What's driving Home Depot's August stock rally and can it continue?
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Los Angeles Times
15 minutes ago
- Los Angeles Times
Wall Street steadies after Nvidia, Palantir and other AI stars trim their losses
Stock indexes ended mixed on Wednesday after Nvidia, Palantir and other superstar stocks pared most of their steep losses from the morning. The S&P 500 dipped 0.2% after trimming a loss that reached 1.1% earlier in the day and remains near its all-time high set last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 16 points, or less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.7%. The day's action centered again around stocks caught up in the mania around artificial-intelligence technology. Nvidia, whose chips are powering much of the world's move into AI, sank as much as 3.9% during the morning and was on track to be the heaviest weight on Wall Street following its 3.5% fall on Tuesday. But it clawed back nearly all of Wednesday's drop and finished with a dip of just 0.1%. As it pared its loss, so did broad market indexes because Nvidia is Wall Street's most influential stock by being its most valuable. Palantir Technologies, another AI darling, fell 1.1% to add to its 9.4% loss from the day before, but it had been down as much as 9.8% Wednesday morning. One possible contributor to the swoon was a study from MIT's Nanda Initiative that warned that most corporations are not yet seeing any measurable return from their generative AI investments, according to Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, global head of equities at UBS Global Wealth Management. But the larger factor may be the simple criticism that prices for such stock simply shot too high, too fast, amid the furor around AI and became too expensive. Nvidia, whose profit report scheduled for next week is one of Wall Street's next major events, had soared 35.5% for the year so far heading into Tuesday. Palantir had surged even more, more than doubling. The tech stocks still have supporters, though, who say AI will bring the next generational revolution in business. Mixed profit reports from big U.S. retailers helped keep the rest of the market in check. TJX, the company behind the TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores, climbed 2.7% after beating analysts' forecasts for profit and revenue. It also raised its forecast for profit over its full fiscal year, while CEO Ernie Herrman said TJX is seeing 'strong demand at each of our U.S. and international businesses' and that its current quarter is off to a strong start. Lowe's added 0.3% after the home-improvement retailer delivered a profit for the latest quarter that topped analysts' expectations. Target, meanwhile, tumbled 6.3%. The struggling retailer said that CEO Brian Cornell plans to step down Feb. 1 and that an insider, 20-year veteran Michael Fiddelke, will replace him. He helped reenergize the company, but it has struggled to turn around weak sales in a more competitive post-COVID retail landscape. Estee Lauder dropped 3.7% after offering a forecast for profit this upcoming fiscal year that fell short of Wall Street's estimates. The beauty company said it expects tariffs to shave roughly $100 million off its upcoming earnings. La-Z-Boy sank 12.1% after the furniture maker's profit and revenue for the spring came up shy of analysts' expectations. All told, the S&P 500 fell 15.59 points to 6,395.78. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 16.04 to 44,938.31, and the Nasdaq composite fell 142.10 to 21,172.86. The week's biggest news for Wall Street is likely arriving on Friday, when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will give a highly anticipated speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The hope on Wall Street is that Powell will hint that cuts to interest rates are coming soon. The Fed has kept its main interest rate steady this year, primarily because of the fear of the possibility that President Donald Trump's tariffs could push inflation higher. But a surprisingly weak report on job growth across the country may be superseding that. Treasury yields have come down sharply on expectations for an easing of interest rates, and the yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.29% from 4.30% late Tuesday. Trump has been angrily calling for lower interest rates, often insulting Powell personally while doing so. Trump on Wednesday called on a top official at the Federal Reserve, Lisa Cook, to resign after a member of his administration accused her of committing mortgage fraud. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed across Europe and Asia. London's FTSE 100 rose 1.1% despite a report that said inflation in the U.K. rose more than expected through July, in part due to soaring airfares and food prices. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.2%. Shares that trade there of the Chinese toy company Pop Mart International Group soared 12.5% after its CEO said its annual revenue could top $4 billion this year and announced the release of a mini version of its popular Labubu dolls. Choe writes for the Associated Press.
40 minutes ago
How major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 8/20/2025
Wall Street ended lower on more declines in technology stocks, but the market pared its losses in the afternoon. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% Wednesday after trimming a loss that reached 1.1% earlier in the day. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.7%. The day's action again centered around stocks caught up in the mania around artificial-intelligence technology. These stocks are facing criticism that their prices shot too high, too fast and became too expensive. Several big U.S. retailers including Target turned in mixed financial results. On Wednesday: The S&P 500 fell 15.59 points, or 0.2%, to 6,395.78. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 16.04 points, or less than 0.1%, to 44,938.31. The Nasdaq composite fell 142.10 points, or 0.7%, to 21,172.86. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies fell 7.25 points, or 0.3%, to 2,269.35. For the week: The S&P 500 is down 54.02 points, or 0.8%. The Dow is down 7.81 points, or less than 0.1%. The Nasdaq is down 450.12 points, or 2.1%. The Russell 2000 is down 17.17 points, or 0.8%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 514.15 points, or 8.7%. The Dow is up 2,394.09 points, or 5.6%. The Nasdaq is up 1,862.06 points, or 9.6%. The Russell 2000 is up 39.19 points, or 1.8%.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Earnings live: Target stock falls with Walmart earnings on deck
Second quarter earnings season is winding down, and with most of the reports in, the results have been mostly positive. Over 92% of S&P 500 index companies have reported results, and as of Aug. 18, analysts expected S&P 500 companies to report an 11% jump in earnings per share during the second quarter. Companies had lower expectations to clear coming into the quarter — analysts expected S&P 500 earnings to rise 5% in Q2, the slowest pace of earnings growth since Q4 2023 — amid President Trump's tariffs, stocks' lofty valuations, and uncertainty about the health of the US economy. Highly anticipated reports from Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), Home Depot (HD), and Lowe's (LOW) are being watched for insights into consumer spending. Other major companies reporting this week include BJ's Wholesale (BJ), TJX Companies (TJX), Ross Stores (ROST), Estée Lauder (EL), Intuit (INTU), Zoom Communications (ZM), Workday (WDAY), Xpeng (XPEV), Medtronic (MDT), La-Z-Boy (LZB), Toll Brothers (TOL), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), and Blink Charging (BLNK). Last week, results came in for Applied Materials (AMAT), Circle (CRCL), Lenovo ( AMC (AMC), Cava (CAVA), Cisco (CSCO), CoreWeave (CRWV), Deere (DE), On (ONON), and Oklo (OKLO). Here are the latest updates from corporate America. Target beat low earnings expectations as sales continue to fall Target (TGT) released its second quarter results on Wednesday. The results are not as bad as the first quarter but declining sales has the retail giant in a bit of a bind. Shares in target fell 8% before the bell Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks at the latest from Target and whether it will ever find its place in this new economic environment. Read more here. Walmart earnings expected to show US sales growth continued in Q2 as consumers seek value Walmart (WMT) will report quarterly results Thursday morning before the bell, following on the heels of Target (TGT) earnings Wednesday, which sent shares of the retailer 6% lower. But Walmart is expected to highlight another robust quarter, Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma writes, as consumers search for value amid tariff-related uncertainty. Brooke previews what to look for in Walmart's earnings: Read more here. TJX Companies shares rise after earnings beat and raise TJ Maxx parent TJX Companies (TJX) beat sales and profit estimates for the second quarter and raised its annual profit forecast, boosting shares in premarket trading. Reuters reports: Read more here. Lowe's stock rises after same-store sales return to growth Lowe's (LOW) stock popped in premarket trading on Wednesday after the home improvement retailer reported a return to same-store sales growth, earnings beat, and raised its guidance. Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma reports: Read more here. Baidu quarterly revenue falls as weak ads offset cloud growth Reuters reports: Read more here. Estee Lauder forecasts annual profit below estimates as tariffs hit Estee Lauder (EL) stock fell 8% before the bell on Wednesday after the beauty group forecast annual profit below Wall Street estimates, as it grapples with persistent weakness in the US and China markets and tariff uncertainty. Reuters reports: Read more here. Toll Brothers beats on earnings, but new orders decline 4% Toll Brothers (TOL) reported another double beat in its fiscal third quarter, but a slowdown in new orders weighed on the stock, which drifted 1.6% lower after hours. The homebuilder posted diluted earnings per share of $3.73 on home sale revenue of $2.88 billion. Wall Street analysts were expecting earnings per share of $3.64 on revenue of $2.85 billion. After a sluggish spring season in the housing market, there have been signs of a resurgence, with housing starts jumping in July. But mortgage rates that have barely budged, ongoing economic uncertainty, and affordability challenges for buyers continue to weigh on the sector. For the quarter, Toll Brothers noted it had 2,388 units under signed contract, a 4% decline from a year ago. Analysts had expected orders growth. "The average sales price of new contracts was $1.0 million, up 4.5% year-over-year," CEO Douglas Yearley said in the earnings release. "Contract dollars were flat despite a 4% decline in units. While affordability pressures and uncertain economic conditions persist, we are pleased with the resilience of our luxury business and more affluent customer base." La-Z-Boy stock drops on soft earnings and guidance La-Z-Boy stock (LZB) dropped 16% in after-hours trading after the company missed earnings estimates and navigated "soft industry demand." Overall, comparable sales dropped 1% to $492 million from a year ago. Sales in the furniture retailer's wholesale segment increased 1%, and retail sales rose 5%, but they were offset by weakness in the Joybird brand, which saw sales decline 14%. La-Z-Boy reported diluted earnings per share of $0.44, compared to $0.61 per share a year ago. The Street was looking for earnings of $0.52 per share. La-Z-Boy's guidance also came in lighter than expected. It expects sales in the range of $510 million to $530 million in the fiscal second quarter. Wall Street was looking for $532 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Medtronic appoints 2 new board members, posts Q1 beat Irish medical device maker Medtronic (MDT) reported better-than-expected earnings for its fiscal first quarter on Monday. But the bigger story was the company's announcement that it would add two new directors to its board after activist investor Elliott Investment Management became one of its largest shareholders. Veteran med-tech executives John Groetelaars and Bill Jellison were appointed, the company said. Medtronic stock dropped over 3% in premarket trading. For the quarter, the company posted adjusted earnings of $1.26 per share, beating analysts' estimates for $1.23, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Revenue came in at $8.6 billion, above Wall Street's forecast of $8.4 billion. Read more here. Home Depot slightly misses Wall Street's mark in Q2 earnings, reiterates guidance Home Depot (HD) released its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Brooke DiPalma looks at the latest from the retail giant and how the US housing slump has impacted its bottom line. Read more here. China's Xpeng expects quarterly revenue to double on strong demand for its EVs Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (XPEV) on Tuesday forecast third-quarter revenue would double. The company is betting on surging deliveries of its cars despite challenging economic conditions. The group's stock rose 0.6% in premarket trading on Tuesday. Reuters reports: Read more here. Xiaomi's revenue rises 31% after second EV fires up consumers Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Palo Alto Networks stock pops on healthy earnings growth, guidance Palo Alto Networks (PANW) stock shot up 6% after hours after the company reported solid earnings and margin growth in its fiscal fourth quarter. The cybersecurity firm reported $2.54 billion in revenue in its fiscal fourth quarter (a 16% increase) and earnings per share of $0.95. Wall Street analysts expected revenue of $2.50 billion and earnings of $0.89 per share, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Shares of Palo Alto Networks are off by 10% over the past month due to a drawdown following the company's $25 billion acquisition of identity security solutions provider CyberArk. But guidance for full-year adjusted EPS of $3.75 to $3.85 also came in above expectations amid the deal. "Cybersecurity is a clear 2nd/3rd derivative play on the AI Revolution with PANW in the driver's seat to gain market/mind share in the cybersecurity landscape," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives wrote in a note ahead of earnings. Ives added, "the continued shift to the cloud [is] putting the company in a strong position to accelerate deal flow as more strategic enterprise AI projects take hold over the coming year." Goldman's Kostin says S&P 500 earnings surge past expectations Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Walmart, Target quarterly results on deck next week The focus turns to retailers next week as heavyweights Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), Lowe's (LOW), and Home Depot (HD) report results. Investors will be listening for changes in consumer behavior as tariffs and inflation remain top concerns for households. Earlier this earnings season, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy noted that the company wasn't seeing diminishing demand or meaningful price increases. Similarly, Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach said consumer spending remains healthy. However, recent data showed retail sales rose by less than expected in July. And some companies, particularly fast-casual restaurants, noted their customers were pulling back. With that mixed picture in the backdrop, the earnings calendar next week should provide additional insights from some of the big brands Americans shop. Here's what's on deck: Monday Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Blink Charging (BLNK) Tuesday Home Depot, Xpeng (XPEV), Medtronic (MDT), La-Z-Boy (LZB), Toll Brothers (TOL) Wednesday Target, Lowe's, Baidu (BIDU), TJX Companies (TJX), Estée Lauder (EL) Thursday Walmart, Intuit (INTU), Zoom Communications (ZM), Workday (WDAY), Ross Stores (ROST) Friday BJ's Wholesale (BJ) With Nvidia's Q2 earnings in sight, Trump deal could boost outlook Nvidia's (NVDA) deal with President Trump to give the US government a 15% cut of H20 chip revenue in China adds an interesting wrinkle to the company's earnings. China has responded by urging companies not to use the chips. Yahoo Finance's Daniel Howley writes that the payment, which could face legal challenges, won't show up in Nvidia's Q2 report but could boost its Q3 outlook if the administration moves quickly. Howley notes: Read more here. McGraw Hill posts profitable quarter in first post-IPO earnings report McGraw Hill (MH) stock gained 2% after reporting its first quarterly results since going public. It traded around $13.61 on Thursday afternoon. In July, shares opened at $17 apiece in the company's IPO. Total revenue increased 2.4% year over year to $535.7 million. The education solutions company also swung to a $0.5 million profit, compared to its $9.4 million loss a year ago. Market share gains, enrollment, and continued demand for digital learning solutions fueled the higher education business, which saw revenue jump 14.1% year over year. Revenue for the K-12 segment, however, declined 1.4%. These two business units make up the bulk of McGraw Hill's business. The smaller international business noted weakness, with an 11.7% decrease in revenue, while sales in the global professional business held steady. For 2026, McGraw Hill sees revenue in a range of $1.98 billion to $2.04 billion. Listen to the earnings call here. Quantum Computing stock slips as losses accelerate Quantum Computing (QUBT) CEO Yuping Huang said that the company continued to make progress in growing commercial traction in the second quarter, but the industry is still focused on reaching technology milestones. Second quarter revenue totaled approximately $61,000, compared to $183,000 in the same period a year ago. The company reported a net loss of $36.5 million, or $0.26 per share. In Q2 2024, Quantum Computing posted a net loss of $5.2 million, or $0.06 per share. Quantum Computing stock fell 2.3% after hours in what's been a whipsaw year for quantum stocks. In June, the stock spiked 25% in one day after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said quantum computing "is reaching an inflection point." But the industry is still in its infancy. The other big quantum player, Rigetti Computing (RGTI), reported a technology breakthrough in its recent results but also big losses. "We are talking of a market that's hundreds of billions of dollars a decade or two from now," Rigetti CEO Subodh Kulkarni told Market Domination Overtime. "But right now, we are clearly in the R&D stage. We clearly need to perfect the technology to get to that big milestone in about four years, which we call quantum advantage." Read more about quantum computing here. Applied Materials stock sinks as policy uncertainty weighs on Q4 guidance Applied Materials (AMAT) recorded an earnings beat for the July quarter but said that the "dynamic" policy environment is creating uncertainty for the business. That led the chip equipment maker to issue a revenue forecast of $6.7 billion for the fourth quarter, below what the Street was expecting. 'We are expecting a decline in revenue in the fourth quarter driven by both digestion of capacity in China and nonlinear demand from leading-edge customers given market concentration and fab timing,' CFO Brice Hill said. 'We are navigating and adapting to the near-term uncertainties by leveraging our robust supply chain, global manufacturing footprint and deep customer relationships.' The company, whose clients include Taiwan Semiconductor and Intel, posted record revenue of $7.30 billion in Q3, up 8% year over year, surpassing estimates for $7.2 billion. Earnings per share of $2.48 also beat estimates by $0.12. Applied Materials stock fell 11% in after-hours trading. Read more here. Earnings and revenue beats lift Dillard's stock Dillard's (DDS) stock rose 7% on Thursday after the department store chain reported revenue and profit beats for the quarter. Net income fell to $72.8 million compared to $74.5 million a year ago, but earnings per share rose $0.07 year over year after the Arkansas-based company bought back stock. Revenue of $1.53 billion beat Wall Street estimates of $1.52 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Earnings per share of $4.66 also topped estimates of $4.00 per share. Total retail sales were flat, with strength in juniors' and children's apparel as well as ladies' accessories and lingerie. The weakest performing category was home and furniture. Other major retailers, including Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), and Macy's (M), will report second quarter results in the coming weeks, providing a more in-depth look into consumer spending habits. Dillard's stock is up 23% year to date. It has climbed 78% since its April 8 low. Target (TGT) released its second quarter results on Wednesday. The results are not as bad as the first quarter but declining sales has the retail giant in a bit of a bind. Shares in target fell 8% before the bell Yahoo Finance's executive editor Brian Sozzi looks at the latest from Target and whether it will ever find its place in this new economic environment. Read more here. Walmart earnings expected to show US sales growth continued in Q2 as consumers seek value Walmart (WMT) will report quarterly results Thursday morning before the bell, following on the heels of Target (TGT) earnings Wednesday, which sent shares of the retailer 6% lower. But Walmart is expected to highlight another robust quarter, Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma writes, as consumers search for value amid tariff-related uncertainty. Brooke previews what to look for in Walmart's earnings: Read more here. Walmart (WMT) will report quarterly results Thursday morning before the bell, following on the heels of Target (TGT) earnings Wednesday, which sent shares of the retailer 6% lower. But Walmart is expected to highlight another robust quarter, Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma writes, as consumers search for value amid tariff-related uncertainty. Brooke previews what to look for in Walmart's earnings: Read more here. TJX Companies shares rise after earnings beat and raise TJ Maxx parent TJX Companies (TJX) beat sales and profit estimates for the second quarter and raised its annual profit forecast, boosting shares in premarket trading. Reuters reports: Read more here. TJ Maxx parent TJX Companies (TJX) beat sales and profit estimates for the second quarter and raised its annual profit forecast, boosting shares in premarket trading. Reuters reports: Read more here. Lowe's stock rises after same-store sales return to growth Lowe's (LOW) stock popped in premarket trading on Wednesday after the home improvement retailer reported a return to same-store sales growth, earnings beat, and raised its guidance. Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma reports: Read more here. Lowe's (LOW) stock popped in premarket trading on Wednesday after the home improvement retailer reported a return to same-store sales growth, earnings beat, and raised its guidance. Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma reports: Read more here. Baidu quarterly revenue falls as weak ads offset cloud growth Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Estee Lauder forecasts annual profit below estimates as tariffs hit Estee Lauder (EL) stock fell 8% before the bell on Wednesday after the beauty group forecast annual profit below Wall Street estimates, as it grapples with persistent weakness in the US and China markets and tariff uncertainty. Reuters reports: Read more here. Estee Lauder (EL) stock fell 8% before the bell on Wednesday after the beauty group forecast annual profit below Wall Street estimates, as it grapples with persistent weakness in the US and China markets and tariff uncertainty. Reuters reports: Read more here. Toll Brothers beats on earnings, but new orders decline 4% Toll Brothers (TOL) reported another double beat in its fiscal third quarter, but a slowdown in new orders weighed on the stock, which drifted 1.6% lower after hours. The homebuilder posted diluted earnings per share of $3.73 on home sale revenue of $2.88 billion. Wall Street analysts were expecting earnings per share of $3.64 on revenue of $2.85 billion. After a sluggish spring season in the housing market, there have been signs of a resurgence, with housing starts jumping in July. But mortgage rates that have barely budged, ongoing economic uncertainty, and affordability challenges for buyers continue to weigh on the sector. For the quarter, Toll Brothers noted it had 2,388 units under signed contract, a 4% decline from a year ago. Analysts had expected orders growth. "The average sales price of new contracts was $1.0 million, up 4.5% year-over-year," CEO Douglas Yearley said in the earnings release. "Contract dollars were flat despite a 4% decline in units. While affordability pressures and uncertain economic conditions persist, we are pleased with the resilience of our luxury business and more affluent customer base." Toll Brothers (TOL) reported another double beat in its fiscal third quarter, but a slowdown in new orders weighed on the stock, which drifted 1.6% lower after hours. The homebuilder posted diluted earnings per share of $3.73 on home sale revenue of $2.88 billion. Wall Street analysts were expecting earnings per share of $3.64 on revenue of $2.85 billion. After a sluggish spring season in the housing market, there have been signs of a resurgence, with housing starts jumping in July. But mortgage rates that have barely budged, ongoing economic uncertainty, and affordability challenges for buyers continue to weigh on the sector. For the quarter, Toll Brothers noted it had 2,388 units under signed contract, a 4% decline from a year ago. Analysts had expected orders growth. "The average sales price of new contracts was $1.0 million, up 4.5% year-over-year," CEO Douglas Yearley said in the earnings release. "Contract dollars were flat despite a 4% decline in units. While affordability pressures and uncertain economic conditions persist, we are pleased with the resilience of our luxury business and more affluent customer base." La-Z-Boy stock drops on soft earnings and guidance La-Z-Boy stock (LZB) dropped 16% in after-hours trading after the company missed earnings estimates and navigated "soft industry demand." Overall, comparable sales dropped 1% to $492 million from a year ago. Sales in the furniture retailer's wholesale segment increased 1%, and retail sales rose 5%, but they were offset by weakness in the Joybird brand, which saw sales decline 14%. La-Z-Boy reported diluted earnings per share of $0.44, compared to $0.61 per share a year ago. The Street was looking for earnings of $0.52 per share. La-Z-Boy's guidance also came in lighter than expected. It expects sales in the range of $510 million to $530 million in the fiscal second quarter. Wall Street was looking for $532 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. La-Z-Boy stock (LZB) dropped 16% in after-hours trading after the company missed earnings estimates and navigated "soft industry demand." Overall, comparable sales dropped 1% to $492 million from a year ago. Sales in the furniture retailer's wholesale segment increased 1%, and retail sales rose 5%, but they were offset by weakness in the Joybird brand, which saw sales decline 14%. La-Z-Boy reported diluted earnings per share of $0.44, compared to $0.61 per share a year ago. The Street was looking for earnings of $0.52 per share. La-Z-Boy's guidance also came in lighter than expected. It expects sales in the range of $510 million to $530 million in the fiscal second quarter. Wall Street was looking for $532 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Medtronic appoints 2 new board members, posts Q1 beat Irish medical device maker Medtronic (MDT) reported better-than-expected earnings for its fiscal first quarter on Monday. But the bigger story was the company's announcement that it would add two new directors to its board after activist investor Elliott Investment Management became one of its largest shareholders. Veteran med-tech executives John Groetelaars and Bill Jellison were appointed, the company said. Medtronic stock dropped over 3% in premarket trading. For the quarter, the company posted adjusted earnings of $1.26 per share, beating analysts' estimates for $1.23, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Revenue came in at $8.6 billion, above Wall Street's forecast of $8.4 billion. Read more here. Irish medical device maker Medtronic (MDT) reported better-than-expected earnings for its fiscal first quarter on Monday. But the bigger story was the company's announcement that it would add two new directors to its board after activist investor Elliott Investment Management became one of its largest shareholders. Veteran med-tech executives John Groetelaars and Bill Jellison were appointed, the company said. Medtronic stock dropped over 3% in premarket trading. For the quarter, the company posted adjusted earnings of $1.26 per share, beating analysts' estimates for $1.23, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Revenue came in at $8.6 billion, above Wall Street's forecast of $8.4 billion. Read more here. Home Depot slightly misses Wall Street's mark in Q2 earnings, reiterates guidance Home Depot (HD) released its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Brooke DiPalma looks at the latest from the retail giant and how the US housing slump has impacted its bottom line. Read more here. Home Depot (HD) released its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday. Yahoo Finance's senior reporter Brooke DiPalma looks at the latest from the retail giant and how the US housing slump has impacted its bottom line. Read more here. China's Xpeng expects quarterly revenue to double on strong demand for its EVs Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (XPEV) on Tuesday forecast third-quarter revenue would double. The company is betting on surging deliveries of its cars despite challenging economic conditions. The group's stock rose 0.6% in premarket trading on Tuesday. Reuters reports: Read more here. Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (XPEV) on Tuesday forecast third-quarter revenue would double. The company is betting on surging deliveries of its cars despite challenging economic conditions. The group's stock rose 0.6% in premarket trading on Tuesday. Reuters reports: Read more here. Xiaomi's revenue rises 31% after second EV fires up consumers Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Palo Alto Networks stock pops on healthy earnings growth, guidance Palo Alto Networks (PANW) stock shot up 6% after hours after the company reported solid earnings and margin growth in its fiscal fourth quarter. The cybersecurity firm reported $2.54 billion in revenue in its fiscal fourth quarter (a 16% increase) and earnings per share of $0.95. Wall Street analysts expected revenue of $2.50 billion and earnings of $0.89 per share, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Shares of Palo Alto Networks are off by 10% over the past month due to a drawdown following the company's $25 billion acquisition of identity security solutions provider CyberArk. But guidance for full-year adjusted EPS of $3.75 to $3.85 also came in above expectations amid the deal. "Cybersecurity is a clear 2nd/3rd derivative play on the AI Revolution with PANW in the driver's seat to gain market/mind share in the cybersecurity landscape," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives wrote in a note ahead of earnings. Ives added, "the continued shift to the cloud [is] putting the company in a strong position to accelerate deal flow as more strategic enterprise AI projects take hold over the coming year." Palo Alto Networks (PANW) stock shot up 6% after hours after the company reported solid earnings and margin growth in its fiscal fourth quarter. The cybersecurity firm reported $2.54 billion in revenue in its fiscal fourth quarter (a 16% increase) and earnings per share of $0.95. Wall Street analysts expected revenue of $2.50 billion and earnings of $0.89 per share, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Shares of Palo Alto Networks are off by 10% over the past month due to a drawdown following the company's $25 billion acquisition of identity security solutions provider CyberArk. But guidance for full-year adjusted EPS of $3.75 to $3.85 also came in above expectations amid the deal. "Cybersecurity is a clear 2nd/3rd derivative play on the AI Revolution with PANW in the driver's seat to gain market/mind share in the cybersecurity landscape," Wedbush analyst Dan Ives wrote in a note ahead of earnings. Ives added, "the continued shift to the cloud [is] putting the company in a strong position to accelerate deal flow as more strategic enterprise AI projects take hold over the coming year." Goldman's Kostin says S&P 500 earnings surge past expectations Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Bloomberg reports: Read more here. Walmart, Target quarterly results on deck next week The focus turns to retailers next week as heavyweights Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), Lowe's (LOW), and Home Depot (HD) report results. Investors will be listening for changes in consumer behavior as tariffs and inflation remain top concerns for households. Earlier this earnings season, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy noted that the company wasn't seeing diminishing demand or meaningful price increases. Similarly, Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach said consumer spending remains healthy. However, recent data showed retail sales rose by less than expected in July. And some companies, particularly fast-casual restaurants, noted their customers were pulling back. With that mixed picture in the backdrop, the earnings calendar next week should provide additional insights from some of the big brands Americans shop. Here's what's on deck: Monday Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Blink Charging (BLNK) Tuesday Home Depot, Xpeng (XPEV), Medtronic (MDT), La-Z-Boy (LZB), Toll Brothers (TOL) Wednesday Target, Lowe's, Baidu (BIDU), TJX Companies (TJX), Estée Lauder (EL) Thursday Walmart, Intuit (INTU), Zoom Communications (ZM), Workday (WDAY), Ross Stores (ROST) Friday BJ's Wholesale (BJ) The focus turns to retailers next week as heavyweights Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), Lowe's (LOW), and Home Depot (HD) report results. Investors will be listening for changes in consumer behavior as tariffs and inflation remain top concerns for households. Earlier this earnings season, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy noted that the company wasn't seeing diminishing demand or meaningful price increases. Similarly, Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach said consumer spending remains healthy. However, recent data showed retail sales rose by less than expected in July. And some companies, particularly fast-casual restaurants, noted their customers were pulling back. With that mixed picture in the backdrop, the earnings calendar next week should provide additional insights from some of the big brands Americans shop. Here's what's on deck: Monday Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Blink Charging (BLNK) Tuesday Home Depot, Xpeng (XPEV), Medtronic (MDT), La-Z-Boy (LZB), Toll Brothers (TOL) Wednesday Target, Lowe's, Baidu (BIDU), TJX Companies (TJX), Estée Lauder (EL) Thursday Walmart, Intuit (INTU), Zoom Communications (ZM), Workday (WDAY), Ross Stores (ROST) Friday BJ's Wholesale (BJ) With Nvidia's Q2 earnings in sight, Trump deal could boost outlook Nvidia's (NVDA) deal with President Trump to give the US government a 15% cut of H20 chip revenue in China adds an interesting wrinkle to the company's earnings. China has responded by urging companies not to use the chips. Yahoo Finance's Daniel Howley writes that the payment, which could face legal challenges, won't show up in Nvidia's Q2 report but could boost its Q3 outlook if the administration moves quickly. Howley notes: Read more here. Nvidia's (NVDA) deal with President Trump to give the US government a 15% cut of H20 chip revenue in China adds an interesting wrinkle to the company's earnings. China has responded by urging companies not to use the chips. Yahoo Finance's Daniel Howley writes that the payment, which could face legal challenges, won't show up in Nvidia's Q2 report but could boost its Q3 outlook if the administration moves quickly. Howley notes: Read more here. McGraw Hill posts profitable quarter in first post-IPO earnings report McGraw Hill (MH) stock gained 2% after reporting its first quarterly results since going public. It traded around $13.61 on Thursday afternoon. In July, shares opened at $17 apiece in the company's IPO. Total revenue increased 2.4% year over year to $535.7 million. The education solutions company also swung to a $0.5 million profit, compared to its $9.4 million loss a year ago. Market share gains, enrollment, and continued demand for digital learning solutions fueled the higher education business, which saw revenue jump 14.1% year over year. Revenue for the K-12 segment, however, declined 1.4%. These two business units make up the bulk of McGraw Hill's business. The smaller international business noted weakness, with an 11.7% decrease in revenue, while sales in the global professional business held steady. For 2026, McGraw Hill sees revenue in a range of $1.98 billion to $2.04 billion. Listen to the earnings call here. McGraw Hill (MH) stock gained 2% after reporting its first quarterly results since going public. It traded around $13.61 on Thursday afternoon. In July, shares opened at $17 apiece in the company's IPO. Total revenue increased 2.4% year over year to $535.7 million. The education solutions company also swung to a $0.5 million profit, compared to its $9.4 million loss a year ago. Market share gains, enrollment, and continued demand for digital learning solutions fueled the higher education business, which saw revenue jump 14.1% year over year. Revenue for the K-12 segment, however, declined 1.4%. These two business units make up the bulk of McGraw Hill's business. The smaller international business noted weakness, with an 11.7% decrease in revenue, while sales in the global professional business held steady. For 2026, McGraw Hill sees revenue in a range of $1.98 billion to $2.04 billion. Listen to the earnings call here. Quantum Computing stock slips as losses accelerate Quantum Computing (QUBT) CEO Yuping Huang said that the company continued to make progress in growing commercial traction in the second quarter, but the industry is still focused on reaching technology milestones. Second quarter revenue totaled approximately $61,000, compared to $183,000 in the same period a year ago. The company reported a net loss of $36.5 million, or $0.26 per share. In Q2 2024, Quantum Computing posted a net loss of $5.2 million, or $0.06 per share. Quantum Computing stock fell 2.3% after hours in what's been a whipsaw year for quantum stocks. In June, the stock spiked 25% in one day after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said quantum computing "is reaching an inflection point." But the industry is still in its infancy. The other big quantum player, Rigetti Computing (RGTI), reported a technology breakthrough in its recent results but also big losses. "We are talking of a market that's hundreds of billions of dollars a decade or two from now," Rigetti CEO Subodh Kulkarni told Market Domination Overtime. "But right now, we are clearly in the R&D stage. We clearly need to perfect the technology to get to that big milestone in about four years, which we call quantum advantage." Read more about quantum computing here. Quantum Computing (QUBT) CEO Yuping Huang said that the company continued to make progress in growing commercial traction in the second quarter, but the industry is still focused on reaching technology milestones. Second quarter revenue totaled approximately $61,000, compared to $183,000 in the same period a year ago. The company reported a net loss of $36.5 million, or $0.26 per share. In Q2 2024, Quantum Computing posted a net loss of $5.2 million, or $0.06 per share. Quantum Computing stock fell 2.3% after hours in what's been a whipsaw year for quantum stocks. In June, the stock spiked 25% in one day after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said quantum computing "is reaching an inflection point." But the industry is still in its infancy. The other big quantum player, Rigetti Computing (RGTI), reported a technology breakthrough in its recent results but also big losses. "We are talking of a market that's hundreds of billions of dollars a decade or two from now," Rigetti CEO Subodh Kulkarni told Market Domination Overtime. "But right now, we are clearly in the R&D stage. We clearly need to perfect the technology to get to that big milestone in about four years, which we call quantum advantage." Read more about quantum computing here. Applied Materials stock sinks as policy uncertainty weighs on Q4 guidance Applied Materials (AMAT) recorded an earnings beat for the July quarter but said that the "dynamic" policy environment is creating uncertainty for the business. That led the chip equipment maker to issue a revenue forecast of $6.7 billion for the fourth quarter, below what the Street was expecting. 'We are expecting a decline in revenue in the fourth quarter driven by both digestion of capacity in China and nonlinear demand from leading-edge customers given market concentration and fab timing,' CFO Brice Hill said. 'We are navigating and adapting to the near-term uncertainties by leveraging our robust supply chain, global manufacturing footprint and deep customer relationships.' The company, whose clients include Taiwan Semiconductor and Intel, posted record revenue of $7.30 billion in Q3, up 8% year over year, surpassing estimates for $7.2 billion. Earnings per share of $2.48 also beat estimates by $0.12. Applied Materials stock fell 11% in after-hours trading. Read more here. Applied Materials (AMAT) recorded an earnings beat for the July quarter but said that the "dynamic" policy environment is creating uncertainty for the business. That led the chip equipment maker to issue a revenue forecast of $6.7 billion for the fourth quarter, below what the Street was expecting. 'We are expecting a decline in revenue in the fourth quarter driven by both digestion of capacity in China and nonlinear demand from leading-edge customers given market concentration and fab timing,' CFO Brice Hill said. 'We are navigating and adapting to the near-term uncertainties by leveraging our robust supply chain, global manufacturing footprint and deep customer relationships.' The company, whose clients include Taiwan Semiconductor and Intel, posted record revenue of $7.30 billion in Q3, up 8% year over year, surpassing estimates for $7.2 billion. Earnings per share of $2.48 also beat estimates by $0.12. Applied Materials stock fell 11% in after-hours trading. Read more here. Earnings and revenue beats lift Dillard's stock Dillard's (DDS) stock rose 7% on Thursday after the department store chain reported revenue and profit beats for the quarter. Net income fell to $72.8 million compared to $74.5 million a year ago, but earnings per share rose $0.07 year over year after the Arkansas-based company bought back stock. Revenue of $1.53 billion beat Wall Street estimates of $1.52 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Earnings per share of $4.66 also topped estimates of $4.00 per share. Total retail sales were flat, with strength in juniors' and children's apparel as well as ladies' accessories and lingerie. The weakest performing category was home and furniture. Other major retailers, including Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), and Macy's (M), will report second quarter results in the coming weeks, providing a more in-depth look into consumer spending habits. Dillard's stock is up 23% year to date. It has climbed 78% since its April 8 low. Dillard's (DDS) stock rose 7% on Thursday after the department store chain reported revenue and profit beats for the quarter. Net income fell to $72.8 million compared to $74.5 million a year ago, but earnings per share rose $0.07 year over year after the Arkansas-based company bought back stock. Revenue of $1.53 billion beat Wall Street estimates of $1.52 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Earnings per share of $4.66 also topped estimates of $4.00 per share. Total retail sales were flat, with strength in juniors' and children's apparel as well as ladies' accessories and lingerie. The weakest performing category was home and furniture. Other major retailers, including Walmart (WMT), Target (TGT), and Macy's (M), will report second quarter results in the coming weeks, providing a more in-depth look into consumer spending habits. Dillard's stock is up 23% year to date. It has climbed 78% since its April 8 low. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
