Results for: Business

HBT Financial (HBT) reported earnings of $0.57 per share for the first quarter of 2024, meeting the Zacks Consensus Estimate but falling short on revenue expectations. The company’s revenue for the quarter was $52.31 million, missing the consensus estimate by 7.07%. Despite underperforming the market year-to-date, HBT Financial is expected to outperform in the near future based on its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Investors should monitor earnings estimate revisions and industry trends for further insights.

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) reported strong third-quarter earnings on Friday, with adjusted EPS beating consensus estimates and sales growth meeting expectations. P&G raised its full-year EPS growth outlook from -1% to a range of 1% to 2% and maintained its sales growth guidance of 4%-5%. The company also increased its adjusted EPS growth outlook from 8%-9% to 10%-11% and anticipates headwinds of approximately $600 million from unfavorable foreign exchange rates, offset by $900 million of benefits from favorable commodity costs.

In the NBA’s annual anonymous player poll, Rudy Gobert has been voted the most overrated player in the league by 13.6% of his peers. Washington’s Bradley Beal (8.6%) and Atlanta’s Trae Young (7.4%) round out the top three. The selection highlights a disconnect between Gobert’s perception in the media and his actual statistical performance.

Schlumberger N.V. (SLB) reported strong financial results for the first quarter of 2024. The company’s revenue grew 13% year-over-year to $8.707 billion, beating analysts’ estimates. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) increased 19% to 75 cents, in line with expectations. Schlumberger’s growth was driven by international markets, with revenue increasing 18% in the Middle East & Asia and 18% in Europe & Africa. The company’s North American market revenue declined 6% year-over-year. SLB announced a quarterly cash dividend of 27.5 cents per share, payable on July 11, 2024.

The use of psychedelics to enhance work performance is gaining popularity in Silicon Valley, despite warnings from the FDA. Many believe that these substances can improve focus, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. While some proponents advocate for microdosing, others emphasize the need for more medical research.

Microsoft is set to release its fiscal Q3 2024 earnings after market close on Thursday. Analysts predict earnings per share of $2.83 and revenue of $60.769 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 15.1% and 15.98%, respectively. Goldman Sachs analysts are optimistic about Microsoft’s ability to scale Gen-AI revenue, drive Azure growth, and continue its earnings outperformance. The company’s 12-month average price target is $478, suggesting a potential 18% stock upside.

In 1970, O.J. Simpson played a crucial role in a landmark trial that shaped the NFL’s response to the dangers of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a debilitating brain disease associated with repeated head trauma. Simpson’s testimony as a witness for the defense helped shield the league from financial liabilities and perpetuate the idea that players fully understood the risks involved in football. Despite emerging evidence and scientific understanding, the NFL continued to ignore the issue for decades, with devastating consequences for countless players.

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The European Union’s external auditor has raised concerns about the feasibility of a 2035 ban on new petrol car sales, citing high electric vehicle (EV) costs and a lack of credible alternative fuel options. The auditor warns that the EU may create new economic dependencies and harm its own industry if it sticks to the goal. EV production costs in Europe are high, and the bloc will have to rely on cheap imports, mainly from China, to meet the target. Alternative fuels like biofuels, e-fuels, and hydrogen remain uneconomic at commercial scale. The EU has also fallen short of its aim to set up 1 million charging stations across the bloc.