Novo Nordisk A/S Q2 earnings were solid, but the guidance disappointed. My investment decision was based on a long-term outlook rather than this single quarter. Novo Nordisk's narrative shifted rapidly from crisis to opportunity due to underwhelming Eli Lilly trial results and Wegovy's new FDA approval for liver disease. NVO stock now trades at a deep discount, with valuation metrics at half their historical averages, despite maintaining strong revenue growth and innovation momentum.

Kimco Realty stands to benefit from an improving economic cycle and potential Fed rate cuts, which should boost demand and lower financing costs. Recent FFO and NOI guidance raises, strong rent growth, and disciplined balance sheet management highlight improved operations despite tenant bankruptcies. KIM trades at attractive valuation metrics versus peers, but its current yield and price seem fair, making it less compelling as a dividend play right now.

The Investment Committee give you their top stocks to watch for the second half.

AXP is reshaping BNPL with its Plan It feature, blending flexibility, rewards and strong customer retention into its card ecosystem.

The Investment Committee discuss the latest Calls of the Day.

Rising Treasury yields put additional pressure on precious metals markets.

Morning Brief anchor Julie Hyman breaks down the latest market news for August 18, 2025. Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug Wegovy is the first GLP-1 drug approved to treat liver disease.

TPG RE Finance Trust is paying out a double-digit 10.5% dividend yield that was 100% covered by second-quarter distributable earnings. The CRE mREIT saw its book value per share expand by 1 cent sequentially during the second quarter. A material ramp-up in origination volume seen during the second quarter should help drive future gains in book value and help improve coverage.

AU posts 21% jump in Q2 gold output, fueled by Sukari mine gains, and reaffirms 2025 production guidance.

Amphenol (APH) is well positioned to outperform the market, as it exhibits above-average growth in financials.

Kaiser (KALU) could produce exceptional returns because of its solid growth attributes.

FirstService (FSV) could produce exceptional returns because of its solid growth attributes.

Lincoln Educational Services (LINC) could produce exceptional returns because of its solid growth attributes.

APi (APG) is well positioned to outperform the market, as it exhibits above-average growth in financials.

Cardinal (CAH) possesses solid growth attributes, which could help it handily outperform the market.

PHILADELPHIA , Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Berger Montague PC is investigating potential securities fraud claims on behalf of investors of KinderCare Learning Companies, Inc. ("KinderCare" or the "Company") following the filing of a securities class action lawsuit filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired KinderCare securities between October 6, 2024 through August 12, 2025 (the "Class Period"), including in the Company's initial public offering in October 2024. Investor Deadline: Investors who purchased or acquired KinderCare securities during the Class Period may, no later than October 14, 2025 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff …

Amphenol delivered record revenue, profit, and margins in 2025, but the current share price already reflects these achievements, limiting further upside. Strong growth was driven by M&A, demand from AI, cloud, and EV sectors, and a diversified business model, but future growth will moderate. Valuation is fair with limited upside; my DCF and multiples analysis suggest shares are close to intrinsic value—Hold is the most balanced approach.

Jim Lebenthal, Chief Equity Strategist at Cerity Partners, joins CNBC's "Halftime Report" to detail his latest portfolio move.

Americold Realty Trust faces significant near-term headwinds, including oversupply, weak demand, and macroeconomic pressures, resulting in a 50% share price decline over the past year. Despite operational challenges, the cold storage industry is projected to grow rapidly, driven by ecommerce, food delivery, and pharmaceutical demand through 2032. Americold Realty's development-heavy model positions it for long-term growth, but high leverage and declining occupancy pressure current earnings and investor sentiment.

ORCL deepens its GenAI push with Google Cloud, embedding Gemini into OCI and apps to drive enterprise adoption and growth.