BUSINESS

Views on the U.S. economy remained pessimistic.

Starting April 17, users will no longer be able to buy, sell or earn cashback in Mercado Coin, but can sell, spend, or have the token converted to local currency.

Micron (MU) stock has rocketed over 300% in the past year on the back of AI-driven demand, even after falling over 30% following its mid-March earnings report.The company is delivering strong results in one of the tightest memory markets in years. Pricing is rising, margins are expanding, and demand remains strong across key end markets.That’s got most Wall Street analysts bullish. Despite recent weakness, no major sell-side investment firms have sell ratings on Micron stock, according to TipRanks, and the average 12-month price target is $533, up 67%.Still, after a massive run, one financial blogger, JR Research, with a 4.9-star rating on TipRanks, is warning expectations may have gone too far, even as industry conditions remain highly favorable.Micron valuation snapshotMarket cap: $402.8 billionEnterprise value: $397.0 billionShare price: $345Analysts’ avg target price: $528 (53% implied upside)2-Year expected annual EPS growth: 244.8%Forward P/E ratio: 4.0x
Source: TIKR.com
Blogger says Micron’s expectations may have gone too farMicron has fallen by more than 30% since reporting Q2 results on March 18th, despite record earnings and strong AI-driven demand.JR Research pointed directly to that risk, warning investors not to chase the stock after its massive run.A top 2% analyst on TipRanks, JR Research doesn’t see the memory shortage easing anytime soon. Micron is leaning into that demand, planning $25 billion in capex this year and more than $35 billion next year.But even with incredible demand and supply factors, they warn that expectations may have moved too far ahead of what the company can realistically deliver from here.“To me it’s simply one vertical line up, looking more like a rocketship that has launched straight into space,” JR Research said, referring to Micron’s stock price soaring during one of the most supply-constrained memory environments in years.JR Research framed it as a question of expectations, asking, “Shouldn’t you consider why the market is turning cagey, despite all these gangbusters outlooks that Wall Street and management have presented to us?” He pointed out analysts already expect margins to hit 81% next quarter, adding, “Do you really expect 90%?”More AI Stocks:Morgan Stanley sets jaw-dropping Micron price target after eventBank of America updates Palantir stock forecast after private meetingMorgan Stanley drops eye-popping Broadcom price targetIf margins and pricing can hold, the story for Micron may remain intact. If not, even strong fundamentals may not be enough to support further upside.Record Q2 resets Micron’s earnings baseMicron’s fiscal Q2 FY26 report and Q3 FY26 guidance reset the earnings debate. The company posted $23.86 billion in Q2 revenue with a 69.0% non-GAAP operating margin, then guided for $33.5 billion in Q3 revenue with a roughly 81% gross margin.In Micron’s earnings materials, CEO Sanjay Mehrotra said the company delivered record Q2 results amid tight industry supply and expects significant records again in fiscal Q3.That’s the profile of a company selling into one of the tightest and most profitable parts of the semiconductor market.The key issue now is whether Micron’s normalized earnings power has moved materially higher. If the company can sustain margins near the guided level, investors will have to treat this less as a peak quarter and more as evidence that the earnings base has been reset upward.AI memory tightness is industry-wideSamsung Electronics and SK Hynix have both signaled that AI-driven demand is keeping memory tight, with Samsung warning of an acute chip shortage and SK Hynix reporting record profits driven by explosive memory demand.Micron reported Cloud Memory revenue of $7.75 billion, while Mobile and Client revenue reached $7.71 billion. That suggests demand is coming from multiple end markets at once, not just a narrow group of hyperscale buyers.Management described memory as a “strategic asset,” and the latest results support that view. Cloud demand points to continued data-center buildout, while strength in mobile and client suggests AI features are increasing memory content across devices.

Tight AI memory supply across the industry is driving pricing power and lifting earnings beyond expectations.NurPhoto via Getty Images

Right now, Micron looks like one of the clearest public markers of how profitable that environment can be. When industry conditions shift, and one company is already showing outsized operating leverage, earnings estimates often lag reality.The risk is that industry supply eventually catches up. But until that happens, Micron has a favorable mix of pricing power, utilization, and product strength.What could drive Micron higherHBM supply tightness lifts pricing power and pushes more revenue into higher-margin productsBroad cloud memory demand supports utilization and extends the upcycle beyond AI acceleratorsRising memory content in AI-enabled phones and PCs expands mobile and client revenueHigher output drives operating leverage, turning incremental revenue into outsized earnings growthStrong free cash flow funds expansion internally and reduces financing riskDividend growth alongside capex signals confidence in the durability of cash generationWhat could pressure the stockA miss on Q3 margin guidance would weaken the case for a structurally higher profit profileFaster industry HBM supply growth could erode pricing discipline and mix benefitsA pause in cloud memory purchases would pressure utilization and revenue conversionSlower AI device adoption in mobile and client would narrow the demand storyCapacity additions arriving ahead of demand could restart oversupply and reverse margin gainsCompetitors taking more premium AI memory share could cap pricing power and mix improvementKey takeaways for Micron investorsA top-ranked financial blogger recently warned that expectations may have moved ahead of what the company can realistically deliver after such a sharp run.Even with tight supply and strong demand, Micron may now need to execute at a very high level just to support its current valuation.The bull case is still intact. AI-driven tightness is supporting pricing, margins, and earnings, and Micron is one of the clearest beneficiaries.The risk is that expectations have become elevated. When that happens, even solid results may not be enough if there are any signs of slowing or normalization.Related: Jim Cramer resets Nio stock outlook after earnings

The company is actively selling bitcoin and redeploying capital into AI-focused data centers as part of a broader transformation away from mining.

Hastings thought the office janitor was washing his coffee cups every week, but it was actually his boss.

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealAs soon as spring rolls around, people start to spend more time outside. One of the most enjoyable ways to venture back into the great outdoors is to partake in some wonderfully unproductive lounging on a new patio set. Whether you opt for a foundational outdoor sectional or a small bistro set, your home’s outdoor space is where it’s at. Amazon currently has a deal on the latter of those two options, and we think it’s worth a look. However, this Big Spring Sale deal will be gone soon, so get your set while you can.The Tangkula 3-Piece Bistro Patio Set is on sale for only $96 at the moment, which is 20% off the regular price of $120. We can’t think of a better set to kick off spring than this beautiful wicker option.Tangkula 3-Piece Bistro Patio Set, $96 (was $120) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?This set is the pint-sized perfection, and we can’t get enough of it. With a powder-coated stainless steel frame, the base of this set is rustproof and corrosion-resistant. Each piece is then wrapped in lovely rattan wicker, adding a gorgeous rustic touch to an otherwise-industrial design. Included with the set are two ergonomic armchairs and a small bistro table. Each chair has a fun, bright red seat cushion that makes for an incredibly comfortable feel. The size of this diminutive set is one of its biggest selling points. It’s large enough to feel substantial, making it a wonderful option to fill a small balcony. However, it’s also small enough to be unassuming and fit perfectly as an accent piece in the corner of a large patio. The wraparound design of the chairs looks modern and stylish, while offering superior comfort to whoever may be sitting in them. The table has dimensions of 19.5 inches long by 19.5 inches wide by 19 inches high. Each chair measures 24 inches long by 20 inches wide by 31 inches high. The table has a shatter-resistant tempered glass top. It’s easy to clean with simple soap and water, and looks great next to the rugged rattan wicker wrapped around the table’s exterior. This set is available in 12 fun color options, so there’s definitely something for everyone’s tastes. Related: Amazon is selling a $160 charcoal grill for just $77 in time for Easter celebrationsDetails to knowMaterials: Powder-coated stainless steel wrapped in rattan wicker.Dimensions: The table measures 19.5 inches long by 19.5 inches wide by 19 inches high, and the chairs measure 24 inches long by 20 inches wide by 31 inches high.Tabletop: Shatter-resistant tempered glass.Colorways: 12 variants.Amazon shoppers were thrilled with this cute little patio set. One said it’s great “for my boho peeps,” adding that it’s a “very beautiful set. Stop your search here for a boho, affordable set…Super easy to put together and incredibly comfortable.”Shop more deals Yitahome 3-Piece Rocking Chair Bistro Patio Set, $103 at AmazonShintenchi 3-Piece Rocking Chair Patio Set, $90 (was $100) at AmazonVasagle End Table with Charging Station Set of 2, $40 (was $60) at AmazonThe Tangkula 3-Piece Bistro Patio Set is an incredible buy right now at just $96. If you want to dress up your backyard or patio without spending an arm and a leg, then this is the deal for you. Just be sure to put one in your cart quickly, as Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ends in a few hours.

New Formula 1 regulations are antithetical to the core principles of the sport (braking and driving on the limit) and don’t constitute actual racing

People around the world don’t drink wine in the same amount they used to.”Global wine consumption has dropped sharply over the past seven years, according to a recent report from Gordon Brothers, with worldwide demand falling from 245 million hectoliters in 2017 to 214.2 million hectoliters in 2024,” Vinteur reported.This marks the lowest level of wine consumption since 1961. “The United States, one of the world’s largest wine markets, is experiencing a similar trend. U.S. wine consumption is projected to decline by 7.2% in volume and 6.3% in sales by the end of 2024, continuing a four-year streak of falling sales,” the data shows.In 2026, there has been a recovery, but it has created a sort of split market, according to Silicon Valley Bank’s State of the US Wine Industry 2026.”Wineries in the top quartile reported 8% sales growth and 11.9% operating income, while the bottom quartile saw a 10.2% sales decline and -10.5% operating margin. These results reflect fundamental differences in how they are repositioning in response to demand,” the SVB study showed.Now, another major wine brand, Pacific Rim Winemakers, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.Pacific Rim Winemakers files Chapter 11 bankruptcyPacific Rim is best known for its Rieslings.”At Pacific Rim, we celebrate ‘Sweetology,’ crafting Rieslings that range from dry to dessert sweet. Our sustainable winemaking in Columbia Valley, WA, balances vibrant sweetness and fresh acidity for unmatched quality,” the company shared on its website. Its wines include:Pacific Rim; The company’s signature line or Rieslings.Rainstorm Made from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley.Thick Skinned: Made from sun-ripened, thick-skinned grapes. Wine Enthusiast has most Pacific Rim Rieslings rated in the high 80s or low 90s. It was very positive on the brand’s 2021 vintage.”The aromas provide plenty of appeal, with notes lime leaf, herb, peach and jasmine. Off-dry-drinking stone-fruit flavors follow. There’s pleasing acidity throughout,” Wine Enthusiast shared.Related: Award-winning brewery closes facility after Chapter 11 bankruptcyPacific Rim Winemakers Chapter 11 – Key PointsThis bankruptcy is part of a structural shift in the wine industry as consumption falls and younger drinkers abandon wine.“This is not a cycle you can wait out. The wineries still demonstrating growth are not betting on a return to normal – they are fundamentally altering how they engage with the consumer, manage inventory, and are redefining their brand’s value proposition,” said Rob McMillan, First Citizens Bank’s Silicon Valley Bank Wine Division founder and author of the report.Pacific Rim Winemakers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to restructure its finances while continuing operations, according to Pacer Monitor.The filing allows the winery to continue operating while addressing debt obligations under court supervision, according to USCourts.gov.Wine producers have also been hit by rising costs for inputs like glass, grapes, and shipping, according to Wine Business.Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York, according to Pacer Monitor.
Case No.: 8-24-73763 (Chapter 11)

The company listed estimated assets of $10 million to $50 million and liabilities in the same $10 million to $50 million range.
Pacific Rim was sold to Banfi Vintners’ Mariani family of New York in 2015, according to Decanter.

Younger Americans are drinking less wine. Shutterstock

Recent Winery Chapter 11 Bankruptcies – Key Examples”America’s wine industry is grappling with one of its most painful downturns in decades as younger consumers cut back on drinking and baby boomers age out of the market — reshaping alcohol habits nationwide,” according to Fox News. It’s a situation that has led to multiple bankruptcies in the industry.”The trend has contributed to more than $1 billion in lost U.S. wine revenue last year and a roughly 6 million-case drop in production, according to industry data and reports,” Fox News added.The Chapter 11 bankruptcies include:Sran Vineyards LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2026 to avoid a public auction after defaulting on a loan, according to TheStreet.Aloria Vineyards, a California-based winery, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2026 to reorganize while continuing operations, according to filings on PacerMonitor.Vintage Wine Estates, one of the largest U.S. wine companies, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2024 with more than $400 million in liabilities, according to PacerMonitor.The SVB study shows that the industry may have already hit bottom and that some companies will rebound.“We expect the decline in total market demand to improve in 2026, with the market bottoming in 2027 through 2028 before returning to modest growth rates,” said McMillan.Related: Troubled pizza restaurant franchisee files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The court ruled Colorado’s conversion therapy ban unlawfully regulates speech.

Amazon stock is down about 11% year-to-date, but Wall Street is starting to lean more bullish again.The shift comes as AWS growth reaccelerates, driven by strong demand for AI workloads.At the same time, Amazon’s advertising business continues to scale into a larger profit driver, giving the company a stronger long-term earnings base.That’s what makes the stock interesting right now.Amazon is pulling its business in two directions at once. Demand across cloud and AI is clearly strengthening, but the company is also preparing to spend heavily to support that growth.Amazon valuation snapshotMarket cap: $2.14 trillionEnterprise value: $2.20 trillionShare price: $201Analysts’ avg target price: $281 (40% implied upside)2-Year expected annual EPS growth: 14.5%Forward P/E ratio: 25.7x
Source: TIKR.com
AWS growth is accelerating (but so is spending)Amazon’s AI story is pushing analysts to rethink earnings power.Citi and JPMorgan raised their Amazon price targets from $265 to $285, pointing to faster AWS growth tied to surging AI demand.Citi now expects AWS to grow 28%-29% in 2026, accelerating to 37% in 2027 as partnerships with Anthropic and OpenAI ramp up.That builds on strong recent momentum. In Q4 2025, AWS revenue rose 24% year over year to $35.6 billion, which was its fastest growth in 13 quarters, while operating margin held at 35.0%.More Amazon:Wells Fargo has a message on Amazon, Meta and Alphabet stocksAmazon is building a phone again, and this one is differentAmazon has a huge rival you may not be aware ofAWS is becoming core infrastructure for AI, with additional upside from custom chips like Trainium and Graviton, which are now generating over $10 billion in annual revenue.CEO Andy Jassyrecently framed the long-term opportunity with AWS, saying, “I’ve been thinking for the last number of years that AWS, call it 10 years from now, could be about ​a $300 billion annual revenue, run rate business.”Cash flow weakens under heavy infrastructure outlaysThere’s no such thing as a free lunch on Wall Street. The trade-off for this strong growth has been a significant increase in capex.Amazon is planning to spend roughly $200 billion in 2026 capital expenditures tied to AI infrastructure, chips, robotics, and satellites.To put that in perspective, Amazon’s capex was $83 billion in 2024, up 57% year over year, and $131.8 billion in 2025, up another 59%. A move to $200 billion in 2026 would represent a 51.7% increase from 2025.

Amazon’s increased cash outlay on infrastructure investments is taking a toll on cash flow in the short term.CFOTO Future Publishing/Getty Images

As a result of this increased spending, free cash flow for 2025 fell by 70% year-over-year, from $38.2 billion in 2024 to $11.2 billion. Meanwhile, operating cash flow rose by 20%, from $115.9 billion in 2024 to $139.5 billion in 2025.If AWS can sustain growth above 20% while preserving strong margins, the AI buildout looks demand-led and disciplined.If growth slows before new capacity is absorbed, that same spending could pressure returns through lower utilization, weaker incremental margins, and a longer payback period.AI spending boom across big techAmazon isn’t investing in AI alone. Microsoft and Alphabet are also ramping spending as demand for large-model training and inference continues to grow. This is a capacity race, with all the major players investing heavily to meet sustained demand.As Alphabet’s CFO, Anat Ashkenazi said, the company is investing heavily toward AI compute capacity for Google DeepMind to “meet significant cloud customer demand.”The backdrop is clearly supportive, but not all companies are positioned the same way.Amazon’s advantage comes from its business mix. Alongside AWS, it has a large and growing advertising business that generates high-margin cash flow, helping offset the cost of building out cloud infrastructure.That makes the setup more balanced than a pure infrastructure story, even as the company takes on a much larger investment cycle.Advertising is becoming a key profit driverAdvertising remains Amazon’s other major source of earnings strength. Advertising revenue rose 23% year over year to $21.3 billion in Q4 2025, extending the company’s momentum in one of its least capital-intensive businesses.That matters because advertising gives Amazon a second high-margin engine just as AWS becomes far more capital-hungry. Unlike cloud and fulfillment, advertising scales without requiring comparable infrastructure spending, so more of each incremental dollar can flow through to profit.The business is also no longer a side contributor. Growth across sponsored listings, search monetization, Prime Video inventory, and seller tools has turned advertising into a meaningful offset to the pressure created by heavy AI spending.CEO Andy Jassy says, “Sponsored products advertising in our store continues to be our largest ads offering, and the combination of trillions of shopping, browsing, and streaming signals with advanced AI and machine learning led us to deliver highly relevant and useful ads for customers.”A larger advertising business improves the quality of consolidated profit and gives the company more room to fund heavy investment cycles.What could push Amazon higherAWS AI workload growth lifts utilization, supporting faster revenue growth and sustained cloud margin strengthAdvertising keeps compounding across search, Prime Video, and seller tools, improving profit mixCustom chips lower the cost of serving AI demand and strengthen cloud economicsRobotics investment improves fulfillment efficiency and expands retail marginsFree cash flow stabilization eases concerns about the scale of the buildout and supports valuationWhat could pressure the stockAI infrastructure spending outpaces monetization, keeping free cash flow compressedAWS adds capacity faster than demand absorbs it, hurting utilization and marginsRivals capture more enterprise AI workloads, limiting AWS growthAdvertising growth slows, weakening support from one of Amazon’s highest-margin businessesProperty and equipment spending keeps rising, reducing financial flexibilityLarge bets in chips, satellites, or robotics take longer than expected to pay offKey takeaways for Amazon investorsAmazon’s AWS business is growing faster again, and advertising is becoming a larger part of the profit mix. Both support a stronger earnings base over time.At the same time, the company is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, which is weighing on cash flow in the near term.What matters now is how those two pieces come together.If Amazon can sustain strong growth while improving returns on that investment, the setup looks solid. If not, investors are likely to stay focused on whether the level of spending is justified.Related: Jim Cramer resets Nio stock outlook after earnings