Market Overview - U.S. equity markets faced a broad retreat on November 7, 2025, primarily due to a sell-off in technology stocks, driven by concerns over inflated valuations in the AI sector and a prolonged government shutdown [1][10] - All three major indexes are on track for their steepest weekly losses in months, with the Nasdaq Composite poised for its worst weekly performance since March [1][2] Major Index Performance - The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) declined approximately 1.5% to 2% in afternoon trading, following a 1.9% drop on Thursday [2] - The S&P 500 (SPX) fell between 0.9% and 1.2% by mid-afternoon, after a 1.1% decline on Thursday [2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) was down around 0.5% to 0.8% in afternoon trading, closing 0.8% lower on Thursday [2] Volatility and Investor Sentiment - The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) surged by 8.3%, reaching its highest level in over two weeks, indicating increased investor nervousness [3] - The current market unease is exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown, which has led to a "data blackout" affecting crucial economic releases [6] Sector Performance - There is a notable rotation out of high-growth technology stocks, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) slipping 2% and 2.3% respectively [4] - The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) advanced by 1%, indicating a defensive shift in investor portfolios towards traditional and value-oriented sectors [5] Corporate Developments - Tesla (TSLA) shares fell 3.3% to 4% despite shareholder approval of CEO Elon Musk's $1 trillion compensation package [13] - Chipmakers like Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO) faced significant pressure, with declines of 3.8% and 4.6% respectively, reflecting caution regarding high valuations in AI-related stocks [13] - Payments company Block (SQ) slumped 9.8% to 10.5% after disappointing third-quarter earnings [13] - Conversely, Peloton (PTON) and Expedia Group (EXPE) saw significant gains of 3.4% to 6.1% and 16.6% to 17.3% respectively, following better-than-expected earnings [13]

Core Insights - Block (XYZ) reported Q3 2025 adjusted earnings of 54 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents, but showing a slight increase from 53 cents in the prior-year quarter [1][10] - Net revenues for the quarter were $6.11 billion, falling short of the consensus estimate of $6.34 billion, yet representing a 2.3% year-over-year increase [1][10] Revenue Breakdown - Transaction-based revenues, accounting for 30.6% of net revenues, reached $1.87 billion, up 9.4% year over year, with Square contributing $1.82 billion (up 10.7%) and Cash App contributing $56.1 million (down 19.8%) [3] - Subscription and services-based revenues made up 36.1% of net revenues, totaling $2.2 billion, reflecting a 22.6% year-over-year growth [3] - Hardware revenues increased significantly by 90.5% year over year to $70.2 million, representing 1.1% of net revenues [3] Gross Payment Volume (GPV) and Profitability - Bitcoin revenues, which constituted 32.2% of net revenues, declined by 19% year over year to $1.97 billion [4] - Total GPV was $69.28 billion, marking a 10.9% year-over-year increase, with Square's GPV at $67.15 billion (up 12.2%) and Cash App's GPV at $2.13 billion (down 18.6%) [4] - Gross profit for the quarter grew 18.3% year over year to $2.66 billion, with Square generating $1.02 billion (up 9.2%) and Cash App generating $1.62 billion (up 24.3%) [6] Operating Performance - Adjusted EBITDA was reported at $832.7 million, reflecting a 3.1% year-over-year increase [7] - Operating expenses rose by 16.9% year over year to $2.25 billion [7] - Adjusted operating income was $480.2 million, up 8.3% year over year, with an adjusted operating margin of 18%, expanding 200 basis points year over year [8] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of September 30, 2025, Block had $10.5 billion in liquidity, including $9.7 billion in cash and securities, and $775 million available in a credit facility [11] - Long-term debt increased to $5.71 billion from $3.54 billion as of June 30, 2025 [11] - In Q3 2025, Block repurchased 5.3 million shares of its Class A common stock for $403 million, with $1.1 billion remaining under the current authorization [11] Guidance - For Q4 2025, Block expects gross profit of $2.755 billion, indicating a 19% year-over-year growth, and an adjusted operating income of $560 million with a 20% operating margin [12] - For the full year 2025, the company anticipates a gross profit of $10.243 billion (15% growth) and adjusted operating income of $2.056 billion [13]

Core Insights - Block Inc. shares experienced a significant decline following the release of third-quarter results that fell short of Wall Street expectations, indicating a slowdown in profit growth within its primary Square business [1] Financial Performance - The third-quarter results revealed that Block Inc. did not meet analysts' forecasts, which has raised concerns about the company's financial trajectory [1] - The core Square business is showing signs of slowing profit growth, which is critical for the company's overall performance [1]

Core Viewpoint - Block shares experienced a 10% decline following disappointing third-quarter earnings that did not meet Wall Street expectations, indicating a slowdown in profit growth for the Square service [1] Financial Performance - Earnings per share were reported at 54 cents adjusted, compared to the expected 67 cents [4] - Revenue for the quarter was $6.11 billion, falling short of the anticipated $6.31 billion [4] - Year-to-date, Block shares have decreased by 24% [1] Segment Performance - Square's gross payment volume increased by 12% year-over-year, but gross profit growth for the point-of-sale service was only 9%, a decline from the previous quarter's 11% growth [1] - Cash App's gross profit growth was significantly stronger at $1.62 billion, reflecting a 24% increase year-over-year, supported by 58 million monthly transacting active users [3] - The growth in Cash App was driven by services such as Cash App Borrow, Cash App Card, and Buy Now Pay Later [3] Strategic Insights - The company attributed the slower growth in Square to a change in processing partners and lower-margin hardware sales [2] - The Chief Financial Officer noted that the company's product and go-to-market strategies are effectively gaining profitable market share in targeted verticals like food and beverage, particularly with larger sellers and outside the U.S. [2]

Group 1 - Proactive provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The news team covers medium and small-cap markets, as well as blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [3] - Proactive's content includes insights across various sectors such as biotech, pharma, mining, natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging technologies [3] Group 2 - Proactive is committed to adopting technology to enhance workflows and content production [4] - The company utilizes automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring all content is edited and authored by humans [5]

Group 1 - Lucid's stock fell by 2.6% due to Q3 performance falling short of expectations [1] - Block, a major player in mobile payments, saw a 12.5% drop in stock as Q3 revenue and earnings per share missed forecasts [1] - Opendoor's stock declined by 18.8% with quarterly sales dropping over 30% [1] Group 2 - Airbnb's stock increased by 4.9% after Q3 revenue exceeded expectations, and the company raised its Q4 revenue forecast [1] - Sandisk's stock rose by 2.5% as quarterly revenue and gross margin surpassed expectations, with a supply-demand imbalance expected to last until the end of 2026 [1]

Group 1 - Take-Two Interactive's shares are falling due to the delay of Grand Theft Auto 6, which was initially scheduled for release this fall and has faced multiple delays [1] - Airbnb's shares are rising after reporting mixed third-quarter results and providing upbeat revenue guidance [1] - Affirm's shares are jumping after the company beat earnings and revenue expectations [1] Group 2 - The CEO of Affirm, Max Levchin, will be interviewed on Squawk on the Street, indicating significant interest in the company's performance [2] - Block, a fellow fintech company, is experiencing a decline in shares after missing both earnings and revenue expectations for the fourth consecutive quarter [2] Group 3 - Ford is reportedly considering discontinuing the electric version of its F-150 pickup truck, with expectations of declining EV sales following the expiration of government tax credits [3]

Stock Performance - Take-Two Interactive shares are falling due to the delayed release of Grand Theft Auto 6 [1] - Airbnb shares are rising following mixed third-quarter results but positive revenue guidance [1] - Affirm shares are jumping after exceeding earnings and revenue expectations [1] - Block shares are significantly lower after missing earnings and revenue expectations for the fourth consecutive quarter [2] Industry Trends - The fintech sector is experiencing volatility, with some firms exceeding expectations while others are underperforming [1][2] - EV sales are expected to decline following the expiration of government tax credits [3] Company Strategy - Ford is reportedly considering discontinuing the electric version of its F-150 pickup truck [3]

Core Viewpoint - Shares of fintech Block experienced a significant decline of 14.5% in premarket trading, attributed to investor concerns over profit growth not keeping pace with the increase in transaction volume at its payments unit, Square [1] Company Summary - Block's stock performance indicates a negative market reaction, highlighting investor skepticism regarding the company's ability to translate increased transaction volume into profit growth [1]

🔥 LATEST: Jack Dorsey’s Block, Inc. reported Q3 revenue below expectations, and its shares dropped about 12% after the announcement. https://t.co/WRFUVp5xP1 ...