Are QS' Expanding OEM Partnerships Gaining Real Traction?
ZACKS· 2025-12-18 16:36
Core Insights - QuantumScape Corp. has achieved a significant milestone by signing a new joint development agreement (JDA) with a top-10 global automaker, marking a key step in its commercial roadmap for 2025 [2][9] - The company has focused on expanding commercial engagement with multiple automakers, indicating growing interest in its solid-state battery technology beyond initial partners like Volkswagen [2][3] Company Developments - Over the past year, QuantumScape has made substantial progress, including expanding its collaboration with Volkswagen's PowerCo and signing JDAs with two major global automakers [3] - The company has also initiated a technology evaluation agreement with another large OEM, suggesting various stages of engagement with multiple automakers [3] - QuantumScape is building a broader ecosystem by partnering with Murata Manufacturing and Corning to develop high-volume ceramic separator production, which is essential for its solid-state battery design [4] Strategic Outlook - Management has described 2025 as a "banner year," focusing on creating a layered commercial pipeline that includes licensing, joint development, and technology validation [5] - With multiple OEMs actively involved, QuantumScape is entering 2026 with increasing industry validation [5] Competitive Landscape - Solid Power is developing long-term relationships with established automakers like BMW and Ford, focusing on all-solid-state battery technology [6] - SES AI is engaging in development partnerships with major automotive OEMs, applying its AI-for-Science platform to innovate new electrolyte materials for EV batteries [7] Market Performance - QuantumScape's shares have surged approximately 145% over the past six months, significantly outperforming the industry [8]
LMND vs. EVER: Which InsurTech Stock Is the Better Pick?
ZACKS· 2025-12-18 16:36
Key Takeaways LMND targets adjusted EBITDA breakeven by 2026, backed by diversification and premium growth.EVER's ROE of 38.2% outperforms the industry, supported by innovation and a debt-free balance sheet.Both LMND and EVER shares have surged 116% YTD, but EVER shows stronger profitability and EPS growth.InsurTechs — technology-led insurers — are trying hard to be game changers, leveraging technologies like AI, telematics, data-driven underwriting and machine learning, among others. Yet, Lemonade Inc. (LM ...
SoFi Stock Pops on Stablecoin Launch. The Fintech Doubles Down on Crypto.
Barrons· 2025-12-18 16:36
SoFi Technologies is doubling down on cryptocurrency, this time for its commercial clients. ...
UCO: 2026 Is The Year Of Oil And These Charts Prove It (Rating Upgrade)
Seeking Alpha· 2025-12-18 16:34
Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of in-depth research and insights for informed investment decisions in the equity analysis sector, particularly in Latin America [1] Group 1 - The company has over 5 years of experience in equity analysis focused on Latin America [1] - The research provided aims to assist clients in making informed investment decisions [1]
Birkenstock shares plunge 9% as German sandal maker warns tariffs will slam profits
New York Post· 2025-12-18 16:33
Shares in Birkenstock plunged 9% Thursday after the German shoe retailer warned tariffs will likely weigh heavily on its profit margins.The company – known for its chunky cork sandals – said it expects its annual gross margins will drop by a full percentage point due to US tariffs in the new fiscal year, which runs through Sept. 30, 2026.It expects adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of at least 700 million euros, or roughly $821.8 million, with a margin of 30% to 30.5% – ...
Accenture CEO Julie Sweet: We delivered an 'incredible' Q1, our biggest-ever in new business
Youtube· 2025-12-18 16:33
We're joined now by CEO [music] Julie to discuss the quarter and and we were just wondering about the stock reaction. Julie, the market doesn't appear to be believing that the AI narrative around Accenture even though it's clearly accelerating your business. What's happening.You know, Sarah, we delivered an incredible Q1, our biggest ever in new business, and it's because our clients know they have to deliver results today, and they've got to reinvent. So, we demonstrated that again, $20.9% billion in new b ...
Strength Seen in Impinj (PI): Can Its 3.4% Jump Turn into More Strength?
ZACKS· 2025-12-18 16:31
Company Overview - Impinj (PI) shares increased by 3.4% to close at $166.49, with notable trading volume exceeding typical levels, contributing to an 11.2% gain over the past four weeks [1] - The stock's performance is driven by better-than-expected execution, rising RFID adoption, and positive sentiment regarding its multi-year growth and margin profile [1] Earnings Expectations - Impinj is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.50 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.2%, with revenues projected at $92.15 million, up 0.6% from the previous year [2] - The consensus EPS estimate for Impinj has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating that stock price movements may not sustain without trends in earnings estimate revisions [3] Industry Context - Impinj operates within the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry, where Lattice Semiconductor (LSCC) is another key player, having closed 3.5% lower at $71.86, but returning 15.2% over the past month [3] - Lattice's consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report is $0.32, representing a significant year-over-year change of 113.3%, with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4]
LPL Financial Reports Rise in November Brokerage & Advisory Assets
ZACKS· 2025-12-18 16:31
Core Insights - LPL Financial (LPLA) experienced a rise in total brokerage and advisory assets, reaching $2.36 trillion in November 2025, marking a 0.5% increase from the previous month and a 34.3% increase year over year [1][10]. LPLA's November Performance Breakdown - Brokerage assets totaled $977.6 billion, showing a slight increase from October 2025 and a 24.4% year-over-year growth [2]. - Advisory assets amounted to $1.39 trillion, rising 0.8% from the previous month and 42.3% from November 2024 [2]. Organic Net New Assets (NNAs) - Total organic NNAs were reported at $6.7 billion, which included $0.1 billion from First Horizon Bank and $0.3 billion of off-boarded assets due to a planned separation [3]. Client Cash Balances - LPL Financial reported a total client cash balance of $54.6 billion for November 2025, down 0.5% from the prior month but up 8.1% year over year [4]. Company Outlook - The company is expected to maintain strong advisor productivity and recruiting efforts, which will likely support advisory revenues [5]. - There are concerns regarding the performance of capital markets and substantial goodwill on the balance sheet [5]. Stock Performance - Over the past six months, LPLA shares have declined by 6.2%, contrasting with the industry's growth of 22% [6].
3 Momentum Stocks That Could Continue Their Strong Run in 2026
ZACKS· 2025-12-18 16:31
Core Insights - Momentum investing focuses on stocks that are performing well and maintaining their upward trend, particularly relevant as the market approaches 2026 [2] - In 2025, a select group of companies consistently exceeded earnings expectations and demonstrated clear growth visibility, leading to strong investor confidence [3] - The current momentum is distinguished by the quality of underlying fundamentals, with leading stocks benefiting from long-term trends such as AI, healthcare innovation, and infrastructure spending [4] Group 1: Momentum Stocks - NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) is experiencing strong momentum due to the rising demand for AI and accelerated computing, with fiscal 2027 sales projected to increase by 42.2% and earnings by 52.9% year over year [9][10] - Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) is gaining momentum from AI-focused semiconductors and networking solutions, with fiscal 2027 sales expected to rise by 40.5% and earnings by 39.5% year over year [14] - Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) is benefiting from high demand for obesity and diabetes treatments, with projected sales growth of 22.4% and earnings growth of 41% in 2026 [16] Group 2: Factors Supporting Momentum - Stocks with clear demand drivers and predictable revenue streams tend to maintain momentum longer, even if valuations appear high [5] - NVIDIA's momentum is broadening beyond hyperscalers to include enterprises and governments investing in AI infrastructure [8] - Broadcom's balanced model, combining AI momentum with a stable software portfolio, supports strong free cash flow growth and shareholder returns [13]
Aspo Plc: Share repurchase 18.12.2025
Globenewswire· 2025-12-18 16:30
Aspo Plc ANNOUNCEMENT 18.12.2025 Aspo Plc: Share repurchase 18.12.2025 In the Helsinki Stock Exchange Trade date 18.12.2025 Bourse trade Buy Share ASPO Amount 3 000Shares Average price/ share 6,6333EUR Total cost <td style="width:114.67px;;text-align: left ; vertical-align: m ...