Latest news with #Noto
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Veteran trader reboots SoFi stock price target after earnings
If you played college football 30-odd years ago, Anthony Noto was probably one of the last men you wanted to see heading your way. And if he hit you hard enough, he was probably was the last man you saw. At least for a little while. While at West Point, Noto was a star linebacker on the U.S. military academy's football team and he earned All East Linebacker and Academic All-American titles and received the Toyota Leadership Award in the 1990 Army-Navy Game. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter He led the team with 129 tackles and still ranks in the top 15 all-time Army single season tackles, and ranked third in the record books for caused fumbles in a season-including a single game high of 24 tackles in a win against Vanderbilt. After football, Noto went on to tackle the business world, a career path that included stints at Goldman Sachs, the National Football League and Twitter-before Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk X'ed it up. Noto is now the CEO of SoFi Technologies (SOFI) , which beat Wall Street's second-quarter earnings forecasts and raised its full year revenue outlook. "Our success in the second quarter is clear validation of our strategy and execution," the fintech's chief executive said during the company's earnings call. "And, as you can see, we are just scratching the surface of the tremendous opportunities for growth that exist across each of our products and segments." More Tech Stocks: Analyst who correctly predicted Rocket Lab stock surge resets forecastVerizon Q2 earnings report surprises with remarks on tax reformFund manager who forecast Nvidia stock rally reboots outlook An incredible resume, to be sure, but TheStreet Pro's Stephen Guilfoyle knew Noto was exceptional way back when he saw him back on the gridiron. "I told you this guy was good years ago," he wrote, quoting himself in his latest column. "I saw him play college ball for Army. He made literally every tackle." SoFi's stock has been storming down the field for quite a while with shares up nearly 213% from a year ago. The stock was climbing 9% at last check. Looking at the results, the San Francisco-based SoFi earned 8 cents with net adjusted revenue up 44% to $858 million. "These numbers all easily beat expectations, with EPS comparing quite nicely to $0.01 for the year-ago period, while reflecting year-over-year revenue growth of 43% (GAAP) or 44% (adjusted)," Guilfoyle said, describing SoFi as a "longtime Sarge-fave and core 'Stocks Under $10' holding. William Blair, which kept an outperform rating on the stock, said Wall Street is only starting to appreciate the extent and speed of the company's "disruptive" digital banking offerings. The firm said that it believes traditional banks will "rapidly" lose market share to SoFi as the company expands its savings, spending, lending, investing, and advice offerings "We feel great about the business," Noto told analysts. "It's operating in all cylinders. The results show that. Our outlook shows that for 2025. I think our biggest challenge beyond 2025 quite frankly is deciding what not to do." For the full year, SoFi now expects to generate adjusted net revenue of about $3.375 billion, Guilfoyle said, up from its prior guidance of $3.235 billion to $3.31 billion "and well above the $3.29 billion that Wall Street had in mind." "SoFi made waves in June when the firm announced that it would return to the world of cryptocurrency, reversing a decision to exit that market in 2023," he noted. Related: Veteran trader has blunt words for SoFi's latest move Noto told analysts that "we are at an unprecedented point in time with two technology supercycles taking place." "We are excited to once again be able to provide members with the ability to buy, sell and hold a selection of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum," he said. "In a recent survey of our members who invest in crypto, we found that 60% would prefer to work with a nationally licensed bank like SoFi over their current primary crypto exchange." In addition, Noto said SoFi is also making use of artificial intelligence. "We're implementing and testing AI applications across our business from enhancing back office processes like dispute resolution and filing suspicious activity reports to improving how we interact with our members to help them get their money right and we brought on teams of engineers to drive these efforts forward," he said. In reviewing SoFi's stock chart, Guilfoyle said relative strength remains quite robust but has come out of a technically overbought condition. "Last week's high of $22.74 now becomes the pivot," he said referring to the price level calculated from the previous trading day's high, low, and closing prices. Guilfoyle raise his price target for SoFi Technologies to $29 from $26. "I use dollars and cents for low-priced stocks," he said. "SoFi is no longer a low-priced stock; hence we just use dollars, making $23 the new pivot for me. Already the high price target price on Wall Street, we are increasing our target further this morning." Related: Veteran fund manager who forecast S&P 500 crash unveils surprising update The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
SoFi stock explodes 18% after shocking Q2 surprise as CEO declares 'this is the worst we'll ever be' with member and product growth hitting all-time highs
SoFi Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI) saw its stock skyrocket by 17.6% after delivering blockbuster Q2 2025 earnings, blowing past Wall Street expectations on both revenue and profit. Backed by record loan originations, strong member growth, and a confident bullish forecast from the CEO, SoFi's latest performance has reignited investor optimism. SoFi earnings top forecasts as profit and revenue soar SoFi reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.08, beating consensus estimates of $0.06. The company also posted $858 million in revenue, up 44% year-over-year, far ahead of Wall Street's expected $804 million. Meanwhile, adjusted EBITDA jumped 81% to $249 million, representing a 29% EBITDA margin—a clear sign of operational efficiency and improving profitability. These results mark SoFi's seventh consecutive quarter of GAAP profitability, a major milestone for a company once known for aggressive growth but inconsistent earnings. Record loan originations drive growth momentum The biggest highlight of the quarter? Loan originations surged to $8.8 billion , an all-time high. Here's how it breaks down: Live Events Personal loans skyrocketed 66% year-over-year to $7 billion Student loans rose 35% to $1 billion Home loans nearly doubled, up 92%, hitting around $800 million This explosive growth in lending shows SoFi's expanding market share and reflects rising consumer trust in its lending platform. Member growth and product adoption hit all-time highs SoFi added 850,000 net new members in Q2, marking a 34% increase year-over-year . That brings SoFi's total membership to approximately 11.7 million . The company also added 1.26 million new products , pushing the total product count to 17.1 million . This growth highlights the strength of SoFi's cross-sell strategy and its growing appeal as a one-stop financial platform . Guidance raised as sofi projects stronger full-year growth Thanks to its solid second-quarter performance, SoFi raised its full-year 2025 outlook: Revenue guidance increased to $3.375 billion , up from the previous range of $3.235B–$3.31B Adjusted EBITDA is now expected to reach $960 million , with margins between 28% and 29% Earnings per share (EPS) forecast is now $0.31 , slightly higher than the previously guided $0.27–$0.28 range This improved guidance suggests that SoFi expects continued momentum in the second half of the year—especially from fee-based segments like SoFi Invest, Relay, and Banking . CEO Anthony Noto says the best is yet to come During the earnings call, CEO Anthony Noto struck a confident tone, saying, 'Our products and services will be better in the future than they are today. This is the worst they'll ever be.' He pointed to SoFi's investments in AI , fraud detection, blockchain, and crypto innovation as future growth drivers. Noto also reiterated the strength of SoFi's technology platform , which is rapidly becoming a critical revenue engine. SoFi stock jumps as market sentiment shifts sharply bullish SoFi's Q2 surprise triggered a sharp rally in its share price, climbing over 17% by mid-day trading on July 29. The surge places SoFi among the top-performing fintech stocks in 2025, now up more than 45% year-to-date. Analysts and investors are now debating whether SoFi is entering a new era of sustainable profitability, or if the current valuation—which hovers near 50x forward earnings—will pose resistance in future quarters. Key takeaways from SoFi's Q2 earnings breakout Here's a quick recap of why SoFi stock is on fire: EPS beat : $0.08 vs. $0.06 expected Revenue surge : $858M vs. $804M forecast Record loans : $8.8B in originations Massive member growth : 850K net adds Guidance raised : Revenue, EBITDA, and EPS all upgraded CEO outlook : Bold claims about future growth Stock impact : 17% gain in a single session Is SoFi stock still a buy after this rally? SoFi's second-quarter results delivered everything investors hoped for—big growth, profitability, and raised guidance. It also showcased the company's ability to scale beyond lending into a full financial ecosystem with banking, investing, and tech-enabled services. While the stock has had a huge run, SoFi's momentum, member growth, and product stickiness suggest the rally may still have legs. But with expectations now sky-high, Q3 will be crucial in proving that this breakout wasn't just a one-quarter wonder. FAQs: Q1: Why did SoFi stock surge 18% today? Because SoFi crushed Q2 earnings with record loan growth, rising members, and a bold outlook from the CEO. Q2: What did SoFi's CEO say after Q2 results? He said, 'This is the worst we'll ever be,' suggesting more growth is coming.
The Herald Scotland
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Why chef Stuart Ralston is closing Aizle in Edinburgh
'I wanted to work with producers who really care about what they grow and make people happy with our food,' Ralston said when announcing the closure online last month. 'Over the past 11 years, we have moved homes, met brilliant people along the way and grown into something to be proud of. 'We achieved what we set out to do.' Citing plans to shift his attention fully onto the three other restaurants in his group (fine dining venture, Lyla, NYC izakaya-inspired Noto, and pasta-focused Tipo) Ralston has said that the option to leave his lease was the initial catalyst for Aizle's closure. Read more: From washing dishes to a Michelin Star -Edinburgh chef celebrates win "There was no rash decision made overnight," he told The Herald. "It is very emotional, and something that I've been thinking over for months and months. 'If we wanted to keep going with Aizle, we could have, but when the option to leave our lease came up, I had to judge it accordingly and ask myself if it was worth staying. 'Within the restaurant group, my attitude has always been that if we're not constantly evolving, then there's no point in doing it. 'Aizle is the only restaurant in our group that is not fully independent, and because the Kimpton Hotel owns the site, there's only so much we can do with it. 'I love it so much as a brand, and it's given me everything I've ever wanted out of life. "Because of that, it's an entity that deserves more than just to be flogging a dead horse for any longer than I feel is needed.' Pictured: Aizle serves a 'blind tasting menu' revolving around produce from Scotland's larder (Image: Supplied) After securing his Michelin Star in February this year, Ralston now spends the bulk of his time at Royal Terrace restaurant Lyla, which has been fully booked since the win. 'The global recognition for the Michelin Guide means that it can bring a lot of attention to a city like [[Edinburgh]], or even Scotland, and to be a part of that makes you feel really good about what you've contributed to the industry as a whole,' he said. 'That's not something I ever really considered when I was younger. All I thought about was cooking in a restaurant. 'I spent a long time away from home working in New York and Barbados, so when I came back to Edinburgh, I was a total nobody starting from scratch. 'That means it's taken slightly longer than I wanted to get to this point, but now I feel like the most important thing you can do is leave a bit of a legacy behind you. 'I try to say it as often as I can, so hopefully the message gets out there, but I'm lucky to have incredible people around that support me as well as the restaurants. 'It's not just me cooking all this food. The group has around a hundred staff, so it's nice to see everybody get to celebrate something like our Michelin Star at Lyla.' These staff members are at the forefront of Ralston's mind ahead of Aizle's closure, with talk of a potential restaurant opening that would create new roles for his talented team members. 'Now I feel my main responsibility is to the staff, and I want to make sure that they've got other opportunities within the group. 'If I can make that happen, then I'll feel alright about it all." With just a few weeks left until the final service at Aizle on Sunday, September 21, this summer will be bittersweet for the Glenrothes-born chef as he prepares to say goodbye to the restaurant which started it all for him in Edinburgh. 'Closing a restaurant is a new experience for me, but what has made it a bit easier was the response we got when we put out the post on social media announcing the news," he said. 'There's such an overwhelming number of comments from people who have made special memories at Aizle. 'I'm proud to know that from a small, very casual restaurant on Leonard Street, which was opened with only around 25 grand, I've managed to build a group that's now become successful. "Aizle was the foundation for everything else to stand on. 'I'd say that, as well as the people who have stuck with me throughout the 11 years or started with us and have gone on to do great things of their own, is the most important thing we've achieved.' Aizle is located at 38 Charlotte Square in Edinburgh. For more information, visit
News.com.au
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Aussie model's ‘inappropriate' sheer wedding guest outfit slammed
An Aussie model stunned onlookers after arriving at Sting's daughter's wedding dressed in a completely see-through bodysuit, and it's since been dubbed 'the most inappropriate outfit of all time'. Nicole Trunfio, 39, who is the founder of maternity fashion label Bumpsuit, attended the Italian wedding of the rocker's daughter, Fuchsia Kate Sumner, and her partner Max Wright. As the happy couple tied the knot during a lavish three-day celebration in the small town of Noto, Sicily, many couldn't help but notice Trunfio, who arrived in a very eye-catching outfit. At the pre-wedding gathering on Friday, the Australian-Italian model wore a black bodysuit with sheer leggings that made sure all eyes were on her. Adding to the daring look, the black briefs of the bodysuit were also see-through, leaving little to the imagination, with her bottom nearly fully on display. The plunging neckline drew all eyes to her from every angle, and her strappy black heels made her legs look longer. She accessorised with an oversized gold cross necklace, maybe as a nod to Italy's long tradition of religious iconography, but it contrasted sharply with her otherwise risqué outfit. Meanwhile, bride-to-be Sumner, 43, who is an actress and director, wore a lace mermaid gown by Valentino with a high neck and open back. She balanced the look with a relaxed low ponytail and chunky white wedges. Her fiance also played it casual, sporting maroon trousers and a salmon pink shirt. Family members attending included Sting, 73, and his wife Trudie Styler, 71, who is the stepmother of the bride. Styler, a film producer, looked stunning in a figure-hugging butter-yellow silk gown with long sleeves and a crew neckline. She finished the outfit with gold chain body jewellery and flat sandals. Sting opted for a simple blue shirt, left unbuttoned at the top, paired with black trousers. Sumner's mum, Frances Tomelty, Sting's first wife, was also there, wearing a flowy shirt dress, sunhat, and floral sandals. The event featured a street party and an Italian marching band. But despite the laid-back vibe, many felt the model's outfit was out of place and maybe even stole some of the bride's spotlight. One person called it the 'most inappropriate wedding outfit of all time,' while another described it as 'over the top trashy'. Some questioned if it was 'Australian fashion,' and others called her 'another bare-all Aussie'. Many simply saw it as attention-seeking behaviour. 'Insecure and envious 'friend' to behave like that at a wedding,' one remarked. 'Zero respect as a wedding guest,' another said. 'Stealing the bride's thunder,' a third agreed. It comes after Kylie Jenner made a similar fashion faux pas at the Sanchez Bezos wedding last month. The 27-year-old made a statement in a tightly corsetted satin dress with a bustier bodice and dainty black bows. Some said she committed the ultimate wedding sin, as fans quickly pointed out her dress was a touch too close to white. However, reps for the dress brand insisted it was actually 'icy blue'.
The Mainichi
15-07-2025
- Climate
- The Mainichi
Japan agency aims to better predict 'linear precipitation bands' as rain disasters worsen
TOKYO -- As Japan faces increasingly severe damage from intense rainfall brought on by a weather phenomenon called "linear precipitation bands" in summer through autumn, the country's weather agency has stepped up, issuing advance notifications and urging caution in light of disasters such as last year's record Noto Peninsula rainfall. A linear rainband forms when clusters of developed cumulonimbus clouds continuously emerge in a line and move over or remain nearly stationary in the same area. It's a band-shaped zone of intense rainfall that stretches approximately 50 to 300 kilometers in length and 20 to 50 km in width. The phenomenon was present during the 2014 Hiroshima landslide disaster, and the 2017 northern Kyushu and 2018 Western Japan floods. The Japanese term for "linear precipitation band" gained widespread attention in the mid-2010s and was even nominated for U-Can Inc.'s annual new words and buzzwords award in 2017. Since 2022, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has been providing alerts about the likely formation of these rainbands around half a day in advance to facilitate timely evacuations. Previously, such warnings were issued by broad region, such as the "Tokai region" or "Shikoku region," but since May 2024, warnings are now released at the more specific prefectural level. However, much about how these bands form remains unclear, making accurate forecasting with current technology extremely challenging. In 2024, the JMA issued 81 such alerts, but heavy rain actually occurred just eight times -- a "hit rate" of roughly 10%. Linear precipitation bands were confirmed 21 times throughout the year, but no alert had been issued on 13 of those. Notably, the agency failed to predict events on the Sea of Japan side, such as July's heavy rain centered on north Japan's Yamagata Prefecture and the September Noto disaster. To improve accuracy, the agency has expanded real-time observations on the Sea of Japan this year, in addition to the East China Sea and the Pacific. When heavy rainfall is forecast, research vessels now sail the Sea of Japan as well, collecting atmospheric moisture data, alongside upper-level air pressure and humidity measurements to predict the emergence of these rainbands. Authorities also warn that in summer especially, severe rain disasters can be caused by rapidly developing cumulonimbus clouds even in the absence of linear precipitation bands. The JMA offers the "Kikikuru" hazard distribution map that displays the risk levels of landslides or flooding, while the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism provides real-time river disaster information, including flood forecasts and evacuation notices.
