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Asustek Computer Shares Jump Nearly 10% as Taiwan Tech Rally Follows Microsoft’s Blowout Earnings Beat

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Shares of Asustek Computer surged 9.91% on Friday, climbing 73.00 Taiwan dollars to reach 810.00 Taiwan dollars, as the personal computer and AI server maker’s stock rode a powerful rally sweeping across Taiwan’s technology sector following blockbuster earnings from Microsoft and other major U.S. technology companies.

Friday’s gains build on a stretch of strong performance for Asustek that has continued for months, driven by surging global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Shares had already climbed to 757.00 Taiwan dollars on Wednesday, up 2.85% that session, before Friday’s session pushed the stock decisively higher still, with Investing.com reporting the stock trading between 722.00 and 762.00 Taiwan dollars during Friday’s session against a previous close of 609.00 Taiwan dollars.

The rally traced its roots to a powerful overnight session on Wall Street. Microsoft shares soared roughly 15.5% Thursday, the company’s best single-day performance in nearly 18 years, after reporting that its Azure cloud computing division grew 43% during the quarter, easing broader investor concerns about the sustainability of massive capital spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure. Amazon and Meta Platforms also posted results that exceeded market expectations, reinforcing confidence that demand for AI-related computing infrastructure remains robust across the technology sector.

Asustek’s stock has been underpinned by genuinely strong underlying business results throughout the year rather than sentiment alone. The company reported record first-quarter 2026 brand revenue of roughly 194.05 billion Taiwan dollars, or about $6.19 billion, marking a 44% increase year over year, driven by surging AI server demand alongside stable notebook computer shipments. That momentum has persisted despite industry-wide component shortages and rising input costs that have affected much of the broader electronics manufacturing sector this year.

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The company’s most recent quarterly earnings report showed net profit surging 34% year over year to 4.82 billion Taiwan dollars, equivalent to roughly $160.9 million, up from 3.60 billion Taiwan dollars in the same period a year earlier, though the result still fell short of analyst expectations, which had called for net profit of 4.37 billion Taiwan dollars. Revenue for the quarter climbed 31% to 94.20 billion Taiwan dollars. Looking ahead, the company projected it would ship 4.8 million notebook PCs in the third quarter, up from 4.4 million units shipped during the second quarter.

Asustek’s ambitions in artificial intelligence have extended well beyond data center hardware and traditional personal computers. At Computex 2026, the company unveiled its latest generation of AI-enabled consumer laptops and desktop computers, including new ProArt creator laptops built around Nvidia’s RTX Spark platform and featuring AI-powered software tools designed to optimize system performance for demanding creative workflows. Company chairman Jonney Shih has described Asustek’s broader strategic ambitions as extending beyond both servers and personal computers into what he has called agentic AI, edge AI and physical AI.

Not every recent analyst assessment of the stock has been uniformly bullish. Goldman Sachs downgraded Asustek to neutral from buy earlier this year, with a price target of 672 Taiwan dollars, down from 854 Taiwan dollars, citing relatively lower earnings growth ahead for the company. Morgan Stanley separately downgraded the stock to underweight from equal weight, with a price target of 500 Taiwan dollars, down from 625 Taiwan dollars, citing concerns about growing margin risk facing hardware companies more broadly amid rising component costs.

Despite those more cautious calls, the current consensus among analysts covering the stock remains positive. According to Investing.com, five analysts recommend buying Asustek shares while one suggests selling, resulting in an overall buy rating, with an average 12-month price target of 802.00 Taiwan dollars, a high estimate of 1,200 Taiwan dollars and a low estimate of 570 Taiwan dollars, implying modest additional upside potential even after Friday’s sharp gains.

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Asustek has continued to reward shareholders through dividend payments even amid its aggressive growth-focused expansion into AI infrastructure. The company’s most recent dividend of 42.00 Taiwan dollars per share represented a 24% increase from the prior year, with an ex-dividend date of July 1 and a payment date of July 22, translating to a dividend yield of approximately 5.3%, above the broader technology industry average of 3.0%. Analysts have noted the dividend is currently covered by earnings at a 75% payout ratio, though the company’s lack of available free cash flow at present suggests it may be drawing on cash reserves or debt to help sustain the payout.

Asustek’s stock currently trades within a 52-week range of 490.00 to 964.00 Taiwan dollars, according to Investing.com, reflecting substantial volatility over the past year even as the overall trend has remained strongly upward. The company’s next quarterly earnings report is scheduled for release on August 12, which will give investors their next detailed look at whether the strong order visibility and margin resilience management has emphasized in recent guidance continues to translate into results that justify the stock’s sharp rally, particularly within its fast-growing AI server division that has emerged as the primary driver of investor enthusiasm for the stock over the past several months.

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Brunswick Corporation (BC) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

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OneWater Marine Inc. (ONEW) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Operator

Good morning, and welcome to Brunswick Corporation’s Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call [Operator Instructions]. Today’s meeting will be recorded. If you have any objections, you may disconnect at this time.

I would now like to introduce Stephen Weiland, Senior Vice President and Deputy CFO of Brunswick Corporation.

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Stephen Weiland
Deputy CFO & Senior VP

Good morning, and thank you for joining us.

With me on the call this morning are David Foulkes, Brunswick’s Chairman and CEO; and Ryan Gwillim, Brunswick’s CFO.

Before we begin with our prepared remarks, I would like to remind everyone that during this call, our comments will include certain forward-looking statements about future results. Please keep in mind that our actual results could differ materially from these expectations.

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For details on the factors to consider, please refer to our recent SEC filings and today’s press release. All of these documents are available on our website at brunswick.com.

During our presentation, we will be referring to certain non-GAAP financial information. Reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the appendix to this presentation and the reconciliation sections of the unaudited consolidated financial statements accompanying today’s results. I will now turn the call over

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LARRY KUDLOW: How about a Reagan-style reconciliation tax cut? All right?

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LARRY KUDLOW: GOP must message better to win the midterms

Now, in case you didn’t see it, please rush out, get today’s Wall Street Journal, and read James Freeman’s fabulous column: “How about Reagan-Style Reconciliation?” All right. I was there as a young man, deputy in the Office of Management and Budget, and it’s all music to my ears.

Basically, President Reagan’s tax cut magic. The first major vote was roughly 45 years ago, July, 1981. Reagan’s big tax cut bill passed the House by 238 to 195 votes. It was a Democratic House, remember that. A bit later by the by, the Senate would pass it 89 to 11. It was a Republican Senate.

The Gipper signed the legislation at his ranch that August. Now, this was absolutely the key element to the Reagan revolution, which was a supply-side revolution, which basically argued that you lower taxes to promote growth, jobs, wages, wealth, and a strong national security. Reagan’s tax cuts brought joy and prosperity to a whole nation desperately in need of both. 

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Now, as Art Laffer puts it, if you tax something less, you get more of it. You tax the whole economy less as Reagan did, and the economic pie grew larger and larger.  In other words, incentives matter. If you keep more of what you earn, you’re going to work harder, invest more, take more risks, and the economy grew. Those 1981 tax cuts helped the economy roar. With real growth of about 5.5 percent per year for more than seven years during Ronald Reagan’s two terms. 

The stock market roared, as did jobs, and frankly, the whole national morale roared. It was so demoralized during the Carter years, but under Reagan, the animal spirits and the happiness indexes just jumped off the page. And the enormous growth in the American economy created the resources that ultimately Mr. Reagan used to destroy Soviet communism. Peace through strength was an integral part of supply side economics. Mr. Freeman does a wonderful job of reminding all of us of the phenomenal benefits of Mr. Reagan’s supply side tax cuts.

And yes, Mr. Laffer’s curve, the famous Laffer Curve, where he suggested that lower tax rates would produce higher tax revenues with more economic growth and less tax avoidance. Well, it worked out very well. The revenue base actually jumped by almost 25 percent during the whole Reagan boom.

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Now, remember, Tip O’Neill was the liberal Democratic speaker. He opposed the Reagan tax cuts, but he got rolled. In the House, 48 Democrats voted for Reagan, who himself, by the way, started out in politics as a Democrat.

What a list of tax cuts. The 25 percent income tax was the headline led by the late Jack Kemp. There were lower taxes on marriage, estates, inheritance, capital gains, interest, dividends, savings, retirements, and businesses. Oh my God. And it worked.

The tax cut magic worked. So I’ll just say, why not remember those days 45 years ago? I remember it very well. How about the Republicans today, thinking about the midterms, but more importantly, thinking about our whole national economy, our whole morale, our whole happiness, our national security. These are things that are helped and virtually solved by lower tax rates across the board.

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USDA issues Costco frozen burrito alert over undeclared egg allergen

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USDA issues Costco frozen burrito alert over undeclared egg allergen

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert for a frozen burrito sold at Costco because officials claim it contains an undeclared allergen.

A product labeled as Red’s Steak Cilantro and Lime Burrito, which was produced on June 19, contains egg not declared on its label.

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The burritos were shipped to Costco stores in Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.

MORE THAN 12,000 POUNDS OF BACON RECALLED AFTER USDA ISSUES HIGHEST-RISK ALERT

Burrito packaging

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health alert for a frozen burrito sold at Costco because it contains an undeclared allergen. (USDA / Unknown)

A recall for the product wasn’t issued because the burritos are no longer for sale, but the USDA said they could be inside customers’ freezers.

The problem was discovered after a consumer flagged the issue to the company after they realized there was egg inside the burrito, and the company notified the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

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No adverse reactions have been reported after eating the burrito.

costco-storefront

The burritos were sold at Costcos in Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan.  (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty Images)

CYCLOSPORA OUTBREAK: IS IT STILL SAFE TO EAT AT RESTAURANTS? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW

The burritos were both packaged individually and sold 10 in a 3 lb, 2 oz. carton.

The product lots for the affected burritos include: L1 SD6170 1503, L1 SD6170 1535, L1 SD6170 1606, L1 SD6170 1639, L1 SD6170 1717, L1 SD6170 1750, L1 SD6170 1831, L1 SD6170 1908, L1 SD6170 1954, L1 SD6170 2031, L1 SD6170 2108, and L1 SD6170 2130 on the side of the label.

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Back of burrito packaging

The burritos were both packaged individually and sold 10 in a 3 lb, 2 oz. carton. (USDA / Unknown)

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They also have “EST. 46069” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Anyone who finds one of the burritos in their freezer is urged to throw them out or return them to where they were bought.

Red’s and Costco did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ requests for comment.

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Building Success Through Discipline and Adventure

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Building Success Through Discipline and Adventure

Success rarely comes from a single path. For Chris Pascale, it has been built through decades of discipline, hard work, and a willingness to pursue excellence in everything he does.

From running businesses and working in the flooring industry to winning fishing tournaments and poker competitions, Pascale has spent his life chasing goals and learning from every experience along the way.

Today, based in Naples, Florida, Pascale is known as a business owner, entrepreneur, outdoorsman, and competitor. His story offers a look at how focus and consistency can shape both a career and a life.

How Chris Pascale Developed His Competitive Mindset

Growing up, Pascale was drawn to activities that challenged him. Surfing became one of his earliest passions and introduced him to the discipline required to improve over time.

“I’ve always enjoyed things that push you,” Pascale says. “Whether it’s sports, business, fishing, or poker, I like the challenge of getting better.”

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That mindset would stay with him throughout his life.

After earning an associate degree from Florida Atlantic University, Pascale entered the business world. Coming from a family business background, he was exposed early to the realities of ownership, responsibility, and customer service.

Those lessons would later influence how he approached his own ventures.

Building a Career in the Flooring Industry

Pascale eventually built his career in the flooring industry, where he developed a reputation for taking a full-service approach to business.

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Over the years, he opened several businesses and gained firsthand experience navigating different markets and opportunities. While industries and projects changed, his philosophy remained the same.

“You have to stay focused on what you’re doing,” he says. “If you lose focus, you lose momentum.”

That commitment to consistency helped him build long-term relationships and sustain multiple business ventures throughout his career.

His experience as an owner also taught him the importance of adaptability.

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“Every business has challenges,” Pascale says. “The people who last are the ones who keep moving forward and find solutions.”

What Leadership Means to Chris Pascale

While many people define leadership by titles, Pascale views it differently.

For him, leadership starts with personal discipline.

“Discipline is everything,” he says. “You can have goals, but if you don’t have discipline, those goals stay ideas.”

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That principle has guided both his professional and personal life. Whether managing businesses, pursuing outdoor competitions, or planning future projects, Pascale emphasizes preparation and consistency over shortcuts.

He believes success is often the result of small actions repeated over time.

“People see the results,” he says. “They don’t always see the work that happens every day behind the scenes.”

That perspective has helped him navigate changing markets, economic cycles, and the demands of entrepreneurship over several decades.

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Fishing, Competition, and a Life on the Water

Outside of business, Pascale has established himself as an accomplished fisherman and outdoorsman.

Based near the waters of Naples and Marco Island, he has earned a captain’s license and competed successfully in numerous fishing tournaments. His accomplishments include record catches, backwater slams, offshore slams, and sponsorships from fishing apparel and equipment companies.

His fishing experiences have taken him far beyond Florida.

Over the years, he has fished in Costa Rica, Panama, and destinations around the world. His achievements have also been recognized in publications including Florida Sportsman and Fish and Surf.

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“Fishing teaches patience,” Pascale says. “You learn that preparation matters, but you also have to be ready when opportunities show up.”

Today, he continues to enjoy life on the water and owns a 48-foot Leopard sailing catamaran based in St. Thomas.

Lessons From Poker, Hunting, and Entrepreneurship

Pascale’s competitive spirit extends beyond business and fishing.

As an active poker player, he has competed in tournaments in Las Vegas, earning significant wins along with rings, trophies, and other accolades.

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For him, poker offers lessons that apply well beyond the game itself.

“You have to stay calm and make good decisions,” he says. “Emotions can get in the way if you let them.”

His passion for hunting has also produced notable accomplishments, including Florida registry bucks, Osceola turkey successes, and wild boar records.

Across all of these pursuits, common themes emerge: preparation, patience, focus, and resilience.

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Chris Pascale on Goals, Balance, and Long-Term Success

After decades of business ownership and personal achievement, Pascale remains focused on growth while maintaining balance.

He continues to explore new opportunities while enjoying the lifestyle he has worked hard to build.

“I’ve always believed in setting goals,” he says. “Once you reach one, it’s time to find the next challenge.”

At the same time, he values balance and perspective.

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“You have to enjoy the journey,” Pascale says. “Success isn’t just one thing. It’s building a life you’re proud of.”

That philosophy has helped shape a career that spans entrepreneurship, competition, and outdoor adventure.

Whether leading businesses, navigating open water, or pursuing his next goal, Chris Pascale continues to demonstrate how discipline and focus can create opportunities across every stage of life.

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Bond Vigilantes Push Back Against the Fed’s Inertia. Who Pays the Price.

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Bond Vigilantes Push Back Against the Fed’s Inertia. Who Pays the Price.

Bond Vigilantes Push Back Against the Fed’s Inertia. Who Pays the Price.

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Every decision of government needn’t be a big reform: Anand Mahindra

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Anand Mahindra can’t wait to get back home from the US because all the action is happening in India with a new, stable government led by Narendra Modi in place. Hours after chairing a board meeting of Mahindra & Mahindra at midnight US time, the company’s chairman and MD spoke on Saturday to Satish John at length from Boston on his hopes and aspirations for the country. The new administration has begun well and a lot more is expected from it, he said. Excerpts:

On Modi government’s 10-point agenda.

I think it is almost brilliant to put at the head of the list the fact that bureaucrats should be encouraged to take decisions without fear. In a sense he’s gone to the heart of the problem of the paralysis. The Indian government is extraordinarily large and it is difficult to try and believe that one leader can make all the change. This is a federal system. In a large bureaucracy you cannot exercise the transformation of any situation without coopting bureaucracy.

So empowerment becomes important. It’s a good sign. If you remember, one of the major apprehensions about Modi was an autocratic style of functioning. By putting right at the top of the agenda the empowerment of the bureaucracy I think one has to appreciate and admit that it is definitely not the act of an autocrat.

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On disbanding ministerial groups.

Without making much heavy weather of it, he’s been a case study for business schools on how to exercise leadership and have an impact from day one in the new job. He’s setting a clear agenda and is making a clear promise of making a measurement of progress made against that clear agenda. For example, making an agenda for 100 days will make it clear what the matrix would be for measuring success of that agenda. It is important that every day some incremental progress is made towards that agenda and that progress is communicated transparently. He has got his team ready, which is a focused team. To me, every decision needn’t be a big-bang reform but a signal of proactive decision-making and removal of red tape and bureaucracy. And a promise of even speedier decision-making in the future.