Author: Lekha Gupta

On Tuesday, Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) and Gutsche Family Investments disclosed a deal to sell a 75% controlling stake in Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) to Coca-Cola HBC AG for around $3.4 billion.

Under the deal, The Coca-Cola Company will sell 41.52% of its 66.52% ownership in CCBA, while Coca-Cola HBC will also purchase the 33.48% stake held by Gutsche Family Investments.

Notably, CCBA operates in 14 African countries and represents around 40% of all Coca-Cola product sales in the region.

Also Read: Coca-Cola Q3 Preview: Will Warren Buffett’s Favorite Beverage Stock Post A Double Beat?

The sale is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Additionally, Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola HBC have entered into an option agreement that allows Coca-Cola HBC to acquire the remaining 25% interest in CCBA still held by Coca-Cola within six years after the deal closes.

Management Commentary

Henrique Braun, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Coca-Cola, said, “Coca-Cola HBC has demonstrated a strong track record of growing our system across Africa, having strong market share growth in Egypt and realizing strong volume and share growth in Nigeria over the past several years.”

“We are pleased with Coca-Cola HBC’s continued and aligned investment in the Coca-Cola system and in taking another significant step forward in the refranchising of company-owned bottling operations.”

Strategy Behind Sale

Coca-Cola’s divestment in CCBA marks another major move in its ongoing strategy to refranchise company-owned and operated bottling businesses.

As of 2024, bottling investments accounted for 13% of Coca-Cola’s consolidated net revenue, a sharp decline from 52% in 2015.

Once the CCBA transaction is finalized, the company expects that figure to fall further to about 5%.

In July 2025, Coca-Cola advanced its refranchising efforts in India by selling a 40% stake in Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd. to Jubilant Bhartia Group, while retaining a 60% ownership interest in the bottler.

Coca-Cola plans to release quarterly results on Tuesday, October 21.

Investors can gain exposure to the stock via iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:IYK) and Global X Funds Global X PureCap MSCI Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:GXPS).

Price Action: KO shares were trading higher by 0.22% to $68.60 premarket at last check Tuesday.

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IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) stock rose on Monday after the company announced its participation as a founding member of Q-Alliance.

Q-Alliance is a new initiative aimed at developing a premier quantum computing hub in Lombardy, Italy.

As a founding member of Q-Alliance, IonQ will bring its expertise in gate-based, universal quantum computing along with its exclusive strengths in quantum networking, security, and sensing.

Also Read: From Tesla And Nvidia To Rigetti And IonQ: Single-Stock ETFs Chase The Next Big Tech Boom

The initiative will develop infrastructure to foster research, innovation, and commercialization of quantum technologies across sectors, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, logistics, and financial services.

Established in support of Italy’s National Strategy for Quantum Technologies, the Q-Alliance unites public and private organizations to advance a cutting-edge quantum innovation ecosystem.

Management Commentary

Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ, said, “Through this landmark quantum collaboration, we intend to create quantum applications that can accelerate every segment of Italy’s major industries – from defense to agriculture, automotive to healthcare.”

“All areas of the Italian economy will benefit by leveraging IonQ’s industry-leading quantum computing, quantum networking, and quantum sensing solutions.”

Recent Key Events

Last week, the company’s stock got a boost after it achieved a major step forward in quantum chemistry simulations, demonstrating accurate atomic-level force calculations using its quantum-classical auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (QC-AFQMC) algorithm.

Investors can gain exposure to IONQ via WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund (BATS:WQTM) and REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ:AIPI).

Price Action: IONQ shares were trading higher by 4.17% to $65.57 premarket at last check Monday.

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• IonQ, Tempus AI And AeroVironment Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (Oct. 13-Oct. 17): Are the Others in Your Portfolio?

Image via Shutterstock

IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) stock rose on Monday after the company announced its participation as a founding member of Q-Alliance.

Q-Alliance is a new initiative aimed at developing a premier quantum computing hub in Lombardy, Italy.

As a founding member of Q-Alliance, IonQ will bring its expertise in gate-based, universal quantum computing along with its exclusive strengths in quantum networking, security, and sensing.

Also Read: From Tesla And Nvidia To Rigetti And IonQ: Single-Stock ETFs Chase The Next Big Tech Boom

The initiative will develop infrastructure to foster research, innovation, and commercialization of quantum technologies across sectors, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, logistics, and financial services.

Established in support of Italy’s National Strategy for Quantum Technologies, the Q-Alliance unites public and private organizations to advance a cutting-edge quantum innovation ecosystem.

Management Commentary

Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ, said, “Through this landmark quantum collaboration, we intend to create quantum applications that can accelerate every segment of Italy’s major industries – from defense to agriculture, automotive to healthcare.”

“All areas of the Italian economy will benefit by leveraging IonQ’s industry-leading quantum computing, quantum networking, and quantum sensing solutions.”

Recent Key Events

Last week, the company’s stock got a boost after it achieved a major step forward in quantum chemistry simulations, demonstrating accurate atomic-level force calculations using its quantum-classical auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo (QC-AFQMC) algorithm.

Investors can gain exposure to IONQ via WisdomTree Quantum Computing Fund (BATS:WQTM) and REX AI Equity Premium Income ETF (NASDAQ:AIPI).

Price Action: IONQ shares were trading higher by 4.17% to $65.57 premarket at last check Monday.

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• IonQ, Tempus AI And AeroVironment Are Among Top 10 Large Cap Losers Last Week (Oct. 13-Oct. 17): Are the Others in Your Portfolio?

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Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF) shares are trading higher premarket on Monday after the company reported third-quarter 2025 results.

The steelmaker reported an adjusted loss of 45 cents per share, beating analysts’ expectations for a 48-cent loss.

Revenue totaled $4.73 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $4.90 billion but up from $4.57 billion in the same quarter last year.

Also Read: Cleveland-Cliffs Q3 Preview: Will Trump Get Praised By Company For Tariffs Again?

Revenue was spread across automotive (30%), infrastructure and manufacturing (29%), distributors and converters (28%), and steel producers (13%). Liquidity stood at $3.1 billion as of September 30, 2025.

Steelmaking revenue rose to $4.6 billion from $4.4 billion a year ago.

Adjusted EBITDA came in at $143 million versus $122 million in the year-ago quarter.

Key Metrics

Steel shipments stood at 4.0 million net tons, up from 3.8 million in the third quarter of 2024.

The average selling price fell slightly year-over-year to $1,032/ton from $1,045/ton in the same quarter a year ago.

Product mix was led by hot-rolled (37%), coated (29%), cold-rolled (15%), and plate (6%) products, with the remainder split between stainless/electrical and other products such as slabs and rail.

Management Commentary

Cliffs’ Chairman, President and CEO, Lourenco Goncalves, said, “Our third quarter results marked a clear sign of demand recovery for automotive-grade steel made in the USA, and that is a direct consequence of the new trade environment implemented and enforced by the Trump Administration.”

“As a result of this new trade environment, we have won new and growing supply arrangements with all major automotive OEMs, locking in multi-year agreements that reflect the reliability of our well-established supply chains anchored by our nine galvanizing plants dedicated to automotive-grade steels, with five of these plants specialized in exposed parts.”

“This past quarter, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with a major global steel producer, which seeks to leverage our unmatched U.S. footprint and trade-compliant operations. We expect the ultimate outcome of this MoU to be highly accretive to our shareholders.”

Outlook

Cleveland-Cliffs expects steel unit costs in 2025 to decline by about $50 per net ton compared to 2024, adjusted for higher automotive shipping volumes.

CLF updated its full-year 2025 outlook, with capital expenditures now expected to be around $525 million, down from the earlier forecast of $600 million.

Also, the company projects selling, general, and administrative expenses at around $550 million, versus the previous estimate of $575 million.

The third quarter performance was characterized by a richer sales mix and improved pricing, which contributed significantly to revenue and margin expansion. These factors were further supported by the company’s continued successful execution on cost management.

The positive trend established is anticipated to accelerate into 2026. This expected acceleration is directly tied to the forthcoming expiration of the slab supply contract to ArcelorMittal, which is scheduled to conclude in early December.

Price Action: Cleveland-Cliffs shares were up 10.81% at $14.76 during premarket trading on Monday. The stock is trading at a new 52-week high, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF) shares are trading higher premarket on Monday after the company reported third-quarter 2025 results.

The steelmaker reported an adjusted loss of 45 cents per share, beating analysts’ expectations for a 48-cent loss.

Revenue totaled $4.73 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $4.90 billion but up from $4.57 billion in the same quarter last year.

Also Read: Cleveland-Cliffs Q3 Preview: Will Trump Get Praised By Company For Tariffs Again?

Revenue was spread across automotive (30%), infrastructure and manufacturing (29%), distributors and converters (28%), and steel producers (13%). Liquidity stood at $3.1 billion as of September 30, 2025.

Steelmaking revenue rose to $4.6 billion from $4.4 billion a year ago.

Adjusted EBITDA came in at $143 million versus $122 million in the year-ago quarter.

Key Metrics

Steel shipments stood at 4.0 million net tons, up from 3.8 million in the third quarter of 2024.

The average selling price fell slightly year-over-year to $1,032/ton from $1,045/ton in the same quarter a year ago.

Product mix was led by hot-rolled (37%), coated (29%), cold-rolled (15%), and plate (6%) products, with the remainder split between stainless/electrical and other products such as slabs and rail.

Management Commentary

Cliffs’ Chairman, President and CEO, Lourenco Goncalves, said, “Our third quarter results marked a clear sign of demand recovery for automotive-grade steel made in the USA, and that is a direct consequence of the new trade environment implemented and enforced by the Trump Administration.”

“As a result of this new trade environment, we have won new and growing supply arrangements with all major automotive OEMs, locking in multi-year agreements that reflect the reliability of our well-established supply chains anchored by our nine galvanizing plants dedicated to automotive-grade steels, with five of these plants specialized in exposed parts.”

“This past quarter, we entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with a major global steel producer, which seeks to leverage our unmatched U.S. footprint and trade-compliant operations. We expect the ultimate outcome of this MoU to be highly accretive to our shareholders.”

Outlook

Cleveland-Cliffs expects steel unit costs in 2025 to decline by about $50 per net ton compared to 2024, adjusted for higher automotive shipping volumes.

CLF updated its full-year 2025 outlook, with capital expenditures now expected to be around $525 million, down from the earlier forecast of $600 million.

Also, the company projects selling, general, and administrative expenses at around $550 million, versus the previous estimate of $575 million.

The third quarter performance was characterized by a richer sales mix and improved pricing, which contributed significantly to revenue and margin expansion. These factors were further supported by the company’s continued successful execution on cost management.

The positive trend established is anticipated to accelerate into 2026. This expected acceleration is directly tied to the forthcoming expiration of the slab supply contract to ArcelorMittal, which is scheduled to conclude in early December.

Price Action: Cleveland-Cliffs shares were up 10.81% at $14.76 during premarket trading on Monday. The stock is trading at a new 52-week high, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock

On Sunday, Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE:C), along with American Airlines Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) and Mastercard (NYSE:MA), unveiled a new mid-tier travel rewards credit card, Citi/AAdvantage Globe Mastercard.

The new card expands the Citi/AAdvantage lineup, completing the range of co-branded travel credit cards offered under the partnership.

The card is designed for travelers who fall between casual vacationers and frequent flyers categories.

The card provides access to premium travel benefits, including four 24-hour Admirals Club Globe passes, expanded opportunities to earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points, and an exclusive Flight Streak bonus.

Also Read: JPMorgan Analyst Favors Visa Over Mastercard: Here’s Why

Cardmembers can unlock more than $750 worth of travel and lifestyle rewards each year for an annual fee of $350.

Management Commentary

Scott Long, American’s Senior Vice President of AAdvantage said, “It’s built for the travelers who want more from every mile—with elevated benefits, faster path to status and powerful earning potential.”

Pam Habner, Citi’s Head of U.S. Branded Cards and Lending added, “The launch of the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard is our first new co-branded credit card following the expansion of our partnership, marking a new chapter of innovation in our 38-year legacy,”

Recent Earnings

Last week, Citigroup had posted a third-quarter revenue of $22.09 billion, up 9% year over year and comfortably ahead of expectations, as strong performances across Markets, U.S. Personal Banking, and Investment Banking lifted results.

Investors can gain exposure to the Citigroup stock via First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (NASDAQ:FTXO) and T. Rowe Price Financials ETF (NASDAQ:TFNS)

Price Action: C shares are up 0.58% at $97.44 premarket at the last check on Monday.

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• Steve Eisman Dismisses 2008 Comparisons After Bank Earnings: ‘Only Marginal’ Credit Deterioration So Far, Not Enough To Raise Alarm Bells

Image via Shutterstock

On Sunday, Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE:C), along with American Airlines Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:AAL) and Mastercard (NYSE:MA), unveiled a new mid-tier travel rewards credit card, Citi/AAdvantage Globe Mastercard.

The new card expands the Citi/AAdvantage lineup, completing the range of co-branded travel credit cards offered under the partnership.

The card is designed for travelers who fall between casual vacationers and frequent flyers categories.

The card provides access to premium travel benefits, including four 24-hour Admirals Club Globe passes, expanded opportunities to earn AAdvantage miles and Loyalty Points, and an exclusive Flight Streak bonus.

Also Read: JPMorgan Analyst Favors Visa Over Mastercard: Here’s Why

Cardmembers can unlock more than $750 worth of travel and lifestyle rewards each year for an annual fee of $350.

Management Commentary

Scott Long, American’s Senior Vice President of AAdvantage said, “It’s built for the travelers who want more from every mile—with elevated benefits, faster path to status and powerful earning potential.”

Pam Habner, Citi’s Head of U.S. Branded Cards and Lending added, “The launch of the Citi / AAdvantage Globe Mastercard is our first new co-branded credit card following the expansion of our partnership, marking a new chapter of innovation in our 38-year legacy,”

Recent Earnings

Last week, Citigroup had posted a third-quarter revenue of $22.09 billion, up 9% year over year and comfortably ahead of expectations, as strong performances across Markets, U.S. Personal Banking, and Investment Banking lifted results.

Investors can gain exposure to the Citigroup stock via First Trust Nasdaq Bank ETF (NASDAQ:FTXO) and T. Rowe Price Financials ETF (NASDAQ:TFNS)

Price Action: C shares are up 0.58% at $97.44 premarket at the last check on Monday.

Read Next:

• Steve Eisman Dismisses 2008 Comparisons After Bank Earnings: ‘Only Marginal’ Credit Deterioration So Far, Not Enough To Raise Alarm Bells

Image via Shutterstock

French luxury group Kering SA (OTC:PPRUF) (OTC:PPRUY)  on Sunday disclosed a long-term partnership with L’Oréal (OTC:LRLCF) in the luxury beauty and wellness segment.

As per the agreement, the Gucci-owner will sell its Kering Beauté business to L’Oréal for 4 billion euros ($4.66 billion) in cash.

L’Oréal will acquire the iconic high-end luxury fragrance brand, House of Creed, and gain exclusive beauty and fragrance licenses for several Kering brands.

Also Read: Gen Z Is Rewriting Luxury — Can KLXY And FINE ETFs Keep Up?

Under L’Oréal Luxe, Creed will expand its global reach in both men’s and women’s luxury fragrance markets.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, with L’Oréal paying royalties to Kering for its licensed brands.

50-Year Exclusive Brand Licenses

The partnership grants L’Oréal exclusive 50-year licenses to create, develop, and distribute fragrance and beauty products for Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga.

The Gucci license will begin after the current Coty agreement ends, while the Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga licenses will take effect upon the transaction’s closing.

Joint Venture in Luxury Wellness and Longevity

Beyond beauty, Kering and L’Oréal also plan to form a 50/50 joint venture to explore opportunities in luxury, wellness, and longevity.

The partnership will combine L’Oréal’s innovation expertise with Kering’s luxury market insight to create advanced experiences and services for high-end consumers.

Management Commentary

Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering, said, “Joining forces with the global leader in beauty, we will accelerate the development of fragrance and cosmetics for our major Houses, allowing them to achieve scale in this category and unlock their immense long-term potential, as did Yves Saint Laurent Beauté under L’Oréal’s stewardship.”

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Photo by Below the Sky via Shutterstock

French luxury group Kering SA (OTC:PPRUF) (OTC:PPRUY)  on Sunday disclosed a long-term partnership with L’Oréal (OTC:LRLCF) in the luxury beauty and wellness segment.

As per the agreement, the Gucci-owner will sell its Kering Beauté business to L’Oréal for 4 billion euros ($4.66 billion) in cash.

L’Oréal will acquire the iconic high-end luxury fragrance brand, House of Creed, and gain exclusive beauty and fragrance licenses for several Kering brands.

Also Read: Gen Z Is Rewriting Luxury — Can KLXY And FINE ETFs Keep Up?

Under L’Oréal Luxe, Creed will expand its global reach in both men’s and women’s luxury fragrance markets.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, with L’Oréal paying royalties to Kering for its licensed brands.

50-Year Exclusive Brand Licenses

The partnership grants L’Oréal exclusive 50-year licenses to create, develop, and distribute fragrance and beauty products for Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Balenciaga.

The Gucci license will begin after the current Coty agreement ends, while the Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga licenses will take effect upon the transaction’s closing.

Joint Venture in Luxury Wellness and Longevity

Beyond beauty, Kering and L’Oréal also plan to form a 50/50 joint venture to explore opportunities in luxury, wellness, and longevity.

The partnership will combine L’Oréal’s innovation expertise with Kering’s luxury market insight to create advanced experiences and services for high-end consumers.

Management Commentary

Luca de Meo, CEO of Kering, said, “Joining forces with the global leader in beauty, we will accelerate the development of fragrance and cosmetics for our major Houses, allowing them to achieve scale in this category and unlock their immense long-term potential, as did Yves Saint Laurent Beauté under L’Oréal’s stewardship.”

Read Next:

• Armani’s Fashionable Exit: Can Heirs Turn Couture Into Cash For Investors?

Photo by Below the Sky via Shutterstock

JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers lowered estimates for Lowe’s Companies Inc. (NYSE:LOW) ahead of the company’s first-quarter earnings release on May 21.

The analyst says that based on the industry analysis and data insights, he is cutting first-quarter comparable sales estimates to -2.7%, below the Street’s consensus of -1.7% and the broader buyside expectations (a decline of 2% to 3.5%).

Horvers writes that Lowe’s experienced a more significant headwind from unfavorable DIY weather conditions earlier in the quarter and has underperformed Home Depot more recently, even as weather conditions improved.

Also Read: Weather Hits Lowe’s Harder Than Home Depot As Spring Traffic Heats Up: Analyst

The analyst notes that Lowe’s previously guided to a -2% comp for the first quarter and roughly flat comps for the first half, anticipating a ~$400 million shift of spring sales into the second quarter.

While Lowe’s faces easier weather comparisons in the second quarter (lapping “one of the worst weather backdrops in 30 years”), the analyst is slightly lowering second quarter comp estimates to +2% (from +3% previously).

This adjustment reflects the first quarter’s underperformance relative to management’s expectations, the uncertain weather outlook, and some underlying softness in the business, the analyst adds.

Further, the analyst estimates first quarter EPS at $2.87, compared to the Street’s $2.91.

Given the expectation that Lowe’s will miss its first quarter outlook and considering its positioning relative to Home Depot on tariffs, the analyst anticipates Lowe’s to adjust its full-year guidance towards the lower end of flat comparable sales and around a 12.3% operating margin.

The analyst expects the company will reiterate confidence in managing tariffs and safeguarding margins in a less favorable scenario.

LOW Price Action: Lowe’s shares are down 0.94% at $223.07 at publication on Tuesday.

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