Latest news with #GregorvanIssum
Economic Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
UBS reveals top European stocks to watch ahead of Q2 earnings — are you holding any?
Mixed Sector Outlook as Growth Stalls Group 1: Shorted Stocks That May Surprise Live Events Group 2: Firms Tracking Ahead or Behind on Profits Cautious on 2025, Optimistic for 2026 Signs of Resilience in Select Sectors FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel As the second-quarter European earnings season approaches, UBS strategists are urging investors to brace for modest growth and mixed results across sectors, with expectations pointing to zero overall growth projection for the period, as per a report. But amid the cautious outlook, some stocks could still surprise on the upside, as per the highlights that tariff pressures and currency swings are hitting industries like autos, transport, tech hardware, luxury goods, and food and beverage particularly hard, according to the report. This means many companies in these spaces may see earnings downgraded, though select firms could be outliers to the trend, as per the READ: Billionaires ditch Nvidia for this AI stock that's soared 2,000% since 2023 The team of strategists has found out two interesting groups of stocks to watch this quarter, according to the report. The first group includes companies with improving earnings outlooks but still heavily shorted by investors; names like Antofagasta, Poste Italiane, and SAAB stand out as potential positive surprises, as per the report. The team wrote that these companies 'could see a Q2 surprise,' as quoted in the the flip side, stocks like Anglo American were flagged among those with deteriorating revisions and a crowded long position, posing potential downside risk, as reported by READ: Meet Kevin Hassett, White House economic adviser, who may be the next chair of the US Federal Reserve The second group comprises companies whose first-quarter EBIT figures were either significantly ahead or behind expectations, according to the report. Firms like Boliden, Adidas, Iberdrola, BMW, Galp Energia, and Orsted have already reached over 30% of their full-year EBIT estimate and may be poised to upgrade their outlooks, as reported by companies like Lufthansa, H&M, IAG, and Nokia, which lag behind on earnings, might need to temper their full-year guidance if their second-quarter results do not close the gap, according to the READ: Wolfspeed stock soars over 100% after shock CFO appointment — who is Gregor van Issum? UBS strategist Gerry Fowler stressed that 'Outlook statements matter more than earnings, though,' noting that any commentary that looks positively into 2026 could be rewarded by markets, as quoted by the the bank remains cautious on 2025 because of tariffs and slowing sales but anticipates a rebound in 2026 due to cyclicals tied to stimulus and consumer dissaving, as reported by READ: FICO stock crashes over 10% after Fannie and Freddie embrace VantageScore 4.0 - here's why it matters According to the report, sector PMIs point to broad-based resilience, with software, industrials, business services, and construction materials showing healthy trends, and by contrast, banks, autos, and mining were identified as highlighted that while banks 'were amongst the strongest in recent years,' recent PMI data indicates a more fragile near-term outlook, and the bank believes investors should 'hang on to cyclicals for the 2026 upswing,' pointing to the long-term potential despite current market headwinds, as reported by of economic pressures like tariffs and currency shifts, many sectors are facing a slowdown, keeping growth flat tech hardware, luxury goods, transport, and food and beverage are seeing the most pressure.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
UBS reveals top European stocks to watch ahead of Q2 earnings — are you holding any?
As the second-quarter European earnings season approaches, UBS strategists are urging investors to brace for modest growth and mixed results across sectors, with expectations pointing to zero overall growth projection for the period, as per a report. But amid the cautious outlook, some stocks could still surprise on the upside, as per the report. Mixed Sector Outlook as Growth Stalls UBS highlights that tariff pressures and currency swings are hitting industries like autos, transport, tech hardware, luxury goods, and food and beverage particularly hard, according to the report. This means many companies in these spaces may see earnings downgraded, though select firms could be outliers to the trend, as per the report. ALSO READ: Billionaires ditch Nvidia for this AI stock that's soared 2,000% since 2023 by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bank Owned Properties For Sale In An Khanh (Prices May Surprise You) Foreclosed Homes | Search ads Search Now Undo Group 1: Shorted Stocks That May Surprise The team of strategists has found out two interesting groups of stocks to watch this quarter, according to the report. The first group includes companies with improving earnings outlooks but still heavily shorted by investors; names like Antofagasta, Poste Italiane, and SAAB stand out as potential positive surprises, as per the report. The team wrote that these companies 'could see a Q2 surprise,' as quoted in the report. On the flip side, stocks like Anglo American were flagged among those with deteriorating revisions and a crowded long position, posing potential downside risk, as reported by Live Events ALSO READ: Meet Kevin Hassett, White House economic adviser, who may be the next chair of the US Federal Reserve Group 2: Firms Tracking Ahead or Behind on Profits The second group comprises companies whose first-quarter EBIT figures were either significantly ahead or behind expectations, according to the report. Firms like Boliden, Adidas, Iberdrola, BMW, Galp Energia, and Orsted have already reached over 30% of their full-year EBIT estimate and may be poised to upgrade their outlooks, as reported by Meanwhile, companies like Lufthansa, H&M, IAG, and Nokia, which lag behind on earnings, might need to temper their full-year guidance if their second-quarter results do not close the gap, according to the report. ALSO READ: Wolfspeed stock soars over 100% after shock CFO appointment — who is Gregor van Issum? Cautious on 2025, Optimistic for 2026 UBS strategist Gerry Fowler stressed that 'Outlook statements matter more than earnings, though,' noting that any commentary that looks positively into 2026 could be rewarded by markets, as quoted by the report. However, the bank remains cautious on 2025 because of tariffs and slowing sales but anticipates a rebound in 2026 due to cyclicals tied to stimulus and consumer dissaving, as reported by ALSO READ: FICO stock crashes over 10% after Fannie and Freddie embrace VantageScore 4.0 - here's why it matters Signs of Resilience in Select Sectors According to the report, sector PMIs point to broad-based resilience, with software, industrials, business services, and construction materials showing healthy trends, and by contrast, banks, autos, and mining were identified as laggards. UBS highlighted that while banks 'were amongst the strongest in recent years,' recent PMI data indicates a more fragile near-term outlook, and the bank believes investors should 'hang on to cyclicals for the 2026 upswing,' pointing to the long-term potential despite current market headwinds, as reported by FAQs Why is UBS expecting no growth this quarter? Because of economic pressures like tariffs and currency shifts, many sectors are facing a slowdown, keeping growth flat overall. What sectors are expected to struggle most? Autos, tech hardware, luxury goods, transport, and food and beverage are seeing the most pressure.
India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
Wolfspeed shares surge 248% in 5 days. What's powering this Nasdaq stock?
Shares of Wolfspeed, a Nasdaq-listed semiconductor company, have seen a rise of nearly 248% in the last five trading sessions, surprising many on Wall stock rally gained pace after the company announced a key change in its leadership team. Wolfspeed named Gregor van Issum as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President, effective from September 1, announcement appears to have sparked investor confidence, especially as Wolfspeed had been facing ongoing financial challenges and was in the middle of a major restructuring to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, van Issum will succeed Kevin Speirits, who has been serving as interim CFO. Speirits will stay on to ensure a smooth handover and will continue working with the company at its headquarters in Durham, North Carolina. He will report directly to CEO Robert Tuesday, Wolfspeed shares opened with a sharp 43% jump over the previous day's close of $1.18 and reached an intraday high of $3.33. The stock ended the day at $2.52, up 9%, after trading at $2.675 around 10:29 AM Eastern rally over the last two sessions alone has been over 180%, while the five-day total gain now stands at nearly 248%. More than 16.6 crore shares were traded during the day, pointing to unusually high investor analysts say the rise is particularly notable because the company had been under pressure until recently due to rising costs, weak profitability, and efforts to reduce debt. A report from TipRanks, quoted by ET Global Desk, said traders were not expecting such a turnaround, especially given the company's previous van Issum is widely regarded as an expert in financial restructuring. He brings over 20 years of experience in managing strategic financing and turnaround situations for companies facing complex business conditions. His appointment is seen as a move by Wolfspeed to bring stability and clear direction to its financial about his new role, van Issum said his priority would be to provide transparency and clarity to Wolfspeed's investors during this transition period. He noted that he plans to help build a more flexible capital structure and support Wolfspeed's aim to improve profitability. He also said that he was committed to supporting the company's broader strategy by using his background in transformation and Issum praised the company's existing strengths, such as its advanced manufacturing facilities, skilled workforce, and strong intellectual property portfolio. He said he looked forward to helping Wolfspeed strengthen its position in the fast-growing market for silicon carbide is a well-known name in the semiconductor industry and is focused on producing wide-bandgap semiconductor materials and devices. These are primarily based on silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), which are seen as critical for the future of power electronics, especially in areas such as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and 5G infrastructure.- Ends advertisement
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Wolfspeed Stock Price Analysis and Forecast: Market performance, investor outlook, key drivers & risks and analyst insights
Wolfspeed Stock Price Analysis and Forecast is one to watch out for. Wolfspeed Inc (NYSE: WOLF) shares have seen a sharp increase following the announcement of a new Chief Financial Officer and updates on its restructuring plans. The stock has gained investor attention as it navigates bankruptcy proceedings and positions itself for long-term growth. Shares Surge Wolfspeed shares jumped 24.79% to $2.92 in premarket trading on July 8, 2025, after closing at $2.31 in the previous session. This marked a 95.76% rise. The stock had earlier reached $3.19, up 36.9% by Tuesday morning. The surge followed Wolfspeed's announcement of Gregor van Issum as CFO, effective September 1, 2025. The company's stock has struggled over the past year, with a 52-week range of $0.39 to $25.49. The recent rise signals a possible shift in investor confidence. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Most Expensive Cars In The World Undo Why Was Gregor van Issum Hired? Gregor van Issum brings over two decades of experience in corporate restructuring and strategic finance. He has worked with major semiconductor companies including ams-OSRAM AG and NXP Semiconductors N.V. His expertise in cost-saving programs and financial transformation aligns with Wolfspeed's restructuring goals. Van Issum replaces interim CFO Kevin Speirits. His appointment follows the earlier addition of David Emerson as Chief Operating Officer in May 2025, further strengthening Wolfspeed's leadership. Live Events CEO Robert Feurle emphasized van Issum's experience in complex manufacturing and financial leadership. Both executives have worked together previously at ams-OSRAM. Bankruptcy Filing and Debt Reduction Strategy Wolfspeed filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early July. The company aims to reduce its debt by 70%, or around $4.6 billion. This is expected to help the company focus on growth and move toward profitability. Wolfspeed plans to continue operations during restructuring and expects to emerge by the end of Q3 2025. Despite the bankruptcy, Wolfspeed remains committed to delivering silicon carbide materials and devices. The company believes the leadership changes will improve its balance sheet and unlock the potential of its 200mm platform. Also Read: Sullivan's Crossing: Seasons 1 and 2 Netflix US release date, plot and where and how to watch Season 3 Market Performance and Investor Outlook Wolfspeed has a market capitalization of $359.498 million. The trading volume was 434.45 million shares, well above the average of 56.52 million. The stock has a beta of 1.29, showing high volatility. The company reported a negative earnings per share of -$8.26, indicating ongoing profitability challenges. Investors are now watching the upcoming earnings report, expected between August 19 and 25, 2025. Analysts have set a target price of $4.20. If the company executes its transformation plan successfully, long-term shareholders may benefit. However, high risk remains due to potential dilution during the restructuring process. Investor Sentiment and Analyst Views While Wolfspeed shares have rebounded sharply, some analysts remain cautious. The company's debt and bankruptcy status pose risks. The Motley Fool analysts did not include Wolfspeed in their current top 10 stock picks. Still, the market has reacted with optimism, suggesting belief in the new leadership's ability to guide a successful turnaround. Wolfspeed Stock Price Analysis and Forecast Current Performance & Market Behavior Premarket Surge: Wolfspeed shares shot up ~25% to $2.92 on July 8 after jumping 95.76% the previous day—signals strong investor sentiment following leadership announcements. Volatility Profile: Beta of ~1.29, trade volume (~434M shares) heavily outpaced the average (~56.5M), indicating speculative and high-interest trading. Analyst Insights and Price Targets TipRanks (8 analysts): Average 12‑month target of $3.37, with projected range $0.61–$6.00 (≈185% upside). Consensus: Hold (2 Buy, 2 Hold, 4 Sell). MarketBeat (14 analysts): Targets between $3.00–$20.00, averaging $11.15 (≈382% upside). (14 analysts): Average target $10.67 (≈320% upside), range $3–$20. Zacks: Forecasts range $3–$10, representing ~195% upside from recent prices. Growth Forecasts Revenue & EPS Growth: Expected 15.4% annual revenue growth and 52.8% annual EPS growth—well above industry averages (semis: ~22.4%). Industry Perspective: Global silicon carbide is projected to grow ~34.5% annually through 2034—tailwinds for Wolfspeed. Short-Term vs Long-Term Outlook 1–3 months: Technical models expect a drop (~–50%) to $0.10–$1.21, unless bullish catalysts emerge. Next 12 months: Wall Street targets: $3.37–$11.15 median; with high-end potential to $20. Analyst consensus leans Hold. 2025 Q3 Forecast: Q3 EPS around –$0.70 on revenue ≈ $201M (vs $197M LY), highlighting ongoing losses despite sales growth. Also Read: US Stock Markets Gainers Losers: Take a look at biggest stock movers on Tuesday Key Drivers & Risks Drivers Leadership appointments (new CFO, CFO-in) signal strategic financial pivot. Chapter 11 process expected to eliminate ~$4.6B debt (~70%), supported by Apollo and Renesas. Global demand for silicon carbide in EV and power sectors increasing. Risks Continued losses: FY 2024 net loss ~$864M, operating loss ~$445M. Refinancing risk: ~$6.5B debt burden, convertible bonds, and interest rate exposure. Short-term technical outlook weak, barring positive developments. Forecast Summary Short term (3 months): High volatility; technical models signal potential downside to ~$1 or lower. Medium to long term (12 months): Analyst consensus targets ~$3–$11; upside depends on successful bankruptcy exit, debt reduction, and execution of growth strategy. Bull case: Silicon carbide demand + debt clearance → $10+ potential. Bear case: Prolonged restructuring issues, financing barriers, slow EV adoption → under $3. Bottom Line Wolfspeed is in a high-risk, high-reward phase. If it successfully restructures, reduces debt, and scales revenue, analysts see significant upside. However, technical indicators warn of sharp short-term declines. The stock remains a speculative, turnaround play best suited for risk-tolerant investors. FAQs What caused Wolfspeed's stock to rise? Wolfspeed shares surged due to the appointment of Gregor van Issum as CFO and investor optimism about the company's restructuring and debt reduction plans. Will Wolfspeed continue operations during bankruptcy? Yes. Wolfspeed stated it will continue delivering silicon carbide products while undergoing Chapter 11 restructuring, with plans to exit by the end of Q3 2025.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
How one tiny Myanmar town controls the globe's rare earth supply and is holding the world hostage
Bhamo, a town in the northern hills of Myanmar, home to just 166,000 people, may appear to be a small town, but it is where almost half of the world's heavy rare earths are found, like the minerals essential for electric cars and wind turbines, as per a report. The Civil War That Could Disrupt EVs Worldwide Since December, Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an ethnic militia, has been fiercely fighting Myanmar's junta for control of Bhamo, which is a civil war that started after the military's 2021 coup, as reported by Reuters. The town is within 100 kilometres of the Chinese border and is a strategically vital garrison town, according to the report. The takeover of Bhamo would grant the KIA control of the primary rare-earth mining area, something that has shaken China and caused supply chain disturbances globally, as per the Reuters report. China's Critical Role in Rare Earth Processing The heavy rare earths are usually shipped to China for processing into magnets that power electronic vehicles and wind turbines, as China has a near-monopoly over the processing of the minerals, as reported by Reuters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo ALSO READ: SoFi stock surges 7% on Trump tax plan hype — earnings buzz builds ahead of July 29 Beijing's Ultimatum China has now reportedly threatened to stop buying the minerals mined in KIA-controlled territory unless the militia stops trying to seize full control of Bhamo, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Live Events A KIA official told Reuters that, in May, China had made its demand, and a KIA commander pointed out that Beijing was represented by foreign ministry officials at the talks, according to the report. The ongoing fight in the region has limited mining operations, and rare-earth exports from Myanmar and now China is "using its dominance to shore up Myanmar's beleaguered junta, which China sees as a guarantor of its economic interests in its backyard," wrote Reuters in its report. While China's foreign ministry told Reuters that it was not aware of the specifics of deliberations with the KIA, but said that, "An early ceasefire and peace talks between the Myanmar military and the Kachin Independence Army are in the common interests of China and Myanmar as well as their people," as quoted in the report. ALSO READ: Wolfspeed stock soars over 100% after shock CFO appointment — who is Gregor van Issum? The KIA official revealed that Beijing had offered a greater cross-border trade with KIA-controlled territories if the militia stopped efforts to seize Bhamo, as reported by Reuters. The official said, "And if we did not accept, they would block exports from Kachin State, including rare-earth minerals," as quoted in the report. An independent Myanmar-focused analyst, David Mathieson, pointed out that Beijing is not seeking to resolve the wider civil war, but it wants fighting to stop as it wants to advance its economic interests, and said that, "China's pressure is a more general approach to calming down the conflict," as quoted in the Reuters report. Conflict Disrupts Mining and Exports The ongoing conflict in Bhamo started just after the KIA wrested control of the main rare-earth belt in Kachin last October, and since its takeover, the KIA has increased taxes on miners and throttled production of dysprosium and terbium, sending prices of the latter skyrocketing, as reported by Reuters. FAQs Who is fighting over Bhamo? The Kachin Independence Army is fighting Myanmar's military junta for control of the region, as per the Reuters report. What happens if China follows through on its threat? Global supply chains could be shaken, prices for rare earths could spike, and manufacturers might struggle to get the materials they need, as per the Reuters report.
