Rates stuck in a holding pattern, inflation still above target and the Fed hinting it may not be done yet. That mix keeps pressure on growth stories and puts steady cash payers back in the spotlight. Investors hunting for resilience and reliable income are watching this closely, because moments like this can reshape portfolios for years. This article walks through 3 dividend stocks exposed to this macro story.
The stocks covered next are just a sample to illustrate the idea. The full screen surfaced 18 more large-cap defensive dividend companies with income profiles and risk characteristics that also fit this tighter brief. If you want to identify and ******* yze your own shortlist of higher-conviction defensive payers right now, head straight into the Large-Cap Defensive Dividend Stocks (US) screener.
Overview: Consolidated Edison is a regulated utility that delivers electric, gas and steam services to customers across New York and parts of New Jersey.
Operations: Consolidated Edison generates almost all of its roughly US$17.7b revenue from US$12.1b CECONY electric, US$3.4b CECONY gas and US$872 million steam operations in the United States.

#edison #income

This past weekend marked our first UK basketball/football doubleheader, and now we're preparing for another with two games in Lexington this coming weekend for the Kentucky Wildcats.
On Friday, Mark Pope's Wildcats will face a stiff pre-season test, as the Texas Tech Red Raiders come to town. The Red Raiders are projected to be a top-25 team to start the season, but they currently face eligibility questions regarding some key players, including returners Darrion Williams and Donovan Atwell, as well as UCF transfer JaMichael Stillwell.
Star forward JT Toppin is also out this week as he continues to recover from a torn ACL that will likely keep him out until sometime in conference play.
Regardless, Texas Tech under Grant McCasland has been solid and should be a good measuring stick to see where this Kentucky team stands heading into the season.
Meanwhile, Kentucky Football returns home for an SEC matchup against Vanderbilt in front of what was recently announced as a sold-out crowd at Kroger Field.

#kentucky #texas #raiders #weekend

It's official: Joey Porter Jr. was active for a second game with the Dallas Cowboys, and the Pittsburgh Steelers can finally breathe a sigh of relief with additional draft capital now heading their way.
A big part of the Steelers-Cowboys trade was a conditional sixth-round pick that required Porter to be on Dallas' game-day roster for at least two games, which appeared to be in jeopardy following his surprise absence in Week 5 and concerning ankle injury on the Week 6 practice report. Luckily for the Steelers, Porter was active for the Cowboys' blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers, and Dallas' 2027 sixth-round pick is officially heading to Pittsburgh.
Joey Porter Jr. is active and the Cowboys’ sixth round pick in 2027 is now officially owned by the Steelers with this being the second game Porter is active https://t.co/TqG1mnN1H4
Porter was a solid contributor for Pittsburgh during his three years in the league, slowly cementing himself as one of the league's top man-coverage cornerbacks. Unfortunately, the Steelers and Porter couldn't strike a deal before the start of the regular season, the team's historically self-imposed deadline, which resulted in a huge disconnect between both sides.
After failing to suit up for the Steelers with a "back injury" early in the 2026 season, Porter gave the team no choice but to trade him to any willing suitor, which so happened to be the Cowboys. Porter, however, isn't expected to receive a long-term deal from Dallas at this time and will instead play out the final year of his rookie contract.

#porter #active

The Tennessee ******* ans are on the board.
Tennessee (1-5) erased a 13-0 halftime deficit to win 26-20 against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 18 at Lucas Oil Stadium and earn its first win of the 2026 season.
The ******* ans' defense forced three turnovers, while the special teams added a blocked punt return for a touchdown.
While the ******* ans' offense remains a work in progress, solid days by Tony Pollard (76 rushing yards) and Carnell Tate (70 receiving yards) helped Tennessee in finishing the comeback in the fourth quarter.
"Whatever it took," ******* ans coach Robert Saleh said postgame.

#lucas

The Tennessee ***** ans are on the board.
Tennessee (1-5) erased a 13-0 halftime deficit to win 26-20 against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 18 at Lucas Oil Stadium and earn its first win of the 2026 season.
The ***** ans' defense forced three turnovers, while the special teams added a blocked punt return for a touchdown.
While the ***** ans' offense remains a work in progress, solid days by Tony Pollard (76 rushing yards) and Carnell Tate (70 receiving yards) helped Tennessee in finishing the comeback in the fourth quarter.
"Whatever it took," ***** ans coach Robert Saleh said postgame.

#colts #lucas #stadium #carnell

The goal that pushed the Minnesota Wild past the Blue Jackets in a 2-1 win Oct. 18 at Grand Casino Arena was shot into an opening roughly the size of a basketball above goalie Cam Talbot's shoulder during a power play in the second period.
More: Columbus Blue Jackets stumble in 2-1 loss to Minnesota Wild
The guy who sent it there, Kirill Kaprizov, leads the NHL with 10 goals in nine games and makes $17 million a season. There wasn't much Talbot could've done, even with an unobstructed view of Kaprizov's shot, but the veteran backstop wore it anyway.
"Yeah, I think I gave him a little bit too much [to shoot at]," Talbot said. "He put it in a great spot, but the other four guys are doing their job. That's my guy. I've got to make that save."
Talbot's answer plus his impressive ability to remain solid into his upper 30s is how he became the first goalie in NHL history to play and win games for nine separate franchises during his Blue Jackets debut Oct. 9 in a victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was the least of the Jackets' concerns in St. Paul, Minnesota, where the Wild forced him to make 32 saves to keep it a one-goal differential.

#goal #shot #play

Real Madrid left-back Marc Cucurella talked to the press after the team's convincing 4-1 win over Sevilla in La Liga. The Spanish defender was pleased with the effort.
"I think we played a very good game from the start. We had quite a bit of control and knew when to attack quickly and when to maintain more possession. I think we played a very solid 90 minutes," he said.
Cucurella was also very happy for Eder Militao, who made his return from injury last night.
"He's a great player with a lot of personality. He also contributes a lot to the locker room. He's a very cheerful guy, and I'm very happy to have him back. Now, we have just a few injured players, but little by little, we're getting there. The important thing is to have everyone available. It's a very long season. There are many matches, and the more players we have available, the better," he explained.
Lastly, he previewed the upcoming match against Leipzig in the Champions League.

#back #played #available #madrid

Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan caught six of nine targets for 86 yards in a Week 6 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: McMillan followed his career-best 14 reception, 192-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 4 against Detroit with another solid outing after the team's Week 5 bye. The second-year player is averaging 9.4 targets per game this season and has five or more catches and 75 or more yards in four of five games. He is a consistent WR2 in all formats, including Week 7 against Tampa Bay.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tetairoa McMillan tallies 86 yards receiving in Week 6 vs. Eagles

#mcmillan #yards #targets #five

Packers' Jordan Love highlights what offense needs to reach its full potential appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Green Bay Packers have had some ups and downs this season. More recently, it's been more ups than downs. Jordan Love and the Packers picked up a big win on Sunday Night Football over the Dallas Cowboys. However, even this win wasn't without some pain points.
The Packers offense has been under some real scrutiny this season. Green Bay has had some big moments offensively. In other times, though, they've looked either sluggish at best or straight bad at worst. After Sunday's win, Love spoke about what needs to happen for this offense to find consistent success.
"I still think there's so much more out there for us as an offense, and once we get that run game really going and solidified, it'll help a lot of areas," the Green Bay signal-caller said, via Packer Dispatch writer Zach Jacobson.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

#packers #green #clutchpoints #preferred

Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb had nine receptions for 70 yards in a Week 6 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Lamb was targeted a game-high 18 times.
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why It Matters: Lamb was given no shortage of opportunities to make plays against the Packers with his 18 targets dwarfing second-place George Pickens, who had 11. He did almost nothing in terms of explosiveness, however, averaging 7.8 yards per catch with his longest reception covering just 17 yards. It's a disappointing trend for Lamb, who has averaged fewer than 10 yards per reception in half of his six games thus far in 2026. Despite that, fantasy owners know how high Lamb's ceiling is, so he should remain locked in your lineup as a solid WR1.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nine catches for CeeDee Lamb in Week 6

#nine

Earlier in the season, Angel Reese exclaimed that "Anything that goes up is mine," reflecting her mentality in the paint. Reese is now the WNBA's Defensive Player of the Year. Grabbing 12.1 rebounds per game in the regular season, she is far ahead of any other player in that category, and her gritty style of play has made her a solid anchor for the Atlanta Dream. However, Flau'jae Johnson believes that if Reese can consistently deliver on a less talked-about aspect of her game, she can be nearly unplayable.
"On a defensive point, I wouldn't say nothing. She's just a dog, and when you a dog, things just happen on defense. She's relentless. She was playing like a DB against New York. It's relentless," said Johnson on Sue Bird's podcast, Bird's Eye View.
"But I would say offensively, like that three-point shot. I've seen a couple of highlights on Instagram where Jonquel's like Let her shoot. She's knocking them down. And I think that's the difference. If she could consistently do that, like you got to play them straight up and that opens up the lane. So I think like that's like the evolution of like her game. But defense isn't really worried about that."
Johnson is reflecting on the moment when, during the third game of the series, Reese found herself alone at the perimeter, with Liberty player Jonquel Jones leaving her unguarded, and Reese knocking down the three comfortably.
Flau'jae's candid take on Angel Reese's game reveals what scouts are really watching for. Subscribe to stay ahead of the WNBA's most compelling storylines.

#player

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (ribs) went for seven receptions and 38 yards on eight targets in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kincaid suffered an injury to his ribs during the game.
SOURCE: NFL.com
Why it Matters: We'll keep an eye on Kincaid's injury, as he is a solid streaming option for fantasy managers when he is healthy. He has high-end TE2 value. If he is unable to play, Dawson Knox could be tasked with more responsibilities.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dalton Kincaid injures ribs in Week 6

#kincaid

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce registered four receptions for 53 yards on five targets in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
SOURCE: USA TODAY
Why it Matters: Kelce had a rather mediocre stat line, but his four receptions were the second-best mark on the team. It was a mostly run-heavy offensive attack, which doesn't bode well for the pass catchers, obviously. Still, Kelce remains a solid low-end TE1 in all fantasy leagues heading into Week 7.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Travis Kelce has rather mediocre stat line in Week 6

#four

Marco Sturm is giving the Boston Bruins' younger players a chance to prove themselves, and Matt Poitras is taking full advantage of it.
Poitras signed a one-year, two-way deal on the day training camp opened, and one day later told reporters that he needs to "prove to everybody that I can be in the lineup every night." It was not all smooth sailing, though. He suffered a lower-body injury during training camp and missed the first three regular-season games before playing in the last six.
Ahead of his first game, Sturm said he was looking to "see [Poitras'] strengths, and I think just being smart, and skate." Six games later, Sturm is happy with what he's seen out of the 22-year-old center.
"Yeah, he's been solid, and that's all I'm asking for," Sturm said of Poitras after Saturday's game in Los Angeles. "I'm not asking for big points and goals, whatever. No, I want him to just do [his] job, and the rest will come automatically."
In his first five games of the season, Poitras centered the fourth line. He skated alongside Tanner Jeannot and Mark Kastelic, but with Pavel Zacha sidelined by an upper-body injury, Poitras moved into a top-six role.

#later

Minutes from the Federal Reserve's September policy meeting reflect unanimous agreement among officials that interest rates needed to be higher to combat persistent inflation.
"Participants generally emphasized that inflation remained elevated while the labor market appeared to be near full employment, with some signs of strengthening, and that economic activity was expanding at a solid pace. Furthermore, almost all participants ****** sed that, while inflation risks were tilted to the upside, risks to the labor market had diminished and were now broadly balanced," minutes from the Sept. 16 meeting released Wednesday stated.
"Based on the outlook and the changing balance of risks, all participants viewed a higher target range for the federal funds rate as appropriate."
The Fed voted unanimously on Sept. 16 to raise rates, the first hike in three years. And at the time, most Federal Open Market Committee members saw a need for at least one more 25 basis point rate hike this year.
Markets were banking on a hike and expecting more to come.

#federal #hike #rates

Students at Cornell University began what was billed as a seven-hour sit-in on Wednesday in solidarity with "Jane Doe," the former student who alleges she was drugged and raped by multiple members of a fraternity on its Ithaca, N.Y., campus in October 2024.
"Seven hours for the seven hours she endured," a coalition of Cornell student groups said in an Instagram post announcing the demonstration. "Seven hours of solidarity. Seven hours demanding change."
About 80 students gathered in a campus dining hall named for Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison on Wednesday afternoon, according to NBC News. The protest was part of "Zero Day," which organizers described as an "economic blackout calling on students to disrupt business as usual by not attending class or spending on campus."
A Cornell University student sits with a sign during a campus-wide sit-in on Oct. 7.
The sit-in comes two days after thousands of people took part in a campus rally protesting Cornell's handling of Jane Doe's allegations. Demonstrators held signs accusing the school of protecting the alleged rapists and demanding accountability.

#hours #student #university

GNL paid out more in dividends than it earned in operating cash for four straight years and has already slashed its quarterly dividend from $0.53 to $0.19; PSEC's NAV fell from $6.56 to $5.71 while distributions exceeded net investment income.
IEP carries a 30% yield but posted net losses every year from 2019 through 2025 and slashed distributions from $2 to $0.50 per quarter while units dropped 66% over five years.
BEP and CWEN both rely on billions in annual financing inflows to fund distributions, with BEP's 2025 capex hitting $6.7 billion against just $1.5 billion in operating cash flow.
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)
One stock on this list has a forward yield of about 30%. For a retiree, a number like that looks like a solid paycheck. A high yield only means something if the payout is sustainable, and each of the five names below has spent years sending out more cash than the business brought in.

#distributions #operating #slashed

Interested in Texas Instruments Incorporated? Here are five stocks we like better.
Texas Instruments, Philip Morris International, and W.P. Carey all recently raised their dividends and offer yields ranging from roughly 2% to nearly 6%.
Although all three stocks show elevated trailing payout ratios, forward-looking estimates using future earnings or AFFO suggest their dividends are sustainable.
Each company's growth drivers differ, with Texas Instruments benefiting from chip demand, Philip Morris from smoke-free products, and W.P. Carey facing pressure from higher interest rates.
Texas Instruments (NASDAQ: TXN), Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM), and W.P. Carey (NYSE: WPC) are key names across semiconductors, tobacco, and real estate with strong dividend yields. These three names not only have yields between 2% and 6% but also just increased their payments. At first glance, their dividend sustainability looks questionable, with all three having elevated payout ratios. However, adjusting for future growth and using the appropriate payout metric shows that their dividends are on solid footing.

#instruments #dividends #yields #international

Paramount completed its $111bn acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery on Tuesday, consolidating some of the world's most recognizable studios and news outlets after a bidding war with Netflix and months of legal turmoil.
The new company, now called Skydance, will have David Ellison, the son of a billionaire tech mogul, at its helm, with the former CEO of Mattel, Ynon Kreiz, as co-executive. They will oversee Paramount and Warner Bros' movie studios, HBO Max, CBS News and CNN.
"Today is a historic day, not just for Skydance but for our entire industry," Ellison said in a statement. "From the start, our ambition was to bring these two storied studios together and create a stronger competitor, with the talent, resources, and reach to tell great stories in every genre, on every platform, for audiences everywhere. Now that ambition is a reality."
The consolidation of Paramount and Warner Bros combines two of the last five legacy studios in Hollywood, which includes Disney, Universal Pictures and Sony Pictures.
Though the merger was approved in June, California, New York and 10 other states sued Paramount over concerns that the move would "extinguish" competition and lead to fewer movie theaters in theaters and at home.

#studios #ellison

Five dividend stocks yielding 5% to 6.6% earned broad Wall Street Buy ratings, balancing income dependability with **** yst-backed conviction.
Dividend payers delivered 9% annualized returns over 50 years, more than double the 4% annualized return of non-dividend-paying stocks.
Verizon trades at 9x estimated 2026 earnings, has raised its dividend for 20 consecutive years, and targets $21.5 billion in free cash flow.
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)
Investors love dividend stocks because they provide dependable passive income streams and an excellent opportunity for solid total return. Total return includes interest, capital gains, dividends, and distributions realized over time. In other words, the total return on an investment or portfolio consists of income and stock appreciation. At 24/7 Wall St., we have focused on dividend stocks for 20 years because, despite the stock market's ups and downs, many people need reliable passive income streams to supplement their income from employment or other sources such as Social Security and pensions.

#stocks #total #free

By Donna Bryson and Jonathan Allen
Oct 3 - Women, some citing their own experiences of ******* ual ******* ault, are posting on social media that they are Jane Doe, in solidarity with the woman using the pseudonym in accusing fraternity members of raping her at Cornell University in 2024.
In a case that has drawn national attention, the woman is suing ‌seven fraternity members and the Ivy League school in Ithaca, New York, among others.
And although New York law allows "Jane Doe" anonymity for ******* ual ******* ault lawsuits, the Cornell student has become distressed ‌at attempts by some online skeptics of her account to discover her name and publish it, her lawyer said.
"I want us to support Jane Doe in coming to her own way of identifying herself in her own time," said Twanna LaTrice Hill, a writer and actor in Denver who has declared #IamJaneDoe on social media in recent days. "And if she never does, that's fine. But the flip side of that is that the people like me need to speak up if we are able to."

#york #Social #fraternity

Mikey Madison turned heads with a daring mix of traditional British tailoring and sultry punk glamour. The rising actress stepped out in a custom dark Vivienne Westwood look styled by celebrity stylist Andrew Mukamal. Pairing vintage-inspired structure with edgy details, she easily commanded the room. Her unique outfit showcases classic Westwood rebellion while bringing a fresh, modern energy to red-carpet dressing.
Madison wore a tailored two-piece look featuring a sharp slate-blue short-sleeved jacket. The structured top boasted wide lapels, neat central **** ons, and a flared peplum waist. A subtle embroidered Vivienne Westwood orb logo sat quietly near her hip. The tailored silhouette hugged her torso closely, creating a classic vintage shape before giving way to the dramatic skirt below.
The asymmetric skirt featured navy and black diagonal bands with an uneven hem. A sheer section appeared beneath one side of the skirt, while black tights continued the dark color palette. She finished the look with dark navy open-toe platform heels
She posed against a grey textured wall, letting her outfit do all the talking. Mikey swept her long brunette hair over her shoulder in loose, cascading waves. She chose soft, natural makeup with rosy cheeks, defined eyes, and a satin pink lip. She kept her accessories minimal, opting for delicate silver earrings so the structured clothing remained the main focus.
Mikey proves that structured tops and provocative skirts can coexist beautifully. Stylist Andrew Mukamal highlighted Westwood's signature corsetry details while embracing a moody aesthetic. Mikey walked the line between retro sophistication and edgy gothic glamour with complete confidence. She continues to solidify her position as a true fashion risk-taker to watch

#westwood #look

Mikey Madison turned heads with a daring mix of traditional British tailoring and sultry punk glamour. The rising actress stepped out in a custom dark Vivienne Westwood look styled by celebrity stylist Andrew Mukamal. Pairing vintage-inspired structure with edgy details, she easily commanded the room. Her unique outfit showcases classic Westwood rebellion while bringing a fresh, modern energy to red-carpet dressing.
Madison wore a tailored two-piece look featuring a sharp slate-blue short-sleeved jacket. The structured top boasted wide lapels, neat central **** ons, and a flared peplum waist. A subtle embroidered Vivienne Westwood orb logo sat quietly near her hip. The tailored silhouette hugged her torso closely, creating a classic vintage shape before giving way to the dramatic skirt below.
The asymmetric skirt featured navy and black diagonal bands with an uneven hem. A sheer section appeared beneath one side of the skirt, while black tights continued the dark color palette. She finished the look with dark navy open-toe platform heels
She posed against a grey textured wall, letting her outfit do all the talking. Mikey swept her long brunette hair over her shoulder in loose, cascading waves. She chose soft, natural makeup with rosy cheeks, defined eyes, and a satin pink lip. She kept her accessories minimal, opting for delicate silver earrings so the structured clothing remained the main focus.
Mikey proves that structured tops and provocative skirts can coexist beautifully. Stylist Andrew Mukamal highlighted Westwood's signature corsetry details while embracing a moody aesthetic. Mikey walked the line between retro sophistication and edgy gothic glamour with complete confidence. She continues to solidify her position as a true fashion risk-taker to watch

#dark #look #vivienne

Debbie Reynolds had some great words of wisdom before her death in 2016.
During her granddaughter Billie Lourd's appearance on the Thursday, October 1, broadcast of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, host Andy Cohen asked about the "best advice" the late actress bestowed on her.
Lourd's answer? "Always get a facelift before you need one," the American Horror Story actress, 34, responded, adding that it is actually really "important" information.
While Reynolds may have given some solid advice, it is unclear if Lourd, who is also the daughter of late actress Carrie Fisher, has had any work done.
The Singin' in the Rain actress died at age 84 on December 28, 2016, just one day after Fisher died at age 60.

#andy

On September 9, 2026, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) unveiled the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone and the biggest change to the iPhone's design in nearly 20 years, at the first product launch event led by new CEO John Ternus since he succeeded Tim Cook on September 1. The book-style, passport-shaped device opens into a 7.6-inch display, Apple's largest ever, starts at $1,999 for the 256-gigabyte model and rises to $3,199 for 2 terabytes of storage. This makes it the most expensive iPhone Apple has ever sold, with availability set for October 23.
The iPhone Duo gives Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) a new premium growth opportunity in a mature smartphone market. Apple entered the foldable market with the $1,999 Duo. It creates a new high-end product category within its largest hardware franchise. ******* ysts expect Apple to take a real share of the foldable market. The firm's brand strength and large installed base could help speed up use of foldable smartphones.
The Duo creates a materially different iPhone experience that could encourage upgrades and attract Android users. The device opens to a 7.6-inch display, supports side-by-side multitasking, and offers a tablet-like experience in a pocketable design. Apple also shows the Duo's ******* anium frame, custom hinge, A20 Pro chip, and Apple Intelligence features. It gives customers several reasons to pay a substantial premium for the new form factor.
The launch solidifies Apple's hardware innovation strategy under new CEO John Ternus. The Duo represents Apple's most significant iPhone redesign since the iPhone X. It gives Ternus an opportunity to reignite enthusiasm around the company's hardware portfolio. The product also expands Apple's ability to monetize its ecosystem through higher-value hardware, services, and accessories as customers spend more time using a larger, more versatile iPhone.
The $1,999 starting price could keep the Duo a niche product. Reuters reported that the global foldable market could account for less than 3% of smartphone sales in 2026. ******* ysts expect only about 6 million Duo units as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) enters the category. Even strong market share would turn into a relatively small contribution compared with Apple's broader iPhone business.

#iphone #aapl

On September 9, 2026, Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG) reported second-quarter net profit of more than $52 million, reversing a net loss of over $9 million a year earlier, with adjusted earnings per share of $2.19 beating ***** yst estimates of $1.72 by a wide margin. It sent shares up as much as 24% in trading.
The parent of Kay Jewelers, Zales, and Jared also raised its full-year profit guidance for the second time this fiscal year. It also extended its consumer credit partnership with Bread Financial through 2035, a deal it said includes new profit-sharing terms expected to make more than $1 billion in incremental value over time.
Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE:SIG) is showing demand improvement across its core jewelry brands. Same-store sales increased 2.2% in the second quarter, beating Wall Street's 1.9% expectation. Management reported positive comparable sales across all three months of the quarter. Performance also improved across Kay, Zales, Jared, and Blue Nile. It shows the recovery extends beyond a single brand or temporary sales spike.
Margin expansion is allowing Signet to make substantially stronger earnings despite limited revenue growth. Adjusted operating margin expanded 140 basis points to 7%, while adjusted EPS reached $2.19, well above ***** ysts' $1.74 estimate. Stronger bridal and timepiece sales, tighter inventory management, and operating improvements helped Signet expand profitability. Redesigned Kay and Jared websites provide additional opportunities to back up digital sales.
Signet's higher earnings outlook and shareholder returns solidify the investment case. The company raised full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $10.45-$12.15 versus $9.20-$11.00 and plans a $125 million accelerated share repurchase program. Signet also extended its consumer-credit partnership with Bread Financial through 2035. It added improved technology and data ***** ytics while supporting customer financing and marketing capabilities over the long term.

#adjusted #jewelers #limited

On September 9, 2026, Casey's General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY) reported fiscal first-quarter revenue of $5.68 billion, up 24.3% year over year, and earnings per share of $7.37, beating the $6.78 ******* yst consensus. Yet shares fell roughly 10-15% after same-store sales grew just 3.2%, below the 3.8% Wall Street had expected.
CEO Darren Rebelez described a "volatile" fuel environment during the quarter. Same-store fuel gallons sold declined 0.3% as elevated prices pushed customers toward fewer gallons per visit, more frequent trips, and cheaper fuel grades.
Fuel profitability more than offset softer gallon volumes. Fuel gross profit jumped 19.6% to $446.9 million as the fuel margin expanded to 47.8 cents per gallon from 41.0 cents a year earlier. It shows Casey's General Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ:CASY)'s pricing discipline can protect profitability even when customers buy fewer gallons. Prepared food added another source of margin strength, with same-store sales rising 4.8% and margins expanding to 59.3% from 58.0%.
Strong earnings growth gives Casey's a solid start to fiscal 2027. EBITDA grew 17.1% to $485.1 million, while net income rose 27.1% to $273.7 million. It shows that Casey's can grow earnings despite softer same-store sales. The firm also delivered $5.68 billion of revenue, up 24% year over year and above the $5.56 billion ******* yst estimate. It gives investors evidence that the overall business remains capable of producing strong growth.
Casey's is expanding its store base and integrating Fikes. The business said the Fikes integration remains ahead of schedule and maintained its plan to open at least 120 stores in fiscal 2027 through construction and acquisitions. Ongoing unit growth can expand Casey's geographic reach, increase purchasing scale, and support long-term revenue growth even if mature-store sales remain uneven.

#fuel #revenue

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

On September 8, 2026, Reuters reported that ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) plans to work with major customers. It includes Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM), Nvidia, Intel, Samsung, and SK Hynix to adapt its next-generation "High NA" extreme ultraviolet lithography tools so they can print larger data-center chips. It addresses a current limitation where the newer machines use a smaller mask than ASML's widely deployed standard EUV tools.
ASML targets a pilot production line using the larger masks by 2031 and high-volume manufacturing readiness by 2033. Chief technology officer Marco Pieters said these changes could lift the productivity of these systems by roughly 40%.
The larger-mask project could create a new growth opportunity for ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) while helping TSMC manufacture larger AI chips more efficiently. ASML plans to use its High NA EUV tools to handle chips as large as today's biggest data-center processors. The business expects the larger masks to increase system productivity by 40%. It could scale up demand for its next-generation equipment and help TSMC improve the economics of producing increasingly large and complex chips.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM)'s planned use gives ASML a clear path toward commercializing the technology. TSMC plans to introduce High NA EUV into advanced-node high-volume production from 2030. ASML aims to show its larger-mask technology through a pilot line in 2031. TSMC's commitment could give ASML greater visibility into future equipment demand. Early use could help TSMC maintain its advanced-chip manufacturing advantage.
The collaboration could solidify both companies' positions as chipmakers develop larger and more powerful processors. ASML can extend its High NA roadmap beyond its current chip-size limitation. TSMC can prepare its manufacturing processes for the next generation of AI chips. The partnership gives ASML an opportunity to deepen its relationship with one of its largest customers and gives TSMC access to a technology that could support future advanced-chip production.

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On September 9, 2026, Reuters reported that AI music startup Suno launched a new suite of models, including its flagship v6 and exploratory v6-Wild, built in partnership with Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) and BMG. It lets users make new music inspired by licensed recordings from participating artists. The launch follows Warner Music's copyright lawsuit settlement with Suno in November 2025, under which artists and songwriters can opt in to have their names, voices, and compositions used in AI-generated music in exchange for compensation.
Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) can turn the Suno litigation dispute into a new licensing revenue opportunity. Suno has now launched its v6 models in partnership with Warner Music and BMG. It allows users to make music inspired by licensed works from participating artists. Warner previously sued Suno over copyright issues before reaching a licensing agreement. This gives the label a direct path to monetize AI-generated music rather than relying solely on litigation. The deal could create a new revenue stream as consumers increasingly adopt AI music tools.
Warner enters the AI-music market from a position of financial strength. The firm reported fiscal third-quarter revenue of $5.44 billion, up 9% year over year. Adjusted OIBDA increased 16% to $433 million, and its adjusted OIBDA margin expanded to 23.2%. Warner also said it had met or exceeded its financial targets for five consecutive quarters. That basic growth gives the company greater flexibility to invest in AI initiatives while using licensing agreements to add another potential growth driver to its existing streaming and publishing businesses.
Warner could help establish a more sustainable commercial model for AI-generated music. Suno said future products will include opt-in experiences that allow individual artists to participate and receive payment when users generate music around them. So Warner has an opportunity to help shape licensing and compensation practices as Spotify and other platforms develop their own AI-music products. If the industry increasingly adopts licensed models, Warner's large catalog and relationships with artists could solidify its negotiating position and create recurring AI-related revenue.
Suno's new licensing model does not eliminate the overall legal risks surrounding AI music. Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) has reached an agreement with Suno, but other copyright owners are challenging the firm's technology. Independent publisher Round Hill sued Suno in August, alleging that the company used copyrighted songs to train its AI system. Suno also faces separate litigation from Universal Music Group and Sony Music. Hence, lawsuits could increase legal costs and create uncertainty over the licensing framework that Warner hopes to monetize.

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