Ascendis Pharma (ASND) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Ascendis Pharma (ASND) reported Q2 revenue of €315M, up from a year earlier, with all three TransCon therapies contributing. YORVIPATH reached blockbuster status, SKYTROFA had 20,000 patient enrollments, and YUVIWEL launched with €8M in sales. Costs rose, with SG&A and R&D expenses increasing. Operating profit included a one-time gain. The company has €812M in cash and no debt.

Vertex (VRTX) agreed to acquire Crinetics (CRNX) for about $10B, or $85.00 per share in all cash, approved by both boards and expected to close in Q3 2026. CRNX shares rose about 99% to ~$83.54. Vertex projects the endocrine franchise could exceed $5B peak annual sales. Peers NBIX and CORT also gained on M&A expectations.

Walmart's shares dropped 9% after reporting mixed Q2 results. Net income was $6.4B, adjusted earnings $0.81/share (vs. $0.74 forecast), and revenue rose 5.9% to $187.9B. However, U.S. same-store sales growth missed expectations at 2.6%, the lowest since early 2020. Analysts cite softer consumer spending, high gas prices, and lower pharmacy revenue. Walmart received $2.9B in tariff refunds, which it used to cut prices on 11,000 items. The company raised its full-year forecast, but analysts warn o

Costco (COST) stock is up 9.2% YTD, despite a recent 14.3% drop from its May high. Strong membership renewal rates (92.2% in U.S./Canada) and Q3 revenue growth (11.6% YOY) support investor confidence. Analysts expect 13.5% EPS growth in 2026, with a mean price target of $1,101.56 (17.2% upside).

Ionic Digital (IOND) reported Q2 revenue of $48.6M, up 31% YoY, with 90% from digital infrastructure leasing. Net loss was $35.3M, including non-cash crypto losses. Adjusted EBITDA rose to $37.6M. The company reaffirmed 2026 revenue and EBITDA guidance, targeting 90-92% leasing revenue. Cash reserves were $415.7M, with 2,882 bitcoin held.

Appian (APPN) reported Q2 revenue of $203.3M, up 19.1% YoY, beating estimates. Microsoft (MSFT) reported $90.01B revenue, up 17.7% YoY, also beating estimates. ServiceNow (NOW) reported $3.99B revenue, up 24% YoY, exceeding expectations. All three stocks have risen since reporting results.