Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Fwd: 🔍 First Look: Iran Shock Roils Markets; Target Beats, Amazon Buys



Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: GuruFocus <gurufocus@gurufocus.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 3, 2026, 7:05 AM
Subject: 🔍 First Look: Iran Shock Roils Markets; Target Beats, Amazon Buys
To: <mcre13@gmail.com>


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Market Overview

|10 Year Treasury4.09%+1.06%
|VIX21.44+17.82%
|Gold$5,209.40-0.86%
|Oil$76.62+1.33%
|Bitcoin$68,840.48+0.94%

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Stock News

  • Hormuz disruption risks energy shock: Exxon Mobil (XOM) and global markets face rising supply risks as Iran claims to have shut the Strait of Hormuz; Brent jumped and ~20% of global LNG flows are at risk after strikes halted Qatar output. Source: CNBC.
  • Futures sink as oil spikes: U.S. equity futures fell (Dow ~-1.5%, Nasdaq ~-1.9%) while oil surged on escalating U.S.-Iran conflict; tech slipped (e.g., Nvidia (NVDA)) as Target (TGT) rose premarket on an earnings beat. Source: CNBC.
  • Target tops EPS, sees 2026 growth: Target (TGT) beat Q4 EPS ($2.44 vs. $2.16 est.) with revenue slightly light, guides FY net sales up ~2% and EPS of $7.50–$8.50 as trends turned positive in February. Source: CNBC.
  • Toyota yields in $38B activist fight: Toyota Motor (TYO:7203) bowed to Elliott in a $38 billion buyout battle, according to the Financial Times. Source: Financial Times.
  • Korea defense stocks surge on war risk: Hanwha Aerospace (KRX:012450) jumped ~20% and LIG Nex1 (KRX:079550) rose 30% as defense names rallied despite a 7.24% Kospi drop amid the Iran conflict. Source: CNBC.
  • AES buyout structure spotlight: The AES Corporation (AES) featured in an analysis of a "self-leveraging" private-equity buyout structure, highlighting financing complexity in turbulent markets. Source: Financial Times.
  • Netflix exits WBD chase: Netflix (NFLX) dropped an $82.7B bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) as David Ellison's Paramount (PARA) advanced a $111B merger plan; Netflix said it would have honored 45‑day theatrical windows if it owned WB. Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
  • Starbucks tweaks chai, adds seasonal drinks: Starbucks (SBUX) launched a new chai latte recipe with adjustable sweetness/spice and introduced a limited Iced Lavender Cream Chai, with an Iced Mango Cream Chai slated for April. Source: USA Today.
  • U.S. LNG eyes Qatar outage windfall: U.S. LNG exporters such as Cheniere Energy (LNG) are moving to capitalize on spiking global gas prices after Iranian strikes forced Qatar to halt LNG output. Source: Financial Times.
  • Coal policy clash resurfaces: Peabody Energy (BTU) and peers watch as federal orders to keep coal plants running face potential pushback from state rate regulators over costs passed to consumers. Source: University of Cincinnati/Bloomberg Law.
  • Claude app surges after Pentagon rift: Anthropic's Claude saw outages amid "unprecedented demand" and topped Apple's chart, as the app gained traction following the company's dispute with DoD; Apple (AAPL) App Store rankings reflect the spike. Source: CNBC.
  • MWC highlights wearable and AI chips: Qualcomm (QCOM) unveiled its Snapdragon Wear Elite for on‑device AI as Lenovo and others showed new mobile concepts and Honor debuted a water‑resistant foldable at MWC 2026. Source: The Verge.
  • Live Nation faces antitrust trial: Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) went to trial in New York on DOJ and state claims it illegally monopolized ticketing and promotion via Ticketmaster; remedies could include structural changes. Source: NBC News.
  • Tanker costs hit records as insurers pull cover: A.P. Moller–Maersk (CPH:MAERSK-B) and peers rerouted or paused special cargoes as VLCC rates to China hit an all‑time high and major P&I clubs withdrew war‑risk cover in the Gulf. Source: CNBC.
  • War bets on prediction markets draw heat: Lawmakers flagged "insider trading in broad daylight" after large wins on Iran strike and leadership‑change contracts on platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket, raising scrutiny of venues alongside established exchanges such as CME Group (CME). Source: CBS News.
  • Mortgage rates rebound above 6%: Rocket Companies (RKT) and housing peers saw borrowing costs jump as the 30‑year fixed average rose 13 bps to ~6.12%, tracking a move in 10‑year Treasurys amid oil‑driven inflation fears. Source: CNBC.
  • United 787 diverts safely to LAX: United Airlines (UAL) Flight 2127 made an emergency landing and evacuation in Los Angeles after a reported engine fire; no injuries were reported and the FAA opened an investigation. Source: CNN.
  • Amazon buys GW Virginia campus: Amazon (AMZN) subsidiary Amazon Data Services purchased George Washington University's Virginia Science & Technology Campus for $427.3M, with GW allowed to operate onsite for up to five years; proceeds fund a quasi‑endowment and bonuses. Source: The GW Hatchet.
  • Yields climb as Fed cut bets fade: Treasury yields rose (10Y ~4.09%) as oil extended gains and traders pared 2026 Fed‑cut expectations, a backdrop that can aid net interest margins for banks like JPMorgan Chase (JPM). Source: CNBC.
  • Stocks slip, oil leaps on inflation angst: Equities eased while crude rallied as investors weighed the inflationary impact of the widening Middle East war, supporting energy majors such as Chevron (CVX). Source: The Day.

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Upcoming Earnings

  • CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (CRWD) will report today after close. Analysts estimate EPS 0.04 and revenue 1,297.15 million.
  • Ross Stores Inc (ROST) will report today after close. Analysts estimate EPS 1.89 and revenue 6,410.15 million.
  • AutoZone Inc (AZO) will report today. Analysts estimate EPS 27.76 and revenue 4,310.32 million.
  • Sea Ltd (SE) will report today. Analysts estimate EPS 0.66 and revenue 6,449.65 million.
  • Target Corp (TGT) will report today. Analysts estimate EPS 2.16 and revenue 30,480.06 million.
View more earnings calendar at the Earnings Calendar & Reports page

Upcoming Dividends

  • Piper Sandler Cos (PIPR) goes ex-dividend today for $5.00 (yield 0.89%).
  • McDonald's Corp (MCD) goes ex-dividend today for $1.86 (yield 2.08%).
  • Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp (ECO) goes ex-dividend today for $1.55 (yield 3.90%).
  • Piper Sandler Cos (PIPR) goes ex-dividend today for $0.70 (yield 0.89%).
  • Westlake Corp (WLK) goes ex-dividend today for $0.53 (yield 1.98%).
View more dividends calendar at the Financial Calendars page

Notable Insider Transactions

  • Generate Biomedicines Inc (GENB) — Noubar Afeyan, a Director, 10% Owner, reported buying 4,687,500 shares at $16.00 ($75.00M total) Mar 02.
  • Larimar Therapeutics Inc (LRMR) — James E Flynn, a Director, 10% Owner, reported buying 5,000,000 shares at $5.00 ($25.00M total) Mar 02.
  • Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) — Arne Alexander Wilhelmsen, a Director, reported selling 771,607 shares at $315.67 ($243.57M total) Feb 27.
  • Walmart Inc (WMT) — Walton Family Holdings Trust, a 10% Owner, reported selling 1,723,236 shares at $127.74 ($220.13M total) Feb 27.
  • Innovex International Inc (INVX) — Amberjack Capital Partners, L.p., a Director, 10% Owner, reported selling 6,612,500 shares at $24.59 ($162.60M total) Feb 27.
View more insider trading activity at the Insider Trading page

Stock Ratings

  • Netflix (NFLX) was upgraded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from "neutral" to "overweight". They now have a $120.00 price target on the stock, down from $124.00.
View more stock ratings at the Analyst Ratings page

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Sunday, March 1, 2026

Party is over

**Yes, that's a real post** from the Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) on X. They posted exactly that statement (with the minor typo "is legacy" instead of "his legacy") on February 28, 2026, and it went viral with tens of thousands of likes, reposts, and replies.

The context is their strong backlash against President Trump's decision to launch military strikes (and what escalated into a joint U.S.-Israeli operation called "Operation Epic Fury") against Iran in late February 2026. This happened early in Trump's second term.

The Hodgetwins, who have historically been vocal Trump supporters and prominent in MAGA/conservative circles, accused him of breaking his repeated 2024 campaign promises of "no new wars" and focusing on "America First" (avoiding foreign entanglements). They highlighted:

- Trump campaigning on ending endless wars and not sending American troops to die overseas.
- Now engaging in what they see as a war (bombing Iran, regime change elements, fighting "for Israel").
- This as a betrayal, lie to voters, and massive self-inflicted damage to his own legacy.

Other posts from them around the same time include:
- "We were promised no more wars with Trump. Now we are at war against Iran for Israel."
- "Freeing the people of Iran is not why I voted for Trump."
- Questions like "Are you happy with President Trump bombing Iran twice so far in his second term?"

This caused a split in some MAGA circles, with criticism also from figures like Tucker Carlson and others calling it a betrayal of anti-interventionist promises. Not everyone agreed—some defended Trump or attacked the Hodgetwins for "turning" after years of supporting him—but the post you shared is authentic and reflects their current (as of early March 2026) frustration over the Iran conflict.

Whether Trump's actions truly amount to a "lie," "backstabbing," or "disgracing his legacy" is subjective and hotly debated. Supporters argue it's necessary defense against threats (e.g., Iranian actions), while critics (including the Hodgetwins here) see it as abandoning core promises. The statement itself accurately represents their opinion at that moment.

Henry McClure
785.383.9994 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android
on No comments:

Twins

**Yes, that's a real post** from the Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) on X. They posted exactly that statement (with the minor typo "is legacy" instead of "his legacy") on February 28, 2026, and it went viral with tens of thousands of likes, reposts, and replies.

The context is their strong backlash against President Trump's decision to launch military strikes (and what escalated into a joint U.S.-Israeli operation called "Operation Epic Fury") against Iran in late February 2026. This happened early in Trump's second term.

The Hodgetwins, who have historically been vocal Trump supporters and prominent in MAGA/conservative circles, accused him of breaking his repeated 2024 campaign promises of "no new wars" and focusing on "America First" (avoiding foreign entanglements). They highlighted:

- Trump campaigning on ending endless wars and not sending American troops to die overseas.
- Now engaging in what they see as a war (bombing Iran, regime change elements, fighting "for Israel").
- This as a betrayal, lie to voters, and massive self-inflicted damage to his own legacy.

Other posts from them around the same time include:
- "We were promised no more wars with Trump. Now we are at war against Iran for Israel."
- "Freeing the people of Iran is not why I voted for Trump."
- Questions like "Are you happy with President Trump bombing Iran twice so far in his second term?"

This caused a split in some MAGA circles, with criticism also from figures like Tucker Carlson and others calling it a betrayal of anti-interventionist promises. Not everyone agreed—some defended Trump or attacked the Hodgetwins for "turning" after years of supporting him—but the post you shared is authentic and reflects their current (as of early March 2026) frustration over the Iran conflict.

Whether Trump's actions truly amount to a "lie," "backstabbing," or "disgracing his legacy" is subjective and hotly debated. Supporters argue it's necessary defense against threats (e.g., Iranian actions), while critics (including the Hodgetwins here) see it as abandoning core promises. The statement itself accurately represents their opinion at that moment.

Henry McClure
785.383.9994 

Sent from my T-Mobile 5G Device
Get Outlook for Android
on No comments:

Watch "BREAKING NEWS: Joseph Kent Warns of 18,000 Terrorists Entering US Under Biden’s Open Borders | AC14" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/kX__XWOgZ34?si=LFeVHlK5bjHNuf0K



Henry McClure  
785.383.9994
sent from mobile 📱
time kills deals
on No comments:

Dead man

In the United States, each chamber of Congress (the House and the Senate) has the constitutional authority to expel one of its members with a two-thirds majority vote. This power comes from Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution, which states that each house may "punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member." However, expulsion is the most severe form of discipline and has historically been reserved for serious misconduct, such as corruption, treason, or abuse of power—not for health issues, age, or mental incapacity. There have been only 20 expulsions in congressional history (15 in the Senate and 5 in the House), and none have ever been for medical or cognitive reasons. In practice, it's extremely rare and unlikely to be used that way, as it requires broad bipartisan support and could set a controversial precedent.

There is no specific law or mechanism in the Constitution or federal statutes for removing a sitting member of Congress solely due to mental unsoundness, poor health, or advanced age—even if recovery seems improbable. Courts have refused to intervene in such cases, viewing it as a matter for Congress or the voters. Instead, the main ways a seat becomes vacant are through death, resignation, or the member losing reelection. In cases of severe incapacity, the member's staff often handles day-to-day duties, or the member might choose to step down voluntarily.

Regarding Mitch McConnell specifically, he's still serving as a U.S. Senator from Kentucky, with his current term ending in January 2027. He announced in 2024 that he wouldn't seek reelection in 2026, so he's essentially in a lame-duck period now. As of early 2026, he's 84 years old and has faced ongoing health challenges, including a recent hospitalization in February for flu-like symptoms (from which he was released and is now working from home). He's also had public incidents like freezing during press conferences and falls in prior years, which have raised questions about his fitness. That said, there's no indication of any expulsion effort against him, and based on historical precedent, it's not something that would happen for health reasons alone. If his condition worsens to the point of clear misconduct (e.g., inability to perform duties leading to some ethical breach), the Senate could theoretically vote to expel him, but that's a high bar and hasn't been pursued. Ultimately, voters in Kentucky would have the final say in the next election cycle if he were running again, but since he's not, his seat will open up naturally in 2027.

Henry McClure
785.383.9994 

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Get Outlook for Android
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