7 days ago
(Bloomberg) -- SK Hynix Inc. (SKHY) plans to return about 80% of the gains from selling down its stake in ***** an's Kioxia Holdings Corp. to shareholders through a special dividend of about 16 trillion won ($12 billion), the DongA Ilbo newspaper reported.
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#corp
Most Read from Bloomberg
Trump Prepares for Iran Escalation After US, Israeli Polls
Apollo's Slok Says AI Has Delivered Zero Payoff Outside of Tech
Bitcoin Billionaires Are Racing to Ride a 3,000% Crypto Boom
#corp
7 days ago
With the federal budget deficit at $2 trillion and debt-interest costs topping $1 trillion a year, it may be tempting to look for extra cash under the sofa cushions.
Urgency has grown in recent months as Treasury yields have soared to the highest levels in more than 20 years, putting more pressure on interest expenses.
The Treasury Department has tried some unconventional measures recently to take the heat off yields, including buybacks of more long-dated debt and its intervention to prop up the yen that let ***** an avoid selling its Treasuries.
Given such surprises, speculation has grown around even more far-out tactics. One idea that comes up from time to time is for the Treasury Department to price its immense gold holdings at market rates.
The U.S. has the world's largest gold reserves, which total about 261.5 million ounces, or more than double what No. 2 holder Germany has. But the U.S. ***** d's official price was set by Congress in 1973 at $42.22 per ounce, and it hasn't changed since.
#trillion #interest
Urgency has grown in recent months as Treasury yields have soared to the highest levels in more than 20 years, putting more pressure on interest expenses.
The Treasury Department has tried some unconventional measures recently to take the heat off yields, including buybacks of more long-dated debt and its intervention to prop up the yen that let ***** an avoid selling its Treasuries.
Given such surprises, speculation has grown around even more far-out tactics. One idea that comes up from time to time is for the Treasury Department to price its immense gold holdings at market rates.
The U.S. has the world's largest gold reserves, which total about 261.5 million ounces, or more than double what No. 2 holder Germany has. But the U.S. ***** d's official price was set by Congress in 1973 at $42.22 per ounce, and it hasn't changed since.
#trillion #interest
7 days ago
Disney's 2006 all-stock Pixar deal gave Jobs about 138 million DIS shares worth $3.5 billion, outpacing his AAPL stake by more than 4 times.
Apple stock rose about 4 times from its 2006 level while Disney gained just 1.23 times, narrowing the gap between Jobs's two largest holdings by 2011.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
Steve Jobs lost his place at Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) in 1985. What he did next ended up tying his fortune to Disney (NYSE:DIS) as much as to the company he co-founded.
#times #Apple
Apple stock rose about 4 times from its 2006 level while Disney gained just 1.23 times, narrowing the gap between Jobs's two largest holdings by 2011.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
Steve Jobs lost his place at Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) in 1985. What he did next ended up tying his fortune to Disney (NYSE:DIS) as much as to the company he co-founded.
#times #Apple
25 days ago
Sandra Bullock purchased her Valley Center property for $2.72 million in 2007, extensively renovating it
The estate featured 1,200 organic avocado trees, citrus groves, a saltwater pool and solar charging stations
She sold the property for $5.6 million in 2022 after it spent three weeks on the market
Years before she made her return to the big screen with Practical Magic 2, Sandra Bullock was making magic in another way — via her real estate holdings, which previously included a 91-acre Valley Center, Calif., property complete with an avocado tree farm (and 1,200 organic avocado trees).
The actress, 62, purchased the property in 2007 for $2.72 million via a trust, per Mansion Global, which cites property records.
#property #bullock #center
The estate featured 1,200 organic avocado trees, citrus groves, a saltwater pool and solar charging stations
She sold the property for $5.6 million in 2022 after it spent three weeks on the market
Years before she made her return to the big screen with Practical Magic 2, Sandra Bullock was making magic in another way — via her real estate holdings, which previously included a 91-acre Valley Center, Calif., property complete with an avocado tree farm (and 1,200 organic avocado trees).
The actress, 62, purchased the property in 2007 for $2.72 million via a trust, per Mansion Global, which cites property records.
#property #bullock #center
25 days ago
Khaby Lame turned a simple comedy concept into a global creator business. The Senegalese-born Italian star built his following by silently mocking complicated life-hack videos. His signature facial expressions and palms-up gesture became instantly recognizable. Lame has more than 160 million TikTok followers and was ranked among the world's highest-earning creators in 2025. Forbes estimated his earnings at $20 million that year. But what is Khaby Lame's net worth?
Lame's rise started after he lost his factory job during Italy's COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. TikTok gave him an audience, but brand partnerships turned that attention into money. Forbes Africa further reports that Lame has worked with brands including Hugo Boss, Airbnb and Binance. His business now stretches beyond TikTok, making Khaby Lame's net worth a bigger creator-economy story.
Yes, but the $975 million headline needs context. In January 2026, Rich Sparkle Holdings announced its acquisition of Step Distinctive Limited, a company tied to Lame's brand. According to Forbes Africa, Lame owned 49% of Step Distinctive before the transaction.
The deal involved Rich Sparkle shares rather than a straightforward cash payment. Forbes Africa also reported that Lame's stake reached a paper value of $6.6 billion when Rich Sparkle's stock surged.
That figure did not mean Lame suddenly had $6.6 billion in cash. Forbes also raised concerns about Rich Sparkle's small public float and the difficulty of using its stock price to measure Lame's actual wealth.
#rich #million #distinctive
Lame's rise started after he lost his factory job during Italy's COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. TikTok gave him an audience, but brand partnerships turned that attention into money. Forbes Africa further reports that Lame has worked with brands including Hugo Boss, Airbnb and Binance. His business now stretches beyond TikTok, making Khaby Lame's net worth a bigger creator-economy story.
Yes, but the $975 million headline needs context. In January 2026, Rich Sparkle Holdings announced its acquisition of Step Distinctive Limited, a company tied to Lame's brand. According to Forbes Africa, Lame owned 49% of Step Distinctive before the transaction.
The deal involved Rich Sparkle shares rather than a straightforward cash payment. Forbes Africa also reported that Lame's stake reached a paper value of $6.6 billion when Rich Sparkle's stock surged.
That figure did not mean Lame suddenly had $6.6 billion in cash. Forbes also raised concerns about Rich Sparkle's small public float and the difficulty of using its stock price to measure Lame's actual wealth.
#rich #million #distinctive
26 days ago
Generating $6,550 a month requires $2.25M at a 3.5% yield, $1.31M at 6%, or just $786,000 at 10%.
A blended portfolio of VYM, DIVO, VICI, JEPQ, ARCC, and SGOV yields 5.6%, requiring $1.4M while preserving some dividend growth.
A 3.5% yield growing 8% annually reaches $249,000 in income by year 15, while a static 10% yield stays flat and loses ground to inflation.
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A target of $6,550 a month equals $78,600 a year. For a 66-year-old, that income must cover housing, healthcare premiums, travel, and decades of other retirement expenses. The amount you need to invest to generate $78,600 from portfolio income alone varies widely by yield. Here's what the numbers look like at three yield levels, using six income holdings as examples.
#yield
A blended portfolio of VYM, DIVO, VICI, JEPQ, ARCC, and SGOV yields 5.6%, requiring $1.4M while preserving some dividend growth.
A 3.5% yield growing 8% annually reaches $249,000 in income by year 15, while a static 10% yield stays flat and loses ground to inflation.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
A target of $6,550 a month equals $78,600 a year. For a 66-year-old, that income must cover housing, healthcare premiums, travel, and decades of other retirement expenses. The amount you need to invest to generate $78,600 from portfolio income alone varies widely by yield. Here's what the numbers look like at three yield levels, using six income holdings as examples.
#yield
26 days ago
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) has spent most of 2026 at or near record highs. While that's been good news for anyone invested in the index, a problem is developing beneath the surface.
As of Oct. 5, the S&P 500 was trading at less than 1% below its all-time high, yet only 42% of its components were trading above their 200-day moving average. According to Dow Jones Market Data, the last time the S&P 500 was within 1% of a record high while more than half of its stocks traded below their 200-day moving averages was March 2000.
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 »
Clearly, no one likes to see comparisons to the peak of the tech bubble. But this isn't a signal to sell stocks. Rather, it's time to rethink what you're actually owning when you buy the S&P 500.
Obviously, the S&P 500 is historically top-heavy right now. Tech stocks account for roughly 38% of the index, while the top 10 holdings also account for approximately 38%.
#time #Tech #record
As of Oct. 5, the S&P 500 was trading at less than 1% below its all-time high, yet only 42% of its components were trading above their 200-day moving average. According to Dow Jones Market Data, the last time the S&P 500 was within 1% of a record high while more than half of its stocks traded below their 200-day moving averages was March 2000.
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 »
Clearly, no one likes to see comparisons to the peak of the tech bubble. But this isn't a signal to sell stocks. Rather, it's time to rethink what you're actually owning when you buy the S&P 500.
Obviously, the S&P 500 is historically top-heavy right now. Tech stocks account for roughly 38% of the index, while the top 10 holdings also account for approximately 38%.
#time #Tech #record
26 days ago
Oracle, Microsoft, and Amazon helped push hyperscaler capex past $400 billion in 2025, a figure that exceeded combined operating cash flow for the first time.
Meta and Alphabet fund an AI buildout projected at $9 trillion through 2032, averaging 3.22% of GDP and topping railroads' historic 2.24% share.
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Railroads made Cornelius Vanderbilt America's richest person by the 1860s, dying in 1877 with an estate estimated at $95 million to $105 million, larger than U.S. Treasury holdings. By share of GDP, Vanderbilt places third among the richest Americans, behind Rockefeller and Carnegie. Within years, his industry's financing gave way, a warning for today's AI expansion.
The rail network doubled from 35,000 to 70,000 miles between 1865 and 1872, with bonds financing more than three-quarters of it. On September 18, 1873, Jay Cooke's bank failed. The New York Stock Exchange closed for ten days, its first closure ever.
#railroads #amazon
Meta and Alphabet fund an AI buildout projected at $9 trillion through 2032, averaging 3.22% of GDP and topping railroads' historic 2.24% share.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
Railroads made Cornelius Vanderbilt America's richest person by the 1860s, dying in 1877 with an estate estimated at $95 million to $105 million, larger than U.S. Treasury holdings. By share of GDP, Vanderbilt places third among the richest Americans, behind Rockefeller and Carnegie. Within years, his industry's financing gave way, a warning for today's AI expansion.
The rail network doubled from 35,000 to 70,000 miles between 1865 and 1872, with bonds financing more than three-quarters of it. On September 18, 1873, Jay Cooke's bank failed. The New York Stock Exchange closed for ten days, its first closure ever.
#railroads #amazon
27 days ago
Buying a stock in the hopes of holding it for 20 years or longer can be a difficult task. Warren Buffett likes to say his favorite holding period is "forever," but his trading history shows he has sold holdings, even after owning them for decades.
Knowing that, investors should look for holdings with the potential to survive and thrive for decades. Fortunately, investors have plenty of options, and these three well-established consumer staples stocks should stand out.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 14x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ****** ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
The public knows PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) best for its flagship cola. Nonetheless, the company owns numerous well-known beverage and food brands, including Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Tostitos, and Quaker.
Its stock had suffered in recent years as the public turned against unhealthy beverages and packaged foods. PepsiCo has since pivoted, emphasizing healthier ingredients in its products and buying brands such as Siete to bolster this reputation.
#investors #holdings
Knowing that, investors should look for holdings with the potential to survive and thrive for decades. Fortunately, investors have plenty of options, and these three well-established consumer staples stocks should stand out.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 14x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ****** ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
The public knows PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) best for its flagship cola. Nonetheless, the company owns numerous well-known beverage and food brands, including Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Tostitos, and Quaker.
Its stock had suffered in recent years as the public turned against unhealthy beverages and packaged foods. PepsiCo has since pivoted, emphasizing healthier ingredients in its products and buying brands such as Siete to bolster this reputation.
#investors #holdings
27 days ago
Burry is mitigating near-term tax selling in underperforming holdings.
The investor foresees an early end to the artificial intelligence boom, positioning for a 2000–2003 style value equity revival.
Significant capital is being directed into discounted Chinese equities like BYD, while maintaining a cautious stance on Alibaba amidst its infrastructure spending.
Renowned value investor Michael Burry outlined his fourth-quarter portfolio maneuvers in an update on his Cassandra Unchained Substack platform on Monday, revealing how he is positioning around tax-loss harvesting headwinds while building long-term exposure to deeply discounted sectors.
Burry noted that the final quarter routinely brings heightened selling pressure on underperforming equities as investors sell underperforming ***** ets at a loss to offset capital gains.
#burry #positioning #capital #equities
The investor foresees an early end to the artificial intelligence boom, positioning for a 2000–2003 style value equity revival.
Significant capital is being directed into discounted Chinese equities like BYD, while maintaining a cautious stance on Alibaba amidst its infrastructure spending.
Renowned value investor Michael Burry outlined his fourth-quarter portfolio maneuvers in an update on his Cassandra Unchained Substack platform on Monday, revealing how he is positioning around tax-loss harvesting headwinds while building long-term exposure to deeply discounted sectors.
Burry noted that the final quarter routinely brings heightened selling pressure on underperforming equities as investors sell underperforming ***** ets at a loss to offset capital gains.
#burry #positioning #capital #equities
1 month ago
When AI stocks rebounded last week, optical networking companies did not rebound equally.
Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LITE) jumped nearly 10% in Wednesday trading and led the S&P 500, while Coherent rose 6.9%. Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) managed only a 0.4% gain and remained down sharply for the week.
All three sit inside the same broad AI-connectivity buildout. The divergence suggests investors are beginning to distinguish between different pieces of that infrastructure rather than buying every optics name together.
Photo from Lumentum Holdings website
AI clusters increasingly need optical connections as more accelerators communicate across larger physical distances. That drives demand for high-speed transceivers, lasers and other photonic components.
#NASDAQ #lite #wednesday #coherent
Lumentum Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:LITE) jumped nearly 10% in Wednesday trading and led the S&P 500, while Coherent rose 6.9%. Corning Incorporated (NYSE:GLW) managed only a 0.4% gain and remained down sharply for the week.
All three sit inside the same broad AI-connectivity buildout. The divergence suggests investors are beginning to distinguish between different pieces of that infrastructure rather than buying every optics name together.
Photo from Lumentum Holdings website
AI clusters increasingly need optical connections as more accelerators communicate across larger physical distances. That drives demand for high-speed transceivers, lasers and other photonic components.
#NASDAQ #lite #wednesday #coherent
1 month ago
Investors eager to buy into the futuristic vision of profitable driverless vehicles will get their chance soon. May Mobility is aiming to become the first U.S. publicly listed pure-play option for an autonomous ride-hailing technology company. It is poised to go public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), merging with ACP Holdings Acquisition (NASDAQ: ACGC) that values the combined company at roughly $1.4 billion.
It's expected to operate as May Mobility. trading on the Nasdaq exchange under MAY. But before investors get too excited, let's pump the brakes and take a look at the details.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ***** ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
It's easy for investors to get excited about the opportunity, but many might not be aware of the potential market size or growth prospects. The global robotaxi market is projected to reach about $415 billion by 2035, with the U.S. accounting for a roughly $48 billion slice of that pie. The fleet of U.S. commercial autonomous vehicles (AVs) is projected to expand from only about 4,000 vehicles currently to around 35,000 by 2030 -- or about 8% of the ride-sharing market.
A year ago this month, Bank of America projected that the long-term U.S. total addressable market (TAM) for AV ride-hailing is a trillion-dollar opportunity as companies such as May Mobility aim to replace the drivers that take roughly 70% of every fare. It's also important for investors to realize how early in the game this is: Alphabet's Waymo, with an estimated $350 million in annualized revenue, would represent only about 0.5% of U.S. ride-hailing bookings.
#vehicles #company #roughly #billion
It's expected to operate as May Mobility. trading on the Nasdaq exchange under MAY. But before investors get too excited, let's pump the brakes and take a look at the details.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ***** ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
It's easy for investors to get excited about the opportunity, but many might not be aware of the potential market size or growth prospects. The global robotaxi market is projected to reach about $415 billion by 2035, with the U.S. accounting for a roughly $48 billion slice of that pie. The fleet of U.S. commercial autonomous vehicles (AVs) is projected to expand from only about 4,000 vehicles currently to around 35,000 by 2030 -- or about 8% of the ride-sharing market.
A year ago this month, Bank of America projected that the long-term U.S. total addressable market (TAM) for AV ride-hailing is a trillion-dollar opportunity as companies such as May Mobility aim to replace the drivers that take roughly 70% of every fare. It's also important for investors to realize how early in the game this is: Alphabet's Waymo, with an estimated $350 million in annualized revenue, would represent only about 0.5% of U.S. ride-hailing bookings.
#vehicles #company #roughly #billion
1 month ago
MACOM Technology Solutions is suddenly giving investors two numbers to think about: its stock has more than doubled over the past year, and its newest optical components push data rates toward another doubling.
asharkyu/Shutterstock.com
MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTSI) announced a 3.2-terabit optical chipset on September 17 built around eight 448-Gbps PAM-4 channels. A day later, BMO Capital upgraded the shares to Outperform with a $335 target, arguing that a 36% decline from the May peak had compressed MACOM's forward valuation to roughly 29 times earnings while data-center fundamentals remained intact.
That puts Coherent Corp. (NYSE:COHR) directly in the conversation because both companies supply the optical connectivity needed to keep larger AI clusters fed with data.
MACOM's new platform combines drivers, photodiodes and transimpedance amplifiers for next-generation optical modules. The company says the components are already available, rather than merely a research roadmap.
#data #macom #holdings #NASDAQ
asharkyu/Shutterstock.com
MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTSI) announced a 3.2-terabit optical chipset on September 17 built around eight 448-Gbps PAM-4 channels. A day later, BMO Capital upgraded the shares to Outperform with a $335 target, arguing that a 36% decline from the May peak had compressed MACOM's forward valuation to roughly 29 times earnings while data-center fundamentals remained intact.
That puts Coherent Corp. (NYSE:COHR) directly in the conversation because both companies supply the optical connectivity needed to keep larger AI clusters fed with data.
MACOM's new platform combines drivers, photodiodes and transimpedance amplifiers for next-generation optical modules. The company says the components are already available, rather than merely a research roadmap.
#data #macom #holdings #NASDAQ
1 month ago
Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) announced on September 15 that it had acquired 60% of White Desert Antarctica and its new aviation travel business, Echo Charlie. Consideration comprises approximately $61 million in cash, plus approximately $6 million relating to acquired cash, subject to working-capital, cash, and indebtedness adjustments.
The purchase broadens the travel portfolio beyond expedition cruises. For investors, the test is whether additional bookings and cash generation justify the acquisition price and subsequent investment.
White Desert takes guests into Antarctica's interior, including the Geographic South Pole. Echo Charlie offers journeys aboard a restored DC-3 aircraft carrying 12 guests. These experiences add distinctive products that Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) could market to existing adventure travelers.
Cross-selling could reduce marketing costs per booking and encourage repeat travel across the portfolio. Established customer relationships provide a starting point; the financial benefit depends on generating additional profitable departures.
The company already operates a growing land-travel business. Second-quarter Land Experiences revenue increased 23% to $70.0 million, driven by additional trips and higher pricing. That provides a relevant commercial foundation for the expansion.
#additional
The purchase broadens the travel portfolio beyond expedition cruises. For investors, the test is whether additional bookings and cash generation justify the acquisition price and subsequent investment.
White Desert takes guests into Antarctica's interior, including the Geographic South Pole. Echo Charlie offers journeys aboard a restored DC-3 aircraft carrying 12 guests. These experiences add distinctive products that Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LIND) could market to existing adventure travelers.
Cross-selling could reduce marketing costs per booking and encourage repeat travel across the portfolio. Established customer relationships provide a starting point; the financial benefit depends on generating additional profitable departures.
The company already operates a growing land-travel business. Second-quarter Land Experiences revenue increased 23% to $70.0 million, driven by additional trips and higher pricing. That provides a relevant commercial foundation for the expansion.
#additional
1 month ago
No matter how well you plan for retirement, there are surprises that could throw you for a loop. The stock market might crash unexpectedly. Your healthcare costs might increase. Or, worse yet, you could end up needing long-term care at some point.
But one hiccup you should know to plan for is inflation. Over time, the cost of living is likely to rise. And if you aren't prepared, you could easily end up losing out on buying power. These two adjustments to your retirement plan could help you avoid that fate.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ******* ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
It's fairly common for retirees to reduce their stock holdings to minimize risk in their portfolios. But while it's OK to de-risk to some degree, you don't want to dump your stocks completely. Doing so could cause your portfolio to trail inflation, leading you to lose buying power and putting your savings at risk of being depleted.
If you're not comfortable holding individual stocks in retirement, buy shares of an S&P 500 exchange-traded fund (ETF). This effectively gives you exposure to the market. Or load up on dividend ETFs that generate steady income.
#plan #market
But one hiccup you should know to plan for is inflation. Over time, the cost of living is likely to rise. And if you aren't prepared, you could easily end up losing out on buying power. These two adjustments to your retirement plan could help you avoid that fate.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ******* ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
It's fairly common for retirees to reduce their stock holdings to minimize risk in their portfolios. But while it's OK to de-risk to some degree, you don't want to dump your stocks completely. Doing so could cause your portfolio to trail inflation, leading you to lose buying power and putting your savings at risk of being depleted.
If you're not comfortable holding individual stocks in retirement, buy shares of an S&P 500 exchange-traded fund (ETF). This effectively gives you exposure to the market. Or load up on dividend ETFs that generate steady income.
#plan #market
1 month ago
A Wall Street Journal report on September 16 revealed that ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is nearing a preliminary agreement with Venezuela's state-owned PDVSA, potentially marking its return to the country almost two decades after its ***** ets were nationalized. According to Reuters, Exxon has shown interest in the large Petromonagas heavy oil project in the Orinoco Belt, as well as in areas in the neighboring Carabobo block.
While the talks are still in their preliminary phase and could still fall apart or be delayed, they mark a major turnaround from Exxon's previous stance on Venezuela. The company's CEO, Darren Woods, stated in January that the country was "uninvestable" without durable investment protections, legal reforms, and changes to its hydrocarbon laws.
The development comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to open Venezuela's oil industry to American companies and revive the country's dilapidated oil infrastructure. The South American nation is sitting on the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world, accounting for roughly 17% of the global total.
Venezuela could provide Exxon with access to an enormous resource base at a time when the company is actively seeking low-cost and long-duration ***** ets. The fields under consideration are estimated to contain more than 50 billion barrels of oil buried underground.
Exxon already holds an advantage through its previous experience in the country. Petromonagas, formerly called Cerro Negro, was once the energy firm's flagship project in Venezuela, giving it familiarity with the country's vast heavy and extra-heavy crude resources. Petromonagas also remains one of the few Venezuelan projects with an operational upgrader capable of turning the Orinoco's extra-heavy crude into lighter exportable grades.
#heavy #project
While the talks are still in their preliminary phase and could still fall apart or be delayed, they mark a major turnaround from Exxon's previous stance on Venezuela. The company's CEO, Darren Woods, stated in January that the country was "uninvestable" without durable investment protections, legal reforms, and changes to its hydrocarbon laws.
The development comes amid a broader push by the Trump administration to open Venezuela's oil industry to American companies and revive the country's dilapidated oil infrastructure. The South American nation is sitting on the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world, accounting for roughly 17% of the global total.
Venezuela could provide Exxon with access to an enormous resource base at a time when the company is actively seeking low-cost and long-duration ***** ets. The fields under consideration are estimated to contain more than 50 billion barrels of oil buried underground.
Exxon already holds an advantage through its previous experience in the country. Petromonagas, formerly called Cerro Negro, was once the energy firm's flagship project in Venezuela, giving it familiarity with the country's vast heavy and extra-heavy crude resources. Petromonagas also remains one of the few Venezuelan projects with an operational upgrader capable of turning the Orinoco's extra-heavy crude into lighter exportable grades.
#heavy #project
1 month ago
JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) is the largest bank in the U.S., by far. It's a financial giant with robust consumer and commercial segments, and it's reliable in driving growth under pressure. It also pays a growing dividend that yields 1.7% at the current price, and it's a fantastic value addition to any investor's diversified portfolio.
While it's likely to become the first bank stock with a $1 trillion valuation in the near future (it currently sports a $927.5 billion market capitalization), there are smaller digital banks that are likely to grow much faster in the next two years, and probably a lot longer. SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) and Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU) are two of them.
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 »
SoFi is a young digital bank that's growing at the rate of a tech start-up, which makes sense, since it's a combination of both -- a classic fintech company.
What started as a loan cooperative for college students has expanded into a comprehensive financial app for anyone seeking an easy-to-use digital platform. It's attracting new members at a fast pace, and its strategy of bringing customers into the ecosystem and getting them to adopt more products is working.
#sofi #bank
While it's likely to become the first bank stock with a $1 trillion valuation in the near future (it currently sports a $927.5 billion market capitalization), there are smaller digital banks that are likely to grow much faster in the next two years, and probably a lot longer. SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) and Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU) are two of them.
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 »
SoFi is a young digital bank that's growing at the rate of a tech start-up, which makes sense, since it's a combination of both -- a classic fintech company.
What started as a loan cooperative for college students has expanded into a comprehensive financial app for anyone seeking an easy-to-use digital platform. It's attracting new members at a fast pace, and its strategy of bringing customers into the ecosystem and getting them to adopt more products is working.
#sofi #bank
1 month ago
Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM) has underperformed the broader market year to date, but the tide is slowly turning. Robust growth in interest-bearing loans, a strategic partnership with Shopify in Australia, and accelerating volumes at Amazon provide multiple avenues for continued growth.
On September 12, Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $115 from $106, citing improving underlying fundamentals. The hike follows the company's impressive fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with revenues surging 33% to $1.2 billion and operating income rising $89 million to $147 million.
The robust revenue growth came as the company continued to attract more business interest-bearing loans. Interest income rose 35% in the fourth quarter, in line with a 33% increase in average net loans held for investment partners. More importantly, 80% of Affirm's direct-to-consumer product loans carried interest at quarter-end, giving the company an increasingly meaningful source of recurring interest income.
The investment bank has also touted the growth opportunity around Affirm Card, which is helping the company expand its relationship with consumers beyond individual BNPL transactions. Active cardholders more than doubled to 5.2 million, resulting in a 124% increase in Card GMV to $2.8 billion.
Management has already hinted at continued upside momentum by estimating a massive increase in GMV to $64 billion in fiscal 2027 and an adjusted operating margin of 30.5%. Against this backdrop, Wolfe Research ****** yst Darrin Peller upgraded the stock to Outperform with a $90 price target. According to the ****** yst, Affirm Holdings is a winner in the point-of-sale financing ****** e.
#interest #billion #company
On September 12, Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $115 from $106, citing improving underlying fundamentals. The hike follows the company's impressive fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with revenues surging 33% to $1.2 billion and operating income rising $89 million to $147 million.
The robust revenue growth came as the company continued to attract more business interest-bearing loans. Interest income rose 35% in the fourth quarter, in line with a 33% increase in average net loans held for investment partners. More importantly, 80% of Affirm's direct-to-consumer product loans carried interest at quarter-end, giving the company an increasingly meaningful source of recurring interest income.
The investment bank has also touted the growth opportunity around Affirm Card, which is helping the company expand its relationship with consumers beyond individual BNPL transactions. Active cardholders more than doubled to 5.2 million, resulting in a 124% increase in Card GMV to $2.8 billion.
Management has already hinted at continued upside momentum by estimating a massive increase in GMV to $64 billion in fiscal 2027 and an adjusted operating margin of 30.5%. Against this backdrop, Wolfe Research ****** yst Darrin Peller upgraded the stock to Outperform with a $90 price target. According to the ****** yst, Affirm Holdings is a winner in the point-of-sale financing ****** e.
#interest #billion #company
1 month ago
Cybersecurity provider CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s shares are up by more than 100% year to date. With AI continuing to dominate the market narrative, the firm has found itself at the center of the industry's concerns about cybersecurity. While some, such as Anthropic's Dario Amodei, have claimed that their AI software is sufficient for cybersecurity purposes, others have argued that firms such as CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) will play a key role in the industry. Cramer is in the latter camp, and in his morning appearance on September 15th, the CNBC TV host discussed the recent discussions about AI being a threat:
"I had George Kurtz last night, who has partnered both with OpenAI and Anthropic. And he encouraged me to say look, they are doing a lot of things about safeguards. I think he was so much surprised, that there was so much doomsaying, of course, doomsaying being heavily refuted. Now there's a stock, remember that stock was up the most of any stock in the S&P."
While Cramer believes CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) will play an important role in cybersecurity in the AI era, the broader debate about the firm is about its AI-driven cybersecurity initiatives and whether they are sufficient to stay competitive and justify the eye-watering share price performance. On this front, the firm's annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew by 25% and net new ARR grew by 55% in its fiscal second quarter. Additionally, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s net new ARR set a new record of $333 million. Cramer's bullishness on the firm is also matched by others, such as ******* ysts from Argus. Argus has set a $425 share price target for CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) and argued that growth in agentic AI use presents a major tailwind for the firm.
Yet, in a classic case of the bigger you are, the harder you fall, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s massive growth creates risk. For its fiscal second quarter, the firm has guided net new ARR to range between $343 million and $347 million to imply growth ranging between 29% to 31%. Considering that the metric grew by 55% in Q1, the new figures do indicate a slowdown. As for catalysts from agentic AI, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s next-gen SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) ending ARR grew by 60% to $695 million in the second quarter.
Hedge fund interest in CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) grew in Q2. According to Insider Monkey's data, 89 out of 1,006 funds had held a stake in the firm during the period. This marked a jump over the 89 out of the 1,022 funds in Q1. As for valuation, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s forward P/E ratio of 188 is significantly higher than peer firm Palo Alto's 89 which should increase the pressure to maintain growth. Short interest as a percentage of float is 2.41% for CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) compared to 2.65% for Palo Alto.
#NASDAQ #firm #grew
"I had George Kurtz last night, who has partnered both with OpenAI and Anthropic. And he encouraged me to say look, they are doing a lot of things about safeguards. I think he was so much surprised, that there was so much doomsaying, of course, doomsaying being heavily refuted. Now there's a stock, remember that stock was up the most of any stock in the S&P."
While Cramer believes CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) will play an important role in cybersecurity in the AI era, the broader debate about the firm is about its AI-driven cybersecurity initiatives and whether they are sufficient to stay competitive and justify the eye-watering share price performance. On this front, the firm's annual recurring revenue (ARR) grew by 25% and net new ARR grew by 55% in its fiscal second quarter. Additionally, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s net new ARR set a new record of $333 million. Cramer's bullishness on the firm is also matched by others, such as ******* ysts from Argus. Argus has set a $425 share price target for CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) and argued that growth in agentic AI use presents a major tailwind for the firm.
Yet, in a classic case of the bigger you are, the harder you fall, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s massive growth creates risk. For its fiscal second quarter, the firm has guided net new ARR to range between $343 million and $347 million to imply growth ranging between 29% to 31%. Considering that the metric grew by 55% in Q1, the new figures do indicate a slowdown. As for catalysts from agentic AI, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s next-gen SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) ending ARR grew by 60% to $695 million in the second quarter.
Hedge fund interest in CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) grew in Q2. According to Insider Monkey's data, 89 out of 1,006 funds had held a stake in the firm during the period. This marked a jump over the 89 out of the 1,022 funds in Q1. As for valuation, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD)'s forward P/E ratio of 188 is significantly higher than peer firm Palo Alto's 89 which should increase the pressure to maintain growth. Short interest as a percentage of float is 2.41% for CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRWD) compared to 2.65% for Palo Alto.
#NASDAQ #firm #grew
1 month ago
JEPI, DIVO, and GPIX each pay near 8% monthly yields while growing share price by writing calls on only a portion of holdings.
GPIX has beaten SPY with an 80% return since its 2023 launch by capping its options overlay at just 25 to 75% of the portfolio.
DIVO's tactical options sleeve delivers a lower 6% yield but drives 72% five-year price appreciation, nearly matching SPY's gains.
Two retirees, same $1 million, same 4% rule, buy one finished with $1.4 million, the other hit $0 in 12 years. Our free reader guide explains the flaw that separated them, and the income-first method built to avoid it.
Covered call ETFs have a reputation problem. For years, the category was defined by funds like QYLD and XYLD that wrote at-the-money calls on entire index portfolios, harvested rich premiums, and quietly bled principal every time markets rallied. Investors got their monthly check and watched their share price drift lower. That is the trap worth avoiding.
#gpix #calls #lower #years
GPIX has beaten SPY with an 80% return since its 2023 launch by capping its options overlay at just 25 to 75% of the portfolio.
DIVO's tactical options sleeve delivers a lower 6% yield but drives 72% five-year price appreciation, nearly matching SPY's gains.
Two retirees, same $1 million, same 4% rule, buy one finished with $1.4 million, the other hit $0 in 12 years. Our free reader guide explains the flaw that separated them, and the income-first method built to avoid it.
Covered call ETFs have a reputation problem. For years, the category was defined by funds like QYLD and XYLD that wrote at-the-money calls on entire index portfolios, harvested rich premiums, and quietly bled principal every time markets rallied. Investors got their monthly check and watched their share price drift lower. That is the trap worth avoiding.
#gpix #calls #lower #years
1 month ago
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking interviews with current and former Guggenheim Investments employees as regulators deepen inquiries into CEO Mark Walter's business.
The SEC is specifically looking at people who have managed insurance-company ******* et portfolios, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Some individuals contacted by the agency are hiring lawyers to help them respond to confidential inquiries.
The request for interviews suggests that regulators are continuing to scrutinize the billionaire's business empire despite public ******* urances from Guggenheim officials and TWG Holdings, Walter's holding company, that they are cooperating and working with the government on its inquiries.
Read Also:Deal Dispatch: Egg Maker Vital Farms Considers Sale, Blackstone Buys Flow Control, Kennedy Center Troubles
#regulators #securities
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking interviews with current and former Guggenheim Investments employees as regulators deepen inquiries into CEO Mark Walter's business.
The SEC is specifically looking at people who have managed insurance-company ******* et portfolios, sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. Some individuals contacted by the agency are hiring lawyers to help them respond to confidential inquiries.
The request for interviews suggests that regulators are continuing to scrutinize the billionaire's business empire despite public ******* urances from Guggenheim officials and TWG Holdings, Walter's holding company, that they are cooperating and working with the government on its inquiries.
Read Also:Deal Dispatch: Egg Maker Vital Farms Considers Sale, Blackstone Buys Flow Control, Kennedy Center Troubles
#regulators #securities
1 month ago
If you're trying to build a consumer-focused corner of your portfolio that can grow through a lot of different economic backdrops, three names stand out right now: Church & Dwight Co. (NYSE: CHD), YETI Holdings (NYSE: YETI), and Newell Brands (NASDAQ: NWL). Each of these is making deliberate moves in 2026 and into 2027 that communicate to me more about their future than any single rocky quarter's earnings line.
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 »
Church & Dwight has built its identity on everyday products like baking soda, laundry detergents, and cleaners that quietly show up in millions of homes. In May 2026, it moved to deepen that footprint by buying the Miss Mouth's Messy Eater brand, a fast-growing, non-toxic stain remover built for parents. It's a small thing on paper, but it fits this successful company's patterns: Keep layering niche, repeat-use products into an existing distribution machine instead of chasing flashy new categories.
The company's first-quarter 2026 update backs that strategy up. Organic sales rose 5% even though reported net sales were basically flat due to past portfolio pruning, per company management. Management described 2026 as a year of "volume-driven" organic growth, meaning they're focused on selling more units to real customers, not just leaning on price increases. On top of that, Church & Dwight extended its long dividend record yet again. Although it is not quite a Dividend King, it has consistently raised its dividend for 29 years.
For investors, my advice here is straightforward: Treat Church & Dwight as a core holding in a consumer bucket. It's unlikely to deliver fireworks in a single year, but it keeps making acquisitions to deepen its understanding of existing categories.
#flashing #organic
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 »
Church & Dwight has built its identity on everyday products like baking soda, laundry detergents, and cleaners that quietly show up in millions of homes. In May 2026, it moved to deepen that footprint by buying the Miss Mouth's Messy Eater brand, a fast-growing, non-toxic stain remover built for parents. It's a small thing on paper, but it fits this successful company's patterns: Keep layering niche, repeat-use products into an existing distribution machine instead of chasing flashy new categories.
The company's first-quarter 2026 update backs that strategy up. Organic sales rose 5% even though reported net sales were basically flat due to past portfolio pruning, per company management. Management described 2026 as a year of "volume-driven" organic growth, meaning they're focused on selling more units to real customers, not just leaning on price increases. On top of that, Church & Dwight extended its long dividend record yet again. Although it is not quite a Dividend King, it has consistently raised its dividend for 29 years.
For investors, my advice here is straightforward: Treat Church & Dwight as a core holding in a consumer bucket. It's unlikely to deliver fireworks in a single year, but it keeps making acquisitions to deepen its understanding of existing categories.
#flashing #organic
1 month ago
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Ripple-backed XRP treasury company Evernorth Holdings has lined up $30 million in new financing as it prepares to go public through a merger with Armada Acquisition Corp. II (NASDAQ:XRPN).
The deal would bring Evernorth onto Nasdaq under the XRPN ticker, giving public-market investors exposure to a company built around accumulating XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) and deploying it across the XRP ecosystem.
Evernorth said the new financing may be used to buy more XRP and fund other ecosystem investments. The $30 million arrives when the merger closes, which the company expects in the fourth quarter.
Evernorth and an affiliate held 473.1 million XRP at the end of 2025. At around $1.38 per token, $30 million would buy roughly another 21.7 million XRP, or less than 5% of that existing position.
#financing #merger
Ripple-backed XRP treasury company Evernorth Holdings has lined up $30 million in new financing as it prepares to go public through a merger with Armada Acquisition Corp. II (NASDAQ:XRPN).
The deal would bring Evernorth onto Nasdaq under the XRPN ticker, giving public-market investors exposure to a company built around accumulating XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) and deploying it across the XRP ecosystem.
Evernorth said the new financing may be used to buy more XRP and fund other ecosystem investments. The $30 million arrives when the merger closes, which the company expects in the fourth quarter.
Evernorth and an affiliate held 473.1 million XRP at the end of 2025. At around $1.38 per token, $30 million would buy roughly another 21.7 million XRP, or less than 5% of that existing position.
#financing #merger
1 month ago
Comparing iShares National Muni Bond ETF (NYSEMKT:MUB) and Vanguard Intermediate-Term Treasury ETF (NASDAQ:VGIT) reveals a choice between tax-advantaged municipal income and the federal credit safety of intermediate-term U.S. government securities.
Both funds serve as core fixed-income holdings. The iShares fund tracks high-quality municipal bonds, which may provide tax benefits for certain investors. The Vanguard fund targets Treasury notes with maturities between three and 10 years, offering a refuge from credit risk during periods of market uncertainty.
Metric
MUB
VGIT
#income
Both funds serve as core fixed-income holdings. The iShares fund tracks high-quality municipal bonds, which may provide tax benefits for certain investors. The Vanguard fund targets Treasury notes with maturities between three and 10 years, offering a refuge from credit risk during periods of market uncertainty.
Metric
MUB
VGIT
#income
1 month ago
Investors are largely in agreement that most of Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE: BRKA) (NYSE: BRKB) stock holdings are solid picks. Every now and then, though, one of its selections raises a few eyebrows.
That's what happened when Berkshire bought 3 million shares of department store chain Macy's (NYSE: M) in the first quarter of this year. Most people appreciate that the struggling company owns a real estate portfolio that may well be worth more than the organization's current market cap of just under $6 billion. To unlock that value, however, the company would need to take on the expensive -- and business-destructive -- headache of winding down at least some of its existing retailing operations, perhaps undermining the value of that real estate in the process.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ***** ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
But maybe Berkshire Hathaway isn't looking at what's since grown to a 7.4 million share/$162 million stake in Macy's as a real estate bet after all. It could be a legitimate turnaround play.
This premise could be difficult to digest given the so-called retail apocalypse that's been underway since the advent of e-commerce. And, anyone who's been keeping close tabs on the brick-and-mortar retailing industry's struggle probably knows that department store chains' revenue peaked in the early 2000s, and has been dwindling ever since.
#real
That's what happened when Berkshire bought 3 million shares of department store chain Macy's (NYSE: M) in the first quarter of this year. Most people appreciate that the struggling company owns a real estate portfolio that may well be worth more than the organization's current market cap of just under $6 billion. To unlock that value, however, the company would need to take on the expensive -- and business-destructive -- headache of winding down at least some of its existing retailing operations, perhaps undermining the value of that real estate in the process.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ***** ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
But maybe Berkshire Hathaway isn't looking at what's since grown to a 7.4 million share/$162 million stake in Macy's as a real estate bet after all. It could be a legitimate turnaround play.
This premise could be difficult to digest given the so-called retail apocalypse that's been underway since the advent of e-commerce. And, anyone who's been keeping close tabs on the brick-and-mortar retailing industry's struggle probably knows that department store chains' revenue peaked in the early 2000s, and has been dwindling ever since.
#real
1 month ago
On September 18, Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU) announced it will sell every share it holds in Alexforbes, a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Two buyers are splitting the stake. Alexforbes will repurchase roughly 372.8 million shares itself, and ARC AF Holdings will take about 74.1 million more. The package is worth about $185 million, a small number for a company managing $1.642 trillion. But the message matters more than the money. A plan Prudential laid out in August is now turning into signed agreements.
The logic is easy to follow. Prudential wants to operate in fewer places and put its money, people and attention where it thinks it can win for years. Andy Sullivan, the chief executive, says the aim is to lean harder on ***** et management, retirement and protection, and get those units working together more closely. David Legher, who leads emerging markets, called Alexforbes a successful investment, so this reads as a planned exit rather than a retreat from a problem.
The core business is giving management room to be choosy. On August 4, Prudential reported second-quarter net income of $985 million, up from $533 million a year earlier. That happened even though a charge from the yearly ***** umption update grew to $299 million from $134 million, so the underlying engine ran strong enough to absorb a bigger hit. The company also returned $743 million to shareholders in the quarter and held $4.2 billion in highly liquid ***** ets at the parent level. That does not look like a seller in a hurry.
Start with what has not happened yet. The deals are expected to close in the first half of 2027, and they still need Alexforbes shareholders to approve the buyback, along with regulatory sign-off. Until then, $185 million is an agreed price, not cash in the bank. Prudential also said New Veld's involvement continues before completion, so the company stays tied to the ***** et for now.
Then there is the size. Set against those trillions in ***** ets, this sale will not move results either way. Its value is strategic, and strategy takes years to judge. Prudential is giving up a foothold in a partnership it called important, and its remaining businesses have their own snags. Sales in Prudential of ***** an are suspended, and management said that weighed on international results even as earnings held up.
#august #money
The logic is easy to follow. Prudential wants to operate in fewer places and put its money, people and attention where it thinks it can win for years. Andy Sullivan, the chief executive, says the aim is to lean harder on ***** et management, retirement and protection, and get those units working together more closely. David Legher, who leads emerging markets, called Alexforbes a successful investment, so this reads as a planned exit rather than a retreat from a problem.
The core business is giving management room to be choosy. On August 4, Prudential reported second-quarter net income of $985 million, up from $533 million a year earlier. That happened even though a charge from the yearly ***** umption update grew to $299 million from $134 million, so the underlying engine ran strong enough to absorb a bigger hit. The company also returned $743 million to shareholders in the quarter and held $4.2 billion in highly liquid ***** ets at the parent level. That does not look like a seller in a hurry.
Start with what has not happened yet. The deals are expected to close in the first half of 2027, and they still need Alexforbes shareholders to approve the buyback, along with regulatory sign-off. Until then, $185 million is an agreed price, not cash in the bank. Prudential also said New Veld's involvement continues before completion, so the company stays tied to the ***** et for now.
Then there is the size. Set against those trillions in ***** ets, this sale will not move results either way. Its value is strategic, and strategy takes years to judge. Prudential is giving up a foothold in a partnership it called important, and its remaining businesses have their own snags. Sales in Prudential of ***** an are suspended, and management said that weighed on international results even as earnings held up.
#august #money
1 month ago
On August 10, Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:FERG) reported results for the quarter ended June 30, and the numbers show a company growing straight through a soft housing market. Sales rose 4.6% to $8.8 billion, and management lifted its outlook for the full year. But profit grew more slowly than sales, and that gap is what makes this report worth a closer look.
The strongest engine was non-residential work, where US revenue jumped 8% on share gains in what management called a mixed market. Large capital projects are part of the story, with open order volumes growing and bidding activity strong, so there is a pipeline behind the current numbers. Housing, roughly half of revenue, is the weak spot. Yet residential sales still rose 2% in the US even though new construction is weak and repair work is soft, which means Ferguson is beating its markets rather than riding them.
Capital deployment is the second pillar. Ferguson closed five acquisitions in the quarter, and on July 13, it announced a deal for FWI Holdings, known as FloWorks, an industrial distributor of valves and flow-control products that is expected to close in the third quarter. The eight deals announced this year carry about $1.4 billion in annualized revenue, a second growth path alongside organic sales. Net debt sits at 1.3 times adjusted EBITDA, a level management calls strong. The company also returned cash, buying back $202 million of stock in the quarter and declaring a $0.89 dividend payable October 7 to holders of record on August 21. Management raised its full-year sales outlook to mid-single-digit growth, before counting FloWorks.
Start with the gap between sales and profit. Adjusted operating profit rose 2.9%, behind the 4.6% sales gain, and gross margin slipped 20 basis points to 31.0%. Ferguson notes that last year's gross margin was temporarily lifted by the timing of supplier price increases, which is fair context, but the direction is still down. Reported earnings per share of $3.43 rose 6.9%, while the adjusted figure of $3.39 grew a slower 5.3%.
Then there are the soft spots. About half of revenue comes from residential markets that management describes as subdued, so a 2% gain there is modest. Canada's sales slipped 1.9%, with a business divestment outweighing organic growth, and management calls the market there challenging, especially in residential. Management also describes the economic environment as uncertain, and the margin part of the guidance raise is small. The low end of the adjusted operating margin range moved from 9.4% to 9.5%, while the top stayed at 9.8%. The guidance also leaves out FloWorks, and net debt to adjusted EBITDA is 1.3 times, against 1.2 times a year ago.
#management
The strongest engine was non-residential work, where US revenue jumped 8% on share gains in what management called a mixed market. Large capital projects are part of the story, with open order volumes growing and bidding activity strong, so there is a pipeline behind the current numbers. Housing, roughly half of revenue, is the weak spot. Yet residential sales still rose 2% in the US even though new construction is weak and repair work is soft, which means Ferguson is beating its markets rather than riding them.
Capital deployment is the second pillar. Ferguson closed five acquisitions in the quarter, and on July 13, it announced a deal for FWI Holdings, known as FloWorks, an industrial distributor of valves and flow-control products that is expected to close in the third quarter. The eight deals announced this year carry about $1.4 billion in annualized revenue, a second growth path alongside organic sales. Net debt sits at 1.3 times adjusted EBITDA, a level management calls strong. The company also returned cash, buying back $202 million of stock in the quarter and declaring a $0.89 dividend payable October 7 to holders of record on August 21. Management raised its full-year sales outlook to mid-single-digit growth, before counting FloWorks.
Start with the gap between sales and profit. Adjusted operating profit rose 2.9%, behind the 4.6% sales gain, and gross margin slipped 20 basis points to 31.0%. Ferguson notes that last year's gross margin was temporarily lifted by the timing of supplier price increases, which is fair context, but the direction is still down. Reported earnings per share of $3.43 rose 6.9%, while the adjusted figure of $3.39 grew a slower 5.3%.
Then there are the soft spots. About half of revenue comes from residential markets that management describes as subdued, so a 2% gain there is modest. Canada's sales slipped 1.9%, with a business divestment outweighing organic growth, and management calls the market there challenging, especially in residential. Management also describes the economic environment as uncertain, and the margin part of the guidance raise is small. The low end of the adjusted operating margin range moved from 9.4% to 9.5%, while the top stayed at 9.8%. The guidance also leaves out FloWorks, and net debt to adjusted EBITDA is 1.3 times, against 1.2 times a year ago.
#management
1 month ago
Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ: CELH) has had a rough year. The energy drink brand has plunged by almost 40% this year, but key insiders have been buying the dip. Celsius' CEO and two of its directors have poured almost $2 million into the stock this month.
When insiders buy the stock, it's often a good sign. The people with the most knowledge about the company are building their positions, but that hasn't always worked out for investors. Here's what you should know before joining Celsius' executives with their recent buys.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ****** ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Although it's good to see executives put their skin in the game, it doesn't always translate into a higher stock price. For instance, Nike CEO Elliott Hill bought more than $2 million worth of Nike shares on April 13. Former Apple CEO Tim Cook made a similar investment in the beleaguered athletic apparel brand at the same time.
Nike shares have dropped by more than 15% since Hill invested more money. The athletic brand pitches itself as a "growth company" on its investor relations site, even though sales dropped 1% year over year in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.
#celsius #almost
When insiders buy the stock, it's often a good sign. The people with the most knowledge about the company are building their positions, but that hasn't always worked out for investors. Here's what you should know before joining Celsius' executives with their recent buys.
Missed AI's "Act 1"? Act 2 Could Be 15x Bigger. Most investors think they missed the AI boat because they didn't buy Nvidia in 2005. But according to our ****** ysts, we're only at the end of "Act 1"—the R&D phase. "Act 2" is the global rollout. Continue »
Although it's good to see executives put their skin in the game, it doesn't always translate into a higher stock price. For instance, Nike CEO Elliott Hill bought more than $2 million worth of Nike shares on April 13. Former Apple CEO Tim Cook made a similar investment in the beleaguered athletic apparel brand at the same time.
Nike shares have dropped by more than 15% since Hill invested more money. The athletic brand pitches itself as a "growth company" on its investor relations site, even though sales dropped 1% year over year in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026.
#celsius #almost
1 month ago
It's no secret that Arm Holdings (NASDAQ: ARM) is a crucial piece of the artificial intelligence (AI) puzzle. But how often do you think of Arm as a top-shelf AI investment? It's easy to forget this impressive compounder amid the glitzy hypergrowth of Nvidia's and AMD's expensive AI accelerators.
Arm doesn't build the chips that train large language models. The company doesn't actually build chips at all. Instead, Arm designs fundamental instruction sets and CPU cores. It licenses those designs to anyone with a fab contract and an ambition and collects a royalty on every unit shipped. It's basically a toll booth on a road that keeps getting wider.
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 »
Arm's toll road used to run almost entirely through smartphones. Now it runs through the data center too. Nvidia's Vera CPU pairs Arm cores with its accelerators. Amazon's Graviton, Microsoft's Cobalt, and Alphabet's Google Axion are all Arm-based, built in-house by companies that spend like nation-states on server capacity.
Every AI cluster on the planet needs general-purpose compute to feed the high-speed AI accelerators, handle networking, and run the orchestration layer. A growing share of that work sits on Arm designs.
#signal #flashing #build #chips
Arm doesn't build the chips that train large language models. The company doesn't actually build chips at all. Instead, Arm designs fundamental instruction sets and CPU cores. It licenses those designs to anyone with a fab contract and an ambition and collects a royalty on every unit shipped. It's basically a toll booth on a road that keeps getting wider.
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 »
Arm's toll road used to run almost entirely through smartphones. Now it runs through the data center too. Nvidia's Vera CPU pairs Arm cores with its accelerators. Amazon's Graviton, Microsoft's Cobalt, and Alphabet's Google Axion are all Arm-based, built in-house by companies that spend like nation-states on server capacity.
Every AI cluster on the planet needs general-purpose compute to feed the high-speed AI accelerators, handle networking, and run the orchestration layer. A growing share of that work sits on Arm designs.
#signal #flashing #build #chips
1 month ago
Are you worried enough about rising interest rates jump-starting a recession that you're looking for ways of sidestepping the effect of such an economic headwind? It's not a terrible idea to at least start making a mental plan for that possibility.
You may have considered Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRKA) (NYSE: BRKB) to fill that role. Its wholly owned, private businesses generate plenty of cash flow regardless of the economic backdrop, after all.
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 »
But how do Berkshire shares actually perform during recessions? It's not like the data doesn't exist.
You probably know Berkshire Hathaway best by its stock picks. Although they're not built to be an actively managed mutual fund, its equity holdings -- and changes to these holdings -- are closely followed by investors looking for some new ideas for their own portfolios.
#berkshire #signal #NYSE #flashing
You may have considered Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRKA) (NYSE: BRKB) to fill that role. Its wholly owned, private businesses generate plenty of cash flow regardless of the economic backdrop, after all.
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 »
But how do Berkshire shares actually perform during recessions? It's not like the data doesn't exist.
You probably know Berkshire Hathaway best by its stock picks. Although they're not built to be an actively managed mutual fund, its equity holdings -- and changes to these holdings -- are closely followed by investors looking for some new ideas for their own portfolios.
#berkshire #signal #NYSE #flashing
