ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Glaukos Corp. shares jumped more than 17% Thursday, climbing to $137.49 in morning trading after the ophthalmic medical technology company posted record first-quarter sales that crushed expectations and raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance, driven by explosive adoption of its iDose TR glaucoma implant.

The company reported net sales of $150.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, a 41% increase from the year-ago period on a reported basis and 39% on a constant-currency basis. The results far exceeded Wall Street forecasts around $137 million, marking another strong quarter for the glaucoma-focused innovator.

U.S. glaucoma sales led the charge, reaching a record $93.5 million, up 58% year-over-year. International glaucoma revenue added $35.8 million, rising 23% on a reported basis. The iDose TR, Glaukos’ groundbreaking dropless, long-duration intracameral implant that continuously delivers glaucoma medication, contributed approximately $54 million in the quarter as physician and patient uptake accelerated.

“This performance reflects strong execution across our commercial and development priorities,” CEO Thomas Burns said in the earnings release. “Our teams continue to demonstrate the strength of our differentiating technology platforms as we advance as an increasingly diversified leader in ophthalmology.”

Investors rewarded the outperformance and forward-looking optimism. Glaukos raised its full-year 2026 net sales guidance to $620 million to $635 million, up from the previous range of $600 million to $620 million. The update signals confidence in sustained momentum for iDose TR and the broader glaucoma franchise.

The stock’s surge came on heavy volume as traders reacted to the beat-and-raise report released after the market close Wednesday. Shares had traded around $117 before the move, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for Glaukos’ interventional ophthalmology strategy.

Glaukos specializes in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery devices and novel pharmaceutical therapies. Its iStent family of micro-bypass implants and the newer iDose TR aim to reduce or eliminate the need for daily eye drops, addressing a major challenge in glaucoma management where patient non-compliance often leads to disease progression.

Gross margin performance remained robust. GAAP gross margin stood at approximately 78%, while non-GAAP gross margin reached about 84%, up 120 basis points year-over-year. The company reported a GAAP net loss of $19.8 million, or 34 cents per share, and a non-GAAP net loss of $10.4 million, or 18 cents per share — both better than expected.

Glaukos ended the quarter with a strong balance sheet: $280.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and restricted cash, and no debt. This financial flexibility supports ongoing commercialization, pipeline development and potential strategic opportunities.

Analysts largely viewed the results positively. The beat on both top and bottom lines, combined with the guidance raise, validated Glaukos’ growth trajectory amid a competitive ophthalmology landscape. Several firms noted the accelerating iDose TR ramp as a key positive, with real-world physician feedback highlighting the implant’s ease of use and clinical benefits.

The glaucoma market represents a significant opportunity. With millions of patients worldwide requiring ongoing treatment, therapies that improve adherence and outcomes carry substantial commercial potential. Glaukos’ pipeline also includes candidates for corneal disorders and retinal diseases, providing longer-term diversification.

Challenges remain. The company continues to invest heavily in commercial infrastructure, clinical trials and manufacturing scale-up for iDose TR. Competition from established pharmaceutical eye-drop makers and other device players persists. Reimbursement dynamics and physician training curves can influence adoption rates.

Still, momentum appears firmly positive. Recent regulatory wins, including a permanent J-code for its Epioxa corneal cross-linking therapy, further bolster the portfolio. Glaukos has positioned itself as a leader in “interventional ophthalmology,” blending devices, drugs and sustained-delivery platforms.

Wall Street consensus price targets have trended higher in recent months, with several analysts maintaining Buy or Outperform ratings. The raised guidance places Glaukos on track for roughly 25-30% growth in 2026, a pace that could support further multiple expansion if execution remains strong.

For investors, Thursday’s rally underscores Glaukos’ transition from a micro-invasive glaucoma surgery pioneer to a broader ophthalmic platform company. The iDose TR launch has been a pivotal catalyst, shifting revenue mix and demonstrating the company’s ability to commercialize innovative therapies at scale.

Looking ahead, management will provide more color on the Q1 conference call and future catalysts. Key focus areas include international iDose TR expansion, pipeline progress in retina and cornea, and margin trends as volumes grow. The company’s May investor events or scientific presentations could offer additional visibility.

Broader sector dynamics also favor Glaukos. Aging populations drive demand for eye care, while innovation in drug delivery and surgical techniques addresses unmet needs. Glaukos’ cash position and debt-free status provide a competitive advantage in funding R&D and acquisitions.

Risks include slower-than-expected adoption curves, regulatory hurdles for new indications, and macroeconomic pressures on elective procedures. Yet the first-quarter results and guidance increase suggest Glaukos is navigating these challenges effectively.

As the stock consolidated some of Thursday’s gains, the narrative around Glaukos has clearly shifted toward growth. From its roots in tiny stents to sustained-release implants, the company continues to push boundaries in preserving vision for patients worldwide.

For a medical technology firm in a specialized field, delivering consistent beats while raising guidance is a powerful combination. Thursday’s market reaction reflects investor belief that Glaukos is entering a new phase of scaled commercialization and innovation leadership in ophthalmology.

Fidelity and Vanguard’s charitable arms have reportedly paused grants to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) through their donor-advised funds after the group was indicted on federal charges.

The Justice Department last week charged the civil rights nonprofit with financial crimes, including wire fraud and money laundering. In the wake of the charges, many supporters moved to donate to help support the group’s legal defense, The New York Times reported.

However, both Fidelity Charitable and Vanguard Charitable said they are temporarily pausing grants to the organization while the case moves forward, according to the outlet.

AMERICANS SURGE TOWARD FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS FOR 2026 AMID HOUSEHOLD BUDGET CONCERNS

Southern Poverty Law Center headquarters in Montgomery, Ala., where Fidelity and Vanguard have reportedly paused grants to the organization. (Barry Lewis/InPictures via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

“Fidelity Charitable is aware of an ongoing governmental investigation into Southern Poverty Law Center,” the company, an affiliate of Fidelity Investments, said in a message to a donor. 

“Consistent with our grant-making standards and practices, the organization is not an eligible grant recipient during the ongoing investigation.” 

Vanguard Charitable provided a similar explanation, according to The New York Times.

“The organization has had allegations and/or charges brought against them for activities that may call into question their ability to carry out their tax-exempt charitable purpose,” the company said when declining a grant request.

THE TYPICAL AMERICAN WORKER HAS JUST $955 SAVED FOR RETIREMENT, STUDY SHOWS

Vanguard’s charitable arms have reportedly paused grants to the Southern Poverty Law Center. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

A donor-advised fund (DAF) lets people make a tax-deductible donation, then recommend how the money is given to charities over time, according to the IRS.

“Vanguard Charitable grants only to organizations that meet IRS eligibility requirements. If we become aware an organization has been charged with a crime by state or federal authorities, we pause grantmaking while the matter is pending,” a spokesperson for the company told FOX Business. 

“All grant decisions are made based on the information available at the time of the grant recommendation.”

On its website, Fidelity Charitable notes that a grant recommendation may be declined if an organization is being investigated for “alleged illegal activities or non-charitable activities.”

RETIREES FACE STAGGERING 6-FIGURE HEALTH CARE BILL WHEN LEAVING THE WORKFORCE

Fidelity has stopped donating to the Southern Poverty Law Center through its charitable fund. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

The Justice Department indicted the SPLC on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit concealment and money laundering, stemming from allegations that the civil rights organization funneled $3 million in donations to people linked to various violent extremist groups, including Unite the Right, the Ku Klux Klan and the Aryan Nations. 

“The SPLC allegedly engaged in a massive fraud operation to deceive their donors, enrich themselves, and hide their deceptive operations from the public,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. 

“They lied to their donors, vowing to dismantle violent extremist groups, and actually turned around and paid the leaders of these very extremist groups — even utilizing the funds to have these groups facilitate the commission of state and federal crimes,” Patel added.

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The SPLC did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Elaine Mallon contributed to this report.

LOS ANGELES — Fresh off the massive success of her GUTS World Tour, Olivia Rodrigo announced Thursday “The Unraveled Tour,” a sprawling 65-date arena run supporting her highly anticipated third studio album “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” set for release June 12. The tour kicks off Sept. 25 in Hartford, Connecticut, and stretches into May 2027, giving fans across two continents a chance to experience the 23-year-old superstar’s evolving sound live.

Ticketmaster and Live Nation confirmed presales begin May 5, with general on-sale expected shortly after. Early demand is already surging, mirroring the frenzy that surrounded Rodrigo’s previous outings. The announcement, timed perfectly with buzz around her new record, has sent social media into overdrive as “Livies” scramble for details on dates and openers.

The North American leg opens with back-to-back nights at PeoplesBank Arena in Hartford on Sept. 25 and 26, then hits Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Charlotte, Chicago, Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, Vancouver, Seattle, Oakland, Sacramento, Las Vegas and multiple nights in Los Angeles before wrapping the U.S. portion in Brooklyn on Feb. 16, 2027. International dates follow in Europe, culminating May 2, 2027, in Barcelona.

A carefully curated lineup of supporting acts adds depth to the bill. Wolf Alice, The Last Dinner Party, Devon Again, Grace Ives and Die Spitz will rotate across dates, bringing a mix of alt-rock, indie and emerging talent that aligns with Rodrigo’s genre-blending style. The choices reflect her reputation for championing rising artists, much as she did on the GUTS tour.

Rodrigo’s previous tour grossed over $200 million and solidified her as one of the biggest live draws of her generation. The GUTS World Tour, which wrapped in 2025 with a “Spilled” extension, earned rave reviews for its emotional intensity, theatrical staging and raw vocal performances. Fans expect “The Unraveled Tour” to push boundaries further as she debuts material from the new album, which insiders describe as a deeper, more introspective evolution of her signature confessional pop-punk sound.

The new record arrives amid sky-high expectations. Lead single “drop dead,” performed at recent intimate shows, has already dominated streaming charts and sparked speculation about themes of heartbreak, self-discovery and resilience — hallmarks of Rodrigo’s songwriting since her breakout “drivers license” in 2021. Early setlists from surprise appearances hint at a mix of fan favorites and fresh tracks, with acoustic moments and high-energy anthems.

At just 23, Rodrigo has amassed three Grammy Awards, billions of streams and a cultural impact that transcends music. Her tours are known for cathartic sing-alongs, emotional vulnerability on stage and production that balances intimacy with arena-scale spectacle. “The Unraveled Tour” name suggests a theme of emotional exposure and personal unraveling turned into empowerment — a narrative arc that resonates deeply with her young audience.

Promoted by Live Nation, the tour will feature state-of-the-art production elements. Past shows included striking visuals, costume changes and moments of audience interaction that made crowds feel part of the storytelling. Expect similar theatrical flair as Rodrigo processes the whirlwind of fame, relationships and growth since her meteoric rise.

Ticket prices for previous tours started around $49.50 for standard seats, with VIP packages and “Silver Star” accessible options offered to promote inclusivity. Similar structures are anticipated here, though exact pricing and availability will be confirmed during the presale. Fans are advised to use official channels to avoid scalpers, as secondary market prices often soar immediately after on-sale.

The announcement comes at a pivotal career moment. After dominating charts and stages with “SOUR” and “GUTS,” Rodrigo has taken time to craft a project that feels more mature while retaining the angsty edge that made her a Gen Z icon. Collaborators and producers from previous albums are expected to return, with possible new influences shaping the live arrangements.

Industry observers see the tour as a major revenue driver and cultural event. Arena runs of this scale for young artists often sell out quickly, especially with a new album fueling demand. Rodrigo’s team has emphasized sustainable touring practices in the past, though specifics for this outing remain under wraps.

For fans, the wait has been worth it. Many who caught the GUTS tour describe life-changing experiences — screaming lyrics that felt written just for them, finding community in shared heartbreak and walking away empowered. “The Unraveled Tour” promises to deliver that same magic on an even larger canvas as Rodrigo steps into her next chapter.

As presale approaches, excitement builds around potential setlist surprises, guest appearances and how new songs translate in a live setting. Rodrigo has proven masterful at balancing nostalgia with forward momentum, ensuring veterans and newcomers alike leave satisfied.

The global trek underscores her status as a generational talent. From Disney Channel roots to stadium-filling pop-rock powerhouse, her journey continues to inspire. With “The Unraveled Tour,” Olivia Rodrigo isn’t just performing — she’s inviting fans into the raw, beautiful unraveling of young adulthood set to a soundtrack that already feels like the voice of a generation.

Dates will continue rolling out, with more international stops likely to follow. For now, the focus is on North America this fall, where the first wave of tickets will determine the tour’s early success. One thing is certain: when the lights go down and Rodrigo steps on stage, arenas will erupt as another chapter of her remarkable story unfolds.

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U.S. economic growth rebounded in the first quarter of the year from a sluggish fourth quarter, according to the Commerce Department’s latest estimate.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on Thursday released its advance estimate of first-quarter GDP, which showed the economy grew at an annualized rate of 2% in the three-month period including January, February and March.

That figure was lower than the expectations of economists polled by LSEG, which had estimated 2.3% GDP growth in the first quarter.

It comes after the U.S. economy grew at a roughly 2.1% rate in 2025. The second half of last year saw 4.4% annualized growth in the third quarter and 0.5% growth in the fourth quarter.

FED’S FAVORED INFLATION GAUGE REMAINED ELEVATED IN MARCH

The BEA reported that the main contributors to the rise in GDP in the first quarter were investment, exports, consumer spending and government spending. Imports increased in the first quarter.

Most of the investment was focused on equipment, particularly computers and related equipment amid the artificial intelligence (AI) buildout, as well as intellectual property products, including software and private inventories at retail and wholesale trade firms. 

Investment in residential and nonresidential structures declined and partly offset those gains.

GAS PRICES SOAR TO HIGHEST POINT SO FAR DURING UNSETTLED CONFLICT WITH IRAN

The BEA reported that the main contributors to the rise in GDP in the first quarter were investment, exports, consumer spending and government spending. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images)

The rise in government spending was led by federal employee compensation increasing after the end of the government shutdown that occurred in the fourth quarter, when it declined as federal workers missed paychecks.

Rising consumer spending was attributed mainly to services led by healthcare, including both hospital and nursing home services along with outpatient services.

Real final sales to private domestic purchasers, which is the sum of consumer spending and gross private fixed investment, increased 2.5% in the first quarter after a more modest increase of 1.8% in the fourth quarter.

FEDERAL RESERVE LEAVES INTEREST RATES UNCHANGED AS POWELL’S CHAIRMANSHIP NEARS END

Investment in AI data centers has helped boost GDP. (iStock)

What experts are saying

Michael Pearce, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, said the “core of the economy remained solid in Q1, driven by the AI buildout and the tax cuts beginning to feed through. Those factors will continue to drive growth over the rest of the year, but the jump in energy prices will take some of the shine off what would otherwise have been a strong year for the economy.

“Some of the strength of consumer spending in March is payback for the poor weather at the start of the year. Fiscal stimulus is more than outweighing the drag from higher energy prices for now, but that balance will begin to shift in the months ahead, especially with gas prices still climbing.”

Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon, said that while “AI investment promises to reinforce organic productivity growth in the coming years, its near-term impact through increased capex, infrastructure buildout and energy demand is likely to add to inflationary pressures.”

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“Private sector demand showed firmer momentum than in Q4 2025, but it reflects an uncomfortable balance where the three narrow A-pillars of growth — affluent consumers, AI-investment and asset price gains — mask an uneven foundation where headline gains look good, but hide underlying fragilities,” Daco said.

Apple CEO Tim Cook says he is stepping down after 15 years as chief executive because three key factors aligned: Apple’s current performance, its product roadmap and the readiness of his successor, John Ternus.

Cook said the timing came down to a clear internal assessment of the company’s position and future.

“I looked at three things,” Cook told FOX Business. “I looked at the performance of the company in the first half, and it’s been remarkable. I wanted to announce at a point in time where our roadmap was incredible, and so there would be some great things happening in the future. 

“And I wanted to announce at a time that John was ready, and John is ready. And, so, all three of those things intersected, and it felt to me like the right time.”

APPLE CEO TIM COOK TO STEP DOWN IN MAJOR LEADERSHIP SHAKEUP; SUCCESSOR NAMED

Tim Cook, right, will become Apple’s executive chairman, and John Ternus, left, will become Apple CEO Sept. 1, 2026. (Reuters)

Apple announced last week that Cook will step down as CEO on Sept. 1 and transition to executive chairman. Ternus, Apple’s head of hardware engineering, will take over as the company’s next chief executive.

Cook is entering the final stretch of his CEO tenure with a record second quarter. Apple revenue jumped 17%, ahead of analyst estimates, while iPhone sales increased 22% from a year earlier. Cook said iPhone sales could have been even stronger if not for supply constraints that limited availability.

The war in Iran is also affecting Apple’s business, Cook said, creating pressure on both revenue and costs.

WHO IS JOHN TERNUS, SET TO SUCCEED TIM TOOK AS APPLE’S CEO?

Apple employees help customers at the Fifth Avenue Apple Store on new product launch day Sept. 19, 2025, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

“It creates both revenue pressure, as you would guess, in the region, and it creates input costs across the world,” Cook said. Oil prices have risen to their highest level in four years amid supply disruptions in the Middle East and concerns around the Strait of Hormuz.

LEADERSHIP CHANGE AT APPLE SPARKS INDUSTRY AND WALL STREET REACTIONS AS COOK TRANSITIONS ROLES

Cook also addressed investor concerns that Apple is perceived to be behind in the artificial intelligence race, as some Silicon Valley competitors spend far more aggressively on AI infrastructure.

“If you look at our year-over-year growth, we’ve really ramped significantly,” Cook said, adding that Apple uses “a hybrid model” that includes “both our own data centers and other people’s data centers.”

Tim Cook succeeded Steve Jobs as CEO in 2011. (Alyssa Pointer/Reuters)

Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and Alphabet have collectively forecast more than $700 billion in spending this year, with much of that investment directed toward AI data centers.

Asked how important AI is in his day-to-day priorities, Cook said it is “at the top of my list, because I see it as a huge opportunity for us and what we deliver to our users.”

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Another issue weighing on Apple investors is the surge in memory chip prices, which have climbed roughly 500% since August. Cook said Apple’s memory costs were higher in the March quarter and are reflected in the company’s gross margin.

And, Cook said during the tech giant’s earnings call on Thursday that the company would seek refunds for duties paid under President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

“We plan to reinvest any amount we receive back into U.S. innovation and advanced manufacturing,” Cook said. “These would be new investments and would be in addition to our prior commitments in the U.S.”

Apple has one more earnings report before Cook’s CEO tenure ends Sept. 1. During his 15-year run as CEO, Apple returned nearly 2,000% to shareholders and increased its market value by more than 1,000%.

This article was written by

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