Archive

2026-07-17 19:33 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective KBWB UYG BAC BACPB BACPE BACPK BACPL BACPM BACPN BACPO BACPP BACPQ BACPS BMLPG BMLPH BMLPJ BMLPL MERPK AMJB JPM JPMPC JPMPD JPMPJ JPMPK JPMPL JPMPM VYLD WFC WFCPA WFCPC WFCPD WFCPL WFCPY WFCPZ BRK.A BRK.B

The Invesco KBW Bank ETF (KBWB) and ProShares Ultra Financials (UYG) offer different approaches to financial sector exposure. KBWB provides straightforward banking exposure with a 0.35% expense ratio and delivered a 39.43% one-year return, while UYG uses 2x daily leverage with a higher 0.94% expense ratio and returned 14.08% over the same period. KBWB is recommended for buy-and-hold investors, while UYG is better suited for short-term traders, though leveraged ETFs carry daily reset risks and tax inefficiency concerns.

Axe note: KBWB offers cleaner, long-term financial exposure compared to UYG's risky leveraged structure.

2026-07-17 19:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective AAPL

Apple has committed $851 billion to share buybacks since 2012 under Tim Cook's leadership, reducing outstanding shares by over 40% and boosting diluted earnings per share by 373% over 13 years. Despite sitting out the AI boom, Apple's stock has risen 22% in 2026 and 1,250% over the past decade, demonstrating the effectiveness of its capital allocation strategy focused on returning cash to shareholders rather than major acquisitions.

Axe note: Apple’s massive share buybacks have outpaced any major acquisition strategy, driving huge returns despite sitting out the AI boom.

2026-07-17 19:19 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SPCX ASTS T TBB TPA TPC VZ GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN TSLA

SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile are competing in the satellite communications space with different business models. SpaceX dominates rocket launches and operates Starlink with 10.3 million subscribers but faces massive capital requirements and negative free cash flow of -$14 billion in FY 2025. AST SpaceMobile is building a direct-to-device cellular network with partnerships from major carriers and expects profitability by 2027, though it currently has negative free cash flow of -$1.1 billion. The article recommends AST SpaceMobile as the better 2026 buy due to its more focused business plan and earlier path to profitability.

Axe note: A look at SpaceX and AST SpaceMobile’s 2026 outlook and their relevance for South African investors.

2026-07-17 18:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective NVO LLY

Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy launch has regained market share in the GLP-1 weight-loss drug market, capturing ~89% of oral weight-loss medication prescriptions in the U.S. However, Eli Lilly's Foundayo has potential advantages including fewer food restrictions and upcoming label expansions for multiple indications. Both companies remain well-positioned in the fast-growing anti-obesity market with strong pipelines.

Axe note: Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy dominates the weight-loss pill market, yet Eli Lilly’s pipeline and label expansions keep it firmly in the race.

2026-07-17 18:29 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Bearish PINS

Pinterest co-founder and director Benjamin Silbermann sold 93,750 shares worth $2.1 million on July 14-15, 2026, reducing his indirect equity stake by 87% through a pre-planned Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement. Despite maintaining over 1.2 million derivative securities, the large sale size and Pinterest's 35% stock decline over the past year amid advertising headwinds have raised investor concerns about confidence in the company.

Axe note: Pinterest co-founder dumps significant stock amid ad revenue pressures.

2026-07-17 18:27 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Neutral WDFC

WD-40 earns a Superscore of 79 out of 100 for its strong operational efficiency, robust margins (56.6%), and disciplined focus on high-margin maintenance products. However, the stock trades at a stretched valuation (P/E of 37.7) with limited growth prospects, structural headwinds from commoditization and the EV transition, and is expected to underperform the S&P 500 over the next five years.

Axe note: WD-40’s operational strengths don’t justify its high valuation or future growth potential.

2026-07-17 17:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective CVX

Chevron has signed memorandums of understanding with Iraq to enter two major oilfields—the Nassiriya project (potential 600,000 barrels per day) and West Qurna 2 (460,000 barrels per day). The company is also evaluating pipeline routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, addressing export challenges caused by regional instability. These moves could significantly enhance Chevron's long-term growth prospects.

Axe note: Chevron’s Iraq oil deal and pipeline plans could reshape global energy flows and impact local markets via oil prices and the rand.

2026-07-17 17:28 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective ADBE ADSK

Adobe demonstrates stronger revenue momentum with eight consecutive quarters of growth, reaching $6.6 billion in Q2 2026, while Autodesk recorded its first revenue decline to $1.9 billion in Q2 2026 due to sales team reorganization. Despite leadership transitions at Adobe and market concerns about AI impact, the company maintains its competitive advantage with broader market reach compared to Autodesk's niche industry focus.

Axe note: Adobe’s steady revenue growth contrasts with Autodesk’s recent hiccup amid sales restructuring.

2026-07-17 17:23 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective AMD NVDA

KeyBanc set a $725 price target on AMD, implying a 40% gain, but analyst Keithen Drury argues this is overly optimistic. AMD trades at a premium valuation despite lagging Nvidia in AI accelerators and lacking the profit margins to justify current prices. Even under highly optimistic scenarios, AMD would trade at 36x forward earnings, making Nvidia the better investment.

Axe note: A recent Wall Street price target on AMD seems more wishful thinking than grounded analysis.

2026-07-17 17:12 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective SPCX

SpaceX stock fell below its IPO price on Friday, dropping 4% to $125.93 per share. Despite near-term headwinds including competition from China, delayed Starship tests, and AI sector selloffs, analysts project 152% annual earnings growth over five years, suggesting the stock may be approaching fair value.

Axe note: SpaceX shares fell below their IPO price amid delays and competition, but strong long-term earnings growth forecasts keep the story interesting.

2026-07-17 17:09 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Neutral BRK.A BRK.B

Warren Buffett donated $6 billion in Berkshire Hathaway stock to four family foundations this week. He plans to fully dispose of his remaining $138 billion stake by the end of 2034, representing a gradual transition of voting control over the next eight years. This scheduled divestment will reduce Buffett's voting power from 30.2% and eventually eliminate any single shareholder's controlling grip on the company.

Axe note: Warren Buffett’s gradual divestment of Berkshire Hathaway shares marks a slow shift in control, not necessarily value.

2026-07-17 17:00 • The Motley Fool Mixed Axe Cap view: Selective IBM TSM GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN META SPCX NFLX TRV UNH SKHY

The Nasdaq fell 2.5% for the week amid concerns about unsustainable AI infrastructure spending, with major tech stocks declining. The Dow remained relatively stable, buoyed by strong earnings from Travelers and UnitedHealth Group. Chip stocks faced particular pressure following Taiwan Semiconductor's increased capex forecast and IBM's profit warning, while Netflix dropped 8.5% despite meeting expectations.

Axe note: Nasdaq slides amid AI infrastructure doubts; Dow steadies on solid earnings.

2026-07-17 16:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective JOBY JOBY.WS TM DAL UBER ACHR ACHR.WS

Joby Aviation's stock has declined 47% year-to-date, but the article argues this presents a buying opportunity for long-term investors. Despite slow regulatory progress, Joby has made significant operational advances including thousands of test miles, strategic partnerships with Toyota, Delta, and Uber, and participation in a White House-backed eVTOL program. The author views the stock as a speculative long-term play with potential for substantial gains if the urban air mobility market reaches projected valuations.

Axe note: Joby's sharp decline offers a window for bold investors betting on urban air mobility, but caution is warranted given regulatory and market hurdles.

2026-07-17 16:23 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective MU SKHY DRAM

Micron Technology has experienced a 30% pullback from its 52-week high despite strong quarterly results, presenting a buying opportunity for long-term investors. The company benefits from structural demand for memory chips driven by AI data centers, with supply shortages expected to persist beyond 2030. Analysts project 785% EPS growth in fiscal 2026, with potential for the stock to reach nearly $2,000 by 2030 if earnings growth continues and the company trades at a modest 10x earnings multiple.

Axe note: Despite a hefty pullback, Micron’s semiconductor growth tied to AI demand suggests potential upside for patient investors.

2026-07-17 16:22 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective SPCX

SpaceX stock fell below its IPO price after the company scrubbed a Starship test flight due to two Raptor engines failing to ignite on the Super Heavy booster. The engines will be replaced and the launch rescheduled for early next week. The analyst argues this delay is not a significant concern for long-term investors.

Axe note: SpaceX share price dipped after a launch delay, but the long game remains intact.

2026-07-17 16:20 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SNDK

Sandisk stock has surged over 3,000% in the past 12 months, trading around $1,400 per share as of July 2026. While a stock split may seem likely, management may hold off due to strong investor demand, potential short-term trader influx, and the availability of fractional investing. The company's growth is driven by AI infrastructure demand, with data center revenue up 645% and edge business revenue up 295% in Q3 fiscal 2026. Long-term success depends on maintaining consistent revenues through multiyear contracts rather than expecting continued 3,000% annual gains.

Axe note: After surging 3,000% in a year on AI demand, Sandisk’s next moves will likely test investor patience.

2026-07-17 16:03 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective NVDA

Nvidia stock dropped nearly 5% on Friday following news that Chinese startup Moonshot AI unveiled a new model that narrows the gap with top U.S. AI systems. The decline reflects investor concerns about lower-cost AI alternatives reducing capital spending on infrastructure. However, the article argues the reaction is overdone, noting Nvidia continues strong growth and recently announced expansion in Japan.

Axe note: Nvidia’s shares fell on fears of cheaper Chinese AI alternatives, but underlying strength remains.

2026-07-17 15:30 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective NVDA MRVL AMZN GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN

Following a chip stock sell-off on July 13 due to geopolitical tensions, the article recommends two semiconductor stocks for long-term investors: Nvidia, trading at attractive valuations relative to its GPU market dominance and AI infrastructure growth potential, and Marvell Technology, a leading ASIC maker positioned to benefit from increasing demand for custom AI chips from hyperscalers like Amazon and Alphabet.

Axe note: Geopolitical jitters dragged chip stocks lower, but Nvidia and Marvell stand out for long-term gain.

2026-07-17 15:21 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective GOOG GOOGL GOOGM GOOGN

Alphabet's stock fell 2% after Bloomberg reported that its Gemini 3.5 Pro AI model is months behind schedule and lagging competitors in coding ability. The company is struggling to balance multiple stakeholder demands while facing government oversight, and despite massive capital investments approaching $187 billion this year, investors are concerned about the lack of competitive progress in the AI race against OpenAI and Anthropic.

Axe note: Alphabet’s stock fell after news of its delayed AI model raised concerns over its AI race and returns.

2026-07-17 14:23 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective SPGI

S&P Global completed a spinoff of its Mobility division (now Mobility Global) on July 1, 2026, creating a leaner, more focused company. The mobility business was S&P Global's smallest and lowest-margin operation (22% margins vs. 40% company average), so the separation should improve overall profitability and allow management to focus on core strengths in ratings and market intelligence. The company's 53-year dividend growth streak remains intact.

Axe note: S&P Global’s July 2026 spinoff of its Mobility division sharpens its focus on higher-margin rating services.