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2026-08-09 21:29 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Neutral

Berkshire Hathaway reported 16% year-over-year operating earnings growth to $12.98 billion in Q2, but approximately $1.2 billion of the $1.8 billion increase came from currency fluctuations on foreign-denominated debt rather than operational performance. Stripping out the currency effect reveals underlying operating earnings growth of only about 5%, with manufacturing performing strongly while insurance underwriting weakened.

Axe note: A big chunk of Berkshire Hathaway’s earnings rise is from currency swings, not business growth.

2026-08-09 21:21 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Shopify stock climbed nearly 30% after reporting strong Q2 results with 34% revenue growth and 32% GMV growth. Management highlighted that AI-driven traffic to merchant websites tripled year-over-year, with 75% of AI-attributed purchases occurring outside top 100 categories, benefiting smaller specialized businesses disproportionately.

Axe note: Shopify’s strong Q2 results highlight AI’s growing role in e-commerce, with important lessons for South African investors.

2026-08-09 21:11 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective

Upstart stock dropped 23% in July due to macroeconomic pressures on lenders and concerns about agentic AI replacing SaaS products. Despite solid Q2 performance with 42% revenue growth and positive net income, the market remains skeptical about the company's future amid high interest rates and competitive threats from AI agents.

Axe note: Upstart’s 23% slide in July signals growing investor doubts about AI disruption and rising rates hitting fintech lenders.