The S&P 500 joined the Nasdaq in positive territory, with tech strength putting the latter out front. Both indexes logged their sixth consecutive weekly advances, their longest run of weekly gains since October 2024.

As May begins, the stock market ‌embarks on what is historically ⁠a ⁠weak six-month stretch. Since 1945 through April 2026, the S&P 500 has gained an average of about 2% from May to October, according to data from Fidelity. That compares with an average gain of about 7% from November through April.

Wrapping up a momentous week for corporate earnings, in which reporting companies accounted for more than two-fifths of the S&P 500’s total market capitalization, analysts now see aggregate first-quarter earnings growth of 27.8%, year-on-year, according to LSEG I/B/E/S.

Five of the companies in the Magnificent Seven group of artificial intelligence-related stocks reported this week, and investors paid close attention to the timing and extent to which huge investments in the nascent technology are starting to pay off.

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That’s an ⁠11.7 percentage point ‌increase from where the estimate stood a week ago, and marks the biggest earnings growth since the fourth quarter of 2021.
Of the 314 companies that have posted results, 83% have beaten earnings estimates, and 78% reported better-than-expected revenues, according ⁠to LSEG. “Today’s action is really the cherry on top of another solid week for investors as earnings season continues to come in stronger than expected,” said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group in Omaha. “At the same time, we had the second-best April for the S&P 500 since 1950.”

“It looks like that upward momentum very well could continue in May,” Detrick added.

GEOPOLITICS, CRUDE PRICES AND THE ECONOMY

Progress toward a peaceful resolution to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran appeared stalled, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz putting upward pressure on energy prices and stoking inflation worries.

But front-month crude futures eased after Iran was reported to have submitted a fresh proposal for negotiations with Washington.

“Investors are pricing out how long they ‌expect that supply disruption to last, and then differentiating who’s got the most sensitivity to that disruption,” said Tom Hainlin, national investment strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis.

Economic data showed U.S. factory activity expanded in April for the fourth consecutive month, but the prices-paid component – an ⁠inflation predictor – jumped to its hottest level in four years, according to the Institute for Supply Management.

According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 20.46 points, or 0.28%, to end at 7,229.47 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 217.67 points, or 0.87%, to 25,109.98. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 155.67 points, or 0.31%, to 49,496.47.

Apple shares advanced after the company provided a solid sales forecast, touting strong demand for its flagship iPhone 17 and the MacBook Neo.

Atlassian shares surged after the enterprise software firm hiked its forecast.

Peers Salesforce and ServiceNow also gained ground.

Roblox slid following a cut in its annual bookings forecast. Reddit jumped after an upbeat quarterly revenue forecast.

Exxon Mobil’s quarterly profit was hit by Middle East disruptions, while Chevron beat earnings expectations but overall profit marked its lowest level in five years. Both supermajors closed lower.

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Operator

Greetings, and welcome to the Civeo Corporation First Quarter 2026 Earnings Call. [Operator Instructions]As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to introduce Regan Nielsen, Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Regan Nielsen
Senior Director of Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Thank you, and welcome to Civeo’s First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. Today, our call will be led by Bradley Dodson, Civeo’s President and Chief Executive Officer; and Collin Gerry, Civeo’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer.

Before we begin, we would like to caution listeners regarding forward-looking statements. To the extent that our remarks today contain anything other than historical information, please note that we’re relying on the safe harbor protections afforded by federal law. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of our earnings release and this conference call.

We undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, except as required by law. Any such remarks should be read in the context of the many factors that affect our business, including risks and uncertainties disclosed in our Forms 10-K, 10-Q and other SEC filings.

I’ll now turn the call over to Bradley.

Bradley Dodson
CEO, President & Director

Thank you, Regan, and thank you all for joining us today on our first quarter 2026 earnings call. I’ll start with some key takeaways for the quarter and summarize our consolidated and regional performance, after that, Collin will provide

Sony’s PlayStation 6 remains on the horizon, with industry insiders pointing to a potential late 2027 or 2028 launch following the successful lifecycle of the PlayStation 5 and its Pro variant. While official details are scarce, leaks, analyst reports and hardware trends paint an exciting picture of what gamers can expect. As anticipation builds, here are 10 compelling reasons why the PS6 could prove irresistible upon release, blending technological leaps with enhanced experiences that build on PlayStation’s legacy.

First, raw performance gains promise a generational leap. Rumors suggest an AMD Zen 6 CPU paired with RDNA 5 graphics architecture, potentially delivering 4K at 120 frames per second or higher with advanced ray tracing. This addresses current-gen bottlenecks, enabling more immersive worlds, detailed environments and smoother gameplay in demanding titles. Developers could push boundaries in open-world adventures or fast-paced multiplayer without compromises, making the PS6 a powerhouse for next-generation visuals.

Second, expanded memory and storage will eliminate loading screens and limitations. Leaks mention up to 32GB of GDDR7 RAM and larger SSDs, possibly starting at 2TB. Faster data throughput supports seamless streaming of assets, massive textures and complex simulations. Gamers tired of managing storage or waiting for installs will appreciate the freedom to download expansive libraries without hesitation.

Third, backward compatibility stands as a major draw. Sony has prioritized preserving libraries across generations, and the PS6 is expected to support PS5, PS4 and potentially earlier titles through enhanced emulation. Players could revisit thousands of games with improved performance, higher resolutions and faster load times — a value proposition that extends the life of existing collections while easing the transition.

Fourth, AI integration could revolutionize gameplay and visuals. Features like advanced upscaling — building on PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution — might use neural processing for real-time enhancements, delivering sharper images even on 8K displays or when targeting high frame rates. AI-driven NPCs, dynamic difficulty and procedural content generation could create more responsive, personalized experiences that evolve with player behavior.

Fifth, a potential hybrid or modular design appeals to diverse users. Reports hint at multiple SKUs, including a standard model, a more affordable “S” or Lite version, and possibly a dedicated handheld companion. This flexibility caters to budget-conscious gamers, portability seekers and enthusiasts wanting premium power, broadening accessibility without sacrificing core capabilities.

Sixth, energy efficiency and sustainability improvements align with modern expectations. Next-gen hardware is likely to deliver higher performance per watt, reducing electricity costs and heat output. Sony’s focus on eco-friendly materials and recyclable components could attract environmentally conscious consumers while supporting longer play sessions without excessive power draw.

Seventh, enhanced controller technology will elevate immersion. Building on DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the PS6 controller may introduce finer tactile responses, longer battery life, improved ergonomics and new sensors. These advancements make every gunshot, footstep or environmental interaction feel more realistic, deepening emotional connections to games.

Eighth, seamless cloud and streaming features promise flexibility. Deeper integration with cloud gaming services allows playing high-fidelity titles on various devices, from handhelds to smart TVs. Remote play enhancements and cross-platform progression ensure gamers never miss a moment, whether at home or on the go.

Ninth, a robust exclusive lineup is anticipated at launch. Sony’s first-party studios, including those behind “God of War,” “Horizon,” “Spider-Man” and “The Last of Us,” are poised to deliver flagship titles optimized for new hardware. These blockbuster experiences, combined with third-party support, provide immediate reasons to upgrade rather than waiting for price drops.

Tenth, long-term value through ecosystem continuity. PlayStation Network, trophies, friends lists and digital libraries carry forward, creating a seamless upgrade path. Subscription services like PlayStation Plus could expand with PS6-specific perks, such as enhanced cloud saves or early access trials, ensuring ongoing engagement and community connection.

Pricing speculation centers around $500 for the standard model, with variations for different configurations. While memory shortages have fueled delay rumors — potentially pushing launch to 2028 or 2029 — Sony’s track record suggests a polished product that justifies the wait. Analysts note the PS5’s extended lifecycle provides breathing room for mature development tools and mature game designs.

Industry watchers highlight the PS6’s potential to address current-gen pain points while introducing innovations. Faster SSDs, superior ray tracing and AI assistance could make games feel truly next-generation. For families, the console’s multimedia capabilities — 8K video playback, advanced audio and entertainment apps — position it as a complete home hub.

Critics caution that success depends on execution. Supply chain stability, competitive pricing against rivals and a strong software slate will determine adoption. Yet enthusiasm remains high, with online discussions focusing on desired features like improved voice chat, customizable UI and deeper social integration.

As development continues behind closed doors, leaks from reliable sources fuel speculation. AMD partnerships suggest custom silicon tailored for gaming demands, balancing power with efficiency. Handheld rumors add excitement for portable PlayStation experiences that sync with the home console.

Gamers weighing an upgrade from PS5 or earlier systems will find compelling incentives in the PS6’s capabilities. Whether chasing graphical fidelity, narrative depth or multiplayer thrills, the console promises to elevate the hobby. Early adopters often enjoy premium features and community prestige before broader availability.

Sony’s history of innovation — from DualShock to DualSense — suggests the PS6 will introduce meaningful advancements rather than incremental updates. The combination of hardware muscle, software excellence and ecosystem strength positions it as a worthwhile investment for dedicated players.

In summary, the PlayStation 6 represents more than a hardware refresh. It embodies the future of interactive entertainment, with performance, accessibility and creativity at its core. As launch approaches, these 10 reasons underscore why many will line up to experience the next chapter in PlayStation’s storied history.

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Zelle, the popular peer-to-peer payment network used by millions of Americans through their banks and credit unions, has seen scattered user reports of issues on Friday, though major monitoring sites indicate no widespread outage affecting the service as of early May 2026. Customers attempting transfers have posted complaints about delayed processing, app errors and failed transactions, prompting many to ask: Is Zelle down today?

Downdetector and similar platforms show elevated but not critical reports in the past 24 hours, with most complaints centered on funds transfers, the mobile app and general payments. Spikes appeared around mid-morning Eastern Time, yet Zelle’s core network and partner banks report normal operations for the vast majority of users. Isolated problems often stem from individual bank integrations, network congestion or user-side issues rather than a full system failure.

Zelle operates as a digital payments rail connecting over 2,000 financial institutions. Users send money instantly using email or phone numbers when both parties are enrolled. The service’s convenience has made it a staple for splitting bills, repaying friends and handling small business transactions. However, its decentralized nature — relying on participating banks — means disruptions at one institution can affect subsets of users without bringing down the entire network.

On Friday, affected customers described symptoms including error messages during send attempts, pending transfers that fail to complete and app crashes. Some reported receiving funds on one end but not seeing updates on the other. Others noted delays beyond the typical near-instant processing. These issues align with past minor glitches rather than the major outages that occasionally halt service nationwide.

To check Zelle’s status, users should first visit Downdetector.com or StatusGator for real-time graphs and user reports. Official bank apps or websites often provide their own service alerts. Zelle’s help center encourages contacting your financial institution directly, as problems frequently trace to bank-specific servers or maintenance windows. Clearing the app cache, updating software or trying a different device can resolve many temporary glitches.

Industry experts note that digital payment platforms like Zelle experience occasional hiccups due to high transaction volumes, cybersecurity protocols or routine updates. Friday’s reports do not appear coordinated with any announced maintenance, suggesting localized or user-specific causes. No official Zelle statement confirmed a broad outage, and service health indicators remained green on major trackers.

For those impacted, patience often proves key. Most transfers eventually process once temporary issues clear. In rare cases of prolonged delays exceeding three days, Zelle recommends verifying enrollment details and reaching out to bank support. Users should avoid resending funds immediately to prevent duplicates, and always confirm recipient information before initiating payments.

Zelle’s popularity surged post-pandemic as contactless payments became preferred. The network handles billions in transfers annually with strong security features, including encryption and fraud monitoring. Banks integrate Zelle directly into their mobile apps, eliminating the need for a standalone service in many cases after the dedicated Zelle app was phased out.

Common troubleshooting steps include:

• Restarting the phone or app.
• Checking internet connection stability.
• Verifying sufficient account balances and daily limits.
• Updating the banking app to the latest version.
• Trying the web version of the bank’s online banking if the mobile app fails.

If problems persist, contacting customer service during business hours yields faster resolutions. Some banks offer 24/7 support for payment issues.

Broader context reveals digital payments face growing scrutiny over reliability during peak times. Competitors like Venmo, Cash App and bank-owned services provide alternatives when Zelle falters. Users often maintain multiple options to avoid disruption in urgent transfers for rent, bills or emergencies.

Security remains paramount. Zelle users should enable two-factor authentication, monitor accounts regularly and report suspicious activity immediately. The service’s design — sending money directly between bank accounts — reduces some risks associated with third-party apps but requires vigilance against scams where fraudsters impersonate friends or vendors.

Financial experts advise treating Zelle like cash: only send to trusted parties. Irreversible transfers mean disputes rely on bank policies rather than built-in buyer protection. This Friday’s minor issues highlight the importance of having backup payment methods, especially for time-sensitive needs.

As the day progresses, monitoring sites will update with fresh data. Most users encountering problems Friday afternoon reported gradual resolution, suggesting transient network strain or regional bank maintenance rather than systemic failure. Zelle typically resolves such spikes quickly through partner coordination.

For businesses using Zelle for customer payments or vendor disbursements, diversification mitigates risks. Larger enterprises often prefer ACH, wire transfers or invoicing platforms with stronger reconciliation tools. Individuals planning major transfers might schedule outside peak hours or confirm receipt before relying on immediate availability.

Zelle continues evolving with features like request money options, group payments and improved fraud detection. Future enhancements could include broader international support or integration with emerging payment technologies, strengthening its position in the U.S. digital wallet landscape.

In the meantime, customers facing issues today should document attempts with screenshots and timestamps for potential bank follow-up. Most banks investigate delayed or failed Zelle transfers promptly upon request. Staying informed through official channels prevents unnecessary worry during minor service fluctuations.

Overall, while some users experienced hiccups with Zelle on Friday, the service appears largely operational. Routine checks and basic troubleshooting resolve the majority of reports. As digital finance grows, platforms like Zelle balance convenience with reliability challenges inherent to real-time networks. Users can expect continued improvements as technology and infrastructure advance.