Archive

2026-07-23 00:17 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN MSFT AMZN META

Alphabet reported strong Q2 earnings with 82% Google Cloud revenue growth to $24.8B and overall revenue up 24% to $119.8B. However, the stock fell after-hours as investors focused on the company's massive capital expenditure increase of $15B to $195-205B annually. Alphabet reported negative free cash flow of $5.8B for the first time as a public company, with expectations for continued negative FCF due to AI infrastructure spending.

Axe note: Alphabet's strong cloud growth growth masks investor worries over its enormous capital expenditure plans.

2026-07-23 00:05 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective STLA GM F FPB FPC FPD RIVN

Stellantis stock has declined 70% over three years and now trades below Rivian despite being a global automaker with millions in annual shipments. However, the company's $70 billion turnaround strategy, focusing 60% of spending on North America and investing heavily in profitable Jeep and Ram brands, shows early signs of success with 38% shipment growth in Q2. Analysts believe the stock could outperform rivals GM and Ford over the next 3-5 years as new product launches gain traction.

Axe note: Stellantis’s bold U.S.-focused strategy has revived its shipments and hints at potential gains over automaker peers—worth a look through the rand lens.

2026-07-22 22:14 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective CEG MSFT NVDA OKLO XE

Constellation Energy stock surged nearly 5% on Wednesday following the Trump administration's announcement of a 30-year nuclear cooperation deal with Saudi Arabia and reports of a new $200 million domestic program to support power plant construction for AI data centers. As the largest operator of U.S. nuclear plants, Constellation is positioned to benefit from these government initiatives promoting nuclear energy.

Axe note: Constellation Energy's stock jump highlights rising global nuclear interest amid clean energy shifts.

2026-07-22 22:09 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective RPM

RPM International's VP of corporate benefits Janeen B. Kastner sold 1,137 shares worth $119,500 on July 19, 2026, to cover tax withholding obligations from vesting performance stock units. This non-discretionary transaction does not indicate a loss of confidence in the company. Kastner retains approximately 136,000 direct shares and 212,000 stock appreciation rights. RPM recently posted record fourth-quarter results with strong operating cash flow and a 52-year dividend increase streak, though consumer spending weakness remains a concern.

Axe note: A benefits chief’s share sale at RPM is routine tax-related action, not a sign of trouble despite solid cash flow and dividend growth.

2026-07-22 22:01 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective RPM

RPM International's CFO Russell L. Gordon sold 1,137 shares (~$119,500) on July 19, 2026, as part of a non-discretionary tax withholding process following performance stock unit vesting. The sale does not reflect concerns about the company's valuation. RPM reported record Q4 results with all three segments growing sales and adjusted operating profit, marking the 16th record EBIT in 18 quarters. However, persistent weakness in the DIY market continues to offset efficiency gains, and shares are down 4% over the past year.

Axe note: RPM delivered impressive earnings growth, but ongoing DIY market softness casts a shadow.

2026-07-22 20:33 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective VHT IHE LLY JNJ ABBV MRK

The article compares two healthcare-focused ETFs: Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) and iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (IHE). VHT offers broader diversification with 411 holdings and a lower 0.09% expense ratio, while IHE provides concentrated pharmaceutical exposure with 56 holdings and has delivered superior 5-year returns (11.8% vs 5.4%). The author recommends IHE as the better buy for 2026 due to stronger recent performance and lower maximum drawdown, despite VHT's cost advantages.

Axe note: A comparison of broad healthcare versus focused pharmaceutical exposure for 2026 portfolios.

2026-07-22 20:28 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective VTI VIG VONG

The article recommends three Vanguard ETFs for a diversified portfolio: VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) as the core foundation providing comprehensive U.S. stock market exposure including mid and small-caps; VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) for conservative growth focused on dividend-paying companies with 10+ years of consecutive dividend growth; and VONG (Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF) as the aggressive growth component emphasizing high total return potential. Together, these ETFs provide a balanced approach to long-term investing, though the author notes they should be supplemented with small-cap, international, and bond exposure.

Axe note: Three Vanguard ETFs can add US growth and income plays to South African portfolios, but weigh currency risk carefully.

2026-07-22 20:23 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective GM

General Motors raised its 2026 profit outlook for the second time this year, expecting adjusted EBIT of $14-16 billion. The improvement is driven by steady vehicle pricing, falling warranty costs, and significantly reduced EV losses as the company completes its electric vehicle restructuring. Q2 adjusted earnings per share rose 41% year-over-year despite a 31% net income decline due to one-time EV charges. At roughly 6x guided earnings, GM appears undervalued.

Axe note: GM's raised 2026 profit outlook highlights improving car pricing and fewer EV losses.

2026-07-22 20:20 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Neutral SN

SharkNinja CEO Mark Barrocas sold approximately 250,000 shares worth $38.8 million on July 17, 2026, reducing his direct holdings by 11% while maintaining a ~2.0 million share position. The sale occurred near the stock's 52-week high. Despite the large transaction, the analyst notes investors shouldn't panic given the CEO's substantial remaining stake, and highlights SharkNinja's strong fundamentals including 16% sales growth, 25% EPS growth, and a reasonable forward P/E of 24.

Axe note: Despite a $38.8 million stock sale by SharkNinja’s CEO, fundamentals remain solid enough to stay neutral.

2026-07-22 20:19 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective ADTN

Adtran stock plummeted nearly 14% after the telecom equipment provider cut its Q2 revenue forecast to $280-282 million from $283-303 million, citing a project delay from an unnamed major client. The company also warned of higher component and freight costs impacting profitability. Q3 revenue guidance of $275-295 million also fell short of analyst expectations of over $301 million.

Axe note: Adtran’s revenue downgrade and rising costs highlight risks in the telecom equipment supply chain.

2026-07-22 20:13 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective NFLX WBD CCZ CMCSA FOX FOXA ROKU DIS

Netflix filed SEC documents for routine $1 billion debt refinancing, not a major acquisition. The company walked away from bidding on Warner Bros. Discovery after Paramount Skydance offered $111 billion, and also passed on acquiring Roku. Instead of pursuing legacy content libraries, Netflix appears focused on diversifying into gaming, physical entertainment spaces, and building an entertainment empire from scratch.

Axe note: Netflix avoids pricey legacy deals, betting on gaming and new entertainment avenues.

2026-07-22 20:09 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Bearish BFLY

Butterfly Network founder Jonathan Rothberg sold approximately 3.1 million Class B shares worth $20.7 million at $6.64 per share through a pre-planned Rule 10b5-1 trading plan established for estate planning purposes. While the sale was scheduled in advance, analysts note it could signal reduced confidence given the stock's 263% rally over 12 months. Rothberg retains 19.7 million shares indirectly through various trusts and entities.

Axe note: A planned insider sale worth $21 million may hint at wavering confidence despite strong stock gains.

2026-07-22 19:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SMR CEG GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN AMZN META MSFT

Nuclear energy demand is surging due to AI data center power requirements. NuScale Power holds a first-mover advantage with NRC-approved small modular reactors but faces years before commercialization and execution risks. Constellation Energy, with 22 GW of operating nuclear capacity and major hyperscaler contracts (Microsoft, Meta), is better positioned to capitalize on near-term nuclear energy demand growth.

Axe note: Constellation Energy's existing nuclear capacity beats NuScale's futuristic modular reactors for near-term investors.

2026-07-22 19:21 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Neutral SOXX NVDA MU AMD

Michael Burry, famous for predicting the 2008 financial crisis, has taken a short position against the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and several of its major holdings including Nvidia and Micron Technology. Despite Burry's bearish stance and a recent 18.4% monthly decline, the ETF remains up 74% year-to-date. Burry cites valuation concerns and cyclical risks in memory chips, while critics argue his analysis doesn't account for AI's transformative role in the current semiconductor cycle.

Axe note: Despite Burry’s bearish bet on semiconductors, the sector remains strong, with limited immediate impact on the JSE.

2026-07-22 19:13 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective VHT PJP LLY JNJ ABBV

The article compares two healthcare-focused ETFs: Vanguard Health Care ETF (VHT) and Invesco Pharmaceuticals ETF (PJP). VHT offers broader sector exposure with 411 holdings, a lower expense ratio of 0.09%, and higher dividend yield of 1.60%. PJP focuses narrowly on 29 pharmaceutical stocks with a 0.57% expense ratio and 0.90% yield. Despite VHT's cost advantages, PJP has significantly outperformed over 3 and 5-year periods (17.3% and 9.1% returns respectively), leading the author to recommend PJP as the better buy for 2026.

Axe note: Despite VHT’s broad exposure and lower fees, PJP’s sharper focus on pharma stocks has outpaced it over the medium term.

2026-07-22 19:10 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Neutral AMJB JPM JPMPC JPMPD JPMPJ JPMPK JPMPL JPMPM VYLD V

JPMorgan Chase achieved a record $21.2 billion quarterly profit, up 41% year-over-year, driven by surging trading revenue (up 86%) and strong investment banking fees. However, CEO Jamie Dimon cautioned that these extraordinary results reflect peak conditions supercharged by one-time events like the SpaceX IPO, and investors should not expect this performance level to be sustainable.

Axe note: JPMorgan’s $21.2 billion quarterly profit was driven by unique market events, cautioning against expecting the same for South African banks.

2026-07-22 18:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SOFI AMJB JPM JPMPC JPMPD JPMPJ JPMPK JPMPL JPMPM VYLD GS GSPA GSPC GSPD

Strong earnings from major banks JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, driven by robust investment banking and lending activity, signal a healthy economy that should benefit smaller banks like SoFi. With lending up significantly and the SpaceX IPO boosting retail investment platforms, SoFi is well-positioned ahead of its Q2 earnings report on July 29.

Axe note: JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs’ strong earnings suggest a solid lending and investment banking environment that South African banks may soon benefit from.

2026-07-22 18:25 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective AMD NVDA INTC

As AI infrastructure shifts from training large language models to inference and agentic AI workloads, AMD is positioned to outperform Nvidia. AMD's chiplet design with greater memory capacity, MEXT acquisition for memory optimization, and leadership in high-performance data center CPUs position it well for the growing demand in inference and agentic AI applications where CPU-to-GPU ratios will increase significantly.

Axe note: As AI shifts toward inference and agentic workloads, AMD’s chip and CPU edge may outpace Nvidia, with implications for the rand and SA tech exposure.

2026-07-22 18:17 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective ACHR ACHR.WS LCID UAL TSLA UBER

Archer Aviation and Lucid Group represent contrasting bets on transportation's future—one in urban air mobility via eVTOL aircraft, the other in luxury electric vehicles. Archer trades at an extremely high 1,890x P/S ratio reflecting early commercialization, while Lucid has a lower 1.7x P/S but burns cash three times faster. The article suggests Lucid may be the better 2026 bet despite higher cash burn, given Archer's valuation premium and regulatory uncertainties, though both remain high-risk ventures.

Axe note: Archer Aviation trades on sky-high promise, while Lucid offers grounded growth but burns cash fast.

2026-07-22 17:35 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SMB VTES

VanEck Short Muni ETF (SMB) and Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) are compared as options for tax-efficient municipal bond investing. VTES offers a lower expense ratio (0.05% vs 0.07%), larger assets under management ($2.1B vs $312.7M), and greater diversification with 3,373 holdings. SMB delivered slightly higher 12-month returns (3.00% vs 2.70%) and has a longer track record since 2008. Both funds have similar risk profiles with identical maximum drawdowns of -1.80% over three years.

Axe note: A close look at how VanEck’s SMB stacks up against Vanguard’s VTES for tax-efficient income.