Core Insights - Carnival Corp. reported record profits for the full year 2025, reinstated its dividend, and provided a positive outlook for 2026, which has led to a significant increase in its stock price [3][6]. Company Performance - Carnival's stock closed at $31.12, up 9.81%, with a market capitalization of $37 billion. The trading volume reached 84 million shares, approximately 250% above its three-month average [2]. - The company has grown 690% since its IPO in 1987, indicating strong long-term performance [2]. Financial Highlights - Carnival's record full-year revenue and adjusted earnings per share were reported, although sales slightly missed Wall Street's estimates. However, the stock surged due to a positive outlook for the next two years, driven by record bookings for 2026 and 2027 [6]. - The reinstated quarterly dividend is set at $0.15 per share, resulting in a 1.9% dividend yield at the current share price. This follows a $10 billion debt reduction since 2023 [7]. - The company is guiding for an adjusted EBITDA of $7.63 billion in 2026, trading at a valuation of 8.3 times next year's EBITDA guidance, suggesting it could be an attractive investment opportunity [7]. Industry Context - Other cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, also saw stock price increases, reflecting overall sector strength and positive investor sentiment following Norwegian's $1 billion EBITDA milestone [5].

The company set new all-time records for key line items in its latest quarter.Electrical components manufacturer Heico's (HEI +5.81%) stock provided a nice jolt of energy for its investors as the trading week came to an end. The industrial company's share price improved by almost 6% across Friday's session, thanks to record-breaking fiscal fourth-quarter results published after market close Thursday. Fresh all-time highsIn the quarter, Heico's net sales increased a robust 19% year-over-year to reach a new a ...

Core Viewpoint - Palantir's stock has seen a dramatic increase of over 2,700% since 2023, but it is now considered drastically overvalued, potentially leading to a pullback in 2026, allowing other companies like AMD and Salesforce to surpass it [1][4][6]. Palantir's Valuation - Palantir currently has a market cap of $435 billion, with a price-to-sales ratio of 120 times and a forward earnings ratio of 254 times, indicating extremely high growth expectations that may not be sustainable [2][6]. - Despite the stock's significant rise, Palantir's revenue has only increased by 104%, suggesting that the stock price is not aligned with its financial performance [4]. Competitors: AMD - AMD has a market cap of $343 billion and is projected to have a strong growth trajectory, with a forecasted 60% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) in data center revenue through 2030 [2][8]. - AMD's overall growth is expected to reach a 35% CAGR through 2030, making it a compelling investment option compared to Palantir [9]. - AMD's valuation is more reasonable at 11 times sales and 54 times forward earnings, positioning it as a potential larger company than Palantir by the end of 2026 if Palantir's stock falters [10]. Competitors: Salesforce - Salesforce, with a market cap of $250 billion, is the leader in customer relationship management (CRM) software but has faced challenges in revenue growth, struggling to exceed double-digit growth rates [2][11]. - Despite slower revenue growth, Salesforce has shown strong diluted earnings per share (EPS), leading to a more reasonable valuation at 22 times forward earnings, making it the cheapest option among the discussed companies [13]. - If Palantir's high expectations lead to a decline, Salesforce could potentially surpass Palantir's market cap by the end of 2026 [14].

Core Viewpoint - The recent trading activity of Infosys ADRs has highlighted significant volatility risks for U.S. investors, with a notable trading halt and record volume observed [1]. Company Overview - Infosys, a global provider of consulting, technology, outsourcing, and digital services, has a market capitalization of $80 billion and a current price of $20.22, reflecting a 5.42% increase [2]. - The company has experienced a remarkable growth of 3,362% since its IPO in 1999 and has a gross margin of 30.53% with a dividend yield of 2.69% [2]. Trading Activity - On a recent trading day, Infosys ADRs saw an intraday spike of over 50% before the NYSE halted trading, indicating volatility and structural issues in U.S.-listed foreign shares [3]. - The trading volume reached 115.6 million shares, which is approximately 738% higher than the three-month average of 13.8 million shares [3]. Market Context - The S&P 500 rose by 0.88% and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.31%, while peers in the information technology services sector, such as Cognizant Technology Solutions and Wipro, also saw gains [4]. - Despite the surge in Infosys ADRs to a 52-week high, there was no clear driver for this price increase, and Indian competitors did not experience similar gains [5]. Investor Considerations - The limited gain of only about 0.7% in Infosys shares in India raises concerns about the structural issues associated with ADRs [6]. - Investors contemplating the addition of Infosys or other ADRs to their portfolios should consider the implications of this added volatility [6].

Core Insights - Investors are currently assessing the impact of recent weaknesses in China, margin pressures, and a slower recovery path for Nike [1] Company Performance - Nike's stock closed at $58.71, down 10.54%, with a market capitalization of $97 billion [2] - The trading volume reached 108 million shares, significantly exceeding the three-month average by over 400% [2] - Nike reported a 1% increase in sales, but earnings per share dropped by 32%, with gross profit margins declining by 300 basis points and a 17% decrease in sales in China [6] Market Context - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite saw gains of 0.88% and 1.31%, respectively, while competitors Adidas and Puma experienced declines of 1.32% and 2.26% [5] - The footwear and apparel industry is facing pressures from tariffs and changing global demand [5] Future Outlook - A positive note from Nike's earnings call indicated a 20% increase in wholesale revenue in North America, suggesting improvements in retail partnerships [7] - Despite some analysts viewing the quarter as a potential turning point, Nike's stock is still considered not "cheap" at a valuation of 29 times free cash flow, indicating a preference for evidence of growth before investment [7]

Core Viewpoint - Energy Transfer is a leading energy midstream company with a strong financial profile and a lucrative cash distribution yield of 8.1%, while Western Midstream Partners offers an even higher yield of 9.3% and may present a more attractive option for income-seeking investors [4][7][10]. Company Overview - Energy Transfer operates over 140,000 miles of pipelines and owns various midstream infrastructure, including processing plants and export terminals [1]. - Western Midstream Partners has a market capitalization of $16 billion and is expanding its operations through acquisitions and new projects [9]. Financial Performance - Energy Transfer generated nearly $6.2 billion in distributable cash flow, covering its $3.4 billion distribution to investors by a factor of 1.8 times [4]. - Western Midstream produced $570 million in operating cash flow during the third quarter, covering its distribution payment of $355 million and capital spending of $173 million, with a surplus of $42 million in free cash flow [7][8]. Growth Prospects - Energy Transfer expects capital spending of approximately $4.6 billion this year and $5 billion in 2026, with growth capital projects planned through 2029, aiming for a distribution growth of 3% to 5% per year [5]. - Western Midstream has raised its distribution payment by 13% this year and aims for low-to-mid single-digit distribution growth in the future, with potential upside from major growth projects or acquisitions [8]. Investment Considerations - Energy Transfer's strong financial position supports its high-yielding payout, making it a solid option for income-seeking investors [10]. - Western Midstream's higher yield and growth potential may attract investors looking for greater income opportunities [10].

The company's deal with Nvidia gives its artificial intelligence (AI) strategy a boost.Tech titan Nokia (NOK +2.12%) has lived many lives. It began 160 years ago as a pulp mill, eventually moving into technology and becoming the global leader in mobile phones in 1998.Nokia was dethroned after the arrival of the Apple iPhone, and the Finnish company sold its handset business. Today, it focuses on networking infrastructure for data centers, along with its wireless network solutions.Now, Nokia stock is surging ...

Micron just delivered a massive earnings beat.Shares of Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) are soaring today, up 7.5% as of ET. The jump comes as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite gained 0.8% and 1.1%, respectively.The semiconductor company, which produces specialized memory chips for artificial intelligence(AI) servers, reported blowout earnings after the bell on Wednesday. The report was so strong that it has helped lift AI stocks across the board.NASDAQ : MUMicron TechnologyToday's Change( 7.72 %) $ 19.20Curr ...

After one of the most brutal drawdowns in recent market history, a concentrated bet suggests this turnaround story isn’t finished yet.New Oriental Education & Technology Group (EDU +0.56%) saw a significant purchase from Singapore-based Serenity Capital Management, which increased its position by approximately $21.6 million, according to a November 13 SEC filing.What HappenedAccording to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated November 13, Singapore-based Serenity Capital Management increase ...

Core Viewpoint - The pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and Merck have underperformed in 2023, facing financial challenges and upcoming patent cliffs, leading to uncertainty in their medium-term outlooks. The article compares both companies to determine which presents a better investment opportunity heading into the new year. Pfizer - Pfizer's Eliquis, a leading blood thinner, is approaching patent expiration, which could exacerbate its already slow revenue and earnings growth [3] - The company has expanded its pipeline through internal efforts, acquisitions, and licensing deals, launching new products that are expected to impact financial results positively in the future [4] - Notable pipeline candidates include MET-097i, a promising weight loss drug with fewer side effects and a long-acting dosing schedule, and PF-4404, a cancer therapy that could become a standard treatment for certain cancers [5][7] - Pfizer is also implementing cost-cutting measures and has secured a deal with the White House to be exempt from tariffs for three years, which may help improve its margins and bottom line [8] Merck - Merck's sales from its HPV vaccines, Gardasil and Gardasil 9, have declined due to lower sales in China, and its best-selling cancer drug Keytruda faces a patent cliff by 2028 [9] - The company has introduced a new subcutaneous version of Keytruda, which offers a more convenient administration method and is expected to mitigate sales losses from biosimilars [10] - Merck's pipeline includes successful products like Winrevair for pulmonary arterial hypertension and Capvaxive, a pneumonia vaccine, both of which are expected to generate significant revenue [12][13] - An acquisition that adds CD388 to its pipeline could potentially transform the influenza vaccine market, indicating strong future prospects for Merck [13] Investment Comparison - Both Pfizer and Merck are considered viable long-term investment options, but Merck is viewed as the stronger choice due to better financial results and a more developed plan to address challenges [14][16] - Merck's higher profit margins and faster dividend growth over the past decade make it more attractive for dividend-seeking investors, despite Pfizer's higher forward dividend yield [17]