Clear market notes built around the JSE, the rand, and what matters locally.

2026-10-23 17:57 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Nokia reported Q3 2026 results with 9% year-over-year net sales growth, driven by strong AI infrastructure demand. AI and cloud revenue surged 123% year-over-year, representing 12% of total sales. The company raised 2027 growth guidance for Optical and IP Networks to 25%-30%, while operating margins expanded 220 basis points. Infinera acquisition synergies are materializing a year ahead of schedule, and AI radio access networks demonstrated 20% spectral efficiency gains in live tests.

Axe note: Nokia’s strong AI growth and margin gains offer a positive look, but local impact is indirect and cautious.

2026-10-23 17:43 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Bloom Energy delivered record Q3 results with 138% revenue growth and raised full-year 2026 guidance to $4.5 billion (122% growth), yet its stock plunged 30% in one month. The decline appears driven by negative free cash flow of $181 million in Q3, though the author argues this reflects necessary capacity expansion to meet exploding AI data center demand. With backlog growing faster than revenue and a $25 billion financing deal from Brookfield, the article suggests the selloff may present a buying opportunity.

Axe note: Strong growth but negative cash flow keeps Bloom Energy shares under pressure.

2026-10-23 17:35 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Blackstone reported mixed Q3 2026 results with strong AUM growth to $1.4 trillion and $63.3 billion in capital inflows, but distributable earnings fell 9% due to a 34% decline in net realizations. Despite near-term earnings volatility, management expects a significant recovery in Q4 and an outstanding 2027. At $117 per share (down 28.5% from 52-week high), the stock trades at less than 20x earnings and offers potential 15% annualized returns over five years with a 4.4% dividend yield, making it attractive for long-term investors.

Axe note: Blackstone’s mixed Q3 highlights risks and rewards for long-term investors eyeing discounted shares.