Carvana (CVNA) - Carvana sold more cars than Wall Street expected in Q4, but concerns over profitability led to a 16% drop in premarket trading [5] - The company experienced a 58% surge in revenue, with retail vehicle sales up 43% and wholesale sales increasing by 66% [5] - However, gross profit per vehicle declined by $244, and adjusted EBITDA of $511 million missed estimates of $539 million [6] - Adjusted profits per share surged to $4.22 from $0.56, but this was attributed to one-time charges and is not comparable to the $1.12 estimates [6] - Carvana did not issue sales guidance for the full year but expects to sell 3 million cars between 2030 and 2035 [7] DoorDash (DASH) - DoorDash shares rose 13% in premarket trading due to strong order growth and upbeat guidance, despite a Q4 miss on both top and bottom lines [7] - Orders climbed 32% to 903 million, and gross order value (GOV) jumped 39% to $29.7 billion, both exceeding expectations [7] - The Q1 outlook for GOV is projected between $31 billion and $31.8 billion, with EBITDA expected to be between $675 million and $775 million [7] Moderna (MRNA) - Moderna shares closed 6% higher after the FDA accepted its marketing application for the mRNA-1010 flu shot, reversing a previous refusal to review [8] - The FDA has set August 5, 2026, as the target action date for the biologics license application (BLA) for mRNA-1010 [9] - Moderna plans to launch mRNA-1010 in the U.S. for adults aged 50 and older for the 2026/2027 flu season [10]

While Palantir is busy poking its nose in everyone’s business, it doesn’t want us looking into its own, having failed to lodge audited financial statements. Stephanie Tran reports.Last week, data surveillance firm Palantir secured a $7.6m contract with the Department of Defence’s Cyber Warfare Division, according to reporting by Crikey, marking the largest contract ever awarded to the company by the Department.The contract, described as for an “ICT System Platform”, follows a separate $7.1m contract awarded ...

#ai #aitools #artificialintelligence ...

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Transportation - Shipping industry is experiencing growth due to strategic diversification, digitalization, environmental compliance, and low fuel costs [1][2]. Industry Overview - The industry focuses on liquefied natural gas and crude oil marine transportation services under long-term contracts, primarily dealing with crude oil and oil products globally [2]. - The shift in e-commerce due to COVID-19 has led to increased reliance on third-party logistics providers, positively impacting the industry as economic activities resume [2]. Key Trends - **Digitalization and AI Adoption**: Enhancements in efficiency and decision-making through digitalization and AI are reducing operational costs and emissions, improving cargo visibility, and streamlining processes [3]. - **Increased Focus on Green Transition**: Adoption of alternative fuels and sustainable practices is driving technological progress and operational efficiency, while also improving access to green financing [4]. - **Low Oil Prices**: A decline in oil prices, which fell 7% during the October-December period, is benefiting the bottom line of industry participants, particularly oil tanker companies [5]. Challenges - **Supply-Demand Imbalance**: A persistent imbalance is compressing freight rates and weakening profitability due to excess vessel capacity and fluctuating cargo volumes [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Transportation-Shipping industry ranks 60 out of 243 Zacks industries, indicating strong near-term prospects [8]. - The industry has outperformed the S&P 500 and broader sector, gaining 32.9% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's 14.1% increase [10]. Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 14.28X, below the S&P 500's 22.52X and the sector's 14.78X [13]. Stock Recommendations - **Seanergy Maritime (SHIP)**: Strong performance in the Capesize market with a Zacks Rank 1 and an average earnings beat of 76.4% over the past four quarters [17]. - **ZIM Integrated Shipping**: Fleet expansion initiatives and a Zacks Rank 2, with a 10% share price increase over the past year [20]. - **Genco Shipping & Trading (GNK)**: Strong balance sheet and modernization efforts, with a 36% stock gain over the past six months and a significant upward revision in earnings estimates [23].

Economic Growth and Labor Market Trends - Bank of America Research predicts a "sea change" in the economy with companies becoming more productive with fewer workers, leading to GDP growth without significant job creation [1] - Oxford Economics forecasts GDP growth of 2.8%, driven by improved productivity [2] - The workforce is expected to remain flat due to an aging native-born population and reduced immigration, with net inflows dropping to 160,000 annually from over 3 million [3] Productivity and Employment Dynamics - Economic growth will increasingly depend on higher productivity as the labor force stagnates, with AI expected to enhance productivity later in the decade [4] - The labor participation rate among the native-born population is in a long-term downtrend, contributing to weak labor supply and depressed demand due to policy uncertainty and AI adoption [5] - Job gains are projected to average less than 40,000 per month in 2026, indicating a "low-hire, low-fire" labor market trend [6] Job Market Statistics - The average hiring rate last year was only 15,000 per month, with the jobless rate ending 2025 at 4.4%, showing little change from the start of the year [7] - Productivity improvements may exert downward pressure on job growth as firms optimize operations with fewer employees [7]

Group 1 - The company is hosting an Investor Day for 2026, focusing on its next growth chapter [1] - Key executives present include the CEO, CFO, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, and Chief Retail Officer [2] - The agenda includes four main topics: AIS '28, B2C Integrated Consumer Home Solution, B2B Infrastructure Solution and AI Adoption, and Investment For Future Growth [3]

Investment Rating - The report emphasizes a strong investment opportunity in autonomous supply chains, highlighting the potential for significant cost reductions and efficiency gains through AI and autonomous technologies [11][58]. Core Insights - Companies are increasingly pressured to optimize costs and complexity, with 27% of executives prioritizing cost optimization as a strategic goal [19]. - The convergence of AI and autonomous technologies can lead to a 5% increase in operating profit, 7% gains in return on capital employed, 27% shorter order lead times, and 25% higher labor productivity [11]. - Leading companies are adopting a pragmatic approach to transformation, focusing on high-cost areas to generate immediate savings that fund further investments [13][30]. - Targeted self-funding initiatives can reduce operational expenditure by up to 24%, cut manual interventions by as much as 50%, and lower overall supply chain costs by up to 20% [16][58]. Summary by Sections Introduction - The report discusses the need for supply chains to be both efficient and resilient in the face of inflation, geopolitical tensions, and volatile demand [11]. - It highlights that many companies are lagging in digital capability and autonomous maturity, averaging only 36% and 21% respectively [12]. Pathway to Transformation - A pragmatic pathway is outlined where companies can harness AI to create a self-funding cycle of efficiency gains [23][30]. - The report introduces a 2x2 cost categorization framework to identify high-cost, high-impact areas for initial investment [24][29]. Operational Domains - The report identifies four key operational domains—planning, procurement, manufacturing, and fulfillment—where AI and autonomous technologies can drive significant cost and productivity improvements [15][31]. - For example, intelligent transportation management can reduce transportation spend by up to 12% and improve on-time, in-full (OTIF) performance by up to 30% [20]. Technology Impact - The report emphasizes the importance of focusing on high-cost share and high technology impact opportunities to maximize returns [25]. - AI applications in manufacturing, such as predictive maintenance, can significantly reduce costs and improve asset life [25]. Future Outlook - The future of supply chains is framed as a transition towards adaptive, self-optimizing ecosystems that leverage AI-driven insights [61]. - Companies that successfully integrate autonomy and intelligence can expect to see substantial improvements in productivity, resilience, and growth [62].

Core Insights - Varonis Systems (VRNS) reported Q4 2025 earnings of 8 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 166.7%, compared to earnings of 18 cents per share in the previous year [1][9] - The company achieved revenues of $173.37 million for the quarter, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.87%, and up from $158.5 million year-over-year [1][9] - Varonis has consistently beaten Zacks Consensus Estimates over the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 123.8% [1] Revenue Performance - Varonis' strong Q4 performance was driven by SaaS momentum, increased demand for automated data security, AI adoption, higher SaaS retention, and accelerating cloud workloads [2] - SaaS revenues, which accounted for 82.1% of total revenues, increased by 97.1% year-over-year to $142.3 million [3][9] - Total annual recurring revenues (ARR) reached $745.4 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 16.1%, with SaaS ARR of $638.5 million making up 86% of total ARR, rising 32% year-over-year [4][9] Margin and Operating Income - Varonis' gross margin decreased by 470 basis points to 78.9% in Q4 2025, attributed to the transition towards a SaaS-centric revenue model [5] - The company reported a non-GAAP operating income of $4.6 million, down from $15.3 million in the same quarter last year, with a non-GAAP operating margin of 2.7%, down from 9.7% [5] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - As of December 31, 2025, Varonis had $921 million in cash and equivalents, a decrease from $1.1 billion as of September 30, 2025 [6] - The company generated $147.4 million in operating cash flow and reported free cash flow of $131.9 million for the year [6] Guidance - For Q1 2026, Varonis expects revenues between $164 million and $166 million, indicating a year-over-year growth of 20-22%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $163.8 million [7] - The company anticipates SaaS ARR growth of 27-28% year-over-year, excluding conversions, and a non-GAAP operating loss between $10 million and $11 million [7] - For the full year 2026, total revenues are projected to be between $722 million and $730 million, suggesting a year-over-year growth of 16-17%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $717.3 million [8] Future Projections - Varonis expects non-GAAP net loss per share to be in the range of 5 to 6 cents, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of 4 cents per share [8] - The company projects SaaS ARR to be between $805 million and $840 million, implying year-over-year growth of 26-32% [11]

Core Insights - Lawrence Fuller has 30 years of experience managing portfolios for individual investors and founded Fuller Asset Management to achieve independence [1] - Fuller Asset Management manages the Focused Growth portfolio on Dub, a copy-trading platform approved by US securities regulators [1] - The Portfolio Architect, led by Fuller, focuses on an all-weather investment strategy aimed at consistent risk-adjusted market returns [1] Company Overview - Fuller Asset Management (FAM) is a state-registered investment adviser [3] - The firm provides educational information and does not solicit specific securities or investment strategies [3] - FAM emphasizes that past performance is not indicative of future results and advises consultation with licensed financial professionals [3] Investment Strategy - The Portfolio Architect offers portfolio construction guidance, an "All-Weather" model portfolio, and a dividend and options income portfolio [1] - Additional features include daily briefs on current events, a week-ahead newsletter, technical and fundamental reports, trade alerts, and 24/7 chat support [1]

分组1 - Palanteer's fourth quarter earnings report shows a significant growth outlook, with a guidance of 61% growth for 2026, indicating a receleration in growth rather than a deceleration as some analysts expected [2][3][4] - The company's US commercial revenue surged by 137% year-over-year, reaching $507 million, surpassing analyst expectations of $479 million, and is projected to grow over 115% next year [3][4] - Palanteer is positioned as an infrastructure provider rather than just enterprise software, with broad demand across various sectors, indicating a strong commercial momentum [6][9] 分组2 - The company's approach involves directly engaging with customers to understand their AI needs, which differentiates Palanteer from competitors that merely rebrand existing software as AI [5][13] - The commercial business is becoming the core focus for Palanteer, with significant growth in commercial contracts and deeper deployments, suggesting a shift from reliance on government contracts [6][9] - The market is currently skeptical of software companies, but Palanteer's results demonstrate that it is gaining value as AI becomes integral to business operations, contrasting with other software firms facing commoditization [10][12][13] 分组3 - Palanteer is seen as a unique player in the AI space, with no significant competition emerging in its commercial business, similar to Nvidia's position in the AI accelerator market [18][19] - The company is recognized for its ability to provide actionable insights from AI, making it a critical partner for organizations investing in AI technologies [20][21] - The CEO's leadership and vision are viewed as pivotal for the company's future, with expectations that Palanteer will continue to innovate and expand its offerings in the AI sector [22][43]