Judge denies Musk, allows Minnesota AI nudification ban to take effect Northern News Now

Expand Energy Corporation EXE is trying to turn natural gas scale into a broader commercial advantage. The strategy centers on serving rising liquefied natural gas, power generation and industrial demand while reducing dependence on higher benchmark gas prices alone.The company’s production base, market access and pending commercial expansion give it several ways to capture value. Execution risk remains because infrastructure timing, regional bottlenecks and integration work still matter.Expand Energy Brings Scale to Demand GrowthExpand Energy produced about 7.48 Bcfe per day in the second quarter of 2026, with natural gas representing 92% of output. That mix gives the company direct exposure to demand growth tied to liquefied natural gas exports, electricity needs and industrial consumption.Its Haynesville and Appalachian positions also provide supply diversity. Haynesville production offers access to Gulf Coast demand and export-oriented markets, while Appalachia gives Expand a large position close to major domestic consuming regions.EQT Corporation EQT is another major Appalachian natural gas producer, making it a relevant peer for investors tracking regional supply and infrastructure constraints. Cheniere Energy LNG, a large U.S. liquefied natural gas producer, provides context for how export demand can influence upstream natural gas strategies.EXE Extends Its Reach Through DelfinThe 20-year Delfin agreement gives Expand a route to international natural gas markets. That matters because LNG-linked exposure can create access to premium demand beyond the domestic pipeline grid.The benefit is not fully within EXE’s control. Project approvals, financing and construction schedules can shift, which could delay expected commercial gains and leave more production tied to domestic market conditions for longer than planned.Expand Energy Uses Twin Eagle to IntegrateExpand agreed to acquire Twin Eagle Holdings for $1.25 billion in cash, with closing expected in the third quarter of 2026. The deal is designed to expand EXE from a large producer into a more integrated natural gas platform.Twin Eagle adds more than 1,000 customers, 44 Bcf of storage and a broader physical marketing network. Those assets may help Expand link supply with customers, optimize transportation and capture value from regional price volatility rather than only from commodity price direction.EXE Targets Commercial Cash Flow GrowthTwin Eagle is expected to contribute more than $200 million of annual EBITDA initially. Management expects that contribution to rise to roughly $350 million after targeted synergies by year-end 2028.Image Source: Expand Energy CorporationExpand also raised its incremental annual marketing and commercial free cash flow target to $750 million. The higher target reflects a broader effort to make commercial optimization a larger part of the cash flow story.Expand Energy Must Navigate Regional BottlenecksAppalachia remains exposed to pipeline constraints and regional oversupply. Expand expects 2026 natural gas basis deductions of $0.30-$0.40 per Mcf, excluding hedges, which can reduce realized pricing even when benchmark gas prices improve.Transportation and storage expansion may soften some of that pressure after Twin Eagle closes. Still, infrastructure risk cannot be removed entirely, and sustaining roughly 7.5 Bcfe per day of output requires continued drilling and completion investment.EXE’s Scores Reflect Trend Potential and Timing RiskThe emerging-demand thesis is clear: Expand has scale, basin diversity and a larger commercial platform aimed at LNG, power and industrial customers. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which points to a more balanced near-term setup rather than a strong directional signal. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Over the past year, Expand Energy shares have declined 9.4%, underperforming Cheniere Energy’s 8.3% gain and trailing EQT’s 0.7% increase, reflecting a more cautious investor response despite the company’s long-term commercial expansion strategy.EXE Stock Performance Compared With PeersImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchEXE has a Value Score of A, Growth Score of A and VGM Score of A, suggesting attractive characteristics across valuation and growth measures. Its Momentum Score of C is more measured, indicating that investors may see the long-term commercial opportunity before the stock shows a stronger near-term confirmation signal. Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research

LPL Financial Holdings Inc.’s LPLA second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $5.84 per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.39. The bottom line grew 29% year over year.Results reflected continued scale benefits, highlighted by strong revenue growth and an increase in total client assets. Growth in gross profit also supported the quarterly performance. However, rising expenses partly offset these positives.After considering non-recurring items, net income was $379.3 million or $4.74 per share, up from $273.2 million or $3.40 per share in the prior-year quarter.LPLA’s Revenue Mix Benefits From Advisory GrowthQuarterly revenues came in at $5.05 billion, up from $3.75 billion in the year-ago quarter. The top line marginally surpassed the consensus estimate of $5.03 billion.Advisory revenues soared 53% year over year to $2.63 billion, remaining the largest contributor to the top line. Total commissions increased 19% to $1.23 billion, supported by a 17% increase in sales-based commissions and a 20% gain in trailing commissions compared with the prior-year period.Asset-based revenues totaled $835.1 million, up 19% year over year, as client cash revenues climbed 12% year over year to $443.5 million and other asset-based revenues advanced 28% year over year to $391.6 million. Service and fee revenues surged 38% year over year to $208.9 million, while transaction revenues improved 37% to $83.2 million.LPL Financial Sees Gross Profit ExpansionLPL Financial’s gross profit rose 24% from a year ago to $1.62 billion, benefiting from higher advisory revenues and growth across attachment revenue streams.LPLA’s production-based payout totaled $3.38 billion, reflecting growth in advisor activity and the economics tied to advisory and commission revenues. The payout rate was 87.44%, up slightly from 87.33% in the year-ago quarter.LPLA’s Costs Rise as Core G&A ClimbsTotal expenses increased 35% year over year to $4.67 billion, illustrating the cost of supporting the company’s expanded revenue and asset base. Advisory and commission expenses climbed 41% year over year to $3.51 billion.Beyond production-related costs, several corporate expense categories moved higher. Additionally, G&A increased 22% year over year to $519.3 million, highlighting continued investment in capabilities and scale initiatives.LPL Financial Delivers Solid Asset FlowsLPL Financial ended the quarter with $2.56 trillion of total client assets, up 34% from the prior-year period. Advisory assets rose 46% to $1.55 trillion and represented 60.4% of total client assets. Brokerage assets grew 18% from the prior-year quarter to $1.01 trillion.Asset flows remained positive. Total organic net new assets were $23.1 billion, representing a 4% annualized growth rate. Within that, advisory organic net new assets totaled $30.2 billion, while brokerage organic net new assets were negative $7.1 billion.Recruited assets were $24.9 billion, up 35% from the year-ago quarter. Recruited assets over the trailing 12 months totaled approximately $89 billion, indicating a larger pipeline over a longer horizon.LPLA Updates 2026 Expense Outlook and Capital PlansOn the outlook front, LPLA lowered its 2026 Core G&A guidance to the range of $2.140-$2.165 billion, including expenses related to the Commonwealth Financial Network acquisition.Capital actions also remained in focus. The company repurchased $309 million worth of shares during the second quarter and plans approximately $300 million of repurchases during the third quarter. On July 23, 2026, the board approved a $2.5-billion increase in the company’s share-repurchase authorization.LPLA declared a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share, which will be paid on Aug. 28, 2026, to shareholders of record as of Aug. 14.On M&A execution, LPLA’s Commonwealth conversion remains on track for the fourth quarter of 2026, with expected asset retention of approximately 90%. The estimated run-rate EBITDA contribution increased to $435 million from $410 million.The company also completed its acquisition of Mariner Advisor Network, adding 367 advisors managing approximately $31 billion in client assets. In addition, LPLA continued to deploy capital through its Liquidity & Succession program, investing roughly $21 million across four transactions during the quarter.Our View on LPL FinancialLPL Financial’s expanding advisory asset base, solid recruiting activity and positive organic asset flows supported strong revenue and earnings growth in the quarter. Continued progress on the Commonwealth conversion, the Mariner Advisor Network acquisition and capital deployment initiatives may further strengthen the company’s scale and growth prospects. However, rising expenses, including higher advisory and commission costs, partly offset the benefits of revenue growth.LPL Financial Holdings Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise LPL Financial Holdings Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | LPL Financial Holdings Inc. QuoteCurrently, LPL Financial carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Performances of LPLA’s PeersInteractive Brokers Group’s IBKR second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of 69 cents surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 64 cents. The bottom line reflected a rise of 35.3% from the prior-year quarter.IBKR’s results were primarily aided by an increase in revenues, growth in customer accounts and a rise in daily average revenue trades. However, higher expenses were the undermining factor.Charles Schwab’s SCHW second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.62 per share outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.53. The bottom line soared 42% year over year.SCHW’s results benefited from the robust performance of the asset management business and record trading revenues. Higher net interest revenues and solid brokerage account numbers were other positives. However, an increase in expenses was the undermining factor. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double" Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest. This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research

Who decided girls don't really want to compete? | Opinion San Antonio Express-News

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. LYV has rallied sharply, with shares up 21.2% over the past year and recently trading at $183.56. The move reflects resilient demand for live events and a sizable second-quarter earnings beat.Yet the valuation case is less straightforward. Estimate cuts, higher debt, legal exposure and a price target below the recent market price argue for a more cautious view.LYV Delivers a Major Earnings SurpriseLive Nation reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $1.05 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 59 cents by nearly 78%. Revenues rose 9.4% year over year to $7.67 billion.Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Price and Consensus Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. QuoteOperating income increased 7.2% to $521.9 million, while adjusted operating income rose 2.3% to $817 million. Concerts revenue grew 8.4%, but Concerts adjusted operating income declined 13.7% due to stadium show timing, venue pre-opening costs and new international festivals.Live Nation Trades Above Its Historical MedianLYV trades at 1.48X forward 12-month sales, above its five-year median of 1.19X. That premium matters because the stock has already reflected much of the optimism around demand strength and Ticketmaster growth.The recent stock price of $183.56 also sits above the $156 price target, which reflects a 1.25X forward 12-month sales multiple. Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. MSGE offers a closer live-entertainment venue comparison, while Sphere Entertainment Co. SPHR gives investors another event-driven media and entertainment reference point.LYV Estimate Revisions Weaken the CaseThe earnings-revision trend is a key concern. The current fiscal-year earnings estimate has declined 14.1% over the past four weeks and 32.8% over the past 12 weeks.That weakens the case for chasing the stock after one strong quarter. A large earnings surprise can improve sentiment, but falling estimates suggest analysts are still weighing cost pressure, legal risk and second-half execution requirements.Live Nation Carries Financial and Legal RiskLive Nation ended June 30, 2026, with total debt, net of discounts and issuance costs, of $9.2 billion, up from $8.2 billion at year-end 2025. The current portion of debt rose to nearly $3.0 billion from $587.6 million.Interest expense increased to $187.8 million in the first half from $152.4 million a year earlier. The company also recorded a $450 million legal accrual, while unresolved antitrust and ticket-pricing proceedings could add costs, penalties or operational restrictions.LYV Ratings Favor a Defensive ViewThe bottom line is that LYV’s operating demand remains strong, but the stock’s valuation already embeds a meaningful amount of optimism. The gap between the recent price and the $156 target supports a defensive stance.LYV currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), which aligns with negative estimate momentum over the near term. Its Value Score of F and Momentum Score of F also temper the investment case for investors focused on valuation discipline and recent trading quality.The Growth Score of A recognizes Live Nation’s longer-term expansion profile, while the VGM Score of B presents a more mixed picture across value, growth and momentum factors. For now, the unfavorable Rank and weaker Value and Momentum Scores outweigh the earnings beat for near-term investors.You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research

Short sellers have made a fortune betting against Elon Musk’s SpaceX — but the party won’t last forever New York Post

I’ve recently seen some members here griping over religious positions, as though they do not belong on a site like this. Looking at this old question, it seems like the consensus back then was that it is difficult to establish a clean line between the two. Reading some of the answers further down, they discussed the difference between rational conclusions and faith-based conclusions, but any act of “rationality” implicitly depends on faith that your brain works, seeing as you don’t know how you will or how you are conscious. Some of the other answers rely on dogmatic traditions, however the mystical formats of various religions tend to avoid dogma in favor of personal lived experience. Further, from a Christian perspective we have this scene from Acts 17: 16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. 18 A group of Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with him. Some of them asked, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others remarked, “He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” They said this because Paul was preaching the good news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took him and brought him to a meeting of the Areopagus, where they said to him, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? 20 You are bringing some strange ideas to our ears, and we would like to know what they mean.” 21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) 22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you. 24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. 26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 28 ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’[a] As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’[b] 29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” 32 When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33 At that, Paul left the Council. 34 Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others. It seems pretty obvious that early OG philosophers were inextricably intertwined with religion. Where would the community here like to draw the line today, as opposed to the line drawn in that question from more than a decade ago cited at the top?

Aliens are trending right now. At least the topic of alien life. It’s in the news, it’s in our movie theaters, and even the U.S. government is getting in on the action as it releases troves of documents related to unexplained phenomena and the search for extraterrestrial life. But here’s a question that isn’t getting explored as much as others: If we do find alien life, will that alien life support the case for intelligent design or an evolutionary origin of life? On this episode of ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid welcomes Dr. Casey Luskin to the show to discuss this intriguing topic and the implications for intelligent design and evolution. Source

InterDigital, Inc. IDCC has long been recognized for monetizing its wireless patent portfolio through smartphone licensing. However, the company is increasingly broadening its reach into adjacent markets, creating additional recurring revenue opportunities beyond its traditional handset business.Its strategy now spans streaming services, cloud platforms, consumer electronics, automotive applications, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and next-generation communications technologies. This diversification aims to strengthen long-term licensing growth while reducing dependence on any single end market.How IDCC Builds Revenue Through LicensingInterDigital generates most of its revenue from patent licensing, reflecting the strength of its intellectual property portfolio across wireless and video technologies. In addition to licensing royalties, the company also earns revenue from patent sales, technology solutions licensing, engineering services and product sales. It operates through a single business segment, allowing management to leverage its research investments across multiple end markets. Its portfolio covers technologies used in cellular communications, video encoding and transmission, artificial intelligence, and connected devices. Continued participation in global technology standards helps InterDigital develop patents that can be licensed across a broad range of products rather than relying on any single device category. Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchCompanies such as QUALCOMM Incorporated QCOM and Nokia Corporation NOK also generate licensing revenue from extensive wireless patent portfolios, underscoring the importance of intellectual property ownership within the communications ecosystem.Why InterDigital Is Diversifying Its BusinessWhile smartphones remain an important licensing market, InterDigital has expanded into streaming services, cloud platforms, consumer electronics, automotive applications and IoT devices. This broader strategy increases the number of industries that can benefit from the company's patented technologies.Recent agreements illustrate that expansion. InterDigital reached a milestone licensing agreement with Amazon covering devices and services, including Prime Video, with final financial terms to be determined through binding arbitration. The company also signed new IoT licensing agreements with a leading fintech company for payment terminals and with KEBA covering electric vehicle chargers. These agreements expand recurring licensing opportunities beyond traditional handset manufacturers while supporting the company's long-term recurring revenue objectives. How IDCC Is Positioning for Future TechnologiesInterDigital continues investing heavily in technologies expected to underpin future communications standards. Its research spans 6G, AI-native networking and advanced video technologies, helping position the company to create intellectual property for future licensing opportunities.The company also maintains significant leadership within global standards organizations, strengthening its influence as next-generation wireless specifications are developed. Management believes these investments should support licensing opportunities across industries ranging from connected vehicles and industrial IoT to streaming platforms and consumer electronics. What Could Slow InterDigital's GrowthDespite its diversification strategy, several risks remain. Customer concentration continues to expose results to a relatively small group of major licensees, while revenue can fluctuate depending on the timing of licensing agreements and renewals.The company also faces ongoing patent enforcement and litigation expenses as it protects its intellectual property portfolio. Sustaining technology leadership requires continued investment in research and development, and slower demand in certain consumer electronics or IoT markets could weigh on licensing activity over time. How IDCC's Ratings Fit the Bigger PictureInterDigital's expansion beyond smartphones provides multiple avenues for future growth, but investors should also consider how the stock's quantitative ratings complement that business story.The stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reflecting favorable earnings estimate momentum. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. However, its Value Score of D, Growth Score of C, Momentum Score of F and VGM Score of F suggest the shares may be less attractive for investors focused on valuation or recent price momentum. Rather than contradicting the company's business strengths, these Style Scores provide a different lens for evaluating the stock based on specific investing styles. Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research

Elon Musk Has Missed His Own Robotaxi Timelines Four Times Since 2025. Should Investors Still Believe the Next One? The Motley Fool

There’s no neat throughline to this month’s most loved photo stories. Trying to draw easy comparisons and impose order on this blizzard of images doesn't do justice to their ambiguity and mystery. But each series is guided by its own unique integrity and purpose. Hard Copy is a photographic experiment, inviting photographers to reproduce their work with Xerox machines. Ashley Markle uses her camera to unpick her past and fill in the missing gaps with visual information.hellip;read more raquo;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;View Gallery (20 images)nbsp;

Ingersoll Rand Inc. IR reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 86 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 83 cents by 3.6%. The bottom line increased 7.5% from the year-ago quarter.Revenues of $2.05 billion surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.96 billion by 4.5% and rose 8.5% year over year. Organic revenues increased 4.1%, while acquisitions and favorable foreign currency movements contributed 2.8% and 1.6%, respectively.IR's Orders and Organic GrowthIn the second quarter of 2026, its total orders increased 5.3% to $2.04 billion. Organic orders increased 1.6% year over year. Acquisitions added 2.4% to order growth, while foreign currency translation contributed 1.3%. Management noted healthy underlying demand and strengthening order momentum. Ingersoll Rand also reported double-digit order growth through the first four weeks of July, supported by the realization of longer-cycle orders that had been delayed during the first half and continued strength in short-to-medium-cycle demand.Segmental PerformanceIndustrial Technologies and Services generated revenues of $1.62 billion, up 8.7% year over year and accounting for about 79% of total revenues. Organic revenues increased 4.2%, with positive growth across all regions. Acquisitions and foreign currency added 2.8% and 1.7%, respectively. The segment recorded a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0, indicating that quarterly orders were broadly aligned with revenues.The segment's adjusted EBITDA increased 1.7% to $434.5 million, while its margin contracted 180 basis points to 26.8%. Organic orders were approximately flat as strong compressor activity, particularly in North America, was offset by the timing of longer-cycle blower and vacuum orders in Europe and continued pressure in the Middle East.Precision and Science Technologies recorded revenues of $426.7 million, up 7.7%. Organic revenues increased 3.9%, while acquisitions and currency contributed 2.9% and 0.9%, respectively. Organic orders rose 7.4%, led by low-double-digit growth in Life Sciences Technologies and mid-single-digit growth in Precision Technologies.The segment's adjusted EBITDA increased 15.2% to $134.5 million. Its adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 200 basis points to 31.5%, reflecting strong operational execution supported by the Ingersoll Rand Execution Excellence system.Ingersoll Rand Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Ingersoll Rand Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Ingersoll Rand Inc. QuoteIngersoll Rand's Margin ProfileThe company’s total adjusted EBITDA increased 2.1% year over year to $519.9 million. However, the adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 160 basis points to 25.4%. The decline reflected challenges in offsetting inflation with pricing, primarily in China, continued commercial investments to support growth and higher corporate costs.In the quarter, IR’s cost of sales increased 11.6% to $1.19 billion, while selling and administrative expenses rose 8% to $400.8 million. Adjusted net income increased to $339.3 million from $325.2 million, though the adjusted net income margin declined to 16.6% from 17.2%.Ingersoll Rand's Cash Flow and LiquidityCash provided by operating activities totaled $295.9 million in the second quarter, up from $245.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Capital expenditures declined to $27 million from $35.3 million, lifting free cash flow to $268.9 million from $210.4 million. The free cash flow margin improved 200 basis points to 13.1%.IR ended the quarter with $3.8 billion in available liquidity, including $1.17 billion in cash and $2.6 billion of undrawn revolving credit capacity. The company paid out dividends of $8 million and repurchased shares worth $240 million. It also deployed $110 million toward acquisitions.Long-term debt (less of current maturities) was $4.07 billion, lower than $4.78 billion recorded at the end of 2025. Net debt to adjusted EBITDA remained at 1.7 times.IR's 2026 OutlookIngersoll Rand raised its 2026 revenue growth outlook to 4.5-6.5%. The forecast assumes organic growth of 1-3%, an approximately 1% currency benefit and a roughly 2.5% contribution from acquisitions.The company maintained its adjusted EBITDA guidance of $2.13-$2.19 billion and adjusted earnings forecast of $3.45-$3.57 per share. Management projects adjusted earnings to be near the high end of this range. Free cash flow conversion is projected at approximately 95% of adjusted net income.Ingersoll Rand's M&A PipelineThe company completed the acquisition of a U.S.-based blower manufacturer with approximately $50 million in annual revenues. The transaction expands Ingersoll Rand's blower technologies and aftermarket capabilities.IR also entered into a deal to acquire Fai Filtri, an Italian industrial filtration company with about $30 million in annual revenues, with closing expected in the fourth quarter. The acquisition pipeline includes more than 200 companies, with 11 additional transactions at the letter-of-intent phase.Zacks Rank and Stocks to ConsiderThe company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks from the same space are discussed below:Applied Industrial Technologies AIT carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Applied Industrial’s earnings surpassed the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. The average earnings surprise was 4.0%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Applied Industrial’s fiscal 2026 bottom line has inched up 0.1%.RBC Bearings Incorporated RBC presently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. RBC Bearings’ earnings surpassed the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. The average earnings surprise was 6.2%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for RBC’s fiscal 2027 earnings has increased 0.8%.Generac Holdings GNRC currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. Generac Holdings’ earnings topped the consensus estimate twice and missed on the other two occasions in the trailing four quarters. The average earnings surprise was 7.4%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for GNRC’s 2026 earnings has increased 0.4%. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double" Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest. This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research

Globus Medical GMED is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 6, after market closes.In the last reported quarter, the company’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.12 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 21.74%. Globus Medical’s earnings topped estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 26.26%.GMED’s Q2 EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s second-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $786.9 million, suggesting 5.6% growth from the year-ago reported figure.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2026 net earnings of $1.12 per share indicates a 30.3% increase from the year-ago reported figure. The estimate has remained unchanged in the past 60 days.Here’s a quick look at how the company is positioned leading up to this announcement.Factors Shaping GMED’s Q2 PerformanceWithin Musculoskeletal Solutions, Globus Medical is expected to have benefited from the continued strength of its U.S. Spine business. Categories such as standard fixation and MIS pedicle screws, expandable TLIF (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion), ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion), posterior cervical and cervical plating may have been key contributors to the performance. Meanwhile, power tools and products like DuraPro are likely to have helped the company continue capturing market share while creating incremental cross-selling opportunities.GMED likely continued to prioritize competitive recruiting within its Spine business during the second quarter, with efficient onboarding of sales representatives with required sets and inventories continuing to remain a key differentiator. Such efforts may have favorably supported the company's top-line performance in the second quarter of 2026.Globus Medical, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise Globus Medical, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Globus Medical, Inc. QuoteFurther, strong performance across the EMEA and Latin America regions likely supported International Spine business results. Its direct and distributor businesses in overseas markets are expected to have witnessed broad-based growth.The Trauma business is also expected to have made a very strong contribution in the second quarter. The ANTHEM Elbow plating system may have again emerged as a standout product, with demand exceeding expectations and prompting the company to deploy additional sets to support adoption. Growth in the Precice Limb Lengthening portfolio may have been driven by the company’s ability to fully meet market demand following the transition of manufacturing from the former NuVasive facilities to Globus Medical in early 2025.We also expect favorable revenue contribution from the Nevro acquisition. Since acquiring Nevro, Globus Medical has been focused on rightsizing the business to drive profitable sales growth while reducing excess spending to quickly adopt the Globus approach. Management highlighted meaningful profitability improvements in 2025 following a series of organizational and operational changes. The impact of those cost control measures was also evident in the first quarter of 2026 and hence likely continued to support second-quarter performance.Our model projects Musculoskeletal Solutions revenues to improve 6.1% year over year in the second quarter of 2026.Enabling Technologies is also expected to have delivered a solid performance in the second quarter of 2026. Amid increasing competition in the rapidly evolving robotics space, adoption of Globus Medical’s ExcelsiusGPS platform continues to be supported for its standard for ease and floor-mounted navigation-based robotic approach.Management highlighted that the deal pipeline remains strong, although the mix is moving toward leases and rentals rather than outright sales. While this shift reduces upfront revenue recognition compared with the historical sales model, it aligns with the strategy of refocusing the company’s capital approach to drive implant and other recurrent revenue product pull-through.Going by our model, Enabling Technologies revenues are projected to grow 6.5% year over year.Earnings Whispers for GMEDPer our proven model, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), along with a positive Earnings ESP, have a higher chance of beating estimates, which is not the case here, as you can see below:Earnings ESP: Globus Medical has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Key PicksHere are some medical stocks worth considering, as these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time:CVS Health CVS has an Earnings ESP of +1.42% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is slated to release second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 5.CVS’ earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 16.79%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s second-quarter EPS indicates an increase of 3.3% from the year-ago quarter’s figure.Cardinal Health CAH has an Earnings ESP of +1.24% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is slated to release fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 11.CAH’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 10.27%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s fourth-quarter EPS calls for a rise of 16.4% from the year-ago quarter’s figure.Cencora, Inc. COR has an Earnings ESP of +1.49% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is slated to release third-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 5.COR’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, the average surprise being 1.59%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s third-quarter EPS implies an increase of 9.3% from the year-ago quarter’s figure. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double" Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest. This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research

Technology licensing is evolving well beyond smartphones as connected devices, streaming platforms, artificial intelligence (AI) applications and next-generation wireless networks create new opportunities for intellectual property owners. Companies with broad patent portfolios are increasingly positioned to monetize innovation across multiple industries.InterDigital, Inc. IDCC is embracing this shift by expanding its licensing programs into cloud services, streaming, IoT and emerging communications technologies while continuing to invest in future standards development.How InterDigital Is Expanding Beyond MobileInterDigital has steadily diversified its licensing business beyond traditional handset royalties. While wireless patents remain its core asset, the company now licenses technologies used in streaming services, cloud platforms, consumer electronics, payment terminals, electric vehicle charging equipment and other IoT applications. Recent licensing activity reflects that broader strategy. The company reached a milestone agreement with Amazon covering devices and services, including Prime Video, while also signing IoT agreements with a leading fintech company for payment terminals and with KEBA for EV chargers. These relationships expand recurring licensing opportunities across markets that extend well beyond smartphones. InterDigital, Inc. Price and Consensus InterDigital, Inc. price-consensus-chart | InterDigital, Inc. QuoteCompanies such as QUALCOMM Incorporated QCOM and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. DLB likewise benefit from licensing advanced communications and media technologies, illustrating how intellectual property is becoming increasingly valuable across multiple technology ecosystems.Why IDCC Is Investing in AI and 6GInterDigital continues investing in technologies expected to shape future communications standards. Its research spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced video technologies and 6G networking, all of which support the creation of new patent portfolios that can generate licensing revenue over time. The company also maintains a leadership role in global standards organizations, helping define future wireless specifications while positioning its intellectual property for broad industry adoption. Continued innovation in AI-native networking and advanced video technologies supports licensing opportunities across consumer electronics, industrial applications and connected infrastructure. How InterDigital Strengthens Licensing PowerBeyond research, InterDigital continues to reinforce its negotiating position through both commercial agreements and intellectual property enforcement. The Amazon agreement resolved pending litigation while establishing a framework for determining final licensing terms through binding arbitration. The company also secured two injunctions against Disney from Europe's Unified Patent Court covering video encoding patents across 11 European countries. Combined with new licensing agreements in the IoT market, these developments reinforce the strength of InterDigital's patent portfolio and may improve its position in future licensing negotiations. What Industry Trends Could Challenge IDCCDespite favorable long-term trends, several factors could limit growth. Technology evolves rapidly, requiring continuous investment in research to maintain competitive patent portfolios and relevance within changing wireless standards.The company also faces ongoing intellectual property enforcement costs, while licensing revenue can fluctuate based on agreement timing and arbitration outcomes. In addition, macroeconomic pressures and weaker demand in portions of the consumer electronics and IoT markets could reduce licensing activity or delay customer investments. Customer concentration remains another important consideration for investors evaluating long-term performance. Why IDCC's Ratings Matter for Trend InvestorsInterDigital's strategy aligns with several of the technology industry's fastest-growing themes, including AI, cloud computing, streaming services and connected devices. As these markets expand, the company's diversified licensing model provides additional avenues for recurring royalty growth.The stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reflecting favorable earnings estimate momentum. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. However, investors should also consider its Value Score of D, Growth Score of C, Momentum Score of F and VGM Score of F. While the Zacks Rank points to a favorable near-term earnings outlook, the Style Scores indicate that valuation, growth characteristics and recent price momentum remain mixed, providing additional context when evaluating the company's longer-term technology opportunity. Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research

India’s Instagram-Loving ‘Cockroaches’ Are Outwitting Modi Online Bloomberg.com

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/29/yes-network-msg-networks-dazn-streaming.html

On this classic ID The Future out of the vault, host Andrew McDiarmid welcomes comedian and author Evan Sayet to the podcast to discuss the failure of the atheist origin myth, his journey from liberalism to conservatism, and the role of humor in the scientific debate. His latest book, Magic Soup, Typing Monkeys, and Horny Aliens From Outer Space, takes a cuttingly humorous approach to dismantling the origin myths promoted by atheists to explain away the evidence for design in life and the universe. Philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer calls Sayet's book “a rambunctious romp...With his trademark humor, Sayet exposes the absurdities of the materialist superstition of our age.” Source

AbbVie ABBV reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $3.65, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.64. The reported figure also exceeded the company’s guidance of $3.57-$3.61 per share, issued earlier in July 2026. Earnings rose 22.9% year over year.ABBV’s revenues of $16.99 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.81 billion. Sales rose 10.2% year over year on a reported basis and 9.5% on an operational basis. The reported figure surpassed the company’s forecast of $16.70 billion.Revenues in the quarter were driven by robust sales of key drugs Rinvoq, Skyrizi, Venclexta and Vraylar, coupled with significant contributions from newer drugs, namely Ubrelvy, Qulipta, Elahere and Vyalev. Sales of Humira and Imbruvica declined year over year.All growth rates mentioned below are on a year-on-year basis and at constant exchange rates (CER).Immunology Drugs Drive ABBV’s Q2 Top LineIn immunology, net revenues from Rinvoq for the quarter totaled $2.53 billion, up 23.7%. The upside was likely driven by market share gains across all approved indications, as well as the recent label expansion in giant cell arteritis across the United States. Rinvoq’s sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.49 billion.Net revenues recorded from Skyrizi were $5.51 billion, up 24%. This surge in sales was primarily driven by strong volume growth and continued market share gains. Skyrizi sales, however, marginally missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.52 billion.AbbVie’s flagship product Humira recorded a sales decline of 36.1% to $756 million for the quarter. Sales in the United States declined 47% to $425 million, while ex-U.S. market sales were down 13.2% to $331 million. The drug’s overall sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $730 million.This substantial decline in Humira sales was due to the drug’s loss of exclusivity in the United States since January 2023. The drug lost its exclusivity in ex-U.S. territories in 2018.ABBV Neuroscience Drugs’ Q2 PerformanceSales from the neuroscience portfolio rose 19.8% to $3.23 billion, driven by higher sales of Botox Therapeutic, depression drug Vraylar, Parkinson's disease drug Vyalev and migraine drugs Ubrelvy and Qulipta. The franchise’s sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.09 billion.While Botox Therapeutic sales rose 11.6% to $1.04 billion, sales of Vraylar increased 18.9% to $1.07 billion.Sales of Ubrelvy totaled $392 million, up 15.9%. Qulipta sales rose 30.3% to $350 million.Sales of Vyalev totaled $256 million, up from $201 million in the previous quarter. The drug’s sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $239 million.ABBV Oncology Drugs’ Performance in Q2Sales from the oncology franchise fell 2.4% to $1.65 billion in the quarter. This downside was due to declining Imbruvica sales, which more than offset the growth in sales of newer oncology drugs, Epkinly and Elahere, as well as rising Venclexta sales. Despite the decline, the metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.62 billion.Net revenues from Imbruvica were down 29.4% to $532 million, narrowly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $533 million. AbbVie markets this drug in partnership with Johnson & Johnson JNJ.U.S. sales of J&J-partnered Imbruvica declined 37.8% to $337 million due to rising competition from novel oral treatments, as well as the IRA-driven pricing changes, which came into effect at the start of 2026. AbbVie shares international profits earned from Imbruvica with J&J. The company’s share of profit from the drug’s international sales fell 7.8% to $195 million.AbbVie’s leukemia drug Venclexta generated revenues of $771 million in the reported quarter, reflecting growth of 9.6%. This drug’s sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $764 million. The company markets Venclexta in collaboration with Roche RHHBY.Sales of the breast cancer drug, Elahere, rose 31.8% to $211 million. However, the metric missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $213 million.Epkinly sales, which comprise AbbVie’s share of profit from U.S. revenues and product revenues from international markets, amounted to $103 million in the quarter compared with $83 million in the previous quarter. The drug is marketed in partnership with Genmab GMAB.ABBV’s Aesthetics & Other Drugs in Q2AbbVie’s aesthetics portfolio sales were down 0.9% to $1.28 billion, which marginally beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.27 billion. Botox Cosmetic sales rose 3.4% to $728 million. Juvederm sales declined 6.6% to $245 million.While Mavyret sales declined 22.2% to $295 million, Creon sales were $345 million, down 14.7%. Linzess sales rose 13.7% to $295 million.Q2 Cost DiscussionAdjusted SG&A expenses rose 10.3% year over year to $3.6 billion. Adjusted R&D expenses were $2.31 billion, up 9.4%.AbbVie Cuts 2026 EPS GuidanceAbbVie lowered its EPS guidance for the full year to include the impact of the proposed acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics, which is expected to be closed later in the third quarter of 2026. The transaction values Apogee at a total equity value of approximately $10.9 billion.Though ABBV expects the deal to dilute adjusted EPS by approximately 14 cents in 2026, it expects to partially offset this dilution by 10 cents of overperformance.AbbVie now expects adjusted EPS to be in the range of $13.87-$14.07, down from the previous guidance of $13.91-$14.11.Shares of AbbVie were down in pre-market trading today, likely due to the lowered EPS guidance. Year to date, the stock has risen 15.3% compared with the industry’s rally of 16.2%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchThe updated guidance includes an unfavorable impact of 58 cents per share related to acquired IPR&D and milestone expenses incurred year to date through the second quarter of 2026.AbbVie Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise AbbVie Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | AbbVie Inc. QuoteABBV’s Zacks RankAbbVie currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double" Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest. This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment Research