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EHYnMH
3 days ago
In a housing market where affordability is increasingly out of reach for many buyers, Vic Bulbon is looking at a type of property that's becoming less expensive: condominiums.
With national home prices near record highs and mortgage rates topping 7% in recent weeks, buying a home remains out of reach for many Americans. Condos appear to offer a rare bright spot, with prices falling across the country.
But even with cheaper sales prices, rising homeowners' **** ociation (HOA) fees and one-time special **** sments are driving up ownership costs.
Now, guidelines released this year by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-sponsored agencies that back nearly half of all US home purchases, aim to reduce the financial and structural risks of condo buildings. Real estate agents told CNN that the changes could add pressure to the condo market by further driving up HOA fees, increasing the total monthly bill for condo owners, and potentially eroding the savings of a lower purchase price.
As of mid-October, condo sales prices lagged behind single-family home prices in 99 of the 100 largest markets in the United States, according to data from financial services company Intercontinental Exchange provided to CNN. Nationally, single-family home prices rose 1.5% from a year earlier, while condo prices fell 1.1%.

#prices #home #sales #year
hard6yflypartly
10 days ago
Round two of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 began on Sunday with two Elite Group B sides in early trouble, and each was pulled back into its match by a batter who stayed at the crease.
Karnataka were struggling against Saurashtra at the Alur ground in Bengaluru, while Punjab were reduced to 69 for 3 against Chhattisgarh in New Chandigarh. Manvanth ******* ar delivered the bigger surprise.
The 22-year-old left-hander was playing only his second first-class match, yet he walked in with Karnataka eight down and hit 135 from number nine. Uday Saharan, the Punjab captain, was steadier but just as important, as he finished the first day unbeaten on 106.
Both matches are scheduled to run until Tuesday, October 21, and both innings have already changed the shape of the games. Karnataka were bowled out for 342 on the second day, while Punjab ended the first day on 269 for 4, a long way from where they stood early on.
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

#first #early #match
whirlf
10 days ago
Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart have both managed to shave significant amounts off the hefty fines handed down by the DFB Sports Court following the pyrotechnics incidents during the DFB-Pokal final (via iMiaSanMia).
Both clubs were initially ordered to pay €260,000 after the use of pyrotechnics during the final, prompting Bayern and Stuttgart to appeal the original decisions. The appeals have now produced considerably different, but welcome, results for both clubs.
Stuttgart's fine has been reduced to €200,000, meaning the club will save €60,000 from the original punishment. Bayern came out even better, with its fine reduced to €170,000—a €90,000 reduction from the initial ruling.
That still leaves Bayern with a rather substantial bill for what happened during the final, but considering the original figure, ****** ody at Säbener Straße is likely to complain about the discount.
The DFB has made it clear that it intends to take pyrotechnics seriously, with clubs continuing to face significant financial penalties for incidents involving flares and other prohibited items in the stands.

#final #original #stuttgart #incidents
socketwarm
10 days ago
Alexander Isak has a problem and there's no clear fix. Andoni Iraola has real work to do as Liverpool boss.
Alexander Isak scored a winner for Liverpool on Saturday, finding the net on his return to beat Brentford. It was the kind of moment that Isak was signed for - to be the decisive goalscorer in a difficult game.
No matter what, then, this was a good performance from Isak. He did his job, got the three points for Liverpool, and it's difficult to have complaints. 'Difficult' but not impossible.
This was not a brilliant display from the Swede, who struggled badly to get into the game before Brentford were reduced to 10 men. And that creates a very difficult problem for Andoni Iraola to solve.
Brentford's red card came in the rarely-seen 8th-minute of first-half stoppage time, so this was truly a game of two halves. Incredibly, Liverpool actually had the same share of the ball in each half, though - 60 per cent of it.

#Liverpool #game #problem
dusty7
20 days ago
Republican efforts to reduce national gas prices in the weeks before Election Day were derailed in the Senate by infighting among GOP lawmakers and members of the administration who could not agree on how to ease consumers’ pain at the pump.
The divisions within the Senate Republican conference over how to lower gas and diesel prices — even if temporarily — were driven primarily by geographic differences.
Senators from oil-refining states shot down proposals from farm-state senators to ban the export of diesel or to loosen restrictions on the sale of E15 gasoline with higher ethanol content.
“You’re talking about regional politics, and it gets bogged down in the politics of energy, and the fiefdoms around it,” said Ron Bonjean, a GOP strategist and former Senate leadership aide.
There were divisions that went beyond geography, too.

#republican
yanevapo57
20 days ago
Investing.com -- Shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) and Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) swung sharply Thursday following a Financial Times report that Starbucks has explored a potential acquisition of the burrito chain.
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Chipotle shares initially jumped as much as 8% following the report, while Starbucks fell as much as 6%. Both stocks later pared those moves as investors weighed the potential implications of a deal.
Whispers of a potential tie-up had circulated previously, including a report from Semafor, but the speculation was largely dismissed by the market at the time. The Financial Times report carries greater weight, indicating that Starbucks has worked with advisers in recent months on a potential proposal for Chipotle, which currently has a market value of nearly $39 billion.
The sharp divergence in the stocks, however, could complicate the financial mechanics of a potential transaction. Starbucks' declining share price would reduce the value of any equity used as consideration, while Chipotle's rally increases the price Starbucks would need to pay for the company. The status of Starbucks' plans, including whether it has made a formal offer, remains unclear.

#starbucks #market #shares
fks1xdqc4it3
21 days ago
Young Americans are reconsidering the value of a college degree given the high cost of college and the prospect of taking on student loan debt, which is prompting some colleges and universities to cut tuition costs to attract students and boost enrollment.
A report by Bloomberg noted that several colleges and universities have announced plans to lower their tuition either this year or in the next academic year when students arrive on campus in fall 2027. For example, Emory & Henry University historically offered significant merit scholarships amounting to up to $23,000 to help students negate some of the $40,000 price tag they faced, the report noted.
However, the school moved to reduce tuition by half to $19,900 for undergraduate students this academic year to lower the sticker price students are evaluating, while still offering merit scholarships up to $5,000 and covering tuition costs for certain in-state students from Virginia who meet income criteria.
"Our tuition reduction plan was just one piece of a larger strategic enrollment strategy," said Dr. Louise "Lou" Fincher, president of Emory & Henry University, told FOX Business. "Ultimately, we wanted our published tuition to better reflect the real cost of an Emory & Henry education."
College President Warns Ai Could Strengthen Education – Or Create Dangerous Shortcuts: 'It's How We Manage It'

#students #university #Education #cost
nOUn8b7
22 days ago
Ray Fisher became internationally recognizable as the technologically enhanced superhero Cyborg, but his career began far from the world of comic book blockbusters. The American actor developed his craft through theater before making the leap to major Hollywood productions. His upbringing, particularly the influence of his mother and grandmother, helped shape the values he later carried into his professional life. When Fisher encountered difficulties behind the scenes of Justice League, he chose to speak publicly about his experience. That decision became an important part of a career increasingly ****** ociated with both performance and workplace accountability.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Fisher grew up in Lawnside, New Jersey, in a large family raised primarily by his mother and grandmother. He has described both women as his real life superheroes, praising the determination and strength they demonstrated while he was growing up. His interest in acting became serious during high school, when encouragement from a teacher led him to audition for theatrical productions.
Fisher continued developing as a stage performer and eventually established himself in professional theater. One of his most demanding early roles was Muhammad Ali in the Off Broadway production Fetch Clay, Make Man. Preparing to portray the legendary boxer required substantial physical transformation as well as the ability to capture Ali's confidence and personality. The experience demonstrated the discipline Fisher could bring to a role before Hollywood audiences became familiar with him.
His major screen opportunity arrived when Zack Snyder selected him to play Victor Stone, better known as Cyborg, in the DC film universe. Fisher made a brief appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice before receiving a much larger role in Justice League. Production changed significantly after Snyder left the project and Joss Whedon took over during post production. The theatrical version released in 2017 reduced much of Cyborg's original storyline.
In 2020, Fisher publicly accused Whedon of inappropriate and unprofessional behavior during the Justice League reshoots. WarnerMedia subsequently conducted an investigation after Fisher raised concerns involving the production. In December 2020, the company announced that the investigation had concluded and that remedial action had been taken, without publicly detailing what those measures involved.

#justice #became #hollywood #whedon
cepdf_7spp7sv
22 days ago
The move aimed to lower costs for farmers weeks before the midterm elections.
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that makes a specific kind of tax-exempt diesel fuel reserved for farm and construction equipment available to a broad set of road vehicles in an effort to reduce overall diesel costs.
The type of diesel, known as dyed diesel, is exempt from a 24.4-cent per gallon federal tax, making it a lower-priced option than regular diesel. Some states expanded access to dyed diesel in a similar fashion over recent weeks, providing relief from state diesel taxes.
Dyed diesel is nearly identical to regular diesel, besides a small amount of dye used by law enforcement officers and inspectors to ensure only permitted vehicle owners avail themselves of the fuel.
The executive order on Monday came weeks ahead of the midterm elections, targeting costs ****** ociated with a fuel vital to the supply chain for everything from groceries to clothing to electronics.

#Diesel #fuel #lower #executive
bluntly_hawk_lynx_72
22 days ago
An XRP holder proposed raising XRP Ledger fees 100x, but even that hike would cost only $0.0015 per transaction, which amounts to a negligible dent across 63 billion circulating tokens.
David Schwartz called higher fees 'truly bizarre,' warning they would drive away payment processors and undermine XRP Ledger's core advantage of cheap, fast settlement.
Higher fees would force active users to subsidize passive holders, and any fee change requires validator approval, which is a threshold this proposal hasn't reached.
Building a portfolio and living off one are two completely different skills, and almost ***** ody teaches the second. This problem is what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income helps, and it is free today. Read more here. (Sponsor)
Recently, an XRP (CRYPTO:XRP) holder made a bold proposal on X, suggesting that XRP Ledger fees be raised 10 to 100 times to enable a larger XRP burn with each transaction. Burning tokens reduces the total supply, a move many holders support because it could increase the value of their remaining tokens.

#tokens #ledger
tR0LY
23 days ago
A typical single retiree needs about $898,000 invested for a comfortable retirement, but $1,000 a month in annuity income can reduce that to about $598,000.
Because part of your savings would be used to buy the annuity, these figures show what must remain invested, not your total savings target.
With $2,000 a month in annuity income, the remaining nest egg ranges from about $44,000 in North Dakota to about $418,000 in New Jersey.
For retirees, an annuity can meaningfully shrink the nest egg needed for a comfortable retirement—but only after you spend down some savings to buy the annuity.
A typical single retiree age 65 or older needs about $898,000 saved to fund a comfortable retirement after accounting for roughly $23,700 a year in Social Security, according to an Investopedia ***** ysis of federal data. Across the 50 states and Washington, D.C., that figure ranges from about $644,000 to nearly $1.02 million.

#Retirement #invested
mludzdlcome
24 days ago
Chris Brown is getting another shot at the eight-figure verdict handed down against him in the dog-mauling case brought by his former housekeeper, but only if she refuses to accept less money.
According to legal documents obtained by Complex, Los Angeles judge Huey P. Cotton ruled that Brown and his company Black Pyramid LLC are entitled to a new trial limited to damages for Maria Avila, unless Avila consents to having her award reduced to $9.5 million. Judge Cotton denied all of Brown's other motions in the filing. Avila was originally awarded $12.9 million by a jury.
Cotton found the jury's $12.9 million figure excessive, pointing to insufficient evidence of permanent nerve damage and of the dollar value the panel attached to Avila's future pain and suffering. The judge did credit the evidence that Avila faces future humiliation, shame, and embarrassment.
The rest of Brown's arguments went nowhere. Cotton rejected the claim that jurors were tainted by the admission of Brown's 2009 felony ******* ault conviction involving Rihanna.
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#million #brown #shop #evidence
plquJ_9
27 days ago
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been given a simple piece of advice as their family adjusts to life in the UK. Relationship expert Georgina Vass suggested that the couple focus on "honest communication." This comes as the couple helps their children navigate the major transition.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the UK with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after leaving the country back in 2020. The family is now believed to be living in the Cotswolds after relocating from California.
Speaking to "Gloucestershire Live", relationship expert Georgina Vass said the couple could help their children adapt by "modelling adaptation through honest communication about the hurdles, complicated feelings, and exciting opportunities." The expert also suggested creating consistent routines around school, meals, bedtime, and weekends. According to Vass, familiar routines could help reduce feelings of disruption while the children settle into their new surroundings.
Her advice also focused on Harry and Meghan's relationship. She said staying emotionally connected during disagreements and sharing disappointments could help couples develop stronger trust and mutual support. She added, "Relationships strengthened by adversity can develop greater resilience, honesty, and confidence in their ability to survive difficulty together as a team."
The move has also brought changes to Archie and Lilibet's education. The Sussexes' kids were initially registered at a British school in September. However, reports claimed the children later switched schools because of security and logistical concerns surrounding the route to that specific school. The school has not been publicly identified for safeguarding reasons. Reports suggested heavy traffic during rush hour had significantly increased the journey time, creating additional concerns around security.

#children #prince #expert
df_glide
27 days ago
Sean Combs was reportedly placed back in solitary confinement following a NBC News report that the music mogul was using a contraband cellphone to scroll on Instagram, kept a private stash of premium liquor, and had access to a jailbroken tablet where he watched a Netflix documentary about himself.
The 56-year-old was put in a special housing unit, both NBC and TMZ have reported, after footage was released of Combs seemingly using a cell phone while serving his 50-month sentence at Fort Dix in New Jersey. This would be Combs' second time placed in isolation, following a physical fight with a fellow inmate in July.
More from Rolling Stone
Rihanna Shooting Suspect Indicted by Grand Jury, Pleads Not Guilty to Upgraded Charges
Chris Brown Will Get New Dog Attack Trial, But Only If Housekeeper Rejects Reduced $9.5 Million Award

#following #Instagram #july
kZc1aazt5Gx
27 days ago
RM for RM x SFMOMA Between You and Me
While many know RM as a member of the global sensation BTS, his fandom, known as ARMY, and those in the art world know another side of him: RM, real name Kim Namjoon, is an art collector – and now curator.
He, alongside exhibition co-curators América Castillo and Hyoeun Kim of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, is now ready to show his personal art collection in RM x SFMOMA: Between You and Me.
Over the past few years, museums have faced low attendance, lost federal grants, and reduced funding. Museums have had to strategize what exhibitions people want to see, how to increase membership, and how to introduce art to the masses. Castillo says there have been more projects that the museum has taken on that have "pushed that boundary, even within their section of the art world." She had previously worked on a project called "Art of Noise" that focused heavily on music.
"It was the accumulation of those moments within the art world [that] there might actually be an appetite," Castillo states. "Then there was an internal opening, calling for ideas, and I just didn't hesitate saying, 'We should work with RM'."

#World #sfmoma #know #hyoeun
qkwnlxedfccnhmmu
1 month ago
Titan International, Inc. (NYSE:TWI) announced a definitive agreement on September 21 to sell its Italtractor ITM undercarriage business to USCO S.p.A. The initial purchase price is approximately $207 million, while the stated total cash value reaches up to approximately $285 million. Understanding that difference is central to ******* sing the financial flexibility the disposal could create.
Titan International, Inc. (NYSE:TWI) expects approximately $23 million from closing adjustments and $11 million in dividends before closing. A further $6 million depends on ITM meeting specified 2026 performance criteria. The headline also includes $38 million in dividends received in earlier years.
Subtracting those historical dividends leaves approximately $247 million in potential future gross receipts, including the earnout, or $241 million without it. These calculations use the announced estimates and span different payment dates. Final adjustments, taxes, and transaction costs will determine how much cash becomes available for deployment.
The disclosed dollar amounts were translated at €1.00 to $1.148, the September 18, 2026 exchange rate. Currency movements could increase or reduce the eventual dollar receipts.
Titan International, Inc. (NYSE:TWI) intends to use part of the proceeds to reduce debt and pursue growth investments, including acquisitions and partnerships. The disposal would also concentrate resources on wheel and tire operations.

#september #announced
mumdirenaqodo9
1 month ago
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (NYSE:WAB) announced on September 21 a services agreement worth more than $700 million with La Compagnie du TransGuinéen. Combined with locomotive orders placed in 2024, announced agreements for the Simandou project now exceed $1.2 billion.
The railway stretches more than 600 kilometers between the Simandou mine and Guinea's Port of Morebaya. The new agreement extends the relationship beyond locomotive delivery into ongoing fleet support. For investors, the opportunity is to earn revenue throughout the equipment's operating life.
Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (NYSE:WAB) will provide scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, parts, component overhauls, logistics support, remote diagnostics, and training. These activities create multiple opportunities to serve the same fleet after the initial equipment sale.
That is an attractive business model when maintenance needs translate into repeat orders and efficient service delivery. Familiarity with the locomotives should help technicians diagnose problems and plan repairs. Remote monitoring could also help identify faults before they cause prolonged downtime, strengthening the customer's incentive to maintain the relationship.
Local workforce development and partnerships with Guinean businesses could improve responsiveness as the operation matures. Over time, an experienced local team could reduce dependence on specialists traveling to the site and make parts planning more efficient.

#westinghouse #brake #agreement
vr3oa
1 month ago
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ:HBAN) dropped 5.55% to $15.82 on September 16, 2026, close to its 52-week low. The price movement was triggered by a profit warning at a Barclays conference. Huntington brought down its 2027 EPS guidance from above $1.90 to the range of $1.75-$1.83, and its 2026 net interest income growth from 39%-43% to roughly 35%. What matters more than these numbers is the reason behind them. Deposit costs are rising, and loan pricing is tightening, and it landed on the day the Fed delivered its first interest rate hike since 2023. The drop therefore raises the question: is this an oversold bank or the opening crack in regional-bank margins?
A well-run bank has just lowered its guidance, citing intense competition for deposits and loans. If Huntington feels the margin pressure, then it is likely that its peers feel the same. This explains why Fifth Third shares slid 4.1% on the same afternoon alongside the whole financials group. The Fed's new hike makes the environment more unfavorable for the group in the near term. While rate increases eventually lift ***** et yields, banks must immediately offer higher deposit yields to retain balances, squeezing net interest margins in the near term. Furthermore, accelerated commercial real estate loan payoffs reduced total earning ***** ets, though these early payoffs lower credit risk on the loan book.
The selloff leans too much into the reset. A move to $1.75-$1.83 from above $1.90 is a modest single-digit trim. Huntington sustains its profit as well as its operational performance. Loans reached $189 billion from $50 billion in 2015. Deposits touched $222 billion. And one of the company's biggest growth engines, value-added fee income, compounded at a 14% annual rate since mid-2024, with year-to-date growth near 32%. The income helps offset a notable portion of the spread pressure and offers a competitive edge against pure spread lenders.
A higher-for-longer rate environment carries trade-offs for commercial banks. It drives up deposit expenses, reflecting the margin pressure Huntington reported. It also expands loan yields as credit ***** ets reprice. Deposit beta determines the net effect by measuring how much of each benchmark rate increase the bank transfers to depositors. After the rate hikes, deposit costs typically rise further, so betting on a near-term peak takes some faith. A lower beta allows fee revenue to support earnings, whereas a higher beta keeps the squeeze sustained over multiple quarters.

#bank #interest #Growth
bluntly
1 month ago
On September 9, 2026, Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) reported fiscal second-quarter net sales of $3.33 billion, up 7.3% year over year, and adjusted earnings per share of $0.36, nearly double the roughly $0.18 ******* ysts had expected, prompting the company to raise its full-year revenue and profitability outlook. CEO Sumit Singh said the broader pet market did not meaningfully recover during the quarter but also did not deteriorate further, with Chewy continuing to outperform the category by two to three times through share gains across its established and newer businesses.
Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY)'s recurring revenue base is solid. It gives the company greater visibility into future sales. Autoship sales jumped by 9.3% year over year to $2.82 billion and represented 84.6% of total net sales. The growing contribution from subscription-based purchases gives Chewy a more predictable revenue stream and reduces its exposure to fluctuations in discretionary pet spending.
Chewy is also building growth engines beyond its core retail business. Chewy Health, which includes veterinary care and pharmacy services, delivered triple-digit revenue growth. Specialty categories such as equine and exotics recorded a seventh consecutive quarter of mid-double-digit growth. These businesses give Chewy additional opportunities to increase customer spending and diversify its sources of revenue as the overall pet market matures.
Chewy is combining customer growth with stronger profitability and shareholder returns. The firm added 208,000 net active customers during the quarter. It takes its customer base to 21.7 million while returning $200 million to shareholders through share repurchases. Management also noted structural SG&A leverage, automation, and AI-driven cost reductions as contributors to margin expansion. It shows that Chewy can improve earnings while investing in customer acquisition and growth.
Part of Chewy, Inc. (NYSE:CHWY)'s profitability improvement came from benefits that may not recur. CFO Chris Deppe said the quarter's profitability upside included about $10 million from timing benefits and more than $5 million from discrete benefits. Those items boosted the latest results but do not provide a recurring earnings contribution. It means investors may need to lower their expectations for the pace of margin expansion in future quarters.

#customer
hardly
1 month ago
On September 9, 2026, Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:IRT) and Centerspace announced a definitive all-stock merger agreement. It creates a combined middle-market apartment REIT with a pro forma equity market capitalization of about $5.0 billion and a total enterprise value of approximately $8.1 billion, encompassing more than 44,000 units.
The combined company will retain the Independence Realty Trust name and NYSE ticker "IRT." IRT's Scott Schaeffer continues as Chairman and CEO. The management projects the deal will be roughly 5% accretive to 2027 Core FFO per share for shareholders of both companies.
The merger gives Independence Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:IRT) higher scale and significantly broader geographic diversification. The combined company will own 44,354 apartment units across 163 communities in 17 states, with 58% of pro forma NOI coming from Sunbelt markets, 27% from the Midwest, and 15% from the Mountain West. The overall footprint reduces reliance on any single regional apartment market while keeping substantial exposure to markets with strong population and employment growth.
IRT can apply its existing value-creation strategy across a much larger portfolio. Its value-add renovation program has delivered about a 16% historical return on investment. The firm expects to grow its Wi-Fi initiative and other technology and income-generating programs across Centerspace's properties. Management also expects approximately $24 million in annualized synergies. It supports roughly 5% accretion to 2027 Core FFO per share on a leverage-neutral basis.
The all-stock structure allows the companies to chase greater scale without adding acquisition debt. IRT and Centerspace expect the combined company to retain BBB/BBB investment-grade credit ratings and maintain a well-laddered debt maturity profile. Centerspace shareholders will receive IRT shares and own approximately 22% of the combined company. It gives them exposure to the larger platform. Management also expects the transaction to improve access to capital markets and reduce the combined firm's cost of capital over time.

#management
prism
1 month ago
On September 4, 2026, the Wall Street Journal reported that Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' longtime chai latte devotees have turned against the company's reformulated recipe, introduced in March. It reduced sweetener and shifted from a pre-made concentrate to a new base with just two grams of sugar.
Customers have signed petitions, flooded Starbucks' corporate lines, and taken to Reddit and store review sites demanding the original formula back. Starbucks says the change gives customers more control over sweetness and has introduced new variations like Mango Cream Chai and Pumpkin Cream Chai.
Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' broader turnaround remains intact despite the backlash over its chai reformulation. Global comparable sales increased 7.9% in fiscal Q3, with comparable transactions rising 4.2%. The company raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $2.55-$2.65 from $2.25-$2.45. Stronger customer traffic and higher earnings give investors evidence that one unpopular menu change has not derailed the recovery.
The chai backlash appears concentrated among loyal customers of one product rather than across Starbucks' broader customer base. The business introduced the new chai formula as part of a personalization strategy. Customers can customize sweetness and other ingredients. If Starbucks keeps transaction growth across its wider menu, the business could improve its product economics without materially damaging overall customer demand.
Starbucks is improving profitability while it executes its turnaround. Non-GAAP operating margin expanded 430 basis points year over year to 14.4% in fiscal Q3, while North America revenue increased 7% to $7.4 billion. These results give investors evidence that the company can improve margins and sales even as it experiments with its menu and customer experience.

#customer
D7mN5YFOs8M
1 month ago
On September 9, 2026, Reuters reported that Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)'s Google will invest at least €13 billion, or about $15.1 billion, in AI infrastructure in Finland over the next two years, its biggest European investment, including three new data centers and a 22-year deal for up to 50% of the output of one of Finland's two nuclear power plants. The agreement with Finnish utility Fortum is Google's first nuclear energy deal outside the United States, and Fortum's stock jumped as much as 15.5% on the news, its biggest gain in Europe that day.
Finland gives Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) a potentially more cost-efficient location for its expanding AI infrastructure. Google plans to invest at least €13 billion ($15.1 billion) in three new data centers and related infrastructure in Finland during 2027 and 2028. The country's cold climate can reduce the need for energy-intensive cooling. The investment will also help grid improvements, clean-energy projects and battery storage.
The 22-year nuclear power agreement gives Google greater control over a critical input for AI infrastructure. Google will purchase up to 50% of the electricity generated by Finland's Loviisa nuclear plant, providing a long-term source of low-carbon power for its data-center operations. The agreement also gives Fortum greater economic certainty to extend and upgrade the plant through 2050. Google and Fortum plan to explore more nuclear and renewable projects.
Alphabet has strong demand drivers that can justify investment in AI capacity. The firm has increased its 2026 global capital investment target to $195 billion-$205 billion as it seeks to capture growing AI computing demand. Google is using the additional infrastructure to support Gemini, Search, Maps, and YouTube. It gives Alphabet multiple major products through which it can monetize greater AI capacity over time.
The Finland project adds another major commitment to Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)'s already enormous AI spending program. Alphabet expects to spend $195 billion-$205 billion on capital investment globally in 2026. The Finnish project will require at least another €13 billion during 2027 and 2028. Investors need Alphabet to make enough incremental revenue and cash flow from AI services to justify an infrastructure buildout that is rapidly increasing the company's capital requirements.

#billion #Google #investment #googl
rfhqhqlmjwh
1 month ago
On September 9, 2026, Reuters reported that Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) is recalling 201,976 Jeep vehicles in the U.S., including certain Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models. It happened after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found a software error that can prevent the tire-pressure monitoring system from detecting low tire pressure or alerting the driver, raising crash risk.
Dealers will update the affected radio-frequency hub software free of charge. The recall is the latest in a year that has already included a 1.5-million-vehicle Ram seat-belt recall, a 955,000-vehicle camera-glitch recall in August, and more than 1 million Wranglers and Gladiators recalled in June for fire risk.
The recall should carry a relatively limited direct financial burden because Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA) can fix the defect with a software update. The recall covers 201,976 Jeep vehicles, but Stellantis does not need to replace a physical component. A software-based remedy should reduce parts and labor costs and allow dealers to complete the repair relatively quickly, limiting the recall's immediate impact on earnings and cash flow.
Stellantis has already begun rebuilding its financial performance, giving investors a stronger foundation to absorb another recall. Second-quarter net profit reached €293 million compared with a €1.87 billion loss a year earlier. Revenue surged 13% to €43.5 billion. The business also generated €1 billion in industrial free cash flow during the quarter, showing real improvement as CEO Antonio Filosa executes his turnaround plan.
Strong North American demand shows the recall has not yet undermined demand for Stellantis' key Jeep and Ram products. Second-quarter North American shipments increased 38% to 445,000 vehicles. It was backed up by refreshed models, including the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee and the Ram 1500. So the company enters this recall with improving volumes and strong demand for several of the brands that matter most to its North American turnaround.

#software
qwwfsjnqudijywkq
1 month ago
On September 8, 2026, Reuters reported that Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ:PSKY) said California Attorney General Rob Bonta made television statements that contradict his own legal arguments against Paramount's request for a $1.88 billion bond in the ongoing court fight over its roughly $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBD).
Bonta's office has argued the bond is unnecessary because Paramount voluntarily agreed to pause the deal's closing rather than wait for a court injunction. But Paramount described that same pause as equivalent to an injunction in media interviews, which it argues legally requires the states to post a bond under antitrust law. A hearing is scheduled for September 24.
Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ:PSKY) could protect a significant portion of its financial position if the court grants its $1.88 billion bond request. Paramount says the delay could cost it about $1.3 billion in fees to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders by the time the case concludes in April 2027. A bond would give Paramount a potential path to recover those losses if it ultimately defeats the states' challenge. It reduces the financial damage from a prolonged legal process.
Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBD) is receiving financial protection from the transaction's delay through Paramount's ticking fees. Paramount agreed to pay WBD shareholders approximately $7 million per day starting October 1 if the transaction does not close, creating a growing payment obligation for Paramount. It is also providing WBD shareholders with compensation for waiting. The arrangement gives WBD a financial benefit from the prolonged closing process even as the companies await a final legal resolution.
The legal dispute has not eliminated the strategic rationale for combining the two media companies. Paramount argues that the merger would strengthen the film and television industry and lead to more content while giving the combined company greater scale to compete with Netflix and Disney. For Paramount, completing the acquisition would speed up David Ellison's plan to build a larger media competitor. WBD shareholders would receive the transaction consideration rather than remain exposed to the company's standalone turnaround.

#paramount
qkwnlxedfccnhmmu
1 month 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.

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c6smIc
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
1Torm
1 month ago
Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) reported second-quarter 2026 net revenue of RMB15.7 billion, up 6% year over year, in results released September 15. Revenue on its international platform increased more than 50%, highlighting a promising source of expansion against slower group growth.
Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) also recognized a RMB5.2 billion antimonopoly penalty in general and administrative expenses. The investment question extends beyond that charge: can international expansion generate enough profitable growth to offset pressure on domestic monetization?
International expansion gives Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) a potential route to reducing dependence on revenue earned from domestic travel. A broader customer base could make growth less reliant on a single market's commercial practices and regulatory environment.
The opportunity is especially attractive if new customers become repeat users. Over time, repeat bookings could reduce acquisition spending per transaction and allow technology and service costs to be spread across more revenue. That would turn international scale into operating leverage, with profits growing faster than sales.
Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) also grew accommodation revenue 6% year over year despite a regulator-imposed revenue reduction. That result offers some evidence of resilience, although reservation growth and the revenue earned from those reservations remain separate considerations.

#NASDAQ
xbxazeoqeohibn
1 month ago
LifeMD, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFMD) announced an exclusive healthcare collaboration on September 15 that initially makes virtual-health membership benefits available to approximately 29 million eligible AT&T wireless and fiber customers across 11 states. Customers must be 18 or older, and some services have additional eligibility and state restrictions. A nationwide expansion planned for January 2027 would extend eligibility beyond 100 million customers.
The $19 monthly membership fee is waived, but customers must enroll. Visits, prescriptions, and other services remain separately payable. For LifeMD, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFMD), the opportunity is converting access to a large audience into recurring demand for paid care.
The partnership gives LifeMD, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFMD) a distribution channel through the website, mobile app and customer-benefits program of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). Reaching customers through an established relationship could reduce reliance on advertising and lower acquisition costs per paying patient.
Removing the membership charge also reduces the financial commitment required to try the service. Announced visit prices start at $29 for message-based care, $49 for urgent and primary care video visits, and $79 for specialty care. Customers may use insurance, Medicare, or discounted cash-pay rates for visits and prescriptions.
LifeMD, Inc. (NASDAQ:LFMD) could benefit from repeat consultations and prescription fulfillment when clinically appropriate. Primary care, chronic-condition management and other services create opportunities for continuing patient relationships. If satisfied patients return, the revenue earned over those relationships could exceed the cost of acquiring and serving them.

#Services
FuZZy
1 month ago
Sempra (NYSE:SRE) added a long-term customer commitment on September 14, when its infrastructure subsidiary announced a 20-year sales and purchase agreement with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (NYSE:PBR). The agreement covers approximately 0.8 million tonnes annually of liquefied natural gas, or LNG.
Supply will come from the subsidiary's contracted liquefaction capacity at Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 in Texas. The project is under construction, with trains 3 and 4 expected to begin commercial operations in 2030 and 2031, respectively. The agreement improves visibility into future sales, while the earnings contribution depends on delivery and contract economics.
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) becomes the infrastructure subsidiary's first South American LNG customer. That broadens the geographic base of buyers and establishes a commercial relationship extending over two decades.
For Sempra (NYSE:SRE), the practical benefit is an external buyer for part of the subsidiary's contracted capacity. Securing that relationship before startup could reduce the need to find buyers for the covered volumes as production approaches, while supporting longer-term supply planning.
The annual commitment equals approximately 6.2% of Phase 2's planned 13-million-tonne annual capacity. This provides a measure of scale, although it does not establish the percentage of capacity still available for sale.

#agreement #petr #supply #term
11quickly
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

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