UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) – UBS reported a net profit of $1.136 billion in Q2, exceeding the $528 million forecast. Revenue also surpassed expectations, reaching $11.904 billion. Despite lower profits compared to Q1, the bank highlights progress in cost reduction and Credit Suisse integration, expecting $7 billion in gross savings by year-end. The bank is advancing integration efforts, already saving $0.9 billion in costs. Future expectations include additional $1.1 billion in integration expenses. UBS agreed on Tuesday to sell Credit Suisse’s U.S. mortgage servicing business, with completion expected by Q1 next year. Shares rose 2.3% in pre-market trading.
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:ARM) – Intel sold its 1.18 million shares stake in Arm Holdings for approximately $146.7 million in Q2. This move is part of Intel’s restructuring, which includes cutting 15% of jobs and focusing on AI chips to recover its technological edge. Intel shares rose 0.1% pre-market, while Arm shares gained 0.5%.
Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:FLUT) – Flutter raised its annual profit forecast after a better-than-expected Q2 and decided not to impose surcharges in U.S. states with high taxes. Adjusted Q2 earnings reached $2.61 per share (up 56%), beating the $1.47 estimate. Q2 revenue was $3.61 billion (up 20%), above the $3.4 billion forecast. The company now projects U.S. revenue of $6.2 billion for the year and forecasts profits between $680 million and $800 million for FanDuel, surpassing the previous estimate. Shares rose 8.5% pre-market.
DraftKings (NASDAQ:DKNG) – DraftKings also canceled its proposed surcharge for bettors in high-tax states after receiving negative customer feedback. The measure aimed to offset higher fees in states like New York and Illinois. Shares fell 0.5% pre-market.
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Peloton (NASDAQ:PTON) – Google launched new Pixel smartphones, such as the Pixel 9, starting at $799, featuring advanced AI capabilities like information search in screenshots and Gemini chatbot integration that can overlay other apps. The event also introduced the Pixel Watch 3 and a partnership with Peloton to offer fitness content. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice is considering breaking up Alphabet due to allegations of Google’s monopoly in the search market, with possible measures including the sale of parts of the business, such as AdWords and the Chrome browser, or data-sharing mandates. Alphabet shares fell 1% pre-market, while Peloton shares rose 1%.
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) – After six tough weeks, Nvidia saw its shares rise 17% over the past four sessions, adding $424 billion in market value. This significantly contributed to the S&P 500’s gain. The recovery comes after a historic drop and intense volatility, driven by positive news and more attractive valuations. Shares rose 0.6% in pre-market trading.
Foxconn (USOTC:FXCOF) – Foxconn reported 6% growth in Q2 net profit, reaching T$35.05 billion ($1.09 billion), beating analysts’ forecast of T$34.29 billion, thanks to strong demand for AI servers. Additionally, Hon Hai will begin shipping a limited volume of servers with Nvidia’s latest chips in Q4. Significant shipments are only expected in 2025 due to challenges with Nvidia’s Blackwell chip innovation. The Taiwanese company aims for a 40% share of the AI server market.
Viasat (NASDAQ:VSAT) – Viasat shares fell 22.6% on Tuesday after major investors, including Canadian pension funds, announced the sale of about 11.2 million shares. Although the company isn’t issuing new shares or receiving money from the sale, the additional supply pressured the stock price.
DigitalBridge (NYSE:DBRG), Jtower (USOTC:JTWRF) – DigitalBridge is offering a 152% premium to acquire Jtower, valuing it at about $630 million. The ¥3,600 per share offer includes the sale of 26% stakes held by Atsushi Tanaka and Nippon Telegraph & Telephone. Jtower, listed since 2019, specializes in telecommunications towers.
Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) – In August, investors reduced their stock positions and increased their cash allocation due to declining global growth expectations. BofA’s survey revealed the proportion of investors overweight in stocks fell from 51% to 31%, while cash allocation rose from 4.1% to 4.3%. Market volatility and weak U.S. employment data contributed to the shift.
Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.B), Chubb (NYSE:CB) – Berkshire Hathaway is expected to soon reveal whether it continued buying Chubb shares after accumulating about $7 billion in late 2023 and early 2024. Berkshire currently owns approximately 6% of Chubb.
Blackstone (NYSE:BX) – Blackstone is considering selling Clarion Events, valued at up to $2.6 billion, as the events market recovers. Blackstone bought Clarion in 2017 for $600 million, and after the pandemic’s impact, the company saw a significant revenue increase. The sale could begin early next year.
Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:RIOT), Bitfarms (NASDAQ:BITF) – Riot Platforms increased its stake in Bitfarms to 18.9%, acquiring 1 million shares. Bitfarms announced the departure of co-founder Nicolas Bonta, who was on the board Riot sought to replace. The two companies have been in conflict since Riot’s hostile $950 million bid. Riot shares rose 0.3% pre-market, while Bitfarms shares rose 0.9%.
Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) – Coinbase will resume operations in Hawaii after seven years, now allowing cryptocurrency trading and staking. The decision followed the removal of a local regulatory requirement that forced crypto companies to maintain fiat reserves. Shares rose 0.4% pre-market.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – The United Auto Workers sued the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Donald Trump and Elon Musk threatened workers with termination for unionizing or striking. This followed Trump’s praise for Musk handling strikes and cutting costs. According to Reuters, the UAW is using the lawsuit to support Kamala Harris and criticize Trump. Federal Judge Reed O’Connor recused himself from a case brought by X, another Musk company, against advertisers, after it was revealed that he owned Tesla shares. The case will now be handled by Judge Ed Kinkeade. X accuses advertisers of boycott and revenue loss. Tesla shares fell 0.7% pre-market.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) – General Motors is being sued by Texas for allegedly collecting and selling driver data from more than 14 million vehicles without consent. The state claims the data, used to assess driving behaviors, helped insurers adjust premiums and coverage. GM is reviewing the complaint and seeking consumer privacy protection. Additionally, GM is recalling 21,469 Cadillac Lyriq electric SUVs in the U.S. due to an issue with the anti-lock brake system. The defect can cause unexpected brake activation. The fix will be done through a remote update, following an NHTSA review in April.
WeRide – Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide received permission from California to test autonomous vehicles with passengers, without charging fares. The three-year CPUC authorization allows tests in San Jose. This comes as WeRide seeks a valuation of up to $5 billion in its New York IPO.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) – In July, Boeing delivered 43 commercial jets, maintaining last year’s pace. Under new CEO Kelly Ortberg, the company faces supply chain challenges and has increased production. Boeing also recorded 72 new orders and resumed 737 MAX deliveries to China after a pause. The goal of producing 38 737 MAX jets per month in 2024 may not be met due to strikes and quality issues. Analysts expect production to reach 32 jets per month in 2024, with the target of 38 only being met in 2025. Shares rose 0.1% pre-market.
Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) – Elliott Investment Management seeks to replace 10 of Southwest Airlines’ 15 directors and push for the dismissal of CEO Robert Jordan due to the company’s poor performance. Southwest, whose shares have fallen 24% over the past year, is trying to recover with new measures and a shareholder rights plan to prevent takeovers. Shares rose 1% pre-market.
LATAM Airlines (NYSE:LTM), Embraer (NYSE:ERJ) – LATAM Airlines may purchase up to 30 aircraft from Embraer to expand its operations in Brazil, as stated by Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports. The Chilean airline is considering smaller models like Embraer’s E2 due to long delivery times for narrowbody aircraft. The Brazilian government encourages the purchase to support Embraer and strengthen regional aviation.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), General Dynamics (NYSE:GD) – Lockheed Martin has reached an agreement with General Dynamics to produce solid rocket motors, driven by high global missile demand due to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Production will begin in 2025 at General Dynamics’ Arkansas plant, with Lockheed increasing deliveries from 10,000 to 14,000 units.
Intuitive Machines (NASDAQ:LUNR) – Intuitive Machines plans to launch its next lunar mission in early 2025, following its historic 2023 landing success. The company expects to ship the module for launch in Q4 2024. The company reported Q2 2024 revenue of $41.4 million, more than doubling from the previous year. In the first half of the year, total revenue reached $114.5 million, surpassing all of 2023’s revenue. The full-year forecast is $210 million to $240 million.
BHP Group (NYSE:BHP) – Union No. 1 at the Escondida mine began a strike aiming for a larger share of the profits from the world’s largest copper producer. The union, which represents the majority of workers and has strong financial backing, has previously caused significant production halts. The strike could influence global copper prices, depending on its duration and impact on BHP’s operations. Shares fell 2.4% pre-market.
Kellanova (NYSE:K) – Mars, owner of brands like M&M’s and Snickers, is nearing a deal to buy Kellanova, maker of snacks like Cheez-It and Pringles, for about $30 billion. The deal, to be announced soon, will be all-cash, paying $83.50 per Kellanova share. Shares rose 7% pre-market.
Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) – Starbucks has appointed Brian Niccol, former CEO of Chipotle, as its new leader, replacing Laxman Narasimhan. Niccol, known for revitalizing Chipotle, faces challenges at Starbucks, which has struggled with declining sales and investor pressure. Starbucks stated that Niccol will focus on innovation and improving employee morale, assuming the role on September 9. Starbucks shares closed up 24.5% on Tuesday with the news of the appointment, while Chipotle shares fell 7.5%. Additionally, Starbucks plans to double its stores in India by 2028, exploring new store formats and adapting its menu to local tastes. The company, facing challenges in other markets like the U.S. and China, plans to expand with smaller stores and beverage and food options tailored to Indian preferences. In pre-market trading, Starbucks shares fell 0.8%, while Chipotle shares fell 0.7%.
McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) – McDonald’s in France is considering removing curry sauce from its menus ahead of the next Olympics in a humorous protest against Stephen Curry, who helped the U.S. defeat France in basketball in Paris. The chain posted the idea on Instagram, joking about the sauce’s “return in four years.”
DoorDash (NASDAQ:DASH) – DoorDash now offers free access to the Max streaming service for subscribers of its DashPass program in the U.S. This partnership follows the trend of combining streaming services with delivery platforms, aiming to attract customers looking for value deals. Warner Bros Discovery’s Max can be accessed with or without ads for an additional cost.
Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) – Paramount Global will begin laying off 15% of its U.S. staff and close its Paramount Television studio as part of a restructuring effort. The company aims to cut costs by $500 million and prepare for a merger with Skydance Media. Approximately 2,000 employees will be affected by the end of 2024. Shares fell 0.3% pre-market.
Sea Limited (NYSE:SE) – Sea Ltd. improved its sales forecasts for Shopee, its e-commerce arm. The company is outpacing rivals like TikTok and Lazada and expects to become profitable next quarter. Increased commissions for merchants and a forecast of 20% growth in gross merchandise value highlight its confidence in the market. In Q2, Sea Ltd. reported net profit of $80 million, above the $60 million forecast, with a 23% increase in sales, totaling $3.8 billion. Gross merchandise volume reached $23.3 billion, 29% above the estimate. Gaming segment revenue fell 18% to $435.6 million, while financial services revenue grew 21%.
Kroger (NYSE:KR), Albertsons (NYSE:ACI) – The Kroger-Albertsons merger spent over $800 million on legal fees and consulting due to legal challenges and antitrust lawsuits. The merger faces obstacles in several courts and regulatory bodies. Kroger spent $535 million, and Albertsons $329 million, totaling about $864 million.
Tilray Brands (NASDAQ:TLRY), Molson Coors (NYSE:TAP) – Tilray Brands will acquire four Molson Coors breweries to diversify its business beyond cannabis. With the acquisition of Hop Valley, Terrapin Beer, Revolver Brewing, and Atwater Brewery, Tilray aims to increase its beer customer base by 30%. Tilray shares rose 0.3% pre-market.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:AMRX) – Amneal Pharmaceuticals will reformulate its private-label Mucinex to remove an ingredient made with benzene, a carcinogen. The new formula, which is expected to be submitted to the FDA by the end of the year, should be on the market before August 2025. The company is following the trend of eliminating hazardous substances from medications.
Darling Ingredients (NYSE:DAR) – California suggested limiting the use of seed oils in green diesel. The proposal could benefit Darling Ingredients, which uses used cooking oil, if approved. The change is not expected to take effect before 2028.