LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The 152nd Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday at Churchill Downs, with post time scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET in the signature race of the Triple Crown season. A field of 20 three-year-olds will vie for the garland of roses in the $5 million Run for the Roses, promising one of the most anticipated — and heavily wagered — days in American sports.
2026 Kentucky Derby Predictions: Expert Picks, Favorites and Odds for Historic Run for the Roses
Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., drew the rail and opened as the 4-1 morning-line favorite after an impressive Arkansas Derby victory. Other top contenders include Commandment and Further Ado at around 6-1, Chief Wallabee near 8-1, and So Happy and The Puma in single digits. Odds will fluctuate until race time as betting action intensifies.
The race shapes up as wide-open, with strong opinions on both sides of the favorite. Experts highlight a mix of speed, stamina and tactical versatility across the field, drawn from key prep races including the Florida Derby, Louisiana Derby, Blue Grass and others. Cool, dry conditions are forecast, favoring a fast track that could produce blistering times in the 1¼-mile classic.
Renegade brings elite credentials but faces the dreaded inside post, which historically challenges horses in large fields. Pletcher, a multiple Derby winner, has the colt sharp, yet some handicappers worry about rail position and early traffic. Commandment, from the Brad Cox barn, impressed in Florida and could stalk or close effectively with Luis Saez aboard. Further Ado, breaking from post 17 or 18, offers outside speed or mid-pack versatility depending on the early pace scenario.
Value plays abound. Emerging Market, trained by Chad Brown, has limited but high-quality starts and could offer a price around 15-1. Danon Bourbon represents strong Japanese influence and international interest at double-digit odds. Chief Wallabee, another Cox trainee, and The Puma, an improving Gustavo Delgado charge, also draw attention as potential upset candidates.
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Jody Demling, who nailed a lucrative superfecta in a prior Derby, is among those fading the top choice. He points to The Puma’s consistency and a longshot “freak” with upside in exotics. Other experts, including those from BloodHorse and Horse Racing Nation, lean toward Commandment or Further Ado on top, with Emerging Market frequently appearing in top-three lists for its tactical flexibility.
The full projected field, subject to final scratches, features a blend of established stars and live longshots:
Post 1: Renegade (4-1 to 5-1), Pletcher/Ortiz Jr. — Speedy Arkansas Derby winner but rail concerns loom.
Post 6: Commandment (6-1 to 7-1), Cox/Saez — Florida form gives him a strong shot to stalk and pounce.
Post ~17-18: Further Ado (6-1), strong closer with stamina for the distance.
Post 9 or so: The Puma (5-1 to 10-1) — Late bloomer undefeated or near in recent starts.
Chief Wallabee (8-1), So Happy (6-1), Danon Bourbon (~14-1), Emerging Market (~13-1) and others round out a competitive group.
Scratches have already adjusted the lineup, with horses like Fulleffort and Silent Tactic out, bringing in alternates such as Great White or Ocelli. The 20-horse gate ensures chaos, where post position, pace and jockey decisions often decide the outcome.
Handicapping angles focus on the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system, which qualified the top earners. Prep races highlighted closers and versatile types over pure speed. Brad Cox holds a powerful hand with multiple live contenders, while international bloodlines add depth. Weather and track bias will play roles — a dry forecast favors speed but middle and late runners have succeeded in recent editions.
Betting interest is expected to shatter records. Win bets on favorites, exactas, trifectas and superfectas will dominate, with exotic wagers offering massive payouts in a 20-horse scrum. TwinSpires and other platforms report heavy early action on Renegade, Commandment and value horses like Danon Bourbon.
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Beyond the wagering, the Derby embodies tradition. Mint juleps, extravagant hats and celebrity sightings will fill the Churchill Downs infield and grandstand. The event kicks off a whirlwind May leading to the Preakness and Belmont, with potential for the first Triple Crown in years if a horse sweeps the series.
Experts’ consensus top picks vary but cluster around a few:
Win contenders: Commandment or Further Ado for many, citing tactical advantages and proven stakes form.
Place/show: The Puma, Chief Wallabee or Emerging Market for value.
Longshots: Danon Bourbon, Incredibolt or Pavlovian could crash the exotics at big prices.
One prominent handicapper likes boxing Commandment, The Puma and a closer with Emerging Market underneath. Another emphasizes Florida preps and international upside with Danon Bourbon at 20-1 range. Fading the favorite entirely is a bold but discussed strategy given the rail and large field dynamics.
The Derby’s unpredictability is legendary — longshots like Rich Strike (80-1) and Country House (via disqualification) remind bettors that pedigree, training and race-day luck trump morning-line odds. This year’s class appears deep, with no runaway standout, setting up for a memorable stretch duel.
Churchill Downs officials emphasize safety and fan experience, with enhanced security and sustainability initiatives. NBC and Peacock will broadcast nationwide, bringing the pageantry to millions.
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As horses ship in and final workouts conclude, anticipation builds. Renegade’s rail draw adds intrigue — can he overcome history? Will a closer steal the show in the final furlongs? Or does an overlooked mid-pack runner deliver the upset?
Whatever the result, the 2026 Kentucky Derby promises drama, high stakes and the enduring magic of the Sport of Kings. Bettors and fans alike will remember where they were when the gates spring open and the call of “And they’re off!” echoes through Louisville.
For those planning wagers, key strategies include focusing on horses with proven 1¼-mile stamina, favorable post positions away from the rail for traffic avoidance, and trainers with Derby success. Value exists beyond the top three morning-line choices, particularly in exotics where layering 8-1 to 20-1 horses can yield strong returns.
The Road to the Roses delivered a compelling group this year. From dominant prep wins to gritty recoveries, each contender has a story. On Saturday, only one will wear the roses — but the debate and memories will last far longer.
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Post-race analysis will dissect every move, but pre-race, the consensus expert lean favors tactical versatility over pure favoritism. Commandment, Further Ado and live prices like Emerging Market or Chief Wallabee top many professional tickets.
The Kentucky Derby remains horse racing’s crown jewel, blending athletic excellence, strategy and sheer spectacle. This year’s edition, with its balanced field and star trainers, is poised to deliver.
NEW YORK — Atlassian Corp. shares skyrocketed more than 24% in early trading Thursday after the collaboration software giant reported stronger-than-expected revenue growth and outlined ambitious AI expansion plans, sparking renewed debate among investors about whether the volatile stock represents a compelling long-term buying opportunity in a rapidly evolving enterprise technology landscape.
The Australian-American company, known for flagship products Jira and Confluence, saw its shares jump to around $85 as Wall Street analysts reaffirmed moderate buy ratings with average price targets near $152 — implying more than 75% upside from recent levels. The surge highlighted Atlassian’s resilience amid broader tech sector volatility and its positioning at the intersection of cloud collaboration and artificial intelligence tools.
Atlassian’s fiscal first-quarter results for calendar 2026 showed revenue rising more than 30% year-over-year, beating expectations as enterprise adoption of its products accelerated. The company highlighted AI-powered features across its platform, including smarter automation in Jira and enhanced search capabilities in Confluence, that are driving higher usage and retention among large customers. CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes emphasized the firm’s transition toward higher-margin cloud subscriptions and AI monetization.
Long-term bulls argue Atlassian’s dominant position in developer and project management tools, combined with a massive addressable market, positions it for sustained growth. Revenue has compounded at nearly 20% annually in recent years, with operating margins expanding as the company shifts more customers to cloud. Analysts project continued double-digit revenue growth through the end of the decade, supported by AI features that increase stickiness and willingness to pay premium pricing.
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Cash flow generation remains robust despite GAAP losses in some periods, with free cash flow yields attractive relative to peers. Atlassian’s balance sheet strength provides flexibility for acquisitions, share repurchases or accelerated R&D investment in AI. The company’s focus on enterprise customers — including Fortune 500 firms — offers stability compared to consumer-facing tech plays prone to cyclical swings.
Skeptics, however, point to valuation risks and execution challenges. Atlassian trades at a premium multiple even after recent volatility, and competition from Microsoft, ServiceNow and smaller startups remains fierce. Past restructuring efforts and slower migration to cloud products have caused hiccups, while macroeconomic uncertainty could delay enterprise spending. Some forecasts see limited upside if AI monetization disappoints or growth moderates below 15%.
The stock’s 57% decline earlier in 2026 reflected broader concerns about software spending and high-growth valuations. Yet the latest earnings beat and AI roadmap have reignited optimism, with some models projecting fair value near $246 based on discounted cash flow assumptions. Wall Street’s consensus remains a moderate buy, with 19 analysts rating it buy versus six holds and one sell.
Atlassian’s story is one of transformation. Founded in Australia in 2002, the company went public in 2015 and has grown into a collaboration powerhouse used by millions of developers and teams worldwide. Its products power everything from software development workflows to knowledge management, making it essential infrastructure for modern enterprises. The shift to cloud has improved predictability and margins while opening doors for AI integration that could accelerate growth.
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AI represents both opportunity and risk. Features that leverage large language models for task automation, code suggestions and intelligent search are gaining traction, but competition is intensifying as bigger players embed similar capabilities. Atlassian’s advantage lies in its deep integration within development ecosystems and loyal user base, but sustaining differentiation will require continued innovation. Management has guided for full-year revenue growth around 22%, signaling confidence despite macro headwinds.
For long-term investors, key questions center on capital allocation and market expansion. Atlassian has historically reinvested heavily in growth, but its cash-generating business could support returns to shareholders through buybacks or dividends in the future. International expansion, particularly in Asia and Europe, offers runway, as does penetration into non-tech verticals like finance, healthcare and government.
Risks include currency fluctuations (given Australian roots and global revenue), regulatory scrutiny on data privacy and potential economic slowdowns that delay IT budgets. The stock’s history of volatility — swinging wildly on earnings or macro news — demands a high tolerance for drawdowns. Those considering a position should size appropriately and maintain a multi-year horizon.
Analysts at firms like TIKR and Simply Wall St see Atlassian as undervalued on a discounted cash flow basis, with potential annualized returns in the high teens if growth assumptions hold. The company’s 8%+ cash flow yield and projected margin expansion support a constructive outlook for patient capital. Yet near-term catalysts are needed to sustain the recent momentum after earlier 2026 declines.
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As Atlassian navigates its next chapter, the market will watch quarterly cloud migration metrics, AI feature adoption and any strategic moves around capital deployment. The software sector’s shift toward AI-native tools favors innovators like Atlassian, but execution will determine whether the current surge marks the start of a sustained uptrend or another volatile chapter. For growth-oriented investors comfortable with software valuations, the company warrants consideration as a long-term holding with significant embedded optionality around AI.
Yet another new job duty has skyrocketed in importance for chief marketing officers: optimizing how their companies appear in conversations with large language models like ChatGPT or Google Gemini.
For Kimberly Storin, CMO at the video meeting provider Zoom Communications, that has meant working quickly to stay on top of emerging research and trying to make sure material—whether it’s chatter on Reddit or executive commentary on LinkedIn—is showing up in a way that leads users to consider Zoom.
Financial influencer Taylor Price joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to break down how shifting your mindset can help Americans grow wealth and achieve the American Dream.
Ford is recalling more than 179,000 vehicles due to a defect with the front seat frame that could increase a person’s risk of injury in a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
According to the report, the recall affects 62,255 2024–2026 Ford Bronco SUVs and 117,443 2024-2026 Ford Ranger pickup trucks.
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The defect stems from a pivot bolt in the front seats that can become loose or dislodged. The administration’s report states that if the bolt is knocked out of place, the seat may not properly restrain a passenger, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The NHTSA report does not indicate any injuries or incidents tied to the issue and does not provide additional details on how the defect was identified.
Ford Broncos on a lot at a dealership April 18, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
The recall affects widely driven Ford models, meaning thousands of drivers could be behind the wheel of vehicles with a potential safety issue tied to passenger restraint in a crash.
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A representative for Ford did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.
Ford dealers are instructed to inspect and replace the pivot links and bolts as necessary, free of charge, as a temporary fix, according to the NHTSA report.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be receiving letters informing them of the recall by May 11. An additional letter is expected to be sent to car owners regarding a more permanent remedy in July 2026.
Ford Motor Co. signage is displayed outside a dealership with the General Motors Co. headquarters building standing in the distance in Detroit. (Jeff Kowalsky/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
This recall follows a prior recall of more than 140,000 Ranger trucks in the U.S. after federal safety regulators warned a wiring issue could elevate the risk of fire last week.
The NHTSA explained in its report the issue is linked to a wiring issue with the sun visor that could be routed incorrectly or wrapped with too much tape.
Further questions can be directed to Ford’s Customer Service Department using the phone number 1-866-436-7332 and then using the recall number 26S30.
John Pancari – Evercore ISI Institutional Equities, Research Division Sun Young Lee – TD Cowen, Research Division Casey Haire Jared David Shaw – Barclays Bank PLC, Research Division Manan Gosalia – Morgan Stanley, Research Division David Chiaverini – Jefferies LLC, Research Division David Rochester – Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Research Division Matt Olney – Stephens Inc., Research Division Jon Arfstrom – RBC Capital Markets, Research Division
Presentation
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Operator
Greetings, and welcome to the Cullen/Frost Bankers First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded.
I will now turn the conference over to A.B. Mendez, Senior Vice President and Director of Investor Relations. Thank you. You may begin.
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A.B. Mendez
Thanks very much and thank you all for rejoining us. I’m going to quickly run through the safe harbor again before I pass it to our CEO, Phil Green. This afternoon’s conference call will be led by Phil Green, Chairman and CEO; and Dan Geddes, Group Executive Vice President and CFO.
Before I turn the call to Phil and Dan, I’d like to run through the safe harbor. Some of the remarks made today will constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as amended. We intend such statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as amended. Please see the last page of text in this morning’s earnings release for additional information about the risk factors associated with these forward-looking statements. If needed, a copy of the release is available on our website or by calling the Investor
The latest Market Talks covering the Auto and Transport sector. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires at 4:20 ET, 12:20 ET and 16:50 ET.
1124 ET – Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s maintained guidance helped offset a light 1Q miss, with Scotiabank analyst Konark Gupta noting results were modestly below expectations due to several headwinds. Still, he says fundamentals “have already turned the corner in April,” with traffic, pricing and operating trends improving enough for management to reaffirm its full-year outlook. CP expects double digit EPS growth to resume in 2Q and strengthen into the back half as yields rebound, volumes accelerate and most segments improve. (adriano.marchese@wsj.com)
0932 ET – A rebound in the auto sector helped lift Canada GDP in February, and early estimates indicate output rose 1.7% annualized in 1Q—or a tad above the Bank of Canada’s estimate. CIBC Capital Markets economist Andrew Grantham points out that, overall, the GDP report was a mixed bag, with manufacturing-sector strength offsetting weakness elsewhere. Nine of 16 components tracked recorded declines, led by construction and the public sector. Even with this week’s jump in crude-oil prices, Grantham says there’s enough slack in the economy to keep core inflation fairly muted, and that underpins CIBC’s call for the Bank of Canada to hold the policy rate steady through 2026. (Paul.Vieira@wsj.com; @paulvieira)
0723 ET – Brent crude’s front-month price will appear to drop on Friday due to a futures-contract rollover, even though there is no change in underlying fundamentals. The June Brent futures contract expires Thursday, meaning that from Friday the July contract becomes the new front-month contract. The market is currently in backwardation, where near-term oil is priced higher than later-dated barrels. As a result, June is trading above July, so the switch in reference contract mechanically lowers the displayed front-month price. However, this doesn’t reflect any shift in physical supply, demand, or market conditions. The physical Dated Brent benchmark, which reflects real cargo pricing, won’t be impacted by the contract roll in the futures market. In afternoon European trading, Brent for June delivery is down 2.6% to $114.97 a barrel, while the July contract falls 1.1% to $109.18 a barrel. (giulia.petroni@wsj.com)
| Revenue of $546.90M (11.20% Y/Y) beats by $31.28M
Minerals Technologies Inc. (MTX) Q1 2026 Earnings Call May 1, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Company Participants
Lydia Kopylova Douglas Dietrich – Chairman & CEO Erik Aldag – Senior VP of Finance & Treasury and CFO Brett Argirakis – Group President of Engineered Solutions D. J. Monagle – Group President of Consumer & Specialties
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Conference Call Participants
Dan Moore – CJS Securities, Inc. Michael Harrison – Seaport Research Partners Peter Osterland – Truist Securities, Inc., Research Division David Silver
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Presentation
Operator
Good morning, and welcome to the Minerals Technologies First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note, this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Lydia kopylova, Head of Investor Relations. Please go ahead.
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Lydia Kopylova
Thank you, Gary. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to our first quarter 2026 earnings conference call. Today’s call will be led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Doug Dietrich; and Chief Financial Officer, Erik Aldag. Following Doug and Erik’s prepared remarks, we’ll open it up to questions.
As a reminder, some of the statements made during this call may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Please note the cautionary language about forward-looking statements contained in our earnings release and on the slides. Our SEC filings disclose certain risks and uncertainties, which may cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements.
Please also note that some of our comments today refer to non-GAAP financial measures. A reconciliation to GAAP financial measures can be found in our earnings release and an appendix of this presentation, which are posted on our website.
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Now I’ll open it up to Doug. Doug?
Douglas Dietrich Chairman & CEO
Thanks, Lydia. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining. Today, as usual, I’ll provide a quick review of our first quarter financials. Then I’ll give an update
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James is once again defying age and expectations, shouldering the load for an injury-depleted Los Angeles Lakers team missing star Luka Doncic and key contributor Austin Reaves as they battle the Houston Rockets in the 2026 NBA playoffs, raising the question of whether the 41-year-old superstar can secure a victory tonight and keep championship hopes alive.
LeBron James
James has delivered vintage performances in the series, showcasing the scoring, playmaking and leadership that have defined his Hall of Fame career. With Doncic sidelined and Reaves out, the Lakers’ supporting cast has stepped up at times, but James’ ability to elevate those around him has been the difference in close contests. Tonight’s game represents another test of his endurance and the team’s resilience in a grueling Western Conference playoff path.
The Lakers entered the postseason with high expectations after acquiring Doncic, but injuries have forced adjustments. James has responded with increased usage, efficient scoring and defensive intensity rarely seen from players his age. His playoff record without star teammates is impressive, including a 7-4 mark in similar situations this season, but the Rockets’ physical style and home-court advantage make tonight’s contest particularly challenging.
Coach JJ Redick has leaned heavily on James while mixing in younger players and role players. The strategy has yielded mixed results, with wins coming against shorthanded opponents but losses exposing depth issues. James has been blunt about the situation, emphasizing chemistry and continuity while acknowledging the temporary nature of the current rotation. “We have to stay locked in and execute,” he said after a recent victory.
Analysts note James’ unique ability to carry teams in the postseason. At 41, he leads the Lakers in minutes, points and assists during key stretches. His basketball IQ and experience allow him to exploit mismatches and elevate teammates, but the physical toll is evident. The Lakers’ path forward likely requires James to maintain elite production while others contribute consistently — a difficult task without Doncic’s scoring punch.
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The Rockets present a formidable challenge with their youth, athleticism and defensive intensity. Houston’s wing defenders can harass James, forcing him to work harder for shots. The series has been physical, with James absorbing contact while dishing assists and grabbing rebounds. A win tonight would give the Lakers momentum heading into subsequent games, but a loss could shift pressure onto James to perform at an even higher level.
Broader context shows the Lakers navigating a transitional roster. The addition of Doncic was meant to create a superteam dynamic with James, but injuries have delayed that vision. James has embraced the challenge, drawing comparisons to his 2018 playoff run with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His leadership has kept the locker room united despite setbacks.
Fan and expert reaction has been mixed. Some praise James’ longevity and clutch performances, while others question the sustainability and the team’s supporting cast depth. Betting markets reflect the uncertainty, with the Lakers as underdogs in several games. James’ playoff experience gives Los Angeles an intangible edge, but execution against Houston’s schemes will decide tonight’s outcome.
James has spoken about legacy and the desire to compete at the highest level. “Every night is a new opportunity,” he said recently. His performance tonight could extend the Lakers’ season and fuel speculation about another deep run. Without Doncic, the burden falls squarely on the four-time MVP, testing whether one of the greatest players ever can will his team to victory once more.
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The Western Conference remains wide open. A Lakers win tonight would keep them alive against a tough Rockets squad and set up intriguing matchups ahead. James’ ability to adapt and elevate others has been his hallmark throughout two decades in the league. As the series progresses, his leadership will be pivotal in determining if the Lakers can overcome injuries and advance.
For Lakers fans, tonight represents another chapter in the LeBron era. Whether he can secure the win without Doncic remains the central question, but his track record suggests he will give everything to try. The outcome could shape the narrative of both the series and James’ late-career legacy.
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