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NYSE:DKS

DICK'S Sporting Goods Stock Crashes 30% as Foot Locker Weakness and Lower Outlook Alarm Investors

DICK'S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) shares plunged about 30% on Tuesday after the retailer cut its 2026 outlook, as deteriorating conditions in the athletic footwear and apparel market weighed heavily on its recently acquired Foot Locker business.

The core DICK'S business remained relatively strong, delivering comparable sales growth of 4.9% in the second quarter, supported by higher transactions and average ticket as well as strong demand surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, earnings weakened significantly. Reported diluted EPS fell to $3.50 from $4.71 a year earlier, while non-GAAP EPS declined to $3.53 from $4.38. The current quarter also included dilution from 9.6 million shares issued for the Foot Locker acquisition.

Why Is DKS Stock Down 30%?

The primary concern is Foot Locker and a worsening athletic footwear market.

Foot Locker pro forma comparable sales fell 3.6% during the quarter as demand for athletic footwear weakened. Management said the market became increasingly promotional, forcing the company to lower prices to remain competitive.

Foot Locker was particularly vulnerable because of its greater dependence on legacy footwear styles, product launches and retro footwear. Management said there were fewer major launches during Q2 and those that occurred performed below both company and industry expectations.

DICK'S consequently lowered Foot Locker's 2026 comparable-sales forecast to between -2% and 0% and reduced its operating-income outlook for both the DICK'S and Foot Locker businesses.

The deterioration at Foot Locker is particularly important because DICK'S recently acquired the company, making the weak performance an early test of the strategic and financial rationale behind the transaction. Investors may now be pricing in greater integration risk and a longer path toward improving Foot Locker's profitability.

Core DICK'S Business Remains Strong

The selloff contrasts sharply with performance at the core DICK'S business. Comparable sales increased 4.9%, the company gained market share, and management maintained its full-year comparable-sales forecast of 2.5%-4.0%.

That divergence makes Foot Locker the central issue behind Tuesday's collapse. The 30% decline suggests investors are focusing on weaker footwear demand, increasing promotional pressure, falling earnings and reduced operating-income expectations — and, importantly, whether the Foot Locker acquisition will become a larger drag on DICK'S earnings than previously anticipated.

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WS Investor 08-25-26

DKS rose 5% today after DICK’S Sporting Goods reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, highlighted by robust comparable sales growth, improving momentum at the newly acquired Foot Locker business and higher full-year sales guidance.

The sporting goods retailer delivered first-quarter net sales of $5.17 billion, up 62.7% year over year, largely driven by the acquisition of Foot Locker. Comparable sales at the core DICK’S business increased a strong 6.0%, building on gains of 4.5% last year and 5.3% in 2024, signaling continued market share expansion across footwear, apparel and sporting goods categories.

Investors were particularly encouraged by improving trends at Foot Locker, which returned to positive comparable sales growth and profitability during the quarter. The company said its “Fast Break” store remodel initiative is producing double-digit comparable sales gains and margin improvements, with plans to scale the concept to roughly 250 stores by the back-to-school season.

Management raised the low end of its full-year comparable sales outlook for both the DICK’S and Foot Locker businesses. DICK’S now expects comparable sales growth of 2.5% to 4.0%, while Foot Locker is projected to grow between 1.5% and 3.0%. The company also increased non-GAAP operating income guidance and maintained its non-GAAP EPS outlook of $13.50 to $14.50.

While GAAP earnings per share rose to $3.54 from $3.24 a year ago, non-GAAP EPS declined to $2.90 from $3.37, reflecting dilution from the 9.6 million shares issued in the Foot Locker acquisition and ongoing integration costs. Operating margins also compressed due to acquisition-related expenses, inventory optimization efforts and investments tied to the turnaround of underperforming Foot Locker assets.

Still, the market focused on the broader growth story. CEO Lauren Hobart emphasized that “sport is driving sustained energy and engagement across the consumer landscape,” while Executive Chairman Ed Stack said the company is “playing offense for the long term” as it widens the gap with competitors.

The positive stock reaction suggests investors increasingly believe DICK’S can successfully integrate Foot Locker while capitalizing on strong athletic apparel and footwear demand ahead of major sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

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Global Finance News 05-27-26

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

DICK’S Sporting Goods files pro forma for Foot Locker deal: $2.4B consideration; combined sales top $21B

DICK’S Sporting Goods (DKS) filed unaudited pro forma financials tied to its planned acquisition of Foot Locker (FL), showing total consideration valued at about $2.40 billion. Foot Locker holders could elect $24.00 in cash per share or 0.1168 DKS shares; final elections as of Aug. 29 are reflected. DKS also noted it trimmed its bridge financing commitments to $1.75 billion after other funding steps.

On a pro forma basis, the combined company would have had $21.43 billion in FY2024 sales and $1.08 billion in net income ($11.69 diluted EPS). For the 26 weeks ended Aug. 2, 2025, pro forma sales were $10.47 billion with $256 million in net income ($2.82 diluted EPS).
Preliminary purchase accounting assigns $650 million to trademarks/tradenames, an $80 million step-up to PP&E, an unfavorable lease adjustment of $126 million, and $234 million of goodwill. Pro forma balance sheet totals show $16.69 billion in assets and $5.33 billion in equity.

One-time items include about $62 million of transaction costs, $29.5 million of expected cash severance plus $36.4 million for accelerated equity, $6.7 million in retention bonuses, and $52.3 million of seller costs. DKS also recognized a gain tied to its pre-existing 4.3 million-share stake in Foot Locker.

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The Investor 09-07-25

DICK'S Sporting Goods Withdraws and Plans to Refile Antitrust Notification for Foot Locker Merger

DICK’S Sporting Goods announced it has voluntarily withdrawn its pre-merger notification form under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act related to its planned merger with Foot Locker, to allow more time for the FTC to review the deal. The company plans to resubmit the form on or about July 25, starting a new 30-day waiting period.

The move is a standard procedural step and both companies remain committed to completing the merger in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and Foot Locker shareholder consent.
The companies previously filed a registration statement and proxy materials with the SEC, which are publicly available.

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WS Investor 07-25-25

DICK'S Sporting Goods Increases Authorized Shares Following Shareholder Approval

Five Proposals Voted at 2025 Annual Meeting; Equity Expansion Approved, Affirmative Action Report Rejected

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ME NEWS 06-16-25

DICK’S Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy Join Uber Eats for On-Demand Delivery

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Global Finance News 06-12-25

DICK’S Sporting Goods Reports Strong Q1 2025 Results and Announces Foot Locker Acquisition

DICK’S Sporting Goods delivered a record Q1 with net sales of $3.18 billion (up 5.2%) and comparable sales growth of 4.5%, driven by increases in both transaction count and average ticket. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $3.37, up from $3.30 a year ago.

The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 outlook, projecting:
• EPS of $13.80 to $14.40
• Comparable sales growth of 1.0% to 3.0%
• Net sales of $13.6 to $13.9 billion

During the quarter, DICK’S opened two House of Sport and four Field House locations, bringing the total store count to 885. It also repurchased $299 million in shares and paid $100 million in dividends.

A major highlight was the announced acquisition of Foot Locker, a $2.5 billion deal expected to close in the second half of 2025. The merger aims to create a global leader in sports retail, combining DICK’S broad appeal with Foot Locker’s strong presence in sneaker culture. Shareholders of Foot Locker will receive either $24 per share in cash or 0.1168 DICK’S shares.
Despite a year-over-year dip in GAAP net income (to $264 million from $275 million), gross margin improved, and capital investments nearly doubled. The company closed the quarter with $1.04 billion in cash and no outstanding revolving debt.

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The Investor 05-29-25

DICK'S Sporting Goods reported record sales for the fourth quarter of 2024, delivering a 6.4% increase in comparable sales. For the full year, the company achieved a 5.2% growth in comparable sales, driven by higher transaction volumes and average ticket prices. Earnings per diluted share rose 15% to $14.05, compared to $12.18 in 2023.

The company opened seven House of Sport locations and 15 DICK'S Field House locations in 2024 and plans to expand further in 2025 with approximately 16 new House of Sport locations and 18 additional Field House stores. DICK'S provided guidance for 2025, expecting comparable sales growth of 1.0% to 3.0% and earnings per share between $13.80 and $14.40.

The Board of Directors authorized a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend and approved a new five-year share repurchase program of up to $3 billion.

CEO Lauren Hobart emphasized the company’s strategic investments in real estate, in-store enhancements, and digital experiences, particularly in growing its footwear segment and accelerating eCommerce operations. The company remains confident in its long-term strategy despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

DICK'S ended the year with $1.69 billion in cash and equivalents, while inventories increased 18% year-over-year. The company repurchased $268 million in shares during 2024 and increased capital expenditures by 37% to $803 million.

The company will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. ET to discuss these results, with a webcast available on its investor relations website.

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WS News 03-11-25

08-25-26WS Investor

11-11-25The Investor

03-11-25The Investor

NASDAQ:NVDA

IBM Expands AI Infrastructure Push With $240 Million Together AI Agreement

IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced a multi-year $240 million agreement with Together AI to deploy a large-scale artificial intelligence inference cluster on IBM Cloud, further expanding the company’s exposure to growing enterprise AI infrastructure demand.

Under the agreement, IBM plans to deploy NVIDIA HGX B300 systems combined with NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking. The cluster, expected to become available in the first quarter of 2027, will be used by Together AI to provide production-scale inference for open-source AI models.

The deployment will be IBM Cloud’s first dedicated large-scale inference cluster based on HGX B300 systems. NVIDIA says the architecture can deliver as much as 30 times greater AI factory output compared with previous generations.

Together AI has been scaling rapidly as demand for open-source AI models grows. The company says its inference platform currently processes around 400 trillion tokens per month and recently raised $800 million at an $8.3 billion valuation.

For IBM, the agreement strengthens its position as an infrastructure provider for increasingly compute-intensive AI workloads. It also deepens IBM’s existing relationship with NVIDIA, spanning GPUs, networking, cloud infrastructure and enterprise AI software.

The $240 million multi-year commitment provides IBM with another significant AI infrastructure customer while demonstrating demand for its GPU-based cloud capacity. The companies expect the platform to help enterprises run open-source AI models with improved performance and lower inference costs.

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The Investor 08-11-26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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European Investor 07-27-26

NVIDIA shares climbed approximately 4.5% today as investors reacted positively to the company’s latest artificial intelligence chip announcements and expanding vision for AI-powered computing.

The rally was fueled by NVIDIA’s unveiling of a powerful new AI supercomputer chip scheduled for release this fall, reinforcing the company’s position at the center of the global artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. Investors view the new product as another step in NVIDIA’s effort to maintain its technological lead as demand for AI training and inference continues to accelerate across enterprises, cloud providers, and government organizations.

Markets also welcomed news highlighting how NVIDIA’s next-generation AI processors could bring advanced artificial intelligence capabilities directly to Windows PCs. The move expands NVIDIA’s opportunity beyond data centers and cloud computing, potentially opening a massive consumer and enterprise PC market for AI-powered applications.

The announcements come just days after NVIDIA delivered another strong earnings report, which showcased continued growth in AI-related revenue and robust demand for its Blackwell platform. Today’s gains suggest investors remain confident that the company can sustain its leadership position despite increasing competition from rivals such as AMD, Intel, and custom chip developers.

With a market value exceeding $5 trillion and analysts maintaining an average price target well above current levels, NVIDIA continues to be viewed as one of the primary beneficiaries of the global AI spending cycle. Investors are betting that the company’s expanding portfolio of AI chips, software, and computing platforms will drive another wave of growth as businesses increasingly adopt artificial intelligence technologies.

Today’s move highlights the market’s belief that NVIDIA’s innovation pipeline remains strong and that demand for advanced AI computing is still in the early stages of a multi-year expansion.

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WS News 06-01-26

Nvidia Barely Moves in Premarket Despite Historic Quarter as Monster Guidance Already Priced In

Nvidia reported what may be the most extraordinary quarter in semiconductor history yesterday, yet shares edged up just 0.08% in premarket trading — a reaction that speaks volumes about how thoroughly the AI infrastructure bull case has been priced into one of the world's most closely watched stocks.

Revenue for Q1 fiscal 2027 came in at a record $81.6 billion, up 85% year over year and 20% sequentially, beating the consensus expectation of approximately $78 billion. Data Center revenue reached a record $75.2 billion, up 92% year over year, with compute revenue up 77% and networking revenue — a figure that had been less scrutinized — surging 199% to $14.8 billion. GAAP net income tripled to $58.3 billion and GAAP diluted EPS of $2.39 was more than triple the $0.76 reported a year ago. Gross margin expanded to 74.9% from 60.5% a year ago. The company returned a record $20 billion to shareholders in the quarter alone.

The forward guidance was the number the market had been waiting for. Nvidia guided Q2 revenue of $91.0 billion, plus or minus 2%, representing another roughly 12% sequential acceleration and approximately 76% year-over-year growth. Critically, the company stated it is not assuming any Data Center compute revenue from China in its outlook — meaning the guidance stands entirely on non-China demand, a significant reassurance given ongoing export restriction concerns.

The company also announced an $80 billion additional share repurchase authorization and a dramatic dividend increase, raising the quarterly payout from $0.01 per share to $0.25 per share — a 2,400% increase that signals management's confidence in sustained cash generation.

CEO Jensen Huang framed the moment in sweeping terms, describing the buildout of AI factories as the largest infrastructure expansion in human history and positioning Nvidia as the only platform running in every cloud, powering every frontier model and scaling from hyperscale data centers to the edge.

The company is also transitioning to a new reporting framework with two market platforms — Data Center and Edge Computing — reflecting its evolution beyond chips into a full-stack AI infrastructure company. The Vera Rubin platform, NVIDIA Dynamo 1.0 and a broad suite of agentic AI tools underscore that the product roadmap extends well beyond the current Blackwell cycle.

The near-flat premarket reaction is not a sign of disappointment — the results were objectively exceptional by any historical standard. It is instead a reflection of a stock that has already rallied 20% in the past month and trades at a valuation that embeds extraordinary future growth. When a company beats $78 billion estimates with $81.6 billion and guides to $91 billion next quarter, and the stock barely moves, it tells you that the market had already bought the dream. The question now is whether $91 billion in Q2 will finally surprise to the upside of even the most bullish expectations — and whether the Vera Rubin ramp can extend this cycle well into 2027 and beyond.

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The Investor 05-21-26

US Markets Open Cautiously Higher as All Eyes Turn to Nvidia

US equity markets opened in positive territory today, with the S&P 500 up 0.31%, the Dow adding 0.14% and the Nasdaq gaining 0.38%, as investors adopted a measured stance ahead of what is arguably the most consequential earnings report of the season — Nvidia's first quarter fiscal 2027 results, due after the closing bell today.

The cautious optimism comes after two consecutive sessions of declines driven by rising bond yields and geopolitical anxiety. The modest green open reflects a market catching its breath rather than making a bold directional call, with most participants holding their positions ahead of Nvidia's numbers.

Nvidia is expected to report roughly $78 billion in revenue and $1.77 in non-GAAP earnings per share, implying approximately 77% to 78% year-on-year revenue growth. Buy-side whispers run higher, with some sell-side desks modeling closer to $79 billion and the most aggressive houses above $80 billion. Nvidia has beaten the Street every quarter of this cycle, meaning a beat alone is already priced in. What markets will be watching most closely is the Q2 guidance and any commentary on the China export restrictions and gross margin sustainability.

The broader earnings backdrop heading into today is genuinely strong. With approximately one-third of S&P 500 companies reported, the blended year-over-year earnings growth rate stood at 15%, up from 13% expected at the end of March, putting the index on track for a sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth. Eighty-four percent of reporting companies have beaten EPS estimates, with the magnitude of beats averaging 12%, well above the five-year historical average of 7.3%.

Today's earnings slate is also busy, with Target, Lowe's, TJX, Analog Devices and Hasbro among the morning reporters. From the earnings covered over the past two days, CAVA's 9.7% same-restaurant sales growth driven by actual traffic gains and 8x8's first GAAP-profitable fiscal year since 2015 were standouts, while Red Robin's margin improvement and Agilysys' record revenue quarter added to a broadly constructive picture across sectors.

On the macro front, the tension between a strong earnings season and a difficult rate environment remains unresolved. Bond yields have been climbing, with the 30-year Treasury recently crossing 5.18%, its highest level in nearly two decades. Iran ceasefire diplomacy continues to generate daily headlines and oil price swings, keeping inflation expectations elevated and Fed rate cut hopes pushed further into the future.

For today, Nvidia is the market. A strong print with confident guidance could provide the catalyst the broader indices need to break decisively higher. Anything short of that, and two days of bond-driven selling could resume.

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WS Investor 05-20-26

Nvidia Extends Rally as Jensen Huang Joins Trump in Beijing, May 20 Earnings in Sight

May 14, 2026 | NASDAQ: NVDA

Nvidia is building on yesterday's 2.29% gain with a further 1.93% rise in premarket, extending a five-day winning streak that has added approximately $590 billion in market cap and pushed shares back toward all-time highs. Two converging forces are driving the momentum — a dramatic geopolitical development in Beijing and accelerating anticipation ahead of the May 20 earnings report.

The headline development from the last 24 hours is Jensen Huang's last-minute addition to President Trump's China delegation. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has joined Trump's trip to China after initial indications he had not been invited. After seeing media coverage of Huang's absence from the delegation, Trump called the Nvidia executive and asked him to join, and Huang flew to Alaska to board Air Force One (CNBC).

Trump had previously approved Nvidia H200 chip exports to China in January 2026, but not a single one has been sold, making Huang's presence at the summit a potential catalyst for breaking that impasse. The market is treating that possibility as a meaningful positive for Nvidia's China revenue outlook.

Wells Fargo raised its price target on Nvidia from $265 to $315 with an overweight rating, saying AI will drive the stock more than 40% higher from current levels (CNBC). The broader analyst community is similarly positioned ahead of the May 20 earnings report. Nvidia has guided for Q1 fiscal 2027 revenue of $78 billion, plus or minus 2%, while the Wall Street consensus expects approximately $78.8 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of $1.77 (Motley Fool). Hyperscaler capex commitments provide strong demand visibility — Microsoft plans to spend $190 billion in calendar 2026, Amazon approximately $200 billion, and Alphabet between $180 and $190 billion, all largely AI-driven (Motley Fool).

Nvidia shares have gained approximately 20% year to date, outpacing the S&P 500's 7.5% and the Nasdaq's 14% gains, with the stock trading near its 52-week high of $225 and a market cap of approximately $5.5 trillion. At roughly 27 times forward earnings, the valuation has actually compressed relative to prior peaks, giving bulls a reasonable entry point ahead of what most expect will be another beat-and-raise quarter.

The China angle is the wildcard. If the Beijing summit produces any signal of a pathway to H200 shipments resuming, the revenue upside for Nvidia could be significant — and the market appears to be starting to price in that possibility.

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European Investor 05-14-26

NVIDIA Rises as AI Momentum and China Hopes Lift Sentiment

NVIDIA shares rose about 2.65% today, extending a strong rally as investors continued to price in demand for artificial-intelligence chips and looked ahead to the company’s next earnings report. The stock traded near record levels, on pace for a record close after four straight days of gains.

One key driver appears to be renewed optimism around China. Investing*com reported that the move was helped by news of President Trump’s planned state visit to China on May 13–15, which investors interpreted as a possible opening for discussions around AI chip export restrictions. Since China remains a major potential market for advanced AI hardware, any easing or renegotiation of restrictions could be meaningful for NVIDIA’s future sales outlook (Investing*com).

The rally also reflects positioning ahead of NVIDIA’s upcoming earnings, expected on May 20 on which analysts remain highly bullish. Expectations for revenue is about $78.6 billion, up 78% year over year.

Recent AI infrastructure news has also supported sentiment. Reuters reported last week that NVIDIA plans to invest up to $2.1 billion in data-center operator IREN as part of a broader deal to deploy up to 5 gigawatts of AI infrastructure, underscoring the scale of demand for computing capacity (Reuters).

Overall, today’s gain seems to be driven by three factors: record-high momentum, expectations for another strong earnings report, and hopes that U.S.-China talks could improve the outlook for AI chip sales. The main risk is valuation: after such a sharp rally, investors may expect near-perfect earnings and guidance.

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Global Finance News 05-11-26

NVIDIA and ServiceNow announced an expanded partnership to develop autonomous AI agents for enterprise use, unveiled at ServiceNow Knowledge 2026.

The collaboration focuses on delivering governed, secure AI agents capable of executing complex, multi-step workflows across enterprise systems. A key highlight is “Project Arc,” a self-evolving desktop agent designed to assist knowledge workers such as developers and IT teams by interacting directly with local systems and applications.

The solution integrates NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and open models with ServiceNow’s workflow and governance platforms, enabling enterprises to deploy AI agents with greater control, auditability, and security. The initiative also emphasizes efficiency, leveraging NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure to significantly reduce operational costs for large-scale AI deployments.

The partnership reflects a broader shift toward autonomous, action-oriented AI systems, where enterprises prioritize not just AI reasoning but real-world execution within controlled environments.

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The Investor 05-05-26

Nvidia Slides 4% in Pre-Market as Custom Chip Threat and China Restrictions Cloud the AI Chip Throne

Nvidia shares are down around 4% in pre-market trading on May 1, a jarring contrast to the broader AI optimism generated by a wave of blowout Big Tech earnings, as two converging headwinds move to the forefront of investor concern.

The primary catalyst for the drop is growing anxiety about competition in the AI chip market. Amazon recently disclosed that its in-house chip business is growing quickly, while Alphabet announced plans to sell its custom AI chips to select outside customers, prompting investors to question whether Nvidia's dominant position may begin to erode as hyperscalers increasingly develop alternatives. (CNBC)

The China situation is adding a second layer of pressure. A recent crackdown on chip smuggling in China has pushed prices of Nvidia's B300 servers close to $1 million each. Since these advanced systems are restricted in China, supply is constrained and prices are surging, but this also risks reducing demand and accelerating the push by Chinese customers toward competitor hardware. Separately, Chinese AI and tech firms including Alibaba and Tencent are increasingly betting on Huawei chips as they seek to break their dependence on Nvidia given ongoing US export restrictions. (CNBC, Investing*com)

The irony of the sell-off is that the hyperscaler earnings released overnight were uniformly bullish for AI infrastructure demand. Alphabet raised its 2026 capex guidance to $180 to $190 billion, while Amazon and Microsoft also flagged significant AI infrastructure increases, with Big Tech capital expenditures now seen topping $1 trillion collectively in 2027. Yet markets are increasingly asking whether that spending will flow to Nvidia or to proprietary custom silicon. (Stocktwits)

Nvidia closed at $209.25 on April 30 and is trading around $199.57 in pre-market, with a 52-week range of $110.82 to $216.83. The stock is still up more than 92% over the past year. Nvidia's next earnings report is scheduled for May 20, where the company will need to demonstrate that demand for its Blackwell architecture remains insulated from the custom chip threat. (The Motley Fool)

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European Investor 05-01-26

Nvidia stock volatile this week as AI optimism meets rising concerns

Shares of NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) showed volatile performance this week, as strong momentum in the AI sector was offset by growing investor concerns about sustainability of demand and broader market risks.

The stock initially surged to a new record high, supported by continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and expectations of strong spending by major tech companies. According to Investopedia, Nvidia’s rally has been driven by its dominant position in data center GPUs and its central role in AI infrastructure.

However, the rally lost momentum as the broader market turned cautious. Reuters reported that semiconductor stocks, including Nvidia, came under pressure amid concerns that AI growth could slow and uncertainty around large-scale data center investments.

Additional headwinds also weighed on sentiment. Reports cited by KuCoin News highlighted risks from potential U.S. export restrictions on advanced AI chips, which could limit Nvidia’s access to key markets such as China.

Despite these short-term pressures, the longer-term outlook remains supported by strong structural demand. Investopedia noted that continued investment in AI infrastructure is expected to sustain Nvidia’s growth, even as valuation and macro concerns create near-term volatility.

Overall, this week’s price action reflects a balance between strong AI-driven fundamentals and rising investor caution, keeping Nvidia among the most closely watched stocks globally.

Source: Reuters, Investopedia, KuCoin News

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WS Investor 04-28-26

08-25-26WS Investor

08-24-26European Investor

US Bonds

US Stocks Rise as Treasury Bond-Market Support Eases Yield Pressure

U.S. stocks were mostly higher Wednesday as the Treasury Department’s expanded bond-buyback operations continued to support sentiment by easing pressure in the government debt market.

The S&P 500 was up 0.37% at 7,719.85, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.46% to 53,588.62. The Nasdaq Composite, however, slipped 0.05% to 26,277.81, giving back its earlier gains as technology stocks lagged the broader market.

Treasury Intervention Brings Relief to Bonds and Stocks

The main catalyst supporting risk sentiment was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s move to bolster liquidity in the Treasury market. The department said it would at least double the maximum size of liquidity-support buybacks for longer-dated Treasury securities, increasing operations from $2 billion to at least $4 billion and targeting the 10- to 30-year portion of the curve.

Bond yields dropped sharply following the announcement. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell about 6 basis points to around 4.65%, while the 30-year yield declined roughly 9 basis points to around 5.20%. Treasury prices and yields move inversely.

The action has provided some relief after the recent surge in long-term borrowing costs became a major headwind for equities. The 30-year Treasury yield had climbed to around 5.34% on Tuesday, its highest level in nearly two decades, amid concerns over government borrowing, inflation, the U.S.-Iran conflict and elevated energy prices.

Dow Leads While Nasdaq Loses Momentum

The latest market action shows a divergence beneath the headline indexes. The Dow is now outperforming with a 0.46% gain, while the S&P 500 remains moderately higher. The Nasdaq has reversed its earlier advance and is trading slightly lower.

The reversal suggests that lower Treasury yields have not been enough to sustain the initial rebound in technology stocks. Growth and technology shares remain particularly sensitive to changes in long-term rates because higher yields reduce the present value of expected future earnings.

For the broader market, however, Treasury intervention has eased one of Wall Street’s most immediate concerns and helped stabilize financial conditions.

Investors will continue to monitor the Treasury market, oil prices and developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran conflict. The Federal Reserve’s July meeting minutes are also in focus for additional clues about the outlook for monetary policy, inflation and interest rates.

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Global Finance News 08-19-26

U.S. Stocks Fall as Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices and Treasury Yields Pressure Markets

U.S. stocks traded lower Tuesday as the continuing U.S.-Iran conflict pushed oil prices higher and intensified concerns about inflation and interest rates, with technology stocks leading the decline.

The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.3% to 26,301, underperforming the broader market. The S&P 500 declined 0.49% to 7,707, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.06% at 53,429.

The risk-off move comes as hopes for a lasting resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict fade. Iran has shifted toward a more offensive military posture after efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the conflict stalled, while Washington declined to extend the temporary ceasefire.

Oil and Bond Yields Add Pressure

Energy markets remain one of the main channels through which the conflict is affecting U.S. equities. Brent crude rose for a third consecutive session Tuesday, trading around $91 per barrel and reaching its highest level in nearly three weeks as continued restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about global oil supplies.

Higher oil prices are feeding concerns that energy costs could keep inflation elevated, complicating the outlook for monetary policy.

Those concerns have spilled into the bond market. The U.S. 30-year Treasury yield climbed as high as 5.327%, its highest level since 2007, while the benchmark 10-year yield was also around 4.73%. The rise in long-term yields reflects a combination of inflation concerns related to the conflict and oil prices, alongside broader worries about U.S. borrowing and debt issuance.

The combination of higher energy prices and rising bond yields is particularly challenging for growth and technology stocks, helping explain the Nasdaq's sharper decline.

Latest U.S. Data Point to Softer Economic Momentum

Tuesday's economic releases added another layer of uncertainty.

U.S. housing starts dropped 12.4% month-over-month in July to an annualized 1.239 million units, well below expectations of 1.340 million and down sharply from 1.415 million previously.

Industrial production increased just 0.2% month-over-month in July, below the 0.3% forecast and previous reading. On a year-over-year basis, production growth slowed to 1.08% from 1.29%.

The labor market offered a somewhat stronger signal. Weekly ADP employment growth came in at 9,500 jobs, up from 8,300 previously.

Taken together, the data point to uneven economic momentum: employment continues to expand, but housing activity weakened sharply and industrial production grew more slowly than expected.

For Wall Street, however, geopolitics remains the dominant driver Tuesday. As long as the U.S.-Iran conflict keeps Brent crude elevated and pushes longer-term Treasury yields higher, pressure on equity valuations — particularly in the technology sector — is likely to remain a central market risk.

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The Investor 08-18-26

Inflation is increasingly in focus for the US bond market and the Fed, says Mike Mitchell, head of US Treasury and Inflation Trading at Goldman Sachs.

(goldmansachs.com)

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European Investor 08-15-26

U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Yield Falls to 3.830%

The U.S. Treasury's latest six-month bill auction produced a yield of 3.830%, down slightly from 3.855% at the previous auction.

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WS Investor 08-10-26

U.S. Treasury Auction Yields Rise Ahead of Fed Decision as Investors Demand Higher Returns

U.S. Treasury yields moved higher on Monday after the Treasury’s latest debt auctions cleared at higher yields than the previous sales, reflecting investor caution ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and a busy slate of economic data.

The U.S. Treasury’s $69 billion 2-year note auction stopped at a high yield of 4.315%, up from 4.189% at the previous auction. Later in the day, the $70 billion 5-year note auction also cleared at a higher yield of 4.408%, compared with 4.200% previously.

The higher stop-out yields suggest investors demanded greater compensation to hold U.S. government debt, a sign that bond markets remain cautious about the outlook for interest rates and inflation. Treasury auctions are closely watched because they provide insight into investor demand for government securities and can influence borrowing costs across financial markets.

The auctions came just hours after softer-than-expected U.S. durable goods orders data, which pointed to moderating business investment but did little to change expectations that the Federal Reserve will leave interest rates unchanged at this week’s policy meeting.

Higher Treasury yields can weigh on equity valuations, particularly in growth sectors such as technology, by increasing discount rates used to value future earnings.

With the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement, key inflation data, and earnings from several mega-cap technology companies all due later this week, investors are likely to remain focused on the bond market for further signals about the direction of monetary policy and the broader U.S. economy.

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WS News 07-28-26

The U.S. Treasury's latest 10-year note auction attracted solid investor demand, with the high yield settling at 4.538%, modestly above the previous auction's 4.468% level.

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WS Investor 06-10-26

The US 2-Year Treasury note auction cleared at 4.071%, significantly above the previous 3.812%.

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WS Investor 05-26-26

The U.S. 10-year TIPS auction drew a yield of 2.169%, up from the previous 1.896%, indicating investors demanded higher real returns to hold inflation-protected government debt.

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European Investor 05-21-26

U.S. 30-year bond auction yield rose to 5.050%, up from the previous 4.876%.

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The Investor 05-13-26

The U.S. 10-year Treasury note auction came in weaker than the previous auction, due to today's inflation data.

High yield: 4.468%

Previous: 4.282%

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WS Investor 05-12-26

08-25-26WS Investor

08-24-26European Investor

08-24-26The Investor

NASDAQ:GOOG

Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock Edges Higher After Morgan Stanley Raises Price Target

Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) shares traded modestly higher on Tuesday after Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the Google parent company, reinforcing confidence in its long-term growth prospects driven by artificial intelligence and digital advertising.

The brokerage maintained its Overweight rating while increasing its price target to $415 from $375, signaling continued optimism about Alphabet's ability to capitalize on AI-driven opportunities across its search, cloud, and software businesses.

# Morgan Stanley Sees More Upside

The higher price target reflects growing confidence that Alphabet will continue benefiting from expanding AI adoption while maintaining its leadership in digital advertising.

Analysts also remain constructive on the company's cloud business, where ongoing investment in generative AI services is expected to support revenue growth and margin expansion over the coming years.

# AI Remains a Key Growth Driver

Alphabet has accelerated the rollout of AI-powered products across Google Search, Google Cloud, and Workspace, while continuing to invest heavily in infrastructure to support growing enterprise and consumer demand.

The company's strong balance sheet and leadership in AI innovation continue to position it as one of the largest beneficiaries of the industry's long-term growth.

# Why GOOGL Stock Was Little Changed

Despite the higher price target, Alphabet shares posted only modest gains, suggesting much of the positive outlook may already be reflected in the stock's valuation.

Still, Morgan Stanley's decision to reaffirm its Overweight rating while lifting its valuation target reinforces Wall Street's confidence in Alphabet's long-term earnings potential and competitive position within the AI ecosystem.

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Global Finance News 06-30-26

Alphabet Falls 5% Despite Citi Reiterating Positive Rating

Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) fell 5% even after Citigroup reiterated its Market Outperform rating, as investors reacted to broader concerns surrounding competition, valuation, and the evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

The decline came despite Citi maintaining a positive long-term view on the company. Alphabet remains one of the world's dominant digital advertising and cloud computing platforms, with growing exposure to artificial intelligence through products such as Gemini and its expanding AI infrastructure investments.

However, investor sentiment toward the stock has recently become more cautious as competition in AI-powered search intensifies. Market participants continue to evaluate how generative AI could reshape internet search and digital advertising, two of Alphabet's most important businesses.

Despite the sharp decline, analysts generally remain constructive on Alphabet's outlook. The company's leadership positions in search, cloud computing, digital advertising, and artificial intelligence continue to provide multiple growth drivers. Google Cloud has also emerged as a key beneficiary of growing enterprise AI adoption, helping diversify revenue beyond advertising.

Citigroup's reaffirmed Market Outperform rating suggests the firm believes the recent weakness does not alter Alphabet's long-term investment case. Nevertheless, the stock's decline highlights that investors remain sensitive to competitive developments and AI-related execution risks across the technology sector.

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Global Finance News 06-22-26

Alphabet Holds Steady as TD Cowen Raises Price Target to $475

Alphabet (GOOG) traded little changed despite receiving a bullish analyst update from TD Cowen, which raised its price target to $475 from $450 while maintaining a Buy rating.

The higher target reflects growing confidence in Alphabet's ability to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom while maintaining the strength of its core Search and advertising businesses. Investors have become increasingly optimistic that Google's AI investments are beginning to translate into stronger product offerings, improved user engagement, and new monetization opportunities across Search, Cloud, YouTube, and Workspace.

The lack of a significant stock reaction suggests that investors had already been expecting positive analyst commentary following the company's recent execution and strong positioning within the AI ecosystem. Alphabet has been one of the major beneficiaries of increasing enterprise AI adoption, particularly through Google Cloud, which continues to gain traction among businesses deploying large-scale AI workloads.

Analysts remain focused on several key catalysts, including the pace of Google Cloud growth, AI-driven improvements in Search, expansion of advertising revenue, and the company's ability to convert its massive AI investments into sustainable earnings growth.

While the stock was flat on the day, the target increase reinforces the view that many Wall Street firms continue to see substantial upside potential in Alphabet. With the new $475 target standing well above the current share price, TD Cowen's update suggests confidence that Alphabet's combination of AI leadership, dominant digital advertising position, and growing cloud business can continue to drive long-term shareholder returns.

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Global Finance News 06-09-26

Alphabet Slips 1% as Broader Tech Weakness Overshadows Higher Price Target

Alphabet shares fell 1% on Friday, outperforming many large-cap technology peers but still ending lower as investors sold growth stocks following stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data and rising Treasury yields.

Despite the decline, Wall Street sentiment remained constructive. New Street Research raised its price target on Alphabet from $450 to $455 while maintaining a Buy rating, signaling continued confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects despite recent market volatility.

The target increase reflects optimism surrounding Alphabet's expanding artificial intelligence initiatives, strength in digital advertising, and growing cloud computing business. Investors have been closely watching how the company integrates AI across Google Search, YouTube, Google Cloud, and other products as competition intensifies throughout the technology sector.

Alphabet has faced concerns that generative AI could disrupt traditional search advertising, but the company has continued to demonstrate strong user engagement and has been aggressively rolling out AI-powered features across its ecosystem. At the same time, Google Cloud remains one of the fastest-growing segments of the business, benefiting from increasing enterprise demand for AI infrastructure and cloud services.

Friday's decline appeared largely driven by macroeconomic factors rather than company-specific developments. Following the release of strong U.S. employment data, investors reduced exposure to technology stocks as expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts moved further into the future. Higher interest rates tend to pressure growth-stock valuations, particularly across the technology sector.

The fact that Alphabet fell only modestly while the Nasdaq dropped more than 4% may indicate that investors continue to view the company as one of the highest-quality names in the technology sector. The latest target increase from New Street Research further suggests that analysts remain confident in Alphabet's ability to capitalize on the AI revolution while maintaining its dominant position in digital advertising and cloud computing.

With a $455 price target compared with a recent share price around $369, Wall Street continues to see meaningful upside potential, even as short-term market volatility remains elevated.

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The Investor 06-06-26

Alphabet Plans Massive $80 Billion Equity Raise to Accelerate AI Infrastructure Expansion

Alphabet announced plans to raise approximately $80 billion through a combination of public stock offerings, preferred securities, and an at-the-market share sale program as the company ramps up investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure to meet surging demand.

The financing package includes $30 billion of underwritten offerings, a new $40 billion at-the-market stock sale program, and a $10 billion private placement investment from Berkshire Hathaway. Berkshire will purchase $5 billion of Alphabet Class A shares and $5 billion of Class C shares, expanding a position it has been building since late 2025.

The announcement underscores the scale of the AI investment race. Alphabet said customer demand for its AI products and services is exceeding available capacity, prompting the company to aggressively expand its compute infrastructure. Management previously guided for $180 billion to $190 billion in capital expenditures during 2026 and expects spending to rise significantly again in 2027.

The company enters this expansion phase with strong business momentum. First-quarter 2026 revenue climbed 22% year-over-year to $110 billion, while Google Cloud revenue surged 63%. Cloud backlog nearly doubled sequentially to more than $460 billion, highlighting robust enterprise demand for AI-related services. Alphabet also reported 350 million paid subscriptions across its ecosystem and said its AI models now process 19 billion tokens per minute, six times higher than a year ago.

Alphabet emphasized that the equity raise is part of a balanced funding strategy that also includes strong cash generation and debt financing. Over the past 12 months, the company generated $174 billion in operating cash flow and has raised more than $85 billion in debt across global markets.

The announcement highlights how major technology companies continue to commit unprecedented amounts of capital to AI infrastructure, with Alphabet positioning itself to capture growing demand across search, cloud computing, subscriptions, and developer platforms.

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Global Finance News 06-02-26

Alphabet Hits Intraday Record as Cloud Growth Stuns Wall Street

Alphabet shares hit intraday record highs on April 30 after Q1 2026 revenue came in at $109.9 billion, up 22% year-over-year, beating the $107.2 billion consensus and marking the company's 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. (CNBC)

The standout was Google Cloud. Cloud revenues surged 63% to $20 billion, crushing the $18.05 billion estimate, with backlog nearly doubling quarter-on-quarter to over $460 billion. Search revenue rose 19% to $60.4 billion as queries hit an all-time high. Gemini Enterprise paid users grew 40% quarter-on-quarter, and total paid subscriptions reached 350 million. (The Motley Fool)

Operating margin expanded two percentage points to 36.1%, putting Alphabet in a rare position of accelerating growth and expanding margins simultaneously. The company raised its 2026 capex guidance to $180 to $190 billion, but unlike Meta, markets are rewarding the spend given the Cloud results that accompanied it. (The Motley Fool, CNBC)

Goldman Sachs reiterated a Buy with a $400 price target. (Investing*com)

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WS Investor 04-30-26

Alphabet Reports 22% Revenue Growth in Q1 2026, Driven by AI and Cloud

Alphabet posted first-quarter revenues of $109.9 billion, up 22% year over year, marking its 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Google Cloud was the standout performer, with revenues surging 63% to $20 billion, while its backlog nearly doubled quarter over quarter to over $460 billion.

Google Search grew 19% and total paid subscriptions reached 350 million across YouTube and Google One. Net income rose 81% with earnings per share of $5.11, and operating margin expanded to 36.1%. The company also raised its quarterly dividend by 5% to $0.22 per share.

CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted that Gemini API usage has reached 16 billion tokens per minute, up 60% from last quarter, while Waymo surpassed 500,000 fully autonomous rides per week.

Source: Alphabet Inc. Press Release, April 29, 2026

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Global Finance News 04-29-26

Intel and Google Expand Partnership to Advance AI Infrastructure

Intel and Google announced a multiyear collaboration to enhance next-generation AI and cloud infrastructure.

The partnership will deepen the use of Intel Xeon processors across Google Cloud while expanding co-development of custom infrastructure processing units (IPUs), designed to improve efficiency, performance, and scalability in AI systems.

The companies emphasized the growing importance of CPUs alongside accelerators in managing complex AI workloads, with IPUs helping offload networking, storage, and security tasks to optimize overall system performance.

The collaboration aims to build more efficient, flexible, and scalable infrastructure to support rising global demand for AI-driven applications and services.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-09-26

5 Cash-Rich Fortresses with War Chests That Could Withstand the Market Chaos

Uncover the 5 cash-rich fortresses built to survive market turbulence and geopolitical tensions with strong war chests.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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European Investor 04-09-26

Google announced the completion of its acquisition of Wiz, a New York–based cloud and AI security platform, which will now operate as part of Google Cloud while maintaining its brand and cross-cloud capabilities.

The acquisition aims to strengthen Google Cloud’s security offerings by combining Wiz’s cloud security platform with Google’s AI-powered threat detection and infrastructure capabilities. The integrated platform will help organizations detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats across multiple cloud environments, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Oracle Cloud.

Google said the move is designed to support the growing demand for multicloud security as businesses and governments migrate critical workloads to cloud and AI systems, while also improving cybersecurity automation and protection against emerging AI-driven threats.

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The Investor 03-11-26

08-25-26WS Investor

08-19-26Global Finance News

08-17-26WS News

NYSE:BNS

Scotiabank Stock Jumps 5% as Record Q3 Earnings and Strong Revenue Impress Investors

Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE: BNS) shares jumped about 5% on Tuesday after Scotiabank reported record third-quarter results, with stronger earnings, expanding margins and broad-based growth across its major businesses.

Net income increased to C$2.95 billion from C$2.53 billion a year earlier, while diluted EPS climbed to C$2.27 from C$1.84. On an adjusted basis, net income reached C$2.97 billion and EPS rose to C$2.28 from C$1.88. Adjusted return on equity improved to 14.2% from 12.4%, exceeding the bank's 14% medium-term target.

Why Is BNS Stock Rising?

The rally appears to reflect the strength and breadth of the quarter rather than one individual earnings driver.

Total revenue reached C$10.54 billion, up from C$9.49 billion a year earlier and C$9.84 billion in the previous quarter. Net interest income increased to C$5.87 billion, while non-interest income reached C$4.67 billion.

Performance was particularly strong across Scotiabank's major divisions. Canadian Banking earnings increased 12% year over year, Global Wealth Management earnings jumped 23%, and Global Banking and Markets delivered record earnings of C$647 million, up 37%. International Banking earnings also increased 8%.

Credit trends provided another positive signal. Provisions for credit losses declined sequentially to C$1.08 billion from C$1.22 billion, although they remained slightly above C$1.04 billion a year earlier.

Scotiabank also maintained a solid CET1 capital ratio of 13.1% while repurchasing 8.6 million shares during the quarter. The bank has returned C$6.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks so far this fiscal year.

The 5% gain in BNS shares suggests investors are rewarding the combination of record earnings, stronger profitability, improving margins and broad-based operating momentum across the bank.

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WS Investor 08-25-26

Scotiabank has launched a new AI-powered Home Energy and Advice Tool in partnership with Climative, aimed at helping homeowners improve energy efficiency and manage renovation decisions. The tool provides personalized insights based on property characteristics, including estimated costs, potential savings, and available rebates.

The platform allows users to assess their home’s energy performance, explore upgrade options, and better understand how to enhance resilience against extreme weather. It also offers guidance on financing and renovation planning.

Scotiabank said the initiative addresses growing consumer interest in energy-efficient home improvements while supporting broader sustainability goals. The bank highlighted the tool as part of its strategy to integrate climate-focused solutions into its customer offerings.
CNW

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WS Investor 04-21-26

Scotiabank announced that it expects to record approximately CAD $77 million in net income contribution in the second quarter of 2026 from its stake in KeyCorp, reflecting its share of KeyCorp’s first-quarter earnings.

After adjusting for acquisition-related intangible amortization of about CAD $8 million, the contribution is expected to rise to roughly CAD $85 million on an adjusted basis. The reported figures also incorporate funding costs and are recognized with a one-month reporting lag.

Scotiabank indicated that these results will be included in its upcoming second-quarter earnings release scheduled for May 27, 2026.

The update highlights the financial impact of Scotiabank’s investment in KeyCorp, providing early visibility into earnings contributions from its U.S. banking exposure.
CNW

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WS Investor 04-19-26

Scotiabank released its 2025 Sustainability Report, outlining progress across climate finance, community investment, and ESG initiatives.

The bank reported providing $40 billion in climate-related financing in 2025, bringing its total to $212 billion since 2019, while continuing to support clients’ transition strategies. It also highlighted $212 million in community investments through its ScotiaRISE program, part of a broader $500 million commitment by 2030.

Scotiabank introduced an updated framework for ScotiaRISE focused on education, employment, community development, and economic resilience, and emphasized ongoing efforts in Indigenous engagement and sustainable infrastructure financing. The bank also maintained its top-tier MSCI ESG rating (AAA), reflecting its standing among global banking peers.
CNW

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Global Finance News 04-17-26

Scotiabank has launched “Scotia Intelligence,” a new enterprise-wide platform aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across its global operations.

The initiative integrates data, cloud infrastructure, and governance frameworks to enable secure and scalable AI use for employees and clients. A key component, Scotia Navigator, provides AI-powered tools for daily workflows, including coding assistance, research automation, and the development of custom AI agents.

The bank reported early operational impact, with AI handling over 40% of customer queries in contact centers and automating around 90% of commercial banking emails, significantly reducing manual workloads and improving efficiency.

Scotiabank emphasized responsible AI practices as a core pillar, supported by its data ethics framework to ensure transparency, fairness, and security in AI deployment.

The launch reflects the bank’s broader strategy to enhance productivity, decision-making, and client experience through advanced AI technologies.
CNW

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European Investor 04-13-26

Scotiabank announced new digital banking enhancements focused on AI-driven personalization and fraud prevention within its mobile app.

The update introduces predictive payment prompts that use AI to help customers manage recurring transactions such as bill payments and transfers. The app also strengthens fraud protection by issuing real-time alerts during phone calls to prevent scams and by flagging suspicious transactions for immediate user verification.

Additional features include improved card controls, allowing users to quickly replace lost or stolen cards, adjust spending limits, and add credit cards to digital wallets with minimal friction.

The enhancements reflect Scotiabank’s broader strategy to deliver faster, more secure, and highly personalized digital banking experiences while addressing rising fraud risks.
CNW

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WS Investor 04-08-26

Scotiabank (TSX: BNS; NYSE: BNS) and Casa have launched the first Canadian credit card offering no transaction fees on rent payments made through the Casa platform.

Holders of the ScotiaGold Passport® Visa* Card can use the card to pay rent or condo fees via Casa without the platform’s standard credit card transaction fee and earn 1 Scene+ point per dollar on everyday purchases. Cardholders who spend at least $350 per month also earn 1 Scene+ point per dollar on eligible housing payments.

The Casa platform, developed with major residential owners and operators and covering more than 500,000 units, is expanding nationwide (excluding Quebec) to allow broader rent and condo fee payments by credit card. The initiative aims to modernize housing payments while enhancing rewards for one of Canadians’ largest monthly expenses.
CNW

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European Investor 03-03-26

Scotiabank (TSX: BNS) (NYSE: BNS) reported first-quarter net income of $2.30 billion, more than doubling from $993 million a year earlier. Diluted earnings per share rose to $1.73 from $0.66. On an adjusted basis, net income was $2.70 billion and diluted EPS was $2.05, up from $1.76 last year. Adjusted return on equity improved to 13% from 11.8%.

Canadian Banking earnings increased 5% year over year to $960 million, supported by revenue growth and expense discipline, with ROE rising to 18.1%. International Banking earnings grew 7% to $737 million, with ROE improving to 16%. Global Wealth Management posted adjusted earnings of $491 million, up 18%, as assets under management climbed 10% to $436 billion. Global Banking and Markets earned $544 million, up 5%, driven by stronger fee-based revenue and capital markets activity.

Scotiabank reported a Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 13.3% and reaffirmed confidence in achieving a return on equity above 14% by 2027.

Source: CNW Group, February 24, 2026.

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Global Finance News 02-24-26

Scotiabank will announce its first quarter results on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

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The Investor 02-17-26

Scotiabank announced the launch of the Scotiabank Accountant Banking Program, a specialized banking solution designed for Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) and accounting practice owners across Canada. Timed with tax season, the program offers preferred pricing, fee waivers, tailored lending rates, and access to dedicated professional banking specialists to address accountants’ unique cash-flow cycles and operational needs.

The program includes operating cost savings, growth financing options, expense management benefits, digital banking fee waivers, and partner offers, aiming to simplify financial management and help accountants focus on client service and practice growth. Scotiabank said the offering reflects its commitment to providing targeted, industry-specific banking solutions for professionals nationwide.

Source: CNW

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Global Finance News 02-09-26

NYSE:TSM

TSMC July Revenue Jumps 44.7% as AI and Advanced Chip Demand Drive Growth

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM) reported another sharp acceleration in sales in July, reinforcing the company's position as one of the biggest beneficiaries of continued investment in artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductor infrastructure.

TSMC reported July revenue of NT$467.58 billion, up 44.7% from NT$323.17 billion a year earlier and 5.6% from June.

For January through July, cumulative revenue reached NT$2.872 trillion, representing 37% growth from the same period of 2025.

The July numbers extend the momentum seen in TSMC's latest quarterly earnings and provide another indication that demand for leading-edge chip manufacturing remains strong entering the second half of 2026.

TSMC Earnings Show Strength of Advanced Chip Demand

TSMC's second-quarter results, released in July, already demonstrated the scale of the current semiconductor expansion.

Q2 revenue increased 36% year over year to NT$1.27 trillion, while net income surged 77.4% to NT$706.56 billion. Diluted EPS also increased 77.4% to NT$27.25, equivalent to $4.31 per ADR.

Profitability remained exceptionally strong, with a 67.7% gross margin, 60.3% operating margin and 55.6% net margin.

Advanced manufacturing technologies were central to the performance. Chips produced using 7-nanometer and more advanced processes accounted for 77% of total wafer revenue, including 33% from 5nm, 30% from 3nm and an initial 3% contribution from the company's new 2nm technology.

Management expects the 2nm ramp to accelerate in the third quarter.

AI Remains a Major Catalyst for TSMC and Chip Sector

TSMC sits at the center of the global AI semiconductor supply chain because many leading chip designers depend on its advanced manufacturing capacity.

Continued investment in AI accelerators, data centers and high-performance computing has increased demand for the advanced process technologies needed to manufacture increasingly powerful chips.

The company's latest numbers suggest that this demand remains robust. July's 44.7% year-over-year revenue increase was even stronger than the 36% growth reported for the second quarter.

TSMC expects third-quarter revenue of $44.6 billion to $45.8 billion, with gross margin between 65% and 67% and operating margin between 56% and 58%.

Those forecasts indicate that the current expansion in advanced semiconductor demand is translating not only into higher sales but also into exceptionally strong profitability.

TSM Stock Up 18% Over Six Months

TSMC's U.S.-listed shares closed Friday at $420.04, up 0.44% for the session. The stock was little changed in early Monday premarket trading following the July sales announcement.

Despite periods of volatility, TSM has gained approximately 18.2% over the past six months. The shares recently traded above $450 before pulling back toward $420, while remaining substantially above their late-March levels.

The latest monthly sales data provide further fundamental support for the broader AI and semiconductor investment theme. As the world's dominant advanced-chip foundry, TSMC's revenue trends are closely watched as an indicator of underlying demand across the chip industry.

July's 44.7% growth, combined with strong Q2 earnings and the accelerating 2nm production ramp, suggests that demand for advanced computing capacity remains strong. The key question for TSMC and the wider semiconductor sector is whether the extraordinary pace of AI infrastructure investment can sustain this level of growth as the industry moves through the second half of 2026.

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The Investor 08-10-26

### TSMC (TSM) Rebounds in Premarket After Citigroup Reiterates Buy Rating

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM) rebounded in premarket trading on Monday after Citigroup reiterated its Buy rating on the chipmaker, helping restore investor confidence following Thursday's selloff.

TSMC shares fell 2.3% during Thursday's regular session but gained 2.4% in premarket trading after Citigroup reaffirmed its bullish stance on the stock.

The reiterated Buy rating reflects continued confidence in TSMC's long-term growth prospects as the world's leading contract semiconductor manufacturer. The reaffirmation comes as demand for advanced AI chips and high-performance computing remains a key driver for the company.

TSMC continues to benefit from strong capital spending by leading technology companies developing artificial intelligence infrastructure, with its cutting-edge manufacturing processes positioning the company at the center of the AI semiconductor supply chain.

The premarket rebound suggests investors looked past Thursday's weakness, with Citigroup's positive rating reinforcing expectations that TSMC remains well positioned to capitalize on long-term growth in AI, cloud computing, and advanced semiconductor demand.

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European Investor 07-06-26

TSMC Gains as Susquehanna Reiterates Positive Rating

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM) rose 1.2% after Susquehanna reiterated its Positive rating, underscoring continued confidence in the world's largest contract chip manufacturer.

The analyst's stance reflects optimism surrounding TSMC's dominant position in advanced semiconductor manufacturing, where the company remains a critical supplier to many of the world's leading technology firms. TSMC produces cutting-edge chips for customers including Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and numerous AI-focused companies.

Investor sentiment toward TSMC has remained strong as artificial intelligence spending continues to drive demand for advanced processors. The company is widely viewed as one of the most important beneficiaries of the global AI investment cycle because nearly every major AI chip designer relies on TSMC's manufacturing capabilities.

Demand for advanced process technologies, particularly 3nm and future 2nm nodes, is expected to remain robust as customers develop increasingly powerful AI accelerators, data center processors, and next-generation consumer devices.

The stock's advance also comes amid broader strength across the semiconductor sector, where analysts have recently raised expectations for AI-related capital spending and long-term industry growth. Recent bullish commentary on companies such as ASML, Applied Materials, KLA, Lam Research, AMD, and Micron has reinforced confidence in the semiconductor supply chain.

By maintaining its Positive rating, Susquehanna signaled continued confidence that TSMC's technology leadership and unmatched manufacturing scale position the company to remain a key beneficiary of the ongoing AI-driven semiconductor boom.

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Global Finance News 06-22-26

TSMC stock today: Taiwan Semi slips premarket on Nvidia H200 supply talks and a 2nm production update

TSMC stock today: Taiwan Semi slips premarket on Nvidia H200 supply talks and a 2nm production update - TechStock²

(ts2.tech)

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WS News 12-31-25

The Hidden Backbone of the AI Boom

The hidden backbone of the AI ...

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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WS Investor 10-26-25

3 US AI Stocks Still Worth Buying at Market Highs

3 US AI stocks ...

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The Investor 10-23-25

10 Best Stocks to Own in 2025 – Handpicked from the Morningstar Universe | Dr Wealth

10 best stocks to own in 2025 ...

(drwealth.com)

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Global Finance News 10-21-25

Synopsys (NASDAQ: SNPS) announced an expanded collaboration with TSMC to enable advanced 2D and 3D chip design solutions, targeting applications in AI, high-speed data communications, and advanced computing. The partnership integrates Ansys simulation and analysis tools into TSMC’s latest process technologies, including N3C, N3P, N2P, and A16, with certified workflows for power, thermal, and electromagnetic integrity.

The companies also introduced an AI-assisted optimization flow for TSMC’s COUPE photonic platform, aimed at shortening design cycles and improving quality for optical and photonic systems. By combining Synopsys’ 3DIC design tools with Ansys multiphysics platforms, the collaboration supports larger, more complex designs and enhances resilience against electrical stress, enabling chipmakers to accelerate development of energy-efficient, high-performance semiconductors for next-generation technologies.

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WS Investor 09-24-25

Artificial Intelligence is Booming: 5 Attractive US Stocks to Help You Latch on to This Trend - The Smart Investor

With artificial intelligence seeing sustained interest, here’s how you can participate in the growth of this nascent sector.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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WS News 05-28-25

Synopsys and TSMC advance angstrom-scale chip design with certified EDA flows on A16 and N2P processes

Synopsys, Inc. announced continued collaboration with TSMC to accelerate semiconductor design at the angstrom scale, enabling AI and 3D multi-die innovation through advanced EDA and IP solutions certified for TSMC’s leading-edge A16 and N2P processes.

Key developments include:
- Certified digital and analog design flows for TSMC A16 and N2P, powered by Synopsys.ai, supporting improved power, performance, and design migration efficiency
- Ongoing development of EDA flows for TSMC’s upcoming A14 process
- Expanded 3D integration capabilities using Synopsys 3DIC Compiler and TSMC’s CoWoS® technology, supporting 5.5x reticle size interposers
- Certified IC Validator signoff physical verification for A16 and N2P, including 3Dblox and ESD rule support
- Broad portfolio of silicon-proven IP for high-speed interfaces including PCIe 7.0, 1.6T Ethernet, HBM4, UCIe, USB4, DDR5, LPDDR6, and MIPI standards
- Enhanced support for next-generation AI and HPC workloads with advanced PHY IP and integrated multi-physics analysis

Synopsys emphasized its role in delivering mission-critical tools and IP for cutting-edge system-on-chip (SoC) designs, enabling reduced development risk, faster time to market, and higher performance across a range of applications.

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European Investor 04-24-25

08-10-26The Investor

07-16-26WS News

07-13-26WS Investor

NASDAQ

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

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Global Finance News 08-19-26

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The Investor 08-18-26

U.S. Stocks Mixed as Strong Empire State Manufacturing Data Complicates Fed Outlook

U.S. stocks traded mixed Monday as investors weighed unexpectedly strong manufacturing data against continued strength in technology and AI-related shares.

The S&P 500 was down 0.14% at 7,774.51, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.34% to 53,548.44. The technology-heavy Nasdaq bucked the trend, rising 0.13% to 26,764.38.

The New York Fed’s Empire State Manufacturing Index climbed to 20.6 in August from 15.6 in July, substantially exceeding the 10.6 market forecast and reaching its highest level in more than four years. New orders and shipments also recorded solid gains, pointing to stronger manufacturing activity in New York State.

The stronger report offered a positive signal for U.S. economic growth but also complicated the interest-rate outlook. Input-price pressures increased in the survey, potentially reinforcing concerns that the Federal Reserve may need to remain cautious about declaring inflation fully contained.

Technology stocks were providing support to the Nasdaq, with renewed strength in AI and semiconductor names helping the index outperform the broader market. Investors are also looking ahead to Wednesday’s Federal Reserve meeting minutes for additional clues on the policy outlook.

For Wall Street, the combination of resilient economic activity and easing inflation remains broadly constructive, but stronger growth and renewed price pressures could limit expectations for a more accommodative Fed.

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European Investor 08-17-26

U.S. Stocks Slip as Weak Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment Raise Growth Concerns

U.S. stocks are trading modestly lower Friday after a weaker-than-expected batch of economic data raised fresh concerns about consumer demand and the near-term growth outlook.

The S&P 500 is down 0.07% at 7,793.67, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average is 0.18% lower at 53,741.48. The Nasdaq Composite is down 0.19% at 26,751.53.

Retail Sales Weaken in July

The main pressure comes from July retail sales. Headline retail sales fell 0.6% month over month, considerably weaker than the 0.1% increase expected by economists and reversing the previous month's 0.2% gain.

Core retail sales also disappointed, declining 0.3% compared with expectations for a 0.2% increase. The previous reading was a 0.2% decline.

The figures point to softer consumer spending momentum entering the second half of the year. Because household consumption remains a major driver of the U.S. economy, the downside surprise is reinforcing concerns that economic growth could lose some momentum.

Consumer Sentiment Falls as Inflation Expectations Rise

The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for August dropped to 51.0 from 55.2, well below the 54.7 consensus estimate.

Consumer expectations weakened as well, falling to 50.6 from 55.4 and missing expectations of 55.2.

At the same time, one-year inflation expectations increased to 4.3% from 4.2%. The combination of weaker confidence and slightly higher inflation expectations presents a less favorable macro backdrop: consumers are becoming more cautious while inflation concerns remain elevated.

Why Are U.S. Stocks Down?

Friday's data create a mixed signal for monetary policy. Weak retail spending and deteriorating consumer confidence strengthen the case for easier Federal Reserve policy, but the increase in short-term inflation expectations could complicate that outlook.

The relatively small declines across the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq suggest investors are not treating the data as evidence of a severe downturn. Instead, the market reaction reflects renewed caution over whether softer consumer demand could begin weighing more materially on corporate earnings and U.S. economic growth during the second half of 2026.

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Global Finance News 08-14-26

U.S. Stocks Rally as Softer PPI Supports Rate-Cut Hopes

U.S. stocks moved sharply higher Thursday as investors welcomed softer-than-expected producer inflation data, while labor-market figures offered a mixed but still relatively stable picture.

The Nasdaq led gains, rising 0.97% to 26,845.93, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.84% to 7,813.91. The Dow Jones gained 0.50% to 54,041.72.

The main catalyst was July's Producer Price Index. Headline PPI was unchanged month over month, below the 0.2% increase expected and following a 0.1% decline previously. Core PPI increased 0.2%, also below the 0.3% forecast and slowing from 0.4%.

The softer producer-price figures reinforced expectations that inflationary pressures in the production pipeline remain contained, potentially giving the Federal Reserve greater flexibility to lower interest rates.

Labor data were somewhat less supportive. Initial jobless claims rose to 209,000, above the 202,000 expected and 200,000 previously. However, continuing claims declined to 1.777 million, better than the 1.800 million forecast.

The combination of cooling producer inflation without clear evidence of severe labor-market deterioration created a favorable backdrop for equities. Technology stocks responded particularly strongly, helping the Nasdaq outperform as lower inflation expectations improved the outlook for interest-rate-sensitive growth valuations.

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The Investor 08-13-26

Nasdaq Leads US Stocks Higher After Inflation Data Matches Expectations

U.S. stocks traded mostly higher Wednesday after July inflation data came in exactly in line with expectations, with technology shares outperforming as the report avoided an upside inflation surprise that could have renewed concerns over Federal Reserve policy.

The Nasdaq was the strongest major index, rising 0.48% to 26,573.43. The S&P 500 gained 0.19% to 7,742.85, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, slipping 0.03% to 53,776.39.

CPI Data Supports Technology Stocks

Headline U.S. CPI increased 0.1% month-over-month in July, matching expectations, while annual inflation eased to 3.4% from 3.5%.

Core CPI also matched forecasts, rising 0.2% monthly while the annual rate slowed to 2.5% from 2.6%.

The absence of an upside inflation surprise was particularly supportive for technology and other growth stocks. Cooling annual inflation reduces the risk that the Federal Reserve will need to return to a more aggressive monetary-policy stance, an environment generally favorable for higher-duration growth valuations.

However, because all four major CPI readings matched consensus estimates, the report did not provide a major dovish surprise. That helps explain the relatively moderate gain in the broader S&P 500 and the nearly flat Dow.

Nasdaq Outperforms Broader Market

The divergence among the major indexes points to stronger investor appetite for technology and growth stocks rather than a broad-based post-CPI rally.

The Nasdaq's 0.48% advance substantially outpaced the S&P 500's 0.19% gain, while the Dow remained slightly negative. AI and semiconductor shares continue to provide additional support to the technology-heavy index, alongside the favorable inflation reaction.

For Wall Street, the July CPI report largely preserves the existing macroeconomic narrative: inflation is gradually cooling, but remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. With the report producing no significant surprise, investors are likely to shift their attention toward upcoming economic releases and their implications for interest rates.

For now, the combination of easing annual inflation and no upside CPI shock is providing a modestly positive backdrop for U.S. equities, with technology stocks and the Nasdaq emerging as the clearest beneficiaries.

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WS Investor 08-12-26

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The Investor 08-10-26

08-17-26WS News

08-15-26The Investor

08-04-26WS News

07-28-26WS News

NASDAQ:COIN

Coinbase Stock Rises as Goldman Sachs Raises Price Target to $196

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN) shares gained about 3.9% on Tuesday as investors reacted to a bullish price-target increase from Goldman Sachs.

Goldman Sachs analyst James Yaro raised the firm's price target on Coinbase to $196 from $173 while maintaining a Buy rating. The new target represents about 5% upside from the stock's recent price of $186.49.

Why the Rating Report Is Positive for Coinbase

The higher target comes as sentiment toward the cryptocurrency sector improves, with Bitcoin rebounding sharply and moving back above $80,000. Stronger cryptocurrency prices typically benefit Coinbase by supporting trading activity, transaction revenue and overall engagement across its platform.

Coinbase also occupies a strategically important position in the U.S. digital-asset industry. Beyond retail and institutional crypto trading, the company has expanded into custody, stablecoins and other crypto infrastructure services, giving it broader exposure to growing institutional adoption of digital assets.

Goldman Sachs' decision to maintain its Buy rating while raising the price target therefore reinforces a positive outlook for Coinbase as crypto-market conditions improve.

With COIN already up about 3.9%, the combination of the higher Goldman Sachs target and renewed strength across cryptocurrency markets appears to be supporting Tuesday's advance.

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WS Investor 08-25-26

Coinbase Stock Falls 4.8% Despite Record Market Share and Growing Revenue Diversification

Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) shares fell 4.8% on Friday despite reporting another solid quarterly update that highlighted record trading market share, accelerating growth in non-trading businesses and continued profitability. The decline suggests investors focused on the softer cryptocurrency trading environment and broader weakness in crypto-related stocks rather than the company's improving fundamentals.

Coinbase reported its third consecutive quarter of record crypto trading volume market share, reaching 10.3% in the second quarter despite softer overall market activity. The company also posted its 14th consecutive quarter of positive adjusted EBITDA, underscoring continued cost discipline through the crypto cycle.

Business Continues to Diversify Beyond Bitcoin Trading

A key takeaway from the quarter was Coinbase's increasing revenue diversification. The company said 88% of net revenue now comes from sources other than Bitcoin spot trading, reflecting a business that is becoming less dependent on Bitcoin price movements.

Subscription and Services revenue reached $555 million and accounted for 48% of net revenue, compared with just 29% less than two years ago. Stablecoin activity also continued to expand, with average USDC balances on Coinbase products reaching a record $20 billion, while prediction markets revenue more than doubled from the previous quarter.

AI, Stablecoins and Derivatives Support Long-Term Growth

Coinbase highlighted strong momentum across several strategic initiatives. Crypto derivatives gained market share for a third consecutive quarter, stablecoin transaction volumes continued to accelerate, and AI-driven engineering efficiencies improved product development while helping the company reduce its expected full-year adjusted expense guidance.

Management emphasized that Coinbase is evolving into a broader financial infrastructure platform serving consumers, institutions, developers and governments, rather than remaining solely a cryptocurrency exchange.

What to Watch

Despite the share price decline, Coinbase's latest results suggest the company continues to strengthen its competitive position even during weaker crypto market conditions. Investors will closely monitor cryptocurrency trading activity, stablecoin adoption, derivatives growth and continued expansion of subscription-based revenue as key drivers of long-term earnings growth.

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Global Finance News 07-31-26

Coinbase Slips in Pre-Market as Revenue and Earnings Miss Overshadow Market Share Gains

San Francisco, May 8, 2026 — Shares in Coinbase Global fell 2.36% in pre-market trading on Thursday, extending an after-hours decline, after the cryptocurrency exchange reported a first quarter defined by broad misses on revenue and earnings — the inevitable result of a sharp pullback in crypto trading volumes during the period.

Revenue came in at $1.41 billion, falling roughly 6% short of analyst consensus of around $1.51 billion and representing a 30.5% decline year-over-year as crypto market capitalization and trading volumes fell more than 20% quarter-over-quarter. Transaction revenue of $755.8 million missed estimates of around $805 million, and subscription and services revenue of $583.5 million also fell short. The GAAP net loss of $394 million, or $1.49 per share, was dramatically worse than the small profit analysts had expected, with $482 million in unrealized losses on crypto assets held for investment — tied to Bitcoin's slide during the quarter — acting as the primary drag. Adjusted EBITDA of $303 million missed the $398 million consensus by nearly 24%.

Coinbase's company letter leaned heavily on strategic milestones, and they were real: trading volume market share hit an all-time high of 8.6%, derivatives volumes grew 169% year-over-year, and prediction markets reached $100 million in annualized revenue within two months of launch. Base, its layer-2 blockchain, processed 62% of global onchain stablecoin transaction volume. These are the kinds of infrastructure gains that matter in the long run. But in a quarter where the headline numbers missed badly, they offered cold comfort to investors.

Q2 guidance added little reassurance, with transaction revenue of approximately $215 million recognized quarter-to-date through May 5, implying another soft quarter if current market conditions persist. The muted pre-market decline likely reflects that much of the bad news was already priced in after after-hours selling drove the stock down nearly 5% on the initial print.

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Global Finance News 05-08-26

Citi Partners with Coinbase to Develop Digital Asset Payment Solutions for Global Clients

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) announced a collaboration with Coinbase to build digital asset payment capabilities for its institutional clients. The partnership will focus initially on streamlining fiat pay-ins and pay-outs through Coinbase’s on/off ramps, enhancing the connection between traditional finance and digital assets.

The two firms aim to develop 24/7 payment infrastructure supporting both fiat and stablecoin transactions, expanding accessibility for Citi’s global client base. Future initiatives will include exploring new methods for fiat-to-stablecoin payouts.

Debopama Sen, Citi’s Head of Payments and Services, said the collaboration extends Citi’s “network of networks” strategy across its 94 global markets. Brian Foster, Coinbase’s Global Head of Crypto as a Service, added that the partnership combines Citi’s payment reach with Coinbase’s digital asset expertise to “build infrastructure for the next generation of financial services.”

The move reinforces Citi’s efforts to expand real-time payment solutions, following the rollout of Citi Token Services and 24/7 USD Clearing.

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The Investor 10-27-25

VantagePoint Vantagepoint A.I. Hot Stocks Outlook for August 1, 2025 Stocks $BRO, $COIN, $CAT, $NFLX, $SPOT, $WDC and $IWM

Register for a Free Live Training Hot Stocks Outlook uses VantagePoint’s market forecasts that are up to 87.4% accurate, demonstrating how traders can improve their timing and direction. In this week’s video, VantagePoint Software reviews forecasts for C

(vantagepointsoftware.com)

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Global Finance News 08-03-25

PayPal and Coinbase Expand Stablecoin Partnership

PayPal and Coinbase have deepened their partnership to boost adoption of the PayPal USD (PYUSD) stablecoin. The collaboration will enable:

- Fee-free PYUSD transactions on Coinbase, with 1:1 USD redemptions
- New payment innovations for global money movement and commerce
- Exploration of DeFi use cases using PYUSD across decentralized platforms

The move is part of a broader push to grow PYUSD's utility and adoption among developers, businesses, and consumers.

PYUSD is issued by Paxos Trust Company and is backed by U.S. dollar reserves, including Treasuries and equivalents.

Both firms emphasized their long-term goal of mainstreaming stablecoin-based solutions in digital finance.

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WS Investor 04-24-25

Coinbase Global, Inc. (Nasdaq: COIN) announced that it has reached an agreement in principle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to dismiss its ongoing litigation. This agreement, still subject to approval by the SEC’s Commissioners, would result in the case being dismissed with prejudice.

The litigation originated in June 2023 when the SEC filed a complaint against Coinbase and its subsidiary, Coinbase, Inc., alleging violations related to operating as an unregistered securities exchange, broker, and clearing agency, as well as offering and selling unregistered securities through its Staking program. A ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in March 2024 denied Coinbase’s motion to dismiss most of the SEC’s claims but dismissed allegations concerning Coinbase’s Wallet application.

Following an appeal process initiated by Coinbase in April 2024, the District Court certified an interlocutory appeal in January 2025, temporarily staying the proceedings. The SEC was granted an extension until March 14, 2025, to respond to Coinbase’s petition in the Court of Appeals.

Coinbase announced the agreement in principle on February 21, 2025, signaling a potential resolution to the legal dispute. The company has provided further details through its blog and social media channels, though it clarified that such information is not incorporated into its SEC filings.

Forward-looking statements in Coinbase’s report caution that the agreement is not yet final and remains subject to SEC approval. The company has stated it will not provide additional updates unless legally required.

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European Investor 02-21-25

Coinbase has secured regulatory approval in the UK under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), allowing it to expand its services in one of the world’s leading financial markets. This license enables the company to operate under the UK’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, reinforcing its commitment to compliance amid increasing scrutiny of digital asset firms. The approval strengthens Coinbase’s position in Europe and aligns with its broader strategy to establish a presence in key global markets while ensuring regulatory adherence.

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The Investor 02-03-25

Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Earnings Call
February 13, 2025 5:30 PM ET

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Global Finance News 01-24-25

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Global Finance News 01-18-25

06-10-26WS Investor

05-18-26European Investor

05-08-26WS Investor

NASDAQ:PEP

PepsiCo Stock Falls 3.6% Premarket Despite Revenue Growth and Reaffirmed 2026 Outlook

PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) shares fell 3.6% in premarket trading on Thursday despite reporting higher second-quarter revenue and earnings and reaffirming its full-year 2026 guidance, as investors appeared disappointed by modest underlying profit growth and continued margin pressure.

Why Is PepsiCo Stock Falling Today?

Although PepsiCo delivered another quarter of revenue growth, investors focused on slowing core earnings momentum rather than headline results.

The company reported second-quarter net revenue of $24.2 billion, up 6.4% year over year, while organic revenue increased 2.4%. Core earnings per share rose 4% to $2.20, and core constant-currency EPS increased just 1%, suggesting that much of the reported growth was supported by acquisitions and favorable foreign exchange rather than accelerating underlying profitability.

PepsiCo Delivers Solid Sales Growth

PepsiCo said strong performance from its international operations and beverage business continued to support overall growth.

The company's global convenient foods and beverages businesses posted healthy organic volume gains, with management highlighting the strongest year-to-date global organic volume growth since 2022. International markets remained a key driver, while North America's beverage business benefited from acquisitions completed in 2025.

The company also pointed to innovation, affordability initiatives, and continued expansion of its zero-sugar, hydration, protein, and functional product offerings as contributors to sales growth.

Margins Remain Under Pressure

While reported operating profit surged due to easier year-over-year comparisons following prior impairment charges, underlying profitability was more subdued.

Core operating profit increased 4%, while core operating margin slipped 40 basis points to 16.8% as productivity gains and pricing were partially offset by higher operating costs. The relatively modest growth in core earnings may have tempered investor enthusiasm despite the stronger headline figures.

What Investors Are Watching Next

PepsiCo reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 financial guidance, signaling confidence in its outlook despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

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The Investor 07-09-26

PepsiCo has opened a Lay’s potato-themed restaurant in Shanghai, marking a new step in its experiential marketing strategy in China.

Located in the city’s Xintiandi district, the restaurant offers an immersive, limited-time brand experience built around Lay’s, combining food, design, and cultural collaborations. The concept aims to engage younger consumers who increasingly favor experience-driven consumption over traditional product ownership.

The venue features a diverse menu of potato-based dishes, including Shanghai-exclusive creations, and incorporates both Eastern and Western culinary influences. The opening also includes collaborations with chefs and fashion partners, alongside interactive installations and retail merchandise tied to the brand.

PepsiCo described the project as a “test-and-learn” model to explore new consumption occasions beyond traditional snacking, particularly in the away-from-home channel. The initiative is expected to inform similar brand activations in other global markets.

The move highlights PepsiCo’s broader strategy to deepen consumer engagement through immersive experiences and expand the role of its snack brands into lifestyle and dining spaces.

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The Investor 04-27-26

PepsiCo, Inc. has launched Dirty Mountain Dew, its first ready-to-drink “dirty soda”-inspired beverage, now available nationwide.

The new product combines Mountain Dew’s signature citrus flavor with a creamy finish and is offered in both regular and zero-sugar versions, in bottles and multi-pack cans. The launch taps into the growing “dirty soda” trend, which has gained popularity among consumers seeking customizable, indulgent drinks.

PepsiCo said the product brings a traditionally made-to-order beverage concept into a convenient, ready-to-drink format, expanding access through retail distribution. The company will also offer delivery promotions through DoorDash’s DashMart in select U.S. markets starting later in April.

The launch reflects PepsiCo’s strategy to capitalize on emerging consumer trends and drive innovation in the beverage category.

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WS Investor 04-07-26

PepsiCo launches MLB promotion with free Mountain Dew Baja Blast rewards

March 25, 2026 — PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew Baja Blast brand has launched a nationwide promotion tied to the 2026 Major League Baseball season, offering fans free drinks based on game performance.

Under the “Get a Baja for a Blast” campaign, home runs traveling 420 feet or more during MLB games will unlock free Mountain Dew Baja Blast beverages for registered fans, redeemable up to five times throughout the season.

The campaign also includes a collaboration with Rawlings to release a limited-edition baseball glove inspired by the Baja Blast brand, available for purchase online.

PepsiCo said the initiative aims to engage fans through live game moments and digital interaction, strengthening its partnership with MLB and expanding brand visibility during the season.

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WS Investor 03-25-26

PepsiCo introduced Good Warrior, a new protein snack brand aimed at busy consumers seeking convenient, high-protein options.

The brand will debut with Good Warrior Beef Sticks, made from grass-fed beef and offering 10 grams of protein, zero sugar and 100 calories per serving. The gluten-free snacks, available in Original and Jalapeño Pepper flavors, will launch in March 2026 at select U.S. retailers with a suggested retail price of $2.99 for a single stick and $19.99 for an eight-pack.

PepsiCo said the launch responds to rising demand for protein-rich snacks, citing research showing that 86 percent of Americans are looking to increase protein intake. The new brand expands the company’s growing portfolio of functional food products, which includes items such as Doritos Protein, Quaker protein snacks and prebiotic beverages.

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Global Finance News 03-16-26

PepsiCo announced the launch of “Pilla Tortilla,” the world’s first Lay’s-branded restaurant, opening in Madrid, Spain, as part of its strategy to expand into the away-from-home food market.

The new concept reimagines Spain’s traditional tortilla (omelet) using Lay’s potato chips as a signature ingredient, with the menu developed in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Miguel Carretero. Customers can order the tortilla in multiple formats—including slices, sandwiches or whole portions—with customizable toppings such as Iberian ham, anchovies, pork belly and aioli.

The restaurant is part of PepsiCo’s Food Ventures unit, which focuses on creating ready-to-eat dining concepts and new consumption occasions beyond traditional snack moments, while strengthening direct engagement with consumers. Two locations in Madrid will operate under the concept, including a full-service restaurant and a takeaway-focused kitchen.

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WS Investor 03-09-26

Gatorade, owned by PepsiCo, launched Gatorade Lower Sugar, a new hydration drink containing 75% less sugar than the original Gatorade Thirst Quencher.

The product contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors and is formulated with the brand’s electrolyte blend designed to hydrate better than water. It will be available nationwide in the U.S. starting March 2026 in four flavors: Fruit Punch, Lemonade, Glacier Cherry, and Rain Berry.

The drink is part of Gatorade’s Advanced Hydration System portfolio and targets consumers seeking lower-sugar hydration options. Bottles will be sold in multiple sizes with suggested retail prices ranging from $1.89 to $3.39.

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Global Finance News 03-06-26

Subway Canada has partnered with PepsiCo Canada to launch a limited-time All Dressed Sauce inspired by Ruffles All Dressed chips.

Available nationwide, the new sauce brings the sweet, tangy, smoky and savoury flavor profile of Canada’s iconic All Dressed chips to Subway subs. The sauce is made in Canada and designed to deliver the signature chip taste in a convenient format.

To mark National Chip Day on March 14, Subway Canada is offering a free bag of chips with the purchase of any sub on March 14–15 for online or app orders using a promo code, at participating locations.

The collaboration blends two well-known brands to extend a popular Canadian flavor beyond the snack aisle into quick-service dining.

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European Investor 03-03-26

PepsiCo, Inc. and Starbucks Corporation are expanding their ready-to-drink portfolio with the launch of Starbucks® Coffee & Protein beverages, rolling out nationwide beginning March 23.

Developed through the North American Coffee Partnership, the new 12 oz bottled drinks combine Starbucks coffee with 22 grams of complete protein, 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, five vitamins and minerals, and 2 grams of sugar. The beverages will be available in Classic Caffè and Caffè Mocha flavors at a suggested retail price of $3.99, targeting growing consumer demand for protein-rich and functional beverages.

The launch is part of a broader expansion of lighter and reduced-sugar offerings, including Starbucks Doubleshot® Energy Zero Sugar and a new Frappuccino® Lite Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato flavor. The companies aim to capture demand for nutrient-focused, convenient coffee options in grocery, convenience and online retail channels.

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Global Finance News 02-28-26

PepsiCo announced that its bubly™ sparkling water brand is launching limited-edition flavors in partnership with Illumination and Nintendo’s upcoming film, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

The promotion introduces three new flavors — Meteor Melon, Cosmic Swirl and Dragonfruit Stardust — packaged in color-changing cans featuring characters from the movie. Select 8-packs will include special “Galaxy Cans” with a chance to win a grand prize trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, along with digital rewards such as movie tickets and merchandise through a Star Bits collection program.

The limited-edition products are available nationwide while supplies last, ahead of the film’s theatrical release on April 1, 2026.

Source: PepsiCo Newsroom

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The Investor 02-23-26

08-25-26WS Investor

07-09-26WS News

07-02-26WS News

06-22-26WS Investor

NYSE:HAL

Halliburton Wins bp Contract for Bumerangue Deepwater Field in Brazil

Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) has secured an integrated services contract from bp for the first appraisal campaign at the Bumerangue field offshore Brazil, strengthening the oilfield-services company's position in the strategically important deepwater market.

The contract covers a comprehensive package of drilling and reservoir-evaluation services designed to accelerate appraisal of bp's Bumerangue discovery. Financial terms of the award were not disclosed.

Why the Contract Matters for Halliburton

The award gives Halliburton exposure to an important deepwater appraisal program as bp evaluates the commercial potential of its Bumerangue discovery.

Halliburton will combine multiple drilling and evaluation services into an integrated execution model, reducing operational complexity and helping bp move more quickly through the appraisal process. Its LOGIX automation and remote-operations technology will also be deployed to improve drilling efficiency and consistency.

Digital technology is a central part of the contract. Halliburton will use data, AI and advanced drilling technologies to provide real-time insights across well planning, drilling, execution and reservoir evaluation.

Deepwater Brazil Remains a Key Opportunity

Brazil is one of the world's most important offshore oil and gas markets, making major appraisal and development programs strategically significant for global oilfield-service providers.

For Halliburton, the bp award reinforces its competitive position in complex deepwater projects and demonstrates its ability to combine drilling, reservoir evaluation, automation, software and local expertise under a single contract.

The immediate financial contribution was not disclosed, but successful appraisal of Bumerangue could potentially create additional service opportunities if bp ultimately moves the field toward development and production.

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WS Investor 08-25-26

Halliburton reported third-quarter 2025 revenue of $5.6 billion, with net income of $18 million ($0.02 per diluted share) and adjusted net income of $496 million ($0.58 per share). The company posted an adjusted operating margin of 13% and generated $488 million in operating cash flow and $276 million in free cash flow, while repurchasing about $250 million in shares.

CEO Jeff Miller said Halliburton achieved solid performance despite market challenges, citing strong execution and international growth. He noted that the company took actions expected to deliver $100 million in quarterly savings, reset its 2026 capital budget, and idled underperforming equipment.

Miller emphasized continued discipline in capital management and technology investment, adding that Halliburton’s “Maximize Value” strategy in North America—focused on returns and technology leadership—positions the company for sustained long-term performance.

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Global Finance News 10-21-25

Chevron and Halliburton Launch Intelligent Hydraulic Fracturing in Colorado

Chevron U.S.A. Inc. and Halliburton have developed a closed-loop, autonomous hydraulic fracturing process in Colorado that adjusts in real-time using subsurface feedback. The system, built on Halliburton’s ZEUS IQ™ platform and Chevron’s proprietary algorithms, enhances operational efficiency and asset performance by automating stage execution without human intervention. The new process represents a significant advancement in digital automation for shale and tight rock formations, enabling adaptive, feedback-driven completions that improve consistency, reduce downtime, and optimize energy delivery into the wellbore.

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Global Finance News 06-12-25

Halliburton reported Q4 2024 net income of $615 million ($0.70 per diluted share) and revenue of $5.6 billion. Full-year revenue remained steady at $22.9 billion, while operating income totaled $3.8 billion. Free cash flow for the year reached $2.6 billion, with over $1.6 billion returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.

In Q4, North America revenue declined 7% to $2.2 billion due to reduced stimulation activity, while international revenue grew 3% to $3.4 billion, driven by strong performance in the Middle East and Europe. The Completion and Production segment generated $3.2 billion in revenue, while Drilling and Evaluation contributed $2.4 billion.

Halliburton introduced advanced technologies, including the Intelli well intervention services and iCruise® Force system, and highlighted future growth through innovation and operational efficiency. The company remains confident in its long-term outlook despite near-term North American challenges.

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The Investor 01-23-25

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