Major Averages Mixed as Investors Await Fed Policy Meeting Conclusion
The major averages were mixed near noon as investors await the conclusion of the Federal Reserve's policy meeting, with the results of the meeting set to be released at 2:00 pm ET this afternoon. Markets expect a rate cut, but remain wary about what guidance might come afterward. Equity investors are acting cautiously. With heightened uncertainty about future rate moves and economic growth, trading volume and conviction remain muted.Looking to commodities, gold was fractitonally lower, with the commodity continuing its up-and-down run. Oil prices were lower as well after the release of crude data.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:GE Vernovadoubled its quarterly dividend, raised its buyback authorization, updated its FY25 revenue guidance, andCracker Barrelreportedand cut its FY26 revenue guidanceSK Hynix is exploring a U.S. listing to lift its global valuation,Lakeland Industriesreportedand withdrew its FY26 guidanceAmazonwill pay Italian tax authorities EUR723M in a settlement,2. WALL STREET CALLS:GE Vernovato Outperform at RBC Capital and Oppenheimer after the company raised its medium-term outlookEchoStarto Overweight at Morgan StanleyPepsiCoto Overweight at JPMorganRobloxwith a Buy at B. RileyHSBCBiogento Reduce, its sell-equivalent rating3. AROUND THE WEB:After Netflixannounced its deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, Larry Ellison called President Donald Trump to argue it would hurt competition,Nvidiahas built location verification technology to indicate what country its chips are operating in, a move that could help prevent the chips from being smuggled into countries where the export is banned,AirbusCEO Guillaume Faury said it was possible Boeingwould win in the annual order race for the first time in six years,CoupangCEO Park Dae-jun has resigned and is taking responsibility for a massive data breach at the company,Elliot Investment Management has increased its stake in Toyotato 5.01%, increasing pressure on the client as it plans to buy out the forklift manufacturer,4. MOVERS:Brazeincreases afterand raising its guidance for FY26Photronicsand Dave & Buster'sgain afterTerns Pharmaceuticalshigher after announcing aAeroVironmentfalls afterand cutting its guidance for FY26Wave Life Scienceslower in New York after announcing a5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:Chewy, with EPS and revenue beating consensusJ.Jilland provided guidance for FY25 and Q4, with CEO Mary Ellen Coyne commenting, "We delivered better than expected earnings results with topline at the high end of our expectations"Hello Group, with EPS and revenue lower year-over-yearREV Group, with EPS and revenue beating consensusDaktronics, with interim CEO Brad Wiemann commenting, "We delivered another solid quarter of revenue and profit expansion"INDEXES:Near midday, the Dow was up 0.51%, or 242.04, to 47,802.33, the Nasdaq was down 0.18%, or 41.77, to 23,534.72, and the S&P 500 was up 0.10%, or 7.05, to 6,847.56.
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Netflix Reports Strong Q3 Earnings Amid Stock Volatility
- Strong Financial Performance: Netflix's Q4 revenue rose 17.6% year-over-year to $12.1 billion, with earnings per share climbing 30.2% to $0.56, demonstrating the company's robust performance in the streaming market and its ability to attract over 325 million paid subscribers.
- Stock Split Impact: The announcement of a 10-for-1 stock split provided a temporary boost, yet concerns over the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. have led to a 27% decline in stock price over the past six months, reflecting market uncertainty about future prospects.
- Acquisition Potential: Netflix's plan to acquire Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion, while increasing debt, could unlock significant value by leveraging Warner's extensive content library alongside Netflix's data-driven content creation capabilities, presenting substantial growth opportunities.
- Market Competition and Opportunities: Despite fierce competition, Netflix remains a leader in the streaming sector, with management noting that it commands less than 10% of TV viewing time in its most advanced markets, indicating ample room for growth, making the current stock dip an attractive buying opportunity.
Netflix Reports Strong Earnings but Stock Drops
- Strong Earnings Report: Netflix's Q4 revenue exceeded $12 billion, marking an 18% year-over-year increase, with earnings per share at $0.56, slightly above Wall Street expectations, indicating stable performance in a mature market.
- Slower Growth Forecast: Management projects revenue growth for 2026 to be between 12-14%, down from 16% in 2025, raising investor concerns about future growth and causing the stock to drop approximately 5% post-earnings.
- Increased Content Investment: Netflix plans to boost content spending by 10% to $18 billion in 2026 to enhance its content library and maintain market competitiveness, although this will increase the company's debt burden.
- Acquisition Strategy Shift: Netflix amended its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery to an all-cash offer valued at approximately $72 billion, aiming to secure a vast content library, but this will raise its debt from $34 billion to $42 billion.
