U.S. Stock Futures Modestly Higher, Nasdaq Futures Lead Rebound
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 13 hours ago
0mins
Markets are attempting to recover this morning after Wednesday's geopolitical-driven selloff, with U.S. stock futures moving modestly higher as oil prices retreat from recent highs. Nasdaq futures are leading the rebound, supported by renewed buying in semiconductor stocks, while investors assess the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict and their potential impact on inflation and global growth.Although the U.S. launched another round of strikes against Iran and Tehran retaliated by targeting U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, investors appear encouraged by signs that neither side is seeking a prolonged disruption to energy markets. Oil prices have pulled back after an early spike, helping improve sentiment across equities and easing some concerns about another inflation shock.The Federal Reserve remains an important backdrop after minutes from the June meeting showed policymakers divided over the path of interest rates. While the Fed left rates unchanged, several officials expressed concern that higher energy prices and continued AI-related investment could keep inflation elevated, reinforcing expectations that another rate increase later this year remains possible. Investors will also watch the weekly jobless claims report and comments from New York Fed President John Williams for additional clues on the economic outlook.In pre-market trading, S&P 500 futures rose 0.23%, Nasdaq futures rose 0.91% and Dow futures rose 0.05%.Check out this morning's top movers from around Wall Street, compiled by The Fly.HIGHER -Amco-Pittsburghup 11% after announcing that customer order activity during the first six months of 2026 totaled approximately $268M, an increase of 32% compared to the same period in 2025UP AFTER EARNINGS -Simply Good Foodsup 16%AZZ Inc.up 8%Triple Flagup 1%DOWN AFTER EARNINGS -Byrna Technologiesdown 19%Levi Straussdown 3%PepsiCodown 2%LOWER -Ionis Pharmaceuticalsand AstraZenecadown 20% and 8%, respectively, after Ionis and partner AstraZeneca announced that the CARDIO-TTRansform Phase 3 trial for eplontersen in patients with transthyretin-mediated amyloid cardiomyopathy did not meet the primary efficacy endpointSalesforcedown 1% after KeyBanc downgraded the stock to Sector Weight from OverweightStellantisdown 1% after JPMorgan downgraded shares to Neutral
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Analyst Views on AP
About AP
Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation manufactures and sells highly engineered, high-performance specialty metal products and customized equipment utilized by industry throughout the world. The Company's segments include Forged and Cast Engineered Products (FCEP) and Air and Liquid Processing (ALP). The FCEP segment produces forged hardened steel rolls, cast rolls and forged engineered products (FEP). Forged hardened steel rolls are used primarily in hot and cold rolling mills. Cast rolls, which are produced in a variety of iron and steel qualities. The ALP segment includes Aerofin, Buffalo Air Handling and Buffalo Pumps, all divisions of Air & Liquid Systems Corporation, a subsidiary of the Company. Aerofin produces custom-engineered finned tube heat exchange coils and related heat transfer products for a variety of industries, including original equipment manufacturers and commercial, nuclear power generation and industrial manufacturing.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Ampco-Pittsburgh Sees 32% Order Growth in H1 2026
- Strong Order Activity: Ampco-Pittsburgh reported a 32% year-over-year increase in customer order activity for H1 2026, reaching $268 million, reflecting robust performance across both operating segments, particularly in the North American market.
- Forged and Cast Products: The Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment saw a 25% year-over-year increase in orders to $153 million in H1 2026, indicating solid market demand, especially for roll products, which continues to improve.
- Air and Liquid Processing: Orders in the Air and Liquid Processing segment surged 42% to $116 million, driven by demand for commercial pumps supporting the power generation market and U.S. Navy programs, showcasing significant growth potential in this area.
- Historic Orders: Buffalo Air Handling secured the largest air handling equipment order in its history during H1, enhancing the company's market position and laying a strong foundation for future business growth.
See More
Lion Group Shares Surge 51% in Premarket Recovery
- Price Recovery: Lion Group shares surged 51% in Thursday's premarket trading, successfully reversing a prior 6.5% decline, indicating a renewed optimism in the market regarding its future performance.
- Positive Market Reaction: The significant price increase reflects a restoration of investor confidence in Lion Group, potentially linked to recent strategic adjustments or market dynamics, thereby strengthening its position in a competitive landscape.
- Increased Investor Attention: With the stock's rebound, market interest in Lion Group has notably risen, likely attracting more investors and further driving up the stock price while enhancing liquidity.
- Potential Growth Opportunities: The rebound in Lion Group's stock price may signal more growth opportunities ahead, prompting investors to monitor its subsequent financial performance and market strategies to assess long-term investment value.
See More
Analyst Blog Highlights: Amazon, Walmart, American Express
- Amazon Performance Highlights: Amazon's stock has risen 12.8% over the past year, outperforming the Internet - Commerce industry at 2.5%, driven by international expansion and diversified revenue streams, although capital expenditures for AI infrastructure may pressure margins.
- Walmart Market Performance: Walmart's stock increased by 17% in the past year, surpassing the 12.9% growth of the supermarket sector, with its robust store network and digital transformation enhancing customer experience, despite potential short-term profitability impacts from fuel costs and policy uncertainties.
- American Express Growth Potential: American Express shares have risen 13.4% over the past year, supported by strong spending from Millennials and Gen Z, with strategic acquisitions and digital payment solutions enhancing long-term growth prospects, although high leverage and credit loss provisions could pressure margins.
- Natural Grocers Strong Performance: Natural Grocers' stock has surged 38.5% in the last six months, with a market cap of $765 million, benefiting from positive comparable sales growth and a flexible expansion model, despite risks from soft consumer spending and intensifying competition.
See More
Ampco-Pittsburgh Reports 32% Increase in Customer Orders for H1 2026
- Order Activity Growth: Ampco-Pittsburgh reported approximately $268 million in customer orders for the first half of 2026, representing a 32% increase from $204 million in the same period of 2025, indicating robust demand across multiple markets.
- Product Line Performance: Forged and Cast Engineered Products (FCEP) orders reached $153 million, up 25% year-over-year, while Air and Liquid Processing recorded $116 million in orders, a 42% increase, demonstrating the company's sustained competitiveness in the market.
- Strong Market Demand: Strengthened demand for roll products in North America and recent quota and tariff protections in Europe are expected to further support steel production, solidifying the company's market position in these regions.
- Historic Order Achievement: Buffalo Air Handling secured the largest air handling equipment order in its history during the first half of 2026, reflecting strong demand in power generation and U.S. Navy programs, which enhances future growth potential.
See More
Allied Properties Appoints New CFO Craig MacIntyre
- Executive Appointment: Allied Properties announced the appointment of Craig MacIntyre as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 29, 2026, aiming to strengthen the company's financial management and strategic development.
- Experience Background: MacIntyre brings nearly two decades of real estate and capital markets experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Investments and Corporate Development at Choice Properties REIT, and his extensive industry background is expected to provide Allied Properties with new perspectives and growth opportunities.
- Successor Background: MacIntyre succeeds Nanthini Mahalingam, who made significant contributions to the implementation of financial strategies during her tenure, and this change may influence the company's financial policies and future direction.
- Market Reaction: The market has responded positively to this appointment, with investors anticipating that MacIntyre will leverage his expertise to enhance the company's performance in the competitive real estate market, thereby increasing shareholder value.
See More
Ampco-Pittsburgh Q1 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Financial Overview: Ampco-Pittsburgh reported Q1 net sales of $108.3 million, a 3.9% increase year-over-year, but adjusted EBITDA fell to $8 million, primarily due to ramp-up costs in Sweden and a weaker mix in Forged and Cast products, indicating challenges in restoring profitability.
- Product Line Growth: Despite the overall EBITDA decline, the Air and Liquid Processing (ALP) segment achieved record adjusted EBITDA and customer orders, demonstrating strong performance under robust demand, which may support future revenue growth for the company.
- Market Dynamics Shift: The company maintains a dominant position in supplying heat exchangers to the nuclear market, while a European competitor is in receivership and a South American competitor has exited the cast roll market, providing Ampco-Pittsburgh with opportunities to expand market share and enhance competitiveness.
- Future Outlook: Management anticipates a stronger remainder of 2026, particularly with large roll orders recovering in Q2, targeting an annual adjusted EBITDA improvement of $7 million to $8 million, while planning to reduce debt by $8 million to $10 million in 2026, reflecting a commitment to financial health.
See More
Ampco-Pittsburgh Sees 32% Order Growth in H1 2026
- Strong Order Activity: Ampco-Pittsburgh reported a 32% year-over-year increase in customer order activity for H1 2026, reaching $268 million, reflecting robust performance across both operating segments, particularly in the North American market.
- Forged and Cast Products: The Forged and Cast Engineered Products segment saw a 25% year-over-year increase in orders to $153 million in H1 2026, indicating solid market demand, especially for roll products, which continues to improve.
- Air and Liquid Processing: Orders in the Air and Liquid Processing segment surged 42% to $116 million, driven by demand for commercial pumps supporting the power generation market and U.S. Navy programs, showcasing significant growth potential in this area.
- Historic Orders: Buffalo Air Handling secured the largest air handling equipment order in its history during H1, enhancing the company's market position and laying a strong foundation for future business growth.
See More
Lion Group Shares Surge 51% in Premarket Recovery
- Price Recovery: Lion Group shares surged 51% in Thursday's premarket trading, successfully reversing a prior 6.5% decline, indicating a renewed optimism in the market regarding its future performance.
- Positive Market Reaction: The significant price increase reflects a restoration of investor confidence in Lion Group, potentially linked to recent strategic adjustments or market dynamics, thereby strengthening its position in a competitive landscape.
- Increased Investor Attention: With the stock's rebound, market interest in Lion Group has notably risen, likely attracting more investors and further driving up the stock price while enhancing liquidity.
- Potential Growth Opportunities: The rebound in Lion Group's stock price may signal more growth opportunities ahead, prompting investors to monitor its subsequent financial performance and market strategies to assess long-term investment value.
See More
Analyst Blog Highlights: Amazon, Walmart, American Express
- Amazon Performance Highlights: Amazon's stock has risen 12.8% over the past year, outperforming the Internet - Commerce industry at 2.5%, driven by international expansion and diversified revenue streams, although capital expenditures for AI infrastructure may pressure margins.
- Walmart Market Performance: Walmart's stock increased by 17% in the past year, surpassing the 12.9% growth of the supermarket sector, with its robust store network and digital transformation enhancing customer experience, despite potential short-term profitability impacts from fuel costs and policy uncertainties.
- American Express Growth Potential: American Express shares have risen 13.4% over the past year, supported by strong spending from Millennials and Gen Z, with strategic acquisitions and digital payment solutions enhancing long-term growth prospects, although high leverage and credit loss provisions could pressure margins.
- Natural Grocers Strong Performance: Natural Grocers' stock has surged 38.5% in the last six months, with a market cap of $765 million, benefiting from positive comparable sales growth and a flexible expansion model, despite risks from soft consumer spending and intensifying competition.
See More
Ampco-Pittsburgh Reports 32% Increase in Customer Orders for H1 2026
- Order Activity Growth: Ampco-Pittsburgh reported approximately $268 million in customer orders for the first half of 2026, representing a 32% increase from $204 million in the same period of 2025, indicating robust demand across multiple markets.
- Product Line Performance: Forged and Cast Engineered Products (FCEP) orders reached $153 million, up 25% year-over-year, while Air and Liquid Processing recorded $116 million in orders, a 42% increase, demonstrating the company's sustained competitiveness in the market.
- Strong Market Demand: Strengthened demand for roll products in North America and recent quota and tariff protections in Europe are expected to further support steel production, solidifying the company's market position in these regions.
- Historic Order Achievement: Buffalo Air Handling secured the largest air handling equipment order in its history during the first half of 2026, reflecting strong demand in power generation and U.S. Navy programs, which enhances future growth potential.
See More
Allied Properties Appoints New CFO Craig MacIntyre
- Executive Appointment: Allied Properties announced the appointment of Craig MacIntyre as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective July 29, 2026, aiming to strengthen the company's financial management and strategic development.
- Experience Background: MacIntyre brings nearly two decades of real estate and capital markets experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Investments and Corporate Development at Choice Properties REIT, and his extensive industry background is expected to provide Allied Properties with new perspectives and growth opportunities.
- Successor Background: MacIntyre succeeds Nanthini Mahalingam, who made significant contributions to the implementation of financial strategies during her tenure, and this change may influence the company's financial policies and future direction.
- Market Reaction: The market has responded positively to this appointment, with investors anticipating that MacIntyre will leverage his expertise to enhance the company's performance in the competitive real estate market, thereby increasing shareholder value.
See More
Ampco-Pittsburgh Q1 2026 Earnings Call Insights
- Financial Overview: Ampco-Pittsburgh reported Q1 net sales of $108.3 million, a 3.9% increase year-over-year, but adjusted EBITDA fell to $8 million, primarily due to ramp-up costs in Sweden and a weaker mix in Forged and Cast products, indicating challenges in restoring profitability.
- Product Line Growth: Despite the overall EBITDA decline, the Air and Liquid Processing (ALP) segment achieved record adjusted EBITDA and customer orders, demonstrating strong performance under robust demand, which may support future revenue growth for the company.
- Market Dynamics Shift: The company maintains a dominant position in supplying heat exchangers to the nuclear market, while a European competitor is in receivership and a South American competitor has exited the cast roll market, providing Ampco-Pittsburgh with opportunities to expand market share and enhance competitiveness.
- Future Outlook: Management anticipates a stronger remainder of 2026, particularly with large roll orders recovering in Q2, targeting an annual adjusted EBITDA improvement of $7 million to $8 million, while planning to reduce debt by $8 million to $10 million in 2026, reflecting a commitment to financial health.
See More
