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2026-10-14 00:12 • The Motley Fool Neutral Axe Cap view: Selective

Valero Energy stock surged nearly 5% after Citigroup analyst Vikram Bagri raised his price target from $302 to $485 per share, though he maintained a neutral rating. Despite positive developments in refinery margins and competitive advantages, the analyst expresses caution given the stock's all-time high valuation and cyclical nature of the energy industry.

Axe note: Valero’s sharp price target raise reflects strong refining margins, a story that resonates with South Africa’s Sasol amid ongoing energy price swings.

2026-10-13 23:36 • The Motley Fool Negative Axe Cap view: Selective

FB Financial's stock fell over 4% after posting Q3 results that missed revenue expectations ($174.5M vs. $181.6M consensus) despite meeting earnings per share estimates at $1.21. While the regional bank grew deposits by 9% and loans by 10%, investors were disappointed by declining mortgage banking profitability and lack of meaningful top-line improvement from growth initiatives.

Axe note: Meeting earnings but missing revenue points to a cautious outlook on growth.

2026-10-13 23:35 • The Motley Fool Positive Axe Cap view: Selective

Palantir Technologies has overtaken CrowdStrike in quarterly revenue, with Palantir achieving 93% growth in Q2 2026 compared to CrowdStrike's 26% growth. While CrowdStrike maintains steady revenue increases driven by cybersecurity demand amid AI threats, Palantir is experiencing accelerating growth fueled by its AI platform and NVIDIA partnership, demonstrating stronger market demand.

Axe note: Palantir’s booming AI-driven growth eclipses CrowdStrike’s steady cybersecurity gains, spotlighting big tech shifts impacting rand-sensitive investors.