3 days ago
Daniel Franzese has revealed a striking change in his appearance, sharing shirtless photographs after losing 135lb over three years.
The Mean Girls star, who played Damian Leigh in the much-loved 2004 comedy, posted comparison pictures on Threads alongside a brief explanation of the changes he has made.
The actor, 48, shared the images responding to a conversation inviting people to celebrate their progress and encourage others. His reported weight loss amounts to approximately 61kg, or nine stone and nine pounds.
Daniel Franzese in 2024 (@ Getty Images for Paramount Pictu)
Daniel's post paired an earlier shirtless photograph with a more recent mirror selfie, showing the difference over the three-year period.
#daniel #franzese #girls #damian
The Mean Girls star, who played Damian Leigh in the much-loved 2004 comedy, posted comparison pictures on Threads alongside a brief explanation of the changes he has made.
The actor, 48, shared the images responding to a conversation inviting people to celebrate their progress and encourage others. His reported weight loss amounts to approximately 61kg, or nine stone and nine pounds.
Daniel Franzese in 2024 (@ Getty Images for Paramount Pictu)
Daniel's post paired an earlier shirtless photograph with a more recent mirror selfie, showing the difference over the three-year period.
#daniel #franzese #girls #damian
3 days ago
Looks like Mean Girls star Daniel Franzese is going to need a brand-new pink shirt.
Franzese, 48 — who played Damian Leigh in the hit 2004 film — showed off his impressive 135-pound weight loss with a rare shirtless photo on September 24.
"Three years. Down 135lbs. No booze, no sugar, workout 4 times a week (or more) now counting macros," he captioned the post shared to Threads.
Fans flooded the comments section of his post with praise for his hard work.
"The progress is impressive😘," one follower wrote.
#mean #september
Franzese, 48 — who played Damian Leigh in the hit 2004 film — showed off his impressive 135-pound weight loss with a rare shirtless photo on September 24.
"Three years. Down 135lbs. No booze, no sugar, workout 4 times a week (or more) now counting macros," he captioned the post shared to Threads.
Fans flooded the comments section of his post with praise for his hard work.
"The progress is impressive😘," one follower wrote.
#mean #september
5 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Federal Reserve officials expect that another interest rate increase will likely be needed this year to combat inflation, according to minutes released Wednesday from the central bank's most recent meeting.
The officials unanimously agreed that inflation was still elevated and had not made much progress toward their 2% target in recent months, the minutes said. The Fed increased its key interest rate at the Sept. 15-16 meeting by a quarter-point to about 3.9%, its first increase in three years.
The increase defied President Donald Trump's repeated calls for the Fed to cut rates and prompted the president to criticize the Fed's rate-setting committee, though he still expressed support for Chairman Kevin Warsh, whom he appointed earlier this year. The rate increase comes as Americans are already struggling with high costs for groceries, gas and housing, and as affordability has taken on a leading role in the upcoming midterm elections, just seven weeks away.
Longer-term interest rates for mortgages and other borrowing have also jumped in the past few months for a range of reasons, including rising government debt, heavy borrowing by tech firms to finance data center construction, climbing oil and gas prices, and signs that growth and inflation remain elevated. The Fed's rate hike has likely played only a limited role in the increase.
Still, key policymakers have said since the meeting that the Fed can take some time to monitor the economy and the impact of last month's rate hike before making another move. Wall Street investors now forecast the Fed will keep its rate unchanged at its next meeting Oct. 28-29, according to futures pricing, and raise it when they meet in December.
#officials
The officials unanimously agreed that inflation was still elevated and had not made much progress toward their 2% target in recent months, the minutes said. The Fed increased its key interest rate at the Sept. 15-16 meeting by a quarter-point to about 3.9%, its first increase in three years.
The increase defied President Donald Trump's repeated calls for the Fed to cut rates and prompted the president to criticize the Fed's rate-setting committee, though he still expressed support for Chairman Kevin Warsh, whom he appointed earlier this year. The rate increase comes as Americans are already struggling with high costs for groceries, gas and housing, and as affordability has taken on a leading role in the upcoming midterm elections, just seven weeks away.
Longer-term interest rates for mortgages and other borrowing have also jumped in the past few months for a range of reasons, including rising government debt, heavy borrowing by tech firms to finance data center construction, climbing oil and gas prices, and signs that growth and inflation remain elevated. The Fed's rate hike has likely played only a limited role in the increase.
Still, key policymakers have said since the meeting that the Fed can take some time to monitor the economy and the impact of last month's rate hike before making another move. Wall Street investors now forecast the Fed will keep its rate unchanged at its next meeting Oct. 28-29, according to futures pricing, and raise it when they meet in December.
#officials
5 days ago
Mark Ruffalo is bringing some Hulk-sized energy to the midterm elections, making it clear he is ready to protect voting rights.
The "Avengers" star has long been outspoken on progressive causes, including voting issues and his support for Democratic candidates.
He has also repeatedly criticized Donald Trump, who appeared to be the target of his message about the midterm elections.
Lumeimages / MEGA
Ruffalo did not hold back while speaking about the upcoming midterms, using his Marvel alter ego to make his point.
#midterm #elections #avengers #Trump
The "Avengers" star has long been outspoken on progressive causes, including voting issues and his support for Democratic candidates.
He has also repeatedly criticized Donald Trump, who appeared to be the target of his message about the midterm elections.
Lumeimages / MEGA
Ruffalo did not hold back while speaking about the upcoming midterms, using his Marvel alter ego to make his point.
#midterm #elections #avengers #Trump
6 days ago
Khloe Kardashian is sending her mom some love on Instagram, as the reality star shared a new photo carousel with Kris Jenner, and the sweet post has fans talking. Khloe captioned it with a playful question about how cute her mommy is. She also took a moment to brag about her own fitness progress. Fans in the comments were happy to agree.
Khloe Kardashian's Instagram carousel puts mom Kris Jenner front and center. In a sweet post, Khloe shared photos of herself with Kris. She wrote, "How cute is my mommy?" and added a blue heart emoji. The first photo shows the mother-daughter pair posing in front of a wooden door with a dark beam above it.
Khloe also added a postscript about her arm. "I just cannot believe that's my arm! Years in the making, but I am so proud of that muscle definition. Never did I ever think I could get that," she wrote. She ended by noting that the song on the post is for her mom.
Fans filled the comments to praise the pair. At the time of writing, the post had 813 comments and 319 reposts. Fabletics, the brand Khloe partners with, wrote, "You guys are the cutest."
Khloe wore a white top with blue trim, a blue belt, shiny electric-blue pants, and matching pointed-toe boots with a high heel. Her long hair was down. Kris, with her dark bangs, wore a gray zip-up jacket with matching pants and dark sneakers, her hands in her pockets. Khloe leaned toward her mom for the shot.
#Instagram
Khloe Kardashian's Instagram carousel puts mom Kris Jenner front and center. In a sweet post, Khloe shared photos of herself with Kris. She wrote, "How cute is my mommy?" and added a blue heart emoji. The first photo shows the mother-daughter pair posing in front of a wooden door with a dark beam above it.
Khloe also added a postscript about her arm. "I just cannot believe that's my arm! Years in the making, but I am so proud of that muscle definition. Never did I ever think I could get that," she wrote. She ended by noting that the song on the post is for her mom.
Fans filled the comments to praise the pair. At the time of writing, the post had 813 comments and 319 reposts. Fabletics, the brand Khloe partners with, wrote, "You guys are the cutest."
Khloe wore a white top with blue trim, a blue belt, shiny electric-blue pants, and matching pointed-toe boots with a high heel. Her long hair was down. Kris, with her dark bangs, wore a gray zip-up jacket with matching pants and dark sneakers, her hands in her pockets. Khloe leaned toward her mom for the shot.
6 days ago
When it comes to the battle for control of the U.S. Senate, Republicans are mostly playing defense. The lion's share of the races that will decide which party secures a majority in November are in red states — including Texas, Iowa and Ohio — where the GOP is hoping to hold on against ascendant Democratic challengers.
Minnesota is one of the few states in the country where the party is in a position to go on offense and potentially turn a blue seat red.
In pursuit of that goal, the GOP has put its hopes in Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster and NFL sideline reporter turned politician who polls suggest has a real chance of winning in a state that has been dominated by Democrats in recent election cycles.
Tafoya is running for the seat currently held by Democrat Tina Smith, who is not pursuing re-election. Instead her opponent will be Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannagan, a progressive who supports policies like Medicare for All and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Minnesota has been at the center of some of the biggest controversies of President Trump's second term, particularly his administration's sweeping immigration crackdown. Though a majority of Minnesotans disapprove of Trump's performance as president, Tafoya has steadily chipped away at Flanagan's lead in polls since the primary.
#tafoya
Minnesota is one of the few states in the country where the party is in a position to go on offense and potentially turn a blue seat red.
In pursuit of that goal, the GOP has put its hopes in Michele Tafoya, a former sports broadcaster and NFL sideline reporter turned politician who polls suggest has a real chance of winning in a state that has been dominated by Democrats in recent election cycles.
Tafoya is running for the seat currently held by Democrat Tina Smith, who is not pursuing re-election. Instead her opponent will be Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannagan, a progressive who supports policies like Medicare for All and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Minnesota has been at the center of some of the biggest controversies of President Trump's second term, particularly his administration's sweeping immigration crackdown. Though a majority of Minnesotans disapprove of Trump's performance as president, Tafoya has steadily chipped away at Flanagan's lead in polls since the primary.
#tafoya
8 days ago
In September, Caleb Flynn was found guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, in their Tipp City, Ohio, home while she was sleeping
The worship pastor and former American Idol contestant told his mistress, Alleigha Botner, that he wanted to kill his wife
Caleb expressed negative feelings about his wife to Alleigha often and said he'd "sacrifice" his daughters to be with Alleigha
Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant, has been found guilty of murdering his wife Ashley Flynn in her sleep at their Ohio home.
Ashley was ***** ounced dead in the early morning of Feb. 16 after police were dispatched to her Tipp City, Ohio, home due to reports of a burglary in progress and a shooting, the Tipp City Police Department said in a statement. Caleb and their two daughters, who were 9 and 12 at the time, were also home but uninjured.
#wife #tipp
The worship pastor and former American Idol contestant told his mistress, Alleigha Botner, that he wanted to kill his wife
Caleb expressed negative feelings about his wife to Alleigha often and said he'd "sacrifice" his daughters to be with Alleigha
Caleb Flynn, a former American Idol contestant, has been found guilty of murdering his wife Ashley Flynn in her sleep at their Ohio home.
Ashley was ***** ounced dead in the early morning of Feb. 16 after police were dispatched to her Tipp City, Ohio, home due to reports of a burglary in progress and a shooting, the Tipp City Police Department said in a statement. Caleb and their two daughters, who were 9 and 12 at the time, were also home but uninjured.
#wife #tipp
8 days ago
Lisa Bonet made a rare public appearance during Paris Fashion Week, arriving at the Celine show with her silver hair flowing to her waist.
The actress, 58, who became a household name playing Denise Huxtable in The Cosby Show, wore her long locks loose for the outing, with grey lengths taking centre stage in photographs from the event.
Lisa has largely kept away from the Hollywood spotlight in recent years, making her appearance at the French fashion house's show a welcome sight for fans of the television star.
Lisa made an ultra rare appearance (@ Instagram)
While her waist-length hair attracted attention in Paris, Lisa has been wearing visible grey strands for years. Photographs from the 2012 Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards showed silver at her roots, alongside a partially shaved hairstyle and long locs. Her hair has since become progressively greyer, with the latest appearance showing the striking silver lengths.
#appearance #silver
The actress, 58, who became a household name playing Denise Huxtable in The Cosby Show, wore her long locks loose for the outing, with grey lengths taking centre stage in photographs from the event.
Lisa has largely kept away from the Hollywood spotlight in recent years, making her appearance at the French fashion house's show a welcome sight for fans of the television star.
Lisa made an ultra rare appearance (@ Instagram)
While her waist-length hair attracted attention in Paris, Lisa has been wearing visible grey strands for years. Photographs from the 2012 Hamilton Behind the Camera Awards showed silver at her roots, alongside a partially shaved hairstyle and long locs. Her hair has since become progressively greyer, with the latest appearance showing the striking silver lengths.
#appearance #silver
10 days ago
Brooke Eby, the TikTok star known for sharing her journey with ALS (or Lou Gehrig's disease), has passed away at the age of 37. Eby was diagnosed with the illness in March 2022, though her symptoms started four years prior, and she began posting videos on TikTok just months after. She soon gained hundreds of thousands of fans on TikTok and Instagram.
The ALS Network shared the news of Eby's death on October 1st, with a statement remembering her for the ways she built community and helped create connections through her videos and other work.
Per reporting by People, Sheri Strahl, President and CEO of ALS Network, said of Eby: "Brooke changed the way people see ALS, but she also changed the way people living with ALS find and support one another[…] Brooke changed the way people see ALS, but she also changed the way people living with ALS find and support one another."
Brooke did that by approaching ALS in a comedic and light-hearted way in her videos. She reportedly began posting on TikTok to help make the process of telling others about the diagnosis easier. As she explained in an essay written for People, "Everyone was a lot more comfortable with my situation when I was laughing, and that came back around to make me feel more comfortable too."
Her content wasn't only meant for a laugh, though. Eby also made educational videos to raise awareness about her disease (much like Michiel Vandeweert did), its progression, and how everyone with it is affected in different ways. She also wanted people to know that this disease didn't discriminate by gender, age, or any other demographic, and it could affect anyone.
#brooke #videos #though
The ALS Network shared the news of Eby's death on October 1st, with a statement remembering her for the ways she built community and helped create connections through her videos and other work.
Per reporting by People, Sheri Strahl, President and CEO of ALS Network, said of Eby: "Brooke changed the way people see ALS, but she also changed the way people living with ALS find and support one another[…] Brooke changed the way people see ALS, but she also changed the way people living with ALS find and support one another."
Brooke did that by approaching ALS in a comedic and light-hearted way in her videos. She reportedly began posting on TikTok to help make the process of telling others about the diagnosis easier. As she explained in an essay written for People, "Everyone was a lot more comfortable with my situation when I was laughing, and that came back around to make me feel more comfortable too."
Her content wasn't only meant for a laugh, though. Eby also made educational videos to raise awareness about her disease (much like Michiel Vandeweert did), its progression, and how everyone with it is affected in different ways. She also wanted people to know that this disease didn't discriminate by gender, age, or any other demographic, and it could affect anyone.
#brooke #videos #though
10 days ago
Science educator Bill Nye the Science Guy has been teaching Millennials all about science for their entire lives. At 70, he's still doing it.
Nye recently spoke at the Clinton Global Initiative 2026 Annual Meeting in New York City. While there, attendee Dr. Trisha Pasricha, MD, MPH, shared a video of Nye on TikTok that's gone viral. In it, Nye pulled out a physical copy of the U.S. Constitution while offering the audience an encouraging message about science.
"Bill Nye just pulled out the Constitution—and the crowd erupted," she wrote in the video's overlay, adding in the caption: "BillNye, the gentleman and scholar that you are."
In the video, Nye is participating in a panel discussion.
"I have a copy of the U.S. Constitution, which some of you may know is now available in paperback," he quips. "Say what you will about the U.S., say what you will about the Founding Fathers, the guys who wrote it. You could have mixed feelings about them. But Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution [states]: 'The role of Congress is to promote the progress of science and useful arts.'"
#wrote
Nye recently spoke at the Clinton Global Initiative 2026 Annual Meeting in New York City. While there, attendee Dr. Trisha Pasricha, MD, MPH, shared a video of Nye on TikTok that's gone viral. In it, Nye pulled out a physical copy of the U.S. Constitution while offering the audience an encouraging message about science.
"Bill Nye just pulled out the Constitution—and the crowd erupted," she wrote in the video's overlay, adding in the caption: "BillNye, the gentleman and scholar that you are."
In the video, Nye is participating in a panel discussion.
"I have a copy of the U.S. Constitution, which some of you may know is now available in paperback," he quips. "Say what you will about the U.S., say what you will about the Founding Fathers, the guys who wrote it. You could have mixed feelings about them. But Article 1, Section 8, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution [states]: 'The role of Congress is to promote the progress of science and useful arts.'"
#wrote
11 days ago
Puerto Rico is getting ready for one of the biggest nights in Miss Universe history, and now fans are getting their first look at the stage where the next queen will be crowned. The Miss Universe Organization has revealed the stage for the 75th anniversary competition, set for November 24, 2026, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.
And this isn't being designed as your typical pageant stage. The futuristic set will feature moving scenic elements, 3D graphics, and advanced lighting and video systems capable of transforming the ***** e throughout the competition. The organization presented the stage concept on September 30, giving fans an early glimpse at the massive production planned for the milestone edition.
Miss Universe 2026 stage revealed: Organization is going big on 75th anniversary (@ Miss Universe)
The reveal is also making clear that Miss Universe is treating its return to Puerto Rico as much more than another final.
One of the most interesting details about the Miss Universe 2026 stage is that it isn't meant to have just one look. The set has been designed to transform as the show progresses.
#stage
And this isn't being designed as your typical pageant stage. The futuristic set will feature moving scenic elements, 3D graphics, and advanced lighting and video systems capable of transforming the ***** e throughout the competition. The organization presented the stage concept on September 30, giving fans an early glimpse at the massive production planned for the milestone edition.
Miss Universe 2026 stage revealed: Organization is going big on 75th anniversary (@ Miss Universe)
The reveal is also making clear that Miss Universe is treating its return to Puerto Rico as much more than another final.
One of the most interesting details about the Miss Universe 2026 stage is that it isn't meant to have just one look. The set has been designed to transform as the show progresses.
#stage
11 days ago
Sophia Bush is married to Ashlyn Harris.
The One Tree Hill actress reveals in her memoir And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress that she secretly wed the former professional soccer player last summer in upstate New York.
The couple, who have been together for three years, opened up to Vogue about why they decided in favor of a private, intimate ceremony.
"When you get to this stage in your life, you begin to unpack what's yours and what's always sort of been for everyone else," Bush tells Vogue.
Harris says a smaller wedding was also perfect for her children, Sloane and Ocean, to whom Bush is a stepmom.
#bush #vogue #tree #tell
The One Tree Hill actress reveals in her memoir And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress that she secretly wed the former professional soccer player last summer in upstate New York.
The couple, who have been together for three years, opened up to Vogue about why they decided in favor of a private, intimate ceremony.
"When you get to this stage in your life, you begin to unpack what's yours and what's always sort of been for everyone else," Bush tells Vogue.
Harris says a smaller wedding was also perfect for her children, Sloane and Ocean, to whom Bush is a stepmom.
#bush #vogue #tree #tell
11 days ago
Jenny Slatten's ALS battle has reached a heartbreaking new stage, with the beloved 90 Day Fiancé star now so weak that speaking has become painful—and her husband, Sumit Singh, has become her voice.
According to Page Six, the latest update came through a GoFundMe created to help cover Slatten's medical care in India, where Singh is caring for her full-time. According to Slatten's friend Penny, the 68-year-old reality star is "getting weaker by the day" while taking Edaravone and Riluzole, two medications intended to slow the progression of ALS. Penny said Slatten is also taking B12, melatonin and magnesium, but the treatments have left her drained.
"Jenny is getting weaker by the day," Penny wrote, adding that Slatten now "hardly speaks" because it hurts too much.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
"Sumit speaks more for her and is the main spokesperson for his wife," she continued. "Sumit is Jenny's main caregiver and doing a great job each day."
#sumit #shop
According to Page Six, the latest update came through a GoFundMe created to help cover Slatten's medical care in India, where Singh is caring for her full-time. According to Slatten's friend Penny, the 68-year-old reality star is "getting weaker by the day" while taking Edaravone and Riluzole, two medications intended to slow the progression of ALS. Penny said Slatten is also taking B12, melatonin and magnesium, but the treatments have left her drained.
"Jenny is getting weaker by the day," Penny wrote, adding that Slatten now "hardly speaks" because it hurts too much.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
"Sumit speaks more for her and is the main spokesperson for his wife," she continued. "Sumit is Jenny's main caregiver and doing a great job each day."
#sumit #shop
11 days ago
Bruce Willis loves spending quality time with his five daughters.
The Die Hard star became a dad for the first time in 1988 when he welcomed oldest daughter Rumer Glenn Willis with his then-wife Demi Moore. They welcomed Scout LaRue Willis, born in 1991, and Tallulah Belle Willis, born in 1994, before their split in 1998.
After Bruce married Emma Heming Willis in 2009, the couple welcomed daughters Mabel Ray Willis, born in 2012, and Evelyn Penn Willis, born in 2014.
Bruce and his blended family have celebrated holidays together and publicly supported each other at milestone events over the years. In 2022, Bruce's family announced he was retiring from acting due to his aphasia diagnosis — which has since progressed to frontotemporal dementia — but has continued to share glimpses into their precious moments together.
Ahead, see the 13 sweetest photos of Bruce Willis with his five daughters.
#bruce
The Die Hard star became a dad for the first time in 1988 when he welcomed oldest daughter Rumer Glenn Willis with his then-wife Demi Moore. They welcomed Scout LaRue Willis, born in 1991, and Tallulah Belle Willis, born in 1994, before their split in 1998.
After Bruce married Emma Heming Willis in 2009, the couple welcomed daughters Mabel Ray Willis, born in 2012, and Evelyn Penn Willis, born in 2014.
Bruce and his blended family have celebrated holidays together and publicly supported each other at milestone events over the years. In 2022, Bruce's family announced he was retiring from acting due to his aphasia diagnosis — which has since progressed to frontotemporal dementia — but has continued to share glimpses into their precious moments together.
Ahead, see the 13 sweetest photos of Bruce Willis with his five daughters.
#bruce
21 days ago
Just over a year ago, investors largely viewed IREN (IREN) as a bitcoin mining company. Today, the company supplies AI infrastructure to Microsoft (MSFT) and signs billion-dollar contracts with some of the biggest names in the AI market, including Nvidia (NVDA) and Dell Technologies (DELL). These developments provide evidence that IREN's shift toward AI infrastructure is translating into actual business activity, and the market has responded strongly to that progress. IREN shares have been rewarded with two strong moves over the last two months.
IREN's AI transformation centers on a major five-year agreement with Microsoft. The company entered into a $9.7 billion cloud services agreement with Microsoft, with 20% of the contract value paid upfront. Once fully commissioned, the deal is expected to generate nearly $1.94 billion in annualized run-rate revenue. That gives IREN a significant source of contracted business as it builds out its AI cloud operations.
Here's Another Little-Known Firm Jensen Huang's Nvidia Is Quietly Backing
MediaTek Is Stepping Up Competition Against Qualcomm With a New 2-Nanometer Chip. What This Means for QCOM Stock.
JPMorgan Changed Its Mind on Meta Stock After This Major AI Breakthrough
#NVIDIA
IREN's AI transformation centers on a major five-year agreement with Microsoft. The company entered into a $9.7 billion cloud services agreement with Microsoft, with 20% of the contract value paid upfront. Once fully commissioned, the deal is expected to generate nearly $1.94 billion in annualized run-rate revenue. That gives IREN a significant source of contracted business as it builds out its AI cloud operations.
Here's Another Little-Known Firm Jensen Huang's Nvidia Is Quietly Backing
MediaTek Is Stepping Up Competition Against Qualcomm With a New 2-Nanometer Chip. What This Means for QCOM Stock.
JPMorgan Changed Its Mind on Meta Stock After This Major AI Breakthrough
#NVIDIA
21 days ago
On September 9, 2026, Reuters reported that CEO Brian Niccol's first two years as Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) CEO have succeeded in bringing customers back to the coffee chain. Comparable sales rose 7.9% in the fiscal third quarter for a fourth straight quarter of improvement, but his "Back to Starbucks" restructuring has raised costs and squeezed margins along the way. Global operating margin has fallen to 12.9% from 15.8% two years earlier. Niccol, who marks his second anniversary in the role, now faces pressure to convert the sales recovery into the sustainable profit growth investors are demanding.
Niccol's turnaround strategy has already restored customer momentum at Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX). The "Back to Starbucks" strategy reversed six consecutive quarters of declining comparable sales as the company focused on reducing wait times, simplifying menus, improving store ambiance, and increasing staffing. Starbucks has moved beyond the sales deterioration that preceded Niccol's tenure. It gives investors a stronger foundation for the next phase of the turnaround. If management can sustain traffic gains while improving productivity, the sales recovery could provide a path toward stronger earnings growth.
The China joint venture with Boyu Capital gives Starbucks a more capital-efficient way to participate in China's growth. Starbucks sold control of its China retail operations to Boyu. It retained a 40% stake and continues to own and license its brand and intellectual property. The structure reduces Starbucks' direct capital requirements while allowing it to retain economic exposure to the Chinese market. Reuters cited ****** ysts who said the arrangement leaves Starbucks well positioned to convert stronger organic sales growth into profit growth, which could support returns as the recovery progresses.
Starbucks now has an opportunity to turn its customer investments into margin expansion. The firm committed at least $500 million toward labor as part of the restructuring. Niccol prioritized staffing and store improvements to rebuild the customer experience. That spending helped help the sales recovery. But it also pushed global operating margins down to 12.9% from 15.8% over two years. With sales now improving, management can focus more heavily on productivity, cost control, and operating leverage. It creates an opportunity for stronger earnings if it can improve margins without damaging customer traffic.
Labor tensions could undermine Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' recovery and keep costs elevated. Starbucks has yet to reach a first contract with its U.S. barista union. The union called for a consumer boycott in August. Negotiations or labor actions could disrupt store operations, increase labor costs, and create reputational pressure just as Starbucks tries to improve profitability. Therefore, investors face a risk that labor issues could offset some of the productivity gains management needs to expand margins.
#
Niccol's turnaround strategy has already restored customer momentum at Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX). The "Back to Starbucks" strategy reversed six consecutive quarters of declining comparable sales as the company focused on reducing wait times, simplifying menus, improving store ambiance, and increasing staffing. Starbucks has moved beyond the sales deterioration that preceded Niccol's tenure. It gives investors a stronger foundation for the next phase of the turnaround. If management can sustain traffic gains while improving productivity, the sales recovery could provide a path toward stronger earnings growth.
The China joint venture with Boyu Capital gives Starbucks a more capital-efficient way to participate in China's growth. Starbucks sold control of its China retail operations to Boyu. It retained a 40% stake and continues to own and license its brand and intellectual property. The structure reduces Starbucks' direct capital requirements while allowing it to retain economic exposure to the Chinese market. Reuters cited ****** ysts who said the arrangement leaves Starbucks well positioned to convert stronger organic sales growth into profit growth, which could support returns as the recovery progresses.
Starbucks now has an opportunity to turn its customer investments into margin expansion. The firm committed at least $500 million toward labor as part of the restructuring. Niccol prioritized staffing and store improvements to rebuild the customer experience. That spending helped help the sales recovery. But it also pushed global operating margins down to 12.9% from 15.8% over two years. With sales now improving, management can focus more heavily on productivity, cost control, and operating leverage. It creates an opportunity for stronger earnings if it can improve margins without damaging customer traffic.
Labor tensions could undermine Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' recovery and keep costs elevated. Starbucks has yet to reach a first contract with its U.S. barista union. The union called for a consumer boycott in August. Negotiations or labor actions could disrupt store operations, increase labor costs, and create reputational pressure just as Starbucks tries to improve profitability. Therefore, investors face a risk that labor issues could offset some of the productivity gains management needs to expand margins.
#
22 days ago
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Humanoid robots are showing meaningful progress beyond controlled demonstrations, with advances in autonomy, dexterity, and the ability to perform repetitive real-world tasks. But widespread commercial deployment still remains a work in progress.
After spending a week meeting with leading robotics labs, engineers and investors across the San Francisco Bay Area, researchers found that most humanoid robots remain in development, training, and tele-operated demonstrations. Where real-world deployments exist, they are generally closer to pilots than clear return-on-investment opportunities, according to a report published Wednesday by Citrini Research.
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#robots
Humanoid robots are showing meaningful progress beyond controlled demonstrations, with advances in autonomy, dexterity, and the ability to perform repetitive real-world tasks. But widespread commercial deployment still remains a work in progress.
After spending a week meeting with leading robotics labs, engineers and investors across the San Francisco Bay Area, researchers found that most humanoid robots remain in development, training, and tele-operated demonstrations. Where real-world deployments exist, they are generally closer to pilots than clear return-on-investment opportunities, according to a report published Wednesday by Citrini Research.
Don't Miss:
A single bad hire can set a startup back years. Here are the 5 hires founders most often misjudge — and why
#robots
22 days ago
On Sept. 16, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 417 to 3 to pass the Ratepayer Protection Act. Importantly, the bill still needs to pass the Senate and be signed into law by the President.
Given the bill's bipartisan nature and its strong passage in the House, there is a good chance the Ratepayer Protection Act will eventually become law in some form. That could affect several industries, especially certain nuclear stocks.
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 »
Before we look at which stocks will benefit, it's important to understand exactly what the bill aims to do.
Data center construction is progressing rapidly as AI companies seek to expand compute capacity as quickly as possible. The current electric grid, however, wasn't designed to handle such a surge in demand.
#NVIDIA #protection #sept
Given the bill's bipartisan nature and its strong passage in the House, there is a good chance the Ratepayer Protection Act will eventually become law in some form. That could affect several industries, especially certain nuclear stocks.
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 »
Before we look at which stocks will benefit, it's important to understand exactly what the bill aims to do.
Data center construction is progressing rapidly as AI companies seek to expand compute capacity as quickly as possible. The current electric grid, however, wasn't designed to handle such a surge in demand.
#NVIDIA #protection #sept
22 days ago
On August 19, Ferrovial (NASDAQ:FER) announced it had been selected to deliver the I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes, a 26-mile project running between Nashville and Murfreesboro. It is the largest single capital investment in Tennessee's history and the state's first public-private partnership. The price tag is $9.2 billion, though Ferrovial isn't carrying it alone, since its DriveTN consortium also counts Transurban and Tikehau Star Infra as partners.
Choice lanes are familiar ground for Ferrovial, which has replicated the model in Washington, D.C., Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. On Virginia's 66 Express corridor, similar lanes shaved up to 50% off peak-hour travel times. That is the pitch for I-24, a stretch of highway that already ranks among the region's most jammed: drivers who opt in get steadier speeds, and those in the free lanes should see less traffic too.
The business behind the bid looks healthy, too. Ferrovial's July 28 results showed adjusted EBITDA up 21.6% on a like-for-like basis to €746 million over the first six months of the year, with U.S. highways doing most of the lifting. Those roads are sending cash home as well, since Ferrovial received €357 million in dividends from North America. And the construction order book reached an all-time high of €18 billion, so plenty of work is already in hand. The pipeline keeps filling: Ferrovial bid on I-285 East in Georgia in July, and its D35 Highway bid in the Czech Republic was the most cost-effective submitted, with technical evaluation still underway.
Beyond the roads, the balance sheet looks sturdy. Ferrovial ended the first half with €1.3 billion in net cash, excluding infrastructure projects, meaning cash outweighs debt outside those projects. The airport arm is progressing too: Ferrovial has finished funding the $1.1 billion in equity it pledged for New Terminal One at JFK, and construction there is 92% complete.
Start with the line that looks worst on the page. Net profit for the first half of 2026 came in at €258 million, versus €540 million for the same period of 2025. That earlier figure included capital gains from ******* et rotation, which makes the comparison harsh, but the mismatch is still there: EBITDA climbed while reported profit fell.
#first #million #choice
Choice lanes are familiar ground for Ferrovial, which has replicated the model in Washington, D.C., Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. On Virginia's 66 Express corridor, similar lanes shaved up to 50% off peak-hour travel times. That is the pitch for I-24, a stretch of highway that already ranks among the region's most jammed: drivers who opt in get steadier speeds, and those in the free lanes should see less traffic too.
The business behind the bid looks healthy, too. Ferrovial's July 28 results showed adjusted EBITDA up 21.6% on a like-for-like basis to €746 million over the first six months of the year, with U.S. highways doing most of the lifting. Those roads are sending cash home as well, since Ferrovial received €357 million in dividends from North America. And the construction order book reached an all-time high of €18 billion, so plenty of work is already in hand. The pipeline keeps filling: Ferrovial bid on I-285 East in Georgia in July, and its D35 Highway bid in the Czech Republic was the most cost-effective submitted, with technical evaluation still underway.
Beyond the roads, the balance sheet looks sturdy. Ferrovial ended the first half with €1.3 billion in net cash, excluding infrastructure projects, meaning cash outweighs debt outside those projects. The airport arm is progressing too: Ferrovial has finished funding the $1.1 billion in equity it pledged for New Terminal One at JFK, and construction there is 92% complete.
Start with the line that looks worst on the page. Net profit for the first half of 2026 came in at €258 million, versus €540 million for the same period of 2025. That earlier figure included capital gains from ******* et rotation, which makes the comparison harsh, but the mismatch is still there: EBITDA climbed while reported profit fell.
#first #million #choice
23 days ago
By Nolan D. McCaskill
WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Democrats are seeking to reclaim Congress, but lingering divisions from a bruising run-up to the November election threaten to imperil the party's attempt to claw back power from President Donald Trump's Republicans.
With control of both chambers at stake, Democrats have sought to move past the bad blood of the primaries, but in several competitive states, influential party figures have withheld endorsements or so far declined to campaign with nominees for the November 3 US midterm elections.
In Maine, the governor has yet to endorse the Democratic US Senate candidate. In Texas, a congresswoman has declined to campaign alongside the state representative who defeated her in the Democratic Senate primary. In Michigan, establishment centrists are steering clear of the party's progressive Senate pick. In New York, victorious democratic socialists are criticizing congressional Democrats for joining Republicans in condemning socialism. In Florida, the party has yet to rally behind its Senate nominee.
"Whether you are a progressive or an establishment Democrat or a conservative Democrat, we all have a vested interest in getting every single person over the finish line in November," said US Representative Summer Lee, a progressive Pennsylvania Democrat up for reelection.
#november #democrat #representative #declined
WASHINGTON, Sept 19 (Reuters) - Democrats are seeking to reclaim Congress, but lingering divisions from a bruising run-up to the November election threaten to imperil the party's attempt to claw back power from President Donald Trump's Republicans.
With control of both chambers at stake, Democrats have sought to move past the bad blood of the primaries, but in several competitive states, influential party figures have withheld endorsements or so far declined to campaign with nominees for the November 3 US midterm elections.
In Maine, the governor has yet to endorse the Democratic US Senate candidate. In Texas, a congresswoman has declined to campaign alongside the state representative who defeated her in the Democratic Senate primary. In Michigan, establishment centrists are steering clear of the party's progressive Senate pick. In New York, victorious democratic socialists are criticizing congressional Democrats for joining Republicans in condemning socialism. In Florida, the party has yet to rally behind its Senate nominee.
"Whether you are a progressive or an establishment Democrat or a conservative Democrat, we all have a vested interest in getting every single person over the finish line in November," said US Representative Summer Lee, a progressive Pennsylvania Democrat up for reelection.
#november #democrat #representative #declined
23 days ago
Property and casualty insurer Progressive (NYSE: PGR) is probably best known for selling auto insurance. That's a highly competitive segment of the industry, but the company has proven its chops, reporting a strong combined ratio of 87.3% in the second quarter of 2026. Is the roughly 10% pullback from the 52-week high, and about 25% drawdown from 2025's peak, as of this writing, enough to make the stock a buy? Probably not if you are a value investor.
The combined ratio is a measure of profitability in the insurance sector, with numbers below 100% indicating that a company is earning more from premiums than it costs to support those premiums and cover claims. Progressive has a strong history of running its business well on this front. Basically, it is a good business. But paying too much for a good business can turn it into a bad investment, as Benjamin Graham was fond of saying (Graham notably helped train Warren Buffett).
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 »
So the real question here is whether the drawdowns noted above were sufficient to make Progressive's valuation attractive. The answer there isn't clean cut. For example, the price-to-sales ratio of 1.4x is in the middle of the historical range of roughly 0.5x to 2.2x. If anything, the P/S ratio is kind of toward the high side. The same general story holds with the price-to-book ratio. So these two metrics hint at a stock that isn't expensive, but it also isn't trading at bargain-basement prices.
The price-to-earnings ratio is a bit more positive, with the 11.1x P/E toward the lower end of its historical range. And the average insurance company has a P/E ratio of around 11.8x, so this makes Progressive look reasonably priced. Only Progressive's P/B ratio is 3.7x compared to the industry average of 1.7x, so the broader industry comparison still isn't a clear-cut win.
#ratio #progressive
The combined ratio is a measure of profitability in the insurance sector, with numbers below 100% indicating that a company is earning more from premiums than it costs to support those premiums and cover claims. Progressive has a strong history of running its business well on this front. Basically, it is a good business. But paying too much for a good business can turn it into a bad investment, as Benjamin Graham was fond of saying (Graham notably helped train Warren Buffett).
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 »
So the real question here is whether the drawdowns noted above were sufficient to make Progressive's valuation attractive. The answer there isn't clean cut. For example, the price-to-sales ratio of 1.4x is in the middle of the historical range of roughly 0.5x to 2.2x. If anything, the P/S ratio is kind of toward the high side. The same general story holds with the price-to-book ratio. So these two metrics hint at a stock that isn't expensive, but it also isn't trading at bargain-basement prices.
The price-to-earnings ratio is a bit more positive, with the 11.1x P/E toward the lower end of its historical range. And the average insurance company has a P/E ratio of around 11.8x, so this makes Progressive look reasonably priced. Only Progressive's P/B ratio is 3.7x compared to the industry average of 1.7x, so the broader industry comparison still isn't a clear-cut win.
#ratio #progressive
23 days ago
Interested in Capital One Financial Corporation? Here are five stocks we like better.
Consumer credit remains resilient: Capital One reported strong spending, stable delinquencies and better-than-seasonal charge-offs, including among lower-income customers in its portfolio. Auto lending is also growing while the company maintains underwriting and margin standards.
Discover integration is progressing toward 2027 completion: New Discover card originations have moved to Capital One's platform, with the existing portfolio conversion expected to finish in January 2027 and broader integration substantially complete by mid-2027. Capital One has achieved about one-third of its targeted $1.5 billion in operating-expense synergies.
Capital One is expanding beyond lending: The company sees Brex as a strategic commercial-payments platform and plans to leverage its technology, marketing reach and small-business customer base. With a 13.7% common equity tier 1 ratio, management says it can fund investments while maintaining conservative capital and shareholder returns.
These 4 Earnings Reports Expose the Market's Growing Economic Divide
#company #integration #interested
Consumer credit remains resilient: Capital One reported strong spending, stable delinquencies and better-than-seasonal charge-offs, including among lower-income customers in its portfolio. Auto lending is also growing while the company maintains underwriting and margin standards.
Discover integration is progressing toward 2027 completion: New Discover card originations have moved to Capital One's platform, with the existing portfolio conversion expected to finish in January 2027 and broader integration substantially complete by mid-2027. Capital One has achieved about one-third of its targeted $1.5 billion in operating-expense synergies.
Capital One is expanding beyond lending: The company sees Brex as a strategic commercial-payments platform and plans to leverage its technology, marketing reach and small-business customer base. With a 13.7% common equity tier 1 ratio, management says it can fund investments while maintaining conservative capital and shareholder returns.
These 4 Earnings Reports Expose the Market's Growing Economic Divide
#company #integration #interested
23 days ago
Quantum computers can be better at processing data-heavy workloads in areas like science and cryptography, because they can use a concept called superposition to simulate multiple solutions to a problem at the same time. However, even the best quantum systems today are still making far too many errors to solve complex real-world problems.
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) is one of the industry leaders right now, and it's making genuine progress. But considering even the company's most powerful quantum computers aren't overly useful yet, it's struggling to generate meaningful sales, so it's burning through truckloads of cash while it continues to conduct research and development.
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 »
That creates a problem for shareholders, because Rigetti stock is trading at a sky-high valuation, which opens the door to potential downside if the company can't find a way to bring in significantly more revenue in the near future. Here's why I predict the stock will plummet over the next 12 months.
Rigetti built its own fabrication facility to produce chips, developed its own quantum programming language, and even created its own cloud platform, which it can rent to other businesses, thereby monetizing quantum computing capacity. By effectively operating its own end-to-end supply chain, the company can bring new systems to market much faster than many of its competitors.
#quantum #signal #even #company
Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) is one of the industry leaders right now, and it's making genuine progress. But considering even the company's most powerful quantum computers aren't overly useful yet, it's struggling to generate meaningful sales, so it's burning through truckloads of cash while it continues to conduct research and development.
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 »
That creates a problem for shareholders, because Rigetti stock is trading at a sky-high valuation, which opens the door to potential downside if the company can't find a way to bring in significantly more revenue in the near future. Here's why I predict the stock will plummet over the next 12 months.
Rigetti built its own fabrication facility to produce chips, developed its own quantum programming language, and even created its own cloud platform, which it can rent to other businesses, thereby monetizing quantum computing capacity. By effectively operating its own end-to-end supply chain, the company can bring new systems to market much faster than many of its competitors.
#quantum #signal #even #company
23 days ago
On September 8, 2026, Reuters reported that NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) shareholders rejected a proposal urging greater transparency on how the company plans to meet its 2030 emissions-reduction targets, despite support from Norway's sovereign wealth fund, Nike's 11th-largest shareholder.
Nike's board had urged a "no" vote, arguing management is "best positioned to determine the targets and related disclosures that are appropriate." Shareholders separately approved the company's executive compensation proposal, including pay for CEO Elliott Hill, in a vote that had faced some opposition.
The failed climate proposal gives NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)'s management more flexibility to focus on its operational turnaround. Shareholders rejected the request for greater disclosure on how Nike plans to meet its 2030 emissions targets. It allows CEO Elliott Hill and his team to prioritize product innovation, sales recovery, and market-share gains. Nike faces significant operational challenges. So management could benefit from directing more resources toward restoring growth and profitability.
Nike has already made measurable progress toward its environmental targets. It limits the immediate financial impact of the rejected proposal. The company reported an 11% reduction in supply-chain emissions from its 2015 baseline in fiscal 2024, while its 2030 targets call for a 65% reduction in operational emissions and a 30% reduction across its supply chain. This progress gives Nike evidence that it is chasing its climate goals even without expanding its current disclosure.
Shareholders' approval of Elliott Hill's compensation package shows support for Nike's leadership despite the difficult turnaround. Investors approved more than $36 million in total compensation for Hill for fiscal 2026, even though Norway's wealth fund and major proxy advisers opposed the package. Shareholder support gives Hill greater room to execute his strategy as Nike works to stabilize sales, rebuild its market position, and restore long-term earnings growth.
#reduction #elliott #greater
Nike's board had urged a "no" vote, arguing management is "best positioned to determine the targets and related disclosures that are appropriate." Shareholders separately approved the company's executive compensation proposal, including pay for CEO Elliott Hill, in a vote that had faced some opposition.
The failed climate proposal gives NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)'s management more flexibility to focus on its operational turnaround. Shareholders rejected the request for greater disclosure on how Nike plans to meet its 2030 emissions targets. It allows CEO Elliott Hill and his team to prioritize product innovation, sales recovery, and market-share gains. Nike faces significant operational challenges. So management could benefit from directing more resources toward restoring growth and profitability.
Nike has already made measurable progress toward its environmental targets. It limits the immediate financial impact of the rejected proposal. The company reported an 11% reduction in supply-chain emissions from its 2015 baseline in fiscal 2024, while its 2030 targets call for a 65% reduction in operational emissions and a 30% reduction across its supply chain. This progress gives Nike evidence that it is chasing its climate goals even without expanding its current disclosure.
Shareholders' approval of Elliott Hill's compensation package shows support for Nike's leadership despite the difficult turnaround. Investors approved more than $36 million in total compensation for Hill for fiscal 2026, even though Norway's wealth fund and major proxy advisers opposed the package. Shareholder support gives Hill greater room to execute his strategy as Nike works to stabilize sales, rebuild its market position, and restore long-term earnings growth.
#reduction #elliott #greater
23 days ago
While an Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) stock split in 2026 isn't impossible, I think it's highly unlikely. The company last completed a stock split in 2024, when its share price stood at roughly $1,200. After the 10-for-1 split, the company's stock traded at roughly $120 per share.
Currently, it's trading around $210 per share, which is likely not a high enough pure-dollar level to encourage the company to reorganize its stock structure.
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 »
That said, I still think that Nvidia stands out as a worthwhile long-term investment.
Nvidia and other leading AI stocks have recently seen some downward valuation pressures connected to increased calls for safety guardrails and other regulations around the progression of artificial intelligence (AI) development. These technologies are evolving fast, and there are good reasons to be concerned. On the other hand, I expect that the intensifying focus on the dangers that AI poses will ultimately have a relatively small impact on Nvidia's growth trajectory.
#Stock #signal #flashing #think
Currently, it's trading around $210 per share, which is likely not a high enough pure-dollar level to encourage the company to reorganize its stock structure.
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 »
That said, I still think that Nvidia stands out as a worthwhile long-term investment.
Nvidia and other leading AI stocks have recently seen some downward valuation pressures connected to increased calls for safety guardrails and other regulations around the progression of artificial intelligence (AI) development. These technologies are evolving fast, and there are good reasons to be concerned. On the other hand, I expect that the intensifying focus on the dangers that AI poses will ultimately have a relatively small impact on Nvidia's growth trajectory.
#Stock #signal #flashing #think
23 days ago
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR) announced a joint venture with Rönesans Infrastructure on September 14 to develop and operate data centers in Türkiye. The first Ankara campus is designed for more than 22 megawatts of IT capacity. Land, power and permits are secured, early construction has begun, and the first facility is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR) has established credible development foundations. The investment question is whether those foundations can support attractive returns once construction spending, customer contracts, and operating costs enter the calculation.
For Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR), securing land, electricity and permits reduces uncertainty around whether development can proceed. That matters because customer interest has limited commercial value when a developer cannot offer a credible delivery schedule. Construction progress can make discussions with prospective tenants more concrete.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR) also combines its global customer relationships and operating experience with Rönesans Infrastructure's local development and construction capabilities. The potential benefit is practical: a partner familiar with local execution can help deliver the buildings, while an established data-center operator can help attract customers and manage their deployments.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR) is entering through a venture that also plans an additional Istanbul facility. A presence in both cities could appeal to customers seeking multiple locations for resilience and connectivity. Success in Ankara could therefore create a commercial foundation for further expansion, provided demand supports additional investment.
#digital #construction #development #venture
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR) has established credible development foundations. The investment question is whether those foundations can support attractive returns once construction spending, customer contracts, and operating costs enter the calculation.
For Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR), securing land, electricity and permits reduces uncertainty around whether development can proceed. That matters because customer interest has limited commercial value when a developer cannot offer a credible delivery schedule. Construction progress can make discussions with prospective tenants more concrete.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR) also combines its global customer relationships and operating experience with Rönesans Infrastructure's local development and construction capabilities. The potential benefit is practical: a partner familiar with local execution can help deliver the buildings, while an established data-center operator can help attract customers and manage their deployments.
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR) is entering through a venture that also plans an additional Istanbul facility. A presence in both cities could appeal to customers seeking multiple locations for resilience and connectivity. Success in Ankara could therefore create a commercial foundation for further expansion, provided demand supports additional investment.
#digital #construction #development #venture
24 days ago
Galliford Try Holdings PLC (LSE:GFRD, FRA:3WC) chief financial officer Kris Hampson spoke with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion about the construction group's latest results, growing order book, margin progression and outlook for 2027, as well as its approach to acquisitions and shareholder returns.
Hampson said Galliford Try delivered a sixth consecutive year of growth across key metrics, supported by its building, infrastructure and specialist services operations. Adjusted profit before tax rose 24% on revenue growth of 3% to nearly £56 million, with adjusted divisional operating margin advancing from 3% to 3.5% and average cash up 21% to £216.2 million. "We make revenue, we turn it into profit, and we turn that profit into cash," Hampson said.
Looking ahead, he highlighted the £4.3 billion order book, up 5%, with more than 90% of current-year revenue already secured, alongside 60% for 2028. He said 91% of the order book sits within long-term frameworks and 95% is with government and regulated clients.
Hampson also discussed opportunities across water, highways, education and affordable housing, including growth tied to AMP8, newer frameworks on improved terms, and expects continued progression towards the group's 4% adjusted operating margin target for 2030.
On capital allocation, Galliford Try announced a £15 million share buyback alongside its results, following last year's £10 million buyback. Hampson also discussed the company's active M&A pipeline and its commitment to maintaining a dividend at 1.8 times cover based on adjusted EPS.
#million #profit
Hampson said Galliford Try delivered a sixth consecutive year of growth across key metrics, supported by its building, infrastructure and specialist services operations. Adjusted profit before tax rose 24% on revenue growth of 3% to nearly £56 million, with adjusted divisional operating margin advancing from 3% to 3.5% and average cash up 21% to £216.2 million. "We make revenue, we turn it into profit, and we turn that profit into cash," Hampson said.
Looking ahead, he highlighted the £4.3 billion order book, up 5%, with more than 90% of current-year revenue already secured, alongside 60% for 2028. He said 91% of the order book sits within long-term frameworks and 95% is with government and regulated clients.
Hampson also discussed opportunities across water, highways, education and affordable housing, including growth tied to AMP8, newer frameworks on improved terms, and expects continued progression towards the group's 4% adjusted operating margin target for 2030.
On capital allocation, Galliford Try announced a £15 million share buyback alongside its results, following last year's £10 million buyback. Hampson also discussed the company's active M&A pipeline and its commitment to maintaining a dividend at 1.8 times cover based on adjusted EPS.
#million #profit
24 days ago
On August 25, Aptiv (NYSE:APTV) said it will support NVIDIA's newly announced Jetson Orin Nano 2 processor, extending a partnership that already covers the more powerful Jetson Thor platform. The move puts Aptiv squarely inside the buildout of "physical AI," the term for machines like drones, robots, and industrial systems that need to sense and react to the real world in real time. For a company still just months removed from spinning off its electrical distribution business, betting on edge robotics is a statement about where it thinks the next decade of growth actually lives.
NVIDIA's Jetson Orin Nano 2 packs 78 TOPS of processing power into an 8GB, 8-core Arm chip that doubles the inference speed of its predecessor while cutting power draw by 40% at equivalent performance. That kind of efficiency gain matters for battery-powered devices like delivery drones and mobile robots, where every watt saved extends run time. Aptiv isn't just supplying compute support; it is layering in its PULSE surround-view camera and radar system for 360-degree sensing, its Gen 8 radar for object detection in tough conditions, and Wind River software to handle the unglamorous but essential work of long-term maintenance and security updates. That full-stack approach is the pitch: instead of stitching together sensors, chips, and software from separate vendors, customers get one partner who can carry a device from prototype to a fleet running in the field.
The timing lines up with what Aptiv reported in its second-quarter results on August 4, 2026. Revenue reached $3.3 billion, up 2%, while adjusted EBITDA climbed to $613 million from $547 million a year earlier, pushing margins to 18.7% from 17.1%. CEO Kevin Clark pointed to double-digit growth in non-automotive revenue, progress moving robotics from partnership talks to actual commercial deployments, and a major drone industry win secured in early July. North America sales rose 10% and Asia Pacific grew 6%, including 5% growth in China, giving the company some geographic momentum to lean on as it chases this new business line.
The quarter wasn't clean underneath the headline numbers. Free cash flow came in at just $12 million in the second quarter, down from $219 million a year earlier, and the first half of 2026 actually posted negative free cash flow of $196 million versus a positive $264 million a year ago. Operating cash flow from continuing operations fell to $82 million for the first half, down sharply from $531 million. Management also flagged automotive demand and customer mix as an incremental headwind, a reminder that Aptiv's legacy business still carries real weight even as it chases robotics and drones. EMEA revenue dropped 8%, and South America fell 4% in the quarter, both drags even as North America and Asia Pacific grew.
#jetson #robotics
NVIDIA's Jetson Orin Nano 2 packs 78 TOPS of processing power into an 8GB, 8-core Arm chip that doubles the inference speed of its predecessor while cutting power draw by 40% at equivalent performance. That kind of efficiency gain matters for battery-powered devices like delivery drones and mobile robots, where every watt saved extends run time. Aptiv isn't just supplying compute support; it is layering in its PULSE surround-view camera and radar system for 360-degree sensing, its Gen 8 radar for object detection in tough conditions, and Wind River software to handle the unglamorous but essential work of long-term maintenance and security updates. That full-stack approach is the pitch: instead of stitching together sensors, chips, and software from separate vendors, customers get one partner who can carry a device from prototype to a fleet running in the field.
The timing lines up with what Aptiv reported in its second-quarter results on August 4, 2026. Revenue reached $3.3 billion, up 2%, while adjusted EBITDA climbed to $613 million from $547 million a year earlier, pushing margins to 18.7% from 17.1%. CEO Kevin Clark pointed to double-digit growth in non-automotive revenue, progress moving robotics from partnership talks to actual commercial deployments, and a major drone industry win secured in early July. North America sales rose 10% and Asia Pacific grew 6%, including 5% growth in China, giving the company some geographic momentum to lean on as it chases this new business line.
The quarter wasn't clean underneath the headline numbers. Free cash flow came in at just $12 million in the second quarter, down from $219 million a year earlier, and the first half of 2026 actually posted negative free cash flow of $196 million versus a positive $264 million a year ago. Operating cash flow from continuing operations fell to $82 million for the first half, down sharply from $531 million. Management also flagged automotive demand and customer mix as an incremental headwind, a reminder that Aptiv's legacy business still carries real weight even as it chases robotics and drones. EMEA revenue dropped 8%, and South America fell 4% in the quarter, both drags even as North America and Asia Pacific grew.
#jetson #robotics
24 days ago
Oscar Health (OSCR) raised its full-year earnings outlook while lowering its expected medical costs to cover benefits for its nearly 3 million Affordable Care Act exchange members. OSCR stock climbed in early Wednesday stock market action ahead of its 9 a.m. ET investor conference.
Oscar, which made an aggressive play to gain ACA market share, has seen enrollment surge 47% from a year ago as of June 30, even as overall enrollment has plunged due to the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies. As of now, it looks like the bet is paying off in a big way, with shares up 126% this year through Tuesday. But it's still a bit early to know, because Oscar's earnings depend not only on its own members' costs, but also those of other ACA insurers.
The ACA's No. 2 insurer by membership behind Centene (CNC) said that it now expects its medical loss ratio, or benefit costs as a share of premiums, to be in the 81% to 82% range, down from the prior outlook of 81.5% to 82.5%.
Oscar boosted its outlook for earnings from operations by $100 million at both ends to a range of $600 million to $800 million. The unchanged revenue outlook, between $18.7 billion and $19 billion, implies that no additional customer churn is expected.
Here is what investors should keep in mind. Compared to the overall ACA risk pool, Oscar's enrollment is relatively young, healthy and more likely to sign up for very-high-deductible bronze plans. Yet based on its relatively healthy risk pool, Oscar expects about 20% of its premiums will be paid out via risk adjustment to other carriers under ACA rules. That means results in the second half of this year depend to a large degree on the level of healthcare utilization by non-Oscar members. As of now, it's a bit early to tell, since healthcare spending tends to rise as the year progresses and insured members exhaust their deductibles.
#oscar #year
Oscar, which made an aggressive play to gain ACA market share, has seen enrollment surge 47% from a year ago as of June 30, even as overall enrollment has plunged due to the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies. As of now, it looks like the bet is paying off in a big way, with shares up 126% this year through Tuesday. But it's still a bit early to know, because Oscar's earnings depend not only on its own members' costs, but also those of other ACA insurers.
The ACA's No. 2 insurer by membership behind Centene (CNC) said that it now expects its medical loss ratio, or benefit costs as a share of premiums, to be in the 81% to 82% range, down from the prior outlook of 81.5% to 82.5%.
Oscar boosted its outlook for earnings from operations by $100 million at both ends to a range of $600 million to $800 million. The unchanged revenue outlook, between $18.7 billion and $19 billion, implies that no additional customer churn is expected.
Here is what investors should keep in mind. Compared to the overall ACA risk pool, Oscar's enrollment is relatively young, healthy and more likely to sign up for very-high-deductible bronze plans. Yet based on its relatively healthy risk pool, Oscar expects about 20% of its premiums will be paid out via risk adjustment to other carriers under ACA rules. That means results in the second half of this year depend to a large degree on the level of healthcare utilization by non-Oscar members. As of now, it's a bit early to tell, since healthcare spending tends to rise as the year progresses and insured members exhaust their deductibles.
#oscar #year
24 days ago
With a market cap of $27.1 billion, DTE Energy Company (DTE) is a diversified energy company engaged in energy-related businesses and services across the United States. Its operations include electric and natural gas utilities serving millions of customers in Michigan, along with businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy, and energy marketing and trading.
Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as "large-cap" stocks and DTE Energy fits this criterion perfectly. DTE Energy is also committed to accelerating carbon reduction, supporting community development, and promoting economic progress through philanthropy, education, employment initiatives, and volunteerism
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Companies worth more than $10 billion are generally labeled as "large-cap" stocks and DTE Energy fits this criterion perfectly. DTE Energy is also committed to accelerating carbon reduction, supporting community development, and promoting economic progress through philanthropy, education, employment initiatives, and volunteerism
Billionaire Charlie Munger, Who Died at 99, Skipped Insurance on His Mansion Since He Could Just Write a Check to Rebuild — 'All Intelligent People Do It My Way'
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#energy #billion #businesses #states