Rebel’s Edge Notes

Nikkei 225 Index down nearly 2.9% and the Nasdaq 100 Index falling by about 1.1%.  The Nasdaq is opening lower as investors take profits in memory and AI-related names after recent strong gains. Stocks like SK Hynix (which recently debuted on Nasdaq) and others in the memory chip space are sliding, with broader chip sector pressure weighing on the tech-heavy index.

Prediction $4B on FIFA 

ABT: Abbott Laboratories is up today following its strong Q2 2026 earnings beat and raised full-year guidance. Earnings beat: Abbott reported adjusted EPS of $1.31, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.28. Revenue was solid, driven by key growth areas like FreeStyle Libre (diabetes care) and medical devices. Guidance raise: The company increased its 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $5.45–$5.60, signaling confidence in continued growth despite some softness in nutrition. This positive surprise is boosting investor sentiment. 

UNH: UnitedHealth Group Inc reported strong second-quarter results, with adjusted earnings per share of $6.38, significantly exceeding analysts’ expectations of $4.90. Total revenues reached $112.03 billion, surpassing the forecast of $110.85 billion, while net income increased to $5.484 billion from $3.406 billion a year prior. Following these results, the company raised its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to between $19.50 and $20.00, up from over $18.25, citing improved cost management and operational efficiencies. The Managed Health Care sector is also moving significantly higher, contributing to UnitedHealth’s price movement during pre-market hours, where shares are trading sharply higher since Wednesday’s close.

JBHT: J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc experienced a notable increase in its stock price following a series of analyst upgrades and strong second-quarter earnings results. The company reported earnings per share of $1.91, exceeding analyst expectations of $1.73, along with revenues of $3.50 billion, surpassing estimates of $3.24 billion. Barclays raised its price target to $300, while TD Cowen and Baird also adjusted their targets upward, reflecting increased confidence in the company’s growth trajectory. Discussions on social media highlighted almost 60% operating income growth in J.B. Hunt’s Intermodal segment, confirming strong demand despite market challenges. Earlier in the session, shares pulled back from a session high but remain higher since Wednesday’s close, indicating robust momentum amid the positive news.

ASTS: AST SpaceMobile Inc announced the pricing of a $1 billion offering of 1.625% convertible senior notes due 2034, with an initial conversion price set at approximately $79.57 per share, reflecting a 20% premium over Wednesday’s close. This announcement has raised concerns about potential dilution for existing shareholders. Following the initial disclosure, shares fell sharply in the prior trading session, and reports indicated a further decline of over 10% in after-hours trading. The capital raised is expected to support growth initiatives, including partnerships or acquisitions. In pre-market trading today, AST SpaceMobile shares are continuing to decline sharply, reflecting ongoing investor apprehension regarding the implications of this capital raise on future performance.