Financial Daily News — 2026-07-24
AI infrastructure demand remained the dominant technology theme, while semiconductor and defense earnings provided the clearest company-specific signals and flash PMI data pointed to stronger—but still inflation-sensitive—global activity.
STMicroelectronics reports higher Q2 revenue and raises Q3 outlook
STMicroelectronics reported second-quarter revenue of $3.49 billion and guided to third-quarter revenue of approximately $3.70 billion at the midpoint. Management said the quarter was supported by stronger consumer, computer, communications, and automotive demand.
Intel posts strong Q2 results and increases spending plans for AI demand
Intel reported second-quarter results after the July 23 close, with revenue and adjusted earnings above analyst expectations, according to Reuters and Investing.com. The company also raised its spending plans as demand for CPUs and AI data-center infrastructure strengthened, while investors remained focused on foundry losses and future cash-flow requirements.
Boeing and Pelico advance C-17 maintenance modernization
Boeing and Pelico announced work aimed at modernizing C-17 maintenance operations, highlighting greater use of digital tools and data-driven processes for aircraft sustainment. The development is relevant to aerospace-services and defense-maintenance technology demand.
Lockheed Martin raises outlook as weapons replenishment demand accelerates
Lockheed Martin reported second-quarter sales of $20.1 billion, net earnings of $1.8 billion, and a record backlog of $230 billion. The company also updated its 2026 financial outlook as governments seek to replenish missile and weapons inventories.
RTX reports double-digit Q2 growth and lifts 2026 forecasts
RTX reported second-quarter sales of $24.7 billion, up 14% year over year, with 16% organic sales growth. The company cited strength in commercial aftermarket services and defense demand and raised its 2026 outlook.
Flash PMIs show faster growth but persistent price and supply-chain risks
S&P Global’s July flash PMI survey indicated that growth across major developed economies accelerated in July, reaching an eight-month high across the largest advanced economies. The report also warned that elevated price pressures, supply-chain concerns, and renewed geopolitical risks could undermine the improvement.
Intel Corp. (INTC)
**Reported:** July 23, 2026 Intel reported second-quarter earnings after the market close. Reuters and Investing.com reported that adjusted earnings and revenue exceeded analyst expectations, while management increased spending plans to address AI-related demand; investors remained concerned about foundry losses and capital intensity.
STMicroelectronics N.V. (STM)
**Reported:** July 23, 2026 STMicroelectronics reported second-quarter earnings and revenue of $3.49 billion, with management projecting approximately $3.70 billion in third-quarter revenue at the midpoint. The company said automotive and consumer, computer, and communications businesses supported the quarter.
Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT)
**Reported:** July 23, 2026 Lockheed Martin reported second-quarter earnings, higher sales, record backlog, and stronger cash generation. The company’s outlook was supported by continued demand for missile defense, munitions, and other advanced defense systems.
RTX Corp. (RTX)
**Reported:** July 23, 2026 RTX reported second-quarter earnings, double-digit sales growth, and strong performance in commercial aftermarket and defense businesses. Management raised its 2026 forecasts as aircraft maintenance and military-system demand remained firm.
NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE)
**Reported:** July 24, 2026 NextEra Energy released its second-quarter financial results before the market opened. The company’s earnings update is particularly relevant to power-infrastructure investors because of continued demand for electricity generation, transmission, renewables, storage, and large-load projects.
Sources
- newsroom.st.com (as of 2026-07-23)
- newsroom.intel.com (as of 2026-07-23)
- boeing.com (as of 2026-07-23)
- investors.lockheedmartin.com (as of 2026-07-23)
- rtx.com (as of 2026-07-23)
- spglobal.com (as of 2026-07-24)
- newsroom.nexteraenergy.com (as of 2026-07-24)