Group 1 - The quarterly reports from Pepsi and Delta Airlines, among others, will contribute to the September-quarter earnings tally for the S&P 500 index [1] - Q3 earnings for the S&P 500 are expected to increase by +5.4% year-over-year, with revenues up by +6.1%, marking the lowest earnings growth since Q3 2023 if actual growth aligns with expectations [2][8] - Positive revisions in earnings estimates have been noted for Q3 and Q4, with 7 of the 16 Zacks sectors seeing increased estimates for Q4 [3][5][7] Group 2 - Pepsi is expected to report earnings of $2.27 per share on revenues of $23.88 billion, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -1.7% in earnings and an increase of +2.4% in revenues [12] - Delta Airlines is projected to report earnings of $1.60 per share on revenues of $15.93 billion, indicating a year-over-year increase of +6.7% in earnings and +1.6% in revenues [15] - Year-to-date, Pepsi shares are down -6.1%, while Delta shares have decreased by -5.2%, both lagging behind broader market gains [13][16] Group 3 - Among the 19 S&P 500 members that reported results for fiscal quarters ending in August, total earnings increased by +11.9% year-over-year, with 73.7% beating EPS estimates [17] - The overall earnings picture for the S&P 500 index shows expected EPS growth rates of $258.12 for 2025 and $290.98 for 2026 [25]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 has reached its 30th record close, driven by prospects for lower interest rates and a strong second quarter earnings season [1][2] - Initial earnings growth estimates for the quarter were around 5% year-over-year, but actual growth was nearly double that [2] - Tariff fears are subsiding, and the recent passage of a significant bill is expected to positively impact earnings and stock prices [2] Economic Conditions - Concerns remain regarding the government shutdown and its potential impact on the economy, although past shutdowns have not significantly affected equity markets [4][5] - The labor market is showing signs of softening, but it is not viewed as a major concern at this time [5] Company Insights - **Levi Strauss**: The company has been added to a value dividend strategy due to its attractive fundamental valuation. It has successfully navigated tariff challenges by diversifying operations and focusing on product lines [6][7] - **Valero Energy**: As a downstream refinery, Valero is less affected by crude oil prices and has benefited from favorable crack spreads. The closure of a refinery in California due to regulatory costs is expected to improve future earnings [8][9][10] - **United Health**: The stock has shown strong momentum, with a five-day winning streak. Analysts are becoming more optimistic about the company following federal investigations, and its recent confirmation in the CMS star program is expected to positively impact revenues and profits [10][12] Market Sentiment - There is a belief that high valuations do not preclude further market advances, with a focus on earnings being crucial for future performance [13][14] - The third quarter earnings are anticipated to show a year-over-year growth rate of about 7%, which could help maintain market momentum [15] - The market is beginning to see a broadening of leadership beyond the top-performing companies [15][16] Federal Reserve Outlook - The Federal Reserve is not expected to make significant moves in the near term, as the economy remains strong and inflation is relatively tame [17][18] - Companies are starting to lay off employees as a response to tariffs, indicating a shift in labor market dynamics [18]

Right now, we're seeing a market that continues to hit highs even as we enter a shutdown. We entered a shutdown yesterday without any clear end to it in sight. Is this a non-event for the market. It may be an event for the economy.We'll talk a bit about that some more, but is this just officially a non-event. >> Um, history shows that government shutdowns are indeed a non-event both for the economy and for the markets. Now in the short term there may be some effects on things like uh maybe a rise in jobless ...

Group 1 - Evercore ISI downgraded Allstate Corp. from Outperform to In Line, setting a price target of $233.00 due to a more balanced risk-reward following strong stock performance this year [1] - Analysts noted that earnings forecasts showed limited differentiation, with upside potential reduced to approximately 2.5% compared to over 4% previously [1] - Margin normalization is expected in 2026 and 2027, with lower loss ratios being offset by weaker expense ratios, which limits the scope for positive estimate revisions [1] Group 2 - Allstate remains inexpensive compared to historical levels, rival Progressive, and the equal-weighted S&P, but slower earnings growth over the next two years limits rerating potential [2] - The firm highlighted that Allstate is not under-earning on investment income as it had been in 2018-2019 [2]

Earnings are growing at a rapid pace and companies are becoming more valuable, yet some people are scratching their head on why stocks are going up.Just ridiculous. ...

Market Overview & Outlook - Equity market experienced a phenomenal recovery, with low stocks up 38% since Liberation Day [1] - A potential 5-10% correction is possible, considering the S&P's forward multiples at approximately 22 times earnings and the 10-year Treasury yields slightly above 4% [2] - The market is expected to see a rolling rotation, with profit-taking from the "Magnificent Seven" benefiting small-cap, value, and international stocks [3] Earnings & Revenue Performance - Second-quarter revenues increased by 6% year-over-year, and earnings increased by 12% year-over-year, both exceeding expectations [4] - Third-quarter revenues are projected to increase by approximately 6-7%, with earnings expected to show solid double-digit growth [4] - Federated Hermes is reevaluating and increasing its earnings estimates for the remainder of the current year and the following year [5] Economic Indicators & GDP - The U S GDP estimate for the next year is 28%, while the blue-chip consensus is 15% [6] International Markets - International stocks are considered attractive due to valuations being 40% cheaper than domestic stocks, compared to a typical discount of 20% [8] - The dividend yield on international stocks is approximately 29%, significantly higher than the S&P's 12% [8] - A weak dollar and accommodative foreign central banks are expected to facilitate stronger economic and earnings growth in international markets [9] - The company maintains an overweight position in international assets, viewing them as a favorable subcategory [10]

Let's get back to the broader markets and talk about what to expect going into year end. All as the Dow tracks for its fifth positive quarter in a row. S&P NASDAQ pacing for their seventh positive quarter in eight.Joining us here this morning at Post 9, Deutsche Bank chief US equity strategist and global strategist Binky China. Binky, it's great to have you in. >> Thanks to you.So year end 7K >> and 10 year almost four and a half, right. >> That's right. >> Market can deal with that.>> Uh I believe so. Yeah ...

Private Market Investment Opportunities - Private markets offer meaningful innovation, earnings growth, and diversification opportunities, especially given the concentration in public markets [4] - The value of the "private Mag 7" has grown by $12 trillion since the end of 2022, nearly quadrupling in less than three years [5] - Innovation in AI and other sectors is increasingly happening within private markets due to the need for patient strategic capital and the abundance of capital seeking investment opportunities [3] Valuation and Growth in Private Companies - Rapid revenue growth is being observed in the private AI company ecosystem, with companies reaching $10 million in annual revenue in approximately 12 months, a significant improvement from the previous decade [6][7] - Valuation expansion in certain parts of the private AI ecosystem is justified by the meaningful profitability improvements [7] Software as a Service (SaaS) and AI Investment Strategy - Software as a service is seen as a $3 trillion to $5 trillion opportunity [7] - Approximately 95% of software companies, as of March of this year, are private, suggesting that investing in private companies is crucial for participating in the AI trade [8] - A "barbell approach" is recommended, focusing on both the infrastructure layer (dominated by hyperscalers and semiconductors in public markets) and the application/platform technology layer, which is primarily in private markets [8][9][10][11] Public Market Investment Strategy - Active management is key for investing in the AI revolution in public markets, as the leaders of the future may differ from the leaders of the past [13][15] - Investment should be in a basket of high-quality companies with cash flow positive, durable earnings growth, and visible capex and revenue drivers [14]

Summary of CenterPoint Energy's 2025 Investor Update Call Company Overview - **Company**: CenterPoint Energy - **Event**: 2025 Investor Update Call - **Key Management**: Jason Wells (CEO), Aziz Soto (COO), Jason Ryan (EVP of Regulatory Services), Chris Foster (CFO) Core Industry Insights - **Industry**: Utility Sector - **Focus**: Energy demand growth, capital investments, regulatory environment, customer experience Key Financial Updates - **2025 Non-GAAP EPS Guidance**: Increased from $1.74-$1.76 to $1.75-$1.77, representing a 9% growth from the previous year [5][53] - **2026 Non-GAAP EPS Guidance**: Initiated at $1.89-$1.91, targeting at least the midpoint, which indicates an 8% growth from the new 2025 guidance [5][53] - **Capital Investment Plan**: Announced a $2 billion increase to the customer-driven capital investment plan through 2030, totaling $65 billion over the next 10 years [6][8] Growth Projections - **Peak Electric Load Demand**: Anticipated to increase nearly 50% to over 30 gigawatts by 2031 and nearly double to 42 gigawatts by 2035 [7] - **Investment Breakdown**: $33 billion expected from 2026-2030 and $32 billion from 2031-2035 [8] - **Incremental Capital Opportunities**: Over $10 billion identified for additional investments, including smart meter deployment and data center-related projects [9] Operational Efficiency - **O&M Reduction**: Targeting a 1%-2% reduction in operating and maintenance costs annually through 2035 [11] - **Dividend Growth**: Moderating to approximately 6% over the 10-year plan, with a payout ratio expected to remain above 45% [10][51] Regulatory Environment - **Rate Cases**: Successful outcomes in five general rate cases over the last two years, improving equity ratios and returns on equity [33][34] - **Legislative Support**: New laws in Texas facilitating faster regulatory processes for utility projects, enhancing the ability to meet growing energy demands [36][37] Customer-Centric Initiatives - **Customer Experience**: Investments aimed at improving safety, reliability, and resiliency of energy systems [8][30] - **Affordability Focus**: Striving to keep average customer charges in line with historical inflation rates while investing in system modernization [39][43] Economic Context - **Texas Growth**: Texas added over 560,000 residents annually from 2020 to 2024, driving a 7% cumulative growth rate, benefiting the utility's service territories [17] - **Houston's Industrial Expansion**: Houston's diverse industrial base, including energy, manufacturing, and healthcare, is expected to drive significant increases in energy demand [18][19] Conclusion - **Long-Term Vision**: CenterPoint Energy is positioned to capitalize on the explosive growth in energy demand, with a robust investment plan aimed at enhancing customer outcomes and delivering value to investors [55][56]

Core Viewpoint - Deutsche Bank has raised its price target for Welltower Inc. to $195 from $179, maintaining a Buy rating due to strong earnings growth potential [1] Group 1: Earnings Growth and Financial Position - The company is well-positioned for earnings growth, supported by favorable demand-supply dynamics in senior housing and a healthy acquisition pipeline backed by $9.5 billion in healthcare leasing liquidity [1] - Revenue per occupied room growth is outpacing expense growth, with occupancy gains providing visibility into sustained internal earnings expansion [2] - Management has increased its 2025 normalized FFO per share guidance to $5.06–$5.14 from $4.90–$5.04, indicating an annual earnings growth of 18.1% [3] Group 2: Acquisition Opportunities - Deutsche Bank highlighted acquisition opportunities arising from challenging capital markets, including assets in lease-up and stabilized portfolios across the U.S., U.K., and Canada [2] - Elevated acquisition activity and rising industry occupancy are expected to drive momentum into 2026 and 2027, suggesting further upside potential [3]