Archive

2026-07-16 15:21 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective MU

Micron Technology is positioned to benefit from surging AI-driven memory demand, with the memory market forecast to exceed $1 trillion by 2027. CEO Sanjay Mehrotra emphasizes the company is in early innings of AI adoption, with future growth expected from robotics and autonomous vehicles. Despite a 687% stock surge over the past year, Micron trades at a P/E ratio of 23, considered a bargain relative to the tech sector average of 37.

Axe note: Micron’s growth in AI memory chips signals a tech wave South African investors shouldn’t ignore, with indirect benefits for Prosus and the rand.

2026-07-16 15:15 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective IONQ IONQ.WS

IonQ is positioned at the center of a high-stakes quantum computing race involving national security and next-generation computing. The company's bull case rests on building a platform rather than just selling hardware, but its real test will be whether this story can translate into adoption, revenue, and long-term shareholder value.

Axe note: IonQ’s quantum aspirations highlight the innovation race, but South African investors should watch the rand and tech giants more closely.

2026-07-16 15:15 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective SCHD VOO IBM

The article recommends the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) as a better investment choice over tech-heavy S&P 500 funds. With tech stocks showing signs of fatigue and IBM's 25% drop after missing earnings expectations, the author advocates for a defensive approach focused on high-quality dividend-paying companies with strong balance sheets. SCHD has outperformed the S&P 500 by 9% year-to-date with a 3.3% yield and consistent dividend growth since 2011.

Axe note: South African investors should take note of dividend-focused strategies amid global tech jitters and inflation concerns.

2026-07-16 15:10 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Bearish ASTS

AST SpaceMobile announced a $1 billion capital raise through convertible senior notes with a conversion price of ~$80/share, causing the stock to plunge 16.5%. The decline reflects investor concerns about dilution and poor timing, as the stock has fallen nearly 60% since May. Additionally, competition from SpaceX's Starlink poses a significant threat, particularly regarding access to orbital slots which SpaceX largely controls.

Axe note: ASTS’s steep price drop reflects dilution fears and tough competition from SpaceX, a cautionary tale for speculative tech plays.

2026-07-16 15:07 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective PLUG WFC WFCPA WFCPC WFCPD WFCPL WFCPY WFCPZ

Plug Power stock surged 37.6% in the first half of 2026, driven by improved financial results and cost-saving initiatives. The company reported a 2.4% gross margin in Q4 2025 (vs. negative 123% in Q4 2024) and beat Q1 2026 revenue expectations with $163.5 million. CEO Jose Luis Crespo reaffirmed the company's path to positive EBITDAS by Q4 2026. However, shares declined 19% since June 30 with no negative news reported.

Axe note: Plug Power’s strong turnaround boosts confidence, but timing and local relevance remain key.

2026-07-16 14:36 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective MU TSM

Micron stock fell 3.2% following TSMC's strong Q2 earnings report and increased capital spending guidance, despite this being positive news for Micron's memory chip demand. The article argues the sell-off is illogical, as TSMC's increased AI chip production will drive demand for Micron's HBM memory chips. Additionally, Micron signed strategic supply agreements with seven major automotive suppliers, providing revenue certainty and margin protection.

Axe note: Micron’s shares fell despite strong signals from TSMC and new supply deals, creating an odd disconnect worth watching.

2026-07-16 14:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective ASTS RKLB

Rocket Lab generates approximately $200 million in quarterly revenue with 60% year-over-year growth and a $2 billion backlog, while AST SpaceMobile expects only $150-200 million for all of 2026. Rocket Lab represents a lower-risk, established business with proven revenue streams, whereas AST SpaceMobile is transitioning from development to commercial service with higher upside potential if its satellite-to-phone technology scales successfully.

Axe note: Rocket Lab’s proven revenue dwarfs AST SpaceMobile's early promise, making it the safer bet for investors eyeing space stocks.

2026-07-16 14:20 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective TSLA RIVN VWAGY

Both Tesla and Rivian have declined 12% in 2026, but they represent different investment theses. Tesla is pursuing autonomous robotaxi services with significant long-term potential but faces valuation risks and repeated delays. Rivian offers a more concrete near-term catalyst with its R2 mass-market SUV launch and Volkswagen partnership worth up to $5.8 billion. For the second half of 2026, Rivian presents a more compelling opportunity despite higher execution risk, while Tesla remains the safer long-term blue-chip EV holding.

Axe note: Rivian’s upcoming R2 SUV launch and Volkswagen deal make it a more actionable EV bet than Tesla for the rest of 2026.

2026-07-16 14:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective AMZN SHOP

Amazon and Shopify are competing in the AI commerce revolution from different angles. Amazon leverages its physical retail ecosystem, logistics, Prime, AWS, and advertising capabilities, while Shopify offers merchants an asset-light digital platform for selling across multiple channels. The article examines which company's business model has the stronger long-term competitive advantage in the evolving AI-driven commerce landscape.

Axe note: Amazon’s integrated ecosystem beats Shopify’s asset-light model for long-term AI commerce dominance.

2026-07-16 14:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective MCD WM O ADP

The article recommends four dividend stocks as long-term buy-and-hold investments for a $1,000 portfolio: McDonald's for its global reach and 50-year dividend growth history, Waste Management for its essential services and 23-year dividend streak, Realty Income for its monthly dividend payouts and 31-year growth record, and Automatic Data Processing for its reliable cloud-based payroll services and 50-year dividend increase streak.

Axe note: Four US dividend stalwarts offer lessons, but local investors need to think twice before jumping in.

2026-07-16 14:15 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective RIVN TSLA

Rivian's stock declined 11.9% in the first half of 2026 despite raising delivery guidance and launching its new R2 SUV. The decline was driven by analyst downgrades, a 28% drop in U.S. EV sales, widening losses ($427M adjusted EBITDA loss in Q1), and elimination of its 2027 EBITDA profitability goal. An 18% stock plunge followed a $1.2 billion capital raise announcement in July.

Axe note: Rivian’s stock drop highlights the risks in emerging EV plays, with indirect lessons for JSE investors.

2026-07-16 14:13 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective LUMN VSAT T TBB TPA TPC AMZN

Lumen Technologies and Viasat represent two distinct infrastructure plays in global communications. Lumen is transitioning from legacy services to enterprise fiber and AI networking following its residential fiber divestiture to AT&T, but faces significant debt and declining revenue. Viasat provides satellite-based connectivity with strong government contracts and improving cash flow, though it carries substantial debt and faces competition from well-capitalized rivals. The analysis concludes Viasat is the better buy in 2026 due to its alignment with satellite data service trends and stronger financial trajectory.

Axe note: Satellite connectivity gains ground as Lumen struggles with legacy debt and shrinking revenue.

2026-07-16 14:03 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Neutral JOBY JOBY.WS

Joby Aviation's Chief Product Officer Eric Allison sold 27,932 shares worth ~$210,000 on July 13, 2026, in a non-discretionary transaction to cover tax withholding from RSU vesting. The insider retains ~710,000 direct shares and ~107,000 derivative securities. Analysts suggest investors should not be concerned by this sale, as it reflects scheduled equity compensation rather than loss of confidence, and should instead focus on the company's progress toward FAA certification and manufacturing scaling.

Axe note: A scheduled insider sale at Joby Aviation reflects tax needs, not falling confidence.

2026-07-16 13:31 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Bullish IXJ RSPH LLY JNJ ABBV

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (IXJ) outperformed the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Health Care ETF (RSPH) over the past five years, delivering stronger total returns (1.50% dividend yield vs. 0.70%), lower volatility (beta of 0.56 vs. 0.78), and a shallower maximum drawdown. While both funds charge identical 0.40% expense ratios, IXJ's market-cap weighting and international exposure of 110 global healthcare stocks provide broader diversification compared to RSPH's 60 U.S. large-cap equal-weighted holdings.

Axe note: iShares Global Healthcare ETF shows stronger returns and less volatility than Invesco’s equally weighted healthcare fund.

2026-07-16 13:31 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective DRAM SOXX CHAT MU SKHY NVDA AMD GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN

The article highlights three AI-focused ETFs as optimal ways to capitalize on the memory chip boom. The Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM) offers concentrated exposure to memory stocks, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) provides broader chip sector diversification, and the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT) offers the most diversified approach across the AI ecosystem with lower volatility risk.

Axe note: AI-driven memory chip growth offers a unique angle, but South Africans should focus on FX and selective tech exposure.

2026-07-16 13:23 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective META PINS RDDT

Meta Platforms, Pinterest, and Reddit are identified as undervalued social media stocks with strong growth potential. Meta is leveraging AI to improve its recommendation engine and ad targeting, with forward P/E of 20.5 despite 33% revenue growth. Pinterest trades at under 12 forward P/E and has transformed into a shoppable discovery platform under CEO Bill Ready. Reddit is the fastest-growing social media company with 69% revenue surge last quarter and trades at 22 forward P/E based on 2027 estimates.

Axe note: Global social media giants offer compelling value, but the rand’s strength and SA market links matter.

2026-07-16 13:17 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective FLYW MA V WDAY ORCL ORCLPD AMZN GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN JD

The article compares Flywire, a high-growth specialist in cross-border payments for education, healthcare, and travel, against Mastercard, an established global payments giant. Flywire offers cheaper valuation metrics (P/S ratio of 3.4x vs 14.3x) and strong growth (27% YoY revenue growth), while Mastercard provides massive scale, exceptional profitability (45.6% net margin), and substantial free cash flow ($16.4B). Both companies benefit from the global shift to digital payments, though they face different risks including regulatory challenges for Flywire and competitive threats from fintech and government-backed systems for Mastercard.

Axe note: Flywire’s growth looks tempting against Mastercard’s scale, but each has distinct risks and roles in the evolving payments market.

2026-07-16 13:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SPCX ARKK ARKQ ARKX ARKW

Ark Invest purchased over $51 million in SpaceX stock last week across multiple transactions, bringing its total holdings to over $550 million spread across four ETFs. The firm has been a long-term investor in SpaceX since before its June IPO and has not sold any shares. However, the author expresses caution about SpaceX's profitability, noting that only its Starlink connectivity division posted operating profit last year, while its AI unit recorded a $6.4 billion loss.

Axe note: Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest doubled down on SpaceX, but South African investors should weigh mixed profitability and currency risks.

2026-07-16 13:15 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective MRVL NVDA

Marvell Technology is positioned to benefit from AI data centers' shift toward networking, optical connectivity, and custom silicon beyond raw compute. However, the company's current valuation leaves limited room for execution errors, requiring investors to carefully weigh growth potential against risks.

Axe note: Marvell stands to gain as AI data centers evolve, but South African investors should weigh growth potential against valuation risks carefully.

2026-07-16 13:05 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective RACE BYDDY GM TSLA F FPB FPC FPD

The article highlights three automotive stocks positioned to outperform the market: Ferrari, known for luxury brand status and 50%+ gross margins; BYD, which surpassed Tesla in EV sales through vertical integration and cost efficiency; and General Motors, leveraging full-size truck/SUV dominance and high-margin subscription services like OnStar and Super Cruise.

Axe note: Ferrari, BYD, and GM are shaping the future of autos and deserve attention from those watching SA’s market links.