The Fed and Treasury yields are likely to remain central to the market outlook. If incoming inflation and labor-market data reinforce expectations for higher rates, richly valued technology stocks could remain under pressure even as strength in other sectors provides some support to the broader market.

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WS Investor 08-29-26

U.S. Inflation Expectations Ease as Consumer Sentiment Beats Forecast

U.S. consumer inflation expectations eased in August, while consumer sentiment came in slightly stronger than expected, offering a somewhat favorable signal for the economic outlook.

The University of Michigan’s one-year inflation expectation fell to 4.0% from 4.2%, significantly below the 4.3% forecast. Longer-term five-year inflation expectations remained unchanged at 3.3%, matching expectations.

Consumer sentiment came in at 51.7, above the 51.0 forecast but down from 55.2 previously. Consumer expectations similarly beat forecasts at 51.5 versus 50.6, although they declined from 55.4.

Overall, the report is mixed but relatively favorable for markets. The decline in short-term inflation expectations could ease concerns about persistent price pressures and support expectations for a more accommodative Federal Reserve, while the better-than-expected sentiment figures suggest consumers are slightly more resilient than feared. However, the sharp decline in sentiment from the previous month still points to considerable caution among U.S. households.

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European Investor 08-28-26

U.S. Jobless Claims Fall More Than Expected, Signaling Continued Labor-Market Strength

U.S. initial jobless claims fell to 203,000, below expectations of 208,000 and down from 207,000 previously.

Continuing claims also improved, declining to 1.778 million from 1.796 million, better than the 1.790 million expected.

Both figures point to a still-resilient U.S. labor market. Lower initial claims suggest layoffs remain limited, while the decline in continuing claims indicates unemployed workers may be finding jobs somewhat more easily.

The report is moderately positive for the U.S. economic outlook, but stronger labor conditions could also reduce pressure on the Federal Reserve to ease monetary policy, particularly if inflation remains elevated.

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WS Investor 08-27-26

09-05-26European Investor

09-04-26Global Finance News

09-02-26WS News

09-02-26The Investor

NASDAQ:ADBE

Adobe Names Anil Chakravarthy as Next CEO as Shantanu Narayen Moves to Executive Chair

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) announced a major leadership transition, naming Anil Chakravarthy as its next president and CEO as the software giant positions itself for its next phase of growth in artificial intelligence.

Chakravarthy will take over as CEO and join Adobe’s board on December 1, 2026. Longtime CEO Shantanu Narayen will transition to executive chair and work with Chakravarthy during the leadership change.

Adobe Turns to an AI-Focused Insider

Chakravarthy currently leads Adobe’s Customer Experience Orchestration business and worldwide field operations. He joined Adobe in 2020 and has overseen products including Adobe CX Enterprise, GenStudio and Brand Visibility, while helping scale Adobe Experience Platform. He also played a role in the acquisitions and integrations of Workfront and Semrush.

The appointment signals continuity rather than a major strategic reset. Chakravarthy said his priorities include accelerating growth and strengthening Adobe’s position in “agentic software” across creativity, productivity and customer experience.

The leadership transition comes at an important point for Adobe as generative and agentic AI reshape the creative-software industry. Investors will now turn their attention to Adobe’s fiscal third-quarter earnings on September 10 for further indications of growth and AI monetization trends.

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The Investor 09-04-26

Adobe Expands Saudi AI Partnership With Over $4 Billion in Free Creative Tools

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) announced Monday an expanded partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and HUMAIN, providing millions of people across the Kingdom with access to its AI-powered creative tools.

Under the initiative, Adobe plans to give more than 27 million eligible Saudi citizens and residents aged 13 and older 12 months of free access to Adobe Firefly Standard and Adobe Express Premium features. Adobe values the commitment at more than $4 billion.

The partnership also includes a new AI image-generation model jointly developed by Adobe and HUMAIN using Adobe Firefly Foundry. The model will be tuned to Saudi culture and designed to generate culturally relevant imagery using Arabic-language prompts.

Adobe is also expanding Arabic support across its products. Adobe Express now offers Modern Standard Arabic right-to-left support across desktop, web and iOS, including typography, text editing and culturally tailored templates.

The initiative extends beyond consumers. Beginning in early 2027, eligible Saudi startups participating in MCIT-backed entrepreneurship programs will receive free access to selected Adobe tools, training and expertise. Adobe and MCIT also plan to provide AI and creative-skills training through Adobe Digital Academy.

The expanded agreement strengthens Adobe’s position in the growing generative AI market while giving the company large-scale exposure to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing AI and digital economy. It also deepens Adobe’s relationship with HUMAIN as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in AI infrastructure, locally relevant models and technology skills.

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The Investor 08-31-26

Adobe (ADBE) Stock Gains After HSBC Upgrades Shares to Buy

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) shares rose approximately 3.1% on Thursday after HSBC upgraded the software giant to Buy from Hold and raised its price target to $308 from $282.

The upgrade comes as Adobe continues to strengthen its position in generative AI, integrating AI-powered features across its Creative Cloud, Document Cloud, and Experience Cloud platforms. Investors have grown increasingly optimistic that these innovations will drive higher customer engagement and long-term revenue growth.

HSBC upgraded the stock and increased its price target, reflecting a more constructive outlook on Adobe's growth prospects. The analyst action helped reinforce positive sentiment toward the software company following its recent investments in AI-enabled products.

Adobe remains one of the leading software providers benefiting from the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, as businesses and creative professionals increasingly incorporate AI tools into their workflows. The company also continues to generate strong recurring revenue through its subscription-based business model.

# Why ADBE Stock Rose

Several factors supported the stock:

* HSBC upgraded Adobe to Buy from Hold.
* The firm raised its price target to $308 from $282.
* Continued optimism surrounding generative AI and Adobe's expanding AI product portfolio has improved investor sentiment.
* The company's subscription-based business and leadership in creative software continue to support its long-term growth outlook.

The combination of a rating upgrade and growing confidence in Adobe's AI strategy helped lift the stock approximately 3.1% during Thursday's trading session.

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Global Finance News 07-02-26

Adobe Slides as Wave of Analyst Target Cuts Overshadows Strong Earnings

Adobe shares fell 6.8% despite reporting record quarterly revenue, raising its full-year outlook, and highlighting strong growth in its artificial intelligence business, as Wall Street analysts lowered their price targets following the earnings release.

Several major firms, including Mizuho, Baird, Piper Sandler, UBS, BMO Capital Markets, and Citigroup, reduced their targets on the stock, while JPMorgan cut its target from $420 to $340 despite maintaining an Overweight rating. Most analysts kept their existing ratings, suggesting confidence in Adobe's business but a more cautious view on valuation.

The company reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $6.62 billion, up 13% year over year, while AI-first annual recurring revenue exceeded $500 million after more than tripling from a year earlier. Adobe also raised its fiscal 2026 revenue and earnings guidance, citing strong demand for its AI-powered products.

However, the analyst revisions indicate investors were expecting even stronger signs that Adobe can convert growing AI adoption into faster revenue growth. The target cuts suggest Wall Street believes the company's long-term fundamentals remain solid but that expectations for future growth and valuation have become more measured.

The stock's decline highlights the increasingly high bar facing large-cap software companies, where strong earnings and higher guidance are no longer enough if investors believe AI-driven growth could take longer to fully materialize.

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WS Investor 06-12-26

Adobe Falls Despite Record Results as Investors Seek Stronger AI Monetization Signals

Adobe shares fell 6.8% on Friday despite the company reporting record fiscal second-quarter results and raising its full-year outlook, as investors appeared unconvinced that the software giant's strong AI momentum will translate into the level of growth needed to justify its premium valuation.

The company reported record revenue of $6.62 billion, up 13% year over year, while non-GAAP earnings per share climbed to $5.96. Adobe also raised its fiscal 2026 revenue forecast to $26.5-$26.6 billion and increased its full-year earnings outlook, reflecting continued demand for its AI-powered creative and productivity tools.

A bright spot was Adobe's AI business, with AI-first annual recurring revenue more than tripling from a year ago to exceed $500 million. The company highlighted strong adoption of generative AI products across creative professionals, marketers, and business users, suggesting that AI is becoming an increasingly important growth driver.

However, the market reaction suggests investors were looking for even stronger evidence that Adobe can fully capitalize on the rapidly expanding generative AI market. While growth remains healthy, some analysts believe investors expected larger AI revenue contributions and more aggressive guidance increases given the strong demand seen across the broader AI sector.

Investor sentiment may also have been affected by the announcement that Chief Financial Officer Dan Durn will leave the company later this month, introducing a degree of uncertainty during a critical period as Adobe continues its AI transformation.

The selloff highlights the high expectations facing large-cap software companies in 2026. Although Adobe delivered solid earnings, raised guidance, generated $2.17 billion in operating cash flow, and repurchased 8.5 million shares during the quarter, investors appear focused on whether the company can accelerate AI monetization fast enough to compete with the market's most favored artificial intelligence beneficiaries.

For now, Adobe remains fundamentally strong, but Friday's decline demonstrates that in the current market environment, simply beating expectations is often not enough—investors want clear signs of accelerating AI-driven growth.

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WS Investor 06-12-26

Adobe Gains as Analyst Reiterates Rating, Signaling Stability After Recent Volatility

Adobe (ADBE) shares rose about 2% today, extending recent gains as investors responded positively to a fresh analyst update that reinforced confidence in the software company's outlook.

Piper Sandler reiterated its Neutral rating on Adobe and maintained a $280 price target, implying additional upside from current trading levels. While the firm did not upgrade the stock, the decision to maintain its target and rating suggests analysts continue to see value in Adobe despite ongoing concerns surrounding competition in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence software market.

Adobe has been under close scrutiny over the past year as investors evaluate the impact of generative AI on its creative software franchise. Some market participants have worried that new AI-powered tools could disrupt traditional content creation workflows. However, Adobe has responded aggressively by integrating AI capabilities across its product portfolio, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and its Firefly AI platform.

Today's gain reflects growing investor confidence that Adobe remains well positioned to monetize artificial intelligence rather than be disrupted by it. The company continues to benefit from a large installed customer base, recurring subscription revenue and strong adoption of its creative and digital experience products.

While analysts remain somewhat cautious about the pace of future growth, the latest rating update suggests that Wall Street generally views Adobe's fundamentals as stable. Investors appear increasingly focused on the company's ability to leverage AI to enhance its products, improve customer retention and create new revenue opportunities.

As the software sector continues to navigate the AI transition, Adobe remains one of the industry's most closely watched companies. The stock's positive performance today indicates that investors are becoming more comfortable with the company's strategy and long-term competitive position.

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WS Investor 06-04-26

Adobe Inc. announced it has completed the acquisition of Semrush Holdings, aiming to strengthen its customer experience (CX) capabilities and expand brand visibility solutions in the growing AI-driven digital landscape.

The deal integrates Semrush’s SEO and brand intelligence platform into Adobe’s CX Enterprise ecosystem, enhancing tools for search optimization, generative engine optimization, and AI-driven customer engagement. The move comes as businesses increasingly rely on AI agents and conversational interfaces for customer discovery and interaction.

Adobe said the acquisition will help marketers better manage brand visibility across both traditional search engines and emerging AI platforms, while delivering more personalized and scalable customer experiences.

Source: Adobe press release

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The Investor 04-28-26

IBM and Adobe announced an expanded collaboration to deliver AI-powered customer experience orchestration solutions, aimed at helping organizations better respond to evolving customer expectations. The initiative combines Adobe’s customer data and experience platforms with IBM’s agentic AI tools, including watsonx, to enable real-time, data-driven decision-making.

New research from IBM highlights the urgency of this approach, showing companies lose an average of $29 million annually due to slow response to customer needs, with many organizations failing to act effectively on available data.

The partnership introduces industry-specific solutions, initially targeting sectors such as airlines and healthcare, where AI-driven orchestration can improve personalization, streamline workflows, and enhance customer engagement.

IBM said the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between insight and action by integrating data, automation, and governance, enabling companies to deliver more connected and responsive customer experiences.

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European Investor 04-21-26

Adobe has partnered with DICK’S Sporting Goods to enhance customer engagement through AI-driven personalization across digital and in-store experiences. The collaboration aims to create a more tailored “athlete journey” by leveraging Adobe’s enterprise solutions and data platforms.

The initiative will introduce AI-powered “digital coaches” that provide personalized product recommendations, training guidance, and interactive experiences via DICK’S mobile app and other channels. It will also integrate customer data across touchpoints to deliver more relevant and timely content.

Additionally, the partnership focuses on scaling content production using generative AI tools, enabling DICK’S to create customized marketing materials more efficiently.

Adobe said the collaboration highlights the growing role of AI in delivering highly personalized retail experiences and strengthening customer loyalty.

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European Investor 04-21-26

San Jose, April 15, 2026 — Adobe unveiled new generative AI innovations in its Firefly platform, including the introduction of a Firefly AI Assistant designed to transform creative workflows.

The new assistant provides a unified conversational interface that allows users to describe desired outcomes, with the system automatically orchestrating complex, multi-step tasks across Adobe’s Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop, Premiere, and Illustrator. The approach aims to streamline content creation while keeping users in control of creative direction.

Adobe also expanded Firefly’s capabilities with enhanced video and image editing tools, including improved audio quality, advanced color controls, and precision editing features. The platform now integrates more than 30 AI models from both Adobe and third-party providers, offering greater flexibility and customization.

The company said these updates position Firefly as a comprehensive AI-powered creative studio, enabling faster production of high-quality content and marking a shift toward more automated, “agentic” creativity.

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WS Investor 04-16-26

09-04-26Global Finance News

09-02-26WS News

08-15-26The Investor

07-02-26Global Finance News

06-29-26European Investor

S&P 500

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Global Finance News 09-04-26

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European Investor 09-03-26

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The Investor 09-02-26

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WS Investor 09-01-26

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The Investor 08-31-26

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WS Investor 08-29-26

US Stocks Open Slightly Lower as PCE Inflation Remains Elevated

US stocks opened modestly lower on Wednesday as investors assessed July inflation data that showed underlying price pressures remained persistent.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.07% to 7,671.53 shortly after the opening bell, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15% to 53,499.19. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.28% to 26,079.36, underperforming the broader market.

Core PCE Holds at 3.3%

The Federal Reserve's closely watched core PCE price index increased 3.3% year over year in July, unchanged from the previous month and matching market expectations.

On a monthly basis, core PCE rose 0.2%, also in line with forecasts, but accelerating slightly from June's 0.1% increase.

Headline inflation delivered a somewhat firmer signal. The PCE price index rose 0.2% month over month, above the 0.1% expected and reversing the previous month's 0.1% decline. Annual headline PCE inflation came in at 3.7%, slightly above the 3.6% forecast but unchanged from June.

Inflation Data Keeps Fed Outlook in Focus

The figures suggest inflation remains sticky, with both headline and core PCE running well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. While the core readings matched expectations, the hotter-than-forecast monthly headline figure offered little evidence of a decisive return toward price stability.

That may be contributing to the cautious start on Wall Street, particularly in rate-sensitive technology stocks, with the Nasdaq posting the largest decline among the three major indexes.

Investors will now assess whether persistent inflation pressures could keep US monetary policy restrictive for longer than previously anticipated.

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The Investor 08-26-26

U.S. Stocks Edge Higher Despite Weak Housing Data and Escalating Canada Trade War

U.S. stocks traded modestly higher Tuesday as investors weighed mixed economic data against a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the United States and Canada.

The Nasdaq Composite led gains, rising 0.60%, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.27% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.11%.

U.S. Economic Data Sends Mixed Signals

ADP's weekly employment estimate showed private-sector employment increasing by 11,800, up from 9,500 previously, signaling continued resilience in the labor market.

Other data were weaker. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell to 89.4 in August from 90.2, missing the 90.3 forecast. New home sales also dropped sharply to an annualized 607,000 in July from 678,000 and came in below expectations of 620,000.

The softer housing and confidence readings could support expectations for a less restrictive Federal Reserve policy outlook, helping offset concerns about the labor market remaining relatively firm.

U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions Escalate

Trade developments added uncertainty to the session after Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on about C$27.6 billion, or roughly $20 billion, of U.S. goods. The measures, scheduled to take effect September 8, will impose tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on hundreds of product categories, including steel, aluminum, appliances, electronics, clothing and agricultural products.

Canada's action follows new 50% U.S. tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian imports after trade negotiations between the two countries broke down. President Donald Trump has also threatened further tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts, increasing concerns about disruption to highly integrated North American supply chains.

Despite the escalation, U.S. equities remained positive, with technology stocks providing the strongest support to the broader market. Investors are now balancing expectations for easier monetary policy against the inflation and growth risks created by the expanding U.S.-Canada trade dispute.

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WS Investor 08-25-26

US Stock Futures Fall as Strong Economic Data and Higher Treasury Yields Pressure Markets

U.S. stock futures moved lower Thursday after stronger-than-expected manufacturing and labor-market data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may have less room to ease monetary policy, while Treasury yields moved higher.

Dow futures fell 0.56%, Nasdaq 100 futures declined 0.48%, and S&P 500 futures were down 0.23%.

Strong Economic Data Pushes Yields Higher

The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index surged to 47.4 in August, far above the 24.1 forecast and up from 41.4 previously, signaling strong manufacturing activity.

Initial jobless claims also came in stronger than expected, falling to 206,000 from 212,000 versus the 210,000 forecast. Continuing claims increased to 1.799 million, slightly above expectations of 1.790 million.

Following the data, the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield climbed to around 4.702%, up roughly 5.2 basis points on the day.

The combination of stronger manufacturing activity and low layoffs reduces the immediate case for easier Federal Reserve policy, putting upward pressure on bond yields and weighing on equities.

Technology and other rate-sensitive stocks are particularly exposed to rising yields, contributing to the decline in Nasdaq futures. Markets will now assess whether the latest economic strength leads investors to further scale back expectations for future Fed rate cuts.

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European Investor 08-20-26

Health Care and Consumer Stocks Lead U.S. Market as Technology Lags

U.S. equities remained broadly higher Wednesday afternoon, but sector performance showed a sharp divergence, with health care surging while technology and industrial stocks remained under pressure.

The S&P 500 was up about 0.32% as of 2:38 p.m. ET, supported by strong gains in health care, consumer discretionary, consumer staples and materials.

Moderna Cancer Vaccine Breakthrough Fuels Health Care Rally

Health care was by far the strongest S&P 500 sector, jumping 3.59%, with a major catalyst coming from Moderna and Merck’s positive late-stage cancer-treatment results.

Moderna shares more than doubled after the companies reported that the personalized mRNA cancer therapy intismeran, when combined with Merck’s Keytruda, reduced the risk of melanoma recurrence and spread compared with Keytruda alone. Merck shares also jumped about 10%, while the news sparked a broader biotechnology rally. The Nasdaq Biotechnology Index climbed more than 4%, with BioNTech and other mRNA-related stocks also advancing sharply.

The results are particularly significant because they provide late-stage evidence that Moderna’s mRNA technology could have substantial applications beyond infectious-disease vaccines, improving sentiment toward the broader biotechnology industry.

Consumer discretionary was the second-strongest S&P 500 sector, rising 1.93%, followed by consumer staples at 1.46% and materials at 1.29%. Communication services gained 0.65%, while real estate advanced 0.52%.

Treasury Support Helps Broader Market

The broader improvement in sentiment also follows the Treasury Department’s move to expand liquidity-support buybacks for longer-dated government securities. The action helped ease some of the recent pressure on Treasury yields, providing support to rate-sensitive areas of the equity market.

Real estate’s 0.52% advance is consistent with the easing in long-term yield pressure, as lower borrowing costs tend to improve the relative outlook for the sector.

Technology Remains Under Pressure

Despite the broader market advance, technology continued to lag. The S&P 500 Information Technology sector fell 0.65%, helping explain why the Nasdaq was struggling to participate in the broader rally.

Industrials were the weakest sector, declining 0.71%. Financials fell 0.28% and energy slipped 0.16%, while utilities edged 0.11% higher.

Wednesday’s sector performance therefore points to a significant rotation beneath the headline indexes. Rather than technology leading the market, the S&P 500’s advance is being driven primarily by health care — amplified by the Moderna-Merck cancer breakthrough — alongside strength in consumer and materials stocks.

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WS News 08-19-26

09-05-26European Investor

09-04-26WS Investor

09-04-26WS News

09-03-26European Investor

09-02-26The Investor

NASDAQ:LULU

Lululemon Stock Plunges 18% Premarket After Sales Decline and 2026 Outlook Cut

Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU) shares plunged about 18% in premarket trading Friday after the athletic apparel company reported declining second-quarter sales and comparable-store performance while cutting its full-year outlook.

Second-quarter revenue fell 4% year over year to $2.4 billion, or 5% on a constant-currency basis. Comparable sales dropped 9%, with weakness particularly pronounced in the Americas, where revenue declined 8% and comparable sales fell 12%.

International revenue provided some offset, increasing 4%, although international comparable sales declined 3%.

Earnings Benefited Heavily From Tariff Refunds

Diluted EPS fell to $2.92 from $3.10 a year earlier, despite receiving a substantial boost from tariff refunds. Lululemon recognized $134.5 million in tariff refunds plus associated interest, adding $0.86 per share to quarterly earnings.

The refunds also boosted gross margin by 560 basis points. Including this benefit, gross margin increased 200 basis points to 60.5%. Operating income nevertheless declined 13% to $453.7 million.

This suggests underlying profitability was considerably weaker than the headline figures indicate.

Weak Guidance Drives LULU Selloff

The biggest concern for investors is the deteriorating sales outlook. Lululemon expects third-quarter revenue to decline 10% to 11% to between $2.29 billion and $2.32 billion.

For fiscal 2026, management now expects revenue of $10.35 billion to $10.50 billion, representing a 5% to 7% decline. Full-year EPS is projected at $9.48 to $9.73, including the $0.86 benefit already received from tariff refunds.

The 18% premarket selloff reflects growing concerns about weakening demand, particularly in Lululemon's core Americas market. While international expansion and the company's $1.4 billion cash position provide support, sharply falling comparable sales and another double-digit revenue decline expected in Q3 suggest the athletic-wear company faces a difficult turnaround.

Incoming CEO Heidi O'Neill will take over next week as Lululemon seeks to strengthen its product lineup, increase marketing investment and restore growth.

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WS Investor 09-04-26

Lululemon Plunges as Weak Outlook Overshadows Modest Revenue Growth

Lululemon Athletica (LULU) shares fell roughly 12% in premarket trading after the athletic apparel retailer cut its full-year outlook and warned of ongoing challenges in its core North American market.

While first-quarter revenue increased 4% to $2.5 billion and comparable sales rose 1%, investors focused on signs of slowing demand and deteriorating profitability. Revenue in the Americas, which remains Lululemon's largest market, declined 3%, while comparable sales in the region fell 5%. International markets remained a bright spot, with revenue climbing 22% and comparable sales increasing 13%.

Profitability came under significant pressure during the quarter. Gross margin declined 410 basis points to 54.2%, while operating income fell 37% year-over-year. Diluted earnings per share dropped sharply to $1.69 from $2.60 a year earlier, highlighting the impact of weaker margins and slower growth.

The biggest concern for investors was management's updated outlook. Lululemon now expects fiscal 2026 revenue between $11.0 billion and $11.15 billion, implying flat to slightly negative growth for the year. The company also lowered its earnings expectations and projected second-quarter revenue to decline between 2% and 3%.

Management acknowledged ongoing macroeconomic pressures, changing consumer spending patterns, and challenges in reigniting growth in North America. Although the company reported encouraging signs in full-price sales and continued strong international momentum, investors appear concerned that the recovery in its largest market is taking longer than expected.

The sharp selloff reflects disappointment with the lowered guidance rather than the quarter itself. Investors had been hoping for stronger evidence that Lululemon's North American business was stabilizing, but the revised outlook suggests meaningful headwinds may persist through the remainder of 2026.

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Global Finance News 06-05-26

VantagePoint A.I. Stock of the Week Lululemon Athletica ($LULU) - VantagePoint $LULU

This week's ai stock spotlight is Lululemon Athletica ($LULU) Let’s get something straight right up front. Lululemon Athletica does not sell pants. It sells identity. Pants are just the delivery system. And those pants cost more than your first

(vantagepointsoftware.com)

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Global Finance News 01-01-26

lululemon Plans Expansion Into Six New International Markets in 2026

lululemon announced plans to expand its international footprint in 2026 by entering six new markets through franchise partnerships, marking the largest number of market launches by the brand in a single year. The company will open stores in Greece, Austria, Poland, Hungary, and Romania in partnership with Arion Retail Group, and in India through a previously announced agreement with Tata CLiQ.

The expansion will extend lululemon’s athletic and lifestyle apparel and accessories across Europe and Asia Pacific, supporting activities such as yoga, running, training, tennis, and golf. Customers in the five European markets will be able to shop the full product range online via eu*lululemon*com, while Indian consumers will access the brand through Tata CLiQ Luxury and Tata CLiQ Fashion digital platforms.

lululemon said the move builds on strong international demand and follows recent franchise-based market entries in Italy, Denmark, Turkey, and Belgium. The company emphasized that community engagement, including ambassador programs and local events focused on physical, mental, and social wellbeing, will remain central to its market entry strategy.

With operations already spanning more than 30 markets worldwide, the upcoming launches represent a key step in lululemon’s long-term international growth strategy. Further details on store locations, opening timelines, and community initiatives are expected to be shared during 2026.

Source: Business Wire, lululemon athletica inc.

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WS Investor 12-20-25

lululemon athletica said Chief Executive Officer Calvin McDonald will step down effective January 31, 2026, as part of a leadership transition announced in an SEC filing. Board chair Marti Morfitt will become executive chair, while Chief Financial Officer Meghan Frank and President and Chief Commercial Officer Andre Maestrini will serve as interim co-CEOs during the search for a permanent successor. The company also disclosed details of McDonald’s separation agreement, including a $3.05 million cash payment and continued vesting of certain equity awards, and confirmed that its board approved a $1.0 billion increase to the existing share repurchase program earlier in December.

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Global Finance News 12-12-25

lululemon athletica reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 revenue growth but weaker profitability, while its board authorized a $1.0 billion increase to the company’s share repurchase program. The company said revenue rose 7% to $2.6 billion for the quarter ended Nov. 2, 2025, driven by 33% growth in international markets that offset a 2% decline in the Americas, while comparable sales increased 1%, or 2% on a constant-currency basis. Diluted earnings per share fell to $2.59 from $2.87 a year earlier as operating income declined 11% and margins compressed. Lululemon repurchased $189 million of stock during the quarter and now has about $1.6 billion remaining under its buyback authorization. For the fourth quarter, the company forecast revenue of $3.50–$3.59 billion and EPS of $4.66–$4.76, while maintaining full-year 2025 revenue guidance of roughly $11.0 billion and EPS of $12.92–$13.02, noting potential pressure from higher tariffs.

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Global Finance News 12-12-25

Lululemon has unveiled Team Canada’s official athlete kit for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, marking the company’s third Games as the team’s Official Outfitter. Developed over two years in collaboration with athletes, the collection emphasizes thermoregulation, adaptive and inclusive design features, and visual themes inspired by Canada’s landscapes. The kit incorporates new adaptive footwear, seated-fit styles, abrasion-resistant materials, magnetic zippers, and braille elements.

Lululemon also expanded its roster of Team Canada Ambassadors, adding Sidney Crosby alongside athletes from bobsleigh, figure skating, snowboarding, para sport, and hockey. The Team Canada x Lululemon retail collection launches online in Canada and the United States on November 18, and in select stores in Canada and Milan on November 19. Proceeds from Future Legacy items will support the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Paralympic Foundation of Canada.

The apparel will be worn by athletes, coaches, and staff throughout ceremonies, travel, media appearances, and daily life during the Games.

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The Investor 11-18-25

Lululemon reported Q2 fiscal 2025 results :

Headline Results (Q2 FY25 vs. Q2 FY24)

• Net revenue rose 7% to $2.5B (6% constant currency).
• Comparable sales increased just 1%.
• International strength: revenue up 22% (20% constant currency); comparable sales up 15% (13% constant currency).
• Americas weakness: revenue up only 1%; comparable sales down 4% (–3% constant currency).
• Gross margin fell 110 bps to 58.5%.
• Operating income slipped 3% to $523.8M; margin down 210 bps to 20.7%.
• Diluted EPS $3.10, slightly below last year’s $3.15.
Balance Sheet & Operations
• Ended quarter with $1.2B cash and $393M revolver capacity.
• Inventories up 21% YoY to $1.7B (13% unit growth).
• Repurchased 1.1M shares for $278.5M.
• Added 14 net new stores, reaching 784.

Outlook
• Q3 FY25: Revenue $2.47–$2.50B (+3–4%), EPS $2.18–$2.23.
• FY25: Revenue $10.85–11.0B (+2–4%, or +4–6% excluding 53rd week in FY24). EPS $12.77–12.97.
• Guidance reflects $240M hit to gross profit from higher U.S. tariffs and the end of the de minimis exemption, even after mitigation efforts.
Management Commentary
• CEO Calvin McDonald acknowledged U.S. underperformance and product execution issues, promising adjustments to merchandise mix and growth plans.
• CFO Meghan Frank noted EPS beat but revenue miss, driven mainly by U.S. weakness, and flagged tariff headwinds as a major challenge.

Overall, lululemon continues to benefit from international momentum, but U.S. softness, tariffs, and inventory build weigh on results and guidance.

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WS Investor 09-06-25

Lululemon Opens First Store in Italy, Expanding European Presence

Lululemon (NASDAQ: LULU) will open its first store in Italy on July 19, 2025, in Milan’s famed shopping district at Vittorio Emanuele II 24/28. The two-floor, 5,700-square-foot space will offer the brand’s full athletic apparel range for men and women, including items for yoga, running, tennis, and golf.

The store features a locally inspired design and a unique 3D-printed sculptural façade echoing Lululemon’s signature Define Jacket. It also includes tech-enhanced shopping via its Endless Aisle system and supports Global Blue tax-free shopping for tourists.

The Milan launch is part of Lululemon’s broader international expansion under its “Power of Three ×2” plan, which targets quadrupling international revenue by 2026. The company already has stores across the UK, Germany, France, and several other European countries. Community engagement efforts in Milan will include partnerships, events, and a local ambassador program.

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The Investor 07-21-25

lululemon athletica inc. (NASDAQ: LULU) today announced that its financial results for the first quarter fiscal 2025 will be released Thursday, June 5, 2025. The company will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the financial results.

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European Investor 05-22-25

09-05-26European Investor

09-04-26Global Finance News

09-04-26WS News

06-06-26The Investor

06-04-26European Investor

NASDAQ

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Global Finance News 09-04-26

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The Investor 08-31-26

Nasdaq 100 Futures Jump 1.1% as Tech Sentiment Strengthens

Nasdaq 100 futures are up about 1.1% early Thursday, pointing to a strong open for U.S. technology stocks. The September contract is trading near 29,608, up roughly 319 points.

The move comes amid broad strength in major technology names following a busy round of earnings. NVIDIA is up around 7.5% in premarket trading after reporting a 106% year-over-year surge in quarterly revenue and 117% growth in Data Center sales. Salesforce is up about 13%, while CrowdStrike, Okta, Veeva and Nutanix are also posting strong premarket gains following their results.

AI remains the central driver of sentiment. NVIDIA’s $108 billion Q3 revenue outlook, continued acceleration in AI infrastructure spending, and strong enterprise AI commentary from Salesforce and CrowdStrike are reinforcing expectations that AI-related investment remains robust.

The futures rally therefore appears to be driven primarily by renewed strength across AI, software and cybersecurity stocks, with NVIDIA’s results providing the most important catalyst ahead of the U.S. market open.

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European Investor 08-27-26

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The Investor 08-26-26

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WS Investor 08-25-26

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European Investor 08-20-26

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WS News 08-19-26

09-05-26European Investor

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NASDAQ:META

Meta Expands WhatsApp Payments in India With New Bill-Pay Feature

Meta is expanding WhatsApp’s role in India’s digital payments market with the launch of a new feature allowing users to pay household and utility bills directly within the messaging app.

The service, powered by India’s Bharat Connect (BBPS) network, provides access to 22,722 billers across 30 categories, including electricity, gas, water, insurance, credit cards, FASTag and loan repayments.

Users can access the service through the ₹ icon in WhatsApp, view upcoming and previous bills, manage multiple accounts and make payments using UPI, debit cards or credit cards. The feature is being rolled out gradually to Android and iOS users across India.

WhatsApp Pushes Deeper Into India’s Digital Economy

The launch expands WhatsApp beyond messaging and commerce into another high-frequency financial activity. The platform already supports services in India such as mobile recharges, metro-ticket purchases and access to government services.

For Meta, integrating recurring payments could increase engagement with WhatsApp’s payments ecosystem and strengthen the app’s position as an everyday digital platform in one of its most important global markets.

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The Investor 09-04-26

Meta Stock Falls 9% Premarket Despite Strong Revenue Growth as Profit Margins Shrink on AI Spending

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) shares dropped 9% in premarket trading on Thursday after the social media giant reported second-quarter results that highlighted the growing cost of its aggressive artificial intelligence investments, overshadowing another quarter of strong revenue growth.

Revenue increased 28% year-over-year to $60.8 billion, driven by continued strength in digital advertising. Ad impressions rose 14%, while the average price per ad increased 12%. Family Daily Active People (DAP) reached 3.60 billion, up 3% from a year earlier, demonstrating continued user engagement across Meta's platforms.

## AI Investment Weighs on Profitability

Despite the robust top-line growth, investors focused on a sharp deterioration in profitability. Total costs and expenses surged 55% to $42.0 billion, reflecting massive AI infrastructure investments, $2.4 billion in legal-related charges and $1.18 billion in severance costs following the company's May workforce reduction.

As a result, operating income declined 8% to $18.8 billion, while operating margin contracted to 31% from 43% a year ago. Net income fell 14% to $15.8 billion, and diluted earnings per share decreased 13% to $6.18.

Meta also spent $31.1 billion on capital expenditures during the quarter and narrowed its full-year capital expenditure guidance to $130-145 billion, reinforcing expectations that AI infrastructure spending will remain elevated.

## Guidance Offers Limited Relief

For the third quarter, Meta expects revenue between $61 billion and $64 billion, while raising the lower end of its full-year expense guidance to $165-169 billion. The company maintained its expectation that full-year operating income will exceed 2025 levels, but investors appeared more concerned about the pace of spending than the revenue outlook.

## What to Watch

The sharp premarket decline suggests investors are becoming increasingly sensitive to profitability as large technology companies continue investing heavily in AI. Going forward, the market will closely monitor whether Meta can translate its record AI spending into stronger earnings growth while preserving operating margins.

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European Investor 07-30-26

Meta Beats Q1 Estimates, But Surging AI Capex Spooks Investors

Meta Platforms delivered a strong Q1 2026, yet shares slid after hours as Wall Street fixated on a massive spending hike.

Revenue climbed 33% year-over-year to $56.31 billion — the fastest growth since 2021 — beating estimates of $55.45 billion. Adjusted EPS came in at $7.31, topping the $6.79 consensus. Ad impressions jumped 19% year-over-year, while average price per ad rose 12%.

The trouble? AI spending. Meta raised its full-year 2026 capex guidance to $125–$145 billion, up from $115–$135 billion, citing higher component pricing and additional data center costs — and that single line item drove a ~6% after-hours decline.

META shares were trading at $613.00 in pre-market, down 8.39%.

Zuckerberg's AI investments have yet to produce new revenue streams but have strengthened the core advertising business. For now, markets want proof the bet will pay off (CNBC).

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WS Investor 04-30-26

Meta Posts 33% Revenue Growth in Q1 2026, Hits $56.3 Billion

Meta Platforms reported first-quarter revenues of $56.3 billion, up 33% year over year, with operating income rising 30% to $22.9 billion at a 41% margin. Net income surged 61% to $26.8 billion, though results were boosted by an $8 billion one-time tax benefit. Daily active users across Meta's family of apps averaged 3.56 billion in March, up 4% from a year ago. Ad impressions grew 19% and average ad prices rose 12%. Capital expenditures reached $19.8 billion for the quarter, with full-year capex guidance raised to $125-145 billion, reflecting higher component costs and expanded data center investment. For Q2, Meta guided revenues of $58-61 billion.

Source: Meta Platforms, Inc. Press Release, April 29, 2026

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Global Finance News 04-29-26

Meta has signed a major agreement with Amazon Web Services to deploy AWS Graviton processors at scale, supporting its next-generation AI infrastructure. The rollout will begin with tens of millions of Graviton cores, with capacity expected to expand as demand grows.

The partnership reflects increasing demand for CPU-intensive workloads driven by “agentic AI,” including real-time reasoning, code generation, and multi-step task orchestration. While GPUs remain key for training models, Graviton chips are positioned to handle large-scale operational AI processes more efficiently.

The deal strengthens Meta’s long-standing relationship with AWS and supports its broader AI strategy, leveraging Amazon’s cloud infrastructure and services to manage billions of AI-driven interactions.
Business Wire

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The Investor 04-26-26

Get Smart: Is It Too Late to Invest in US Stocks?

It’s never about getting the perfect price. It’s about getting the business right — and staying invested long enough for it to matter.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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European Investor 04-23-26

Meta Platforms, Inc. and CBRE Group, Inc. announced the launch of “LevelUp,” a multi-year workforce development program aimed at training thousands of technicians to support data center construction across the United States.

Under the initiative, CBRE will establish training centers nationwide, beginning in summer 2026, to prepare workers in installing fiber-optic cables, network infrastructure, and other mission-critical equipment. Graduates will have opportunities to work on Meta’s data center projects through its contractor network.

The program targets the growing shortage of skilled fiber technicians, while creating new career pathways for high school graduates and individuals seeking to enter the skilled trades. It is designed to provide broadly applicable technical skills relevant across the data center and construction industries.

Meta highlighted that the initiative supports its expanding infrastructure footprint, with 27 data centers currently operational or under construction in the U.S., and reinforces its broader investment in workforce development tied to AI-driven infrastructure growth.
Business Wire

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Global Finance News 04-20-26

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) announced that the company's first quarter 2026 financial results will be released after market close on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026.

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WS Investor 04-14-26

Corning and Meta Platforms announced the start of construction on a major optical cable manufacturing expansion in North Carolina to support growing demand for AI data center infrastructure.

The project is part of a multiyear agreement valued at up to $6 billion, under which Corning will supply advanced optical fiber and connectivity solutions for Meta’s data centers. Meta will serve as the anchor customer for the new facility, which is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and supply chains.

The expansion is also set to boost employment in the region, potentially increasing Corning’s workforce in North Carolina by up to 20%. Both companies highlighted the importance of high-performance connectivity in scaling AI infrastructure and maintaining U.S. leadership in advanced technologies.

The initiative underscores accelerating investment in data center capacity as demand for AI computing continues to grow.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-01-26

Meta announces 4 new AI chips, raising competitive stakes with Nvidia, AMD

Meta has debuted four new AI chips. increasing competition with Nvidia and AMD.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 03-11-26

09-05-26European Investor

09-04-26Global Finance News

09-01-26European Investor

08-29-26WS Investor

Germany

German Factory Orders Rise 2.5% in July, Beating Expectations

German factory orders increased more than expected in July, providing another positive signal for Europe’s largest economy, although the headline gain was heavily influenced by large-scale transport equipment orders.

New manufacturing orders rose 2.5% month-over-month on a seasonally and calendar-adjusted basis. The result comfortably exceeded market expectations for a 0.3% increase. June’s growth was also revised higher to 3.7% from the initially reported 3.1%.

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WS Investor 09-04-26

Eurozone Services Growth Holds in August as Italy Strength Offsets Weakness in France

Eurozone services activity continued to expand in August, although growth was slightly weaker than expected and performance across the region’s largest economies remained uneven.

The HCOB Eurozone Services PMI came in at 51.6, marginally below both the 51.7 consensus and the previous reading of 51.7. The Composite PMI, which combines manufacturing and services activity, stood at 52.0, matching the previous month but slightly missing expectations of 52.1. Both readings remained above the 50 threshold separating expansion from contraction.

Italy delivered the strongest upside surprise among the major economies. Its Services PMI jumped to 55.2 from 52.5, comfortably beating expectations of 53.6 and pointing to a significant acceleration in activity.

Germany also performed better than expected, with its Services PMI at 49.7 compared with the 48.5 consensus. However, the reading remained below 50 and was little changed from July’s 49.8, indicating that Germany’s services sector continued to contract, albeit only marginally.

France remained a notable weak spot. Its Services PMI fell to 48.0 from 49.6, below expectations of 48.4 and signaling a deeper contraction. Spain remained the strongest major services economy despite some moderation, with its PMI at 57.8 versus 58.3 previously, although that was below the 59.0 forecast.

Overall, the data show a Eurozone economy still expanding but with significant divergence between member states. Strong growth in Italy and Spain is helping offset contraction in France and Germany, while the broadly stable regional PMI suggests that economic momentum remains positive but modest.

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WS News 09-03-26

Eurozone Inflation Jumps to 3.3% in August, Strengthening ECB Rate-Hike Expectations

Eurozone inflation accelerated sharply in August, increasing pressure on the European Central Bank as higher energy prices linked to the Iran conflict continue to feed into consumer prices.

Annual inflation rose to 3.3% from 2.9% in July, matching market expectations and moving further above the ECB’s 2% target. Energy was the main driver, with energy prices surging 14.3% year over year as crude oil and natural gas costs increased.

Underlying inflation offered a more encouraging signal. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy components, eased to 2.4% from 2.5%, slightly below the 2.5% forecast. Services inflation also slowed to 3.0% from 3.3%, suggesting the energy shock has not yet developed into broad-based price pressure.

Meanwhile, the eurozone unemployment rate rose to 6.4% in July, compared with expectations for 6.3%, indicating some softening in the labor market.

The inflation figures strengthen expectations that the ECB will raise interest rates at its September 10 meeting. Markets are increasingly expecting a 25-basis-point increase in the deposit rate to 2.50%, which would represent the ECB’s second rate hike this year.

The overall picture remains complicated for policymakers: headline inflation is accelerating because of the energy shock while core inflation and labor-market data are showing less pressure. This supports another near-term ECB hike but could make policymakers more cautious about committing to an extended tightening cycle.

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European Investor 09-01-26

German Manufacturing PMI Jumps to 54.3 as Industrial Recovery Accelerates

Germany’s manufacturing sector strengthened sharply in August, providing further evidence that the country’s long-struggling industrial economy is gaining momentum.

The HCOB Germany Manufacturing PMI rose to 54.3 from 52.2 in July, exceeding the preliminary estimate and market forecast of 54.1. The reading marked a 51-month high and remained comfortably above the 50 threshold separating expansion from contraction.

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European Investor 09-01-26

German Retail Sales Plunge 3.4% in July, Far Below Expectations

German retail sales fell sharply in July, signaling renewed weakness in household consumption despite Germany’s broader economic recovery.

Retail sales declined 3.4% month over month in real terms, dramatically missing expectations for a 0.4% increase. June’s reading was revised to unchanged from the previous month.

The much weaker-than-expected report is generally negative for the euro and reinforces concerns about the sustainability of Germany’s economic recovery.

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European Investor 09-01-26

German Inflation Rises to 2.9% in August, Slightly Below Forecast

Germany’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 2.9% in August from 2.8% in July, but came in slightly below the 3.0% market forecast. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.2%, below expectations for a 0.3% increase and sharply slower than July’s 0.8% gain.

The latest figures suggest that inflationary pressures are increasing, but not as rapidly as markets had feared.

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The Investor 08-31-26

German Unemployment Rises by 4,000 in August

Germany’s unemployment increased by 4,000 in August, matching market expectations but improving from the previous month’s 6,000 increase.

The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.4%, also in line with forecasts.

The figures suggest Germany’s labor market remains relatively stable despite weak economic momentum. The smaller increase in unemployment is mildly positive, but the persistently elevated 6.4% rate indicates that labor-market conditions remain soft rather than signaling a meaningful recovery.

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The Investor 08-28-26

German Consumer Confidence Improves Sharply for September, Beating Forecasts

German consumer sentiment improved significantly heading into September, offering a positive signal for domestic demand in Europe’s largest economy.

The GfK/NIM Consumer Climate index rose to -26.6 for September from -29.4 previously. The reading was also considerably stronger than the -29.5 expected by economists.

Despite the improvement, confidence remains deeply negative, suggesting German households are still cautious about spending. Consumer sentiment has remained under pressure this year amid elevated prices, geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over the economic outlook.

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European Investor 08-27-26

German Economy Beats Forecasts as GDP Growth and Business Sentiment Improve

Germany’s economy delivered stronger-than-expected signals on Tuesday, with second-quarter GDP growth and August business sentiment both exceeding forecasts.

German GDP expanded 0.3% quarter-over-quarter in Q2, above the 0.2% forecast but slightly below the previous 0.4% growth. On an annual basis, GDP grew 1.0%, beating expectations of 0.9% and accelerating from 0.7% previously.

Business indicators also strengthened. Germany’s Current Assessment index rose to 88.5 from 86.5, well above the 87.0 forecast, while Business Expectations climbed to 89.1 from 86.8, exceeding expectations of 87.5.

The combination of stronger GDP growth and improving business confidence suggests momentum in Europe’s largest economy is strengthening despite persistent global trade and industrial-sector uncertainties.

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WS Investor 08-25-26

Eurozone Manufacturing Accelerates as Services Remain in Expansion

Eurozone business activity remained positive in August, with manufacturing showing a notable improvement.

The HCOB Manufacturing PMI climbed to 52.8 from 51.9, beating the 51.8 forecast and signaling a stronger expansion in factory activity.

The Services PMI held at 51.7, slightly above expectations of 51.5 and remaining comfortably above the 50 expansion threshold.

Overall, the data point to resilient Eurozone activity, with the manufacturing recovery gaining momentum while services continue to expand at a steady pace.

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Global Finance News 08-21-26

09-04-26WS Investor

01-27-26European Investor

11-21-25WS News

07-25-25WS Investor

07-21-25WS News

NASDAQ:ZS

Zscaler Stock Falls 3.3% Premarket as FY2027 Outlook Points to Slower Growth

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) shares fell about 3.3% in premarket trading Friday despite reporting strong fiscal fourth-quarter results, as investors focused on guidance pointing to slower growth in fiscal 2027.

Fourth-quarter revenue rose 25% year over year to $898.2 million, while annual recurring revenue (ARR) increased 25% to $3.77 billion. Excluding the Red Canary acquisition, ARR grew 20%.

Profitability also improved. Non-GAAP operating income reached $218.4 million, producing a record 24% operating margin, while adjusted EPS increased to $1.19 from $0.89 a year earlier.

One weaker area was cash generation. Quarterly free cash flow dropped to $60.8 million from $171.9 million a year earlier, largely reflecting higher capital expenditures and internal-use software investment.

FY2027 Growth Outlook Weighs on Shares

The stock's decline appears primarily tied to Zscaler's forward outlook. For fiscal 2027, the company expects revenue of $3.91 billion to $3.94 billion, representing growth of 16.6% to 17.5%. ARR is projected to increase by roughly 16.6% to 17.4%.

That represents a substantial deceleration from the 25% headline revenue and ARR growth reported for fiscal 2026.

Zscaler nevertheless remains strongly positioned within the cloud cybersecurity and Zero Trust market. Management sees artificial intelligence as a major growth opportunity, with investments spanning Zero Trust SASE, Agentic SecOps, data security and security for AI.

The 3.3% premarket decline therefore appears less about weak quarterly execution and more about expectations for slower growth ahead. Investors will be watching whether Zscaler's expanding AI-security portfolio can sustain growth while the company continues improving profitability.

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WS Investor 09-04-26

Zscaler Expands Carahsoft Partnership to Target SMB and Mid-Market Cybersecurity Demand

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) announced an expanded partnership with Carahsoft Technology on Tuesday aimed at bringing its enterprise-grade Zero Trust security platform to more small and medium-sized businesses and mid-market customers in the U.S.

The partnership will extend the reach of Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange through Carahsoft’s reseller and distribution network, with simplified pricing, standardized security packages and faster deployment designed specifically for smaller organizations.

Zscaler Targets an Underserved Cybersecurity Market

The initiative represents an effort by Zscaler to expand beyond its traditional large-enterprise customer base. SMB and mid-market companies increasingly face ransomware, phishing and identity-based attacks similar to those targeting large corporations, but typically operate with smaller cybersecurity teams and tighter IT budgets.

Under the expanded partnership, Zscaler will offer curated Zero Trust Exchange bundles and deployment accelerators intended to reduce implementation complexity. Pricing and packaging will also be adjusted to provide more predictable costs, while Carahsoft's reseller ecosystem will support procurement and deployment.

The companies will additionally provide partners with standardized onboarding processes, reference architectures and co-selling programs designed to accelerate customer acquisition.

Expanding the Addressable Market for Zero Trust

For Zscaler, the partnership could broaden the addressable market for its cloud security platform by making its technology more accessible to organizations that may previously have considered enterprise Zero Trust deployments too complex or expensive.

Zscaler's cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange replaces traditional appliance-based security architectures by connecting users, devices and applications without relying on implicit network trust. The platform currently operates across more than 160 public exchanges globally, alongside thousands of private exchanges at the edge.

The expanded Carahsoft relationship is therefore primarily a distribution and market-expansion initiative rather than a new product launch. By simplifying deployment and pricing while leveraging an established reseller network, Zscaler is seeking to capture cybersecurity spending from the large SMB and mid-market segment as demand for cloud-based security continues to grow.

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European Investor 08-18-26

ZS plunged nearly 31% after investors reacted harshly to the company’s fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings report, despite the cybersecurity firm delivering strong headline growth and raising full-year guidance.

The sharp selloff appeared driven not by weak current results, but by concerns over slowing free cash flow margins, rising infrastructure spending and investor fears that expectations for the AI cybersecurity leader had become too elevated following its massive rally over the past year.

Zscaler reported third-quarter revenue of $850.5 million, up 25% year over year, while annual recurring revenue (ARR) also climbed 25% to $3.53 billion. The company highlighted record profitability, with non-GAAP operating margin reaching an all-time high of 23%. Non-GAAP earnings per share rose to $1.08 from $0.84 a year earlier.

Management emphasized that demand remains strong as enterprises increasingly adopt AI-driven security architectures. CEO Jay Chaudhry said Zscaler’s Zero Trust platform is “ideally positioned as the cybersecurity platform for the AI era,” while the company announced multiple AI-related initiatives, including partnerships with OpenAI, Anthropic and Singtel, alongside the planned acquisition of Symmetry Systems to strengthen AI agent security capabilities.

However, investors focused on several softer aspects beneath the strong top-line numbers. Operating cash flow declined year over year to $198 million from $211 million, while the company sharply lowered its full-year free cash flow margin forecast to 22.8%-23.3%, down from previous guidance of 26.5%-27%. Management said the reduction reflects rising capital expenditures tied to infrastructure expansion and long-term AI investments.

The market may also have reacted negatively to decelerating organic ARR growth. Excluding the Red Canary acquisition, ARR growth was 21%, below the reported 25% figure, potentially reinforcing concerns that underlying growth momentum is moderating as the company scales.

Despite the dramatic decline, Zscaler actually raised nearly every major full-year forecast metric. The company increased revenue guidance to as much as $3.3325 billion, lifted operating income expectations and boosted projected earnings per share to $4.10-$4.11.

The selloff suggests investors are reassessing valuation levels and future profitability assumptions rather than reacting to operational weakness. With AI-related cybersecurity spending becoming increasingly competitive and infrastructure-intensive, the market appears concerned that Zscaler’s next phase of growth may come with lower cash generation and higher execution risks than previously expected.

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Global Finance News 05-27-26

Zscaler announced a major expansion of its data sovereignty capabilities through its Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange, aimed at helping global organizations comply with local data regulations while maintaining secure cross-border operations.

The expansion includes new regional deployments and enhanced local control planes that allow enterprises to manage sensitive data within specific jurisdictions without sacrificing performance or security. Zscaler currently operates more than 160 data centers worldwide and uses a decentralized architecture separating control, data and logging planes to ensure that sensitive information remains within required geographic boundaries.

New features include in-region SSL inspection and malware analysis, enabling encrypted traffic to be inspected locally without transferring sensitive data outside the country. The company also introduced certified on-premises deployment options through Private Service Edges and regional support teams to assist organizations with national regulatory requirements.

Zscaler said the platform also supports stronger compliance capabilities such as customer-controlled encryption keys using hardware security modules, flexible regional logging options and a unified compliance framework designed to help organizations meet regulations including General Data Protection Regulation and NIS2 Directive.

The company added that its security cloud infrastructure is fully owned and operated by Zscaler, helping ensure service resilience and reducing the risk that outages at individual data centers could disrupt global operations.
Globe Newswire

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European Investor 03-12-26

Zscaler, Inc. reported strong second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with revenue rising 26% year over year to $815.8 million and annual recurring revenue (ARR) increasing 25% to $3.36 billion, exceeding the high end of guidance.

Operating cash flow grew 14% to $204.1 million, while free cash flow rose 18% to $169.1 million. Non-GAAP operating income reached $181.0 million, or 22% of revenue, and non-GAAP net income per share climbed to $1.01 from $0.78 a year earlier. GAAP net loss totaled $34.3 million. ARR growth was 21% excluding contributions from the Red Canary acquisition.

The company raised its full-year fiscal 2026 ARR guidance to growth of 24%, now expected at $3.73 billion to $3.75 billion, and increased its revenue and profitability outlook. Zscaler highlighted continued demand across AI Security, Zero Trust Everywhere and Data Security, alongside recent acquisitions and global infrastructure expansion.

Source: Globe Newswire, February 26, 2026.

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Global Finance News 02-28-26

Zscaler, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZS) will release second quarter fiscal year 2026 earnings after the market closes on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The company will host an investor conference call at 1:30 p.m. Pacific time.

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WS Investor 02-06-26

Zscaler announced a series of new AI security innovations designed to help enterprises securely adopt generative and agentic AI at scale. The new Zscaler AI Security Suite aims to provide organizations with full visibility, control and governance across AI applications, models, agents and infrastructure, addressing growing risks such as data loss and cyberattacks that traditional security tools cannot manage.

The company said the new capabilities enable enterprises to inventory their AI footprint, securely control access to sanctioned AI services using Zero Trust principles, and protect AI infrastructure throughout the development lifecycle. Zscaler also highlighted new governance support aligned with frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and the EU AI Act, alongside integrations with major AI and cloud providers to accelerate secure AI adoption.

Source: GlobeNewswire

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WS Investor 01-27-26

Zscaler has been named AWS Marketplace Partner of the Year (North America) at AWS re:Invent 2025, recognizing its significant growth and impact within the AWS ecosystem. The award highlights Zscaler’s strong co-selling and co-innovation efforts with AWS, which helped the companies surpass $1 billion in AWS Marketplace sales. Zscaler’s Zero Trust security solutions are increasingly used to secure cloud migrations, AI workloads, and enterprise applications on AWS. Company executives said the recognition reflects customers’ trust in Zscaler to secure critical workloads and support rapid AI-driven innovation. AWS noted that winners were selected through a combination of self-nomination and data-driven evaluation by third-party firm Canalys.

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European Investor 12-02-25

Zscaler joins Microsoft’s new Entra Agent ID ecosystem

Zscaler announced it has been selected as an early adoption partner for Microsoft Entra Agent ID, a new identity framework designed to manage and secure AI agents. Zscaler will help test and shape the platform, integrating with Microsoft’s Agent Registry, Agent ID, and Agent Directory to support secure onboarding, governance, and lifecycle management of enterprise AI agents.

Zscaler says the collaboration will extend Zero Trust protections to AI workflows by ensuring all agent requests are authenticated and governed. Microsoft noted that Agent ID gives AI agents first-class identities with enterprise-grade governance, enabling safer deployment of agentic systems across organizations.

The partnership will allow customers to manage agents with consistent security policies across users, applications and AI systems, reducing operational complexity while supporting compliant AI adoption.

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Global Finance News 11-19-25

Zscaler to Report Q1 FY2026 Earnings on November 25

Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS) announced it will release first-quarter fiscal 2026 financial results after market close on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. The company will host an investor conference call at 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET) to discuss the results.

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The Investor 11-06-25

09-04-26WS News

09-03-26European Investor

09-01-26European Investor

05-29-26WS News

05-22-26European Investor

NYSE:XPO

XPO Stock Rises 3.7% as Bank of America Reiterates Buy Rating

XPO (NYSE: XPO) shares rose about 3.7% after Bank of America reiterated its Buy rating on the transportation and logistics company.

The rating was reaffirmed by Bank of America analyst Ken Hoexter, reinforcing a bullish view on XPO as the company continues to compete in the North American less-than-truckload (LTL) freight market.

XPO’s LTL Position Supports Sentiment

XPO is one of the largest LTL carriers in North America, a segment where scale, network efficiency, pricing discipline and service quality are important competitive advantages.

The company has focused heavily on improving its LTL operations and network efficiency, positioning it to benefit from stronger freight demand and an eventual recovery in the broader transportation cycle.

XPO’s 3.7% gain suggests the reiterated Buy rating is adding to positive investor sentiment around the logistics stock.

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Global Finance News 09-04-26

XPO reported preliminary operating metrics for its North American less-than-truckload (LTL) segment for November 2025, showing a 5.4% year-over-year decline in LTL tonnage per day. The decrease reflects a 2.2% drop in shipments per day and a 3.2% reduction in weight per shipment compared with November 2024. The company noted that final results for the month may differ from the preliminary figures.

XPO remains one of North America’s largest LTL freight carriers, serving 55,000 customers through 605 locations and 38,000 employees.

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European Investor 12-02-25

XPO, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) announced it expects to record a $35 million charge in Q3 2025 related to ongoing litigation stemming from Allianz Global Risks US Insurance Co. v. ACE Property & Casualty Ins. Co., et al. (Multnomah County Circuit Court, Case No. 1204-04552).

The case, which began in 2012—well before XPO’s 2015 acquisition of Con-way—involves environmental and product liability claims linked to truck and parts manufacturing facilities sold by a Con-way subsidiary in 1981. The matter is entirely related to legacy Con-way operations, not to XPO’s current Less-than-Truckload (LTL) business.

The expected $35 million charge covers allocated defense and indemnity costs already incurred by Allianz as well as estimated future costs. XPO noted that the actual liability could differ from the current estimate once the court issues its final judgment.

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The Investor 10-23-25

XPO Reports August 2025 Preliminary LTL Metrics

XPO (NYSE: XPO) announced that August 2025 LTL tonnage per day declined 4.7% year-over-year. This reflected a 3.4% drop in shipments per day and a 1.3% decrease in weight per shipment. The company noted results are preliminary and subject to change.

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Global Finance News 09-04-25

XPO Announces $750 Million Share Repurchase Plan

On March 26, 2025, XPO, Inc.’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program allowing the company to buy back up to $750 million of its common stock. This new authorization replaces the previous plan from February 2019, which had $503 million remaining as of the same date.

Under the new repurchase plan, XPO may repurchase shares at its discretion through methods such as open market transactions, privately negotiated deals, or trading plans compliant with SEC Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18.

The company emphasized that the timing and volume of repurchases will be guided by market conditions, business outlook, and capital allocation priorities. The plan does not obligate XPO to repurchase any specific number of shares and can be modified or terminated at any time. It is effective immediately.

In the accompanying forward-looking statement disclaimer, XPO noted various risks that could affect future outcomes, including economic and regulatory conditions, supply chain and labor disruptions, inflation, data security concerns, market competition, and the company's ability to meet strategic objectives.

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WS Investor 03-27-25

04-17-26The Investor

02-07-26WS News

NYSE:IOT

Samsara Stock Surges 15% Premarket on Strong Q2 Growth and Improved Profitability

Samsara (NYSE: IOT) shares surged about 15% in premarket trading Friday after the connected-operations software company reported strong fiscal second-quarter results, highlighted by 30% revenue growth, accelerating large-customer business and improving profitability.

Revenue increased 30% year over year to $508.4 million, while annual recurring revenue (ARR) climbed 30% to $2.125 billion. Net new ARR reached $134.1 million, up 28% from a year earlier.

Large Customers and AI Adoption Drive Momentum

Samsara's performance among large enterprise customers was particularly strong. Customers generating more than $1 million in ARR collectively contributed over $500 million, representing growth of more than 50% for the third consecutive quarter.

Management also highlighted rapidly increasing adoption of its artificial intelligence capabilities, saying usage of some of its newest AI features has risen more than fourfold over the past two months.

Profitability strengthened alongside growth. Non-GAAP operating income jumped to $106 million from $59.7 million, while operating margin expanded to 21% from 15%. Adjusted EPS increased to $0.20 from $0.12.

Samsara also posted GAAP EPS of $0.03, marking its fourth consecutive quarter of GAAP profitability. Free cash flow increased to $64.7 million from $44.2 million.

Samsara Raises Full-Year Outlook

The strong premarket reaction is also supported by the company's fiscal 2027 outlook. Samsara now expects full-year revenue of $2.043 billion to $2.047 billion, representing approximately 26% growth, with a 21% non-GAAP operating margin and adjusted EPS of $0.76 to $0.78.

For Q3, revenue is expected at $514 million to $516 million, representing 24% year-over-year growth.

The 15% premarket jump reflects a combination investors typically reward in high-growth software stocks: sustained 30% ARR growth, rapid expansion among large customers, rising AI adoption, widening operating margins and continued GAAP profitability.

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WS Investor 09-04-26

Samsara Stock Falls 1.6% Premarket After Piper Sandler Downgrade

Samsara (NYSE: IOT) shares fell about 1.6% in Monday premarket trading after Piper Sandler downgraded the connected-operations software company, citing valuation concerns following the stock's recent gains.

Piper Sandler analyst James Fish lowered Samsara's rating to Neutral from Overweight while maintaining a $40 price target.

The downgrade comes after a strong session for IOT on Friday, when the stock jumped 6.96% to close at $40.88. That rally left the shares slightly above Piper Sandler's $40 valuation target.

Valuation Concerns Weigh on IOT

The rating change appears primarily valuation-driven rather than a signal of deteriorating fundamentals. Piper Sandler had previously maintained an Overweight rating and raised its target to $40 from $39 following Samsara's earlier quarterly results.

With Friday's rally taking IOT above that target, the firm's downgrade suggests the risk-reward profile has become less attractive at current levels.

Monday's premarket decline therefore represents a partial reversal of Friday's strong advance rather than a major change in the company's operating outlook.

Why Is IOT Stock Down Today?

The roughly 1.6% premarket decline appears directly linked to Piper Sandler's downgrade from Overweight to Neutral.

The timing is particularly relevant because Samsara gained nearly 7% in the previous session. At Friday's $40.88 close, the stock was already trading above Piper Sandler's unchanged $40 target, leaving little implied upside under the analyst's valuation.

Investors will now be watching whether other Wall Street analysts follow Piper Sandler in becoming more cautious after Samsara's recent gains or maintain more bullish price targets.

For now, Monday's weakness appears primarily to reflect valuation concerns and some profit-taking after Friday's sharp rally rather than new negative developments in Samsara's underlying business.

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The Investor 08-10-26

Samsara Falls Despite Strong Earnings as Investors Focus on Slowing Growth Outlook

Samsara (IOT) shares fell 3.6% in premarket trading despite reporting another quarter of strong growth, profitability, and cash flow generation. The market's negative reaction appears to be driven by concerns over moderating growth rates rather than the company's underlying performance.

The connected operations software provider reported first-quarter revenue of $478.8 million, up 31% year-over-year, while annual recurring revenue (ARR) approached the $2 billion milestone, growing 30% to $1.99 billion. Net new ARR increased 30% to $100.7 million, highlighting continued strong customer demand for Samsara's platform.

The company also achieved its third consecutive quarter of GAAP profitability, reporting earnings of $0.08 per share compared with a loss a year ago. Non-GAAP operating margin expanded to 19% from 14%, while adjusted free cash flow rose 60% to $73.2 million.

Despite the impressive results, investors focused on management's forward guidance. Samsara expects second-quarter revenue growth of 23% to 24% and full-year revenue growth of approximately 24%, representing a noticeable slowdown from the 31% growth delivered in the latest quarter. For high-growth software companies, even strong guidance can disappoint when investors have become accustomed to faster expansion.

The earnings report nevertheless reinforced Samsara's improving profitability profile and growing leadership position in operational AI and connected fleet management. While the stock is under pressure following the release, the company's combination of rapid growth, expanding margins, recurring revenue, and sustained profitability continues to support a compelling long-term growth story.

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Global Finance News 06-05-26

Growth Stocks That Can Boost Your Portfolio Today

https://thesmartinvestor.com.sg/looking-to-grow-your-portfolio-these-5-us-stocks-could-be-the-right-picks-for-you/

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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WS Investor 06-25-25

Samsara Inc. Announces Retirement of Chief Accounting Officer Andrew Munk

Samsara Inc. reported that Andrew Munk, Chief Accounting Officer, will retire and step down from his position effective April 8, 2025. The company noted that Munk's retirement is not due to any disagreements or concerns regarding financial reporting, internal controls, or operations.

Following Munk’s departure, Dominic Phillips, the current Chief Financial Officer, will take on the additional role of interim principal accounting officer starting April 9, 2025, while the company conducts a search for Munk’s permanent replacement. No new compensation arrangements are associated with Phillips's interim role.

Samsara confirmed that there are no family relationships or related-party transactions involving Phillips that require disclosure.

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The Investor 03-29-25

Samsara Reports Strong Q4 and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results with 33% ARR Growth
SAN FRANCISCO – March 6, 2025 – Samsara Inc. (NYSE: IOT), the leader in Connected Operations®, announced its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025 results, highlighting record revenue growth, strong annual recurring revenue (ARR), and continued profitability improvements.

Key Financial Highlights for Q4 FY2025
Revenue: $346.3 million, up 25% YoY (adjusted revenue up 36%)
Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR): $1.46 billion, up 32% YoY (adjusted ARR up 33%)
Customers with ARR over $100,000: 2,506, up 36% YoY
GAAP Gross Margin: 77%, up 2 percentage points YoY
Non-GAAP Gross Margin: 78%, up 2 percentage points YoY
GAAP Operating Loss: $(18.4) million, improving by $104.6 million from Q4 FY2024
Non-GAAP Operating Income: $55.9 million, up $42.4 million YoY
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: $53.9 million, an improvement of $95.8 million YoY
Adjusted Free Cash Flow: $48.5 million, up $32.5 million YoY
Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Highlights
Total Revenue: $1.25 billion, up 33% YoY (adjusted revenue up 37%)
GAAP Gross Profit: $950.9 million, up $260.5 million YoY
GAAP Gross Margin: 76%, up 2 percentage points YoY
GAAP Operating Loss: $(190.0) million, improving $133.4 million from FY2024
Non-GAAP Operating Income: $113.6 million, up $112.3 million YoY
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: $131.7 million, an improvement of $143.5 million YoY
Adjusted Free Cash Flow: $111.5 million, up $84.4 million YoY
CEO Statement
Sanjit Biswas, CEO & Co-Founder:

"Fiscal 2025 was another year of durable and efficient growth. We ended the year with nearly $1.5 billion in ARR, achieving 33% YoY adjusted growth. We’re at a unique combination of growth, scale, and profitability, with a large market opportunity ahead. By partnering with the world’s largest and most complex operations organizations, we are transforming how industries operate.”

Financial Outlook for Q1 & FY2026
Q1 FY2026 Guidance
Revenue: $350 million - $352 million
YoY Revenue Growth: 25% (26-27% in constant currency)
Non-GAAP Operating Margin: 7%
Non-GAAP Net Income per Share (Diluted): $0.05 - $0.06
Full-Year FY2026 Guidance
Revenue: $1.52 billion - $1.53 billion
YoY Revenue Growth: 22-23% (23-24% in constant currency)
Non-GAAP Operating Margin: 11%
Non-GAAP Net Income per Share (Diluted): $0.32 - $0.34
Market & Strategic Outlook
Samsara continues to expand its Connected Operations® Platform, providing industry-leading solutions across transportation, logistics, construction, utilities, energy, and government sectors. With AI-powered analytics and automation, the company aims to drive higher efficiency, safety, and sustainability for enterprise customers.

Samsara will host a live webcast today at 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET to discuss the results. Visit investors.samsara.com for the shareholder letter and webcast details.

Investor Contact: Mike Chang, [email protected]
Media Contact: Stephanie Burke, [email protected]

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ME NEWS 03-07-25

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