Upstart (NASDAQ: UPST) has seen impressive growth, with its AI-driven platform boosting loan origination volume by 68% to $2.1 billion in Q4.
Drone Strike Disrupts Chevron and Exxon Oil Exports: Geopolitical Tensions Escalate
A recent drone strike on the Kropotkinskaya pumping station, part of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), has disrupted oil exports from Kazakhstan, impacting major shareholders like Chevron (CVX) and ExxonMobil (XOM).
The CPC pipeline, which is vital for transporting oil from Kazakhstan and Russia, has been forced to reduce its flow rates, raising concerns about global oil supply. The attack, claimed by Ukraine’s security service, marks the first instance of Ukrainian drones targeting Western energy infrastructure in Russia.
Kazakhstan’s oil exports, which account for about 1% of the global supply, are now affected, and this disruption could place upward pressure on oil prices.
Both Chevron and Exxon showed slight gains today, but investors should stay alert as geopolitical risks continue to evolve, potentially influencing energy markets and stock performance.
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Claim Marc Chaikin’s Top 10 Stocks for 2025
When this 50-year Wall Street legend releases his “Top Stocks” list for the year ahead, experienced readers drop what they’re doing and go grab a pen and paper. Marc Chaikin’s stock system would’ve helped you identify 44 of the top 50 stocks last year. In 2023, it flashed “bullish” on 44 of the top 50. Today, he wants to hand you two tickers for free.
Extreme Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXTR) has announced a new $200 million share repurchase program, set to begin on July 1, 2025, and extend over three years. This follows the $50 million remaining from its previous buyback authorization, which expires on June 30, 2025. The company’s Executive Vice President and CFO, Kevin Rhodes, highlighted that this move reflects confidence in the company’s strong cash flow and long-term growth, aiming to reduce debt, offset equity dilution, and return capital to shareholders.
The buyback program is flexible, with the timing and amount of repurchases depending on market conditions and other factors. Extreme Networks may buy back stock on the open market or through a 10b5-1 plan, and the program could be suspended or terminated at any time.
Goldman Sachs Ups Gold Price Target, Tariff Fears Could Drive Prices Higher
Goldman Sachs has raised its 2025 gold price target to $3,100 per ounce, up from $2,890, driven by growing central bank demand and higher ETF holdings. The bank sees a 9% price boost by year-end, but if concerns over President Trump’s tariffs persist, gold prices could surge even further, potentially reaching $3,300.
Gold prices are up nearly 10% year-to-date, currently sitting at $2,925 an ounce, and have gained 43% over the past year, outperforming major U.S. indices like the S&P 500 (+20%) and Dow Jones (+15%). This rally has benefited gold stocks, particularly Barrick Gold (GOLD), which is up 16% this year. The miner recently posted its highest earnings in a decade, supported by strong cash flow and $1.2 billion in shareholder returns.
Despite the strong performance, some analysts caution that gold might face a short-term pause, with NYSE strategist Michael Reinking noting signs of exhaustion in the rally. Still, for long-term investors, gold-related stocks and ETFs like Barrick Gold and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) remain attractive plays in a bullish market.
Diageo’s Renewable Energy Investment at Cameronbridge Distillery: A Step Towards Net-Zero Emissions
Diageo (DEO), the world’s largest spirits company, is investing in renewable energy at its Cameronbridge distillery in Scotland, aiming to reduce the facility’s carbon emissions by over 90%. The project will eliminate around 33,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, providing 17.4 MW of power—enough to power 11,000 homes. This initiative is a key part of Diageo’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions in its direct operations by 2030.
The investment involves replacing gas-powered assets at the distillery with renewable energy solutions, ensuring long-term sustainability. Diageo has already made progress, cutting greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 10.7% in its latest fiscal year. The company is also working on reducing its Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030.
This move reflects Diageo’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable growth. While the company faces some external challenges, including geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainties, this renewable energy investment positions Diageo as a leader in both the spirits industry and sustainability. Investors may view this as a sign of Diageo’s determination to lead in the evolving landscape of green business practices, though they should also remain mindful of the external pressures the company faces in the current economic climate.
Upstart’s AI-Powered Growth: A Stock to Watch
Upstart (NASDAQ: UPST) has seen impressive growth, with its AI-driven platform boosting loan origination volume by 68% to $2.1 billion in Q4. Revenue jumped 56% to $219 million, easily surpassing estimates. The company also narrowed its GAAP net loss and flipped to positive adjusted earnings per share, signaling strong financial momentum.
Upstart’s proprietary AI technology, which powers 91% of loan approvals, gives it a major edge over traditional credit scoring models. This innovation, alongside new offerings like home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), positions Upstart for further expansion within the $3 trillion loan origination market.
Looking ahead, the company projects 50% revenue growth in 2025, with breakeven GAAP net income, suggesting sustained momentum. With its unique tech and growing market opportunities, Upstart is well-positioned to disrupt the lending industry and could be a strong performer in 2025.
Upstart’s continued innovation and expanding market presence make it an attractive stock for investors looking to capitalize on AI-driven disruption in consumer lending.
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Urgent Warning About the ‘Magnificent Seven’
Across his 35-year career, investor Brad Thomas has appeared on Bloomberg and Barron’s… interviewed more than 100 CEOs and high-net-worth investors… and acquired a deep contact list of multimillionaires and billionaires, including Kyle Bass and President-elect Donald Trump. Now, he’s warning that today’s economic environment is set for a major rotation out of popular stocks like the “Magnificent Seven” – and those unprepared could be blindsided by the fallout.
Medtronic Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenue Misses Expectations
Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings, posting adjusted EPS of $1.39, beating the analyst consensus of $1.36. However, revenue for the quarter came in at $8.29 billion, slightly below the $8.33 billion forecast. Despite this, the company saw a solid 2.5% year-over-year revenue growth, with a 4.1% increase on an organic basis.
Key segments performed well, including a 5% organic growth in Cardiovascular, driven by cardiac ablation and structural heart products. The Diabetes segment also impressed, growing 10.4% organically, thanks to the continued adoption of the MiniMed 780G insulin delivery system. The Neuroscience division saw a 5.2% organic increase, driven by neuromodulation.
Medtronic reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 guidance, expecting 4.75% to 5% organic revenue growth and adjusted EPS between $5.44 and $5.50, in line with analyst estimates. The company also highlighted growth potential in its renal denervation treatment, with Medicare coverage expected by October 2025.
Despite the slight revenue miss, Medtronic remains well-positioned in key growth areas like cardiovascular, diabetes, and neuromodulation. Investors will be closely watching the company’s product innovations and regulatory developments in the coming quarters.
Everything Else
- Stock Futures Rise Amid Ukraine Negotiations
- Berkshire Hathaway’s Investment Moves
- Intel’s Stock Surge
- Gold Prices Climb Amid Tariff Uncertainty
- Investor Sentiment Turns Bearish
- Bitcoin-Related Stocks Decline
- Upcoming Earnings Reports from Major Companies
- Market Focus Shifts from Inflation to Growth
- Warren Buffett’s Cash Reserves Increase
- Stock Market Nears Record Highs
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading.
