Brian Nelson

Cisco Raises Expectations on Strong AI Spending

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Image Source: TradingView By Brian Nelson, CFA Cisco (CSCO) recently reported fiscal third-quarter 2026 results for the period ended April 25 that came in better than expected on both the top and bottom lines. The company achieved double-digit top and bottom-line growth, exceeding the high end of its guidance range for the period. It posted record revenue of $15.8 billion (consensus was at $15.6 billion), up 12% year-over-year, with non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.06, up 10% year-over-year and exceeding consensus by $0.02. Cisco experienced record high demand for its technology in the period, with total product orders up 35% year-over-year (19% excluding hyperscalers). The company raised its expectations for AI infrastructure orders from hyperscalers to $9 billion in fiscal … Read more

Nvidia Delivers Exceptional Fiscal First Quarter Results

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Image Source: TradingView By Brian Nelson, CFA Nvidia (NVDA) recently reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 results for the period ending April 26 that beat expectations on both the top and bottom lines. The company showcased record revenue of $81.6 billion (consensus was $79.2 billion), up 85% from the year-ago period, while Data Center revenue also hit a record, up 92% from last year’s quarter. GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins were 74.9% and 75.0%, respectively, while GAAP and non-GAAP earnings per diluted share were $2.39 and $1.87, respectively, the latter increasing 140% and edging out consensus by $0.12 per share. Free cash flow increased to $48.6 billion in the fiscal first quarter, growing from $26.1 billion in last year’s period. Management had … Read more

Valuentum’s Dividend Growth Newsletter Portfolio

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*Portfolio Information as of published date in top, left corner of table. The Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio is not a real money portfolio. Past results are not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results may differ from simulated information provided. There is substantial risk associated with investing in financial instruments. The Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio puts into practice our rigorous valuation and dividend growth frameworks. To access our commentary, articles and analysis on holdings in the portfolio of our Dividend Growth Newsletter (as well as each company’s 16-page equity report and dividend report), please use our ‘Symbol’ search box in our website header. The Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio can always be found in each edition of the monthly Dividend Growth Newsletter. Learn more about your membership >> More … Read more

Valuentum’s Best Ideas Newsletter Portfolio

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*Portfolio information as of published date in top, left corner of table above. The Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio is not a real money portfolio. Past results are not a guarantee of future performance, and actual results may differ from simulated information provided. There is substantial risk associated with investing in financial instruments. By The Valuentum Team The Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio seeks to find stocks that have both good value and good momentum characteristics and typically targets capital appreciation potential over a longer-term horizon. The newsletter puts the Valuentum Buying Index methodology into practice. To access Valuentum’s in-depth articles and analysis on holdings in the portfolio of its Best Ideas Newsletter (as well as their 16-page reports and dividend reports, where … Read more

Visa’s Results Show Consumer Spending Remains Resilient

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Image Source: TradingView By Brian Nelson, CFA Visa (V) recently reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results that came in better than expected on both the top and bottom lines. Net revenue increased 17% (16% on a constant currency basis), driving GAAP net income 32% higher. Non-GAAP net income advanced 17%, as non-GAAP diluted earnings per share increased 20%, to $3.31. Payments volume increased 9% in the quarter, while cross-border volume increased 12%. Processed transactions increased 9%. Management had the following to say about the results: Visa’s second quarter net revenue growth of 17% was the highest since 2022, driving GAAP EPS up 36% and non-GAAP EPS up 20%. Consumer spending remained resilient, and our strategy and innovations fueled strong performance in … Read more

Republic Services Continues to Price Effectively

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Image Source: TradingView By Brian Nelson, CFA Trash taker Republic Services (RSG) recently reported first-quarter 2026 results that beat expectations on both the top and bottom lines. Quarterly revenue growth came in at 2.6%, which includes 2.8% organic growth from its recycling and waste business, a 1.3% organic decline from its environmental solutions business, and 1.1% growth from acquisitions. Net income on an adjusted basis came in at $526 million, or $1.70 per diluted share, which compares to $496 million, or $1.58 per diluted share, in last year’s quarter. Republic expanded its net income margin and adjusted EBITDA margin by 50 basis points in the period. Management had the following to say about the results: We are off to a … Read more

Apple Reports Record March Quarter

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Image Source: TradingView By Brian Nelson, CFA Apple (AAPL) recently announced second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with the company beating the consensus estimate on both the top and bottom lines. Apple posted March quarter records for total company revenue, iPhone revenue, and earnings per share. Its Services revenue also notched a new record high in the quarter. Quarterly revenue of $111.2 billion was up 17%, while diluted earnings per share of $2.01 was up 22% year over year. Management had the following to say about the results: Today Apple is proud to report our best March quarter ever, with revenue of $111.2 billion and double-digit growth across every geographic segment. iPhone achieved a March quarter revenue record, fueled by such extraordinary … Read more

Alphabet’s Cloud Growth Is Fantastic

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Image Source: TradingView By Brian Nelson, CFA Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL) recently reported first-quarter 2026 results that beat expectations on both the top and bottom lines. Consolidated Alphabet revenues increased 22% (19% in constant currency), to $109.9 billion, marking the company’s 11th consecutive quarter of double-digit expansion. Google Services revenue increased 16%, but the real takeaway in the report was the firm’s Google Cloud business. Google Cloud revenues increased 63% thanks to an increase in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) across enterprise AI Solutions and enterprise AI infrastructure, as well as core GCP services. Management had the following to say about the quarter: 2026 is off to a terrific start. Our AI investments and full stack approach are lighting up every part … Read more

Microsoft Reports Strong Fiscal Third Quarter Results

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Image Source: TradingView By Brian Nelson, CFA On April 29, Microsoft (MSFT) reported better than expected fiscal third-quarter results with revenue and GAAP earnings per share coming in higher than the consensus forecasts. Quarterly revenue came in at $82.9 billion, increasing 18% (15% in constant currency) year-over-year, and the software giant leveraged that growth into a 20% increase (16% in constant currency) in operating income for the period. Both net income and diluted earnings per share advanced 20% on a GAAP basis and 18% on a constant currency non-GAAP basis. Management had the following to say about the results: We are focused on delivering cloud and AI infrastructure and solutions that empower every business to eval-max their outcomes in the … Read more

Philip Morris Remains a Free Cash Flow Cow

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Image Source: TradingView By Brian Nelson, CFA On April 22, Philip Morris (PM) reported better than expected first quarter results that beat the consensus top- and bottom-line estimates. Net revenues increased 9.1% (2.7% organically), to $10.1 billion, with both its smoke-free and combustibles businesses contributing to the top line advance. Smoke-free revenue was up 12.4% (5.2% organically), while combustibles revenue was up 6.7% (0.9% organically). Philip Morris’ smoke-free business now accounts for 43% of total net revenues. Management had the following to say about the results: Our performance exceeded our expectations in the first quarter, with an outstanding delivery from IQOS driving very good growth for the group against a strong prior-year comparison. Building on excellent broad-based momentum in the … Read more