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  • AI Growth Overshadowed by Market Panic

    AI Growth Overshadowed by Market Panic

    This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

    Sep 1 – Marvell Technology (NASDAQ:MRVL) saw its shares tumble nearly 18% on Friday after the company reported second-quarter results that came in slightly below Wall Street expectations. While the semiconductor maker missed revenue estimates by a narrow margin, the broader story shows a company still riding powerful growth trends in the data center and artificial intelligence markets.

    The chipmaker posted quarterly revenue above $2 billion for the first time, representing 58% growth from a year earlier. Data center sales made up $1.5 billion, or roughly three-quarters of total revenue, underscoring Marvell’s reliance on AI-focused infrastructure spending by hyperscale customers such as Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG). Other business lines, including enterprise networking, carrier infrastructure, consumer, and automotive, accounted for the remaining share.

    On the profitability side, Marvell delivered $1.2 billion in gross profit with a non-GAAP margin of 59.4%. Adjusted net income more than doubled year over year to $585.5 million, reflecting the company’s improving operating leverage. Management also guided for third-quarter revenue of about $2.06 billion, which at the midpoint implies 36% growth.

    Despite the strong numbers, investors reacted negatively to the revenue miss and concerns over the foundry cycle, triggering the sharp sell-off. Analysts, however, note that Marvell trades below both its historical valuation multiples and the broader industry average. With data center capital spending accelerating and AI demand surging, many see the pullback as an opportunity rather than a red flag.

    Marvell’s outlook suggests annualized revenue could surpass $10 billion by the end of fiscal 2026. While risks remain if hyperscalers slow AI spending or if margins weaken, the company’s positioning in semiconductors for cloud, AI, and networking continues to attract long-term investors.

    Marvell Technology: AI Growth Overshadowed by Market Panic

    Based on the one year price targets offered by 36 analysts, the average target price for Marvell Technology Inc is $88.42 with a high estimate of $135.00 and a low estimate of $64.31. The average target implies a upside of +40.65% from the current price of $62.87.

    Based on GuruFocus estimates, the estimated GF Value for Marvell Technology Inc in one year is $98.65, suggesting a upside of +56.92% from the current price of $62.87.

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  • PM arrives in Beijing through bullet train – RADIO PAKISTAN

    1. PM arrives in Beijing through bullet train  RADIO PAKISTAN
    2. PM Shehbaz raises Indus Waters Treaty issue at SCO, calls for dialogue on all outstanding disputes  Dawn
    3. PM Shehbaz addresses SCO Council of Heads of State; Says world no longer accepts terrorism as political tool  ptv.com.pk
    4. PM backs Xi’s vision of shared prosperity  The Express Tribune
    5. Govt’s initiatives closely aligned with President Xi’s vision: PM Shehbaz  Geo.tv

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  • Amanda Seyfried-Starrer ‘Testament of Ann Lee’ Premieres in Venice

    Amanda Seyfried-Starrer ‘Testament of Ann Lee’ Premieres in Venice

    The Venice Film Festival hosted a world premiere on Monday afternoon for Mona Fastvold’s The Testament of Ann Lee, delivering something close to a religious experience.

    The audience responded to the film, which stars Amanda Seyfried as founder of the radical religious sect the Shakers, with raptrous applause, and a 15-minute standing ovation.

    Seyfried wipes back tears as the house light rose and joined director Fastvold in the film’s signature arm-pumping shaker dance as the ovation rained down.
    Fastvold’s partner, and co-screenwriter Brady Corbet worked the crowd and kept the ovation at a fever pitch. Fastvold looked to be in tears as well, turning around to hug her daughter with Corbet who beamed with pride.

    The Shakers were a cult-like group, which formed as an offshoot of Quakerism in Manchester, England in 1747. They got their name from worship practices that included trembling, dancing and speaking in tongues. Founder Lee espoused gender and social equality while believing herself to be the female incarnation of Christ. Its members practiced strict celibacy. The Shakers ended up fleeing to America to escape persecution, ultimately settling near Albany, New York to build their utopia.

    The Testament of Ann Lee, which Fastvold directed from a script she co-wrote with her The Brutalist partner Corbet, also stars Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, Christopher Abbott, Matthew Beard, Scott Handy, Jamie Bogyo, Viola Prettejohn and David Cale with music by Oscar winner Daniel Blumberg, also from Corbet’s monumental work The Brutalist. Described as “speculative retelling,” the film features than a dozen original Shaker hymns transformed into ecstatic “movements” with choreography from Celia Rowlson-Hall, who worked with Corbet on Vox Lux.

    In her festival director’s statement, Fastvold confirmed that while she was raised in a secular household, Lee’s prophecies, “however implausible,” moved her deeply. “Not because I share her faith, but because I recognize in her a yearning for justice, transcendence, and communal grace. Her radical pursuit of a self-fashioned utopia speaks to the creative impulse at the heart of all artistic endeavor: the urgent need to shape the world anew.”

    She said her film is offered as a tribute to Lee’s dream “and the silence that now surrounds it.” The Testament of Ann Lee has its world premiere on Monday afternoon inside Sala Grande. The Venice Film Festival runs Aug. 27-Sept. 6.

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  • PLDT (PSE:TEL) Declares Dividends Amid Q2 Revenue and Net Income Increase

    PLDT (PSE:TEL) Declares Dividends Amid Q2 Revenue and Net Income Increase

    PLDT recently announced second-quarter results showing an increase in revenue and net income, as well as declared regular and preferred cash dividends. Despite these positive financial results, the company’s share price saw a 10% decline over the last quarter. This downturn can be contextualized by broader market trends, as major indices including the S&P 500 and Dow Jones also experienced retreats from record highs, particularly impacting tech stocks. Concurrently, PLDT is managing capital expenditures and planning infrastructure expansions, which may weigh on short-term investor sentiment but position the company for future growth.

    Be aware that PLDT is showing 2 weaknesses in our investment analysis.

    PSE:TEL Earnings Per Share Growth as at Sep 2025

    Outshine the giants: these 24 early-stage AI stocks could fund your retirement.

    The recent results from PLDT, showing increased revenue and net income, seem to highlight the company’s ongoing efforts to bolster its position through infrastructure expansion and new digital offerings. Despite these positive outcomes, the share price experienced a decline, which is mirrored by broader market downturns, affecting especially tech stocks, due to current market conditions. This scenario is further complicated by the company’s high capital expenditure plans that might influence short-term sentiment among investors, yet could support future growth if digital expansion successfully boosts revenues, particularly in fiber broadband and 5G adoption.

    For a longer-term perspective, PLDT’s total shareholder return, including share price and dividends, has been 10.71% over a five-year period, indicating modest performance. Over the past year, the stock underperformed compared to the Philippine Wireless Telecom industry, which showed considerable gains of 22.2%. Analysts forecast slower revenue growth at 3% annually compared to the overall Philippine market’s 7.3%, signaling potential challenges in reaching projected targets. The current share price of ₱1123.00 is significantly below the analyst price target of ₱1663.75, suggesting a substantial upside if the company’s earnings can meet expectations, including profit margins forecast to rise to 17.1% over the next few years.

    Examine PLDT’s past performance report to understand how it has performed in prior years.

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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  • Leverkusen sack coach ten Hag after two games – DW – 09/01/2025

    Leverkusen sack coach ten Hag after two games – DW – 09/01/2025

    Bayer Leverkusen’s dismissal of Erik ten Hag after just two Bundesliga games has shown the weight of the transformation the club are grappling with.

    Just over a year after celebrating a historic first league title under Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen find themselves stripped of key leaders, searching for cohesion, and unwilling to risk early-season drift.

    Ten Hag’s abrupt exit, announced on Monday, underlines the tension between expectations and the harsh realities of Leverkusen rebuilding its squad and identity.

    Leverkusen’s season so far underwhelming

    While Ten Hag’s reign began with promise as he oversaw a convincing German Cup win against fourth division side Sonnenhof Grossaspach, it quickly unraveled.

    The team’s Bundesliga season begun with a 2–1 home defeat to Hoffenheim before a stoppage-time collapse in a 3–3 draw against 10-man Werder Bremen followed this past weekend.

    Sporting director Simon Rolfes admitted Ten Hag’s dismissal was painful but unavoidable: “The past few weeks have shown that building a new and successful team with this set-up is not feasible.” 

    Rolfes signalled the problem was not just results, but deeper doubts about whether the Dutch coach was the man to guide Leverkusen’s fragile squad through upheaval.

    Ten Hag’s depature inevitable after Bremen draw

    Ten Hag, who coached Bayern Munich’s reserves from 2013 to 2015, inherited a Leverkusen squad in flux with the summer seeing an exodus of key players: Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah were all sold while Alonso moved to Real Madrid.

    It stripped away the backbone of the team that had defined Leverkusen’s identity. Integrating replacements proved difficult, with early performances showing confusion rather than cohesion between the players.

    Reports from inside the club pointed to strained relationships and tactical misgivings. According to German magazine Kicker, pressing and counter-pressing — once the hallmarks of Leverkusen’s rise — were virtually absent.

    Captain Robert Andrich added to the chorus of concerns, lamenting after the Bremen draw: “We have too many people who are concerned only with themselves… Everyone ran around the pitch on their own.”

    Bayer Leverkusen's Robert Andrich screws up his face and shrugs during a match against Hoffenheim
    Germany international Robert Andrich has criticized his teammates publicly this seasonImage: Anke Waelischmiller/SVEN SIMON/picture alliance

    Ten Hag himself admitted the turmoil but offered few solutions, saying: “There’s been a major upheaval. A lot has changed in the leadership and hierarchy of the team. New players have to step up. We didn’t do that well today.” 

    Who could comes next?

    With the international break meaning a two-week break from Bundesliga fixtures, Leverkusen have placed assistant coaches Rogier Meijer and Andries Ulderink in temporary charge of first-team duties. The club confirmed in its official statement that training will be overseen by the existing staff “for the time being.”

    The search is underway for Ten Hag’s replacement, with Cesc Fabregas a leading contender having reportedly entered into advanced talks over the role with Leverkusen before the club picked the former Manchester United head coach.

    Fabregas is currently managing Italian side Como and is a minority shareholder there but has publicly hinted at leaving the club, fueling speculation that Leverkusen could be his next destination.

    Another possibility is former Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez, who has been seen by some as another candidate aligned with Leverkusen’s offensive football philosophy.

    He helped Barca secure their first La Liga title in four years during the 2022-23 season as well as lifting the 2023 Spanish Supercopa. Xavi, Fabregas and Alonso were all central midfielders in Spain’s 2010 World Cup winning squad and Leverkusen’s CEO, Fernando Carro, also hails from Spain.

    Imanol Alguacil, another Spaniard, is also seen as a possible outsider, with the Real Sociedad manager being cited by Sky Germany as a potential candidate, as he plays in a a style matched to Levekusen’s core identity.

    The 54-year-old’s sides are known for aggressive pressing and quick recovery of possession, as well as being drilled to defend as a compact unit and staying organized even when pressing high.

    Edited by: Matt Pearson

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  • Silane-Methane Competition in Sub-Neptune Atmospheres As A Diagnostic Of Metallicity And Magma Oceans

    Silane-Methane Competition in Sub-Neptune Atmospheres As A Diagnostic Of Metallicity And Magma Oceans

    Envelope composition in the H–He–C–N–O–Si chemical system of TOI-421b (𝑅MEB = 1.65𝑅⊕, 𝑅𝑃 = 2.64𝑅⊕, 𝑀𝑃 = 6.7𝑀⊕, 𝑇MEB = 3000 K) as a function of H mass fraction. Elemental budgets, reactions, gas solubility laws, and real gas equations are described in Sect. 2. MEB partial pressures of the considered gases for (a) 1× solar metallicity and 100% mantle melt (IW–6.2 to IW–5.7), (b) 100× solar metallicity and 100% mantle melt (IW–5.5 to IW–5.2), (c) 1× solar metallicity and 1% mantle melt (IW–3.4 to IW–3.1), and (d) 100× solar metallicity and 1% mantle melt (IW–2.3 to IW–1.6). Full range of MEB partial pressures is shown in Fig. A2. The corresponding partitioning of volatile elements in magma and real gas fugacity coefficients are given in Fig. B1 and Fig. B2, respectively. — astro-ph.EP

    The James Webb Space Telescope is characterising the atmospheres of sub-Neptunes. The presence of magma oceans on sub-Neptunes is expected to strongly alter the chemistry of their envelopes (100 bar-100 kbar) and atmospheres (1 mbar-100 bar).

    At the magma ocean-envelope boundary (MEB, >10 kbar), gas properties deviate from ideality, yet the effects of real gas behaviour on chemical equilibria remain underexplored.

    Here, we compute equilibrium between magma-gas and gas-gas reactions using real gas equations of state in the H-He-C-N-O-Si system for TOI-421 b, a canonical hot sub-Neptune potentially hosting a magma ocean. We find that H and N are the most soluble in magma, followed by He and C.

    We fit real gas equations of state to experimental data on SiH4, and show that, for a fully molten mantle, SiH4 dominates at the MEB under accreted gas metallicity of 1× solar, but is supplanted by CH4 at 100× solar. Lower mantle melt fractions lower both magma-derived Si abundances in the envelope and the solubility of H and He in magma, yielding H2– and He-rich envelopes.

    Projecting equilibrium chemistry through the atmosphere (1 mbar-100 bar), we find that condensation of β-quartz ‘clouds’ depletes Si-bearing gases, although SiH4 remains abundant at solar metallicity. SiH4/CH4 ratios increase with mantle melt fraction and decrease with metallicity. These effects also deplete H2 via CH4 and SiH4 formation and the dissolution of H2 into magma.

    The competition between SiH4 and CH4 presents a diagnostic of metallicity and magma oceans. The corollary is that H2– and He-rich, SiH4– and CH4-poor (<5%) atmospheres may indicate a limited role or absence of magma oceans on sub-Neptunes.

    Kaustubh Hakim, Dan J. Bower, Fabian Seidler, Paolo A. Sossi

    Comments: 15 pages, 13 figures, submitted
    Subjects: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP)
    Cite as: arXiv:2508.19235 [astro-ph.EP] (or arXiv:2508.19235v1 [astro-ph.EP] for this version)
    https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2508.19235
    Focus to learn more
    Submission history
    From: Kaustubh Hakim
    [v1] Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:55:13 UTC (643 KB)
    https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.19235

    Astrobiology

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  • Where craft meets instinct: Glenfiddich unveils limited-edition bottlings in collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco

    Where craft meets instinct: Glenfiddich unveils limited-edition bottlings in collaboration with Aston Martin Aramco

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  • Bringing The Soundcheck to Zandvoort with Glenfiddich and Andrew Cushin

    Bringing The Soundcheck to Zandvoort with Glenfiddich and Andrew Cushin

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  • Dwayne Johnson Rocks In A Biopic Of Mark Kerr

    Dwayne Johnson Rocks In A Biopic Of Mark Kerr

    On paper, The Smashing Machine sounds like an Oscar lock: a transformational performance by a much-loved star, in a real-life redemption story set in the dog-eat-dog world of blue-collar sport (in this case, mixed martial arts). Benny Safdie’s film has all the right elements, but it plays them all in a very zen and really rather abstract way, much like the ambient free-jazz score by Nala Sinephro, which leads the way ahead of perhaps the most eclectic needle-drops of the year, bringing together Bruce Springsteen, Timi Yuri, Little Suzy and The Alan Parsons Project. The result is a film that always seems to be a step or two ahead, which can be disorientating to say the least.

    Dwayne Johnson owns the whole thing with his truly remarkable work as fighter Mark Kerr, disappearing so fully underneath Kazu Hiru’s astonishing prosthetics that the opening of the film, presented as contemporary footage from an event in Sao Paulo 1997, looks genuinely like the real thing. Kerr is on fire at this stage of his career, seeing off his opponent with something the exhilarated commentator refers to as “a magnificent knee to the face”, relishing his role as the destroyer and, in conversation with the media, perfectly capable of philosophizing about his violence in a rational manner. “I’m going to physically impose my will onto you,” he explains, adding that winning is “the best feeling there is”, one that leaves him “feeling like a God”.

    Surprisingly, Kerr — all 255lb and 6ft 1 of him — is a feelings kind of guy; like a more polarised version of Johnson in his The Rock persona, he is truly a gentle giant, a trait perhaps most satisfyingly expressed when we see him sitting, uncomplainingly, in the middle of a row on a long-haul flight. By contrast, mixed martial arts — also known by the much warmer and fuzzier name of U.F.C., AKA Ultimate Fighting Championship — is in its wild, wild west years. This we realize during a press conference for a big fight in Japan, where it is revealed that biting, eye-gouging and headbutting are, sadly, no longer acceptable.

    Kerr seems oblivious, and that’s probably because he is. For who knows how long, he has been chipping opiates, a habit that is becoming more and more obvious, and more and more concerning, to his partner Dawn (Emily Blunt). Dawn is no prude, being a party girl in her own right, but when Kerr ODs, she realizes that things are getting out of control. You might think that this is where the film is headed — an opioid-crisis issue movie — but his battle with the needle is barely a quarter of the story. Instead, The Smashing Machine is about an addiction to ego; in that respect it’s like a Buddhist Raging Bull, resisting the traditional three-act structure in favor of a vérité-like collage about a man’s soulful awakening.

    As with Safdie’s films with his brother, authenticity is foregrounded here, notably in an fantastic debut from M.M. artist Ryan Bader, playing Kerr’s best friend Mark Coleman. There are plenty more faces from that world, including kickboxer Bas Rutten as Kerr’s trainer, but although there’s a strong whiff of testosterone, Johnson’s star turn is more than matched by Blunt, who has a fine old time with Dawn. Turning all the usual supportive wife cliches inside out, Blunt creates a complex character who’s just as needy as her partner, with her own addictions, needs and neuroses.

    It’s unfortunate that The Smashing Machine (presumably) wasn’t ready in time for Cannes, because it’s a movie that needs time to bed in, and it really doesn’t fit with social media’s demand for instant binary gratification (“Is it good? Is it bad? WE NEED TO KNOW IF IT’S ONE OR THE OTHER!!!). At first sight, however, it’s that rare beast, a biopic that’s light on the bio and resistant to being a pic. It’s a film about a human being, and its effect is strangely haunting, since Dwayne Johnson seems to do everything while doing nothing. How does he do it? Well, as John Cassavetes once said, the greatest location in the world is the human face.

    Title: The Smashing Machine
    Festival: Venice (Competition)
    Director/screenwriter: Benny Safdie
    Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Baader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk
    Distributor: A24
    Running time: 2 hrs 3 mins

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  • KP CM backs Kalabagh-like national project, calls for unity

    KP CM backs Kalabagh-like national project, calls for unity

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur speaks about Kalabagh Dam on September 1, 2025. — X/ @PTVNewsOfficial
    •  Gandapur says offered help to Punjab amid severe floods.
    •  PTI founder’s release linked to law, not establishment deal.
    •  Afghan refugees deserve dignity, urges six-month time for return.

    ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has said that Pakistan cannot be harmed in the name of provincialism and called for consensus to undertake projects like the Kalabagh Dam in the wider national interest.

    Speaking to the media, Gandapur said that all reservations must be addressed to initiate such a project. “Everyone must be satisfied, and such projects should be carried out for our children, future generations and Pakistan,” he remarked, stressing that the broader national benefit should not be compromised.

    Referring to the ongoing crisis, the KP CM noted that the province was currently facing heavy rains, cloudbursts and flash floods. He said relief and rescue activities were being conducted using available resources.

    “Punjab is our brother, and the people living there are our own,” he stated, adding that his government had offered Punjab assistance wherever needed. Gandapur stressed that KP shared in Punjab’s pain and would stand with them in difficult times.

    Imran Khan’s release

    Turning to political matters, Gandapur commented on the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, saying there were two possible ways forward.

    The first, he explained, was through implementation of the constitution and the rule of law. “The day the supremacy of law is established, the PTI founder will be among us, false cases will collapse, and his honourable release will be ensured,” he said.

    The second way, he noted, would be a compromise with the establishment, which he described as unlikely. Gandapur insisted that the PTI founder was standing firm on his ideology and enduring imprisonment for the sake of the next generation.

    “We are also standing with the PTI founder’s ideology,” Gandapur asserted. “Victory, God willing, will be ours. We will be victorious soon. The people must not panic and must continue their struggle.”

    Afghan quake

    He further announced that the KP government had contacted Afghan authorities and offered full support for earthquake-affected communities. More than 800 people were killed after a 6-magnitude quake hit Afghanistan on Monday.

    Gandapur said rescue teams, medical services, relief supplies and rehabilitation assistance would be provided. He stressed that KP would stand shoulder to shoulder with the Afghan people in this difficult time.

    Commenting on Afghan refugees, the chief minister opposed any forced repatriation. He said the federal government should allow six months for Afghan refugees to arrange their return and livelihoods.

    “For forty years we hosted them, sending them back like this is inappropriate,” he maintained. Gandapur said his government was ensuring that no Afghan refugee in KP was harassed, nor were raids being conducted against them. He added that efforts were being made to ensure Afghan refugees return with dignity.


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