NEW YORK — As Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) navigates a volatile 2026 market environment, Wall Street analysts overwhelmingly recommend buying the stock, with a consensus “Strong Buy” or “Moderate Buy” rating and average 12-month price targets suggesting substantial upside from current levels near $610. Despite a post-earnings dip following elevated AI capital expenditure guidance, the social media giant’s robust advertising growth, user engagement and artificial intelligence initiatives position it as a compelling long-term investment for many.
Headquarters of Facebook parent company Meta Platforms Inc in Mountain View
Meta shares traded around $608–$612 in early May 2026, down from recent highs but still reflecting strong performance over the longer term. The stock has faced pressure after the company’s first-quarter results, where it raised 2026 capex forecasts to $125–$145 billion, primarily for AI infrastructure. Yet analysts see the heavy investment as a strategic bet on future dominance rather than a red flag.
Q1 2026 Earnings: Beat Overshadowed by Spending
Meta reported strong first-quarter results on April 29, with revenue reaching $56.3 billion, up 33% year-over-year, and diluted EPS at $10.44 (boosted by a one-time tax benefit). Both figures beat expectations. Advertising revenue, the core driver, continued its momentum amid Reels monetization gains and improved ad targeting.
However, the market focused on the increased capital spending outlook, sending shares down as much as 7–10% in after-hours and subsequent trading. Higher costs for AI chips and data centers fueled margin concerns in the near term, though CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized long-term payoffs in efficiency, content creation and new revenue streams.
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Analyst Consensus: Strong Buy with $830–$840 Targets
As of early May 2026, 38 to 60 analysts cover Meta, with the vast majority issuing Buy or Strong Buy ratings and zero Sell recommendations in recent tallies. The average 12-month price target sits between $823 and $840, implying roughly 35–38% upside from current prices. High targets reach $1,015, while lows hover around $700.
Firms like Bank of America, Barclays and others have maintained or raised targets post-earnings, citing Meta’s advertising resilience and AI leadership through open-source models like Llama. Valuation remains attractive at a forward P/E around 21x with high margins and return on equity near 30%.
Bull Case: AI Investments Fuel Future Growth
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Proponents argue Meta’s spending spree positions it at the forefront of AI-driven social platforms. Advances in recommendation algorithms, ad efficiency and potential new products — including metaverse and hardware initiatives — could drive sustained revenue acceleration. User metrics remain robust across Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Threads.
Analysts highlight Meta’s ability to monetize AI tools for creators and advertisers while controlling costs over time. With no major competitive threats eroding its social dominance and global user base exceeding 3 billion monthly actives, the company’s scale provides a durable moat. Long-term forecasts see continued double-digit revenue growth into 2027 and beyond.
Bear Concerns: High Capex and Macro Risks
Skeptics point to near-term margin compression from elevated spending, potential regulatory hurdles in Europe and elsewhere, and broader economic uncertainty affecting ad budgets. The stock’s pullback reflects investor fatigue with heavy AI outlays before clear monetization proof emerges at scale.
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Some trimmed targets post-Q1, citing macroeconomic weakness. However, even cautious voices maintain Buy or Hold ratings, viewing any weakness as a buying opportunity rather than a reason to sell.
Investment Considerations for 2026
For growth-oriented investors, Meta offers exposure to digital advertising recovery, AI innovation and potential efficiency gains. Dividend growth and share buybacks provide additional shareholder returns. Risks include execution on AI, geopolitical tensions and valuation multiple contraction if growth slows.
Diversified portfolios may benefit from Meta as a core tech holding, but position sizing should account for volatility. Short-term traders might wait for stabilization after the capex reaction, while long-term holders see current levels as attractive entry points given analyst targets.
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Broader Market Context
Meta’s trajectory mirrors other Big Tech names balancing AI ambition with profitability. Strong Q1 ad performance underscores resilience in a competitive landscape, with competitors like TikTok and emerging platforms challenging but not displacing its ecosystem.
As 2026 progresses, upcoming quarterly reports, AI product launches and macroeconomic data will influence sentiment. Analysts will watch user engagement metrics, ad pricing power and progress on cost discipline amid heavy infrastructure builds.
Conclusion: Overwhelmingly a Buy for Most
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Wall Street’s near-unanimous bullish stance, coupled with Meta’s proven business model and forward-looking investments, tilts the scales strongly toward Buy for 2026 and beyond. While elevated spending creates short-term noise, the consensus view holds that Meta’s strategic positioning will deliver significant shareholder value over the medium to long term.
Investors should conduct their own due diligence, consider risk tolerance and consult financial advisors, as stock performance involves inherent uncertainties. With no Sell ratings from major analysts and substantial implied upside, Meta remains one of the more favored large-cap tech names heading deeper into 2026.
Mumbai: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Monday proposed easing securitisation norms, including relaxing the 25% cap on single borrower exposure in the asset pool, to align its framework with the rules of the banking regulator. These exemptions would apply only to entities governed by central bank norms.
Sebi has invited public comments on its latest securitisation proposals until May 25.
Under the existing framework aimed at risk mitigation, securitised debt instruments should adhere to strict diversification norms, including a cap that limits any single borrower’s share to 25% of the asset pool at issuance.
The current Sebi securitisation caps are meant to reduce risk by ensuring the pool is not overly dependent on one borrower.
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However, the regulator said this rule has effectively blocked listing of securitisation deals backed by a single asset, even though such structures are allowed under Reserve Bank of India (RBI) norms. To address this, Sebi has proposed waiving the 25% cap for RBI-regulated entities, thus enabling single-asset deals to be listed.
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In a parallel move to strengthen transparency, Sebi has suggested shifting the responsibility for periodic disclosures on the performance of the underlying asset pool from the originator to the servicer. The servicer, which may or may not be the originator, is responsible for collecting and monitoring receivables, making it better placed to provide timely and accurate information to investors.The regulator has also proposed changes to governance norms for special purpose distinct entities (SPDEs). For RBI-regulated originators, representation on the SPDE board would be capped at one member without veto powers, in line with RBI guidelines.
Additionally, Sebi has proposed easing certain restrictions on securitisation structures and replacing mandatory winding-up of transactions in specific cases with the appointment of a new trustee.
ON Semiconductor Corporation (ON) Q1 2026 Earnings Call May 4, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Company Participants
Parag Agarwal – Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Development Hassane El-Khoury – President, CEO & Director Thad Trent – Executive VP, CFO, Treasurer & Principal Accounting Officer
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Conference Call Participants
Ross Seymore – Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division Vivek Arya – BofA Securities, Research Division Neil Young – Needham & Company, LLC, Research Division Joshua Buchalter – TD Cowen, Research Division Vijay Rakesh – Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Research Division Gary Mobley – Loop Capital Markets LLC, Research Division Christopher Rolland – Susquehanna Financial Group, LLLP, Research Division Joseph Moore – Morgan Stanley, Research Division James Schneider – Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division Harlan Sur – JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Presentation
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Operator
Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the onsemi First Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Please be advised that today’s conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your speaker today, Parag Agarwal, Vice President of Investor Relations and Corporate Development.
Please go ahead.
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Parag Agarwal Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Development
Thank you, Daniel. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining onsemi’s first quarter results conference call. I’m joined today by Hassane El-Khoury, our President and CEO; and Thad Trent, our CFO. This call is being webcast on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.onsemi.com.
A replay of this webcast, along with our first quarter earnings release, will be available on our website approximately 1 hour following this conference call, and the recorded webcast will be available for approximately 30 days following this conference call.
Additional information is posted on the Investor Relations section of our website. Our earnings release and this presentation includes certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliation of these non-GAAP
Mirum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MIRM) Discusses Topline Clinical Results in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Hepatitis Delta May 4, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Company Participants
Andrew McKibben – Senior Vice President, Strategic Finance & Investor Relations Christopher Peetz – CEO & Director Joanne M. Quan – Chief Medical Officer Peter Radovich – COO & President
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Conference Call Participants
Ryan Deschner – Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Research Division Joshua Schimmer – Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Research Division Swayampakula Ramakanth – H.C. Wainwright & Co, LLC, Research Division Yesha Patel – Evercore ISI Institutional Equities, Research Division Ryan Mcelroy – Leerink Partners LLC, Research Division Joseph Thome – TD Cowen, Research Division Jessica Fye – JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division Michael Ulz – Morgan Stanley, Research Division James Condulis – Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Research Division Jonathan Wolleben – Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Research Division Lisa Walter – RBC Capital Markets, Research Division
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Operator
Good morning, and welcome to Mirum Pharmaceuticals Business Update Call. My name is Ben, and I will be your operator today. [Operator Instructions] I would now like to hand the conference over to Andrew McKibben, SVP of Strategic Finance and Investor Relations. Please go ahead.
Andrew McKibben Senior Vice President, Strategic Finance & Investor Relations
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Thank you, Ben, and good morning, everyone. I’m very happy to welcome you to Mirum’s conference call to discuss our recent clinical readouts, including the top line results of our VISTAS Phase IIb study of volixibat in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, or PSC, and last week’s announcement of top line results from the Phase II portion of the AZURE-1 study of brelovitug in hepatitis delta. For our prepared remarks, I’m joined today by our CEO, Chris Peetz; and our Chief Medical Officer, Joanne Quan. I’m also joined by our President and Chief Operating Officer, Peter Radovich; and our Chief Financial Officer, Eric Bjerkholt, who will both be available for Q&A. The call will begin with opening remarks from Chris, followed
MINNEAPOLIS — As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a potential Western Conference playoff clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the absence of Minnesota star Anthony Edwards due to a left knee injury has shifted the narrative from a mismatch to a fascinating test of LeBron James’ enduring greatness. With Edwards week-to-week and likely sidelined for the start of any series, James and the Lakers see a genuine opportunity to exploit Minnesota’s diminished firepower, though the Timberwolves’ elite defense and depth still present a formidable challenge for the veteran-led squad.
Edwards suffered a hyperextension and bone bruise in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets on April 26. An MRI ruled out structural ligament damage, but the injury has kept the 24-year-old All-Star out of full-contact practice. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch has described Edwards as week-to-week, with the earliest realistic return potentially in Games 3 or 4 of a series. Without their leading scorer — who averaged 28.8 points per game this season — Minnesota must rely heavily on Julius Randle, Mike Conley and defensive intensity to stay competitive.
James, at 41, continues defying age with remarkable playoff performances. In the Lakers’ first-round series against Houston, he averaged 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds while carrying a depleted roster without Luka Doncic. His basketball IQ, leadership and ability to elevate teammates remain unmatched. Against a Timberwolves team missing its primary offensive engine, James could exploit defensive lapses and create mismatches, particularly if Minnesota’s focus shifts toward containing Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.
The Lakers-Timberwolves matchup has been competitive in recent seasons. Minnesota swept the regular-season series this year, but those games featured a healthy Edwards. Without him, the Timberwolves’ offense loses its explosive transition threat and isolation scoring. Edwards’ gravity as a scorer forces defenses to collapse, opening driving lanes and three-point opportunities for teammates. His absence places heavier offensive responsibility on Randle, who has stepped up admirably but lacks Edwards’ burst and perimeter creation.
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Defensively, the Timberwolves remain elite. Rudy Gobert anchors the paint, while Jaden McDaniels and others provide versatile wing defense. Even without Edwards, Minnesota can disrupt opposing offenses through length and physicality. The Lakers will need strong ball movement and spacing to counter that pressure. James’ playmaking becomes even more critical, as he must orchestrate the offense while also shouldering scoring duties against a defense designed to limit star players.
Coaching adjustments will be pivotal. Lakers coach JJ Redick has shown creativity in lineup construction during the postseason. Expect increased minutes for Reaves as a secondary creator and potential small-ball looks featuring James at point guard. On the other side, Finch must find ways to replace Edwards’ scoring without overtaxing Randle or relying too heavily on bench production. The Timberwolves’ depth, built through smart drafting and development, will be tested.
Historical precedent favors experience in high-stakes scenarios. James has thrived as an underdog throughout his career, including memorable playoff runs with lesser supporting casts. His basketball IQ allows him to adapt mid-series, exploiting weaknesses and elevating teammates. However, the Timberwolves’ youth and defensive identity could wear down the older Lakers roster over a seven-game series.
Injury timelines add uncertainty. Edwards’ bone bruise typically requires two to six weeks of recovery. A return in the middle of a series could swing momentum dramatically, especially if Minnesota advances past the early games. The Lakers must treat every contest as potentially Edwards-free, preparing schemes that neutralize Gobert’s rim protection and Randle’s versatility.
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Fan and analyst reaction has been mixed. Some view the Lakers as having a realistic chance to steal a series without Edwards, citing James’ playoff pedigree and Minnesota’s occasional offensive stagnation. Others point to the Timberwolves’ defensive strength and home-court advantage as decisive factors. Betting markets have shifted slightly toward Minnesota but reflect uncertainty around Edwards’ status.
Beyond X’s and O’s, the series carries narrative weight. James potentially in the final chapters of his legendary career faces a young, hungry Timberwolves squad looking to establish itself as a Western Conference power. A Lakers upset would rank among James’ greatest achievements, while a Minnesota victory without Edwards would reinforce the team’s depth and defensive identity.
The Western Conference landscape adds context. Both teams have championship aspirations, but injuries have complicated paths. The Lakers advanced past Houston without Doncic, showcasing resilience. Minnesota handled Denver despite Edwards’ limited availability in later games. Their potential meeting would test which roster is better equipped to overcome adversity.
As the NBA postseason intensifies, the James-versus-Timberwolves-without-Edwards scenario offers compelling drama. James has made a career of defying odds, but Minnesota’s defensive structure and collective talent provide a stiff test. The coming days will reveal whether experience and leadership can overcome youth and depth in a critical playoff matchup.
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For now, the Timberwolves hold the edge on paper, but James’ presence ensures nothing is guaranteed. Basketball fans everywhere will watch closely to see if the King can engineer another improbable run or if Minnesota’s pack defense proves too much to handle without its young star leading the charge.
Thailand’s economy grew in Q1 due to strong demand and supply, but signs of Middle East conflict impacts emerged, notably declining tourism and exports, alongside rising fuel imports and softening private consumption.
Summary
Thailand’s economy expanded in the first quarter, supported by both demand and supply side factors, reflecting favorable economic conditions prior to the escalation of the Middle East conflict. In March, overall economic activity stabilized from the previous month. – Merchandise exports and manufacturing production continued to increase, alongside an expansion in government expenditure. – Early signs of economic impact from the Middle East conflict has begun to emerge. Tourist arrivals from the Middle East and Europe have declined sharply, exports to the Middle East and Europe contracted significantly, and fuel imports increased as firms accelerated sourcing from alternative suppliers. Private consumption also softened, particularly in hotels and restaurants, despite some front-loaded spending on fuel amid concerns over rising prices.
Headline inflation moved closer to zero from negative territory in the previous month, driven mainly by energy prices. Core inflation remained positive and broadly unchanged, suggesting limited pass‑through of cost pressures to consumer prices.
Key issues to monitor: (1) Middle East conflict developments, (2) the extent to which businesses and households can adapt, (3) government economic stimulus measures, and (4) potential shifts in U.S. trade policy.
Thailand’s economy experienced growth in the first quarter, driven by both demand and supply-side factors. On the demand side, merchandise exports, excluding gold, continued to rise, particularly in technology-related products. Domestic demand strengthened as private consumption increased, supported by accelerated vehicle deliveries following the expiration of the EV 3.0 scheme and heightened fuel purchases toward the end of the quarter due to concerns over potential price hikes. Additionally, private investment grew, primarily in machinery and equipment, complemented by an uptick in government spending.
On the supply side, manufacturing output rose, driven by increased petroleum production following extensive refinery maintenance in the previous quarter and capacity expansions by major chemical firms. The services sector also grew, primarily fueled by trade-related activities aligned with higher production and exports. However, late in the quarter, the economy faced challenges from the Middle East conflict, resulting in a significant drop in exports to the region and a decline in foreign tourist arrivals, particularly from the Middle East and Europe.
Wall Street has ended lower, with the S&P 500 retreating from record highs, after a South Korean ship was hit by an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran demonstrated its grip on Middle East oil.
Fortescue is laying the groundwork for a major green iron plant in the Pilbara backed by hydrogen to be produced by as much as 6 gigawatts of renewable energy.
NEW YORK — Tesla Inc. shares edged lower by 0.16 percent to $390.20 in midday trading Monday, May 4, 2026, as investors paused following recent gains and positioned for upcoming catalysts including the company’s highly anticipated robotaxi event scheduled for August. The modest decline came amid broader market rotation out of some high-valuation technology names, though Tesla’s long-term narrative around autonomous driving, energy storage growth and new vehicle platforms continues to attract strong institutional interest.
The stock has been on a volatile but upward trajectory in 2026, climbing more than 35 percent year-to-date on optimism surrounding Full Self-Driving (FSD) advancements, record energy deployment numbers and the promise of affordable new models. Monday’s small pullback reflects typical profit-taking after a strong run, with shares still trading well above levels seen earlier in the year. Trading volume remained elevated as options activity showed continued bullish bets on Tesla’s ability to execute on its ambitious roadmap.
Tesla’s core business remains robust. The company delivered more than 460,000 vehicles in the first quarter, beating analyst expectations despite global economic headwinds. Energy storage deployments hit record levels, growing more than 150 percent year-over-year as utility-scale projects and Megapack installations accelerated. CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly emphasized that the energy business could eventually rival or surpass the automotive segment in profitability.
The robotaxi event, originally teased for 2025 but delayed to August 8, 2026, has become a major focal point for investors. Musk has described the unveiling as a “transformational moment” for the company and the broader transportation industry. Tesla plans to showcase a purpose-built autonomous vehicle without steering wheel or pedals, designed for high-volume ride-hailing operations. Success in this area could unlock trillions in potential market value according to optimistic analyst models, though regulatory approval and technological hurdles remain significant challenges.
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Autonomous driving technology continues to be Tesla’s biggest growth narrative. The company’s FSD software has seen rapid iteration, with version 13.2 delivering smoother city driving and better handling of complex urban environments. Tesla has expanded its supervised FSD testing fleet and is working closely with regulators in key markets including California, Texas and several European countries. While full unsupervised autonomy is still years away in many jurisdictions, incremental improvements continue to build consumer confidence and data advantages.
Financially, Tesla maintains a strong balance sheet with substantial cash reserves. First-quarter revenue grew 15 percent year-over-year, supported by both automotive and energy segments. Profit margins have stabilized after previous compression from price cuts and increased competition in the electric vehicle market. Analysts expect second-quarter deliveries to show sequential improvement, with particular strength in Cybertruck production ramp and international markets.
The stock’s valuation remains elevated compared to traditional automakers but more reasonable when factoring in Tesla’s technology and energy businesses. Trading at approximately 95 times forward earnings, many growth investors view the multiple as justified given Tesla’s positioning in multiple high-growth sectors. Value-oriented investors, however, remain cautious about the premium and potential execution risks around new product launches.
Musk’s influence continues to drive both enthusiasm and volatility. His active presence on social media, comments on artificial intelligence and updates on Tesla’s various projects often move the stock. Recent posts highlighting progress on the Optimus humanoid robot and next-generation vehicle platforms have kept investor excitement high. However, Musk’s divided attention across Tesla, SpaceX, xAI and other ventures occasionally raises questions about focus and execution timelines.
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Broader market context also affected trading. Technology stocks faced selective pressure as investors rotated into sectors perceived as offering better value or near-term catalysts. The Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting later this week will be closely watched for signals on interest rates, which historically influence growth stocks like Tesla. Lower rates generally support higher valuations for companies with long-duration cash flows.
Looking ahead, several key events could influence Tesla’s trajectory in the coming months. Second-quarter delivery numbers expected in early July will provide insight into demand trends. The robotaxi event in August has the potential to be a major catalyst, similar to previous product unveilings that have driven significant stock movement. Longer term, the launch of more affordable models in 2027 could expand Tesla’s addressable market substantially.
Analysts remain broadly bullish. The average 12-month price target sits around $420, with optimistic forecasts reaching $550 or higher in successful robotaxi and Optimus scenarios. Firms like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Wedbush have maintained overweight or buy ratings, citing Tesla’s technology leadership and multiple growth vectors. However, some caution that delays in autonomy or increased competition could pressure near-term performance.
For individual investors, Tesla remains one of the most widely held and discussed stocks. Its combination of visionary leadership, technological innovation and cultural significance continues to attract both long-term believers and short-term traders. While volatility is inherent, many view current levels as reasonable entry points for those with multi-year horizons.
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The modest decline on Monday represents normal market fluctuation rather than a shift in fundamentals. Tesla’s business remains at the forefront of electric vehicles, energy storage and autonomous technology. As the company executes on its ambitious vision, investors will continue weighing the significant upside potential against execution risks and valuation considerations.
As trading continued into late morning, Tesla shares held most of their recent gains despite the small pullback. The stock’s resilience reflects underlying confidence in Musk’s ability to deliver on long-term promises even amid short-term noise. For now, all eyes remain on upcoming product milestones and quarterly results that could shape Tesla’s trajectory through the remainder of 2026 and beyond.
Total bond market ETFs are designed to give investors access to a swath of the bond market in a single holding. But while they have similar names, they aren’t created equal—and the differences could undermine your investment rationale or saddle your portfolio with greater risk than you want.
Many of these exchange-traded funds start with similar benchmarks as a baseline, often a version of the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. The Agg, as that index is often called, measures the U.S. investment-grade bond market and includes U.S. Treasurys, government agency and corporate bonds, plus mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities.
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