Stock Market News for July 28, 2026

AI, semiconductors and data-center plays

Core AI (CHAI) expanded a strategic partnership with TikTok to strengthen global distribution infrastructure, underlining the rising role of model and data‑delivery partners in scaling generative‑AI services (news).

QumulusAI (QMLS) signed a $71.9 million, three‑year agreement with an AI inference platform provider — a material multi‑year revenue commitment that helps underwrite near‑term hardware and software spending forecasts (details).

NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) reported second‑quarter 2026 results, a key read for auto and edge compute demand that shapes order patterns for analog and secure‑connectivity chips (results).

Teradyne (TER) released Q2 2026 results, a bellwether for test and automation equipment demand as chipmakers balance capacity expansion with inventory management (details).

FormFactor (FORM) and Keystone Microtech announced a strategic partnership supporting next‑generation semiconductor technologies, a supply‑chain tie relevant for advanced packaging and test capacity (release).

Major earnings and profitability inflections

CoStar Group (CSGP) posted a profitability inflection in Q2 — revenue +18%, net income up 817% and adjusted EBITDA more than doubled year‑over‑year — a notable sign of stronger monetization in commercial‑real‑estate data and advertising products (results).

Bloom Energy (BE) reported record Q2 results and raised full‑year 2026 guidance, a rare upbeat surprise in energy tech that could re‑rate expectations for distributed clean power solutions (release).

KLA (KLAC) reported FY2026 fourth‑quarter and full‑year results, an important read for capital‑equipment demand across chip manufacturing cycles (details).

Crane Company (CR) reported second‑quarter 2026 results and raised full‑year adjusted EPS guidance, signaling resilient industrial demand and pricing for select capital‑goods suppliers (release).

Nabors (NBR) said momentum accelerated and cash flow improved in Q2, which investors will parse for stability in offshore drilling‑services cash generation (results).

Unum Group (UNM) posted Q2 results, a key read for life and disability insurers as underwriting and investment returns shape near‑term profitability (report).

Real estate, M&A and corporate actions

Boston Properties (BXP) announced Q2 results, with office leasing trends and cash‑flow metrics remaining central to REIT valuations (results).

Luxfer (LXFR) agreed to be acquired for $17.37 per share in an all‑cash transaction while releasing Q2 results — buyers will note the valuation premium and consolidation implications for specialty materials (deal details).

Rithm Property Trust (RPT) reported Q2 results, another data point on commercial mortgage performance and REIT earnings quality (release).

Auto, industrials and energy equipment

Ford (F) reported Q2 financial results, a regular market mover because of its EV investments and capital allocation choices that shape auto suppliers and battery plays (results).

Avis Budget Group (CAR) reported Q2 results; keep an eye on fleet margins and travel demand as seasonal patterns shift (results).

Verra Mobility (VRRM) reached a framework agreement with Avis Budget Group, a commercial tie that could affect telematics, fleet services and recurring revenue streams for both firms (agreement).

NOV (NOV) reported second‑quarter 2026 earnings, a sector‑level data point for offshore and onshore oilfield‑services equipment that investors use to gauge energy capex trends (results).

Market‑moving tech and data plays

IonQ (IONQ) received regulatory approval to complete its acquisition of SkyWater Technology, a strategic step for quantum hardware scale and supply‑chain integration in the quantum compute stack (approval).

Healthcare, biotech and regulatory moves

NeuroPace (NPCE) received FDA guidance on a PMA supplement to expand its device indication into idiopathic generalized epilepsy — a regulatory step that could broaden addressable patients and revenue if cleared (guidance).

Verastem Oncology (VSTM) dosed the first patient in a Phase 2 registration‑directed trial for a KRAS G12D inhibitor — a clinical milestone that de‑risks the program’s path to potential approval (trial news).

Selected corporate and calendar items investors should note

• MicroVision (MVIS) will report Q2 results on August 6, a nearer‑term event for lidar investors (details).
• Intuitive Machines (LUNR) set a date for its Q2 2026 results conference call — relevant timing for space‑tech and government‑contract watchers (notice).
• Health Catalyst (HCAT) will announce Q2 operating results and host a conference call on August 6, an event for investors tracking healthcare analytics demand (announcement).
• Infleqtion (INFQ) will report Q2 results on August 12, important for cloud and networking investors monitoring product uptake (details).
• Westport (WPRT) will issue Q2 results on August 11, a date to watch for alternative‑fuel powertrain and emissions‑technology demand signals (notice).
• Broadwind (BWEN) announced its Q2 results conference call and webcast date, a scheduling note for industrials and wind‑equipment investors (details).
• NOV (NOV) — included above for its Q2 report — is also a calendar focal point for energy‑capex reads (results).

Notable consumer and other corporate developments

The Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) reported Q2 fiscal 2026 results, a barometer for casual‑dining traffic and menu margin trends (report).

Tilray (TLRY) delivered record fiscal 2026 revenue and adjusted EBITDA, highlighting the impact of a diversified platform across cannabis, beverages and hospitality on margins and cash flow (results).

Other corporate developments worth noting

Cadiz (CDZI) executed guaranteed maximum price construction contracts for its Northern Pipeline project, advancing a water‑infrastructure initiative with capital‑allocation and execution implications (release).

Modine (MOD) published its 2026 sustainability report, a disclosure investors use to assess environmental governance and long‑term operational risks (report).

PETVIVO Holdings (PETV) announced a termination and settlement agreement with VetStem, a legal and operational resolution that removes an overhang for the company (notice).