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JP 225 forecast: the index has resumed a downtrend

Posted on: Mar 20 2026

The JP 225 stock index broke out of a sideways range and started to decline. The JP 225 forecast for today is negative.

JP 225 forecast: key takeaways

  • Recent data: Japan’s balance of trade came in at 57.27 billion JPY in February
  • Market impact: the effect is favourable for the Japanese stock market

JP 225 fundamental analysis

The current reading is generally positive for the Japanese stock market, as the actual trade balance figure turned out to be significantly better than the forecast: instead of the expected deficit, a surplus was recorded. This means Japan’s external trade position improved noticeably during the reporting period, so the market receives a signal that the export sector, industrial production, and external demand are in a more resilient state than previously expected.

For the JP 225 index, this is typically a favourable macroeconomic factor, because Japan’s equity market is heavily dependent on foreign trade conditions, export activity, and the global industrial cycle. A strong trade balance is perceived as confirmation that Japan’s economy is receiving support from the external sector. This improves the overall investment backdrop and reduces concerns about industrial weakness.

Japan’s balance of trade: https://tradingeconomics.com/japan/balance-of-trade

JP 225 technical analysis

The JP 225 index continued to decline and formed a downtrend. The key support zone is at 52,675.0, while the nearest resistance level has formed around 58,540.0. At this stage, it is difficult to estimate how long the current downtrend may last. The next downside target is seen at 50,210.0.

The JP 225 price forecast considers the following scenarios:

  • Pessimistic JP 225 scenario: a breakout below the 52,675.0 support level could push the index down to 50,210.0
  • Optimistic JP 225 scenario: a breakout above the 55,780.0 resistance level could propel the index to 58,540.0
JP 225 technical analysis for 19 March 2026

Summary

The latest data provides the basis for index upside. However, the potential for the move may be partially limited by the currency factor. Across sectors, the strongest support is likely to be seen in industrials, equipment manufacturers, technology companies, logistics, and trading houses. Automakers and large exporters also receive a fundamentally positive signal, but their reaction will be more sensitive to moves of the Japanese currency. The next downside target for JP 225 could be 50,210.0.

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Are PepsiCo Shares a good investment at 168 USD? PepsiCo Stock Forecast for 2026

Posted on: Mar 18 2026

PepsiCo reported its Q4 2025 results in line with revenue expectations and exceeded profit forecasts. At a share price of 168 USD, the stock appears attractive based on valuation multiples, and technical analysis suggests a potential rise in PepsiCo shares to 200 USD in 2026.

PepsiCo, Inc. reported revenue of 29.34 billion USD for Q4 2025, in line with analyst forecasts of between 29.1 and 29.3 billion USD. Organic growth was +2.1%, reflecting moderate real sales growth, with stronger reported figures partially attributed to currency effects.

The profit report exceeded expectations. GAAP EPS came in at 1.85 USD (compared to 1.11 USD a year ago), and Core EPS was 2.26 USD, slightly surpassing the market consensus of around 2.24 USD. Operating income rose to 3.56 billion USD, and net income increased to 2.56 billion USD. Management highlighted that the improvement was driven by effective cost control and enhanced efficiency, leading to margin growth despite a moderate revenue increase.

The 2026 outlook remains cautious, with the company expecting organic revenue growth of 2–4% and Core EPS growth (in constant currency) of 4–6%. PepsiCo plans to return 8.9 billion USD to shareholders, of which 7.9 billion USD will be in dividends and 1.0 billion USD in share repurchases. The dividend will increase by 4% to 5.92 USD per share, with a new buyback program of up to 10 billion USD approved through to 2030.

This article discusses PepsiCo, Inc.'s business model, its revenue sources, and quarterly financial results, providing a fundamental analysis of PEP. Expert forecasts for PepsiCo stock in 2026 are presented, along with an analysis of PepsiCo's stock performance, which serves as the basis for the 2026 stock forecast.

About PepsiCo, Inc.

PepsiCo, Inc. is an American multinational corporation that produces and sells a range of food, soft drinks, and snacks. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as Cheetos, Gatorade, Lay’s, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Quaker, and Tropicana. The company was founded in 1965 by merging Thе Pepsi-Сola Company and Frito-Lay. On 13 November 1972, PepsiCo, Inc. went public on the NYSE, and its shares have since traded under the PEP ticker symbol.

Image of PepsiCo, Inc.’s company name

PepsiCo, Inc.’s main revenue streams

PepsiCo divides its operations into three major segments and publishes information on each separately in its quarterly reports. Below are the segments in which the company operates:

  • Frito-Lay: this segment focuses on producing and selling a variety of snacks. The range includes products from well-known brands, such as Cheetos, Doritos, Lay’s, Ruffles, and Tostitos. These high-margin products support PepsiCo’s leading position in the US salty snack market.
  • Quaker Foods: this includes Quaker products, one of the pioneering brands in PepsiCo’s portfolio, which specialises in healthy eating. Quaker offers cereal bars, cereals, muesli, oatmeal, and more. This sector focuses on breakfast and healthy eating products.
  • PepsiCo Beverages: this segment represents the entire range of PepsiCo’s drinks, including soft drinks (Mountain Dew, Pepsi), sports and energy drinks (Gatorade), purified drinking water (Aquafina), tea, and juices (Lipton, Tropicana). Drinks are the company’s core business, generating the majority of revenue.

In its reports, PepsiCo provides detailed information for each segment only in North America, while revenues from other regions are presented as a consolidated total. PepsiCo’s business model demonstrates that it operates across three markets simultaneously, enabling it to diversify its revenues.

PepsiCo, Inc. Q3 2024 results

PepsiCo reported its Q3 2024 financial results on 8 October. Below are the key figures from the report:

  • Revenue: 23.32 billion USD (−0.6%)
  • Net income: 2.93 billion USD (−5.0%)
  • Earnings per Share: 2.13 USD (−4.9%)
  • Operating profit: 3.87 billion USD (−3.6%)

Revenue by segment:

  • Frito-Lay North America: 5.89 billion USD (−1.2%)
  • PepsiCo Beverages North America: 7.17 billion USD (+0.1%)
  • Quaker Foods North America: 648.00 million USD (−13.2%)

Revenue by region:

  • Latin America: 2.91 billion USD (−4.6%)
  • Europe: 3.94 billion USD (+6.4%)
  • Africa, Middle East, and East Asia: 1.55 billion USD (−6.2%)
  • Asia-Pacific: 1.19 billion USD (−1.4%)

PepsiCo’s management noted that the company demonstrates resilience despite challenging conditions. The crucial issues in Q3 were the recall of Quaker products over potential Salmonella contamination and geopolitical tensions in certain international markets.

CEO Ramon Laguarta emphasised that the company has remained profitable thanks to strict cost control and continued investment in its competitiveness. However, considering these challenges, PepsiCo has revised its Q4 and full-year 2024 revenue outlook. Revenue growth is now expected to fall below the previous projection of 4%, while the forecast for EPS growth remains at a minimum of 8%. Nonetheless, PepsiCo retains a positive outlook for the full year 2024.

Although its financial performance declined year-on-year, its stock price rose following the earnings release.

PepsiCo, Inc. Q4 2024 results

On 3 February 2025, PepsiCo released its Q4 2024 report. Its key financial highlights are outlined below:

  • Revenue: 27.78 billion USD (−0.2%)
  • Net income: 1.52 billion USD (+15.4%)
  • Earnings per share: 1.11 USD (+18.1%)
  • Operating profit: 2.25 billion USD (+33.7%)

Revenue by segment:

  • Frito-Lay North America: 7.31 billion USD (−2.1%)
  • PepsiCo Beverages North America: 7.91 billion USD (−2.1%)
  • Quaker Foods North America: 874.00 million USD (−0.1%)

Revenue by region:

  • Latin America: 3.69 billion USD (−6.9%)
  • Europe: 4.47 billion USD (+6.2%)
  • Africa, Middle East, and East Asia: 2.03 billion USD (+4.9%)
  • Asia-Pacific: 1.48 billion USD (+2.1%)

In its commentary on the report, PepsiCo’s management highlighted the company’s current challenges and outlined its plans. One of the key factors affecting financial performance was a shift in consumer preferences, particularly in North America. Declining demand for salty snacks and beverages impacted revenue in these segments. However, management emphasised that the company is actively adapting its products to evolving trends, including the growing interest in healthier food. In this context, they underscored PepsiCo’s success in launching products such as Pepsi Zero Sugar and SunChips, which cater to changing consumer preferences.

The 2025 forecast included a low single-digit growth in organic revenue, and a mid-single-digit increase in adjusted EPS. Despite current challenges, this reflects moderate optimism about the company’s continued expansion. The company also announced a 5% dividend increase and a share buyback program, with a total budget of approximately 8.6 billion USD.

Additionally, PepsiCo reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, product diversification, and marketing initiatives aimed at sustaining future growth. Management expressed confidence that these measures would support improved performance in North America throughout the year.

PepsiCo, Inc. Q1 2025 results

PepsiCo published its Q1 2025 report on 24 April 2025. Below are the key figures from the report:

  • Revenue: 17.92 billion USD (−1.8%)
  • Net income: 1.84 billion USD (−10%)
  • Earnings per share: 1.33 USD (−10%)
  • Operating profit: 2.58 billion USD (−5%)

Revenue by segment:

  • International Beverages Franchise: 0.76 billion USD (+3%)
  • PepsiCo Beverages North America: 5.87 billion USD (unchanged)
  • PepsiCo Foods North America: 6.21 billion USD (−1%)

Revenue by region:

  • Europe, Middle East and Africa: 2.39 billion USD (−2%)
  • Latin America Foods: 1.67 billion USD (−12%)
  • Asia-Pacific Foods: 1.02 billion USD (−2%)

PepsiCo’s Q1 2025 report highlighted how the company is navigating challenges amid global trade disputes, shifting consumer preferences, and a volatile market environment. Revenue declined by 1.8% year-on-year, with EPS at 1.33 USD, slightly below analysts’ expectations.

Tariffs notably impacted results, particularly a 10% tariff on soda concentrate imports from Ireland and a 25% duty on aluminium imports. These measures increased production costs, compressing margins and prompting the company to revise its 2025 guidance.

In response to these challenges, PepsiCo launched strategic initiatives aimed at adapting to current market conditions. The company focused on products with higher added value, smaller packaging formats, and healthier attributes. In this context, the acquisition of the Poppi prebiotic soda brand for nearly 2 billion USD stands out, demonstrating PepsiCo’s commitment to expanding its healthy drinks portfolio.

For Q2 2025, PepsiCo’s management anticipated low single-digit organic revenue growth and a mid-single-digit increase in EPS in constant currency. Gradual improvement was expected in North America, supported by the implementation of ongoing commercial strategies, while the international segment remained a key driver of growth, with pronounced margin expansion.

Investors reacted negatively to PepsiCo’s Q1 2025 report, with declining sales in North America, particularly in the Quaker Foods division, and the downward revision of the full-year profit forecast as the main factors fuelling investor concerns. As a result, PepsiCo stock fell by 5% after the report’s release and continued to decline, extending a downward trend that began after its May 2023 peak. Analysts have also revised their estimates downwards.

PepsiCo, Inc. Q2 2025 results

On 17 July 2025, PepsiCo released its Q2 2025 report for the period ended 14 June. The key financial metrics are as follows:

  • Organic revenue: 22.97 billion USD (+2%)
  • Net income: 1.26 billion USD (−59%)
  • Earnings per share: 0.92 USD (−58%)
  • Operating profit: 1.79 billion USD (−56%)

Organic revenue by segment:

  • International Beverages Franchise: 1.39 billion USD (+5%)
  • PepsiCo Beverages North America: 6.87 billion USD (+1%)
  • PepsiCo Foods North America: 6.32 billion USD (−2%)

Organic revenue by region:

  • Europe, Middle East and Africa: 4.47 billion USD (+7%)
  • Latin America Foods: 2.92 billion USD (+6%)
  • Asia Pacific Foods: 1.00 billion USD (unchanged)

For Q2 2025, PepsiCo reported results above market expectations. Organic revenue grew by 2% year-on-year, while GAAP EPS fell to 0.92 USD due to a one-off impairment of intangible assets amounting to 1.86 billion USD related to the Rockstar and Be & Cheery brands. In terms of growth structure, the main contribution came from prices, while overall volumes remained weak.

In North America, the anticipated improvements did not materialise, with Foods showing a 2% year-on-year organic decline due to weak volumes. Beverages in North America increased by 1%, driven by gradual volume growth and gains in the market share of Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar. Outside the US, performance was stronger. International beverages under the franchise model increased by 5%, with the entire international beverage business growing by 9%, driven by robust demand in Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Poland, France, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Thailand.

The company reaffirmed its 2025 forecast, expecting low single-digit organic revenue growth and roughly flat core EPS in constant currency. Due to a reduction in currency impact, the negative FX effect for the year was lowered to -1.5 p.p. from the previously expected -3 p.p., which improves the USD core EPS outlook. Capital return plans remain unchanged – 8.6 billion USD for the year, including 7.6 billion USD in dividends and 1.0 billion USD through share buybacks. Management focused on restoring North America by emphasising value propositions, streamlining the product range, and implementing the One North America initiative, while anticipating that potential additional supply chain costs and tariff risks would be offset through productivity improvements and yield management.

PepsiCo, Inc. Q3 2025 results

On 9 October, PepsiCo released its Q3 2025 report for the period ended 6 September, which beat market expectations. The key financial indicators are as follows:

  • Organic revenue: 23.94 billion USD (+3%)
  • Net income: 2.60 billion USD (−11%)
  • Earnings per share: 1.90 USD (−11%)
  • Operating profit: 3.57 billion USD (−8%)

Organic revenue by segment:

  • International Beverages Franchise: 1.29 billion USD (unchanged)
  • PepsiCo Beverages North America: 7.32 billion USD (+2%)
  • PepsiCo Foods North America: 6.53 billion USD (unchanged)

Organic revenue by region:

  • Europe, Middle East and Africa: 5.02 billion USD (+9%)
  • Latin America Foods: 2.66 billion USD (+2%)
  • Asia Pacific Foods: 1.12 billion USD (+2%)

In Q3 2025, PepsiCo’s revenue reached 23.94 billion USD, up 3% year-on-year. Adjusted earnings per share stood at 2.29 USD, also exceeding analysts’ forecasts. The main contribution came from international operations and a recovery in beverage sales in North America.

Segment performance was mixed. In the Frito-Lay North America (snacks) segment, a slowdown was observed: declining sales volumes, although price increases partly offset the decline. This reflects weaker consumer activity in the US and a saturated snack market. At the same time, PepsiCo Beverages North America demonstrated positive dynamics – beverage sales increased thanks to strong performance in the Gatorade, Mountain Dew and Zero Sugar ranges, as well as expanded distribution both in-store and online.

International segments performed more strongly. In Latin America, revenue rose 2%, driven by price growth and stable demand in Mexico and Brazil. In Europe, conditions were more challenging: volumes fell slightly due to inflation and weak consumption in certain markets. However, favourable pricing effects kept revenue broadly in line with the prior year. In AMEA (Africa, the Middle East and Asia), robust growth was recorded – particularly in India, Saudi Arabia and China, where beverage and snack sales grew at double-digit rates.

This structure indicates that the international business has become the primary growth driver, offsetting weakness in North American snacks.

PepsiCo’s management reaffirmed a cautious full-year outlook. The company expects low single-digit organic growth and roughly the same earnings per share in constant currency as last year. The impact of currency fluctuations was estimated to be milder – around −0.5 percentage points, down from the previous estimate of −1.5 percentage points. This implies that core EPS for 2025 will decline by only 0.5% compared with 2024, an improvement on earlier expectations.

Despite the positive report, the company faced some challenges. Snack volumes in the US and certain beverage categories continued to be under pressure. Cost and logistics inflation also weighed on margins. Additionally, PepsiCo has attracted attention from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which, according to media reports, has acquired a significant stake in the company and is advocating for greater efficiency and cost reductions.

PepsiCo, Inc. Q4 2025 results

On 3 February 2026, PepsiCo released its Q4 2025 results for the quarter ended 27 December, which exceeded expectations. Below are the key financial figures:

  • Organic revenue: 29.34 billion USD (+2%)
  • Net income: 2.54 billion USD (+67%)
  • Earnings per share: 1.85 USD (+68%)
  • Operating profit: 3.56 billion USD (+58%)

Organic revenue by segment:

  • International Beverages Franchise: 1.58 billion USD (+2%)
  • PepsiCo Beverages North America: 8.20 billion USD (+2%)
  • PepsiCo Foods North America: 8.31 billion USD (−1%)

Organic revenue by region:

  • Europe, Middle East and Africa: 6.08 billion USD (+5%)
  • Latin America Foods: 3.68 billion USD (+5%)
  • Asia Pacific Foods: 1.49 billion USD (+4%)

PepsiCo’s report was moderately strong and largely in line with analyst expectations. The company recorded revenue of 29.34 billion USD, surpassing consensus forecasts, while the adjusted earnings per share (Core EPS) was 2.26 USD, slightly above expectations. This indicates that PepsiCo maintains solid profitability even amid moderate growth. The quarter saw improvements in gross figures and margins, driven by organic revenue growth and enhanced operational efficiency in North America and international markets. Additionally, acquired brands such as Siete and Poppi contributed to overall sales growth. The sharp increase in net income (+67%) for Q4 2025 was largely due to a low base effect in 2024, when the company recorded significant non-cash expenses, including asset write-offs and restructuring costs, which artificially suppressed profits.

Management also highlighted plans to increase advertising spend in 2026 to support brand recognition and stimulate demand for new products.

PepsiCo reaffirmed its guidance for the 2026 financial year, expecting organic revenue growth in the range of 2–4% and Core EPS growth of 4–6% in constant currency, reflecting steady but moderate business growth amid the current economic environment.

The company also plans to continue returning capital to shareholders: it increased dividends by 4%, marking the 54th consecutive year of dividend increases, and announced a new share buyback program of up to 10 billion USD, which should support the stock price and demonstrate confidence in future cash flows.

Analysis of key valuation multiples for PepsiCo, Inc.

Below are the key valuation multiples for PepsiCo, Inc. based on Q4 of the 2025 financial year, calculated using a share price of 168 USD.

Multiple What it indicates Value Commentary
P/E (TTM) The price of 1 USD of earnings over the past 12 months 21.2 Lower than Coca-Cola, making PEP more attractive based on current earnings.
P/S (TTM) The price of 1 USD of annual revenue 2.4 Appears cheap relative to competitors.
EV/Sales (TTM) Enterprise value to revenue, including debt 2.8 Represents an effective valuation of the business relative to sales volume.
P/FCF (TTM) The price of 1 USD of free cash flow 25.5 Cash flow is stable, but requires investment in production
FCF Yield (TTM) Free cash-flow yield for shareholders 3.9% Yield is higher than Coca-Cola’s, making PEP shares more attractive.
EV/EBITDA (TTM) Enterprise value to EBITDA 16.0 Indicates a fair valuation of operating profit before depreciation.
EV/EBIT (TTM) Enterprise value to operating profit 20.0 A fair assessment of the company’s operational efficiency.
P/B Price to book value 12.4 High valuation relative to book value due to debt burden and intangible assets, but this is typical for the sector.
Forward P/E Forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio 19.1 Expected profit growth in 2026 makes the current valuation more attractive for long-term investors.
Net Debt/EBITDA Debt load relative to EBITDA 2.18 Debt is under control, although the company is actively borrowing to modernise its supply chains.
Interest Coverage (TTM) Operating profit to interest expense ratio 11.2 The ability to service debt remains strong.

Valuation multiples analysis for PepsiCo, Inc. – conclusion

At a share price of 168 USD, PepsiCo shares appear undervalued relative to their historical averages and those of its competitor, Coca-Cola. The decline in PEP shares, despite strong financial results in 2025, has created an attractive opportunity for long-term investors. The increase in FCF yield to 3.9% makes the current dividend yield one of the most attractive in the consumer staples sector. A low Forward P/E provides a solid margin of safety in the event of market volatility in 2026. Overall, PepsiCo shares present a compelling opportunity for conservative investors, as the company offers the best combination of price and cash flow quality in its sector at current levels.

Analysis of insider activity in PepsiCo, Inc. shares

Over the past 12 months, there have been no open share purchases by PepsiCo's management, and all significant activity was related to sales and tax withholdings following the receipt of shares as part of compensation. The total volume of open sales (around 19.7 million USD) and tax withholdings (around 17.3 million USD) appears moderate for a company of this scale and does not indicate an aggressive stance.

It is also important to consider the broader corporate governance context at PepsiCo in 2025. The activity of institutional investor Elliott Management, which acquired a substantial stake (approximately 4 billion USD) and actively called for strategic changes, may have influenced stock movements and internal capital management decisions.

Key sales occurred in early March 2025, coinciding with only a short-term dip in share prices, after which the stock recovered and approached its 52-week high by February 2026. This suggests that the market did not view the insider actions as a negative signal regarding fundamental issues.

The lack of purchases may suggest a neutral stance by management on the current stock valuation. However, the structure of the transactions appears more aligned with the planned monetisation of compensation rather than a strategic exit from the stock. Overall, insider activity during this period appears neutral and does not indicate deterioration in business prospects.

Expert forecasts for PepsiCo, Inc. stock for 2026

  • Barchart: 8 out of 22 analysts rated PepsiCo shares as a Strong Buy, 13 as Hold, and 1 as Strong Sell. The upper price target is 191 USD, and the lower bound is 130 USD.
  • MarketBeat: 8 out of 20 specialists assigned a Buy rating to the shares, 11 gave a Hold recommendation, and 1 rated it as Sell. The upper price target is 191 USD, and the lower bound is 130 USD.
  • TipRanks: 7 out of 16 analysts rated the shares as Buy, and 9 gave a Hold recommendation. The upper price target is 191 USD, and the lower bound is 156 USD.
  • Stock Analysis: 2 out of 14 experts rated the shares as Strong Buy, 3 as Buy, and 9 as Hold. The upper price target is 182 USD, and the lower bound is 140 USD.
Expert forecasts for PepsiCo, Inc. stock for 2026

PepsiCo, Inc. stock price forecast for 2026

On the weekly chart, PepsiCo shares have encountered resistance at the 171 USD level. However, the Stochastic indicator is already in the overbought zone, suggesting a potential correction before further upward movement. Based on the current performance of PepsiCo shares, the potential price movements for 2026 are as follows:

The primary forecast for PepsiCo shares suggests testing support at 155 USD, followed by a rebound towards the resistance level at 200 USD.

The optimistic forecast for PepsiCo stock suggests continued price growth without a correction. In this scenario, a breakout above the historical high of 180 USD is expected, with further price gains towards the 200 USD resistance level.

PepsiCo, Inc. stock analysis and outlook for 2026

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From databases to data centres: Oracle’s earnings reshape the AI trade

Posted on: Mar 12 2026

Key takeaways

  • Oracle’s quarter suggests AI demand is broadening from chips into cloud capacity, data centres, and software platforms.

  • The huge backlog is encouraging, but the spending bill is also huge, so execution matters more than the headline.

  • For long-term investors, the AI trade now looks wider, more industrial, and less forgiving of weak balance sheets.

For much of the past two years, the AI trade has looked like a chips story with good lighting. Oracle’s latest earnings suggest it is becoming something else as well: a capacity story. The stock closed at 149.40 USD on 10 March 2026, then rose 11.8% in extended trading, after reporting a stronger quarter and lifting its outlook.

Source: Bloomberg consensus, Saxo Bank analysis.

That reaction was not just about a beat. Oracle reported third-quarter revenue of 17.2 billion USD, up 22% year on year, while cloud revenue rose 44% to 8.9 billion USD. Its cloud infrastructure business, which rents the computing power used to train and run AI models, jumped 84% to 4.9 billion USD. Remaining performance obligations, a measure of contracted future revenue, reached 553 billion USD, up 325% from a year earlier. Its multi-cloud database revenue slice, the amount Oracle earns from running its database software inside competitors’ clouds, was up a remarkable 531%. Oracle also raised fiscal 2027 revenue guidance to 90 billion USD.

Source: Bloomberg, Company Quarterly Report, Saxo Bank analysis.

The AI trade gets a second engine

Oracle matters because it sits in a useful middle ground. It is not the company designing the headline-grabbing chips, and it is not the company building the most famous AI models. It is the company selling the plumbing: databases, cloud infrastructure, and the data-centre capacity needed to turn AI ambition into actual work. That makes this quarter a useful read-through for the wider AI space.

The message is simple. AI demand is still real, and it is spreading. For a while, investors mostly rewarded the companies making the silicon. Oracle’s results suggest the market is now paying more attention to the businesses that can house, power, connect, and monetise that silicon. That has implications well beyond one stock. It supports the idea that the AI trade is broadening from chip designers into cloud operators, networking suppliers, memory providers, data-centre equipment firms, and any business sitting near the bottlenecks of compute. This is an inference from Oracle’s demand picture and the continued tightness in advanced chip manufacturing and packaging elsewhere in the supply chain.

There is another important detail here. Oracle said much of the rise in bookings came from large AI contracts where customers fund the up-front semiconductor purchases. That matters because it lowers some financing pressure on Oracle and shows how desperate customers are to secure capacity. In simple terms, clients are no longer just renting servers. In some cases, they are helping build the factory before the first light is switched on.

This is not a free lunch, even if the buffet looks excellent

The quarter was strong, but it also showed the less glamorous side of the AI boom. Oracle is spending heavily to keep up. It maintained fiscal 2026 capital expenditure guidance of 50 billion USD, and investors have focused on the strain this puts on cash flow and the balance sheet. Trailing 12-month free cash flow stood at negative 24.7 billion USD, while Oracle also tapped debt and preferred financing to support the build-out. That does not kill the story, but it changes the test. Investors now need proof that today’s capex becomes tomorrow’s durable cash generation.

That is the wider lesson for the AI space. The first phase of the trade rewarded exposure. The next phase is likely to reward execution. It is one thing to say demand is huge. It is another to deliver capacity on time, sign the right customers, protect margins, and avoid drowning in the concrete bill. Oracle said 90% of cloud capacity in the quarter was delivered on or ahead of schedule. That is encouraging. It also means the market will be far less patient if future deliveries slip.

Oracle also offered an interesting reminder that AI can be both a product and a tool. The company said advances in AI-assisted coding are helping it build more software with fewer people. That may sound like a side note, but it matters. It suggests the AI trade is not only about selling compute. It is also about lifting productivity inside the companies buying and deploying it. That opens a second lane for the theme, especially for software firms that use AI to protect margins and deepen customer relationships rather than simply talk about it on conference calls. Plenty of firms will discover that saying “AI” is not, sadly, a business model.

When the excitement meets the electricity bill

The main risks are not mysterious. First, demand could stay strong while returns disappoint if costs rise faster than revenues. Second, a few giant contracts can make growth look smoother than it really is, so investors should watch whether backlog turns into recognised revenue at the promised pace. Third, the whole AI chain still relies on supply bottlenecks in advanced chips and packaging, which means delays upstream can ripple through to cloud capacity downstream. Early warning signs include weaker contract conversion, slower capacity delivery, softer margin commentary, or any sign that customers are becoming less willing to pre-fund capacity.

Investor playbook

  • Watch whether AI winners are moving from pure chip exposure into broader infrastructure and enablement.

  • Focus on contract quality, capacity delivery, and cash conversion, not just headline growth.

  • Treat balance-sheet strength as part of the AI thesis, not a boring footnote.

  • Look for companies using AI internally to improve productivity, not only selling it externally.

The AI trade grows up

Oracle’s quarter does not mean the AI trade is easy again. It means it is evolving. The early chapters were about who made the fastest chips and who told the boldest story. This chapter is more practical. Who can build the data centres, secure the equipment, fund the expansion, and turn all that activity into repeatable revenue?

Oracle just gave one of the clearest signs yet that AI is becoming more industrial and less theoretical. For long-term investors, that is useful. The shovel still matters, of course. But now the market is paying closer attention to who owns the warehouse, the wiring, and the waiting list.

 

This material is marketing content and should not be regarded as investment advice. Trading financial instruments carries risks and historic performance is not a guarantee of future results. The instrument(s) referenced in this content may be issued by a partner, from whom Saxo receives promotional fees, payment or retrocessions. While Saxo may receive compensation from these partnerships, all content is created with the aim of providing clients with valuable information and options.
Ruben DalfovoInvestment StrategistSaxo Bank
Topics: Equities Highlighted articles Theme - Artificial intelligence Artificial Intelligence Quarterly earnings
investingLive Americas FX news wrap 6 Mar:Weak jobs report meets oil-driven inflation risk

Posted on: Mar 07 2026

  • US stocks close sharply lower. Indices are down for the week.
  • Fed's Hammack: Dollar dominance remains intact as Fed stays patient
  • Fed's Collins: Expects the Fed rate target to hold steady for some time
  • U.S. to launch $20B reinsurance facility for Gulf shipping
  • Iran launches attack on US forces in Bahrain, and in Baghdad.
  • ECB Schnabel: ECB is still in a good place, but war increases upside inflation risks
  • Kansas City Fed Pres. Schmid: Businesses are pausing on hiring
  • Atlanta Fed GDPNow Q1 estimate 2.1% versus 3.2% previously
  • Fed Gov. Miran: Hesitant to read too much into one month job report
  • Crude oil futures stretch toward $90 a barrel
  • US business inventories for December 0.1% versus 0.1% expected
  • Fed's Goolsbee: The jobs report was a tough miss. It was not a good month.
  • San Francisco Fed Pres. Mary Daly: No one month of data is decisional
  • US January non-farm payrolls -92K vs +59K expected
  • US January retail sales -0.2% vs -0.3% expected
  • US Non-farm Payroll takes center stage. What are the technicals telling traders?
  • investingLive European markets wrap: Oil prices surge higher on prolonged disruption fears

The focus shifted to the US jobs report released at 8:30 AM from the barrage of news from the Middle East. February U.S. employment report showed a noticeable slowdown in hiring, with nonfarm payrolls falling by about 92,000, well below expectations for modest job growth. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.4% from 4.3%, pointing to some softening in labor market conditions. Part of the weakness was linked to temporary factors, including health-care strike activity that removed roughly 31,000 workers from payrolls, along with weather-related disruptions that may have weighed on hiring during the month.

Looking beneath the headline, several sectors posted declines, including construction, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, and private education and health services, while a few areas such as financial activities and wholesale trade saw gains. Wage growth remained relatively steady, with average hourly earnings rising 0.4% on the month and about 3.8% year over year, suggesting pay pressures have not cooled significantly.

Overall, the report points to a softer labor market for February, though some of the weakness may prove temporary due to strikes and weather effects. Still, the combination of declining payrolls and a slightly higher unemployment rate raises questions about whether hiring momentum is slowing after a period of stronger job growth earlier in the year.

The other key story of the day was the continued run higher in the price of crude oil. After falling late yesterday away from the intraday high near $82.16, the initial move was to the downside to a low of $78.24. However, sellers turned to buyers and oil prices surged. The catalyst continues to be driven largely by escalating geopolitical tensions and fears of supply disruptions. Attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes in the Persian Gulf threaten flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global crude shipments.

As a result, WTI crude posted a gains of over 10% for the day and 35% for the week, marking one of the largest weekly advances in decades.

U.S. retail sales for January fell by 0.2%, a smaller decline than the -0.3% drop expected, after being unchanged in the prior month. Excluding autos, sales were flat, matching expectations, while the control group—used in GDP calculations—rose 0.3%, slightly stronger than the 0.2% forecast. Retail sales excluding autos and gasoline also increased 0.3%, pointing to somewhat firmer underlying consumer spending. On a year-over-year basis, retail sales were up 3.2%, indicating that while spending softened modestly in January, overall consumer demand remains relatively resilient.There was a lot of Fedspeak today as the Fed will be heading into the blackout period at the end of day until the FOMC meeting on March 18:

Here's what the key Fed speakers said today in response to the data and the oil impact on inflation.

Mary Daly (San Francisco Fed)

  • Acknowledged the labor market weakness but urged caution against overreacting to one month of data — "don't make more of it than one month of data"
  • Flagged a dual problem: inflation above target AND oil prices rising from the Iran war — "both of our goals are risks now"
  • Noted the two-month average job gain is still below the ~30K level needed to keep unemployment steady

Austan Goolsbee (Chicago Fed)

  • Warned that oil price shocks from the Iran war "can lead in a stagflationary direction" — his most direct stagflation warning to date
  • Still expressed optimism that rates will be "a fair bit lower" by end of 2026, but cautioned against moving too fast
  • Remains a non-voter in 2026 but still influential

Stephen Miran (Fed Governor)

  • Most dovish voice today — said the weak jobs number strengthens the case for cuts
  • Argued the Fed should prioritize the labor market over inflation concerns: "I don't think we have an inflation problem"
  • Wants rates moved to near neutral, roughly a full percentage point below current levels

Beth Hammack (Cleveland Fed)

  • Stayed hawkish — reiterated rates should remain on hold "for quite some time"
  • Acknowledged two-sided risks but said her base case is holding until inflation convincingly moves lower
  • Would not cut "if the meeting were tomorrow"

Jeff Schmid (Kansas City Fed)

  • Echoed Hammack's hawkish tone, flagging concern that tariffs and other policies could reignite persistent inflation
  • Skeptical that labor market weakness alone justifies cutting while prices remain elevated

Susan Collins (Boston Fed)

  • Maintained that the bar for further easing near term remains "relatively high"
  • Warned additional monetary support risks stalling inflation's return to 2%
  • Favors holding steady "for some time"

Bottom line: The Fed is deeply divided. Miran is pushing hard for cuts, Daly and Goolsbee are worried about stagflation but open to easing later in the year, while Hammack, Schmid, and Collins are holding firm on the inflation fight. The March 18 meeting is shaping up to be a contentious one.

Looking at the markets, the USD moved lower helped by the weakness in the jobs report and perhaps the negative effect from higher oil prices especially for the lower to middle class of the K-economy. The dollar index is ending the day down -0.40% with declines vs the CHF (-0.61%) and the CAD (-0.81%) leading the charge. The GBP (-0.39%) and AUD (-0.33%) were also weaker.

The exception was the the JPY with the JPY falling vs the greenback by -0.15% as technicals helped to keep that pairs declines in check.

US stocks did not take the news well with the:

  • Dow industrial average -453.19 points or -0.95% at 47501.55
  • S&P index -90.69 points or -1.33% at 6740.02.
  • NASDAQ index -361.31 points or -1.59% at 22387.68.
  • Russell 2000 of small-cap stocks -60.27 points or - 2.33% at 2525.30.

For the trading week the largest declines were in the small cap Russell 2000 with a decline of -4%. The Dow 30 stocks shed 3% while the Nasdaq was the best performer with a decline of -1.24%. :

  • Dow industrial average fell -3.01%.
  • S&P index fell -2.02%.
  • NASDAQ index fell -1.24%
  • Russell 2000 index fell -4.06%

Yields today were mixed with the shorter end moving lower on the expectations the Fed might be forced to ease due to a slowing economy. The 2 year yield fell -3.6 basis points. The 30 year yield rose 0.9 basis point and the 10 year yield was near unchanged on the day. For the week, yields were sharply higher on the back of risk from higher inflation:

  • 2 year yield +17.3 basis points
  • 5 year yield +21.5 basis points
  • 10 year yield +18.9 basis points
  • 30 year yield +14.0 basis points.
This article was written by Greg Michalowski at investinglive.com.