13 hours ago
New vehicle sales in Thailand expanded by 17% to 58,724 units in June 2026, up from 50,079 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The market was driven higher by continued strong demand for passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs), sales of which surged by 140% year-on-year to 22,275 units last month, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger vehicles declined by 34% to 8,114 units.
The Thai domestic vehicle market continued to recover last month, supported by a pick-up in economic activity in the country in recent months. The latest government data show that GDP growth accelerated to 2.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, helped by a sharp rise in government spending and stronger private investment growth, while private consumption growth eased slightly.
In the first six months of 2026, Thailand's domestic vehicle market expanded by almost 15% to 346,966 units, from 302,694 units a year earlier. Sales of pickup trucks fell by 4% to 71,271 units in this period, while sales of light passenger vehicles increased by 22% to 261,319 units, driven mainly by a 93% surge in mostly Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales to 104,418 units and a 21% increase in hybrid electric vehicle sales to 81,502 units, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger vehicles fell by 25% to 54,506 units.
Vehicle production in the country fell by 1% to 717,212 vehicles year-to-date, reflecting an 8% drop in exports to 421,144 units, with shipments to markets in the Middle East disrupted by the US-Iran conflict.
The FTI said it expects vehicle production in the country to reach 1.45 million units in 2026, including 550,000 for sale domestically and 900,000 for export. GlobalData is forecasting light vehicle sales to rise by 5% to 647,000 units this year, after growing by 9% to 618,000 units in 2025, followed by a 5% rise to 679,000 units in 2027.
#passenger
The Thai domestic vehicle market continued to recover last month, supported by a pick-up in economic activity in the country in recent months. The latest government data show that GDP growth accelerated to 2.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, helped by a sharp rise in government spending and stronger private investment growth, while private consumption growth eased slightly.
In the first six months of 2026, Thailand's domestic vehicle market expanded by almost 15% to 346,966 units, from 302,694 units a year earlier. Sales of pickup trucks fell by 4% to 71,271 units in this period, while sales of light passenger vehicles increased by 22% to 261,319 units, driven mainly by a 93% surge in mostly Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales to 104,418 units and a 21% increase in hybrid electric vehicle sales to 81,502 units, while sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger vehicles fell by 25% to 54,506 units.
Vehicle production in the country fell by 1% to 717,212 vehicles year-to-date, reflecting an 8% drop in exports to 421,144 units, with shipments to markets in the Middle East disrupted by the US-Iran conflict.
The FTI said it expects vehicle production in the country to reach 1.45 million units in 2026, including 550,000 for sale domestically and 900,000 for export. GlobalData is forecasting light vehicle sales to rise by 5% to 647,000 units this year, after growing by 9% to 618,000 units in 2025, followed by a 5% rise to 679,000 units in 2027.
#passenger
13 hours 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.
Delivered strong first-half momentum by balancing volume growth and price/mix, achieving organic revenue growth at the high end of the long-term algorithm.
Leveraged the FIFA World Cup activation to drive record beverage incidence of over 80% at venues, utilizing integrated marketing to engage consumers across 180 markets.
Navigated an uneven global consumer environment by sharpening Revenue Growth Management (RGM) toolkits, balancing affordability for pressured consumers with premiumization for resilient segments.
Achieved broad-based volume growth across all operating units, supported by the relaunch of Mr. Pibb and continued expansion of Coca-Cola Zero Zero into evening consumption occasions.
#balancing #NVIDIA
Delivered strong first-half momentum by balancing volume growth and price/mix, achieving organic revenue growth at the high end of the long-term algorithm.
Leveraged the FIFA World Cup activation to drive record beverage incidence of over 80% at venues, utilizing integrated marketing to engage consumers across 180 markets.
Navigated an uneven global consumer environment by sharpening Revenue Growth Management (RGM) toolkits, balancing affordability for pressured consumers with premiumization for resilient segments.
Achieved broad-based volume growth across all operating units, supported by the relaunch of Mr. Pibb and continued expansion of Coca-Cola Zero Zero into evening consumption occasions.
#balancing #NVIDIA
14 hours ago
A decline in public consumption of alcoholic drinks since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a major factor in declining revenue in the beer, wine, and spirits sectors leading certain companies to file for bankruptcy protection.
128-year-old beer, wine, and spirits distributor Republic National Distributing Company was a major company affected as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking going concern sales of its remaining ****** ets, a wind down of operations, completion of transition services agreements, and approval of its equity holder settlement.
National Distributing Company Inc. is not a part of the Chapter 11 filing, the company said in a statement on its website.
A company spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
Republic National Distributing Company filed its petition as its business's financial position deteriorated after the Covid-19 pandemic subsided in late 2022 and demand for off-premises alcohol consumption plummeted.
#company #chapter #consumption #major
128-year-old beer, wine, and spirits distributor Republic National Distributing Company was a major company affected as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking going concern sales of its remaining ****** ets, a wind down of operations, completion of transition services agreements, and approval of its equity holder settlement.
National Distributing Company Inc. is not a part of the Chapter 11 filing, the company said in a statement on its website.
A company spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.
Republic National Distributing Company filed its petition as its business's financial position deteriorated after the Covid-19 pandemic subsided in late 2022 and demand for off-premises alcohol consumption plummeted.
#company #chapter #consumption #major
22 hours ago
Ardagh Group has reported a 16% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions at its metal packaging business since 2020, according to the company's 2025 Sustainability Report.
The document covers the group's two operating units, Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) and Ardagh Glass Packaging (AGP), and sets out developments in environmental, social and governance measures.
In its climate data, AMP recorded a 16% decline in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as an 18% fall in Scope 3 emissions since 2020.
AGP posted a 17% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and an 11% reduction in Scope 3 emissions over the same period.
Renewable power represented 47% of AMP's electricity consumption and 25% of AGP's electricity consumption.
#ardagh #reduction #since #electricity
The document covers the group's two operating units, Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) and Ardagh Glass Packaging (AGP), and sets out developments in environmental, social and governance measures.
In its climate data, AMP recorded a 16% decline in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as an 18% fall in Scope 3 emissions since 2020.
AGP posted a 17% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and an 11% reduction in Scope 3 emissions over the same period.
Renewable power represented 47% of AMP's electricity consumption and 25% of AGP's electricity consumption.
#ardagh #reduction #since #electricity
23 hours ago
BEIJING, July 27 (Reuters) - Profits at China's industrial firms grew at a solid, though slower, pace as resilient exports helped cushion sluggish domestic demand, highlighting the economy's uneven recovery despite policymakers' efforts to spur consumption.
Exports and industrial production have done much of the heavy lifting for the world's second-largest economy. Persistent weakness in consumption and the property sector, however, helped drag second-quarter growth to its slowest pace in more than three years, keeping calls alive for further policy support to address economic imbalances.
Industrial profit growth eased to 15.1% in June from 21.1% in May, while first-half profits rose 18.7% from a year earlier, compared with an 18.8% increase in the January-to-May period, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday.
"If this recovery can be sustained, it will be a good sign for the rest of the economy, as a return of profits growth could give companies room to resume wage growth," said Lynn Song, chief economist of Greater China at ING.
The figures add to evidence of a two-speed recovery in the world's second-largest economy, where manufacturers have benefited from robust overseas demand, while sectors tied to domestic spending continue to struggle.
#industrial #recovery #second
Exports and industrial production have done much of the heavy lifting for the world's second-largest economy. Persistent weakness in consumption and the property sector, however, helped drag second-quarter growth to its slowest pace in more than three years, keeping calls alive for further policy support to address economic imbalances.
Industrial profit growth eased to 15.1% in June from 21.1% in May, while first-half profits rose 18.7% from a year earlier, compared with an 18.8% increase in the January-to-May period, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday.
"If this recovery can be sustained, it will be a good sign for the rest of the economy, as a return of profits growth could give companies room to resume wage growth," said Lynn Song, chief economist of Greater China at ING.
The figures add to evidence of a two-speed recovery in the world's second-largest economy, where manufacturers have benefited from robust overseas demand, while sectors tied to domestic spending continue to struggle.
#industrial #recovery #second
1 day ago
BEIJING, July 27 (Reuters) - Profits at China's industrial firms grew at a solid, though slower, pace as resilient exports helped cushion sluggish domestic demand, highlighting the economy's uneven recovery despite policymakers' efforts to spur consumption.
Exports and industrial production have done much of the heavy lifting for the world's second-largest economy. Persistent weakness in consumption and the property sector, however, helped drag second-quarter growth to its slowest pace in more than three years, keeping calls alive for further policy support to address economic imbalances.
Industrial profit growth eased to 15.1% in June from 21.1% in May, while first-half profits rose 18.7% from a year earlier, compared with an 18.8% increase in the January-to-May period, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday.
"If this recovery can be sustained, it will be a good sign for the rest of the economy, as a return of profits growth could give companies room to resume wage growth," said Lynn Song, chief economist of Greater China at ING.
The figures add to evidence of a two-speed recovery in the world's second-largest economy, where manufacturers have benefited from robust overseas demand, while sectors tied to domestic spending continue to struggle.
#profits #economy #exports
Exports and industrial production have done much of the heavy lifting for the world's second-largest economy. Persistent weakness in consumption and the property sector, however, helped drag second-quarter growth to its slowest pace in more than three years, keeping calls alive for further policy support to address economic imbalances.
Industrial profit growth eased to 15.1% in June from 21.1% in May, while first-half profits rose 18.7% from a year earlier, compared with an 18.8% increase in the January-to-May period, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed on Monday.
"If this recovery can be sustained, it will be a good sign for the rest of the economy, as a return of profits growth could give companies room to resume wage growth," said Lynn Song, chief economist of Greater China at ING.
The figures add to evidence of a two-speed recovery in the world's second-largest economy, where manufacturers have benefited from robust overseas demand, while sectors tied to domestic spending continue to struggle.
#profits #economy #exports
4 days ago
New vehicle sales in the Philippines declined by a further 8% to 37,231 units in June 2026, down from 40,483 units in the same month last year, according to member wholesale data released jointly by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers ***** ociation (TMA).
This was the sixth consecutive month of decline for the market, as economic growth in the country continued to slow. The latest government data show that GDP growth slowed to 2.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, down from 3.7% in the second half of 2025 and 4.4% for the whole of last year. Higher fuel prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East have added to existing economic pressures, including the fallout from last year's infrastructure corruption scandal.
Despite a sharp drop in household consumption in the first quarter, the central bank has raised its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 4.75% since April, reversing a two-year easing cycle from a peak of 6.5% in mid-2024, to help rein in surging inflation resulting from the recent fuel price hikes.
In the first six months of 2026, the Philippine vehicle market was down by over 11% to 204,557 units, from 230,912 units in the same period last year, with sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles both falling by over 11% to 40,503 units and 164,054 units, respectively. Sales of electrified vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids, surged by 132% to 31,351 units in this period, however, as consumers prioritized fuel-efficient vehicles amid rising fuel prices.
The overall market leader, Toyota, reported a 9% sales decline to 100,909 units year-to-date, followed by Mitsubishi with 36,321 units (-17%); Suzuki 9,262 units (-14%); Ford 7,435 units (-32%); and Nissan 6,921 units (-42%).
#units #year #down #philippines
This was the sixth consecutive month of decline for the market, as economic growth in the country continued to slow. The latest government data show that GDP growth slowed to 2.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, down from 3.7% in the second half of 2025 and 4.4% for the whole of last year. Higher fuel prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East have added to existing economic pressures, including the fallout from last year's infrastructure corruption scandal.
Despite a sharp drop in household consumption in the first quarter, the central bank has raised its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 4.75% since April, reversing a two-year easing cycle from a peak of 6.5% in mid-2024, to help rein in surging inflation resulting from the recent fuel price hikes.
In the first six months of 2026, the Philippine vehicle market was down by over 11% to 204,557 units, from 230,912 units in the same period last year, with sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles both falling by over 11% to 40,503 units and 164,054 units, respectively. Sales of electrified vehicles, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids, surged by 132% to 31,351 units in this period, however, as consumers prioritized fuel-efficient vehicles amid rising fuel prices.
The overall market leader, Toyota, reported a 9% sales decline to 100,909 units year-to-date, followed by Mitsubishi with 36,321 units (-17%); Suzuki 9,262 units (-14%); Ford 7,435 units (-32%); and Nissan 6,921 units (-42%).
#units #year #down #philippines
4 days ago
By Leo Marchandon
July 23 (Reuters) - SAP's finance chief said on Thursday that artificial intelligence in enterprise software must move beyond chatbots and coding tools into more complex business processes, where clean data, reliability and cost control matter more than access to the most powerful model.
Companies have poured money into generative AI but are still seeking evidence of broad productivity gains, and SAP is arguing that the returns will come less from general-purpose models than from governed systems embedded in specific business processes.
CFO Dominik Asam told reporters after SAP's second-quarter results that the "lion's share" of AI token consumption today was spent in "low-hanging fruits" coding ******* istant and chatbots, where AI's hallucinations matter less because the output carries limited risk if it fails.
But applying AI to finance, supply chain or other core business processes is harder because errors carry over multiple steps, increasing risk against compliance standards, he said.
#coding #matter #marchandon #july
July 23 (Reuters) - SAP's finance chief said on Thursday that artificial intelligence in enterprise software must move beyond chatbots and coding tools into more complex business processes, where clean data, reliability and cost control matter more than access to the most powerful model.
Companies have poured money into generative AI but are still seeking evidence of broad productivity gains, and SAP is arguing that the returns will come less from general-purpose models than from governed systems embedded in specific business processes.
CFO Dominik Asam told reporters after SAP's second-quarter results that the "lion's share" of AI token consumption today was spent in "low-hanging fruits" coding ******* istant and chatbots, where AI's hallucinations matter less because the output carries limited risk if it fails.
But applying AI to finance, supply chain or other core business processes is harder because errors carry over multiple steps, increasing risk against compliance standards, he said.
#coding #matter #marchandon #july
6 days ago
ADNOC has approved a $6.2 billion final investment decision to develop the Umm Shaif Gas Cap, marking another step in its strategy to expand natural gas production and liquefied natural gas exports as global demand for gas continues to rise.
The offshore project, located at Abu Dhabi's longest-producing offshore field, is expected to deliver more than 600 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas and ******* ociated gas liquids by 2030. According to ADNOC, that volume is equivalent to nearly 10% of the UAE's current daily gas consumption, supporting domestic energy security while increasing supplies available for international markets.
The development will be carried out alongside ADNOC's concession partners TotalEnergies, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation.
As part of the project, ADNOC awarded three engineering, procurement and construction contracts worth a combined $5.1 billion to consortiums of UAE and international contractors. The company also approved a $365 million drilling program covering 14 wells, which will be executed by ADNOC Drilling over 18 months using three existing rigs.
The investment forms part of ADNOC's broader gas expansion strategy, which seeks to monetize the UAE's vast natural gas resources while growing its global LNG business. The company has previously announced plans to build a global LNG marketing and trading platform and is targeting 47 million tonnes per annum of marketable LNG capacity by 2035.
#natural #million #investment #offshore
The offshore project, located at Abu Dhabi's longest-producing offshore field, is expected to deliver more than 600 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas and ******* ociated gas liquids by 2030. According to ADNOC, that volume is equivalent to nearly 10% of the UAE's current daily gas consumption, supporting domestic energy security while increasing supplies available for international markets.
The development will be carried out alongside ADNOC's concession partners TotalEnergies, Eni and China National Petroleum Corporation.
As part of the project, ADNOC awarded three engineering, procurement and construction contracts worth a combined $5.1 billion to consortiums of UAE and international contractors. The company also approved a $365 million drilling program covering 14 wells, which will be executed by ADNOC Drilling over 18 months using three existing rigs.
The investment forms part of ADNOC's broader gas expansion strategy, which seeks to monetize the UAE's vast natural gas resources while growing its global LNG business. The company has previously announced plans to build a global LNG marketing and trading platform and is targeting 47 million tonnes per annum of marketable LNG capacity by 2035.
#natural #million #investment #offshore
6 days ago
Energy stocks have regained momentum in 2026. Oil prices remain well above their long-term averages, global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) continues to grow, and electricity consumption is accelerating as artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and electrification place new demands on the power grid.
Not every energy company will benefit equally. But if you're looking for stocks with clear catalysts over the next 12 months, these three stand out.
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 »
ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) has built one of the oil industry's lowest-cost, highest-return businesses. And its biggest advantage is Guyana, where the company has now discovered more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil equivalent, making it one of the largest oil discoveries in decades. Production recently surpassed 700,000 barrels per day, and management expects Guyana to produce about 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030.
That country is also one of the world's lowest-cost oil sources, with break-even prices estimated at less than $35 per barrel. That allows Exxon to remain highly profitable even if crude prices sink.
#guyana #energy #flashing #remain
Not every energy company will benefit equally. But if you're looking for stocks with clear catalysts over the next 12 months, these three stand out.
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 »
ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) has built one of the oil industry's lowest-cost, highest-return businesses. And its biggest advantage is Guyana, where the company has now discovered more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil equivalent, making it one of the largest oil discoveries in decades. Production recently surpassed 700,000 barrels per day, and management expects Guyana to produce about 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030.
That country is also one of the world's lowest-cost oil sources, with break-even prices estimated at less than $35 per barrel. That allows Exxon to remain highly profitable even if crude prices sink.
#guyana #energy #flashing #remain
6 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
In another one of this week's tests of investor sentiment around artificial intelligence (AI) – and a tentpole one at that -- Google's parent company, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), reports second-quarter results after the close of U.S. markets on Wednesday, July 22.
This report could be an opportune time for short-term traders to consider Alphabet single-stock ETFs, such as the Direxion Daily GOOGL Bull 2X Shares (GGLL) and the Direxion Daily GOOGL Bear 1X Shares (GGLS). When preparing for Alphabet's earnings with these funds, traders should note that GGLL attempts to deliver 200% of the daily returns of the internet stock, while the bearish GGLS seeks intraday performances corresponding with the inverse returns of Alphabet.
Although shares of Alphabet are up 12% year to date, they have slipped 3% over the past month — perhaps signaling a near-term burden of proof for the company as it heads into its earnings report. If that's accurate, either GGLL or GGLS could be worth considering.
"Look for Google Cloud growth in both quarterly numbers and contracted future revenue (or backlog)," noted Malik Khan of Morningstar. "We think investors want certainty that the $460 billion backlog will convert to sales over the next two years, and also want to know what that trajectory will look like. Non-backlog factors, such as consumption-based spending and new commitments, will be important for understanding the health of the cloud business."
#daily #cloud
In another one of this week's tests of investor sentiment around artificial intelligence (AI) – and a tentpole one at that -- Google's parent company, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), reports second-quarter results after the close of U.S. markets on Wednesday, July 22.
This report could be an opportune time for short-term traders to consider Alphabet single-stock ETFs, such as the Direxion Daily GOOGL Bull 2X Shares (GGLL) and the Direxion Daily GOOGL Bear 1X Shares (GGLS). When preparing for Alphabet's earnings with these funds, traders should note that GGLL attempts to deliver 200% of the daily returns of the internet stock, while the bearish GGLS seeks intraday performances corresponding with the inverse returns of Alphabet.
Although shares of Alphabet are up 12% year to date, they have slipped 3% over the past month — perhaps signaling a near-term burden of proof for the company as it heads into its earnings report. If that's accurate, either GGLL or GGLS could be worth considering.
"Look for Google Cloud growth in both quarterly numbers and contracted future revenue (or backlog)," noted Malik Khan of Morningstar. "We think investors want certainty that the $460 billion backlog will convert to sales over the next two years, and also want to know what that trajectory will look like. Non-backlog factors, such as consumption-based spending and new commitments, will be important for understanding the health of the cloud business."
#daily #cloud
13 days ago
(Refiles to correct dateline)
By Nicolás Misculin
BUENOS AIRES, July 16 (Reuters) - Higher global beef prices and new trade deals under President Javier Milei are encouraging Argentina's ranchers to raise heavier cattle, betting on a sustained export boom that could reshape the country's meat industry.
One **** yst said they expect exports from Argentina — famous for its asado barbecues, steakhouses and world-leading per capita beef consumption — to rise by as much as 50% over the next four years, building on strong export revenue growth already seen in 2026.
The shift marks a break from a longstanding model focused heavily on domestic consumption, as ranchers respond to stronger overseas demand from a range of markets, including the United States, Israel, Europe and China, alongside fresh trade opportunities created by new agreements with the U.S. and European Union.
By Nicolás Misculin
BUENOS AIRES, July 16 (Reuters) - Higher global beef prices and new trade deals under President Javier Milei are encouraging Argentina's ranchers to raise heavier cattle, betting on a sustained export boom that could reshape the country's meat industry.
One **** yst said they expect exports from Argentina — famous for its asado barbecues, steakhouses and world-leading per capita beef consumption — to rise by as much as 50% over the next four years, building on strong export revenue growth already seen in 2026.
The shift marks a break from a longstanding model focused heavily on domestic consumption, as ranchers respond to stronger overseas demand from a range of markets, including the United States, Israel, Europe and China, alongside fresh trade opportunities created by new agreements with the U.S. and European Union.
15 days ago
A Pentagon watchdog report found that in the roughly two years since it was built, an ammunition plant in Mesquite, Texas, has not produced any parts for 155mm artillery rounds, hindering the Army's goal to help backfill stocks of ammunition provided to Ukraine after Russia invaded in 2022.
In a report released Monday, the Defense Department inspector general found that as of March 2026, the plant had not produced any metal projectile parts that met the specifications laid out in the contract and the "the Army's expenditure of $469 million to establish the Mesquite facility could have been used to address other Army or [Department of Defense] priorities."
Over the past four years, the Pentagon depleted its inventory of 155mm artillery by 3.6 million rounds, according to the report. The report does not note how many rounds are in the stockpile.
More than 3 million rounds were given to Ukraine through weapons packages committed by the Biden administration. Roughly 112,000 rounds were used for training and testing, and another 218,000 were sold to other countries.
Based on the consumption in Ukraine and anticipated foreign military sales, the Army in 2024 set a goal to ramp up production of 155mm artillery from 14,000 rounds per month to 100,000 by Oct. 2025 and invested in the Mesquite plant in Texas to help produce specific parts.
In a report released Monday, the Defense Department inspector general found that as of March 2026, the plant had not produced any metal projectile parts that met the specifications laid out in the contract and the "the Army's expenditure of $469 million to establish the Mesquite facility could have been used to address other Army or [Department of Defense] priorities."
Over the past four years, the Pentagon depleted its inventory of 155mm artillery by 3.6 million rounds, according to the report. The report does not note how many rounds are in the stockpile.
More than 3 million rounds were given to Ukraine through weapons packages committed by the Biden administration. Roughly 112,000 rounds were used for training and testing, and another 218,000 were sold to other countries.
Based on the consumption in Ukraine and anticipated foreign military sales, the Army in 2024 set a goal to ramp up production of 155mm artillery from 14,000 rounds per month to 100,000 by Oct. 2025 and invested in the Mesquite plant in Texas to help produce specific parts.
16 days ago
Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LITE) is one of the best performing AI stocks over the last 3 years, with a 3Y CAGR of 143.31%. On June 11, JPMorgan **** yst Samik Chatterjee reiterated an Overweight rating and maintained a $1,130 price target, arguing that the recent pullback in optical-networking stocks had created a buying opportunity.
Chatterjee said Lumentum shares had fallen about 15% from their early-June high as investors worried about limited summer catalysts and possible delays in co-packaged optics adoption. He pushed back on those concerns, citing supply-chain checks indicating that Nvidia's large-scale CPO rollout remained on track and may be ahead of schedule. JPMorgan also pointed to growing interest from cloud-service providers and other customers, which could broaden demand beyond Nvidia.
Co-packaged optics places optical engines close to switch chips to increase bandwidth while reducing power consumption in large AI systems. JPMorgan viewed Lumentum's valuation of roughly 25 times estimated 2028 earnings as reasonable, given projected annual earnings growth above 40%. The thesis still depends on deployment schedules, customer concentration and Lumentum's ability to convert product demand into sustained shipments and earnings growth.
Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LITE) develops optical and photonic technologies for AI and cloud networking, telecommunications, industrial manufacturing and sensing, including lasers, components, modules and optical subsystems.
While we acknowledge the risk and potential of LITE as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LITE and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
Chatterjee said Lumentum shares had fallen about 15% from their early-June high as investors worried about limited summer catalysts and possible delays in co-packaged optics adoption. He pushed back on those concerns, citing supply-chain checks indicating that Nvidia's large-scale CPO rollout remained on track and may be ahead of schedule. JPMorgan also pointed to growing interest from cloud-service providers and other customers, which could broaden demand beyond Nvidia.
Co-packaged optics places optical engines close to switch chips to increase bandwidth while reducing power consumption in large AI systems. JPMorgan viewed Lumentum's valuation of roughly 25 times estimated 2028 earnings as reasonable, given projected annual earnings growth above 40%. The thesis still depends on deployment schedules, customer concentration and Lumentum's ability to convert product demand into sustained shipments and earnings growth.
Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LITE) develops optical and photonic technologies for AI and cloud networking, telecommunications, industrial manufacturing and sensing, including lasers, components, modules and optical subsystems.
While we acknowledge the risk and potential of LITE as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than LITE and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
16 days ago
Energy regulators warned data centers could be cut off as a heat wave swept the mid-Atlantic states.
PJM, which runs the regional grid, said "demand response" kept power consumption manageable.
Dark smoke was seen rising from a Virginia data center. Other big loads also ran diesel generators.
Ashburn, Virginia, is in the heart of America's "data center alley." Over the July 4 weekend, diesel generators at a Digital Realty data center switched on as temperatures spiked.
Dark smoke floated above ACC9, one of dozens of data centers clustered in Ashburn and nearby cities, according to a video and photos from July 3 seen by Business Insider. The company said it turned on generators as part of a program run by the electrical grid operator, PJM Interconnection, to reduce the load on the grid during times of peak demand.
PJM, which runs the regional grid, said "demand response" kept power consumption manageable.
Dark smoke was seen rising from a Virginia data center. Other big loads also ran diesel generators.
Ashburn, Virginia, is in the heart of America's "data center alley." Over the July 4 weekend, diesel generators at a Digital Realty data center switched on as temperatures spiked.
Dark smoke floated above ACC9, one of dozens of data centers clustered in Ashburn and nearby cities, according to a video and photos from July 3 seen by Business Insider. The company said it turned on generators as part of a program run by the electrical grid operator, PJM Interconnection, to reduce the load on the grid during times of peak demand.
17 days ago
PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (AP) — Trinidad and Tobago has signed agreements paving the way for U.S. companies to begin groundwork for installing large data centers in the Caribbean nation, sparking concerns about potential energy consumption and environmental impacts.
The memorandums of understanding with the Florida-headquartered Hummingbird AI Holdings and New York-based Ernst and Young LLP were signed on Friday, according to a statement from the office of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. These are the first such agreements with a Caribbean country.
The deal with Ernst and Young LLP will set out the framework for collaboration on developing large-scale data centers, with the company planning to "partner with third parties in the development" of a 300 megawatt data center, the statement said.
The agreement with Hummingbird AI Holdings sets up the framework for "preliminary cooperation, due diligence and coordination" for a proposed 150 MW AI infrastructure and data center facility.
Data centers are listed with a megawatt figure to indicate their electrical power capacity to operate at peak load. The 300 MW center has a capacity of 300 million watts of electricity.
The memorandums of understanding with the Florida-headquartered Hummingbird AI Holdings and New York-based Ernst and Young LLP were signed on Friday, according to a statement from the office of Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. These are the first such agreements with a Caribbean country.
The deal with Ernst and Young LLP will set out the framework for collaboration on developing large-scale data centers, with the company planning to "partner with third parties in the development" of a 300 megawatt data center, the statement said.
The agreement with Hummingbird AI Holdings sets up the framework for "preliminary cooperation, due diligence and coordination" for a proposed 150 MW AI infrastructure and data center facility.
Data centers are listed with a megawatt figure to indicate their electrical power capacity to operate at peak load. The 300 MW center has a capacity of 300 million watts of electricity.
18 days ago
Fermi America (NASDAQ:FRMI) shares dropped nearly 15% in premarket trading after the company announced the pricing of an enlarged $375 million offering of 5.00% convertible senior notes due in 2031.
The financing, priced late on July 9, triggered a sharp sell-off in after-hours trading that continued into Friday's premarket session.
The notes are being sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and carry an initial conversion price of approximately $9.52 per share.
Initial purchasers also have the option to buy an additional $56.25 million of notes, increasing the potential size of the offering to $431.25 million. The possibility of additional share dilution weighed heavily on investor sentiment, particularly given the company's ongoing cash consumption.
The capital raise follows a difficult first quarter in which Fermi reported a net loss of roughly $189 million, largely driven by non-cash share-based compensation expenses. The company also generated no revenue during the period, falling short of ******* yst expectations and prompting several research firms to lower their ratings in recent months.
The financing, priced late on July 9, triggered a sharp sell-off in after-hours trading that continued into Friday's premarket session.
The notes are being sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A and carry an initial conversion price of approximately $9.52 per share.
Initial purchasers also have the option to buy an additional $56.25 million of notes, increasing the potential size of the offering to $431.25 million. The possibility of additional share dilution weighed heavily on investor sentiment, particularly given the company's ongoing cash consumption.
The capital raise follows a difficult first quarter in which Fermi reported a net loss of roughly $189 million, largely driven by non-cash share-based compensation expenses. The company also generated no revenue during the period, falling short of ******* yst expectations and prompting several research firms to lower their ratings in recent months.
19 days ago
With a 5-year EPS growth forecasted at 53.12%, SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) is among the 12 Best Cybersecurity Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Long Term.
On June 17, SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) announced the general availability of Purple AI Agentic Investigation alongside the introduction of Singularity Credits, a unified consumption model for AI-powered capabilities across the Singularity Platform. Customers can now access a complimentary trial of Purple AI's newest autonomous security reasoning capability, which enables zero-click investigations that automatically detect, investigate, validate, and respond to cyber threats without requiring human intervention. When suspicious activity exceeds predefined thresholds, the system independently ******* yzes incidents, reaches a verdict, and initiates responses at machine speed while maintaining full transparency and oversight for security teams.
On May 29, Scotiabank ******* yst Patrick Colville raised the firm's price target on SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) to $16 from $15 while maintaining a Sector Perform rating on the shares. Although the firm continues to view SentinelOne as a top-tier cybersecurity company with a strong technology platform, it remains cautious due to limited evidence that the company is generating sufficient customer wins to significantly accelerate annual recurring revenue growth.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) protects enterprise IT systems using AI-powered behavioral ******* ysis. It operates as a cybersecurity stock by offering autonomous platforms that detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks across devices, cloud workloads, and networks.
While we acknowledge the potential of S 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.
On June 17, SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) announced the general availability of Purple AI Agentic Investigation alongside the introduction of Singularity Credits, a unified consumption model for AI-powered capabilities across the Singularity Platform. Customers can now access a complimentary trial of Purple AI's newest autonomous security reasoning capability, which enables zero-click investigations that automatically detect, investigate, validate, and respond to cyber threats without requiring human intervention. When suspicious activity exceeds predefined thresholds, the system independently ******* yzes incidents, reaches a verdict, and initiates responses at machine speed while maintaining full transparency and oversight for security teams.
On May 29, Scotiabank ******* yst Patrick Colville raised the firm's price target on SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) to $16 from $15 while maintaining a Sector Perform rating on the shares. Although the firm continues to view SentinelOne as a top-tier cybersecurity company with a strong technology platform, it remains cautious due to limited evidence that the company is generating sufficient customer wins to significantly accelerate annual recurring revenue growth.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) protects enterprise IT systems using AI-powered behavioral ******* ysis. It operates as a cybersecurity stock by offering autonomous platforms that detect, prevent, and respond to cyberattacks across devices, cloud workloads, and networks.
While we acknowledge the potential of S 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.
19 days ago
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is one of the 10 Best Stocks to Buy in Glen Kacher's Light Street Portfolio.
As of the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) represents 14.40% of Glen Kacher's Light Street Portfolio. Additionally, the fund holds a put option position valued at $36,904,140 in the portfolio. In contrast, on July 1, 2026, Goldman Sachs announced the removal of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) from the firm's APAC Conviction List. The Goldman Sachs Asia-Pacific (APAC) Conviction List is a highly researched set of top stock "Buy" ideas for the region. In the July 2026 update, Goldman Sachs added ResMed and KB Financial Group, while removing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) and Alibaba.
Separately, on June 24, 2026, Bank of America raised its price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) from $490 to $590 while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. The firm expects notable CPU consumption to absorb advanced manufacturing and packaging capacity, amid the surging agentic AI demand. And accordingly, the firm's **** yst has lifted the company's 2026 and 2027 revenue growth forecasts to 40% and 39% year-over-year, respectively.
Founded in 1987, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is the world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundry. Based in Taiwan, the company engages in the business of manufacturing and selling integrated circuits and wafer-level semiconductor devices.
While we acknowledge the potential of TSM 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.
As of the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) represents 14.40% of Glen Kacher's Light Street Portfolio. Additionally, the fund holds a put option position valued at $36,904,140 in the portfolio. In contrast, on July 1, 2026, Goldman Sachs announced the removal of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) from the firm's APAC Conviction List. The Goldman Sachs Asia-Pacific (APAC) Conviction List is a highly researched set of top stock "Buy" ideas for the region. In the July 2026 update, Goldman Sachs added ResMed and KB Financial Group, while removing Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) and Alibaba.
Separately, on June 24, 2026, Bank of America raised its price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) from $490 to $590 while maintaining a Buy rating on the stock. The firm expects notable CPU consumption to absorb advanced manufacturing and packaging capacity, amid the surging agentic AI demand. And accordingly, the firm's **** yst has lifted the company's 2026 and 2027 revenue growth forecasts to 40% and 39% year-over-year, respectively.
Founded in 1987, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) is the world's leading dedicated semiconductor foundry. Based in Taiwan, the company engages in the business of manufacturing and selling integrated circuits and wafer-level semiconductor devices.
While we acknowledge the potential of TSM 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.
20 days ago
By Michael S. Derby
July 7 (Reuters) - Americans grew more concerned about near-term inflation pressures in June even as they projected moderating gasoline price gains and a more upbeat view on current and future personal finances, a Federal Reserve Bank of New York report released on Tuesday said.
Inflation a year from now was seen at 3.7% in June, up from 3.5% in May, for the highest reading since September 2023, the bank said in its latest Survey of Consumer Expectations.
Meanwhile inflation three years from now was seen at 3.3% from May's 3.1%, with the June reading at its highest level since June 2022. Five-year ahead expected inflation, which is most closely watched by central bank officials, held steady at 3%.
The rise in near-term inflation expectations comes as prevailing inflation readings have been under considerable pressure from a surge in energy prices due to the Middle East war. The overall May personal consumption expenditures price index was up by 4.1% in May from the same month a year ago, from April's 3.8% gain.
July 7 (Reuters) - Americans grew more concerned about near-term inflation pressures in June even as they projected moderating gasoline price gains and a more upbeat view on current and future personal finances, a Federal Reserve Bank of New York report released on Tuesday said.
Inflation a year from now was seen at 3.7% in June, up from 3.5% in May, for the highest reading since September 2023, the bank said in its latest Survey of Consumer Expectations.
Meanwhile inflation three years from now was seen at 3.3% from May's 3.1%, with the June reading at its highest level since June 2022. Five-year ahead expected inflation, which is most closely watched by central bank officials, held steady at 3%.
The rise in near-term inflation expectations comes as prevailing inflation readings have been under considerable pressure from a surge in energy prices due to the Middle East war. The overall May personal consumption expenditures price index was up by 4.1% in May from the same month a year ago, from April's 3.8% gain.
20 days ago
Figma Inc. (NYSE:FIG) is one of the top 10 AI stocks that will skyrocket.
On June 25, Rishi Jaluria of RBC Capital reduced his target price for Figma Inc. (NYSE:FIG) from $28 to $22, resulting in an adjusted upside potential of more than 21%. Jaluria upheld his Sector Perform rating for the stock after taking part in the company's 2026 User Conference and Investor Session.
dboystudio/Shutterstock.com
The **** yst mentioned that during the session, management revealed some creative tools and materials, shed light on the company's extensive offerings, and how it plans to make progress toward a seat-plus-consumption framework. Despite having a sense of optimism regarding the company's product innovation, the **** yst views its offerings as being in an early stage. This makes it difficult to reliably estimate their impact on company financials.
Later on June 26, Michael Turrin from Wells Fargo also reduced his target price for Figma Inc. (NYSE:FIG) from $42 to $36, which still results in a lucrative upside potential of almost 100%. The **** yst reiterated an Overweight rating on the stock, following participation in Config '26, which has bolstered his confidence in the company's prospects. He highlighted Figma's impressive strategy around its design platform and intelligent canvas.
On June 25, Rishi Jaluria of RBC Capital reduced his target price for Figma Inc. (NYSE:FIG) from $28 to $22, resulting in an adjusted upside potential of more than 21%. Jaluria upheld his Sector Perform rating for the stock after taking part in the company's 2026 User Conference and Investor Session.
dboystudio/Shutterstock.com
The **** yst mentioned that during the session, management revealed some creative tools and materials, shed light on the company's extensive offerings, and how it plans to make progress toward a seat-plus-consumption framework. Despite having a sense of optimism regarding the company's product innovation, the **** yst views its offerings as being in an early stage. This makes it difficult to reliably estimate their impact on company financials.
Later on June 26, Michael Turrin from Wells Fargo also reduced his target price for Figma Inc. (NYSE:FIG) from $42 to $36, which still results in a lucrative upside potential of almost 100%. The **** yst reiterated an Overweight rating on the stock, following participation in Config '26, which has bolstered his confidence in the company's prospects. He highlighted Figma's impressive strategy around its design platform and intelligent canvas.
21 days ago
Hump day, folks…hump day. It’s Wednesday, and Sharkfest is in full swing over on the National Geographic channel ahead of Sharkweek. It’s always fun watching that stuff, but…you also know it is the midst of the offseason when you’re choosing to watch nature documentaries.
For one time, can we please get to see the baby seal actually escape the shark, though?
Team USA being knocked out of the FIFA World Cup by Belgium also dwindled my sports consumption down tremendously. I suppose that I’m now on the Norway train thanks to huge Caniac Erling Haaland. Honestly, still snickering anytime I see this comparison of him and Alexander Ovechkin on the powerplay.
Enough about me, though, I’d love to hear how y’all are spending the offseason. Any new sports picked up? Perhaps some new hobbies? Maybe trying some new video games or revisiting the classics?
…Do you want to hear about random video games in the next opening section of the Rumble? (Please, say yes.)
For one time, can we please get to see the baby seal actually escape the shark, though?
Team USA being knocked out of the FIFA World Cup by Belgium also dwindled my sports consumption down tremendously. I suppose that I’m now on the Norway train thanks to huge Caniac Erling Haaland. Honestly, still snickering anytime I see this comparison of him and Alexander Ovechkin on the powerplay.
Enough about me, though, I’d love to hear how y’all are spending the offseason. Any new sports picked up? Perhaps some new hobbies? Maybe trying some new video games or revisiting the classics?
…Do you want to hear about random video games in the next opening section of the Rumble? (Please, say yes.)
25 days ago
By Tim McLaughlin
July 3 (Reuters) - Largest U.S. power grid operator PJM said on Friday it was under a federal alert to cut electricity consumption across its territory as it battled generator outages, massive overloading on its transmission lines and a surge in air conditioning use from prolonged sweltering heat.
PJM said it told utilities to reduce electricity to customers who are under contract to reduce consumption during emergencies. PJM serves 67 million people in the Mid-Atlantic, South and Washington, D.C., area.
Spot wholesale electricity prices in northern Virginia, home to the largest collection of data centers in the world, have surged beyond $2,000 per megawatt hour this week. That compares to about $40 per MWh when PJM is not in distress.
The surge in prices is mostly because it has become expensive to provide power across congested high-voltage power lines, according to industry analysts and PJM's operations data.
July 3 (Reuters) - Largest U.S. power grid operator PJM said on Friday it was under a federal alert to cut electricity consumption across its territory as it battled generator outages, massive overloading on its transmission lines and a surge in air conditioning use from prolonged sweltering heat.
PJM said it told utilities to reduce electricity to customers who are under contract to reduce consumption during emergencies. PJM serves 67 million people in the Mid-Atlantic, South and Washington, D.C., area.
Spot wholesale electricity prices in northern Virginia, home to the largest collection of data centers in the world, have surged beyond $2,000 per megawatt hour this week. That compares to about $40 per MWh when PJM is not in distress.
The surge in prices is mostly because it has become expensive to provide power across congested high-voltage power lines, according to industry analysts and PJM's operations data.
26 days ago
Addison Rae's dad, Monty Lopez, does not want his famous daughter involved in his mess!
The singer's dad has expressed his desire to limit his estranged wife, Kaitlyn Lopez, from sharing any content about his daughter for public consumption as they continue to navigate their divorce.
Addison Rae's dad dashed to court to pull the plug on their marriage in May, barely a year after they tied the knot in Las Vegas, a month after cops showed up at his home.
Monty, in his latest filing, asked that the judge intervene and order his ex to desist from posting about his famous daughter amid their nasty divorce. In the legal document, Monty accused his ex of violating a temporary protective order by reaching out to him multiple times, hence defying the court order.
The most pressing issue for Addison's father is the exposure her daughter is getting from Kaitlyn, which he wants reduced to the barest minimum. He emphasized that his ex has done it multiple times and even posted photos of Addison on her Instagram Story and added her songs to her social media post.
The singer's dad has expressed his desire to limit his estranged wife, Kaitlyn Lopez, from sharing any content about his daughter for public consumption as they continue to navigate their divorce.
Addison Rae's dad dashed to court to pull the plug on their marriage in May, barely a year after they tied the knot in Las Vegas, a month after cops showed up at his home.
Monty, in his latest filing, asked that the judge intervene and order his ex to desist from posting about his famous daughter amid their nasty divorce. In the legal document, Monty accused his ex of violating a temporary protective order by reaching out to him multiple times, hence defying the court order.
The most pressing issue for Addison's father is the exposure her daughter is getting from Kaitlyn, which he wants reduced to the barest minimum. He emphasized that his ex has done it multiple times and even posted photos of Addison on her Instagram Story and added her songs to her social media post.
26 days ago
PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PDD) is one of the 10 Fastest Growing Asian Stocks to Buy Now.
On June 24, 2026, Daiwa downgraded PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PDD) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $80, down from $145. Daiwa said China's 2026 6.18 shopping festival "delivered a negative surprise," with overall gross merchandise value up only 0.9% year-over-year versus a 15% increase in 2025, according to Syntun. The firm said the data confirms a "weak" e-commerce consumption trend in China and cited a "tough" macro backdrop, tightening regulations, a scaled-back national trade-in program, and a high base as limits on sector growth.
On June 15, BofA lowered its price target on PDD Holdings to $113 from $140 and kept a Neutral rating. BofA lowered its 2026-27 revenue forecasts by 6% and adjusted its net profit view by 21%-22% to reflect elevated ecosystem investments, including merchant traffic support, commission rebates, and platform-funded coupons booked as contra revenue.
Last month, Benchmark ***** yst Fawne Jiang lowered the firm's price target on PDD Holdings to $127 from $160 and kept a Buy rating after the company reported "disappointing" Q1 results. Jiang said monetization appears to be taking a backseat as the company prioritizes ecosystem health, and said the stock is likely to remain in the "penalty box" near term until investors gain better visibility into earnings normalization. Jiang added that valuation has "become increasingly compelling."
PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PDD) is a multinational commerce group that operates Pinduoduo and Temu.
On June 24, 2026, Daiwa downgraded PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PDD) to Hold from Buy with a price target of $80, down from $145. Daiwa said China's 2026 6.18 shopping festival "delivered a negative surprise," with overall gross merchandise value up only 0.9% year-over-year versus a 15% increase in 2025, according to Syntun. The firm said the data confirms a "weak" e-commerce consumption trend in China and cited a "tough" macro backdrop, tightening regulations, a scaled-back national trade-in program, and a high base as limits on sector growth.
On June 15, BofA lowered its price target on PDD Holdings to $113 from $140 and kept a Neutral rating. BofA lowered its 2026-27 revenue forecasts by 6% and adjusted its net profit view by 21%-22% to reflect elevated ecosystem investments, including merchant traffic support, commission rebates, and platform-funded coupons booked as contra revenue.
Last month, Benchmark ***** yst Fawne Jiang lowered the firm's price target on PDD Holdings to $127 from $160 and kept a Buy rating after the company reported "disappointing" Q1 results. Jiang said monetization appears to be taking a backseat as the company prioritizes ecosystem health, and said the stock is likely to remain in the "penalty box" near term until investors gain better visibility into earnings normalization. Jiang added that valuation has "become increasingly compelling."
PDD Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PDD) is a multinational commerce group that operates Pinduoduo and Temu.
28 days ago
Shell expects global LNG demand to reach nearly 700 million tonnes per year by 2050, up about 65% from 2025 levels, according to its latest LNG Outlook 2026. The energy major projects that around 180 million tonnes per year of new liquefaction capacity will come online by 2030, with additional investment required through the following decades to meet rising consumption.
The company said global LNG trade reached 422 million tonnes in 2025 and had been expected to grow further this year. However, shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz—triggered by the recent Middle East conflict—temporarily shut in roughly one-fifth of monthly global LNG supply, lifting Asian spot prices above $20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu).
Shell said increased liquefaction output from North America, stronger performance at existing facilities, and softer LNG imports in Asia have partially offset reduced Middle Eastern exports. If shipping through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes during the summer, total LNG trade in 2026 could remain broadly in line with last year before resuming growth in 2027.
"The LNG industry has proved resilient and able to adapt to changing market conditions," Cederic Cremers, Shell's President of Integrated Gas, said, adding that LNG would continue to play a stabilizing role in the global energy system despite the need for further investment in supply and infrastructure.
Shell expects South and Southeast Asia to account for around 40% of global LNG imports by 2050 as countries seek lower-emissions alternatives to coal while meeting rising electricity demand. The company also highlighted growing demand from LNG bunkering, which it forecasts will increase sevenfold to 27 million tonnes annually by 2035, and rising electricity consumption from data centers in mature Asian markets such as ***** an.
The company said global LNG trade reached 422 million tonnes in 2025 and had been expected to grow further this year. However, shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz—triggered by the recent Middle East conflict—temporarily shut in roughly one-fifth of monthly global LNG supply, lifting Asian spot prices above $20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu).
Shell said increased liquefaction output from North America, stronger performance at existing facilities, and softer LNG imports in Asia have partially offset reduced Middle Eastern exports. If shipping through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes during the summer, total LNG trade in 2026 could remain broadly in line with last year before resuming growth in 2027.
"The LNG industry has proved resilient and able to adapt to changing market conditions," Cederic Cremers, Shell's President of Integrated Gas, said, adding that LNG would continue to play a stabilizing role in the global energy system despite the need for further investment in supply and infrastructure.
Shell expects South and Southeast Asia to account for around 40% of global LNG imports by 2050 as countries seek lower-emissions alternatives to coal while meeting rising electricity demand. The company also highlighted growing demand from LNG bunkering, which it forecasts will increase sevenfold to 27 million tonnes annually by 2035, and rising electricity consumption from data centers in mature Asian markets such as ***** an.
28 days ago
Longleaf Partners, managed by Southeastern **** et Management, released its first-quarter 2026 investor letter for its "Small-Cap Fund". A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Fund returned -2.72% in the quarter, outperforming the Russell 3000's -3.96% return and lagging the Russell 2000 Index's 0.89% and the Russell 2000 Value Index's 4.96% gains. The market experienced significant sector-wide movements in the quarter driven by perceptions surrounding AI outcomes, alongside complications from the conflict in Iran and escalating private credit risks. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund highlighted The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM). The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) is an alcoholic beverage company known for its Samuel Adams Boston Lager. On June 26, 2026, The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) closed at $191.87 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $1.99 billion. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) posted a one-month return of 9.37%, while its shares lost 4.07% over the past 52 weeks.
Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund stated the following regarding The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
"The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) – Alcoholic beverage company Boston Beer was a contributor for the quarter as industry data improved compared to last year. Sentiment around the industry appears to be leveling off after two years of headwinds from changes in consumption habits. The company reported solid first quarter results that were highlighted by continued improvement in gross margins. Recent innovation Sun Cruiser is growing volumes rapidly as the brand expands nationwide to take advantage of the sizable runway remaining in the ready-to-drink tea **** e. The company also continues to make progress in fixing problems at Twisted Tea, their largest brand. Boston Beer remains both an active share repurchaser and attractive acquisition target as alcohol industry consolidation looks to be on the horizon."
The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 35 hedge fund portfolios held The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 37 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) 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.
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund highlighted The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM). The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) is an alcoholic beverage company known for its Samuel Adams Boston Lager. On June 26, 2026, The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) closed at $191.87 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $1.99 billion. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) posted a one-month return of 9.37%, while its shares lost 4.07% over the past 52 weeks.
Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund stated the following regarding The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
"The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) – Alcoholic beverage company Boston Beer was a contributor for the quarter as industry data improved compared to last year. Sentiment around the industry appears to be leveling off after two years of headwinds from changes in consumption habits. The company reported solid first quarter results that were highlighted by continued improvement in gross margins. Recent innovation Sun Cruiser is growing volumes rapidly as the brand expands nationwide to take advantage of the sizable runway remaining in the ready-to-drink tea **** e. The company also continues to make progress in fixing problems at Twisted Tea, their largest brand. Boston Beer remains both an active share repurchaser and attractive acquisition target as alcohol industry consolidation looks to be on the horizon."
The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 35 hedge fund portfolios held The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 37 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) 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.
28 days ago
The Magnum Ice Cream Company has invested in a manufacturing site in Europe to meet demand for smaller products.
The group said the "strategically important" site in Hungary will make the "bite-sized" Magnum Bonbons.
In a statement, TMICC said consumers were looking for "shareable indulgence".
The company has invested Ft4bn (€10m) to install a new production line at the site in Veszprém, a city in western Hungary.
Péter Konecsni, the general manager for TMICC's business in Hungary, said "The ice cream category is increasingly shaped by innovation in formats and consumption occasions, making ice-cream a year-round snacking choice. Investments like this allow us to translate category‑defining ideas into scalable solutions that support long‑term growth across European markets."
The group said the "strategically important" site in Hungary will make the "bite-sized" Magnum Bonbons.
In a statement, TMICC said consumers were looking for "shareable indulgence".
The company has invested Ft4bn (€10m) to install a new production line at the site in Veszprém, a city in western Hungary.
Péter Konecsni, the general manager for TMICC's business in Hungary, said "The ice cream category is increasingly shaped by innovation in formats and consumption occasions, making ice-cream a year-round snacking choice. Investments like this allow us to translate category‑defining ideas into scalable solutions that support long‑term growth across European markets."
29 days ago
Shell expects global LNG demand to reach nearly 700 million tonnes per year by 2050, up about 65% from 2025 levels, according to its latest LNG Outlook 2026. The energy major projects that around 180 million tonnes per year of new liquefaction capacity will come online by 2030, with additional investment required through the following decades to meet rising consumption.
The company said global LNG trade reached 422 million tonnes in 2025 and had been expected to grow further this year. However, shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz—triggered by the recent Middle East conflict—temporarily shut in roughly one-fifth of monthly global LNG supply, lifting Asian spot prices above $20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu).
Shell said increased liquefaction output from North America, stronger performance at existing facilities, and softer LNG imports in Asia have partially offset reduced Middle Eastern exports. If shipping through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes during the summer, total LNG trade in 2026 could remain broadly in line with last year before resuming growth in 2027.
"The LNG industry has proved resilient and able to adapt to changing market conditions," Cederic Cremers, Shell's President of Integrated Gas, said, adding that LNG would continue to play a stabilizing role in the global energy system despite the need for further investment in supply and infrastructure.
Shell expects South and Southeast Asia to account for around 40% of global LNG imports by 2050 as countries seek lower-emissions alternatives to coal while meeting rising electricity demand. The company also highlighted growing demand from LNG bunkering, which it forecasts will increase sevenfold to 27 million tonnes annually by 2035, and rising electricity consumption from data centers in mature Asian markets such as **** an.
The company said global LNG trade reached 422 million tonnes in 2025 and had been expected to grow further this year. However, shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz—triggered by the recent Middle East conflict—temporarily shut in roughly one-fifth of monthly global LNG supply, lifting Asian spot prices above $20 per million British thermal units (MMBtu).
Shell said increased liquefaction output from North America, stronger performance at existing facilities, and softer LNG imports in Asia have partially offset reduced Middle Eastern exports. If shipping through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes during the summer, total LNG trade in 2026 could remain broadly in line with last year before resuming growth in 2027.
"The LNG industry has proved resilient and able to adapt to changing market conditions," Cederic Cremers, Shell's President of Integrated Gas, said, adding that LNG would continue to play a stabilizing role in the global energy system despite the need for further investment in supply and infrastructure.
Shell expects South and Southeast Asia to account for around 40% of global LNG imports by 2050 as countries seek lower-emissions alternatives to coal while meeting rising electricity demand. The company also highlighted growing demand from LNG bunkering, which it forecasts will increase sevenfold to 27 million tonnes annually by 2035, and rising electricity consumption from data centers in mature Asian markets such as **** an.
30 days ago
Longleaf Partners, managed by Southeastern **** et Management, released its first-quarter 2026 investor letter for its "Small-Cap Fund". A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Fund returned -2.72% in the quarter, outperforming the Russell 3000's -3.96% return and lagging the Russell 2000 Index's 0.89% and the Russell 2000 Value Index's 4.96% gains. The market experienced significant sector-wide movements in the quarter driven by perceptions surrounding AI outcomes, alongside complications from the conflict in Iran and escalating private credit risks. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund highlighted The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM). The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) is an alcoholic beverage company known for its Samuel Adams Boston Lager. On June 26, 2026, The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) closed at $191.87 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $1.99 billion. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) posted a one-month return of 9.37%, while its shares lost 4.07% over the past 52 weeks.
Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund stated the following regarding The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
"The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) – Alcoholic beverage company Boston Beer was a contributor for the quarter as industry data improved compared to last year. Sentiment around the industry appears to be leveling off after two years of headwinds from changes in consumption habits. The company reported solid first quarter results that were highlighted by continued improvement in gross margins. Recent innovation Sun Cruiser is growing volumes rapidly as the brand expands nationwide to take advantage of the sizable runway remaining in the ready-to-drink tea **** e. The company also continues to make progress in fixing problems at Twisted Tea, their largest brand. Boston Beer remains both an active share repurchaser and attractive acquisition target as alcohol industry consolidation looks to be on the horizon."
The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 35 hedge fund portfolios held The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 37 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) 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.
In its first-quarter 2026 investor letter, Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund highlighted The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM). The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) is an alcoholic beverage company known for its Samuel Adams Boston Lager. On June 26, 2026, The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) closed at $191.87 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $1.99 billion. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) posted a one-month return of 9.37%, while its shares lost 4.07% over the past 52 weeks.
Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund stated the following regarding The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
"The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) – Alcoholic beverage company Boston Beer was a contributor for the quarter as industry data improved compared to last year. Sentiment around the industry appears to be leveling off after two years of headwinds from changes in consumption habits. The company reported solid first quarter results that were highlighted by continued improvement in gross margins. Recent innovation Sun Cruiser is growing volumes rapidly as the brand expands nationwide to take advantage of the sizable runway remaining in the ready-to-drink tea **** e. The company also continues to make progress in fixing problems at Twisted Tea, their largest brand. Boston Beer remains both an active share repurchaser and attractive acquisition target as alcohol industry consolidation looks to be on the horizon."
The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 35 hedge fund portfolios held The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 37 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) 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.
