Key Takeaways
- Comcast (CMCSA) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) both reported stronger-than-expected Q2 2025 earnings, with Comcast seeing a significant net income boost from its Hulu stake sale and Bristol-Myers Squibb raising its full-year revenue outlook.
- Moderna (MRNA) announced a 10% workforce reduction in its digital team, impacting approximately 50 employees, as part of broader cost-cutting initiatives amid declining COVID-19 vaccine sales.
- Former President Donald Trump continued his vocal criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling him "too political" and "too late" in his actions, and asserting that Powell is costing the U.S. "trillions of dollars."
- Trump also stated that the "fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!"
Corporate Earnings Outperform
Comcast (CMCSA) delivered a robust second quarter, reporting adjusted earnings per share of $1.25 on revenue of $30.31 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $1.18 and $29.81 billion, respectively. The company's net income soared to $11.123 billion, largely attributed to the $9.4 billion sale of its Hulu stake to Disney. Despite a loss of 226,000 domestic broadband customers, this was better than the FactSet estimate of 255,000 losses. Additionally, Peacock paid subscribers reached 41 million, and advertising revenue hit $935 million, exceeding estimates.
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) also reported strong Q2 2025 results, with adjusted EPS of $1.46 and revenue of $12.27 billion, significantly beating analyst expectations of $1.07 and $11.38 billion. The pharmaceutical giant's "Growth Portfolio" saw an impressive 18% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by immuno-oncology products, which helped offset a decline in its "Legacy Portfolio" due to generic competition. Following these strong results, Bristol-Myers Squibb raised its full-year 2025 revenue outlook to approximately $46.5 billion to $47.5 billion, up from the previous range of $45.8 billion to $46.8 billion.
Moderna's Strategic Workforce Reduction
Moderna (MRNA) announced a 10% reduction of its workforce, specifically impacting its digital team, which translates to approximately 50 employees. This move is part of the company's broader efforts to cut expenses amid a decline in COVID-19 vaccine sales and to achieve a $1 billion reduction in cash costs for 2025. The layoffs primarily affect the "digital for business" and "digital core" departments, coinciding with the departure of Chief Information Officer Brad Miller. This strategic realignment reflects a trend across the biopharma industry as companies adjust to post-pandemic market conditions and focus on cost efficiency.
Trump's Continued Critique of the Federal Reserve
Former President Donald Trump reiterated his strong disapproval of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, labeling him "too political" to hold the position and asserting that Powell's actions are costing the U.S. "trillions of dollars." Trump's criticism comes as the Federal Reserve has maintained its short-term interest rate, deepening the divide between the former president's views and the central bank's approach. Trump has consistently advocated for lower interest rates, even nicknaming Powell "Mr. Too Late." The ongoing tension between political figures and the independent Federal Reserve highlights differing philosophies on economic management and monetary policy.
Geopolitical Stance on Gaza
In a geopolitical statement, former President Donald Trump declared that the "fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!" This comment comes amidst ongoing, and often stalled, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Trump has previously placed blame on Hamas for the failure of ceasefire negotiations, suggesting the group is unwilling to make a deal.
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.