August 4th, 2025 | 07:15 CEST
Apple, Veganz Group, and Mastercard with big surprises
The past trading week on the stock market was eventful, particularly with the release of second-quarter figures. While heavyweights like Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Apple delivered impressive results, there was nevertheless a sharp sell-off at the end of the week. Market participants cited the ambitious valuations of tech giants and the "sell on good news" effect as reasons for this. In contrast, one Berlin-based company offers sufficient room for maneuver, having delivered excellent figures and unveiling a strategic realignment that has caught the attention of investors.
time to read: 3 minutes | Author: Stefan Feulner
ISIN: APPLE INC. | US0378331005 , VEGANZ GROUP AG | DE000A3E5ED2 , MASTERCARD INC.A DL-_0001 | US57636Q1040
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Author
Stefan Feulner
The native Franconian has more than 20 years of stock exchange experience and a broadly diversified network.
He is passionate about analyzing a wide variety of business models and investigating new trends.
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Apple – Sell-off after the surprise
Five companies from the Magnificent 7, namely Microsoft, NVIDIA, Alphabet, Meta Platforms, and Amazon, have driven the S&P 500 to new highs in recent months, with the first two even breaking through the USD 4 trillion market capitalization barrier.
In contrast, Elon Musk's Tesla and Apple have struggled to keep pace with the upward momentum. Concerns about tariffs and issues with the implementation of artificial intelligence were the main reasons for the lack of further investment in Apple shares. Analysts had only expected revenues of USD 89.3 billion for the third fiscal quarter, but the Cupertino-based company significantly exceeded this figure with USD 94 billion. This was due to strong iPhone sales and a recovering business in China.
Apple increased its iPhone revenue by 13.5% year-on-year to USD 44.58 billion, clearly exceeding analysts' expectations of USD 40.22 billion. In order to avoid the consequences of the trade conflict with the US, the Company has realigned its production structures. Most iPhones are now manufactured in India, while Macs and Apple Watches are mainly produced in Vietnam.
Apple also plans to reduce its share buyback program by USD 10 billion in order to strengthen its liquidity amid an uncertain economic environment.
Veganz Group – Strong half-year, enormous momentum
In contrast to many of the tech giants, the foodtech company Veganz Group still offers sufficient upside potential with a market capitalization of EUR 34.48 million, especially when considering the strategic realignment of its portfolio that has already been initiated.
In addition, the Berlin-based company posted strong preliminary half-year figures in the past trading week. EBITDA amounted to EUR 25.33 million. In the same period last year, this figure was minus EUR 4.26 million. The final half-year report will be published by CEO Jan Bredack and his team on September 25.
In terms of the Company's intrinsic value, the current discrepancy in its valuation is likely to remain prominent in the near future. The Berlin-based company's main growth driver is currently Mililk FoodTech GmbH, which was founded at the end of June. The Company is initially focusing on plant-based milk alternatives and is relying on a novel, patented 2D printing process that opens up entirely new possibilities in production.
High production capacities are planned. A location has already been selected in the US, where over 60 million litres of oat milk and other plant-based alternatives are to be produced annually in the future. Up to six plants are planned for Europe, and Veganz is currently in talks with investors here. However, the parent company intends to retain a majority stake after the possible entry of a strategic investor.
Veganz is on a solid financial footing thanks to several measures. The planned sale of OrbiFarm GmbH alone is expected to bring the Company EUR 30 million plus a share of profits. In addition, combined capital measures amounting to around EUR 7.1 million have significantly strengthened the equity base.
Mastercard – Double-digit growth
One of the leading global payment service providers also surprised both investors and analysts by exceeding forecasts for both revenue and profit.
In the second quarter, revenues rose by 17% to USD 8.1 billion. Growth was driven by both the core payment network business and strong growth in the security solutions, digital authentication, and data services segments.
Net income rose 14% to USD 3.7 billion. Transaction volume increased 9% globally, cross-border volume rose 15%, and the number of transactions processed entirely through the Mastercard network increased 10%.
During the reporting period, the Company repurchased 4.2 million of its own shares worth USD 2.3 billion and paid out USD 691 million in dividends. Half-year revenue rose by 16% to USD 15.4 billion, while profit grew by 11% to USD 7.0 billion. In the wake of the general market consolidation, however, Mastercard shares subsequently fell by around 3.50% to USD 559.89.
The earnings season reached its peak. Apple and Mastercard surprised analysts and exceeded their forecasts. The Berlin-based foodtech company Veganz Group also performed strongly.
Conflict of interest
Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as "Relevant Persons") may hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies in the future or may bet on rising or falling prices and thus a conflict of interest may arise in the future. The Relevant Persons reserve the right to buy or sell shares or other financial instruments of the Company at any time (hereinafter each a "Transaction"). Transactions may, under certain circumstances, influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company.
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