Core Viewpoint - VEON Ltd. and Rakuten Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore strategic collaboration in next-generation connectivity and digital services, focusing on cloud-native network infrastructure [1][2][3] Group 1: Collaboration Framework - The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation on modern, software-driven telecom networks and scalable digital platforms [2] - The collaboration will assess opportunities in key technology areas such as Open RAN architectures, AI-powered network intelligence, and global IoT connectivity [2] Group 2: Strategic Goals - The partnership aims to leverage Beeline Kazakhstan's market position and Rakuten Symphony's expertise to modernize connectivity infrastructure and develop advanced digital services in Kazakhstan [3] - The collaboration reflects a commitment to enhancing efficiency, resilience, and customer experience through next-generation network architectures [4] Group 3: Company Backgrounds - VEON provides connectivity and digital services to nearly 150 million connectivity users and 140 million digital users across five countries [5] - Beeline Kazakhstan serves 11.9 million mobile customers and around one million fixed internet customers, with a focus on digital solutions [6] - Rakuten Group operates in e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications, serving 2 billion members globally [7][8] Group 4: Innovation and Technology - Rakuten Symphony aims to disrupt traditional telecom models with open interface platforms that enable rapid service deployment at lower costs [9] - The collaboration with Beeline Kazakhstan is part of a broader strategy to enhance network evolution and digital service ambitions within the VEON Group [4]

Core Insights - Nvidia's quarterly report shows a 66% year-over-year increase in data center revenue, enhancing the investment outlook for related companies like Dell and HP [1][2] - The company is significantly involved in AI data center infrastructure, collaborating with OpenAI and Anthropic, indicating strong growth potential in the AI sector [2][3] Nvidia's Performance and AI Involvement - Nvidia is aiding OpenAI in establishing at least 10 gigawatts of data centers, which reflects its growing influence in AI infrastructure [2] - The partnership with Anthropic marks a positive sentiment for Nvidia's role in the AI ecosystem, as it will be the first time Anthropic utilizes Nvidia's infrastructure [2] Data Center Market Outlook - The current developments suggest that the AI sector is not in a bubble, with substantial infrastructure still needed for both existing and new AI-driven companies [3] - Companies like Dell and Hewlett-Packard are expected to experience significant growth due to increasing data center spending [3] Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) Stock Analysis - HPE's stock has risen nearly 80% from its April lows but has underperformed over the past year with a -4% return, compared to the S&P 500's 12% [5] - HPE's valuation metrics show it as a more attractive investment compared to Dell, with a FY26 PE of 11.11x versus Dell's 13.33x [6] Financial Metrics Comparison - HPE's forward revenue growth of 11.84% surpasses Dell's 10.33%, and HPE's gross margins of 29.88% are better than Dell's 21.26% [7] - HPE offers a dividend yield of 2.43%, which is higher than Dell's 1.67%, providing additional appeal to investors concerned about market volatility [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Third quarter consolidated net sales were $5.7 billion, up 4% year-over-year [5][19] - Gross profit was $1.3 billion, up 5% [5][19] - Non-GAAP operating income was $531 million, down 1% [5][24] - Non-GAAP net income per share was $2.71, up 3% [5][25] - Adjusted free cash flow was $209 million [5][26] - Gross margin was 21.9%, up 10 basis points year-over-year [20][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Small business delivered double-digit growth in top line and gross profit, driven by cloud and client device solutions [8][9] - Corporate delivered mid-single-digit top line growth with low single-digit gross profit [9] - Government net sales increased 8%, with state and local showing double-digit growth [9][10] - Education net sales declined 9%, with higher education growth offset by K-12 decline [10] - Services grew 9% in top line, contributing 9% of total CDW top line [12][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.K. and Canadian operations reported a 9% increase in net sales [10][11] - Healthcare gross profit grew faster than its 7% top line growth, driven by cloud solutions [10] - Demand for client devices increased mid-single digits in top line and double digits in gross profit [9][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is embedding AI into operations to drive productivity and efficiency [14][15] - Focus on delivering enterprise-grade AI solutions to help customers unlock value [15][17] - Maintaining a prudent full-year outlook with expectations of low single-digit growth in the U.S. IT market [17][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the complexity and volatility of the current operating environment, impacting customer investment decisions [44] - The company is navigating uncertainties such as government shutdowns and economic conditions while focusing on execution [18][30] - Expectations for 2026 are still being planned, with a focus on maintaining competitive strength [18][31] Other Important Information - Non-GAAP SG&A totaled $725 million, up 8.7% year-over-year [23][24] - The company returned approximately $150 million in share repurchases and $82 million in dividends [26][28] - The dividend was increased by approximately 1% to $2.52 annually [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of government shutdown on federal contributions - Management acknowledged a conservative view for Q4, anticipating some pipeline and backlog but recognizing constraints from agencies not open [35][36] Question: Drivers of small business growth - Small businesses are leaning more into technology for competitive advantage, showing resilience and strong execution [37][38] Question: Outlook for PC and endpoint market - Demand remains solid, driven by Windows 10 end-of-life transitions and AI productivity initiatives [39][40] Question: Federal funding for education and healthcare - Federal funding for K-12 is primarily state-funded, while higher education is focused on technology to attract students [41][42] Question: Complexity of the current spending environment - The primary issue is volatility and uncertainty, affecting investment commitments [44] Question: Gross profit dollar growth needed for EPS growth - Sustaining gross profit growth and focusing on operating leverage are essential for returning to high single-digit EPS growth [46][47] Question: Opportunities in services and M&A - Strong growth in services is expected, with a focus on data, AI, and cloud [49][50]

Core Insights - The Deloitte Finance Trends report highlights how finance leaders are adapting to complexities and preparing for future challenges through a global survey of 1,326 finance leaders, primarily CFOs from companies with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion [1] Group 1: Finance Trends - Scenario planning and agile governance are essential as finance chiefs balance cost efficiency with growth investments amid supply chain disruptions, with 75% of respondents indicating insufficient resources for investment [2] - Finance leaders are increasingly seen as primary strategy influencers, with 57% of respondents claiming this role, and nearly half utilizing cloud solutions to optimize costs [3][4] Group 2: Cost Management - Finance-led cost management is linked to measurable value, with 36% of finance leaders primarily responsible for cost management, and 47% of these leaders consistently meeting cost-savings targets [6] Group 3: AI Integration - While 63% of finance teams are experimenting with AI, only 21% report clear, measurable value from these investments, and just 14% have fully integrated AI agents into their finance functions [7][8] - Early-stage AI adopters face challenges in justifying ROI, with 30% struggling compared to 21% of more advanced AI users [9] Group 4: Talent Development - A significant focus on infusing technology talent into finance departments is evident, with 64% of respondents planning to enhance technical skills by 2026, particularly in AI, automation, and data analysis [10]

Core Insights - Oracle is expected to announce earnings on September 9, 2025, with analysts estimating earnings of $1.48 per share on revenues of $15.03 billion, reflecting growth from the previous year [3] - Historically, Oracle's stock has shown negative returns on the day following earnings announcements, with a 55% decrease rate over the past five years and a median drop of 3.2% [2][6] Financial Performance - Oracle's market capitalization stands at $626 billion, with $57 billion in revenue, $18 billion in operating profits, and $12 billion in net income over the last twelve months [4] - The expected earnings growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of Oracle's cloud services, particularly in generative AI workloads [3] Historical Earnings Reaction - Over the last five years, Oracle has documented 20 earnings results, with 9 positive and 11 negative one-day returns, leading to a 45% chance of positive returns [6] - The median of positive returns is 11%, while the median of negative returns is -3.2% [6] Post-Earnings Strategies - Traders can utilize historical trends for strategic positioning before and after earnings announcements, assessing correlations between short-term and medium-term returns [5][7] - A less risky strategy involves identifying pairs with the highest correlation between 1D and 5D returns to inform trading decisions [7] Peer Performance Influence - The performance of peers can impact Oracle's stock reactions following earnings, with market dynamics potentially shifting before the earnings announcements [8]

Core Insights - Kyivstar will host an investor meeting on August 28, 2025, to discuss strategic initiatives, financial performance, and market outlook [1][2] - The meeting will include presentations from senior management and a Q&A session with investors [2] Event Details - Date: August 28, 2025 [3] - Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Eastern Time [3] - Location: Virtual meeting accessible via a provided link [3] Company Overview - Kyivstar serves nearly 22.4 million mobile customers and over 1.1 million home internet fixed line customers as of June 30, 2025 [4] - The company offers a range of services including 4G, big data, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, and digital TV [4] - Kyivstar plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027 for infrastructure, technological development, and strategic acquisitions [4] - VEON, the parent company, operates across five countries and serves nearly 160 million customers [5]