Key Takeaways
- Charles Schwab Corp. (SCHW) announced a significant $20 billion share buyback program, replacing a prior authorization, which led to a rise in the company's shares.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Skydance Media's $8 billion merger with Paramount Global (PARA), bringing a year-long acquisition saga to a close.
- Puma (PUMSY) has cut its financial guidance, attributing the revised outlook to ongoing sales declines and the persistent pressure from tariffs, particularly impacting its performance in the U.S. and China.
- A recent revival in Hong Kong stocks has reportedly generated substantial returns for Prusik Investment Management.
In a move signaling strong confidence in its financial health, Charles Schwab Corp. (SCHW) announced on Thursday a new $20 billion share repurchase program. This substantial buyback replaces a previous authorization and immediately sent the company's shares higher in trading. The decision underscores Schwab's commitment to enhancing shareholder value and leveraging its robust cash flow generation.
The long-anticipated merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global (PARA) has received the crucial green light from the FCC. This approval, which clears the path for the $8 billion acquisition, concludes a complex, year-long process that included settling a lawsuit with Donald Trump and making concessions related to diversity initiatives and news judgment. The deal is expected to reshape the media landscape, bringing together a vast array of entertainment assets.
Meanwhile, German sportswear giant Puma (PUMSY) is navigating a challenging market, having recently cut its financial guidance for the year. The company cited a decline in sales and the ongoing impact of tariffs as key factors influencing its revised outlook. Puma has been grappling with a soft performance in key markets such as the U.S. and China, alongside broader geopolitical tensions and trade disputes that have affected its profitability.
On a more positive note for investors, a resurgence in Hong Kong stocks has reportedly delivered "bumper returns" for Prusik Investment Management. The revival indicates a potentially improving sentiment in the Asian financial hub, offering opportunities for specialized investment firms.

Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.