Major Averages Slightly Higher as Markets Await Fed Meeting
The major averages were mildly higher near noon, with tech attempting to rebound after weakness in semiconductors and AI names earlier in the week. When the Fed concludes its rate setting meeting later today, markets broadly expect rates to stay unchanged, but will be listening to the tone of the Fed statement and new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's press conference. Investors are looking for clues on whether policy remains biased toward eventual easing or whether sticky inflation and energy-related concerns push the Fed toward a more cautious stance.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Jabilprovided areport for Q3La-Z-Boyreportedand announced a new $300M share repurchase programCarMaxreportedDiana ShippingGenco Shippingto $27.34 per shareAST SpaceMobileannounced theof BlueBirds 8, 9, and 102. WALL STREET CALLS:RothschildLyftto Buy on autonomous vehicle upsideLeidosto Neutral at BofA on increasing healthcare pressureCiti highlights AI ramp inof Figmawith a BuyCarter'sto Equal Weight from Underweight at Wells FargoResMedto Equal Weight at Morgan Stanley3. AROUND THE WEB:Microsoftis shifting Copilot Cowork to usage-based pricing as enterprise AI workloads become more compute-intensive and expensive to support, Axios saysMetaCTO Andrew Bosworth acknowledged that the company handled its recent AI reorganization poorly, describing the rollout as "atrocious" in an internal memo, Wired saysPayPalis winding down its decade-old venture investing arm as part of a broader corporate restructuring, with the team shrinking from more than 10 employees in late 2025 to just two and public visibility into the unit's staff largely removed, Fortune reportsOraclesaid on Tuesday that details in a Business Insider report on the collapse of its discussions with Microsoftover a potential leasing deal were inaccurate, according to ReutersVolkswagenis using sealed-bid submissions and supervisory board recusals to manage potential conflicts of interest in the planned $10B sale of its engine unit, FT reports4. MOVERS:uniQuregains in New York after announcing plans for afor AMT-130SharonAIhigher after announcing aBitGoincreases after announcing aLionsgate Studioslower in New York afterNetflixhas no plans to pursue a takeover of the companyCME Groupfalls after announcing CEO Terryand Lynne Fitzpatrick will succeed5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:Deswell Industries (DSWL), with EPS lower year-over-yearSmith & Wesson Brands (SWBI)on June 17, 2026Accentureon June 18, 2026Krogeron June 18, 2026Safe Bulkerson June 18, 2026INDEXES:Near midday, the Dow was up 0.48%, or 247.82, to 52,247.49, the Nasdaq was flat at 26,378.68, and the S&P 500 was up 0.10%, or 7.81, to 7,519.16.
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- Recall Announcement: Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis to address software issues, marking the company's second recall in just over a month, following 13 incidents where robotaxis entered freeway construction zones, highlighting deficiencies in its autonomous driving systems under complex conditions.
- Safety Risks: According to notices from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Waymo's fifth-generation automated driving systems exhibit performance issues in construction zones, increasing the likelihood of accidents, which has compelled the company to restrict freeway operations to ensure passenger safety.
- Expansion Constraints: Waymo currently operates commercial robotaxi services in 11 U.S. markets, but the ongoing freeway issues are limiting the company's expansion velocity, particularly against the backdrop of plans to enter international markets like London and Tokyo.
- New Subscription Model: Waymo recently introduced a $29.99 monthly subscription service aimed at high-demand cities, but until the freeway issues are resolved, user experience and market confidence may be adversely affected.
- Revenue Growth Comparison: Lyft's revenue grew approximately 9% to $6.3 billion in FY 2025, while Uber's revenue surged 18% to $52 billion, highlighting Uber's significant advantage in market scale and revenue growth.
- Net Income Performance: Lyft reported a net income of $2.8 billion with a net margin of about 45%, whereas Uber's net income was close to $10.1 billion with a net margin of approximately 19%, indicating Lyft's superior profitability but Uber's higher absolute profits.
- Free Cash Flow Analysis: Lyft generated nearly $1.1 billion in free cash flow, reflecting its cash generation capability after capital expenditures, while Uber's free cash flow reached $9.8 billion, showcasing its strong liquidity and strategic growth potential.
- Risks and Challenges: Lyft faces legal challenges related to driver classification and complexities from international acquisitions, while Uber encounters regulatory friction globally and potential acquisition risks, both of which could impact their future development.
- International Expansion Strategy: Lyft has successfully entered nine new countries by acquiring Freenow and TBR, covering over 180 cities and launching luxury chauffeur services, significantly enhancing its market share and brand influence.
- Financial Performance Comparison: Lyft's revenue grew approximately 9% in FY 2025, reaching $6.3 billion, with a net income of $2.8 billion and a net margin of about 45%, indicating a substantial improvement in profitability.
- Free Cash Flow Status: Lyft's free cash flow approached $1.1 billion, and despite stock-based compensation accounting for 28% of operating cash flow, it still demonstrates strong cash generation capability after capital expenditures.
- Legal Risk Challenges: Lyft faces legal challenges related to driver classification and ongoing federal litigation, which may impact its operational efficiency and market reputation, increasing uncertainty for future growth.
- Rating Upgrade: Rothschild & Co Redburn upgraded Lyft from Neutral to Buy, with analyst James Goodall asserting that recent pressures on ride growth are temporary rather than structural, making the current valuation compelling relative to fundamentals and peers.
- Growth Slowdown Insight: Although Lyft's ride growth has slowed over the past six months, raising investor concerns, particularly as expected benefits from lower insurance costs have yet to materialize and competitor behavior has intensified, Goodall does not view this slowdown as indicative of long-term structural issues.
- International Expansion Outlook: Goodall highlighted Lyft's pursuit of international expansion to re-accelerate demand, noting that even under a conservative scenario where U.S. ride growth remains in the single digits, the current share price already discounts that outcome while still offering upside potential.
- Capital Return Expectations: Looking ahead, Goodall anticipates Lyft will continue returning capital to shareholders due to improving cash generation, a strong balance sheet, and low capital intensity, with Rothschild & Co Redburn raising Lyft's price target to $22.
- GE Vernova Rating: Bernstein initiates GE Vernova as outperform, citing the potential for U.S. natural gas to displace coal globally, thereby reducing electricity costs and providing reliable power, which could drive the stock price higher.
- NeoVolta Buy Rating: Needham initiates coverage on NeoVolta with a Buy rating and an $8 price target, indicating significant upside potential for the battery company, reflecting strong market demand for its products.
- Nvidia Outlook: Bernstein reiterates Nvidia as outperform, emphasizing the enormous and still early data center market opportunity, suggesting that the company's leadership in technology will continue to drive stock price growth.
- Allegiant Acquisition Boost: Goldman Sachs reinstates Allegiant as a Buy with a $125 price target, believing that the acquisition of Sun Country will provide incremental profitable growth opportunities, enhancing the company's competitive position in the market.
- Rating Upgrade: Rothschild & Co. upgraded Lyft from neutral to buy and raised its price target from $17 to $22, indicating a 54% upside from Tuesday's close, reflecting confidence in the company's growth prospects.
- Competitive Pressure: Despite Lyft's 26% stock decline this year amid competition from robotaxi startups like Waymo, analysts believe Lyft has the potential to leverage autonomous technology to enhance its market position.
- Technological Edge: Lyft's top-tier pricing, matching, and dispatch algorithms enable it to maximize autonomous vehicle utilization, providing a competitive advantage, particularly in navigating complex regulatory environments compared to newer peers.
- Partnerships: Lyft has formed partnerships with several autonomous vehicle firms, positioning it to capitalize on a potential driverless vehicle boom, with analysts noting that more robotaxi providers joining will strengthen Lyft's market position.










