The S&P 500 index had a great month, surging 3.5%. But these stocks soared much more.The S&P 500 index of 500 of America's biggest companies gained a solid 3.5% in September -- its fifth consecutive monthly gain. If 3.5% doesn't seem like a lot, remember that it's just a month's gain. (For comparison, it gained 1.9% in August.) If it were to rise 3.5% every month, that would compound to an incredible 51% annual gain.The top-performing stocks of the month were Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD -0.62%), AppLovin ...

Core Viewpoint - Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is facing significant operational disruptions due to a cyberattack that has led to production halts and potential data breaches, impacting both the company and its supply chain partners [3][4][5]. Production Disruption - Since early September, JLR has experienced a complete halt in multiple production lines, with the shutdown expected to last at least until September 24, marking a potential three-week interruption [3][8]. - Approximately 33,000 employees have been asked to stay home, and it is estimated that around £1.7 billion worth of vehicles have not been produced during this period, leading to an initial profit loss of about £120 million [4][9]. Data Breach Concerns - Following the cyberattack, JLR has acknowledged that some data may have been compromised and is in the process of notifying regulatory bodies [7][12]. - The situation has escalated from a production halt to concerns over data loss, with JLR committing to inform affected individuals if personal data is confirmed to be impacted [7][12]. Supply Chain Impact - The production stoppage has caused a ripple effect in the supply chain, particularly affecting suppliers in Slovakia, where some have had to reduce production and adjust employee work hours and pay [4][15]. - The disruption has led to cash flow issues for smaller suppliers, with some initiating production cuts and employee furloughs to manage costs [17][18]. Future Outlook - Key observations for JLR moving forward include the feasibility of resuming production by September 24, the extent of data breach implications, and the timeline for supply chain recovery [18][19]. - The pace of controlled restart and clarity in data disclosure will be crucial for JLR to transition from crisis management to normal operations [19].

Core Viewpoint - Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is facing a significant production shutdown due to a cyber attack, which may extend until November, potentially halting the production of nearly 50,000 cars and causing billions in lost sales [1][5]. Group 1: Production Impact - JLR's production lines have been paralyzed for two weeks, with a possibility of an additional seven-week shutdown [1][2]. - A credible restart date for production has been suggested as November, although this is not officially confirmed by the company [2][3]. - Even if the cyber issues are resolved immediately, it would take three to four weeks to ramp up production to near-normal levels [3]. Group 2: Financial Consequences - A prolonged shutdown could cost JLR billions in lost sales and put significant financial pressure on its suppliers, with some potentially facing bankruptcy without external support [5][6]. - The chaos from the shutdown may complicate the resumption of production and could also affect rival luxury brands that share suppliers with JLR [5]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Industry insiders express concern over the situation, particularly for smaller suppliers reliant on JLR, with fears that some may go out of business [6][7]. - The ongoing disruption is acknowledged by JLR, which is working to resolve the crisis and restart operations in a controlled manner [4].

Core Viewpoint - Warner Bros Discovery Inc is set to split into two publicly traded companies by next year, with CEO David Zaslav leading the streaming and studios company that will include HBO Max, while CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will head the global networks business, which encompasses CNN, TNT Sports, and Discovery [1] Group 1 - Warner Bros stock increased by 10.1% to $10.81, marking its highest level since April 1 and moving into positive territory for the year with a 3.1% year-to-date gain [1][2] - The stock experienced significant options activity, with 60,000 calls traded, which is 11 times the typical volume for WBD, compared to 6,650 puts [3] - The June 11 call option was the most popular, followed by the weekly 6/13 11-strike call, indicating strong bullish sentiment [3] Group 2 - The call/put volume ratio for WBD was 5.67, ranking higher than 99% of readings from the past year, suggesting a strong preference for calls over puts [4]

Core Viewpoint - Warner Bros. Discovery plans to split into two public companies by next year, responding to the industry's shift from cable to streaming [1] Group 1: Company Structure - The split will create two entities: Streaming and Studios, which will include movie properties and HBO Max, and Global Networks, which will encompass CNN, TNT Sports, and Discovery [1] - CEO David Zaslav will lead the Streaming and Studios company, while current CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels will become CEO of Global Networks [2] Group 2: Timeline and Market Impact - The company expects to complete the split by the middle of 2026 [2] - Warner Bros. Discovery shares were halted in extended trading on the announcement [2]