6 days ago
When Christmas rolls around, my wife puts out a very small tree and some stuffed ornaments we bought a few years ago at Target. That's a pretty modest approach to decorating for the holidays compared to many of our neighbors.
At the house we just moved out of, some homes added tasteful lights, others opted for religious displays, and a few opted for a whole lot of inflatables. In some cases, the spending was significant, although many of the items were reused year after year.
Decorations are a small but meaningful part of holiday spending.
Americans planned to spend an average of $1,172 on travel, $632 on gifts, $351 on entertaining, and $227 on decorations, according to a BMO survey conducted before the 2024 holiday season.
Getting those items may be more of a challenge this year, as Gordon Companies, which runs a number of Christmas-themed websites and lists Target, Kohl's, Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon, Lowe's, and Michaels as retail partners, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
#christmas #decorations #opted #items
At the house we just moved out of, some homes added tasteful lights, others opted for religious displays, and a few opted for a whole lot of inflatables. In some cases, the spending was significant, although many of the items were reused year after year.
Decorations are a small but meaningful part of holiday spending.
Americans planned to spend an average of $1,172 on travel, $632 on gifts, $351 on entertaining, and $227 on decorations, according to a BMO survey conducted before the 2024 holiday season.
Getting those items may be more of a challenge this year, as Gordon Companies, which runs a number of Christmas-themed websites and lists Target, Kohl's, Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon, Lowe's, and Michaels as retail partners, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
#christmas #decorations #opted #items
8 days ago
For much of 2025, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) looked like a company under siege as higher medical costs and weaker margins rattled investors. UNH stock sold off sharply, and questions emerged around the company's earnings outlook as well as the health of its long-standing growth story.
That picture is starting to improve in 2026. UnitedHealth's latest results showed a clear turnaround in profitability as it generated $112 billion in revenue and $8 billion in earnings from operations. Management also raised the company's full-year adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $19.50 to $20 and increased its operating cash flow forecast to about $24 billion. Those moves suggest UnitedHealth sees its recovery as more than a short-term earnings rebound.
This High-Yield Construction Stock Just Raised Its Dividend by 40%
Dear Intuit Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 17
This Dividend Stock Is Beating the Market in 2026 and Yields 2.36%
#Stock #billion #Dividend #management
That picture is starting to improve in 2026. UnitedHealth's latest results showed a clear turnaround in profitability as it generated $112 billion in revenue and $8 billion in earnings from operations. Management also raised the company's full-year adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $19.50 to $20 and increased its operating cash flow forecast to about $24 billion. Those moves suggest UnitedHealth sees its recovery as more than a short-term earnings rebound.
This High-Yield Construction Stock Just Raised Its Dividend by 40%
Dear Intuit Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 17
This Dividend Stock Is Beating the Market in 2026 and Yields 2.36%
#Stock #billion #Dividend #management
9 days ago
Our ******* ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
French manufacturing giant Vallourec has secured the entire carbon-steel line pipe and external coating scope for Petrobras's Sepia 2 offshore development, covering roughly 130 kilometers of subsea infrastructure.
The contract strengthens its position in Brazil's technically demanding pre-salt market and gives investors another reason to believe the group's offshore order book still has room to grow.
Vallourec shares rose around 6% after the premium pipe manufacturer announced a major contract with Subsea7 for the Sepia 2 project in Brazil's Santos Basin.
The agreement covers roughly 130 kilometers of rigid risers and flowlines, representing more than 15,000 tonnes of carbon-steel seamless line pipe designed for highly corrosive environments.
#roughly
French manufacturing giant Vallourec has secured the entire carbon-steel line pipe and external coating scope for Petrobras's Sepia 2 offshore development, covering roughly 130 kilometers of subsea infrastructure.
The contract strengthens its position in Brazil's technically demanding pre-salt market and gives investors another reason to believe the group's offshore order book still has room to grow.
Vallourec shares rose around 6% after the premium pipe manufacturer announced a major contract with Subsea7 for the Sepia 2 project in Brazil's Santos Basin.
The agreement covers roughly 130 kilometers of rigid risers and flowlines, representing more than 15,000 tonnes of carbon-steel seamless line pipe designed for highly corrosive environments.
#roughly
10 days ago
This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter.
Coca-Cola said the beverage giant and its bottlers will invest $10 billion in U.S. infrastructure by 2030 to meet growing demand for its offerings.
The system-wide investments include a mix of new and previously announced projects that will expand production, distribution and office facilities, according to a Tuesday press release.
This includes a bottling distribution facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California; a bottling plant in Colorado Springs, Colorado; a manufacturing plant in Indianapolis; a Coca-Cola United campus in Birmingham, Alabama; a Fairlife plant in Coopersville, Michigan; and a distribution center in Orlando.
Other investments are planned for St. Cloud, Minnesota, and at a Fairlife plant in Webster, New York. Additional investments will be made during the next four years, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said in an email.
#coca #cola
Coca-Cola said the beverage giant and its bottlers will invest $10 billion in U.S. infrastructure by 2030 to meet growing demand for its offerings.
The system-wide investments include a mix of new and previously announced projects that will expand production, distribution and office facilities, according to a Tuesday press release.
This includes a bottling distribution facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California; a bottling plant in Colorado Springs, Colorado; a manufacturing plant in Indianapolis; a Coca-Cola United campus in Birmingham, Alabama; a Fairlife plant in Coopersville, Michigan; and a distribution center in Orlando.
Other investments are planned for St. Cloud, Minnesota, and at a Fairlife plant in Webster, New York. Additional investments will be made during the next four years, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said in an email.
#coca #cola
14 days ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Mortgage rates are the highest they've been in well over a year, and the Federal Reserve is considering a rate hike, while the bond market is reaching multi-year yields. What will it take for mortgage rates to finally move down?
See today's best rates.
No. As of Sept. 10, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate was 6.76%. This is five basis points higher than last week. At this time in September 2025, mortgage rates averaged 6.35%, 41 basis points lower.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate this week was 6.09%, up five basis points from last week, and 59 basis points higher than this time last year.
#points #week #average
Mortgage rates are the highest they've been in well over a year, and the Federal Reserve is considering a rate hike, while the bond market is reaching multi-year yields. What will it take for mortgage rates to finally move down?
See today's best rates.
No. As of Sept. 10, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate was 6.76%. This is five basis points higher than last week. At this time in September 2025, mortgage rates averaged 6.35%, 41 basis points lower.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate this week was 6.09%, up five basis points from last week, and 59 basis points higher than this time last year.
#points #week #average
15 days ago
Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) is asking designers who use Figma, Inc. (NYSE:FIG) and similar tools to help test Project Oasis, a web-based graphic-design tool with brand-aware AI. The September 7 community invitation seeks feedback under a nondisclosure agreement before public launch. That makes it an early competitive signal, with neither customer wins nor meaningful revenue established.
The investment question is whether easier AI design draws marketing budgets toward Adobe or encourages customers to do more inside Figma. Both already serve people creating branded visual material. Winning that workflow could support subscriptions and paid AI usage, but another tool also gives customers another reason to compare prices.
Copyright: photogearch / 123RF Stock Photo
Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $6.62 billion, up 13%, for the period ended May 29. Its AI-first annualized recurring revenue exceeded $500 million and more than tripled year over year. Those figures give its AI strategy substance beyond a product invitation. Its established creative customer base could also make testing and distribution easier.
The risk is that product experimentation fails to produce additional spending. Adobe must persuade customers that new capabilities deserve payment while competitors make basic ******* et creation easier. Oasis currently provides no disclosed conversion rate or financial contribution with which investors can test that proposition. Its invitation targets brand-identity and marketing workflows, so success would need to solve repeatable production problems. Generating an attractive demonstration is a different hurdle from becoming the tool a team pays to use every week.
#tool #easier
The investment question is whether easier AI design draws marketing budgets toward Adobe or encourages customers to do more inside Figma. Both already serve people creating branded visual material. Winning that workflow could support subscriptions and paid AI usage, but another tool also gives customers another reason to compare prices.
Copyright: photogearch / 123RF Stock Photo
Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ:ADBE) reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $6.62 billion, up 13%, for the period ended May 29. Its AI-first annualized recurring revenue exceeded $500 million and more than tripled year over year. Those figures give its AI strategy substance beyond a product invitation. Its established creative customer base could also make testing and distribution easier.
The risk is that product experimentation fails to produce additional spending. Adobe must persuade customers that new capabilities deserve payment while competitors make basic ******* et creation easier. Oasis currently provides no disclosed conversion rate or financial contribution with which investors can test that proposition. Its invitation targets brand-identity and marketing workflows, so success would need to solve repeatable production problems. Generating an attractive demonstration is a different hurdle from becoming the tool a team pays to use every week.
#tool #easier
22 days ago
MN8 Energy, Eos Energy Enterprises and Google have announced a joint project in West Virginia, US, that aims to deliver new clean energy resources to the PJM grid, supporting increasing demand in the region.
The development will combine 86MW of utility-scale solar, 70MW/280MWh of lithium-ion energy storage and 10MW/100MWh of Eos' zinc-based long-duration energy storage (LDES).
MN8 will own and operate the facility, which is planned to support Google's data centres in the area, including a project slated for West Virginia.
The solar component of the project is planned to begin commercial operations in 2028, with lithium-ion storage expected in 2029 and long-duration storage following in 2030.
MN8 has designed the Mammoth Solar project in Kanawha County as an integrated system, pairing both short and long-duration storage to convert intermittent renewable energy into a dispatchable source. This development becomes West Virginia's first commercial-scale deployment of LDES.
#storage #project #west #long
The development will combine 86MW of utility-scale solar, 70MW/280MWh of lithium-ion energy storage and 10MW/100MWh of Eos' zinc-based long-duration energy storage (LDES).
MN8 will own and operate the facility, which is planned to support Google's data centres in the area, including a project slated for West Virginia.
The solar component of the project is planned to begin commercial operations in 2028, with lithium-ion storage expected in 2029 and long-duration storage following in 2030.
MN8 has designed the Mammoth Solar project in Kanawha County as an integrated system, pairing both short and long-duration storage to convert intermittent renewable energy into a dispatchable source. This development becomes West Virginia's first commercial-scale deployment of LDES.
#storage #project #west #long
22 days ago
With a market cap of $117.8 billion, Medtronic plc (MDT) is a leading global healthcare technology company focused on addressing complex health challenges through innovative medical solutions. With a global workforce serving patients across more than 150 countries, its technologies span cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, and patient monitoring systems.
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally considered "large-cap" stocks, and Medtronic fits this criterion perfectly. Guided by its mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, Medtronic's innovations aim to improve outcomes and transform lives worldwide.
Dear GameStop Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 8
SMCI vs. CoreWeave: 1 AI Infrastructure Model Has the Bigger Opportunity
Why ****** ysts Think Sellas Life Sciences Stock Can Gain 150% From Here
#surgical #guided
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally considered "large-cap" stocks, and Medtronic fits this criterion perfectly. Guided by its mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life, Medtronic's innovations aim to improve outcomes and transform lives worldwide.
Dear GameStop Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 8
SMCI vs. CoreWeave: 1 AI Infrastructure Model Has the Bigger Opportunity
Why ****** ysts Think Sellas Life Sciences Stock Can Gain 150% From Here
#surgical #guided
23 days ago
As August ended, popular television host and former hedge fund manager Jim Cramer discussed the month's best Wall Street performers on his show, and a major stock found a positive mention.
In the Aug. 31 episode of CNBC's "Mad Money," Cramer addressed the wild rally posted by Coinbase Global (Nasdaq: COIN) in the month.
Related: Jim Cramer recommends buying Bitcoin
Launched by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam in 2012, Coinbase is the largest crypto trading exchange in the United States.
Coinbase went public in 2021 and was included in the S&P 500 index in May 2025. In fact, it is the first crypto company to make it to the popular benchmark.
#august #money
In the Aug. 31 episode of CNBC's "Mad Money," Cramer addressed the wild rally posted by Coinbase Global (Nasdaq: COIN) in the month.
Related: Jim Cramer recommends buying Bitcoin
Launched by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam in 2012, Coinbase is the largest crypto trading exchange in the United States.
Coinbase went public in 2021 and was included in the S&P 500 index in May 2025. In fact, it is the first crypto company to make it to the popular benchmark.
#august #money
24 days ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Capital One provides high-quality credit cards with solid rewards and benefits for various situations. Consider Capital One if you're looking to earn cash back or travel rewards, or if you want to take advantage of a 0% introductory APR offer.
(best 0% APR, balance transfer, and cash back)
Why we like it: The Capital One Savor is the highest-rated Capital One card in our cash back, 0% APR, and balance transfer categories, making it the best overall choice for Capital One credit cards. Not many cash-back cards — from any card issuer — can compete with the Capital One Savor's high rewards rate and $0 annual fee.
Read our full Capital One Savor Cash Rewards review
#cash #rewards #best
Capital One provides high-quality credit cards with solid rewards and benefits for various situations. Consider Capital One if you're looking to earn cash back or travel rewards, or if you want to take advantage of a 0% introductory APR offer.
(best 0% APR, balance transfer, and cash back)
Why we like it: The Capital One Savor is the highest-rated Capital One card in our cash back, 0% APR, and balance transfer categories, making it the best overall choice for Capital One credit cards. Not many cash-back cards — from any card issuer — can compete with the Capital One Savor's high rewards rate and $0 annual fee.
Read our full Capital One Savor Cash Rewards review
#cash #rewards #best
24 days ago
Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) has increased its dividend for 70 consecutive years, placing it among the longest-running dividend growth records in the market. The company raised its annual dividend by 3.2% for 2026 to $4.25 per share, or $1.0625 quarterly.
The dividend is supported by Genuine Parts' large automotive and industrial replacement-parts businesses, which tend to generate recurring demand because customers still need repairs and replacement parts during weaker economic periods. The company operates more than 10,800 locations across 17 countries.
There are also some reasons for caution. Genuine Parts generated $421 million of free cash flow in 2025, while paying $564 million in dividends. That means the dividend exceeded reported free cash flow during the year. The company expects free cash flow to improve to $550 million-$700 million in 2026, while adjusted EPS is expected at $7.50-$8.00.
Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash
70-year track record provides strong evidence of dividend commitment. Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) has maintained and increased its dividend through multiple recessions, inflationary periods, and industry cycles. Reaching 70 consecutive years of increases suggests that protecting the dividend is deeply embedded in the company's capital-allocation strategy.
#company
The dividend is supported by Genuine Parts' large automotive and industrial replacement-parts businesses, which tend to generate recurring demand because customers still need repairs and replacement parts during weaker economic periods. The company operates more than 10,800 locations across 17 countries.
There are also some reasons for caution. Genuine Parts generated $421 million of free cash flow in 2025, while paying $564 million in dividends. That means the dividend exceeded reported free cash flow during the year. The company expects free cash flow to improve to $550 million-$700 million in 2026, while adjusted EPS is expected at $7.50-$8.00.
Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash
70-year track record provides strong evidence of dividend commitment. Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) has maintained and increased its dividend through multiple recessions, inflationary periods, and industry cycles. Reaching 70 consecutive years of increases suggests that protecting the dividend is deeply embedded in the company's capital-allocation strategy.
#company
29 days ago
Updated Aug 26, 2026, 5:13 pm EDT / Original Aug 25, 2026, 4:04 pm EDT
Intuit reported better-than-expected results for its latest quarter but its revenue outlook is likely to disappoint Wall Street, as the company looks to gain market share by potentially lowering prices across its business.
Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
#company #rights
Intuit reported better-than-expected results for its latest quarter but its revenue outlook is likely to disappoint Wall Street, as the company looks to gain market share by potentially lowering prices across its business.
Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
#company #rights
1 month ago
December coffee (KCZ26) futures present a buying opportunity on more price strength.
See on the daily bar chart for December coffee futures that prices are in an uptrend and have just hit a nine-week high. See, too, at the bottom of the chart that the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator is in a bullish posture, as the blue MACD line has crossed above the red trigger line and both lines are trending higher. Bulls have the near-term technical advantage.
Coffee Prices Soar as Supplies Tighten
Corn, Soybean Traders Get Price-Bullish Pro Farmer Crop Tour
Cocoa Prices Fall as Supply Concerns Ease
#prices #december #macd
See on the daily bar chart for December coffee futures that prices are in an uptrend and have just hit a nine-week high. See, too, at the bottom of the chart that the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator is in a bullish posture, as the blue MACD line has crossed above the red trigger line and both lines are trending higher. Bulls have the near-term technical advantage.
Coffee Prices Soar as Supplies Tighten
Corn, Soybean Traders Get Price-Bullish Pro Farmer Crop Tour
Cocoa Prices Fall as Supply Concerns Ease
#prices #december #macd
1 month ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Interest rates vary between lenders, so comparison shopping home equity loan and line of credit lenders can save you thousands over the life of your loan. For home equity loans, securing the lowest fixed rate matters since you'll be stuck with it for the life of the loan. For HELOCs, locking in the lowest possible introductory rate is key, since your interest rate is likely to fluctuate, even rise, over the loan term.
The average HELOC adjustable rate is 7.16%, a new 2026 low, according to real estate data **** ytics company Curinos.
The national average rate on a fixed-rate home equity loan is 7.35%, up slightly from its 2026 low of 7.31% in late June.
Both rates are based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of less than 70%.
#loan
Interest rates vary between lenders, so comparison shopping home equity loan and line of credit lenders can save you thousands over the life of your loan. For home equity loans, securing the lowest fixed rate matters since you'll be stuck with it for the life of the loan. For HELOCs, locking in the lowest possible introductory rate is key, since your interest rate is likely to fluctuate, even rise, over the loan term.
The average HELOC adjustable rate is 7.16%, a new 2026 low, according to real estate data **** ytics company Curinos.
The national average rate on a fixed-rate home equity loan is 7.35%, up slightly from its 2026 low of 7.31% in late June.
Both rates are based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV) of less than 70%.
#loan
1 month ago
The big 'news' Monday morning is that Washington and Ottawa are gearing up for an "all-out trade war".
Meanwhile, Russia's War on Ukraine and the US president's War on Iran (and nearly everywhere else) made minor headlines.
A 75-Day Seasonal Sell Window Is Opening in the Euro—Are You Prepared?
Crude Prices Fall as Oil Supplies Move Through the Strait of Hormuz
Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now!
#trade #ukraine #seasonal
Meanwhile, Russia's War on Ukraine and the US president's War on Iran (and nearly everywhere else) made minor headlines.
A 75-Day Seasonal Sell Window Is Opening in the Euro—Are You Prepared?
Crude Prices Fall as Oil Supplies Move Through the Strait of Hormuz
Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now!
#trade #ukraine #seasonal
1 month ago
The latest round of Form 13Fs is out, which means investors can track what billionaire investors are doing. One hedge fund manager I follow is Stephen Mandel, who runs Lone Pine Capital. Mandel has a phenomenal track record, and isn't just a tech investor; he's diversified across all sectors.
What makes his latest move in Q2 so significant is that he added a stock to his portfolio that wasn't there during Q1 and made it his largest overall holding. That's a major vote of confidence, and clues investors in that they should investigate further.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
What is this stock? It's Nebius (NASDAQ: NBIS). Here's why he might have bought it.
Nebius has had an incredible 2026 and is up nearly 200% this year. It had a major dip at the end of July, but that doesn't matter.
#NVIDIA #nebius #flashing #Stock
What makes his latest move in Q2 so significant is that he added a stock to his portfolio that wasn't there during Q1 and made it his largest overall holding. That's a major vote of confidence, and clues investors in that they should investigate further.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
What is this stock? It's Nebius (NASDAQ: NBIS). Here's why he might have bought it.
Nebius has had an incredible 2026 and is up nearly 200% this year. It had a major dip at the end of July, but that doesn't matter.
#NVIDIA #nebius #flashing #Stock
1 month ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate stepped slightly higher, while both the 15-year and 5/1 ARM rates eased lower today, according to the Zillow lender marketplace. Rates have been surprisingly calm so far this week, considering recent bond market volatility.
The average 30-year fixed rate is 6.55% today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, up two basis points since yesterday. The 15-year fixed loan is currently at 5.87%, seven basis points lower than yesterday. The 5/1 ARM is 6.31%, eight basis points lower than on Tuesday.
Read more: Weekly survey of mortgage lenders with the lowest rates: Small moves in rates and fees
Here are the current mortgage rates, according to our latest Zillow data, for Wednesday, August 19, 2026:
#points #august
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate stepped slightly higher, while both the 15-year and 5/1 ARM rates eased lower today, according to the Zillow lender marketplace. Rates have been surprisingly calm so far this week, considering recent bond market volatility.
The average 30-year fixed rate is 6.55% today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, up two basis points since yesterday. The 15-year fixed loan is currently at 5.87%, seven basis points lower than yesterday. The 5/1 ARM is 6.31%, eight basis points lower than on Tuesday.
Read more: Weekly survey of mortgage lenders with the lowest rates: Small moves in rates and fees
Here are the current mortgage rates, according to our latest Zillow data, for Wednesday, August 19, 2026:
#points #august
1 month ago
SIG has appointed Ann-Kristin Erkens as its new chief executive (CEO), replacing Mikko Keto only months after he took the role.
Keto had taken on the role of CEO on 1 March 2026.
Erkens joined SIG as chief financial officer (CFO) in November 2023. She will continue in that role until a replacement is appointed.
She was interim CEO from August 2025 to the end of February 2026.
Before arriving at SIG, she spent more than 20 years at Henkel in senior positions.
#keto
Keto had taken on the role of CEO on 1 March 2026.
Erkens joined SIG as chief financial officer (CFO) in November 2023. She will continue in that role until a replacement is appointed.
She was interim CEO from August 2025 to the end of February 2026.
Before arriving at SIG, she spent more than 20 years at Henkel in senior positions.
#keto
1 month ago
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) shares closed 1.5% higher at $529.42 on August 10 after gaining as much as over 3% during the session. The Class A shares rose as much as 3.3%, reaching their highest level since the day before Warren Buffett announced he would step down as chief executive.
The market was not simply responding to another profitable quarter. Berkshire-defined operating earnings, a non-GAAP measure of performance across its businesses, rose 16% to $12.98 billion. The bigger surprise was how quickly Greg Abel had started putting Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B)'s enormous liquidity to work.
Berkshire purchased $23.5 billion of publicly traded stocks during the second quarter and repurchased $4.5 billion of its own shares. In July, it deployed at least another $10.1 billion through additional buybacks and the acquisition of Taylor Morrison Home Corporation.
The question is whether this marks the beginning of a more active capital-allocation era or merely a busy stretch that still leaves Abel with hundreds of billions of dollars to deploy.
Pixabay/Public Domain
#berkshire #billion #quarter
The market was not simply responding to another profitable quarter. Berkshire-defined operating earnings, a non-GAAP measure of performance across its businesses, rose 16% to $12.98 billion. The bigger surprise was how quickly Greg Abel had started putting Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B)'s enormous liquidity to work.
Berkshire purchased $23.5 billion of publicly traded stocks during the second quarter and repurchased $4.5 billion of its own shares. In July, it deployed at least another $10.1 billion through additional buybacks and the acquisition of Taylor Morrison Home Corporation.
The question is whether this marks the beginning of a more active capital-allocation era or merely a busy stretch that still leaves Abel with hundreds of billions of dollars to deploy.
Pixabay/Public Domain
#berkshire #billion #quarter
1 month ago
SYDNEY, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Leaders from some of Australia's biggest companies, including major banks Macquarie Group and Westpac, will face questioning from lawmakers on Friday as part of a probe into accounting firm KPMG's alleged misuse of client data to win audit contracts.
Macquarie's chairman and chief financial officer, and Westpac's audit committee chair have been summoned before the committee, which will also hear from telecoms provider Optus' CEO and the chair of property firm Dexus.
The day-long parliamentary hearing is the second to be called since whistleblower accusations that KPMG's staff used inside information to win lucrative audit contracts came to light in March.
Macquarie, Westpac, Optus and Dexus are all companies caught up in the alleged misconduct by KPMG's senior audit partners.
While KPMG initially said the allegations were unsubstantiated, the scandal has since led to the resignations of the firm's CEO, audit boss and chairman.
#optus #dexus
Macquarie's chairman and chief financial officer, and Westpac's audit committee chair have been summoned before the committee, which will also hear from telecoms provider Optus' CEO and the chair of property firm Dexus.
The day-long parliamentary hearing is the second to be called since whistleblower accusations that KPMG's staff used inside information to win lucrative audit contracts came to light in March.
Macquarie, Westpac, Optus and Dexus are all companies caught up in the alleged misconduct by KPMG's senior audit partners.
While KPMG initially said the allegations were unsubstantiated, the scandal has since led to the resignations of the firm's CEO, audit boss and chairman.
#optus #dexus
1 month ago
The founder of Baron Capital told investors that ***** eX (SPCX) could be worth $40 trillion in the next 10 to 15 years.
For context, that number is close to the value of every public company in the United States combined today.
Baron is not a stranger to calls like this. He made a similar bet on Tesla years before most investors would touch it, and it paid off in a big way.
Now he is pointing that same conviction at Elon Musk's rocket and satellite company, and he has put real money behind the forecast.
For investors watching SPCX fluctuate since its June debut, the question is simple. Is this a serious long-term call, or a number so large it stops meaning anything?
#capital #SpaceX
For context, that number is close to the value of every public company in the United States combined today.
Baron is not a stranger to calls like this. He made a similar bet on Tesla years before most investors would touch it, and it paid off in a big way.
Now he is pointing that same conviction at Elon Musk's rocket and satellite company, and he has put real money behind the forecast.
For investors watching SPCX fluctuate since its June debut, the question is simple. Is this a serious long-term call, or a number so large it stops meaning anything?
#capital #SpaceX
2 months ago
Interested in Loar Holdings Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.
Record quarter: Loar's second-quarter sales rose 17% year over year to $172 million, while adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 220 basis points to a record 40.5%. Commercial OEM sales led growth, increasing 28%, supported by stronger Boeing and Airbus demand.
Raised 2026 outlook: The company now expects $665 million-$675 million in sales, $265 million-$270 million in adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS of $1.32-$1.36, with no additional acquisitions ******* umed.
Strong growth pipeline: Loar's organic business pipeline reached approximately $750 million over the next five years, including $200 million of opportunities already secured through certifications, qualifications or purchase orders. Recent acquisitions Beadlight, LMB and Harper are performing ahead of expectations.
Archer or Joby: Which Aviation Company Might Rise Fastest?
#quarter
Record quarter: Loar's second-quarter sales rose 17% year over year to $172 million, while adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 220 basis points to a record 40.5%. Commercial OEM sales led growth, increasing 28%, supported by stronger Boeing and Airbus demand.
Raised 2026 outlook: The company now expects $665 million-$675 million in sales, $265 million-$270 million in adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS of $1.32-$1.36, with no additional acquisitions ******* umed.
Strong growth pipeline: Loar's organic business pipeline reached approximately $750 million over the next five years, including $200 million of opportunities already secured through certifications, qualifications or purchase orders. Recent acquisitions Beadlight, LMB and Harper are performing ahead of expectations.
Archer or Joby: Which Aviation Company Might Rise Fastest?
#quarter
2 months ago
SpaceX (SPCX) shares are down 6.5% intraday after the company's debut quarterly earnings report revealed an extraordinary surge in AI-related capital expenditures that overshadowed a strong revenue beat.
It's not all bad news for the market's tech giants today, though, as comments from Elon Musk have given Nvidia (NVDA) a boost.
Huge, Unusual Trading in Marvell Technology Call Options - Investors Are Bullish on MRVL Stock
Here's a Realistic Roadmap Toward Generating $1,000 a Month in Options Trading Income
Meta Platforms Stock Could Be Signaling a Quick Pop Above $600
#options #musk #NVIDIA
It's not all bad news for the market's tech giants today, though, as comments from Elon Musk have given Nvidia (NVDA) a boost.
Huge, Unusual Trading in Marvell Technology Call Options - Investors Are Bullish on MRVL Stock
Here's a Realistic Roadmap Toward Generating $1,000 a Month in Options Trading Income
Meta Platforms Stock Could Be Signaling a Quick Pop Above $600
#options #musk #NVIDIA
2 months ago
Grant Thornton Advisors announced Wednesday it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE: CBZ) in an all-cash deal with an enterprise value of $5 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, each CBIZ shareholder stands to collect $55 per share — a figure the company said reflects roughly a 54% premium over CBIZ's 30-day volume-weighted average share price. Reuters added that the offer price also represents a 17.8% premium over CBIZ's most recent closing price.
Upon closing, Grant Thornton in the U.S. is expected to become the fifth-largest provider of professional services, tax and advisory services, with more than $5 billion in annual domestic revenue, the company said. The transaction represents the largest of its kind in more than 25 years. Together, the two firms would operate across more than 20 countries and territories, bring in close to $7.5 billion in annual revenue, and have a workforce of more than 34,500 professionals.
Reuters noted that Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC — collectively known as the Big Four — hold dominant positions in the U.S. accounting market.
New Mountain Capital, which led a May 2024 investment in Grant Thornton Advisors, will make an additional equity investment to support the transaction. After the deal closes, Grant Thornton Advisors plans to separate CBIZ's benefits and insurance services segment into a new stand-alone entity backed by New Mountain Capital.
#grant #advisors #reuters
Under the terms of the agreement, each CBIZ shareholder stands to collect $55 per share — a figure the company said reflects roughly a 54% premium over CBIZ's 30-day volume-weighted average share price. Reuters added that the offer price also represents a 17.8% premium over CBIZ's most recent closing price.
Upon closing, Grant Thornton in the U.S. is expected to become the fifth-largest provider of professional services, tax and advisory services, with more than $5 billion in annual domestic revenue, the company said. The transaction represents the largest of its kind in more than 25 years. Together, the two firms would operate across more than 20 countries and territories, bring in close to $7.5 billion in annual revenue, and have a workforce of more than 34,500 professionals.
Reuters noted that Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC — collectively known as the Big Four — hold dominant positions in the U.S. accounting market.
New Mountain Capital, which led a May 2024 investment in Grant Thornton Advisors, will make an additional equity investment to support the transaction. After the deal closes, Grant Thornton Advisors plans to separate CBIZ's benefits and insurance services segment into a new stand-alone entity backed by New Mountain Capital.
#grant #advisors #reuters
2 months ago
Miami, Florida-based Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is a leading global cruise company that owns and operates three distinct cruise brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Valued at a market capitalization of $9.2 billion, the company offers itineraries to approximately 700 destinations worldwide and serves the contemporary, premium, and ultra-luxury cruise markets.
NCLH shares have lagged behind the broader market over the past year and in 2026. NCLH stock has grown 11.1% over the past 52 weeks and has fallen 4.9% on a YTD basis. In comparison, the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has returned 16.3% over the past year and risen 8.5% in 2026.
Nasdaq Futures Plunge as Chip Selloff Rages On, FOMC Meeting and Earnings on Tap
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Broadcom Leads 3 AI Stocks Quietly Raising Their Dividends, One by 161%
#cruises
NCLH shares have lagged behind the broader market over the past year and in 2026. NCLH stock has grown 11.1% over the past 52 weeks and has fallen 4.9% on a YTD basis. In comparison, the S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has returned 16.3% over the past year and risen 8.5% in 2026.
Nasdaq Futures Plunge as Chip Selloff Rages On, FOMC Meeting and Earnings on Tap
Ahead of Microsoft Earnings, Here's What Barchart Data Says Comes Next for MSFT Stock
Broadcom Leads 3 AI Stocks Quietly Raising Their Dividends, One by 161%
#cruises
2 months ago
Semiconductor stocks are falling out of bed and flashing red. Under the market's hood, the rally is still running green.
The PHLX Semiconductor Index (^SOX) briefly broke below 11,000 Tuesday, now down over 25% from its June peak, as another wave of selling swept from South Korea through US chip stocks.
The test marks the latest failure for a group that was already testing a make-or-break level earlier this month. The Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM) fell roughly 11% Tuesday and is down over 40% from its June high.
The damage runs through some of the biggest memory names.
SK Hynix (SKHY) fell to an all-time low in US trading after dropping below the $149 offering price from its blockbuster US debut earlier this month.
#tuesday
The PHLX Semiconductor Index (^SOX) briefly broke below 11,000 Tuesday, now down over 25% from its June peak, as another wave of selling swept from South Korea through US chip stocks.
The test marks the latest failure for a group that was already testing a make-or-break level earlier this month. The Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM) fell roughly 11% Tuesday and is down over 40% from its June high.
The damage runs through some of the biggest memory names.
SK Hynix (SKHY) fell to an all-time low in US trading after dropping below the $149 offering price from its blockbuster US debut earlier this month.
#tuesday
2 months ago
By Jayshree P Upadhyay and Ashwin Manikandan
MUMBAI, July 24 (Reuters) - Indian banks and insurers will launch a common customer identification system in August, with **** et managers joining later, two regulatory sources and industry executives said, allowing customers to access financial products without separately submitting identification documents.
The new system, known as Central Know-Your-Customer 2.0 (CKYC), will only require the customer's consent for these institutions to fetch data stored at a central registry when opening an account or updating their details.
India has spent more than a decade trying to create a system similar to those in countries such as Singapore and several European nations, where digital identity frameworks allow customers to access multiple financial products through a common verification process.
It will also help combat fraud through easier monitoring, the regulatory sources said.
#financial
MUMBAI, July 24 (Reuters) - Indian banks and insurers will launch a common customer identification system in August, with **** et managers joining later, two regulatory sources and industry executives said, allowing customers to access financial products without separately submitting identification documents.
The new system, known as Central Know-Your-Customer 2.0 (CKYC), will only require the customer's consent for these institutions to fetch data stored at a central registry when opening an account or updating their details.
India has spent more than a decade trying to create a system similar to those in countries such as Singapore and several European nations, where digital identity frameworks allow customers to access multiple financial products through a common verification process.
It will also help combat fraud through easier monitoring, the regulatory sources said.
#financial
2 months ago
VTI's dual share class nearly eliminates capital gains distributions, giving it a compounding tax advantage over ITOT and SCHB in taxable brokerage accounts.
SCHB's Schwab fractional-share access puts every automated contribution dollar to work immediately, a platform-specific edge VTI and ITOT cannot match inside Schwab.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
Three total market index ETFs dominate the do-it-yourself investor's shortlist for whole-market US equity exposure: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSEARCA:VTI), iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (NYSEARCA:ITOT), and Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (NYSEARCA:SCHB). All three charge 0.03% in annual expenses, hold thousands of US stocks, and post nearly identical trailing returns.
The one-year numbers cluster tightly: VTI at around 21%, ITOT at roughly 21%, and SCHB at about 21%. Over a 30-year holding period, small structural differences in index depth, tax treatment, and ecosystem fit start to matter, and picking the wrong container for the same underlying market can quietly cost meaningful compounded dollars.
#itot #schb #Share
SCHB's Schwab fractional-share access puts every automated contribution dollar to work immediately, a platform-specific edge VTI and ITOT cannot match inside Schwab.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
Three total market index ETFs dominate the do-it-yourself investor's shortlist for whole-market US equity exposure: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSEARCA:VTI), iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market ETF (NYSEARCA:ITOT), and Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF (NYSEARCA:SCHB). All three charge 0.03% in annual expenses, hold thousands of US stocks, and post nearly identical trailing returns.
The one-year numbers cluster tightly: VTI at around 21%, ITOT at roughly 21%, and SCHB at about 21%. Over a 30-year holding period, small structural differences in index depth, tax treatment, and ecosystem fit start to matter, and picking the wrong container for the same underlying market can quietly cost meaningful compounded dollars.
#itot #schb #Share
2 months ago
Bristol Gate Capital Partners, an investment management company, published its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "US Equity Strategy". A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Strategy lagged the S&P 500 Total Return Index in the quarter in terms of returns, but outperformed in dividend growth. Despite debate over capital cycle returns, AI remained the dominant market theme, expanding from early adoption to broader enterprise adoption. The firm continues to focus on high-dividend-growth companies while maintaining discipline around valuation and earnings durability. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Bristol US Equity Strategy highlighted EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME). Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) offers electrical and mechanical construction and facilities, building, and industrial services. On July 22, 2026, EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) closed at $755.15 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $33.56 billion. EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) posted a one-month return of -11.05%, while its shares gained 32.58% over the past 52 weeks.
Bristol US Equity Strategy stated the following regarding EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME), which we purchased in late April, is a diversified construction and building-services company with broad exposure across US end markets, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to data centres. It is well positioned for the data centre build-out, where demand for complex mechanical and electrical work is strong and skilled labor is scarce. Management has been disciplined with capital allocation, investing in the business and returning capital to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet."
EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 58 hedge fund portfolios held EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 65 in the previous quarter. In Q1 2026, EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) reported revenues of $4.63 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 19.7% and organic growth of 16.8%. While we acknowledge the potential of EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
#emcor #capital #Growth #investor
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Bristol US Equity Strategy highlighted EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME). Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) offers electrical and mechanical construction and facilities, building, and industrial services. On July 22, 2026, EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) closed at $755.15 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $33.56 billion. EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) posted a one-month return of -11.05%, while its shares gained 32.58% over the past 52 weeks.
Bristol US Equity Strategy stated the following regarding EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME), which we purchased in late April, is a diversified construction and building-services company with broad exposure across US end markets, from pharmaceutical manufacturing to data centres. It is well positioned for the data centre build-out, where demand for complex mechanical and electrical work is strong and skilled labor is scarce. Management has been disciplined with capital allocation, investing in the business and returning capital to shareholders while maintaining a strong balance sheet."
EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 58 hedge fund portfolios held EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 65 in the previous quarter. In Q1 2026, EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) reported revenues of $4.63 billion, representing year-over-year growth of 19.7% and organic growth of 16.8%. While we acknowledge the potential of EMCOR Group, Inc. (NYSE:EME) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
#emcor #capital #Growth #investor
2 months ago
Utz Brands (NYSE:UTZ), a snack foods producer, closed at $14.06, up 88.72%. The stock surged after Utz announced a definitive agreement to be taken private in a $2.9 billion all-cash deal. It may only be an arbitrage play now, but there's still a lesson for all investors.
Trading volume reached 60.6 million shares, coming in about 2,000% above its three-month average of 2.9 million shares. Utz Brands IPO'd in 2018 and has grown 46% since going public.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) closed at 7,509, up 0.89%, while the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) finished at 25,837, up 1.29%. In packaged food — savory snack foods and salty snack manufacturing, The Campbell's Company (NASDAQ:CPB) closed at $22.34, up 1.13%, while Mondelez International (NASDAQ:MDLZ) closed at $59.86, down 0.68%, as investors weighed the Utz take-private deal against broader snack-category trading.
Utz shares soared after the company announced an all-cash buyout by Germany's Intersnack Group. The $14.25 per share buyout price represented a 91% premium over yesterday's closing price.
While it may be too late to benefit directly from the Utz buyout, it provides an important lesson investors can learn from.
Utz went public nearly six years ago at $10 per share. It's been a tough ride for shareholders since then, but there have been recent positive signs, with adjusted free cash flow improving in Q1 and guidance suggesting it should continue.
#NASDAQ #buyout #company
Trading volume reached 60.6 million shares, coming in about 2,000% above its three-month average of 2.9 million shares. Utz Brands IPO'd in 2018 and has grown 46% since going public.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) closed at 7,509, up 0.89%, while the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) finished at 25,837, up 1.29%. In packaged food — savory snack foods and salty snack manufacturing, The Campbell's Company (NASDAQ:CPB) closed at $22.34, up 1.13%, while Mondelez International (NASDAQ:MDLZ) closed at $59.86, down 0.68%, as investors weighed the Utz take-private deal against broader snack-category trading.
Utz shares soared after the company announced an all-cash buyout by Germany's Intersnack Group. The $14.25 per share buyout price represented a 91% premium over yesterday's closing price.
While it may be too late to benefit directly from the Utz buyout, it provides an important lesson investors can learn from.
Utz went public nearly six years ago at $10 per share. It's been a tough ride for shareholders since then, but there have been recent positive signs, with adjusted free cash flow improving in Q1 and guidance suggesting it should continue.
#NASDAQ #buyout #company
