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The Worst Performing Stocks In The S&P 500 So Far, From Boeing To Intel

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 5, 2024

KEY FACTS

Drugstore chain Walgreens was the worst-performing company in the S&P 500, a benchmark that tracks the share prices of the 500 largest U.S. companies. In the first six months of the year, Walgreens’ stock price halved to its lowest level since the mid-1990s, coinciding with the company’s plans to close up to a quarter of its locations as analysts predicted Walgreens’ worst annual profit since 2013.
Lululemon, the high-end athletic apparel company, is the second-worst performing stock YTD on the S&P, as analysts expect the retailer to report its worst annual revenue growth since Lululemon went public in 2007 ., other than the fiscal year ending in January. 2021.
Intel, the S&P’s third-worst performer, was perhaps the most surprising loser, given that rival Nvidia and other silicon chip companies have been among the best-returning investments this year amid the AI frenzy. Intel’s stock has largely been a victim of the company’s prolonged decline in business competition has intensified, with some analysts going so far as to declare Intel a “broken company.” Intel’s first-quarter earnings of $1.8 billion before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization were the second worst first quarter since at least 2000, an improvement over last year’s EBITDA of $962 million. , but represents an 82% drop from $10.3 billion in the first quarter of 2020. For reference, Nvidia’s net profit for the spring quarter rose from $1.1 billion to $17.3 billion from 2020 to 2024
Boeing, the 10th largest returner in the S&P, certainly wasn’t shockingly low. Its stock market woes came as the airline faced what has become a public relations nightmare after several of its commercial jets broke down. That led to a Justice Department investigation, a congressional hearing focused on its problems, and this spring its worst quarterly earnings in eight quarters. All of this has disappointed investors, and Boeing is on a five-year streak of negative earnings.
For shares of entertainment giants Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global, the fifth and twelfth biggest losers in the S&P, respectively, had a far from picture-perfect 2024 as both HBO parent WBD and CBS parent Paramount struggled with shaky balance sheets. WBD and Paramount reported net losses of $966 million and $563 million, respectively, in the first quarter — far worse than Wall Street’s Hollywood darling Netflix’s net income of $2.2 billion.
Such negative headlines weighed on entertainment conglomerates, and the expected loss of WBD’s NBA rights led to a 10% one-day selloff on April 30, while Paramount shares tumbled 8% on June 11 after the company ended talks to sell Skydance Media, managed by the son of billionaire Larry Ellison – David Ellison.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.