NEW YORK — Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) stock draws a resounding “Buy” recommendation from Wall Street in May 2026, with consensus ratings of Moderate Buy to Strong Buy and average 12-month price targets implying 30-50% upside from current levels near $175–$183. Despite volatility from heavy AI infrastructure spending and a year-to-date pullback, the database and cloud giant’s explosive remaining performance obligations (RPO), cloud revenue growth and strategic positioning in artificial intelligence infrastructure position it as a favored long-term holding for many investors.

As of early May 2026, Oracle shares trade around $175–$182 after recovering modestly from earlier 2026 lows. The stock has faced pressure amid broader tech sector rotations and concerns over elevated capital expenditures, yet analysts overwhelmingly see current valuations as attractive given Oracle’s fundamentals and AI tailwinds.

Strong Analyst Consensus

Across 35–55 covering analysts, Oracle earns predominantly Buy or Strong Buy ratings, with very few Holds and minimal Sells. Average 12-month price targets range from $220 to $260, with highs reaching $400 and lows near $155–$160. This suggests substantial potential upside, with some models projecting even higher returns if cloud and AI momentum accelerates.

Firms like Guggenheim, Bank of America and others maintain bullish stances, citing Oracle’s massive RPO backlog — which surged over 300% year-over-year in recent quarters — as evidence of sustained demand for its cloud offerings.

Fiscal 2026 Performance and Earnings Highlights

Oracle has delivered solid results through its fiscal year. In Q3 FY2026 (reported March 2026), the company posted revenue of about $17.19 billion (up ~22% YoY) and beat EPS estimates. Remaining Performance Obligations reached $553 billion, up 325% year-over-year, signaling strong future revenue visibility driven by cloud infrastructure and AI-related deals.

Earlier quarters showed cloud revenue growth exceeding 25–28%, fueled by demand for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) used in large-scale AI training and deployment. However, higher capex for data centers has weighed on near-term margins and free cash flow, contributing to stock volatility.

Bull Case: AI and Cloud Leadership

Supporters highlight Oracle’s transformation into a major cloud player. Its focus on high-performance computing for AI, strategic partnerships and ability to win large enterprise contracts differentiate it from competitors. Analysts project continued double-digit revenue growth, with some bull scenarios seeing the stock reaching $300–$344 within 12–18 months if RPO converts efficiently.

Valuation remains reasonable relative to growth prospects, with forward multiples that many view as discounted compared to pure-play cloud peers. Dividend growth and share repurchases add to shareholder returns.

Risks and Bear Concerns

Critics point to execution risks around heavy AI spending, rising debt levels and potential delays in monetizing infrastructure investments. A tougher macroeconomic environment or slower AI adoption could pressure results. Some analysts trimmed targets after recent quarters, citing margin compression.

Short-term volatility remains a factor, with the stock sensitive to quarterly guidance and broader tech sentiment. A deeper market correction could test lower support levels.

Investment Considerations for 2026

For growth-oriented investors, Oracle offers exposure to enterprise software stability plus high-growth cloud and AI opportunities. Long-term holders may benefit from dollar-cost averaging during dips. Those concerned about capex timing might prefer a more cautious allocation or wait for clearer cash flow inflection.

Financial advisors often recommend tech holdings like Oracle as part of diversified portfolios, especially for those seeking AI adjacency without pure-play startup risk. Position sizing should reflect individual risk tolerance given sector volatility.

Broader Market Context

Oracle’s story mirrors other Big Tech names balancing massive AI investments with profitability. Its hybrid cloud-database strengths provide a moat in enterprise markets where data sovereignty and performance matter. As AI infrastructure demand grows, Oracle is well-placed to capture share.

Upcoming earnings, macroeconomic data and AI spending trends will influence sentiment through the rest of 2026. Analysts will closely watch cloud bookings, margin trends and progress on capital efficiency.

Conclusion: Favored as a Buy for Most Investors

The overwhelming Wall Street consensus tilts strongly toward buying Oracle stock in 2026. Structural growth drivers in cloud and AI, combined with a solid backlog and reasonable valuation, outweigh near-term spending concerns for most analysts. While risks around execution and macro conditions exist, current levels appear attractive for those with a medium-to-long-term horizon.

Investors should perform their own research, consider diversification and consult professionals. Oracle is not without volatility, but the balance of evidence supports its role as a core tech holding with meaningful upside potential as AI infrastructure spending translates into sustained revenue and profits.

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in AXS.PR.E over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Presentation

Lauren Bech-Hansen

So hello, everyone. Thank you for joining Organto Foods’ Fiscal 2025 Review and Business Update Webinar. My name is Lauren Bech-Hansen, and I will be monitoring today’s session. We’ll begin with a brief presentation from Steve Bromley, CEO, and Co-Chair of Organto Foods, who will walk through the company’s fiscal 2025 operational highlights, financial results and outlook for 2026. Following the presentation, we’ll move into a live Q&A session.

[Operator Instructions] Before we begin, I’ll note that today’s discussion may include forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities law. These statements may relate to Organto’s expectations, plans, objectives, strategies, financial outlook, anticipated growth, operating performance, market opportunities, expansion plans and other future developments.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and beliefs and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. For a discussion of these risks, assumptions and uncertainties, please refer to Organto’s public disclosure documents, including its MD&A available under the company’s profile on SEDAR.

Today’s discussion may also reference certain non-IFRS financial measures, including EBITDA or adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have standardized meanings under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Please refer to Organto’s public disclosure documents for additional information, including reconciliations where applicable.

Nothing discussed in today’s session to be considered investment, financial, legal or tax advice. Organto undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. With that, thank you, everyone, for joining us today.

I’m pleased to turn the

If what you want from your index fund is access to the latest hot stocks, you’re in luck. The passive funds holding trillions of dollars of 401(k)s and other investments are rushing to change their rules as the IPOs of SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic draw closer.

The latest, on Thursday, was a proposal from S&P to drop the requirement to make a profit and wait a year for initial public offerings to get into the flagship S&P 500.

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Block deal activity gathered pace on Monday, led by heavy institutional flows into Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), where global funds collectively invested over Rs 7,400 crore. There were smaller block deals in stocks line Tata Motors (TMCV) and Siemens Energy India.

In APSEZ, Capital Group International All Countries Equity Trust acquired 2.46 crore shares worth Rs 4,021 crore at Rs 1,632.45 apiece. It was joined by Capital Income Builder, which bought shares worth Rs 617 crore, and Europacific Growth Fund, which picked up shares valued at Rs 2,848 crore. The seller in all these transactions was Worldwide Emerging Market Holding Limited, indicating a sizeable stake transfer between institutional investors.

In TMCV, BNP Paribas purchase 7.18 lakh shares worth Rs 29 crore at Rs 405.80 each, while Goldman Sachs offloaded an equivalent stake. Similarly, Siemens Energy India witnessed a Rs 29 crore block deal, with BNP Paribas acquiring 89,240 shares at Rs 3,256.80 apiece from Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE.

Adani Ports shares today ended at Rs 1,742.60, gaining by Rs 85.30 or 5.15%. The stock today hit its 52-week high of Rs 1,748.60 on the NSE. APSEZ shares have gained nearly 40% over the past 12 months.

Shares of Tata Motors today ended at Rs 412.90, gaining by Rs 3 or 0.73% while Siemens Energy India settled at Rs 3,320.70, gaining 41.90 or 1.28%.

Domestic stock markets ended higher on Monday with BJP all set to win states of West Bengal and Assam and wrest back the Union Territory of Puducherry. Sectorally, financials, pharma and metal let the bulls. While the 50-stock Nifty surged 121.75 points or 0.51% to finish at 24,119.30, Sensex gained 0.46% points or 355.90 points to settle at 77,269.40.
Also read: Mauritius-based entity sells Rs 289 crore worth shares in Emcure Pharmaceuticals via block deal; Norges Bank acquirer

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

This article was written by

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AMZN either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Markets may face near-term volatility tied to oil prices and geopolitical tensions, but underlying economic strength and the prospect of lower interest rates could fuel a powerful next leg higher, according to a market expert.

Calamos Investments President and CEO John Koudounis joined FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to discuss market resilience and why he sees further upside despite ongoing uncertainty.

Koudounis pointed to strong corporate earnings and supportive policy dynamics as key drivers behind recent market gains, noting that “the underlying economy is pretty strong” and that “earnings are doing really well.” He added that factors like tax-related cash flow are also helping support consumer activity and sentiment.

That backdrop, he argued, is helping markets look past short-term disruptions tied to rising oil prices and Middle East tensions. While “you’re going to see the market volatile because of the price of oil,” Koudounis said he expects those pressures to ease, with energy markets eventually stabilizing and supporting broader growth.

“When that happens, we’re off to the races again,” he said, adding that “the market really, really wants to run.”

Looking ahead, Koudounis emphasized that monetary policy could play a critical role in accelerating economic momentum. If inflation remains contained, he expects interest rates to move lower, creating a more supportive environment for growth.

FED’S FAVORED INFLATION GAUGE REMAINED ELEVATED IN MARCH

“I think we’re going to have rates being lowered,” Koudounis said. “And I think that’s going to continue one of the biggest explosions in the economy that we’ve seen.”

Despite ongoing uncertainty, including geopolitical risks and the upcoming midterm elections, he maintained a bullish outlook, noting that “we’re in a great position where we can handle this crisis” and that market performance remains “incredible” given current conditions.

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

He added that the broader setup heading into and beyond the midterm elections is likely to remain “very, very positive for the markets.”

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NEW YORK — Bitcoin’s trajectory in 2026 remains a hotly debated topic on trading floors and among retail investors, but the prevailing Wall Street view leans heavily toward buying the leading cryptocurrency at current levels near $80,000. Despite a volatile start to the year featuring a significant drawdown from late-2025 highs, robust institutional inflows through spot ETFs, improving regulatory clarity and long-term adoption trends support a bullish outlook for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

As of early May 2026, Bitcoin trades around $78,000–$80,500, showing resilience after testing lower levels earlier in the year. The cryptocurrency has recovered from a roughly 40% correction off its all-time high near $126,000 but faces ongoing macro pressures including dollar strength and interest rate uncertainty. Yet major institutions continue accumulating, signaling confidence in Bitcoin’s role as a digital store of value.

ETF Inflows Signal Institutional Conviction

Spot Bitcoin ETFs have emerged as a dominant force, recording strong net inflows in April 2026 totaling approximately $1.97 billion to $2.44 billion — the strongest monthly performance of the year. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) led the charge, amassing tens of billions in assets under management and capturing the lion’s share of flows. Cumulative ETF inflows since inception now exceed $58 billion, with total AUM approaching or surpassing $100 billion.

This institutional demand has absorbed far more Bitcoin than daily mining output, tightening available supply. Analysts at firms like JPMorgan and Franklin Templeton highlight these flows as a structural tailwind, projecting continued institutional participation throughout 2026 driven by clearer U.S. regulations such as the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act.

Analyst Price Targets: Bullish Tilt for Year-End

Consensus forecasts for Bitcoin by the end of 2026 skew optimistic. Citigroup outlines a base case near $143,000 with a bull scenario reaching $189,000. JPMorgan sees potential for $150,000–$170,000, while Bernstein maintains a $150,000 target, calling recent selloffs among the “weakest bear cases” in Bitcoin’s history. Franklin Templeton expects recovery above $100,000 even in conservative scenarios.

More aggressive voices, including Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, eye $150,000–$250,000 longer term. Even cautious projections place Bitcoin well above current prices, with few major firms issuing outright sell recommendations. Short-term May trading ranges center around $75,000–$85,000, with a break above $80,000–$82,000 potentially catalyzing further upside.

Bull Case: Adoption, Scarcity and Macro Tailwinds

Proponents argue Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins, combined with the 2024 halving’s lingering effects, creates a compelling supply-demand imbalance. Growing corporate treasuries, nation-state interest and integration into traditional portfolios via ETFs reinforce its “digital gold” narrative. Regulatory progress in the U.S. and Europe reduces uncertainty, while potential Federal Reserve rate adjustments could ease pressure on risk assets.

Technical analysts note Bitcoin forming higher lows in recent months, with key support around $72,000–$75,000. A sustained move above $80,000 could target $85,000–$92,000 in the near term, opening the path to six figures later in the year.

Risks and Bear Case Considerations

Skeptics warn of near-term downside if macroeconomic conditions deteriorate — stronger U.S. data delaying rate cuts, renewed geopolitical shocks or profit-taking after earlier rallies. Some forecasts see possible consolidation or tests toward $60,000–$65,000 in a deeper correction, though most view such levels as buying opportunities rather than capitulation.

Volatility remains inherent to Bitcoin. Options markets price meaningful probability of both extreme upside and downside by year-end, reflecting uncertainty. Leverage in derivatives markets can amplify swings, and regulatory surprises globally could introduce headwinds.

Investment Strategy for 2026

For long-term investors, current prices offer an attractive entry or accumulation zone according to most analysts. Dollar-cost averaging mitigates volatility, while spot ETFs provide regulated, accessible exposure without direct custody concerns. Short-term traders may await confirmed breakouts above resistance levels before adding aggressively.

Portfolio allocation matters: financial advisors increasingly recommend 1–5% exposure to Bitcoin for diversification, citing low correlation with traditional assets over long periods. Risks should be sized appropriately given Bitcoin’s history of sharp drawdowns.

Broader 2026 Market Context

Bitcoin’s performance influences the wider crypto ecosystem, but its dominance remains high. Institutional infrastructure — custody, prime brokerage and lending — continues maturing, supporting sustained growth. While retail sentiment fluctuates, the shift toward institutional-driven markets suggests more measured, less euphoric cycles ahead.

As summer approaches, focus turns to ETF flow trends, macroeconomic data releases and potential policy developments. Bitcoin’s ability to hold above key supports while attracting fresh capital will likely dictate whether 2026 becomes another milestone year for the asset.

Conclusion: Overwhelmingly a Buy for Most Horizons

The balance of evidence — strong ETF inflows, institutional endorsements, supply dynamics and analyst targets — tilts decisively toward buying Bitcoin in 2026 for those with a medium-to-long-term horizon. While short-term volatility and macro risks persist, the structural case for higher prices remains intact. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence, consider personal risk tolerance and avoid leverage that could lead to forced liquidations.

With no major sell signals dominating consensus and substantial upside implied by price targets, Bitcoin continues to attract capital as a core digital asset in an evolving financial landscape. Whether it reaches $100,000 or beyond this year will depend on execution of these tailwinds, but the foundation for growth appears solid.

‘We cannot wait to get Procure Smart Newcastle off the ground in May’

A growing North East utilities specialist is creating 40 jobs in Newcastle with the launch of its latest office. Procure Smart was established in 2022 to save businesses time and money on their utilities and services, opening its first base and head office at Sunderland’s Doxford Park.

Since then the company has expanded into Manchester, with an office opening resulting in the creation of 10 initial jobs, while also employing remote worker in Dubai and elsewhere in the UK.

Now the company – run by managing director Craig Shields and CEO Brad Groves – is expanding its geographical footprint further, with the launch of a new office in Newcastle city centre.

Having passed the 50-colleague mark, the next phase of expansion has triggered a recruitment drive for around 40 new employees, who will be based at St James’ Place in Newcastle.

Head of sales, Michael Tansey, who has over 15 years of industry experience, said that since its inception four years ago, Procure Smart has built a dedicated and passionate team at its Sunderland headquarters.

The expansion into Newcastle follows the launch of an online business energy switching tool, Switch Savvi.

The Switch Savvi platform aims to providing businesses with a ‘comparison-site solution’ for procuring business utilities such as gas and electricity, and the firm says it will play a key role in helping businesses combat soaring energy costs.

The company – recently announced as the Spennymoor Town FC shirt sponsor for the 2026/2027 season – says it has plans to release new innovations this year, including monitoring and tracking software, named SmartVu, which will give customers a view of their energy usage, giving them the ability to spot trends, improve efficiency and make further cost savings.

Mr Tansey said: “We cannot wait to get Procure Smart Newcastle off the ground in May and continue on the upward trajectory which has been driven by the team at our Sunderland HQ over the last four years.

“As a North East lad, I’m in awe at the growth we are seeing in the region, and excited to be a part of it, building the first team to be based out of Newcastle city centre for Procure Smart. I hope to employ up to 40 new individuals who live our Smart values every day.”

Procure Smart CEO Brad Groves formerly ran Seaham-based Great Annual Savings, which went into administration in May 2023. Insolvency specialists at FRP were appointed to Great Annual Savings after a restructuring plan put forward by bosses was rejected by the High Court.

HMRC had submitted a winding up petition and documents later showed the Government claimed it was owed £7.8m. More than 100 jobs were lost at the £20m-turnover former Sunderland AFC shirt sponsor, which had seen rapid growth after launching in 2012.