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China semiconductor profits surge as AI demand fuels 74,400% gain
Edgen Stock·Jul 23 2026, 11:47Share to
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[1] Net Profit Soars 74,400% – Who is Raking in Billions in the Semiconductor Sector? (https://wallstreetcn.com/articles/3777788 ...)[2] TSMC Q2 Earnings Call: What It Means For SMH (https://seekingalpha.com/article/4924311-tsmc ...)[3] AI Boom Drives Explosive Mid-Year Profit Surge: How Top Optical Module Companies Deliver Stunning 2024 H1 Performance - 36 Kr (https://eu.36kr.com/en/p/3906285866784391 ...)
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Jul 23 2026, 13:28
Carrier acquires 75F, adding AI building controls to 3 platforms
**Carrier Global bought 75F, a cloud-native building automation startup, to embed AI into its commercial building controls portfolio across three existing platforms.** Carrier Global Corp. acquired 75F, a developer of cloud-native, wireless, AI-enabled building automation systems, the company said July 23, adding machine-learning capabilities to its commercial building controls across three existing platforms. Financial terms were not disclosed. "Buildings are becoming intelligent and autonomous systems that continuously learn, adapt and optimize performance," said David Gitlin, chairman and chief executive officer at Carrier. "This acquisition accelerates our strategy to create increasingly autonomous and self-optimizing buildings." The deal brings together Carrier's WebCTRL building controls, Abound predictive analytics and Nlyte operational intelligence with 75F's unified data layer and AI capabilities. The combined offering spans equipment, controls, analytics and outcomes for buildings globally, from complex applied systems and data centers to light commercial and retrofit projects. Carrier had already deployed 75F's technology through its ClimaVision platform, giving the acquirer direct experience with the startup's capabilities before the transaction. The acquisition positions Carrier to compete more directly with Honeywell, Johnson Controls and Siemens in the smart-building market, where commercial real estate operators are investing in automation to reduce energy costs and improve occupant comfort. The global smart-building market is projected to exceed $150 billion by 2030, according to industry estimates, as owners seek to cut operating expenses and meet sustainability targets. **Platform integration and data center push** Carrier plans to integrate 75F's generative and agentic AI as well as auto-commissioning capabilities into its QuantumLeap thermal management suite for data centers, a segment experiencing surging demand from AI workloads. The data center cooling market alone is expected to reach $35 billion by 2030, driven by the power and thermal requirements of AI training and inference infrastructure. 75F was founded by Deepinder Singh with a mission to rethink building automation using cloud-native software, AI and wireless technologies. Its platform uses wireless sensors, intuitive controls and cloud software designed to reduce installation time and simplify commissioning while optimizing energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The startup's technology is particularly suited for retrofit projects, where traditional building management systems require extensive wiring and lengthy deployment timelines. "Joining Carrier enables us to accelerate that vision on a global scale," said Singh, founder and CEO of 75F. "Together, we can help make intelligent buildings simpler to deploy, easier to operate and more accessible to customers everywhere." Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as external legal counsel to Carrier. Avisen Legal, PA advised 75F. Carrier, which invented modern air conditioning in 1902, has been pivoting toward digital services and software-enabled solutions under Gitlin's leadership. The company's Abound platform, launched in 2021, provides predictive analytics for building operations, while the Nlyte acquisition in 2022 added data center infrastructure management capabilities. The 75F deal fills a gap in Carrier's technology stack by adding a cloud-native controls layer that can be deployed across both new construction and the vast installed base of existing buildings — a segment that has been slower to adopt automation due to the complexity and cost of traditional building management systems. *This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.*
Jul 23 2026, 13:23
Jobless claims tumble to 187,000, lowest level since 1969
US initial jobless claims plunged to 187,000 in the week ending July 18, the lowest since September 1969 and well below the 210,000 consensus estimate, signaling employers remain reluctant to cut headcount despite global economic uncertainty. "The labor market has yet to show any sign of wear and tear from the surge in oil prices," said Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Trading. "But the economic crisis caused by the energy supply shock is not over yet." The 22,000 decline from the prior week pushed the four-week moving average down 7,250 to 207,500. Continuing claims for the week ending July 11 edged lower by 2,000 to just under 1.8 million, also a historically healthy figure. The data contrasts with June's payrolls report, which showed employers added only 57,000 jobs — less than half the prior month's total — while the unemployment rate dipped to 4.2 percent from 4.3 percent, largely because workers exited the labor force. The stronger-than-expected claims data reduces the likelihood of near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could push bond yields higher and initially weigh on growth stocks, though it also signals a resilient economy broadly supportive of equities. Treasury two-year yields rose 4 basis points in early trading as traders pared bets on a September cut, while the US dollar strengthened against major peers. The data arrives as WTI crude surged nearly 5 percent to above $91 a barrel and US gasoline prices climbed back above $4 a gallon, squeezing both consumer budgets and fuel-dependent businesses. Weekly jobless aid applications have stabilized mostly between 200,000 and 250,000 since the US emerged from the pandemic recession. But hiring began slowing about two years ago and tapered further in 2025 amid President Donald Trump's tariffs, his purge of the federal workforce and the lingering effects of high interest rates meant to control inflation. The last time claims fell below 200,000 was during the tight labor market of the late 1960s, when the US economy was expanding at a pace not seen since. That historical comparison underscores how unusual the current dynamic is: a labor market that refuses to crack even as energy costs surge, trade policy disrupts supply chains and the federal government sheds workers. Among the companies that have trimmed their workforce recently are Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks and Walmart. Earlier this month, Microsoft said it was cutting 4,800 jobs, about 2.1 percent of its global workforce, including a large number of workers at its Xbox video game business. Analysts caution that a prolonged conflict in Iran and sustained energy costs above current levels could eventually force companies to reduce headcounts. The price for a barrel of US crude surged nearly 5 percent early Thursday to more than $91, the highest level in about six weeks, while gasoline prices have climbed back above $4 a gallon on average. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
Jul 23 2026, 13:17
American Express, Verizon report Q2 results with $4.41 EPS test
American Express and Verizon report Q2 results Friday, with AXP expected to post $4.41 EPS and VZ forecast at $1.28. The consensus estimates are compiled by Refinitiv, an LSEG business, which tracks analyst forecasts for both Dow components. American Express's provision for credit losses will be a key focus as consumer debt levels remain elevated, while Verizon's postpaid phone net additions and churn rate will signal wireless market trends. American Express is expected to post earnings of $4.41 per share, according to Refinitiv data. The card issuer's net interest income and cardholder spending volumes will be closely watched, as rising delinquency rates across the banking sector have raised concerns about consumer health. American Express has historically attracted higher-credit-quality customers, which may provide a buffer against broader credit deterioration. The company's travel and entertainment spending category, which accounts for a significant portion of billings, will also be in focus given the summer travel season. Verizon is forecast to report adjusted EPS of $1.28, per Refinitiv data. The telecom company's wireless service revenue growth and postpaid phone net additions will be key operating metrics, as the industry faces pricing pressure from T-Mobile and cable operators. Verizon has been investing in its network infrastructure and fiber broadband expansion to defend its market position. The company's consumer segment churn rate and average revenue per user will indicate whether its pricing strategy is holding up against competitors. The two reports come during a busy earnings week that included results from Alphabet, Tesla, Intel, and American Airlines. Alphabet posted Q2 revenue of $119.8 billion, beating estimates of $116.9 billion, while Tesla missed on earnings with 33 cents per share versus 54 cents expected. Intel reports after Thursday's close, with analysts expecting 22 cents per share. American Airlines cut its 2026 earnings outlook earlier this week, citing higher fuel costs. For American Express, the results will test whether the card issuer can maintain its growth trajectory as consumer spending shows signs of moderating. The stock has been a top performer in the financial sector this year, benefiting from strong travel and entertainment spending. Verizon shares have lagged, pressured by concerns over wireless market saturation and the capital spending required for 5G and fiber network upgrades. A beat from both companies could lift the Dow Jones Industrial Average, where they represent about 5% of the index combined. Investors will watch Verizon's earnings call at 8:30 AM ET for updated subscriber guidance and capital expenditure plans, while American Express's commentary on spending trends through the second half of the year will signal consumer confidence heading into the holiday season. The results also carry broader implications for the financial and telecom sectors, with peer companies likely to move in sympathy. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.