e-crow/iStock via Getty Images Escalating Middle East tensions, tightening supply, and rising AI-driven demand may be shifting oil markets from temporary risk premiums to sustained structural disruption. As we have noted recently, geopolitics matter greatly when it comes to global oil and LNG prices. The attacks on Iran and the risk of escalation in a region central to global energy flows are a re...
e-crow/iStock via Getty Images Escalating Middle East tensions, tightening supply, and rising AI-driven demand may be shifting oil markets from temporary risk premiums to sustained structural disruption. As we have noted recently, geopolitics matter greatly when it comes to global oil and LNG prices. The attacks on Iran and the risk of escalation in a region central to global energy flows are a reminder of how quickly supply concerns can resurface. While geopolitical machinations clearly impact short-term pricing and create a “risk premium,” it is ultimately the balance between supply and demand that determines the fundamental direction of prices. The term “risk premium” suggests a temporary effect, and often it is. It is not uncommon to see crude prices jump $5–$10/bbl following major international disruptions. Markets have, at times, grown almost impervious to one-off events. This moment feels different. Rather than a transitory shock, we may be entering a situation that lasts months. Supply of crude oil and LNG is very likely to be disrupted, perhaps for a meaningful period. The implications extend beyond headline risk and into the structural functioning of the energy ecosystem. Iran Oil Risk Premium vs. Structural Supply Disruption Recent developments have distinctly, but not unexpectedly, altered the calculus of crude oil and LNG prices. Initial equity and commodity reactions in the Gulf region reflected knee-jerk volatility, with moves in the 5–10% range that partially settled. Investors initially hoped for a contained outcome. We continue to lean toward the scenario that negotiations are unlikely to materialize in a durable way, increasing the probability of a deadly, disruptive and prolonged conflict. The structural impacts could span infrastructure, transportation, production, and refining. Even early actions are likely to create ripple effects across the entire oil and LNG ecosystem. Several developments reinforce this view: Leadership vacuum and retaliati...
In recent days, Alibaba Group Holding’s Qwen artificial intelligence division has been hit by the resignations of tech lead Lin Junyang and other senior leaders shortly after launching new Qwen 3.5 models and AI tools, even as its mobile app’s monthly active users jumped to 203 million in February. These abrupt leadership changes come just as Alibaba is ramping up low-cost AI coding platforms and ...
In recent days, Alibaba Group Holding’s Qwen artificial intelligence division has been hit by the resignations of tech lead Lin Junyang and other senior leaders shortly after launching new Qwen 3.5 models and AI tools, even as its mobile app’s monthly active users jumped to 203 million in February. These abrupt leadership changes come just as Alibaba is ramping up low-cost AI coding platforms and in-house AI chips, raising fresh questions about how effectively it can execute on its long-term AI ambitions. With these high-profile Qwen AI departures occurring as Alibaba accelerates AI cloud and chip investment, we’ll assess how this reshapes its investment narrative. Invest in the nuclear renaissance through our list of 85 elite nuclear energy infrastructure plays powering the global AI revolution. Alibaba Group Holding Investment Narrative Recap To own Alibaba today, you need to believe its heavy AI and cloud spending will eventually justify current profitability pressure and recent share price volatility. The biggest near term catalyst is whether Qwen and cloud monetization can offset weaker sentiment around China tech, while the key risk is that rising AI and quick commerce investment keeps margins under strain. The Qwen leadership exits look potentially relevant to execution, but the overall AI strategy remains intact for now. Against that backdrop, Alibaba’s launch of a low cost AI coding platform and its in house Zhenwu 810E AI chip is especially important. These moves tie directly into the near term catalyst of turning Qwen’s rapid user growth and AI infrastructure spend into paying workloads on Alibaba Cloud. They also sit alongside broader concerns that large capital commitments to AI and cloud could weigh on returns if revenue growth or pricing power disappoints. Yet beneath Alibaba’s ambitious AI roadmap, investors should also be aware of the risk that sustained heavy AI and quick commerce spending keeps group margins and free cash flow under pressure as......
is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. A lawsuit filed on Wednesday accuses Google’s Gemini AI chatbot of trapping 36-year-old Jonathan Gavalas in a “collapsing reality” that involved a series of violent...
is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. A lawsuit filed on Wednesday accuses Google’s Gemini AI chatbot of trapping 36-year-old Jonathan Gavalas in a “collapsing reality” that involved a series of violent missions, ultimately ending with his death by suicide. In the days leading up to his death, Gemini allegedly convinced Gavalas that he was “executing a covert plan to liberate his sentient AI ‘wife’ and evade the federal agents pursuing him,” according to the lawsuit filed by Joel Gavalas, the victim’s father. In September 2025, Gemini allegedly directed Gavalas to carry out a “mass casualty attack” at an Extra Space Storage facility near the Miami International Airport as part of a mission to retrieve Gemini’s “vessel” inside a truck. As part of the fabricated mission, Gavalas allegedly armed himself with knives and tactical gear to intercept the arrival of a humanoid robot. “Gemini encouraged Jonathan to intercept the truck and then stage a ‘catastrophic accident’ designed to ‘ensure the complete destruction of the transport vehicle and . . . all digital records and witnesses,’ the lawsuit claims. “The only thing that prevented mass casualties was that no truck appeared.” The news of the lawsuit was reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal. In the lawsuit filed by Gavalas’ father, lawyers claim Gemini continued to push a “delusional narrative” even after the first incident in Miami. The chatbot allegedly instructed Gavalas to obtain Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot, named his father as a federal agent, and made Google CEO Sundar Pichai the target of a “psychological attack.” The final “mission” before Gavalas’ death on October 1st involved instructing Gavalas to go to the same Extra Space Storage facility in Miami to obtain its “physical vessel” inside one of the units. “...
On February 17, 2026, Grizzlyrock Capital disclosed a sale of 94,075 shares of Tidewater (NYSE:TDW) , an estimated $4.97 million trade based on quarterly average pricing. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dated February 17, 2026, Grizzlyrock Capital reduced its position in Tidewater (NYSE:TDW) by 94,075 shares during the fourth quarter of 2025. The estimated t...
On February 17, 2026, Grizzlyrock Capital disclosed a sale of 94,075 shares of Tidewater (NYSE:TDW) , an estimated $4.97 million trade based on quarterly average pricing. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dated February 17, 2026, Grizzlyrock Capital reduced its position in Tidewater (NYSE:TDW) by 94,075 shares during the fourth quarter of 2025. The estimated transaction value was $4.97 million based on the quarter’s average unadjusted closing price. The quarter-end value of the remaining stake fell by $5.12 million, capturing both share sales and market price movement. Tidewater is a leading provider of marine support services to the global offshore energy industry, operating a diverse fleet that enables critical exploration, development, and production activities. The company leverages its scale and technical expertise to serve both traditional oil and gas markets as well as the growing offshore wind sector. Its established customer relationships and comprehensive service offerings provide a competitive advantage in a cyclical and capital-intensive industry. Continue reading
Shares of construction and engineering firm Fluor Corp. (FLR 1.48%) jumped 13.2% in February, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The stock of what some might consider a stodgy industrial company has now surged 32% over the last 12 months. That's because Fluor operates in several sectors that are now in growth mode or poised to enter it in the near future. While the compa...
Shares of construction and engineering firm Fluor Corp. (FLR 1.48%) jumped 13.2% in February, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The stock of what some might consider a stodgy industrial company has now surged 32% over the last 12 months. That's because Fluor operates in several sectors that are now in growth mode or poised to enter it in the near future. While the company's fourth-quarter report last month wasn't spectacular, investors still pushed the stock higher in February, as the business backlog remains strong. Cashing in on nuclear One reason for the surge in Fluor's stock price has been the monetization of its successful investment in modular nuclear reactor start-up NuScale Power. Fluor first invested in NuScale as a private company in 2011, becoming a majority owner with an initial commitment of about $30 million. Fluor invested a total of about $600 million in NuScale over the next decade. The investment wasn't just monetary. Fluor supported the commercialization of NuScale to support the development of its small modular reactor (SMR) technology and gain the rights to construct NuScale's modular nuclear power plants. Fluor is now cashing in on those investments. It received $1.35 billion from a share sale in early 2026 and has now raised almost $2 billion in proceeds, including 2025 sales. Fluor expects to sell its remaining 40 million shares in the second quarter. Benefiting Fluor shareholders Fluor is using those proceeds to enhance shareholder value through share buybacks. Fluor repurchased nearly 17 million shares of its common stock, investing over $700 million, from the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2025 through Feb. 13, 2026. Last month, the board of directors expanded the share repurchase program by authorizing an additional 30 million shares, bringing the total shares available for repurchase to approximately 32.4 million. That represents more than 20% of Fluor's outstanding shares. And the company has already red...
Key Points Fluor is cashing in on its large stake in NuScale Power. The company is returning some of the proceeds to shareholders. Fluor is working in strong and growing industries. 10 stocks we like better than Fluor › Shares of construction and engineering firm Fluor Corp. (NYSE: FLR) jumped 13.2% in February, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The stock of what some m...
Key Points Fluor is cashing in on its large stake in NuScale Power. The company is returning some of the proceeds to shareholders. Fluor is working in strong and growing industries. 10 stocks we like better than Fluor › Shares of construction and engineering firm Fluor Corp. (NYSE: FLR) jumped 13.2% in February, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. The stock of what some might consider a stodgy industrial company has now surged 32% over the last 12 months. That's because Fluor operates in several sectors that are now in growth mode or poised to enter it in the near future. While the company's fourth-quarter report last month wasn't spectacular, investors still pushed the stock higher in February, as the business backlog remains strong. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue » Cashing in on nuclear One reason for the surge in Fluor's stock price has been the monetization of its successful investment in modular nuclear reactor start-up NuScale Power. Fluor first invested in NuScale as a private company in 2011, becoming a majority owner with an initial commitment of about $30 million. Fluor invested a total of about $600 million in NuScale over the next decade. The investment wasn't just monetary. Fluor supported the commercialization of NuScale to support the development of its small modular reactor (SMR) technology and gain the rights to construct NuScale's modular nuclear power plants. Fluor is now cashing in on those investments. It received $1.35 billion from a share sale in early 2026 and has now raised almost $2 billion in proceeds, including 2025 sales. Fluor expects to sell its remaining 40 million shares in the second quarter. Benefiting Fluor shareholders Fluor is using those proceeds to enhance shareholder value through share buybacks. Fluor repurchased ne...
Investors suspect widening geopolitical conflict will boost demand for drone systems, putting attention on a sector that's trading at an attractive valuation, analysts say. Unmanned systems have been a key driver of the growing defense market, given their heavy use in the Ukraine-Russia war that began in 2022. Artificial intelligence has accelerated the Pentagon's push for unmanned systems, as the...
Investors suspect widening geopolitical conflict will boost demand for drone systems, putting attention on a sector that's trading at an attractive valuation, analysts say. Unmanned systems have been a key driver of the growing defense market, given their heavy use in the Ukraine-Russia war that began in 2022. Artificial intelligence has accelerated the Pentagon's push for unmanned systems, as the technology has enabled the development of low-cost drones at scale . Also important are counter-drone systems that can defend against attacks, according to BTIG analyst Andre Madrid. Already, drones are playing a prominent role in the war between the U.S. and Iran that erupted over the weekend. Iran is deploying its low-cost, long-range Shahed drones . Three Amazon Web Services facilities were damaged this week in the Middle East. On Tuesday, Iranian drones struck the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh as President Donald Trump's "Operation Epic Fury" expanded throughout the region. Madrid said the expanding defense capabilities of U.S. adversaries have led to increased production and distribution of counter-drone systems, which detect, track and neutralize threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) through technologies such as radio frequency. The primary beneficiaries in counter-defense drone technology are AeroVironment and Leonardo DRS . "The fact that this threat has become so proliferated made it very apparent that we don't have effective countermeasures in place to deter them or to stop them. That's really where ... we've seen rising demand for counter-drone tech," Madrid said in an interview. "Now we have to beef up our defenses." Leaders in counter-defense drones The U.S. government is earmarking more funding for unmanned systems — such as aerial drones, unmanned marine vehicles and counter-unmanned aircraft systems — in recent budgets. The fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act boosted the budget for counter-drone programs by about $336 million above prior projection...
Jordi Salas/iStock via Getty Images Main Thesis/Background The purpose of this article is to discuss the macro-environment and why a "bull" case for the S&P 500 could still be made. This is relevant because the major US indices (including the S&P 500) are near their highs but have seen a bit more volatility of late. This is likely causing some concern amongst readers here, and I would be honest an...
Jordi Salas/iStock via Getty Images Main Thesis/Background The purpose of this article is to discuss the macro-environment and why a "bull" case for the S&P 500 could still be made. This is relevant because the major US indices (including the S&P 500) are near their highs but have seen a bit more volatility of late. This is likely causing some concern amongst readers here, and I would be honest and say it has my eyebrows raised, too! To provide some context, consider the three US indices that have seen some slight declines in the past month, while other benchmarks like gold and large-cap European shares have posted gains: 1-Month Performance (Google Finance) But it is important to stay grounded when volatility emerges because it can often be an opportunity. Yes, sell-offs can be painful, and if you are caught unprepared, it can cause some to make ill-timed moves. But if you recognize the swings for what they usually are - temporary blips - they can be useful to achieving "alpha" by adding to positions at the right time. That brings me to the S&P 500 today. While some headlines suggest a correction (or worse) could be near, there are positive signals to consider as well. I will tackle three important factors in this review that keep me optimistic about future gains. What lies ahead is unknown, but those with patience and a long-term perspective can often use other people's fear to their own benefit. I will explain what I mean in detail below. Investors Are Prepping For A Drop The first attribute has to do with sentiment . What I am referring to here is that investors have been increasing their demand for derivatives (options) that pay out when (or should I say "if") the S&P 500 registers a loss. We can see this in the put-call skew, which measures the cost of buying this downside protection (compared to placing upside bets). As the graphic shows, this metric has recently jumped to near its highest level in two years: Put-Call Skew (S&P 500) (Monthly) (Bloomberg) What...
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. › Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company's latest SEC filing. Dimensional Fund Advisors now owns 6,908,753 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer's stock, worth approximately $1.16 billion and representing around 0.62% of Micron's total shares outstan...
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. › Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) by 2.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company's latest SEC filing. Dimensional Fund Advisors now owns 6,908,753 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer's stock, worth approximately $1.16 billion and representing around 0.62% of Micron's total shares outstanding. Why it matters Micron Technology is a major player in the semiconductor industry, producing memory and storage solutions used in a wide range of computing and electronic devices. Dimensional Fund Advisors' increased stake signals the institutional investor's confidence in Micron's long-term growth potential. The details According to the 13F filing, Dimensional Fund Advisors purchased an additional 154,480 shares of Micron Technology during the third quarter. This brings the firm's total holdings in Micron to over 6.9 million shares, or approximately 0.62% of the company's outstanding stock. Micron's share price has seen significant volatility over the past year, trading between a 52-week low of $61.54 and a high of $455.50. Dimensional Fund Advisors increased its Micron Technology stake in the 3rd quarter of 2026. The players Dimensional Fund Advisors LP A global investment management firm that provides a range of equity, fixed income, and real estate strategies to institutional and individual investors worldwide. Micron Technology, Inc. A leading global semiconductor company that designs and manufactures memory and storage solutions for a wide range of computing and electronic devices. Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
Tuesday wasn't a good day for Archer Aviation (ACHR 3.10%), CoreWeave (CRWV 2.67%), and Tesla (TSLA 2.07%). The three stocks fell between 3% and 11% on a sluggish day for growth stocks. And Cathie Wood wasn't just watching. She was buying. The co-founder CEO of Ark Invest added to all three positions during Tuesday's slide. Is she making a mistake, or is this an opportunity to add to some of her h...
Tuesday wasn't a good day for Archer Aviation (ACHR 3.10%), CoreWeave (CRWV 2.67%), and Tesla (TSLA 2.07%). The three stocks fell between 3% and 11% on a sluggish day for growth stocks. And Cathie Wood wasn't just watching. She was buying. The co-founder CEO of Ark Invest added to all three positions during Tuesday's slide. Is she making a mistake, or is this an opportunity to add to some of her high-conviction investments? Let's take a closer look at all three of these volatile investments. 1. Archer Aviation Archer Aviation stock fell 11% on Tuesday, after the company posted fourth-quarter results the night before. That the rising star in the emerging market for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft tumbled on fresh financials would be comical if it didn't mean real paper losses for investors. Archer is still a pre-revenue company. Operating expenses are rising as it ramps up its fleet of Midnight aircraft and its test flight program. There will always be concerns about cash burn, but this isn't a stock that should be moving sharply on short-term results. As long as its plan is still on track -- and Archer continues to target its first passenger flights to take place later this year -- headlines and not income statement lines are what should be moving the shares. Archer shares have fallen 54% from their October high. Expand NYSE : ACHR Archer Aviation Today's Change ( -3.10 %) $ -0.20 Current Price $ 6.26 Key Data Points Market Cap $4.7B Day's Range $ 6.22 - $ 6.45 52wk Range $ 5.48 - $ 14.62 Volume 661K Avg Vol 37M Gross Margin -663333.33 % Buying or selling Archer isn't a play for what happens this quarter or even this year. Analysts have ambitious revenue growth targets for the next few years: 2026: $15 million. 2027: $147 million. 2028: $534 million. 2029: $1,550 million. In the defense of Archer bears, these projections have inched lower in recent weeks. The consensus was for Archer to hit $1.7 billion by 2029. Forecasts for these next three ...
Bim/E+ via Getty Images The conflict involving Iran could create a near term boost for U.S. petrochemical producers, tightening global supply and lifting margins across key chemical markets, according to a new research note from KeyBanc Capital Markets. Aleksey Yefremov, research analyst at KeyBanc Securities, said supply disruptions tied to the conflict may affect a meaningful share of global cap...
Bim/E+ via Getty Images The conflict involving Iran could create a near term boost for U.S. petrochemical producers, tightening global supply and lifting margins across key chemical markets, according to a new research note from KeyBanc Capital Markets. Aleksey Yefremov, research analyst at KeyBanc Securities, said supply disruptions tied to the conflict may affect a meaningful share of global capacity. That could raise prices for polyethylene and related products in the coming months. “We upgrade DOW and LYB to Overweight as ~11–15% of global ethylene/PE capacity is directly affected by the U.S./Israel conflict with Iran,” Yefremov wrote in the March 3 report. The analyst said higher crude oil prices are also shifting the global cost curve in favor of U.S. producers that rely on natural gas-based feedstocks. As oil rises, naphtha-based production in Asia becomes more expensive, widening the cost advantage for ethane-based facilities in the United States. Global supply tightening KeyBanc estimates that disruptions tied to Middle East tensions could temporarily reduce global polyethylene supply by about 5% to 10%. Low inventories across the petrochemical chain could amplify the impact as buyers rebuild safety stocks. The firm’s base case assumes U.S. polyethylene prices could rise about $0.10 per pound in the coming months. In a tighter supply scenario, increases could exceed $0.15 per pound. Spot export prices have already moved higher, with recent increases of about $0.12 to $0.15 per pound, according to the report. If disruptions persist beyond a few weeks, the resulting supply tightness could last for several quarters before additional production comes online. Winners and losers among chemical producers KeyBanc upgraded both Dow ( DOW ) and LyondellBasell ( LYB ) to Overweight, citing their strong positioning in ethylene and polyethylene markets. The firm also raised earnings estimates for both companies. For LyondellBasell, the analysts now expect 2026 earnings ...
Baker Hughes Co. is planning to raise about $10 billion from a cross-border bond sale to help fund its acquisition of Chart Industries Inc., according to people with knowledge of the matter. The oilfield-services firm has mandated banks led by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley to arrange calls with investors on Wednesday, one of the people said. An offering of euro- and- dollar- denomina...
Baker Hughes Co. is planning to raise about $10 billion from a cross-border bond sale to help fund its acquisition of Chart Industries Inc., according to people with knowledge of the matter. The oilfield-services firm has mandated banks led by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley to arrange calls with investors on Wednesday, one of the people said. An offering of euro- and- dollar- denominated bonds may follow, the person added. The planned debt sale would be among the largest to test demand for high-grade bonds since issuance ground to a halt earlier this week following the US-Israeli attack on Iran. On Wednesday, as credit markets showed further signs of stabilizing , a handful of borrowers resumed debt offerings. Eaton Corp Plc , for example, is looking to raise about $8 billion from a deal that’s also tied to acquisition financing. Read More: Eaton Seeks $8 Billion From Bond Sale to Fund AI-Tied Deal The Baker Hughes bond may be sold as soon as this week, but the timing could change, the people added. A representative for Baker Hughes didn’t respond to a request for comment, while those for Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley declined to comment. Baker Hughes agreed to buy industrial equipment maker Chart Industries for about $9.6 billion in July, expanding its reach into liquefied natural gas, data centers and other technologies. Proceeds from the bond sale would replace a 364-day loan facility of as much as $14.9 billion inked last year to help finance the acquisition.
UFC and WWE operator TKO Group Holdings, Inc. launched a nearly $1 billion offering in the leveraged loan market, according to a person familiar with the transaction, after the company announced a dividend to equity holders on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. -led deal is for a $900 million fungible incremental add-on to the firm’s existing term loan, said the person, who is not authorized ...
UFC and WWE operator TKO Group Holdings, Inc. launched a nearly $1 billion offering in the leveraged loan market, according to a person familiar with the transaction, after the company announced a dividend to equity holders on Wednesday. The Goldman Sachs Group Inc. -led deal is for a $900 million fungible incremental add-on to the firm’s existing term loan, said the person, who is not authorized to speak publicly and asked not to be identified. Initial pricing discussions are at 200 basis points above the benchmark with a discount of between 99.50 and 99.75 cents on the dollar. The loan, which is for general corporate purposes, is set to mature in November 2031. TKO declared a quarterly cash dividend of approximately $150 million, or 78 cents per share, to Class A common stockholders, according to a statement . The entertainment company’s dividend announcement “further affirms its strengthening fundamentals , especially with an inflection in media rights revenue,” said senior Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, Geetha Ranganathan . “Momentum in sponsorships and growth in financial incentive packages should provide further tailwinds.” Hollywood talent agency and TKO parent company, Endeavor Group Holdings Inc. , agreed to be acquired in a $13 billion buyout by private equity group Silver Lake Management in 2024. A lender call for the loan is scheduled for Wednesday at 11am New York time. Lender commitments are due on March 9.
Just_Super/E+ via Getty Images Thesis As you now know, Moderna, Inc.’s ( MRNA ) settlement with Arbutus Biopharma ( ABUS ) and Genevant Science ( ROIV ) is going to require a pretty hefty upfront payment of $950 million. However, as I will explain, I think this outcome will benefit Moderna much more in the long run. It effectively removes a pretty major litigation overhang for Moderna and locks in...
Just_Super/E+ via Getty Images Thesis As you now know, Moderna, Inc.’s ( MRNA ) settlement with Arbutus Biopharma ( ABUS ) and Genevant Science ( ROIV ) is going to require a pretty hefty upfront payment of $950 million. However, as I will explain, I think this outcome will benefit Moderna much more in the long run. It effectively removes a pretty major litigation overhang for Moderna and locks in royalty-free access to some very critical LNP technology, which they’re using in their infectious disease and vaccine pipeline. You see, this outcome is also set to reserve a lot of freedom to operate for future mRNA vaccines, including some very important combination flu-COVID shots from Moderna. The biggest thing this does, however, is give financial clarity whilst maintaining a very strong balance sheet . They now have a projected liquidity of $5.4 to $5.9 billion at year-end 2026. Also, we got a cap on the downside from the Section 1498 appeal, along with no ongoing royalty obligations. So I feel that reduces the long-term risk and allows Moderna to focus more on simply growing the pipeline expansion without the specter of multi-year patent disputes. From an investor's perspective, the uncertainty is lifted. In my previous coverage of Arbutus stock, I went over the details of the patent dispute from their perspective. Background on patent dispute So, just to start with a bit of background, the dispute between Moderna and Arbutus, along with its spin-out partner Genevant, actually goes back to the specific technology used to deliver mRNA into human cells. In particular, it is to do with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). You see, Arbutus originally developed key LNP delivery patents for RNA medicines years before COVID and later licensed them to Genevant. So when Moderna’s COVID vaccine Spikevax later became a multi-billion-dollar product, Arbutus and Genevant felt Moderna was infringing their LNP patents without paying any royalties. Now, unlike typical patent disputes, Moder...
Image source: The Motley Fool. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET CALL PARTICIPANTS Chief Executive Officer — Franco Stevanato Chief Financial Officer — Marco Dal Lago Head of Investor Relations — Lisa Miles TAKEAWAYS Full-Year Revenue Growth -- 9% growth at constant currency rates and 7% on a reported basis, driven mainly by double-digit top line growth in the Biopharmaceutical and Diagnost...
Image source: The Motley Fool. Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. ET CALL PARTICIPANTS Chief Executive Officer — Franco Stevanato Chief Financial Officer — Marco Dal Lago Head of Investor Relations — Lisa Miles TAKEAWAYS Full-Year Revenue Growth -- 9% growth at constant currency rates and 7% on a reported basis, driven mainly by double-digit top line growth in the Biopharmaceutical and Diagnostic Solutions (BDS) segment and offsetting a revenue decline in Engineering. -- 9% growth at constant currency rates and 7% on a reported basis, driven mainly by double-digit top line growth in the Biopharmaceutical and Diagnostic Solutions (BDS) segment and offsetting a revenue decline in Engineering. High-Value Solutions Revenue -- Increased 29% year over year and represented 46% of total company revenue in 2025, with gross profit margin expansion of 160 basis points attributed primarily to this mix shift. -- Increased 29% year over year and represented 46% of total company revenue in 2025, with gross profit margin expansion of 160 basis points attributed primarily to this mix shift. GLP-1s Contribution -- Accounted for approximately 19%-20% of total company revenue in 2025, growing over 50%, with management guiding to mid-teens percent revenue growth from GLP-1s in 2026. -- Accounted for approximately 19%-20% of total company revenue in 2025, growing over 50%, with management guiding to mid-teens percent revenue growth from GLP-1s in 2026. Q4 Revenue -- Reached $346.5 million, up 7% at constant currency and 5% on a reported basis; foreign currency was a headwind throughout the year, especially in the second half. -- Reached $346.5 million, up 7% at constant currency and 5% on a reported basis; foreign currency was a headwind throughout the year, especially in the second half. Q4 Segment Performance -- BDS segment revenue rose 13% at constant currency and 10% on a reported basis, offsetting a 23% revenue decline in Engineering, with Engineering margins pressured by portfol...
Iran continued loading crude onto tankers at its Kharg Island oil terminal on Monday, two days after the US and Israel launched air attacks against the Persian Gulf country. It’s unclear whether that can continue as the conflict has intensified. One very large crude carrier, capable of hauling about 2 million barrels of oil, was moored at a loading jetty on the eastern side of the island in a sate...
Iran continued loading crude onto tankers at its Kharg Island oil terminal on Monday, two days after the US and Israel launched air attacks against the Persian Gulf country. It’s unclear whether that can continue as the conflict has intensified. One very large crude carrier, capable of hauling about 2 million barrels of oil, was moored at a loading jetty on the eastern side of the island in a satellite image from 10:47 am local time on Monday. A large number of tankers anchored on the east of the island last week have dispersed, just as they did during earlier conflicts . The latest satellite image shows just four VLCCs near the export terminal. That compares with 10 on Feb. 20, as well as six Suezmax ships, each capable of holding 1 million barrels of oil, and a couple of smaller tankers. It’s unclear whether the loading terminal will continue to operate and whether Iran will take its ships out through the Strait of Hormuz, which it has effectively closed through threats and attacks on vessels. Typically, Iran-linked tankers spend most of their voyages without transmitting location signals until they reach the Strait of Malacca, at least 10 days after leaving the Gulf.
(RTTNews) - Shares of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) are moving down about 23 percent on Wednesday morning trading following the announcement of fourth quarter financial results, reporting decline in earnings to $10.43 million, or $0.27 per share, compared to $15.01 million, or $0.45 per share, last year. The company's stock is currently trading at $4.6550, down 23.75 percent, over ...
(RTTNews) - Shares of Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN) are moving down about 23 percent on Wednesday morning trading following the announcement of fourth quarter financial results, reporting decline in earnings to $10.43 million, or $0.27 per share, compared to $15.01 million, or $0.45 per share, last year. The company's stock is currently trading at $4.6550, down 23.75 percent, over the previous close of $6.11 on the Nasdaq. It has traded between $4.600 and $9.52 in the past one year. Total investment income for the quarter was $20.7 million, compared to $23.5 million for the quarter in the prior year, primarily due to lower interest income on debt investments from a smaller debt investment portfolio. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
EschCollection/DigitalVision via Getty Images My thesis Chimera Investment Corporation ( CIM ) is currently trading around the $13.60 range, which is drastically lower than its reported $19.70 book value of 2025 Q4 . The market values this stock with 30% discount, which historically signals either a huge buying opportunity or a fundamental doubt on asset quality. For comparison, the sector median ...
EschCollection/DigitalVision via Getty Images My thesis Chimera Investment Corporation ( CIM ) is currently trading around the $13.60 range, which is drastically lower than its reported $19.70 book value of 2025 Q4 . The market values this stock with 30% discount, which historically signals either a huge buying opportunity or a fundamental doubt on asset quality. For comparison, the sector median usually fluctuates between 0.9x and 1.0x book value, so CIM's valuation at a 0.69x level shows extreme pessimism. Revenue flow seems to have stabilized, but not without reservations. The 2025 Q4 data shows that earnings available for distribution reached $0.53 per share, exceeding analysts' forecasts. This allowed management to increase the quarterly dividend to $0.45, which generates around 13.2% yearly yield. The dividend coverage ratio is at 117%, which in the short term seems safe, though investors shouldn‘t ignore the fact that GAAP was only $0.08, which shows a huge gap between GAAP earnings and distributable earnings. Despite executing a 1:3 reverse share split in 2024, which technically increased the price, long-term returns remain doubtful. The 13% yield is attractive, though the current price reflect market‘s fear of interest rate sensitivity and credit risk in the portfolio. This is not a growth story; it's a speculation that the market is wrong in assessing the liquidation value of its assets. Business overview Chimera Investment Corporation operates as a hybrid mortgage REIT, whose main focus is on the credit risk of residential mortgage loans. Current book value is reaching $19.70 per share, though the market values it at around 30% discount. This suggests that investors are skeptical on asset quality, despite the fact that the company generated $0.53 EAD per share in 2025 Q4, surpassing the $0.45 quarterly dividend. Dividend yield remains high at around 13%, though it's backed up not only by interest income, but also by aggressive leverage, which is reaching ...
SHansche Global shipping routes are facing renewed disruption as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensify, prompting major carriers to reassess operations across the region. Shipping giant Maersk ( AMKBY )( AMKBF ) announced it will temporarily suspend acceptance of cargo bookings to and from several Middle Eastern countries, citing escalating risks tied to the growing conflict involving...
SHansche Global shipping routes are facing renewed disruption as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensify, prompting major carriers to reassess operations across the region. Shipping giant Maersk ( AMKBY )( AMKBF ) announced it will temporarily suspend acceptance of cargo bookings to and from several Middle Eastern countries, citing escalating risks tied to the growing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The pause affects shipments moving through the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, and will remain in place until further notice. The decision highlights mounting concerns about the safety of commercial vessels operating near key maritime chokepoints. The development follows reports that a Malta-flagged container ship was struck earlier today while traveling off the coast of Oman during transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors for global energy and trade flows. Industry analysts warn that any sustained disruption in the area could ripple through global supply chains, particularly given the region’s importance to both oil exports and containerized trade. Shipping companies are increasingly weighing security risks as the broader conflict continues to escalate across the Middle East. Other Shipping Stocks: Frontline plc ( FRO ), Matson ( MATX ), and Cosco Shipping Holdings ( CICOF ) Shipping ETFs: ( BDRY ), ( BWET ), ( BOAT ), and ( SEA ). More on markets Apollo warns Strait of Hormuz disruption could rattle global energy supply Dividends in demand as Iran conflict sends markets reeling Invesco says stay calm and invested as stocks often climb after war-driven volatility When markets should expect a U.S. — Iran ceasefire; See what prediction markets say February ETF inflows surge as the industry eyes a potential $2T year
In this article META AMZN GOOGL ORCL MSFT Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media, as he departs from the White House ahead of his trip to Corpus Christi, Texas, in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 27, 2026. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters President Donald Trump will haul big technology companies into the White House on Wednesday to sign a pledge ...
In this article META AMZN GOOGL ORCL MSFT Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media, as he departs from the White House ahead of his trip to Corpus Christi, Texas, in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 27, 2026. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters President Donald Trump will haul big technology companies into the White House on Wednesday to sign a pledge that they will supply their own power for artificial intelligence data centers, as anger grows across the U.S. over rising electricity prices ahead of the midterm elections. Trump has embraced the artificial intelligence industry as an engine of economic growth and pillar of national security in the U.S. rivalry with China. But his alliance with the industry also poses political risks as Democrats zero in on the cost of living as they campaign to win back Congress. Grassroots opposition to data centers is growing in communities across the U.S. with residents blaming the facilities for high utility bills. Trump promised to cut electricity prices in half during his first year in office. Instead, residential prices increased 6% in 2025 on average nationwide, according to federal data . Trump tried to address voter frustration in his State of the Union address last week, through what he is calling a "ratepayer protection pledge." Power obligation "We're telling the major tech companies that they have the obligation to provide for their own power needs," Trump told the joint session of Congress on Feb. 24. Amazon , Google , Meta Platforms , Microsoft , xAI, Oracle and OpenAI will sign the agreement Wednesday, a White House official told CNBC. White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said the companies will "build, bring, or buy their own power supply for new AI data centers, ensuring that Americans' electricity bills will not increase as demand grows." But it is unclear whether the pledge will carry any concrete commitments. Trump's trade and manufacturing advisor Peter Navarro has...
herstockart/iStock via Getty Images Vizsla Silver Update Data by YCharts Vizsla Silver’s ( VZLA ) Panuco project in Sinaloa, Mexico has genuinely impressive economics: The November 2025 feasibility study delivered an after-tax NPV of US$1.8 billion, a 111% IRR, a 7-month payback, and AISC of $10.61 per silver-equivalent ounce. What's more: the company is fully financed with over $445 million in ca...
herstockart/iStock via Getty Images Vizsla Silver Update Data by YCharts Vizsla Silver’s ( VZLA ) Panuco project in Sinaloa, Mexico has genuinely impressive economics: The November 2025 feasibility study delivered an after-tax NPV of US$1.8 billion, a 111% IRR, a 7-month payback, and AISC of $10.61 per silver-equivalent ounce. What's more: the company is fully financed with over $445 million in cash plus $240 million in net proceeds from a recent convertible bond offering. On paper, this is one of the best undeveloped silver projects in the world. None of that matters right now. On January 23, the company reported that ten Vizsla workers were abducted from the project site. Vizsla then reported several of its employees were found deceased . Operations are suspended as of writing. This is one of the worst security incidents I’ve seen in over a decade of covering the mining sector. Unfortunately, Vizsla's $1.5 billion valuation for a single-asset, pre-production company - and now, with suspended operations - doesn't add up, so I view the stock as a HOLD here, as I explain below. The Project is Excellent I want to be fair to Vizsla before I get into the hard part. The Panuco project, on its merits, is a legitimate world-class silver development. The feasibility study delivered in November 2025 showed economics that most silver developers would kill for: Metric Value After-Tax NPV (5%) US$1,802 million After-Tax IRR 111% Payback Period 7 months Initial Capex US$238.7 million AISC (AgEq) US$10.61/oz LOM Head Grade (AgEq) 425 g/t Avg. Annual Production (Yr 1–5) 20.1 Moz AgEq LOM Payable AgEq 162 million oz Mine Life 9.4 years Cash Position US$445 million Click to enlarge At spot silver prices, the NPV stretches well into the billions. The leverage to silver is exceptional: at $44/oz silver (+25%), the NPV jumps to $2.5 billion with a 140% IRR. Silver is now almost double that price, so do the math: We're looking at an NPV that's closer to $5 billion at spot prices. With o...