2 hours ago
Just a few weeks ago, only a handful of members of the U.S. women's hockey team were expected to attend the ESPYs, the annual awards show honoring the year's biggest athletes, teams and moments in sports.
By Wednesday afternoon, many more of the reigning Olympic gold medalists were swapping jerseys for gowns inside a midtown Manhattan penthouse. Champagne was flowing. Hair and makeup artists buzzed around the room. Defenseman Mariah Keopple, who also works as a stylist, helped teammates put the finishing touches on their looks before they headed to the awards show, airing live Wednesday night from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
It wasn't exactly the typical pregame routine for one of the world's best hockey teams. And none of it would have happened without an unlikely benefactor: Flavor Flav.
The Public Enemy legend learned last week from U.S. captain Hilary Knight that only a handful of players had been invited to the ESPYs, where Team USA is nominated for Best Team following its dramatic gold-medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics. For Flavor Flav, the solution was simple: "I got you."
That promise quickly snowballed.
#flav #awards
By Wednesday afternoon, many more of the reigning Olympic gold medalists were swapping jerseys for gowns inside a midtown Manhattan penthouse. Champagne was flowing. Hair and makeup artists buzzed around the room. Defenseman Mariah Keopple, who also works as a stylist, helped teammates put the finishing touches on their looks before they headed to the awards show, airing live Wednesday night from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
It wasn't exactly the typical pregame routine for one of the world's best hockey teams. And none of it would have happened without an unlikely benefactor: Flavor Flav.
The Public Enemy legend learned last week from U.S. captain Hilary Knight that only a handful of players had been invited to the ESPYs, where Team USA is nominated for Best Team following its dramatic gold-medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics. For Flavor Flav, the solution was simple: "I got you."
That promise quickly snowballed.
#flav #awards
5 hours ago
Enterprise AI agents were meant to be the breakout software offering for 2026, yet instead they've become one of the major sources of buyer distrust. According to Anaconda and Forrester research, over 88% of AI agent pilots never reach production, as confirmed by independent polls from a16z and MIT Sloan's CIO panel, while Gartner predicts that more than 40% of agentic AI initiatives will be discontinued entirely by 2027 due to questionable ROI.
Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) walked into the gap between agent hype and agent reality when it placed its growth narrative on Agentforce, and by 2026, that bet has made Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) one of the worst-performing components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, down around 31.48% year to date.
The immediate cause appears to be a credibility problem, not a demand issue. Bernstein downgraded Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) to Sector Weight from Outperform on July 9, removing its price target completely and citing poor customer feedback on Agentforce in particular. According to **** yst Jackson Ader, the released data doesn't yet indicate growing momentum, and a recent CIO survey found Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) to be "a standout for the wrong reasons."
That said, this interpretation is not uniform, and the debate on the market is serious. On July 14, Goldman Sachs reiterated its Buy rating and $242 price target, expecting organic growth to pick up in the third quarter as more details on AI monetization become available at Salesforce's Agentforce event in September. Goldman's more constructive reading is based on management's own acknowledgment of headwinds in Tableau, Commerce, and Marketing, which the firm sees as realistic rather than concerning, arguing that Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is being open about a 12-to-24-month drag on its organic growth algorithm rather than covering it up.
Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM)'s historical valuation decline looks to be the most mispriced aspect of the market story. Shares are currently trading at a compressed forward earnings multiple of only 10.83x, a substantial drop from the stock's five-year historical average of over 127x. The disparity is even more obvious when compared to prominent peers such as ServiceNow, which trades at a forward P/E of around 20.43x and requires consistent revenue growth above 18% through 2028 to maintain its valuation premium. Salesforce's current valuation of less than 11x forecast earnings is in near-total deadlock, despite the company's strong free cash flow generation and substantial enterprise data integration.
#valuation #july
Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) walked into the gap between agent hype and agent reality when it placed its growth narrative on Agentforce, and by 2026, that bet has made Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) one of the worst-performing components of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, down around 31.48% year to date.
The immediate cause appears to be a credibility problem, not a demand issue. Bernstein downgraded Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) to Sector Weight from Outperform on July 9, removing its price target completely and citing poor customer feedback on Agentforce in particular. According to **** yst Jackson Ader, the released data doesn't yet indicate growing momentum, and a recent CIO survey found Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) to be "a standout for the wrong reasons."
That said, this interpretation is not uniform, and the debate on the market is serious. On July 14, Goldman Sachs reiterated its Buy rating and $242 price target, expecting organic growth to pick up in the third quarter as more details on AI monetization become available at Salesforce's Agentforce event in September. Goldman's more constructive reading is based on management's own acknowledgment of headwinds in Tableau, Commerce, and Marketing, which the firm sees as realistic rather than concerning, arguing that Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM) is being open about a 12-to-24-month drag on its organic growth algorithm rather than covering it up.
Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM)'s historical valuation decline looks to be the most mispriced aspect of the market story. Shares are currently trading at a compressed forward earnings multiple of only 10.83x, a substantial drop from the stock's five-year historical average of over 127x. The disparity is even more obvious when compared to prominent peers such as ServiceNow, which trades at a forward P/E of around 20.43x and requires consistent revenue growth above 18% through 2028 to maintain its valuation premium. Salesforce's current valuation of less than 11x forecast earnings is in near-total deadlock, despite the company's strong free cash flow generation and substantial enterprise data integration.
#valuation #july
6 hours ago
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Oh, the spoils of war.
The House of Representatives narrowly passed a record $1.15 trillion annual defense budget last week. It still needs Senate approval, but Washington's appetite for military spending is clear, and the US isn't alone. The EU, **** an and Middle Eastern nations have all been ramping up defense budgets, too, creating real sector opportunities for portfolios. Capturing them, however, takes more than pure defense-category investing: It requires knowing where the money actually flows.
"The defense ecosystem is actually much larger than most investors think," said Chris Grisanti, chief market strategist at MAI Capital Management. "It can include industrial companies like autos — GM has a big defense business — and of course technology and communications companies."
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium **** ysis on all your favorite stocks.
#defense #sign #upside #House
Oh, the spoils of war.
The House of Representatives narrowly passed a record $1.15 trillion annual defense budget last week. It still needs Senate approval, but Washington's appetite for military spending is clear, and the US isn't alone. The EU, **** an and Middle Eastern nations have all been ramping up defense budgets, too, creating real sector opportunities for portfolios. Capturing them, however, takes more than pure defense-category investing: It requires knowing where the money actually flows.
"The defense ecosystem is actually much larger than most investors think," said Chris Grisanti, chief market strategist at MAI Capital Management. "It can include industrial companies like autos — GM has a big defense business — and of course technology and communications companies."
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium **** ysis on all your favorite stocks.
#defense #sign #upside #House
6 hours ago
Concerns about the private credit market have prompted investors to withdraw capital from Blackstone's (NYSE: BX) flagship private credit fund, BCRED (Blackstone Private Credit Fund). They requested to redeem 10% of their money in the second quarter, up from 7.9% in the first quarter, well above Blackstone's quarterly withdraw cap of 5%. These withdraws and concerns about the continued negative impact of private credit have sent Blackstone's stock down more than 30% from its 52-week high.
While the withdrawals are impacting the leading alternative investment manager's stock price, here's a look at what its latest quarter says about their effect on its overall results.
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 »
Given all the headlines and the decline in Blackstone's share price, you'd expect that the financial giant's earnings would be under significant pressure. However, that hasn't been the case. Blackstone recently reported strong second-quarter financial results. Its distributable earnings surged 26% to nearly $2 billion, driven by strong fee-related earnings growth (up 22%) and net realizations (up 27%). Meanwhile, its year-to-date distributable earnings are also up 26% (to $3.7 billion).
While existing clients are pulling some of their funds from BCRED, Blackstone isn't having any trouble raising capital from investors. Total inflows approached $70 billion during the quarter, pushing its ***** ets under management up to $1.35 trillion.
#credit #blackstone #NVIDIA #billion
While the withdrawals are impacting the leading alternative investment manager's stock price, here's a look at what its latest quarter says about their effect on its overall results.
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 »
Given all the headlines and the decline in Blackstone's share price, you'd expect that the financial giant's earnings would be under significant pressure. However, that hasn't been the case. Blackstone recently reported strong second-quarter financial results. Its distributable earnings surged 26% to nearly $2 billion, driven by strong fee-related earnings growth (up 22%) and net realizations (up 27%). Meanwhile, its year-to-date distributable earnings are also up 26% (to $3.7 billion).
While existing clients are pulling some of their funds from BCRED, Blackstone isn't having any trouble raising capital from investors. Total inflows approached $70 billion during the quarter, pushing its ***** ets under management up to $1.35 trillion.
#credit #blackstone #NVIDIA #billion
11 hours ago
BTCI's monthly payouts dropped from $1.04 to $0.65 in 2026, shrinking the forward yield to 8% versus a misleading 40% trailing headline.
Down 23% year to date with a -2% average annual return since inception, BTCI cushions Bitcoin losses but cannot prevent negative total returns.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (CBOE:BTCI) markets itself as a way to earn equity-like income from Bitcoin's volatility. BTCI pays monthly, uses a synthetic covered call overlay on Bitcoin exposure, and has distributed at rates translating into a headline yield well above 15%. This piece examines how BTCI generates that cash flow, whether the current distribution level is durable, and what trailing price action reveals about total returns.
This Bitcoin-oriented vehicle holds BTC exposure indirectly rather than through spot coins. According to the fund's holdings snapshot, roughly 56% of **** ets sit in U.S. Treasury bills, with Bitcoin exposure coming through positions in iShares Bitcoin Trust (roughly 13%) and VanEck's HODL (roughly 7%). The manager writes call options on Bitcoin ETFs and may layer in bear call spreads, a structure described in fund coverage as a synthetic covered call approach. BTCI's design aims to generate income while maintaining indirect exposure to Bitcoin price movements.
#btci
Down 23% year to date with a -2% average annual return since inception, BTCI cushions Bitcoin losses but cannot prevent negative total returns.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
The NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (CBOE:BTCI) markets itself as a way to earn equity-like income from Bitcoin's volatility. BTCI pays monthly, uses a synthetic covered call overlay on Bitcoin exposure, and has distributed at rates translating into a headline yield well above 15%. This piece examines how BTCI generates that cash flow, whether the current distribution level is durable, and what trailing price action reveals about total returns.
This Bitcoin-oriented vehicle holds BTC exposure indirectly rather than through spot coins. According to the fund's holdings snapshot, roughly 56% of **** ets sit in U.S. Treasury bills, with Bitcoin exposure coming through positions in iShares Bitcoin Trust (roughly 13%) and VanEck's HODL (roughly 7%). The manager writes call options on Bitcoin ETFs and may layer in bear call spreads, a structure described in fund coverage as a synthetic covered call approach. BTCI's design aims to generate income while maintaining indirect exposure to Bitcoin price movements.
#btci
11 hours ago
S&P Global's composite PMI climbed to 53.6 in July, its highest reading in eight months, signaling roughly 2% annualized GDP growth in Q3.
Rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and the fastest selling-price increases in years give the Fed little reason to cut rates before 2027.
Companies with strong balance sheets, free cash flow, and pricing power are best positioned to outperform in a higher-for-longer rate environment.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
The biggest question facing investors today isn't whether the U.S. economy is slowing -- it's whether it's slowing enough for the Federal Reserve to finally begin cutting interest rates. New data suggests the answer may be no.
#free #whether #rising #Companies
Rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and the fastest selling-price increases in years give the Fed little reason to cut rates before 2027.
Companies with strong balance sheets, free cash flow, and pricing power are best positioned to outperform in a higher-for-longer rate environment.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
The biggest question facing investors today isn't whether the U.S. economy is slowing -- it's whether it's slowing enough for the Federal Reserve to finally begin cutting interest rates. New data suggests the answer may be no.
#free #whether #rising #Companies
12 hours ago
The race to become America's next economic heavyweight may already have a frontrunner.
The latest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) migration data show billions of dollars in taxpayer wealth flowing into Texas, while Census figures show the state's largest metropolitan areas continue to outpace much of the country in population growth, strengthening a decades-long shift in America's economic center of gravity.
What's more, Texas isn't relying on a single boomtown. Dallas-Fort Worth added more residents than any metropolitan area in the country over the past year, while Houston, Austin and San Antonio also ranked among the nation's fastest-growing metros.
That unusual breadth gives Texas multiple engines of economic growth, providing businesses with larger labor pools, diversified industries and a broader customer base than states anchored by a single dominant city.
Billions In Taxpayer Income Are Leaving Two Iconic States — As A New Economic Map Emerges
#taxpayer
The latest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) migration data show billions of dollars in taxpayer wealth flowing into Texas, while Census figures show the state's largest metropolitan areas continue to outpace much of the country in population growth, strengthening a decades-long shift in America's economic center of gravity.
What's more, Texas isn't relying on a single boomtown. Dallas-Fort Worth added more residents than any metropolitan area in the country over the past year, while Houston, Austin and San Antonio also ranked among the nation's fastest-growing metros.
That unusual breadth gives Texas multiple engines of economic growth, providing businesses with larger labor pools, diversified industries and a broader customer base than states anchored by a single dominant city.
Billions In Taxpayer Income Are Leaving Two Iconic States — As A New Economic Map Emerges
#taxpayer
12 hours ago
The MAGS ETF returned 158% since its April 2023 launch but has fallen 4% in 2026 while the S&P 500 gained 8%.
Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft stand out for combining strong cash flows with AI monetization, while Tesla and Apple face steeper growth questions.
Buying the Magnificent 7 as a single basket no longer makes sense, as each stock sits at a different stage of turning AI spending into profit.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
The artificial intelligence boom reshaped the stock market faster than almost any investing trend in recent memory. When OpenAI released ChatGPT in late 2022, investors quickly realized AI wasn't another speculative technology story -- it was becoming the next computing platform.
#mags #april
Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft stand out for combining strong cash flows with AI monetization, while Tesla and Apple face steeper growth questions.
Buying the Magnificent 7 as a single basket no longer makes sense, as each stock sits at a different stage of turning AI spending into profit.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
The artificial intelligence boom reshaped the stock market faster than almost any investing trend in recent memory. When OpenAI released ChatGPT in late 2022, investors quickly realized AI wasn't another speculative technology story -- it was becoming the next computing platform.
#mags #april
12 hours ago
Markets face the week's most consequential moment Wednesday at 2:00pm when the Federal Reserve announces its rate decision and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh holds his first post-decision press conference, setting policy direction.
This comes amid extraordinary uncertainty about technology sector valuations, artificial intelligence infrastructure spending, and economic growth trajectory.
The decision arrives after a week dominated by disappointing technology earnings that intensified AI bubble concerns and validated investor skepticism about whether massive data center investments will translate into proportional revenue and earnings growth.
Intel Corp Shows Strong Q2 Results and Free Cash Flow - Shorting INTC Puts is Still the Best Play
Option Volatility And Earnings Report For July 27-31
Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, ******* ysis, and headlines.
#decision #free #reserve
This comes amid extraordinary uncertainty about technology sector valuations, artificial intelligence infrastructure spending, and economic growth trajectory.
The decision arrives after a week dominated by disappointing technology earnings that intensified AI bubble concerns and validated investor skepticism about whether massive data center investments will translate into proportional revenue and earnings growth.
Intel Corp Shows Strong Q2 Results and Free Cash Flow - Shorting INTC Puts is Still the Best Play
Option Volatility And Earnings Report For July 27-31
Markets move fast. Keep up by reading our FREE midday Barchart Brief newsletter for exclusive charts, ******* ysis, and headlines.
#decision #free #reserve
12 hours ago
For 22 years, Google generated more cash than it spent every quarter. That record broke between April and June this year.
Alphabet, Google's parent, spent $44.9 billion on AI infrastructure (chips, servers and data centers) over those three months — or about $490 million a day. The business generated $39.1 billion in cash during the same stretch. That left it $5.9 billion in the hole, its first ever quarter of negative free cash flow since the company went public in August 2004.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here's what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
Millionaires under 43 hold only 25% of their wealth in stocks. Here's where their money is actually going
#Google #april #june
Alphabet, Google's parent, spent $44.9 billion on AI infrastructure (chips, servers and data centers) over those three months — or about $490 million a day. The business generated $39.1 billion in cash during the same stretch. That left it $5.9 billion in the hole, its first ever quarter of negative free cash flow since the company went public in August 2004.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here's what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP
Millionaires under 43 hold only 25% of their wealth in stocks. Here's where their money is actually going
#Google #april #june
12 hours ago
As the Minnesota Vikings get ready for the start of training camp, one thing the Vikings' offensive coaching staff is likely preparing for is continuing the installation of the offense. That carries added importance this season if the Vikings have a new starting quarterback, particularly in the passing game, but the run game is also likely to get a bit of a makeover with the addition of ****** istant head coach Frank Smith, who is focusing on the run game.
Kevin O'Connell is an offshoot of the McVay branch of the Shanahan coaching tree while Frank Smith worked under Mike McDaniel in Miami, who is an offshoot of the Kyle Shanahan branch. McDaniel specialized in the run game working under Kyle Shanahan and Frank Smith will bring a lot of those concepts to Minnesota. I won't go into the Shanahan coaching tree history, which you can get it here, but there is a lot of overlap between various offshoots, even as each of them evolve too.
A core feature of the Shanahan offense is the wide zone run scheme. When you see all the offensive linemen take a drop or bucket step and then all block horizontally in the same direction, that is zone blocking. In wide zone, the running back aims for the ****** of the tight end or if there is no tight end on the play side, then the outside leg of the tackle. The back then reads the defensive end and makes his cut after 3-5 steps. If he moves inside, the back bounces the run outside, if he pursues outside, the back bends it back inside, if the hole is open, he bangs through. Below is a classic outside zone play, called on 1st and 10.
This isn't new for the Vikings or Kevin O'Connell's scheme. It's been a staple for years. In fact, it's not all that different than 'super power left' power sweeps we used to run in pee-wee football back in the 1970s
And if you watch the play, it didn't fool the Bengals defense. The defensive formation was toward the play side, countering the double tight-end set, the linebackers flow toward the run immediately, there is even a backside defensive back blitzing to try and get to Mason behind the line of scrimmage. The play was successful because it was well blocked and Mason didn't hesitate, but the play design itself didn't do much to tilt the outcome in the Vikings' favor.
#shanahan #game
Kevin O'Connell is an offshoot of the McVay branch of the Shanahan coaching tree while Frank Smith worked under Mike McDaniel in Miami, who is an offshoot of the Kyle Shanahan branch. McDaniel specialized in the run game working under Kyle Shanahan and Frank Smith will bring a lot of those concepts to Minnesota. I won't go into the Shanahan coaching tree history, which you can get it here, but there is a lot of overlap between various offshoots, even as each of them evolve too.
A core feature of the Shanahan offense is the wide zone run scheme. When you see all the offensive linemen take a drop or bucket step and then all block horizontally in the same direction, that is zone blocking. In wide zone, the running back aims for the ****** of the tight end or if there is no tight end on the play side, then the outside leg of the tackle. The back then reads the defensive end and makes his cut after 3-5 steps. If he moves inside, the back bounces the run outside, if he pursues outside, the back bends it back inside, if the hole is open, he bangs through. Below is a classic outside zone play, called on 1st and 10.
This isn't new for the Vikings or Kevin O'Connell's scheme. It's been a staple for years. In fact, it's not all that different than 'super power left' power sweeps we used to run in pee-wee football back in the 1970s
And if you watch the play, it didn't fool the Bengals defense. The defensive formation was toward the play side, countering the double tight-end set, the linebackers flow toward the run immediately, there is even a backside defensive back blitzing to try and get to Mason behind the line of scrimmage. The play was successful because it was well blocked and Mason didn't hesitate, but the play design itself didn't do much to tilt the outcome in the Vikings' favor.
#shanahan #game
12 hours ago
Less than a month ago, **** ysts were warning of a looming glut of crude oil as tanker traffic via the Strait of Hormuz began to recover amid a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Within days of these warnings, the ceasefire was a painful memory, missiles were flying again, and now Yemen's Houthis are striking tankers in the Red Sea, which makes two blocked oil chokepoints and a very real danger of a global recession.
Brent crude this week topped $100 per barrel on reports that the Houthis had struck two Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which Saudi Arabia is currently using as the primary outlet for its crude amid the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Soon enough it emerged that tankers that were heading to the Red Sea waterway were making U-turns and heading to alternative routes—which take longer and cost more.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes on the Caspian Pipeline System's terminus on the Black Sea have forced Kazakhstan to suspend most of its oil exports. The target of the drone attacks was the Novorossiysk port on Russia's Black Sea coast, which also happens to be the point of departure of the bulk of Kazakh oil exports to world markets. Bloomberg reported this week that tanker operators were getting nervous about sending their vessels to the port of Novorossiysk because Ukrainian drones were also striking ships at the port.
The Strait of Hormuz used to see average daily oil volumes of some 20 million barrels daily. This has now slowed to a trickle. The Red Sea chokepoint of Bab el-Mandeb has been handling between 4 and 5 million barrels daily of Saudi oil in recent weeks, according to different estimates. Now, this too appears to be almost completely blocked. Add to this the loss of 1.7 million barrels daily in Kazakh flows to Novorossiysk, and the global oil supply picture takes on a rather grim tint. Additionally, the Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian refineries, which has already led to a temporary ban on diesel exports at a time when global fuel inventories are getting strained by the first-wave effects of the Middle East war.
In fact, the situation with refined petroleum products is a major crisis in its own right. "Unlike crude oil, refined products face far fewer mitigation options. Several Middle Eastern refineries remain affected by the ongoing conflict while Russia's diesel export restrictions continue to constrain global availability," Ole Hansen, Saxo Bank's head of commodity strategy, said in an **** ysis earlier this month. "Refining capacity globally also remains relatively limited, preventing crude supply increases from quickly translating into additional diesel and gasoline production," he added.
#daily #exports
Brent crude this week topped $100 per barrel on reports that the Houthis had struck two Saudi tankers in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which Saudi Arabia is currently using as the primary outlet for its crude amid the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Soon enough it emerged that tankers that were heading to the Red Sea waterway were making U-turns and heading to alternative routes—which take longer and cost more.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone strikes on the Caspian Pipeline System's terminus on the Black Sea have forced Kazakhstan to suspend most of its oil exports. The target of the drone attacks was the Novorossiysk port on Russia's Black Sea coast, which also happens to be the point of departure of the bulk of Kazakh oil exports to world markets. Bloomberg reported this week that tanker operators were getting nervous about sending their vessels to the port of Novorossiysk because Ukrainian drones were also striking ships at the port.
The Strait of Hormuz used to see average daily oil volumes of some 20 million barrels daily. This has now slowed to a trickle. The Red Sea chokepoint of Bab el-Mandeb has been handling between 4 and 5 million barrels daily of Saudi oil in recent weeks, according to different estimates. Now, this too appears to be almost completely blocked. Add to this the loss of 1.7 million barrels daily in Kazakh flows to Novorossiysk, and the global oil supply picture takes on a rather grim tint. Additionally, the Ukrainian forces continue to target Russian refineries, which has already led to a temporary ban on diesel exports at a time when global fuel inventories are getting strained by the first-wave effects of the Middle East war.
In fact, the situation with refined petroleum products is a major crisis in its own right. "Unlike crude oil, refined products face far fewer mitigation options. Several Middle Eastern refineries remain affected by the ongoing conflict while Russia's diesel export restrictions continue to constrain global availability," Ole Hansen, Saxo Bank's head of commodity strategy, said in an **** ysis earlier this month. "Refining capacity globally also remains relatively limited, preventing crude supply increases from quickly translating into additional diesel and gasoline production," he added.
#daily #exports
3 days ago
Olivia Rodrigo stepped out in a micro minidress from Gimaguas held up by just two strings, making a striking fashion statement. The "drivers license" hitmaker is known for blending chic style with glamorous vibes. This time, she opted for a look that perfectly combined modern allure with laid-back fashion, making heads turn.
Olivia Rodrigo turned heads in a striking micro minidress by Gimaguas, held up by just two delicate strings. The singer-songwriter shared the look in a vibrant photo dump capturing a fun outing with friends. With this bold fit, Rodrigo continues to prove she is the ultimate queen of effortless fashion.
The photos perfectly resonate with her signature aesthetic: relaxed, laid-back fashion that never compromises on glamor. For the occasion, she turned to the Spanish label Gimaguas. Founded by twin sisters Claudia and Sayana Durany, the brand is celebrated for its clean silhouettes and craft-inspired designs — both of which were reflected in Rodrigo's dress.
The dress featured two thin straps and a deep neckline for a bold touch. The upper bodice was a sleek black colour, which then flared into a pink skirt with a pleated design. The dress had a flowing design that lent it a soft and feminine vibe, while the deep back further elevated its daring appeal.
In one of the photos, she paired the look with black sunglasses while posing for the camera. Rodrigo kept her makeup and hair as understated as possible, wearing her hair down with a soft pink lip shade that perfectly complemented the outfit.
#gimaguas #perfectly #dress #micro
Olivia Rodrigo turned heads in a striking micro minidress by Gimaguas, held up by just two delicate strings. The singer-songwriter shared the look in a vibrant photo dump capturing a fun outing with friends. With this bold fit, Rodrigo continues to prove she is the ultimate queen of effortless fashion.
The photos perfectly resonate with her signature aesthetic: relaxed, laid-back fashion that never compromises on glamor. For the occasion, she turned to the Spanish label Gimaguas. Founded by twin sisters Claudia and Sayana Durany, the brand is celebrated for its clean silhouettes and craft-inspired designs — both of which were reflected in Rodrigo's dress.
The dress featured two thin straps and a deep neckline for a bold touch. The upper bodice was a sleek black colour, which then flared into a pink skirt with a pleated design. The dress had a flowing design that lent it a soft and feminine vibe, while the deep back further elevated its daring appeal.
In one of the photos, she paired the look with black sunglasses while posing for the camera. Rodrigo kept her makeup and hair as understated as possible, wearing her hair down with a soft pink lip shade that perfectly complemented the outfit.
#gimaguas #perfectly #dress #micro
3 days ago
Ripple has launched Ripple Mint, a platform that lets institutions mint, redeem, and manage Ripple USD (RLUSD) through one console.
The company also invested in Notabene, a compliance firm, to add identity checks and transaction authorization to its stablecoin network. Standard Custody & Trust Company, a New York-chartered trust firm, issues RLUSD under state financial regulation. Jack McDonald, an executive at the company, called the Notabene deal a step toward globally compliant stablecoin transfers.
"Bringing together $RLUSD, Ripple Payments & Notabene's trusted institutional network to help scale compliant stablecoin payments," McDonald said.
Ripple Mint replaces the platform-only setup institutions previously used for RLUSD operations. Users can choose a web console for manual oversight, or new application programming interfaces (APIs) for automated workflows.
The system tracks transactions in real time and sends webhook alerts for fiat receipt, minting, and onchain settlement. Consistent reference IDs tie every stage together, which simplifies reconciliation for exchanges and market makers.
#notabene
The company also invested in Notabene, a compliance firm, to add identity checks and transaction authorization to its stablecoin network. Standard Custody & Trust Company, a New York-chartered trust firm, issues RLUSD under state financial regulation. Jack McDonald, an executive at the company, called the Notabene deal a step toward globally compliant stablecoin transfers.
"Bringing together $RLUSD, Ripple Payments & Notabene's trusted institutional network to help scale compliant stablecoin payments," McDonald said.
Ripple Mint replaces the platform-only setup institutions previously used for RLUSD operations. Users can choose a web console for manual oversight, or new application programming interfaces (APIs) for automated workflows.
The system tracks transactions in real time and sends webhook alerts for fiat receipt, minting, and onchain settlement. Consistent reference IDs tie every stage together, which simplifies reconciliation for exchanges and market makers.
#notabene
3 days ago
London looks set to open in the red on Friday, with tech selling and oil topping $100 a barrel combining to darken the mood heading into the weekend.
Futures traders have the FTSE 100 called 40 points lower, building on Thursday's 77-point decline to 10,639. The blue-chip index faces pressure from two directions: a sharp Wall Street sell-off driven by disappointing Big Tech earnings, and fresh geopolitical anxiety in the Middle East pushing oil prices to triple figures for the first time in months.
US stocks fell heavily overnight, with the Nasdaq leading the way down 2.2% as investors took a dim view of quarterly results from Alphabet and Tesla. The S&P 500 dropped 1.2%, its worst session of the month, while the Dow shed 1%.
The problem wasn't the earnings themselves, according to Swissquote's Ipek Ozkardeskaya; it was the spending. "Earnings themselves were not the problem; spending and evaporating free cash flow were," she said. "Both Alphabet and Tesla stood by their capital investment plans, while Alphabet raised its capex outlook by $15 billion to $205 billion. Meanwhile, free cash flow at both Alphabet and Tesla turned negative in the second quarter."
Ozkardeskaya warned that Big Tech, once defined by being capital-light and cash-heavy, is becoming the opposite: increasingly reliant on equity and debt issuance to finance AI ambitions at a time when interest rate expectations are moving higher.
#tesla #ozkardeskaya
Futures traders have the FTSE 100 called 40 points lower, building on Thursday's 77-point decline to 10,639. The blue-chip index faces pressure from two directions: a sharp Wall Street sell-off driven by disappointing Big Tech earnings, and fresh geopolitical anxiety in the Middle East pushing oil prices to triple figures for the first time in months.
US stocks fell heavily overnight, with the Nasdaq leading the way down 2.2% as investors took a dim view of quarterly results from Alphabet and Tesla. The S&P 500 dropped 1.2%, its worst session of the month, while the Dow shed 1%.
The problem wasn't the earnings themselves, according to Swissquote's Ipek Ozkardeskaya; it was the spending. "Earnings themselves were not the problem; spending and evaporating free cash flow were," she said. "Both Alphabet and Tesla stood by their capital investment plans, while Alphabet raised its capex outlook by $15 billion to $205 billion. Meanwhile, free cash flow at both Alphabet and Tesla turned negative in the second quarter."
Ozkardeskaya warned that Big Tech, once defined by being capital-light and cash-heavy, is becoming the opposite: increasingly reliant on equity and debt issuance to finance AI ambitions at a time when interest rate expectations are moving higher.
#tesla #ozkardeskaya
3 days ago
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) saw its share prices increase by 8.71 percent on Thursday to close at $572.32 apiece, as investors took heart from the strong earnings performance and a series of price target upgrades for its stock.
In the second quarter of the year, the company grew its net income by 7 percent to $1.736 billion from $1.617 billion in the same period last year, while revenues increased by 10 percent to $11.99 billion from $10.85 billion year-on-year, thanks to its strong PPI Business System and growth strategy, among others.
Among its launches during the period include the next-generation Orbitrap platforms with AI-driven ******* ytics, which support researchers to study complex biology across multiomics, structural biology, biopharma characterization and small-molecule ******* ysis on a single system; help scientists to identify hard-to-detect molecules in drug development; and improve workflow flexibility, speed and reproducibility for molecular biology laboratories.
"Our end markets continue to strengthen and we're making great progress enhancing our capabilities, and further advancing our trusted partner status with customers, leading to continued share gain," he said.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
#Share #strong #thermo
In the second quarter of the year, the company grew its net income by 7 percent to $1.736 billion from $1.617 billion in the same period last year, while revenues increased by 10 percent to $11.99 billion from $10.85 billion year-on-year, thanks to its strong PPI Business System and growth strategy, among others.
Among its launches during the period include the next-generation Orbitrap platforms with AI-driven ******* ytics, which support researchers to study complex biology across multiomics, structural biology, biopharma characterization and small-molecule ******* ysis on a single system; help scientists to identify hard-to-detect molecules in drug development; and improve workflow flexibility, speed and reproducibility for molecular biology laboratories.
"Our end markets continue to strengthen and we're making great progress enhancing our capabilities, and further advancing our trusted partner status with customers, leading to continued share gain," he said.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
#Share #strong #thermo
3 days ago
We can separate high-yield dividend stocks into two broad categories. The first group consists of companies with stable businesses that generate consistent cash flow and are very likely to continue paying -- and perhaps raising -- their dividends for the foreseeable future. The second are distressed corporations. They boast high yields because their share prices have fallen substantially, reflecting weak business fundamentals.
Many investors would put Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) in the second group. The drugmaker's shares have lost significant value over the past five years, as the company has failed to sustain the amazing success it achieved in the coronavirus market. However, there is much more to the story. Let's discuss why Pfizer's 7% forward yield is more sustainable than it appears at first glance.
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 »
Pfizer's revenue and earnings have declined over the past five years, while it has maintained and even increased its dividend. The company's payout ratio has soared as a result -- it is currently about 127%. That looks unsustainable. But Pfizer's cash payout ratio, a much better measure of whether the company can maintain its dividend program intact, looks less scary at 107.7%. Management is confident of the company's ability to sustain, and even increase, the payout moving forward. That isn't just wishful thinking: Pfizer could improve its business in the coming years and eventually post much stronger financial results.
Consider that Pfizer boasts highly promising programs in the pipeline that will yield brand-new approvals and label expansions. For instance, the company's Padcev is a cancer medicine that is currently one of its better-performing products. On July 10, Padcev earned approval for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in combination with Merck's (NYSE: MRK) Keytruda. Padcev was granted the green light regardless of whether patients are eligible for Cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug for bladder cancer that is effective but comes with significant side effects. That's a big deal since many drugs for bladder cancer (including Padcev, initially) aren't approved regardless of Cisplatin eligibility.
#NVIDIA #yield #first
Many investors would put Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) in the second group. The drugmaker's shares have lost significant value over the past five years, as the company has failed to sustain the amazing success it achieved in the coronavirus market. However, there is much more to the story. Let's discuss why Pfizer's 7% forward yield is more sustainable than it appears at first glance.
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 »
Pfizer's revenue and earnings have declined over the past five years, while it has maintained and even increased its dividend. The company's payout ratio has soared as a result -- it is currently about 127%. That looks unsustainable. But Pfizer's cash payout ratio, a much better measure of whether the company can maintain its dividend program intact, looks less scary at 107.7%. Management is confident of the company's ability to sustain, and even increase, the payout moving forward. That isn't just wishful thinking: Pfizer could improve its business in the coming years and eventually post much stronger financial results.
Consider that Pfizer boasts highly promising programs in the pipeline that will yield brand-new approvals and label expansions. For instance, the company's Padcev is a cancer medicine that is currently one of its better-performing products. On July 10, Padcev earned approval for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in combination with Merck's (NYSE: MRK) Keytruda. Padcev was granted the green light regardless of whether patients are eligible for Cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug for bladder cancer that is effective but comes with significant side effects. That's a big deal since many drugs for bladder cancer (including Padcev, initially) aren't approved regardless of Cisplatin eligibility.
#NVIDIA #yield #first
3 days ago
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), the global electric-vehicle, battery storage, and autonomous driving platform, closed at $319.69, down 14.52%. Thursday's drop followed an earnings miss and heavier AI and robotics spending. Investors will continue watching margins with another focus on autonomous-driving guidance next.
Trading volume reached 114.2 million shares, coming in about 131% above its three-month average of 49.4 million shares.
Tesla IPO'd in 2010 and has grown 20,006% since going public.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) fell 1.21% to 7,408.30, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) dropped 2.15% to 25,138. Among electric vehicle manufacturing peers, Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN) closed at $16.46, down 4.19%, and Lucid Group (NASDAQ:LCID) closed at $6.45, down 4.87%, reflecting pressure across EV names.
Tesla's revenue soared in Q2, driven by a surge in EV unit volume. Deliveries jumped 25% year over year, and revenue gains came close to matching that. Yet profits dropped, and free cash flow turned negative as operating expenses and capital spending soared.
Analysts lowered their price targets for Tesla following the earnings miss, citing margin pressure and cautious guidance on autonomous driving.
The future direction of Tesla stock will depend on what investors prioritize. Competition in the EV market has put pricing pressure on Tesla, which it is offsetting with volume. But that additional revenue isn't reaching the bottom line because of the company's growth investments and expenses.
#revenue
Trading volume reached 114.2 million shares, coming in about 131% above its three-month average of 49.4 million shares.
Tesla IPO'd in 2010 and has grown 20,006% since going public.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) fell 1.21% to 7,408.30, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) dropped 2.15% to 25,138. Among electric vehicle manufacturing peers, Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN) closed at $16.46, down 4.19%, and Lucid Group (NASDAQ:LCID) closed at $6.45, down 4.87%, reflecting pressure across EV names.
Tesla's revenue soared in Q2, driven by a surge in EV unit volume. Deliveries jumped 25% year over year, and revenue gains came close to matching that. Yet profits dropped, and free cash flow turned negative as operating expenses and capital spending soared.
Analysts lowered their price targets for Tesla following the earnings miss, citing margin pressure and cautious guidance on autonomous driving.
The future direction of Tesla stock will depend on what investors prioritize. Competition in the EV market has put pricing pressure on Tesla, which it is offsetting with volume. But that additional revenue isn't reaching the bottom line because of the company's growth investments and expenses.
#revenue
3 days ago
Interested in Southwest Airlines Co.? Here are five stocks we like better.
Southwest Airlines posted a strong Q2 with adjusted EPS of $0.94, record revenue of $8.7 billion, and a 20.3% jump in adjusted operating revenue despite only 0.2% capacity growth. Management said the results show the earnings power of its commercial transformation.
Revenue initiatives are driving growth, including bag fees, product changes, online travel agencies, and stronger corporate demand. Managed business revenue rose 30% year over year, Rapid Rewards enrollment climbed 35%, and Chase card acquisitions increased 28%.
Southwest trimmed its full-year profit outlook to adjusted EPS of $3.25 to $4.25 as fuel costs remained elevated and fuel expense rose nearly $900 million year over year in Q2. Even so, the airline generated $500 million in operating cash flow, ended with $5.3 billion in liquidity, and maintained a solid leverage profile.
MarketBeat Week in Review – 07/06 - 07/10
#southwest
Southwest Airlines posted a strong Q2 with adjusted EPS of $0.94, record revenue of $8.7 billion, and a 20.3% jump in adjusted operating revenue despite only 0.2% capacity growth. Management said the results show the earnings power of its commercial transformation.
Revenue initiatives are driving growth, including bag fees, product changes, online travel agencies, and stronger corporate demand. Managed business revenue rose 30% year over year, Rapid Rewards enrollment climbed 35%, and Chase card acquisitions increased 28%.
Southwest trimmed its full-year profit outlook to adjusted EPS of $3.25 to $4.25 as fuel costs remained elevated and fuel expense rose nearly $900 million year over year in Q2. Even so, the airline generated $500 million in operating cash flow, ended with $5.3 billion in liquidity, and maintained a solid leverage profile.
MarketBeat Week in Review – 07/06 - 07/10
#southwest
3 days ago
Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE:CLF), an integrated flat-rolled steel and iron ore producer, closed at $10.96, up 15.98%. Quarterly results and upbeat guidance drove the gain; investors are watching second-half earnings and third-quarter adjusted EBITDA.
Trading volume reached 64.1 million shares, coming in about 223% above its three-month average of 19.8 million shares.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) fell 1.21% to 7,408, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) fell 2.15% to 25,138. Among other domestic flat-rolled steel manufacturing names, Nucor (NYSE:NUE) closed at $241.15, up 2.23%, while Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) closed at $240.57, up 0.81%, highlighting firmer trading in domestic steel peers.
Cleveland-Cliffs confirmed today that the domestic steel market is thriving. Revenue improved both sequentially and year over year as steel pricing and demand remain strong.
Cliffs saw free cash flow turn positive with adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) jumping from $95 million in Q1 to $286 million in Q2. Management expects it to approximately double to $575 million in the third quarter.
The company isn't alone in seeing strength in the sector. Last week, Steel Dynamics posted strong Q2 profit and record shipments, reinforcing domestic pricing strength. Sector leader Nucor will announce its second-quarter results next week. Investors can likely expect more of the same.
#steel #cliffs #closed #quarter
Trading volume reached 64.1 million shares, coming in about 223% above its three-month average of 19.8 million shares.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) fell 1.21% to 7,408, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) fell 2.15% to 25,138. Among other domestic flat-rolled steel manufacturing names, Nucor (NYSE:NUE) closed at $241.15, up 2.23%, while Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) closed at $240.57, up 0.81%, highlighting firmer trading in domestic steel peers.
Cleveland-Cliffs confirmed today that the domestic steel market is thriving. Revenue improved both sequentially and year over year as steel pricing and demand remain strong.
Cliffs saw free cash flow turn positive with adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) jumping from $95 million in Q1 to $286 million in Q2. Management expects it to approximately double to $575 million in the third quarter.
The company isn't alone in seeing strength in the sector. Last week, Steel Dynamics posted strong Q2 profit and record shipments, reinforcing domestic pricing strength. Sector leader Nucor will announce its second-quarter results next week. Investors can likely expect more of the same.
#steel #cliffs #closed #quarter
3 days ago
July 23 (Reuters) - Digital Realty Trust raised its full-year forecast for funds from operations on Thursday, betting on resilient leasing momentum from cloud and AI customers to drive growth, sending its shares up 3% in extended trading.
Austin, Texas-based Digital Realty is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that provides data center, colocation and interconnection solutions.
The company leases managed data centers to clients across industries ranging from cloud and information technology to social networking, communications, and manufacturing, and has been a major beneficiary of the race to adopt generative AI, which requires vast amounts of computing power housed in specialized facilities.
Here are some more details:
• Digital Realty now expects fiscal 2026 adjusted funds from operations, a key cash flow metric for REITs, in the range of $8.15 to $8.20 per share, compared with its earlier projection of $8 to $8.10 per share.
#cloud #july
Austin, Texas-based Digital Realty is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that provides data center, colocation and interconnection solutions.
The company leases managed data centers to clients across industries ranging from cloud and information technology to social networking, communications, and manufacturing, and has been a major beneficiary of the race to adopt generative AI, which requires vast amounts of computing power housed in specialized facilities.
Here are some more details:
• Digital Realty now expects fiscal 2026 adjusted funds from operations, a key cash flow metric for REITs, in the range of $8.15 to $8.20 per share, compared with its earlier projection of $8 to $8.10 per share.
#cloud #july
4 days ago
Sixty-five owner-operators is not the same thing as sixty-five trucks.
Watch the full episode: 65 owner-operators, one standard, and a lot of hard lessons about what keeps independent contractors running your freight when they have every other option to leave.
That distinction sits underneath everything Christian Martinez does. As director of operations at Voyager Nation in Mulberry, Florida, he manages a fleet that is 100% owner-operator, which means he manages 65 independent business owners who have no obligation to stay and every other option available to them.
"That's 65 worlds, 65 minds," Martinez said. "They all want to run their businesses a little bit different. Whether certain guys are willing to go to certain regions, home time, all of that looks different. However, the outcome has to be the same. They have to be making enough money or have enough cash flow to their business to be successful."
Martinez came up through loading docks, warehouses, ports, last-mile recruiting, and fleet acquisitions before he landed in operations, and he appeared on a recent episode of The Long Haul to talk about the thing most small carriers handle badly: recruiting and keeping owner-operators. His conclusions run against most of what the industry does by reflex.
#martinez #episode #independent
Watch the full episode: 65 owner-operators, one standard, and a lot of hard lessons about what keeps independent contractors running your freight when they have every other option to leave.
That distinction sits underneath everything Christian Martinez does. As director of operations at Voyager Nation in Mulberry, Florida, he manages a fleet that is 100% owner-operator, which means he manages 65 independent business owners who have no obligation to stay and every other option available to them.
"That's 65 worlds, 65 minds," Martinez said. "They all want to run their businesses a little bit different. Whether certain guys are willing to go to certain regions, home time, all of that looks different. However, the outcome has to be the same. They have to be making enough money or have enough cash flow to their business to be successful."
Martinez came up through loading docks, warehouses, ports, last-mile recruiting, and fleet acquisitions before he landed in operations, and he appeared on a recent episode of The Long Haul to talk about the thing most small carriers handle badly: recruiting and keeping owner-operators. His conclusions run against most of what the industry does by reflex.
#martinez #episode #independent
4 days ago
Ironvine Capital Partners, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The letter emphasizes the vital role of AI adoption in capital markets, highlighting a projected $7 trillion in new debt issuance by 2029 due to increased AI computing investments by hyperscale companies. This trend presents both risks and opportunities. The firm has shifted away from semiconductors during the quarter, as they require 2027 or 2028 spending levels for sustainable returns. The Ironvine Concentrated fund reported a year-to-date return of 11.02% (net), outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 10.21% return. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Ironvine Capital Partners highlighted SAP SE (NYSE:SAP). Headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is a leading enterprise application and business solutions provider. On July 22, 2026, SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) closed at $148.75 per share. One-month return of SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) was -2.51%, and its shares lost 49.41% over the past 52 weeks. SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) has a market capitalization of $175.9 billion.
Ironvine Capital Partners stated the following regarding SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Over the last five decades SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) has become the leading provider of ERP software for many of the world's largest, most supply chain-intensive companies. SAP counts 98 of the Fortune 100 as customers, with approximately 70% of revenue derived from large enterprises. Across much of this market the company operates in a duopoly with Oracle, although in certain niches it is the only practical solution. Its software integrates procurement, manufacturing, inventory, sales, human resources, and financial reporting into a single operating platform for the business.
Over time, SAP systems permeate customer operations, often with extensive customization reflecting company-specific workflows, regulatory requirements, and accumulated business knowledge. For example, Boeing relies on SAP to coordinate the ******* embly of airplanes containing tens of thousands of components, sourced from thousands of suppliers. If one part isn't where it's supposed to be, a $50 million plane doesn't move forward. Every component must be tracked, certified, and correctly installed with an auditable record. Boeing's SAP environment contains decades of custom code integrated with its supply chain to provide this digital paper trail…" (Click here to read the full text)
#NYSE #partners #letter #here
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Ironvine Capital Partners highlighted SAP SE (NYSE:SAP). Headquartered in Walldorf, Germany, SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is a leading enterprise application and business solutions provider. On July 22, 2026, SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) closed at $148.75 per share. One-month return of SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) was -2.51%, and its shares lost 49.41% over the past 52 weeks. SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) has a market capitalization of $175.9 billion.
Ironvine Capital Partners stated the following regarding SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Over the last five decades SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) has become the leading provider of ERP software for many of the world's largest, most supply chain-intensive companies. SAP counts 98 of the Fortune 100 as customers, with approximately 70% of revenue derived from large enterprises. Across much of this market the company operates in a duopoly with Oracle, although in certain niches it is the only practical solution. Its software integrates procurement, manufacturing, inventory, sales, human resources, and financial reporting into a single operating platform for the business.
Over time, SAP systems permeate customer operations, often with extensive customization reflecting company-specific workflows, regulatory requirements, and accumulated business knowledge. For example, Boeing relies on SAP to coordinate the ******* embly of airplanes containing tens of thousands of components, sourced from thousands of suppliers. If one part isn't where it's supposed to be, a $50 million plane doesn't move forward. Every component must be tracked, certified, and correctly installed with an auditable record. Boeing's SAP environment contains decades of custom code integrated with its supply chain to provide this digital paper trail…" (Click here to read the full text)
#NYSE #partners #letter #here
4 days ago
Moon Capital Management, LLC, an investment management company, released its second quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The S&P 500 index rebounded in the second quarter, achieving a 9.6% return for the first half of the year, while Moon Capital Management's equity portfolio gained 4%. AI-related stocks led market performance, mitigating geopolitical concerns. Moon Capital holds 10% of its portfolio in technology, significantly less than the S&P 500's 39%. The firm remains cautious about large AI investments and their potential return on investment. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Moon Capital Management highlighted DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA). DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) is a US-based healthcare company that offers kidney dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. On July 22, 2026, DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) closed at $232.08 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $14.89 billion. DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) posted a one-month return of 8.77%, while its shares gained 60.31% over the past 52 weeks.
Moon Capital Management stated the following regarding DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"During the second quarter, we exited our position in the kidney dialysis services company DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA). While DaVita remains an exceptional operator with a well-established competitive advantage, we concluded that the future opportunity had become less attractive following the significant appreciation in the stock. Over our 3.5-year holding period, we generated a total return of approximately 174%, or roughly 35% annualized.
We originally purchased shares at approximately $72 per share following a selloff triggered by the company's reduction in its 2023 guidance. At the time, the market was focused primarily on near-term volume concerns, while we believed investors were underestimating the durability of DaVita's cash generation. Based on the company's EBITDA outlook, we estimated free cash flow would exceed $1 billion annually, allowing us to purchase the business for less than 7x free cash flow, roughly half of its historical valuation.
#moon
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Moon Capital Management highlighted DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA). DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) is a US-based healthcare company that offers kidney dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure. On July 22, 2026, DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) closed at $232.08 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $14.89 billion. DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) posted a one-month return of 8.77%, while its shares gained 60.31% over the past 52 weeks.
Moon Capital Management stated the following regarding DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"During the second quarter, we exited our position in the kidney dialysis services company DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA). While DaVita remains an exceptional operator with a well-established competitive advantage, we concluded that the future opportunity had become less attractive following the significant appreciation in the stock. Over our 3.5-year holding period, we generated a total return of approximately 174%, or roughly 35% annualized.
We originally purchased shares at approximately $72 per share following a selloff triggered by the company's reduction in its 2023 guidance. At the time, the market was focused primarily on near-term volume concerns, while we believed investors were underestimating the durability of DaVita's cash generation. Based on the company's EBITDA outlook, we estimated free cash flow would exceed $1 billion annually, allowing us to purchase the business for less than 7x free cash flow, roughly half of its historical valuation.
#moon
4 days ago
Brasada Capital Management, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter is available to download here. The market landscape in the past quarter has been significantly influenced by the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), overshadowing other concerns like geopolitical conflicts. Currently, the AI boom is so substantial that it affects the entire market cycle. Key factors include a 400% increase in memory demand due to AI, a slow supply response that takes years to catch up, and minimal demand destruction. The Fund's investment strategy focuses on essential infrastructure that maintains competitive advantages, rather than chasing speculative momentum. The firm emphasizes secular long-term growth, regardless of which AI technologies prevail. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Brasada Capital Management highlighted Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH). Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is a leading manufacturer of electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors serving a broad range of end markets. On July 22, 2026, Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) closed at $157.51 per share. One-month return of Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) was -4.63%, and its shares gained 50.78% over the past 52 weeks. Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) has a market capitalization of $193.77 billion.
Brasada Capital Management stated the following regarding Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of connectors, sensors, and interconnect systems, essentially producing the nervous system for modern electronics. The company designs solutions that allow power, signal, and data to flow reliably across demanding applications. Rather than selling off-the-shelf commodities, Amphenol acts as a crucial design partner, engineering the vast majority of its 500,000 SKUs as custom or semi-custom solutions tailored to the exact mechanical, thermal, or electrical requirements of its customers.
What makes Amphenol a high-quality business lies in its production of mission-critical components that represent a very small percentage of a customer's total cost of goods. Because the cost of failure is exceptionally high, whether in a commercial aircraft flying at 40,000 feet or a 1,000-volt EV battery, OEMs face significant switching costs and are reluctant to change suppliers once a component is proven reliable. This dynamic is further reinforced by a highly decentralized operating structure where general managers run their business units autonomously, enabling rapid, localized responses to customer needs. Additionally, the company is diversified across eight major end markets, with no single sector accounting for more than 25% of sales, which acts as a powerful shock absorber during cyclical downturns..." (Click here to read the full text)
#amphenol
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Brasada Capital Management highlighted Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH). Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is a leading manufacturer of electrical, electronic, and fiber optic connectors serving a broad range of end markets. On July 22, 2026, Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) closed at $157.51 per share. One-month return of Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) was -4.63%, and its shares gained 50.78% over the past 52 weeks. Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) has a market capitalization of $193.77 billion.
Brasada Capital Management stated the following regarding Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Amphenol Corporation (NYSE:APH) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of connectors, sensors, and interconnect systems, essentially producing the nervous system for modern electronics. The company designs solutions that allow power, signal, and data to flow reliably across demanding applications. Rather than selling off-the-shelf commodities, Amphenol acts as a crucial design partner, engineering the vast majority of its 500,000 SKUs as custom or semi-custom solutions tailored to the exact mechanical, thermal, or electrical requirements of its customers.
What makes Amphenol a high-quality business lies in its production of mission-critical components that represent a very small percentage of a customer's total cost of goods. Because the cost of failure is exceptionally high, whether in a commercial aircraft flying at 40,000 feet or a 1,000-volt EV battery, OEMs face significant switching costs and are reluctant to change suppliers once a component is proven reliable. This dynamic is further reinforced by a highly decentralized operating structure where general managers run their business units autonomously, enabling rapid, localized responses to customer needs. Additionally, the company is diversified across eight major end markets, with no single sector accounting for more than 25% of sales, which acts as a powerful shock absorber during cyclical downturns..." (Click here to read the full text)
#amphenol
4 days ago
The Atlanta Falcons reached their first training camp milestone on Friday, with rookies officially reporting to Flowery Branch. The team's 19-player rookie class, which includes six draft picks and 13 undrafted free agents, will get a head start before the veterans arrive next week.
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has his work cut out for him, but July is the time for optimism in the NFL. For now, each team, including Atlanta, is on equal footing.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, ESPN breaks down the underrated right tackle competition, CBS Sports ranks the Robinsons as the top running back duo in the league, The Athletic makes a free-agent suggestion, and the NFL sets a date for Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta.
The Falcons are still a good fit for the top available wide receiver on the market. Daniel Popper at The Athletic listed Atlanta as the best landing spot for free-agent Stefon Diggs.
"The Falcons drafted Zachariah Branch in the third round. Branch is explosive and projects as a YAC threat," wrote Popper. "Diggs can play inside and outside, which would leave slot snaps available for Branch. London, Diggs and Branch would form a well-rounded trio for whichever quarterback wins the starting job between Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa."
#diggs #free
Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski has his work cut out for him, but July is the time for optimism in the NFL. For now, each team, including Atlanta, is on equal footing.
In today's Falcons Wire Recap, ESPN breaks down the underrated right tackle competition, CBS Sports ranks the Robinsons as the top running back duo in the league, The Athletic makes a free-agent suggestion, and the NFL sets a date for Super Bowl LXII in Atlanta.
The Falcons are still a good fit for the top available wide receiver on the market. Daniel Popper at The Athletic listed Atlanta as the best landing spot for free-agent Stefon Diggs.
"The Falcons drafted Zachariah Branch in the third round. Branch is explosive and projects as a YAC threat," wrote Popper. "Diggs can play inside and outside, which would leave slot snaps available for Branch. London, Diggs and Branch would form a well-rounded trio for whichever quarterback wins the starting job between Michael Penix and Tua Tagovailoa."
#diggs #free
4 days 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 W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB). Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) is an insurance holding company operates as a commercial line writer. On July 22, 2026, W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) closed at $72.36 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $26.85 billion. W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) posted a one-month return of 4.43%, while its shares gained 5.57% over the past 52 weeks.
Bristol US Equity Strategy stated the following regarding W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) is a property-and-casualty insurer with a long record of dividend growth and disciplined value creation, precisely the profile our process is designed to find. The company runs a decentralized model of more than 50 business units, each tailored to its market, with a focus on specialty and excess-and-surplus lines that demands deep underwriting expertise and generates high, durable returns on capital. Berkley has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years, a five-year compound annual growth rate of roughly 11.6%, and regularly returns excess capital through special dividends when its balance sheet allows. That combination of free-cash-flow generation and shareholder-friendly capital allocation is exactly what our model favors.
Berkley is family-run, with a conservative underwriting culture and balance sheet. Its earnings are relatively insulated from the economic cycle, and we believe the position adds ballast to the portfolio: a more defensive, lower-volatility holding that can help steady returns at a time when AI is widening the range of outcomes across many sectors. With the shares trading at an attractive valuation relative to the quality and returns of the business, we initiated the position."
#corporation
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Bristol US Equity Strategy highlighted W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB). Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) is an insurance holding company operates as a commercial line writer. On July 22, 2026, W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) closed at $72.36 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $26.85 billion. W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) posted a one-month return of 4.43%, while its shares gained 5.57% over the past 52 weeks.
Bristol US Equity Strategy stated the following regarding W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB) is a property-and-casualty insurer with a long record of dividend growth and disciplined value creation, precisely the profile our process is designed to find. The company runs a decentralized model of more than 50 business units, each tailored to its market, with a focus on specialty and excess-and-surplus lines that demands deep underwriting expertise and generates high, durable returns on capital. Berkley has raised its dividend for 25 consecutive years, a five-year compound annual growth rate of roughly 11.6%, and regularly returns excess capital through special dividends when its balance sheet allows. That combination of free-cash-flow generation and shareholder-friendly capital allocation is exactly what our model favors.
Berkley is family-run, with a conservative underwriting culture and balance sheet. Its earnings are relatively insulated from the economic cycle, and we believe the position adds ballast to the portfolio: a more defensive, lower-volatility holding that can help steady returns at a time when AI is widening the range of outcomes across many sectors. With the shares trading at an attractive valuation relative to the quality and returns of the business, we initiated the position."
#corporation
4 days ago
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Robert Kiyosaki has spent decades telling people to buy ***** ets, build cash flow and stop relying on a paycheck.
But if the Rich Dad Poor Dad author lost everything tomorrow and had just $10,000 to rebuild, he says his first move would not be to buy stocks, crypto or real estate.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
JPMorgan still sees gold hitting $5,000/oz by Q4 — and savvy investors are protecting their wealth with a tax-advantaged Gold IRA. Learn more with a free guide from Priority Gold
#wealth #moneywise #robert #rich
Robert Kiyosaki has spent decades telling people to buy ***** ets, build cash flow and stop relying on a paycheck.
But if the Rich Dad Poor Dad author lost everything tomorrow and had just $10,000 to rebuild, he says his first move would not be to buy stocks, crypto or real estate.
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
JPMorgan still sees gold hitting $5,000/oz by Q4 — and savvy investors are protecting their wealth with a tax-advantaged Gold IRA. Learn more with a free guide from Priority Gold
#wealth #moneywise #robert #rich
4 days ago
IBM lowered its full-year revenue forecast on Wednesday after posting second-quarter results that fell short of **** yst expectations, capping a difficult stretch for the technology company following a profit warning issued the week before.
The company said it has revised its 2026 constant-currency revenue growth target to a range of 4% to 5%, retreating from the more than 5% it had previously projected. IBM maintained its forecast for free cash flow to increase by about $1 billion year over year.
Second-quarter revenue came in at $17.16 billion, up 1% from a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share were $2.93. **** ysts had expected revenue of $17.58 billion and adjusted earnings of $2.97 per share, according to CNBC.
IBM's software segment brought in $7.76 billion for the quarter, a 5% year-over-year gain. Consulting posted $5.33 billion, essentially unchanged from a year ago. Infrastructure slid 7% to $3.84 billion, with IBM Z mainframe revenue accounting for much of the damage by dropping 42%.
IBM said it is targeting a roughly 1-percentage-point expansion in its full-year pre-tax margin, driven by productivity gains that include deploying AI to accelerate software development and streamline its supply chain.
#earnings
The company said it has revised its 2026 constant-currency revenue growth target to a range of 4% to 5%, retreating from the more than 5% it had previously projected. IBM maintained its forecast for free cash flow to increase by about $1 billion year over year.
Second-quarter revenue came in at $17.16 billion, up 1% from a year earlier. Adjusted earnings per share were $2.93. **** ysts had expected revenue of $17.58 billion and adjusted earnings of $2.97 per share, according to CNBC.
IBM's software segment brought in $7.76 billion for the quarter, a 5% year-over-year gain. Consulting posted $5.33 billion, essentially unchanged from a year ago. Infrastructure slid 7% to $3.84 billion, with IBM Z mainframe revenue accounting for much of the damage by dropping 42%.
IBM said it is targeting a roughly 1-percentage-point expansion in its full-year pre-tax margin, driven by productivity gains that include deploying AI to accelerate software development and streamline its supply chain.
#earnings
4 days ago
Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) is currently showing below average volatility with an IV Percentile of 13% and an IV Rank of 16.49%.
Why Nvidia (NVDA) Stock Faces Sell-the-News Risk Following Its Q2 Earnings Report
Oil's Surge Sparks Unusually Active Options Bets on Petrobras, Nike, Goldman Sachs and Other 120+ DTEs
Texas Instruments Generates Strong Free Cash Flow - But TXN Stock Looks Cheap to Value Buyers
Tired of missing midday reversals? The FREE Barchart Brief newsletter keeps you in the know. Sign up now!
#risk
Why Nvidia (NVDA) Stock Faces Sell-the-News Risk Following Its Q2 Earnings Report
Oil's Surge Sparks Unusually Active Options Bets on Petrobras, Nike, Goldman Sachs and Other 120+ DTEs
Texas Instruments Generates Strong Free Cash Flow - But TXN Stock Looks Cheap to Value Buyers
Tired of missing midday reversals? The FREE Barchart Brief newsletter keeps you in the know. Sign up now!
#risk
