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Market Chatter: OPEC+ to Reportedly Increase Crude Output Quotas in June
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, such as Russia, or OPEC+, will reportedly increase its oil production levels in June, Reuters reported on May 2, citing sources.The sources said that the group plans to raise targets by 188,000 barrels per day at its Sunday meeting, which would include Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Oman. They added that the move is part of its plan to signal a business-as-usual approach amid the conflict in the Middle East.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
$^TASI
Research
Research Alert: Berkshire Q1 Eps Tops Expectations, With Mixed Insurance Results
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:Berkshire's Q1 2026 operating EPS of $5.26 vs $4.47 topped our $5.10 estimate and $5.05 consensus view, with operating revenues rising 4.4%. Pretax operating profits more than doubled as margins widened to 13% from 5.6%, though GEICO's underwriting results deteriorated with combined ratio rising to 87.3% from 79.8%. We believe the resumption of modest top-line growth after 2025's sub-1% revenue growth will reassure investors, despite mixed insurance performance. CEO Greg Abel reiterated Berkshire's acquisition strategy and share buyback policy at his debut annual meeting, though provided no commitment to predetermined capital allocation. With cash exceeding $380B and only $235M in Q1 buybacks after zero repurchases in 2025, we estimate Berkshire could allocate $80-100B to acquisitions. We keep our 3%-7% revenue growth forecast for 2026, though expect investors hoped for more aggressive capital deployment given the substantial cash position.
$BRK.B
Research
Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Hold Rating On Shares Of Sofi Technologies, Inc.
CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We lower our 12-month target by $4 to $18, applying a P/E of 17.8x our 2028 EPS view vs. SOFI's 71.2x three-year historical forward P/E average. We keep our 2026 EPS estimate at $0.58, 2027's at $0.81, and 2028's at $1.01. We expect robust member and product growth, fueled by key initiatives like crypto and the SoFi Plus relaunch, to support sustained double-digit revenue expansion. The relaunched SoFi Plus introduces a paid subscription to fuel cross-selling, while the crypto initiative leverages its unique, bank-issued stablecoin to become a core infrastructure provider for digital assets.However, this outlook is reflected in a rich valuation that leaves minimal room for execution missteps. We remain neutral, as a sustained high-rate environment could stress consumers and impact credit performance, a key risk given the company's large personal loan portfolio. Management's decision to not raise full-year guidance, despite a strong quarter, balances strategic investments against macroeconomic uncertainties.
$SOFI