Social Security Payment Adjustment Predicted To Be 2.8 Percent In 2027, Group Says Authored by Jack Phillips via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), A seniors group said it is forecasting the cost-of-living adjustment for next year’s Social Security payments to remain steady at 2.8 percent as U.S. officials released the latest consumer inflation data on Wednesday. Blank Social Security checks are run...
Social Security Payment Adjustment Predicted To Be 2.8 Percent In 2027, Group Says Authored by Jack Phillips via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), A seniors group said it is forecasting the cost-of-living adjustment for next year’s Social Security payments to remain steady at 2.8 percent as U.S. officials released the latest consumer inflation data on Wednesday. Blank Social Security checks are run through a printer at the U.S. Treasury printing facility in Philadelphia, Pa., on Feb. 11, 2005. William Thomas Cain/Getty Images The Senior Citizens League on Wednesday released its forecast adjustment for 2027’s Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. “ That would be the exact same as last year’s COLA of 2.8 percent, a far cry from the 8.7 percent COLA issued in 2023 to help benefits keep pace with pandemic-related inflation, which seniors continue to see as a top issue,” the group said, according to a news release. Government inflation data for the months of July, August, and September compiled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is used by the agency to produce the COLA for the next year’s payments. The SSA usually announces the COLA in October following the release of September’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data. Last month, the group also predicted a 2.8 percent COLA for next year’s payments, which would be the same as the COLA that went into effect for 2026. The seniors league said that with “lagging COLAs and Social Security’s funding creeping into dangerous territory,” it has found that many seniors have “lost faith in Congress” to act on the program . It also said it found that three in four seniors don’t believe Congress will be able to act on reports saying that Social Security will go insolvent by the early 2030s. “Even before potential benefit cuts, most seniors think their benefits are falling behind inflation,” the league said Wednesday, citing its own research. Some 58 percent of seniors think inflation will increase their s...
Get a jump start on the US trading day with Matt Miller and Dani Burger on "Bloomberg Open Interest." Iran escalates the war, threatening to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and open new fronts if US and Israeli strikes continue, rattling global energy markets. Meanwhile, cracks in private credit widen, with fresh warnings of 2008-style risks. Retail earnings from Dick’s and Dollar General reveal ...
Get a jump start on the US trading day with Matt Miller and Dani Burger on "Bloomberg Open Interest." Iran escalates the war, threatening to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and open new fronts if US and Israeli strikes continue, rattling global energy markets. Meanwhile, cracks in private credit widen, with fresh warnings of 2008-style risks. Retail earnings from Dick’s and Dollar General reveal how strained consumers really are. Plus, exclusive CEO insights: Mattel’s Ynon Kreiz says the toy industry is strong and healthy, despite tariffs and rising oil prices, Ardian’s Mark Benedetti says it isn't yet 2008 for private credit, but warns of more defaults to come. And Vista’s Miguel Galuccio gives us an inside look at Argentina’s shale surge, and Michael Dell joins the show with Energy’s Dario Gil on AI’s next frontier. (Source: Bloomberg)
On February 17, 2026, Caspian Capital disclosed a new position in Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO +0.64%), acquiring 9,275,000 shares in the fourth quarter. The estimated transaction value is approximately $20.50 million based on quarter-end pricing. What happened According to a February 17, 2026, SEC filing, Caspian Capital acquired 9,275,000 shares of Clear Channel Outdoor during the fourth quarter, ...
On February 17, 2026, Caspian Capital disclosed a new position in Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO +0.64%), acquiring 9,275,000 shares in the fourth quarter. The estimated transaction value is approximately $20.50 million based on quarter-end pricing. What happened According to a February 17, 2026, SEC filing, Caspian Capital acquired 9,275,000 shares of Clear Channel Outdoor during the fourth quarter, establishing a new position. The quarter-end position value totaled $20.50 million. What else to know This new position in Clear Channel Outdoor represents 13.56% of Caspian Capital’s reportable U.S. equities at quarter end. Top holdings after the filing: NYSE: BLCO: $34.14 million (22.6% of AUM) NASDAQ: FIP: $24.02 million (15.9% of AUM) NASDAQ: FTAI: $21.94 million (14.5% of AUM) NYSE: CCO: $20.50 million (13.6% of AUM) NYSE: PACS: $14.63 million (9.7% of AUM) As of Thursday, shares of Clear Channel Outdoor were priced at $2.38, up 100% over the past year and vastly outperforming the S&P 500’s roughly 20% gain in the same period. Company overview Metric Value Revenue (TTM) $1.6 billion Net Income (TTM) $19.9 million Price (as of Thursday) $2.38 One-Year Price Change 99.6% Company snapshot Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings offers a broad portfolio of advertising displays, including billboards, transit and street furniture displays, spectaculars, and wallscapes, with operations across the Americas and Europe. The firm generates revenue primarily by selling outdoor advertising space to businesses and agencies, leveraging both traditional and digital formats to maximize audience reach. It serves advertisers ranging from local businesses to multinational corporations seeking high-visibility out-of-home marketing solutions in urban and transit environments. Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. is a leading provider of out-of-home advertising solutions, operating advertising displays in the Americas and Europe. The company employs a diversified strategy across multiple display form...
Sandisk SNDK has delivered a stunning run. SNDK shares have surged 206.1% over the past three months and 1,194.2% over the past year, significantly higher than gains in the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the Zacks Computer-Storage Devices industry over the same periods. Sandisk shares have also outperformed peers, including Western Digital WDC, Silicon Motion Technology SIMO and ...
Sandisk SNDK has delivered a stunning run. SNDK shares have surged 206.1% over the past three months and 1,194.2% over the past year, significantly higher than gains in the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector and the Zacks Computer-Storage Devices industry over the same periods. Sandisk shares have also outperformed peers, including Western Digital WDC, Silicon Motion Technology SIMO and Seagate STX in the trailing 12-month period. Shares of Western Digital, Silicon Motion Technology and Seagate have returned 529.7%, 342% and 131.6%, respectively. SNDK Stock’s Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research However, the ongoing acceleration in SNDK shares is forcing investors to rethink timing. When a stock moves this far this fast, the next question becomes less about whether the story is real and more about what is already priced in. What keeps SNDK on the radar is that the operating backdrop is also shifting. AI-driven storage demand is pushing NAND market conditions in a direction that supports firmer pricing and a richer product mix. SNDK Offers Positive Q3 Guidance For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, Sandisk guides revenues between $4.4 billion and $4.8 billion. Management also expects the market to be more undersupplied than in the fiscal second quarter. Profitability expectations are even more notable. Gross margin is projected at 65% to 67%, and non-GAAP operating expenses are expected to normalize between $450 million and $470 million. Non-GAAP earnings are expected between $12.00 and $14.00 per share. Consensus Estimate Trend Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The operational driver management emphasizes is the enterprise solid-state drive (SSD) ramp. Enterprise SSD revenue jumped 64% sequentially in the second quarter of fiscal 2026. Sandisk expects a substantial sequential step-up again in the third quarter, with further acceleration anticipated in the second half. Sandisk’s Capital Discipline Bodes Well for Investors Financial flexi...
On 3/16/26, Public Storage's 4.0% Depositary Shares Cumulative Preferred Shares Ser R (Symbol: PSA.PRR) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.25, payable on 3/31/26. As a percentage of PSA.PRR's recent share price of $16.05, this dividend works out to approximately 1.56%, so look for shares of PSA.PRR to trade 1.56% lower — all else being equal — when PSA.PRR shares open for tra...
On 3/16/26, Public Storage's 4.0% Depositary Shares Cumulative Preferred Shares Ser R (Symbol: PSA.PRR) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.25, payable on 3/31/26. As a percentage of PSA.PRR's recent share price of $16.05, this dividend works out to approximately 1.56%, so look for shares of PSA.PRR to trade 1.56% lower — all else being equal — when PSA.PRR shares open for trading on 3/16/26. On an annualized basis, the current yield is approximately 6.21%, which compares to an average yield of 8.08% in the "Real Estate" preferred stock category, according to Preferred Stock Channel . The chart below shows the one year performance of PSA.PRR shares, versus PSA: Below is a dividend history chart for PSA.PRR, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent $0.25 on Public Storage's 4.0% Depositary Shares Cumulative Preferred Shares Ser R: According to the ETF Finder at ETF Channel, Public Storage (Symbol: PSA) makes up 15.50% of the Pacer Industrial Real Estate ETF (INDS) which is trading lower by about 0.8% on the day Thursday. (see other ETFs holding PSA). In Thursday trading, Public Storage's 4.0% Depositary Shares Cumulative Preferred Shares Ser R (Symbol: PSA.PRR) is currently down about 0.2% on the day, while the common shares (Symbol: PSA) are off about 1.1%. Click here to learn which S.A.F.E. dividend stocks also have preferred shares that should be on your radar screen » Also see: The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
On 3/16/26, Hecla Mining Co's $3.50 Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Symbol: HL.PRB) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.875, payable on 4/1/26. As a percentage of HL.PRB's recent share price of $72.90, this dividend works out to approximately 1.20%, so look for shares of HL.PRB to trade 1.20% lower — all else being equal — when HL.PRB shares open for trading o...
On 3/16/26, Hecla Mining Co's $3.50 Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Symbol: HL.PRB) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.875, payable on 4/1/26. As a percentage of HL.PRB's recent share price of $72.90, this dividend works out to approximately 1.20%, so look for shares of HL.PRB to trade 1.20% lower — all else being equal — when HL.PRB shares open for trading on 3/16/26. On an annualized basis, the current yield is approximately 4.80%, which compares to an average yield of 4.27% in the "Metals & Mining" preferred stock category, according to Preferred Stock Channel . The chart below shows the one year performance of HL.PRB shares, versus HL: Below is a dividend history chart for HL.PRB, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent $0.875 on Hecla Mining Co's $3.50 Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock: According to the ETF Finder at ETF Channel, Hecla Mining Co (Symbol: HL) makes up 8.86% of the Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) which is trading lower by about 2% on the day Thursday. (see other ETFs holding HL). In Thursday trading, Hecla Mining Co's $3.50 Series B Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (Symbol: HL.PRB) is currently off about 2.4% on the day, while the common shares (Symbol: HL) are down about 2.2%. Click here to learn which S.A.F.E. dividend stocks also have preferred shares that should be on your radar screen » Also see: The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
On 3/16/26, Midland States Bancorp Inc's Reset Rate Non-Cumul Preferred Series A (Symbol: MSBIP) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.4844, payable on 3/30/26. As a percentage of MSBIP's recent share price of $25.43, this dividend works out to approximately 1.90%, so look for shares of MSBIP to trade 1.90% lower — all else being equal — when MSBIP shares open for trading on 3/1...
On 3/16/26, Midland States Bancorp Inc's Reset Rate Non-Cumul Preferred Series A (Symbol: MSBIP) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.4844, payable on 3/30/26. As a percentage of MSBIP's recent share price of $25.43, this dividend works out to approximately 1.90%, so look for shares of MSBIP to trade 1.90% lower — all else being equal — when MSBIP shares open for trading on 3/16/26. On an annualized basis, the current yield is approximately 7.65%, which compares to an average yield of 6.54% in the "Financial" preferred stock category, according to Preferred Stock Channel . The chart below shows the one year performance of MSBIP shares, versus MSBI: Below is a dividend history chart for MSBIP, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent $0.4844 on Midland States Bancorp Inc's Reset Rate Non-Cumul Preferred Series A: In Thursday trading, Midland States Bancorp Inc's Reset Rate Non-Cumul Preferred Series A (Symbol: MSBIP) is currently up about 0.4% on the day, while the common shares (Symbol: MSBI) are off about 1.2%. Click here to learn which S.A.F.E. dividend stocks also have preferred shares that should be on your radar screen » Also see: The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
On 3/16/26, Jackson Financial Inc's Dep Shares Reset Rate Series A Preferred Stock (Symbol: JXN.PRA) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.50, payable on 3/30/26. As a percentage of JXN.PRA's recent share price of $26.00, this dividend works out to approximately 1.92%, so look for shares of JXN.PRA to trade 1.92% lower — all else being equal — when JXN.PRA shares open for tradin...
On 3/16/26, Jackson Financial Inc's Dep Shares Reset Rate Series A Preferred Stock (Symbol: JXN.PRA) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.50, payable on 3/30/26. As a percentage of JXN.PRA's recent share price of $26.00, this dividend works out to approximately 1.92%, so look for shares of JXN.PRA to trade 1.92% lower — all else being equal — when JXN.PRA shares open for trading on 3/16/26. On an annualized basis, the current yield is approximately 7.74%, which compares to an average yield of 6.54% in the "Financial" preferred stock category, according to Preferred Stock Channel . The chart below shows the one year performance of JXN.PRA shares, versus JXN: Below is a dividend history chart for JXN.PRA, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent $0.50 on Jackson Financial Inc's Dep Shares Reset Rate Series A Preferred Stock: According to the ETF Finder at ETF Channel, Jackson Financial Inc (Symbol: JXN) makes up 3.70% of the Miller Value Partners Appreciation ETF (MVPA) which is trading lower by about 1.8% on the day Thursday. (see other ETFs holding JXN). In Thursday trading, Jackson Financial Inc's Dep Shares Reset Rate Series A Preferred Stock (Symbol: JXN.PRA) is currently up about 0.6% on the day, while the common shares (Symbol: JXN) are off about 2.6%. Click here to learn which S.A.F.E. dividend stocks also have preferred shares that should be on your radar screen » Also see: The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Deejpilot/E+ via Getty Images The wind always blows, but with artificial intelligence, the current is ever shifting and fracturing. Will an AI bubble pop? Is AI nothing but smoke and mirrors? Will AI usher in a new epoch? Could AI solve the world’s myriad problems? Maybe, possibly, nobody knows. If anyone does know, they’re likely in an inner circle that retail investors aren’t privy to. That said...
Deejpilot/E+ via Getty Images The wind always blows, but with artificial intelligence, the current is ever shifting and fracturing. Will an AI bubble pop? Is AI nothing but smoke and mirrors? Will AI usher in a new epoch? Could AI solve the world’s myriad problems? Maybe, possibly, nobody knows. If anyone does know, they’re likely in an inner circle that retail investors aren’t privy to. That said, investors can watch for secondary signals, and I believe Singapore offers one of the best opportunities to do so. Singapore is becoming a leader in AI adoption, and the city-state’s highly competent government is putting its full weight behind AI initiatives. I’ve covered the iShares MSCI Singapore ETF ( EWS ) before and rated it a Buy back in July 2025. EWS enjoyed strong gains for a while before cooling off. It was on the rise once again before the war with Iran kicked off. The ETF cooled from about $29.5 to $27 but has started to tick upward again. Amid the intensifying Iran conflict, as a trading hub and city-state, Singapore is in a particularly vulnerable position in many ways. As global tradewinds go, so too will Singapore. I believe the price decline right now is temporary and largely due to the war with Iran. However, I also suspect that conditions will get worse before they get better, but at the same time, I don’t expect the war to continue for an overly prolonged period of time. Anyway, I rate Singapore a Buy and believe that AI will deliver substantial productivity gains, which will bolster Singaporean companies. I also believe that if AI does supercharge the economy and productivity in Singapore, other countries will be able to find similar success, fueling increasing adoption, which in turn will propel the AI industry as a whole. If Singapore struggles to substantially boost productivity, it could suggest that AI is smoke and mirrors, or at the very least, not ready to change the world. Singapore’s small size, high adoption rate, and effective governance ma...
This tale of a Chicago school book ban was inspired by true events Ten Speed Graphic There's a famous scene in Betty Smith's bestselling coming-of-age novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in which Smith describes the relationship her protagonist, 11-year-old Francie Nolan, has with her local public library: "Francie thought that all the books in the world were in that library and she had a plan about re...
This tale of a Chicago school book ban was inspired by true events Ten Speed Graphic There's a famous scene in Betty Smith's bestselling coming-of-age novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in which Smith describes the relationship her protagonist, 11-year-old Francie Nolan, has with her local public library: "Francie thought that all the books in the world were in that library and she had a plan about reading all the books in the world." I couldn't help but think of little Francie Nolan – who, like Smith, grew up in the tenements of Brooklyn in the early 20th century and aimed, as a young girl, to read every book she could find – as I tore through librarian Jarrett Dapier's debut young adult graphic novel, Wake Now in the Fire. The book, illustrated by AJ Dungo, is a fictionalized account of real-life events. In 2013, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) suddenly restricted access to Marjane Satrapi's memoir, Persepolis, without explanation of its decision-making process, in some of the school system's classrooms. This now world-famous autobiographical work, told in comics, tells the story of a young girl and her family as they endure and witness the struggle and violence of the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, and all that comes after. Sponsor Message Fictional high schooler Aditi, one of the central characters in Dapier's book, identifies with little Marji, Persepolis' precocious, head-strong narrator and protagonist. Like many other students at her high school, Aditi is powerfully affected by the book ban. She describes her experience of moving from Mumbai to Chicago, where the bulk of Wake Now takes place, in terms of her interactions with public libraries. As a young girl in Mumbai, she is allowed to take out only a single book a day. She gets around this strict rule by checking one book out first thing in the morning, reading as quickly and diligently as possible, then returning to take out a new book once the librarians have changed shifts at noon. When Aditi moves to Chica...
On 3/16/26, Vornado Realty Trust's 5.40% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (Symbol: VNO.PRL) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.3375, payable on 4/1/26. As a percentage of VNO.PRL's recent share price of $17.02, this dividend works out to approximately 1.98%, so look for shares of VNO.PRL to trade 1.98% lower — all else being equal — when VNO.PRL shares open for...
On 3/16/26, Vornado Realty Trust's 5.40% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (Symbol: VNO.PRL) will trade ex-dividend, for its quarterly dividend of $0.3375, payable on 4/1/26. As a percentage of VNO.PRL's recent share price of $17.02, this dividend works out to approximately 1.98%, so look for shares of VNO.PRL to trade 1.98% lower — all else being equal — when VNO.PRL shares open for trading on 3/16/26. On an annualized basis, the current yield is approximately 7.93%, which compares to an average yield of 8.08% in the "Real Estate" preferred stock category, according to Preferred Stock Channel . The chart below shows the one year performance of VNO.PRL shares, versus VNO: Below is a dividend history chart for VNO.PRL, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent $0.3375 on Vornado Realty Trust's 5.40% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares: According to the ETF Finder at ETF Channel, Vornado Realty Trust (Symbol: VNO) makes up 8.52% of the VanEck Office and Commercial REIT ETF (DESK) which is trading lower by about 0.6% on the day Thursday. (see other ETFs holding VNO). In Thursday trading, Vornado Realty Trust's 5.40% Series L Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares (Symbol: VNO.PRL) is currently trading flat on the day, while the common shares (Symbol: VNO) are off about 3.4%. Click here to learn which S.A.F.E. dividend stocks also have preferred shares that should be on your radar screen » Also see: The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Some soybean shipments from top exporter Brazil have failed to clear the country’s own sanitary inspections, raising concerns about potential disruptions at a crucial time for trade with China. Leia em português A number of cargoes didn’t pass sanitary checks held at ports in the past few days, according to people familiar with the issues, who didn’t want to be identified as details are not public...
Some soybean shipments from top exporter Brazil have failed to clear the country’s own sanitary inspections, raising concerns about potential disruptions at a crucial time for trade with China. Leia em português A number of cargoes didn’t pass sanitary checks held at ports in the past few days, according to people familiar with the issues, who didn’t want to be identified as details are not public. That has directly affected vessels destined for China, the people said. Cargill Inc. suspended exports from Brazil to China because of the issue, Reuters reported, citing an interview with the crop trader’s president for Brazil. The company didn’t provide additional details when contacted by Bloomberg News. The Brazil Ministry of Agriculture didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The situation risks creating shipping delays, according to the people. Still, the issues so far aren’t seen as widespread, and other cargoes continue to flow to China as usual, they added. The setback comes at a sensitive time for global agricultural trade. Brazil is in the late stages of harvesting a huge soybean crop, and typically dominates Chinese imports at this time of year. Concerns over bottlenecks or the quality of Brazilian soy could shift demand toward the US. President Donald Trump has been pushing for China to secure more soybeans from the US after the Asian nation completed an initial commitment to buy 12 million tons, yet purchases have since stalled. Supplies produced in Brazil are currently much cheaper than US beans. Soybeans are likely to be on the agenda as trade chiefs from Washington and Beijing convene in Paris this weekend. Brazilian sanitary authorities typically inspect shipments at ports, checking for the presence of grass or other vegetation that can be considered a type of pest. After inspections, officials may issue a certificate that clears ships for entering the Chinese market.
Sagtec Global ( SAGT ) signed a term sheet to acquire a 60% stake in Malaya Heritage. Malaya Heritage owns CNS Sdn. Bhd. and SS31 Kitchen Sdn. Bhd., which operate four heritage dining outlets in Malaysia supported by a centralized production kitchen. The proposed deal is valued at $3M, consisting of $1.8M in fixed-price share issuance and up to $1.2M earn-out tied to revenue and EBITDA milestones....
Sagtec Global ( SAGT ) signed a term sheet to acquire a 60% stake in Malaya Heritage. Malaya Heritage owns CNS Sdn. Bhd. and SS31 Kitchen Sdn. Bhd., which operate four heritage dining outlets in Malaysia supported by a centralized production kitchen. The proposed deal is valued at $3M, consisting of $1.8M in fixed-price share issuance and up to $1.2M earn-out tied to revenue and EBITDA milestones. For the financial year ended June 30, 2025, the subsidiaries reported combined revenue of RM15.34M (~$3.9M). Sagtec expects the investment and operational optimization to drive ~70% revenue growth in 2026. The acquisition allows SAGT to deploy its POS and enterprise software directly into restaurant operations while gaining recurring operating income. More on Sagtec Global Limited Sagtec Global expects 64% YoY revenue growth Financial information for Sagtec Global Limited
(RTTNews) - The Treasury Department finished off this week's series of long-term securities auctions on Thursday, revealing this month's sale of $22 billion worth of thirty-year bonds attracted above average demand. The thirty-year bond auction drew a high yield of 2.997 percent and a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.38. Last month, the Treasury sold $20 billion worth of thirty-year bonds, drawing a high y...
(RTTNews) - The Treasury Department finished off this week's series of long-term securities auctions on Thursday, revealing this month's sale of $22 billion worth of thirty-year bonds attracted above average demand. The thirty-year bond auction drew a high yield of 2.997 percent and a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.38. Last month, the Treasury sold $20 billion worth of thirty-year bonds, drawing a high yield of 2.815 percent and a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.30. The bid-to-cover ratio is a measure of demand that indicates the amount of bids for each dollar worth of securities being sold. The ten previous thirty-year bond auctions had an average bid-to-cover ratio of 2.31. The Treasury revealed earlier this week that this month's three-year note auction attracted well above average demand, while this month's ten-year note auction attracted average demand. Earlier in the day, the Treasury announced the details of this month's auction of twenty-year bonds. The Treasury said it plans to sell $17 billion worth of twenty-year bonds, with the results of the auction due to be announced next Wednesday. Last month, the Treasury sold $16 billion worth of twenty-year bonds, attracting well above average demand. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville appeared to resolve their differences on Thursday after an angry and controversial exchange of words before the start of the first race on Wednesday. Queally lodged a complaint with the stewards that he had received verbal abuse from De Boinville, some of which was of a racial nature, when he lined up against the running rail shortly before the field was due to...
Declan Queally and Nico de Boinville appeared to resolve their differences on Thursday after an angry and controversial exchange of words before the start of the first race on Wednesday. Queally lodged a complaint with the stewards that he had received verbal abuse from De Boinville, some of which was of a racial nature, when he lined up against the running rail shortly before the field was due to set off for the Grade One contest. The two riders shook hands in the weighing room at Cheltenham, however, and told ITV Racing afterwards that their issues have been resolved. “All sorted, it was the heat of the moment and all is forgiven,” Queally said. “Best of luck to Nico in the future.” De Boinville said: “I appreciate Declan and wish him the best,” before adding thank to the former jockey, Davy Russell, for intervening to sort out their dispute. While the two jockeys were insisting that matter was closed, however, the British Horseracing Authority will continue to collect evidence before deciding next week whether to take its inquiry any further. “The BHA are dealing with it, so we’ll go from there,” Queally said later. “It was heated down there, we’re sportspeople and as was said this morning, tempers can rise. But we’ll see what the BHA say. “I was where Nico wanted to be and unfortunately what happened, happened. Everyone would like to put this stupid matter behind them. If I hadn’t been caught after the race [by ITV Racing’s interviewer, Matt Chapman] when blood was still up, there might have been nothing about it. “There was effing and blinding, there was a racial comment thrown, I’ve told the BHA but I’d prefer to enjoy my day.” The starting procedures were an issue again when the Mares’ Novice Hurdle, the Jack Richards Novice Handicap Chase and Pertemps Hurdle final all failed to get away first time, and the British Horseracing Authority said on Thursday morning that it will conduct “a full review” into the starts following the festival’s final day tomorrow. “...
Semiconductor stocks took it on the chin early Thursday. Instead, investors should look at oil and interest rates. Shares of semiconductor manufacturing materials company Qnity Electronics which was spun out from DuPont de Nemours in late 2025, were down 7.4% in midday trading.
Semiconductor stocks took it on the chin early Thursday. Instead, investors should look at oil and interest rates. Shares of semiconductor manufacturing materials company Qnity Electronics which was spun out from DuPont de Nemours in late 2025, were down 7.4% in midday trading.
Earnings Call Insights: Stoneridge, Inc. (SRI) Q4 2025 Management View Jim Zizelman, President and CEO, opened by highlighting that Stoneridge's “focused growth strategy, continuous improvements on material and quality-related costs and rigorous structural cost control enabled us to successfully navigate another year marked by very challenging macroeconomic conditions.” He emphasized outperformanc...
Earnings Call Insights: Stoneridge, Inc. (SRI) Q4 2025 Management View Jim Zizelman, President and CEO, opened by highlighting that Stoneridge's “focused growth strategy, continuous improvements on material and quality-related costs and rigorous structural cost control enabled us to successfully navigate another year marked by very challenging macroeconomic conditions.” He emphasized outperformance versus end markets, noting “continued momentum with MirrorEye, resulting in sales of over $110 million or approximately 70% growth compared to the prior year.” Additional business awards for Electronics and Stoneridge Brazil totaled approximately $830 million in estimated lifetime revenue, including “the largest business award in Stoneridge history for a global OEM MirrorEye program extension.” Zizelman detailed the “completed the sale of our Control Devices segment for a base purchase price of $59 million,” describing it as an important milestone that allows Stoneridge to focus on high-growth, high-return businesses and reduce complexity. He also announced the appointment of Natalia Noblet as incoming CEO, effective April 1, stating, “Natalia Noblet is the right leader for this company.” Natalia Noblet, President of Electronics Division and incoming CEO, stressed the company’s focus on a global footprint and advanced technology offerings, saying, “Our portfolio is focused on advanced technologies and electronic solutions, primarily serving the global commercial vehicle and off-highway end markets.” She outlined MirrorEye’s role as a growth engine and discussed opportunities in connectivity, vehicle intelligence, and electronic controls. CFO Matthew Horvath reported, “For Electronics, full year sales of $551 million outperformed our weighted average OEM end markets by approximately 430 basis points... MirrorEye sales, which totaled $111 million in 2025, resulting in growth of $45 million or 69% compared to the prior year.” Robert Hartman, Chief Accounting Officer and inco...
May arabica coffee (KCK26) today is up by +6.75 (+2.35%), and May ICE robusta coffee (RMK26) is up by +82 (+2.31%). Coffee prices are climbing today due to the Iran war, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted global shipping. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said today that Iran’s leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used, and UK Defense Secretary Healey ...
May arabica coffee (KCK26) today is up by +6.75 (+2.35%), and May ICE robusta coffee (RMK26) is up by +82 (+2.31%). Coffee prices are climbing today due to the Iran war, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz and disrupted global shipping. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said today that Iran’s leverage of closing the Strait of Hormuz should be used, and UK Defense Secretary Healey said it is increasingly evident that Iran is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the waterway has increased global shipping rates, insurance, and fuel costs, and raises costs for coffee importers and roasters. Don’t Miss a Day: Gains in coffee prices are limited today amid favorable weather in Brazil, as showers are forecast in key coffee-growing areas. Also, StoneX today raised its Brazil 2026/27 coffee production estimate to a record 75.3 million bags, up from its November estimate of 70.7 million bags. In supportive news, Somar Meteorologia reported on Monday that Brazil’s largest arabica coffee-growing area, Minas Gerais, received 14.9 mm of rain last week, or 35% of the historical average. Coffee prices also saw support from last Tuesday’s news that Brazil’s green coffee exports in February fell by -27% y/y, according to Cecafe. Meanwhile, Brazil’s Trade Ministry reported last Thursday that Brazil’s Feb coffee exports fell -17.4% y/y to 142,000 MT. Rising ICE inventories also pressure coffee prices. ICE-monitored arabica inventories rose to a 5-month high of 564,626 bags on Tuesday but fell back slightly to 552,192 bags on Wednesday. ICE robusta coffee inventories posted a 3.5-month high of 4,721 lots on March 3 but have since fallen back to 4,550 lots as of today. Coffee prices in February sold off sharply, with arabica falling to a 15-month low on February 24 and robusta tumbling to a 6.75-month low on February 23 as signs of a bumper Brazilian coffee crop supported the global supply outlook. On February 5, Conab, Brazil’s crop forecasting agency, sa...
Earnings Call Insights: CION Investment Corporation (CION) Q4 2025 Management View Michael Reisner, Co-Founder, Co-Chairman & Co-CEO, highlighted that "our core first lien portfolio which represents approximately 81% of our investments continues to perform well." He reported that weighted average interest coverage increased quarter-over-quarter from 1.94x to 2.26x and that EBITDA growth in portfol...
Earnings Call Insights: CION Investment Corporation (CION) Q4 2025 Management View Michael Reisner, Co-Founder, Co-Chairman & Co-CEO, highlighted that "our core first lien portfolio which represents approximately 81% of our investments continues to perform well." He reported that weighted average interest coverage increased quarter-over-quarter from 1.94x to 2.26x and that EBITDA growth in portfolio companies remains positive. Reisner noted nonaccruals remained essentially flat at 1.78% of portfolio fair value and emphasized a low software sector exposure of 1.8%. Reisner addressed the net asset value (NAV) decrease, stating "our net asset value decreased 7.4% quarter-over-quarter to $13.76 down from $14.86 at the end of September." He attributed this to "unrealized mark-to-market adjustments and a handful of equity positions, specifically Juice Plus, [indiscernible] Entertainment, David's Bridal and Avison Young." Capital markets activity was robust, as Reisner announced, "We raised $172.5 million in senior unsecured notes during the fourth quarter across 2027 and 2029 maturities. And subsequent to quarter end, we raised an additional $135 million in unsecured public baby bonds due in 2031, a combined $307.5 million in unsecured borrowings that further strengthens the flexibility and duration of our balance sheet." He also reported the repurchase of approximately 556,000 shares at an average price of $9.37 per share. Gregg Bresner, President & Chief Investment Officer, expanded on portfolio discipline, emphasizing minimal software exposure and a continued focus on first lien lending. Bresner reported, "The weighted average yield for our new direct first lien investments for the quarter based on our investment cost was the equivalent of SOFR plus 6.43%." He explained that most Q4 investments went into existing portfolio companies rather than new names and commented on volatility in the equity book tied to specific holdings. Keith Franz, CFO, stated, "During the four...
Earnings Call Insights: Flotek Industries (FTK) Q4 2025 Management View CEO Ryan Ezell highlighted that "Q4 and full year 2025 saw the highest quarterly and annual revenues since 2017," with the data analytics segment achieving its highest ever quarterly and annual revenue in company history. Ezell stated, "Gross profit climbed 24% versus the fourth quarter of 2024 and 52% as compared to full year...
Earnings Call Insights: Flotek Industries (FTK) Q4 2025 Management View CEO Ryan Ezell highlighted that "Q4 and full year 2025 saw the highest quarterly and annual revenues since 2017," with the data analytics segment achieving its highest ever quarterly and annual revenue in company history. Ezell stated, "Gross profit climbed 24% versus the fourth quarter of 2024 and 52% as compared to full year 2024." He emphasized the company's focus on a data-driven growth trajectory and noted, "Data analytics grew exponentially, while chemistry outpaced the market in a challenging environment through an unwavering commitment to safety, service quality, innovation, and total value creation." Flotek completed onboarding PowerTech assets and made a strategic entry into power services in 2025, setting a stage for high-margin recurring revenue growth in 2026 and beyond. Ezell announced, "We delivered standout performance throughout 2025, resulting in increased market share in both of our complementary business segments." CFO J. Clement stated, "Our fourth quarter results cap an exceptional year in which we generated meaningful value for our shareholders," highlighting the highest quarterly revenue since 2017 and the first quarter where data analytics surpassed $10 million in revenue. Clement added, "PWRtek revenues totaled $15.8 million during 2025, and as shown on slide 11, since closing the PWRtek acquisition in the second quarter, these assets have been a clear catalyst for margin and profitability expansion." Outlook Management reiterated expectations for PWRtek revenues in 2026 to be "north of $27 million or an approximate 70% increase from 2025." Clement stated, "We continue to expect these assets to be a significant contributor to our 2026 results." Ezell expressed confidence in exceeding 50% gross profit contribution from data analytics in 2026, noting, "We feel extremely confident we're going to exceed 50% in 2026 on the DA side." Financial Results Gross profit increased 2...
Earnings Call Insights: HighPeak Energy (HPK) Q4 2025 Management View Michael Hollis, President, CEO, & Director, emphasized a strategic pivot, stating the company is "far more energized by what lies ahead than by revisiting what's already behind us and implemented." He outlined a 2026 plan centered on protecting profitability, maximizing cash flow, and strengthening the business foundation. Holli...
Earnings Call Insights: HighPeak Energy (HPK) Q4 2025 Management View Michael Hollis, President, CEO, & Director, emphasized a strategic pivot, stating the company is "far more energized by what lies ahead than by revisiting what's already behind us and implemented." He outlined a 2026 plan centered on protecting profitability, maximizing cash flow, and strengthening the business foundation. Hollis explained, "Our top financial priority is strengthening the balance sheet," with incremental cash flow directed toward debt reduction and liquidity improvement as commodity prices rise. The company has rightsized its annual capital budget, expanded its hedging program, and suspended its dividend, which will increase annual liquidity by an estimated $20 million to $25 million. Hollis noted, "The market wasn't giving us credit for the dividend, and most of the investors we speak with regularly have shared that same perspective. We believe that capital is far better deployed, strengthening the balance sheet and building long-term value for our shareholders." The 2026 development plan is conservative, anchored around one drilling rig and one completion crew, aimed at drilling approximately 30 wells and bringing 36 to 38 wells online. The capital budget is nearly 50% lower than last year, and the company projects a 65% increase in production per dollar invested. CFO Steven Tholen opened the call by referencing the company's focus on financial discipline, operational excellence, and the steps taken to ensure the company's development program remains within cash flow. Outlook Hollis communicated that the 2026 development plan is intentionally conservative, built for durability, and designed to operate fully within cash flow, even if oil prices settle in the mid- to upper 50s. He stated, "production in the low to mid 40,000 BOE per day range represents a sustainable baseline for our '26 budget and our plans to reduce absolute debt." The company is focused on maximizing free cash ...
mphillips007/iStock via Getty Images Thesis Codexis, Inc. ( CDXS ) has just reported a pretty strong end-of-year financial result. Revenue hit $38.9 million for the quarter, up about 81% year-over-year, and beat the consensus by about $3.1 million. Revenue was mainly helped out by a technology transfer agreement with Merck & Co. The company also showed us $9.6 million in net income compared with a...
mphillips007/iStock via Getty Images Thesis Codexis, Inc. ( CDXS ) has just reported a pretty strong end-of-year financial result. Revenue hit $38.9 million for the quarter, up about 81% year-over-year, and beat the consensus by about $3.1 million. Revenue was mainly helped out by a technology transfer agreement with Merck & Co. The company also showed us $9.6 million in net income compared with a $10.4 million loss in 4Q24, with product gross margin improving to 65%. My bull case for Codexis here would be dependent on their ECO Synthesis enzymatic platform. This is where I see the real revenue growth, with it becoming a key manufacturing solution in a pretty rapidly growing siRNA/RNA therapeutics market. Upside could come from potentially replacing less efficient chemical synthesis as we see demand scale. In fact, we're already seeing some commercial validation through customer contracts/partnerships like the $37.8 million technology transfer with Merck & Co. Codexis FY25 Financial Overview As you know, Codexis showed us a very great operational improvement in 2025. We saw decent revenue growth, improved margins, and a substantially reduced overall net loss when you compare it with last year. Total revenue for FY25 hit $70.4 million, which was a 19% jump from the $59.3 million they posted back in 2024. We can put the big driver of revenue down to a hefty $37.8 million Technology Transfer Agreement with Merck & Co. This helped out a lot in terms of research and development revenue during 4Q25. However, their product revenue actually declined year-over-year, down from $36.8 million to just $26.0 million, so this drop was offset by that large increase in R&D collaboration revenue. R&D revenue alone was $44.4 million in FY25. We also saw product gross margin improve from 56% last year to 64% in 2025, so this is a nice shift toward higher-margin enzyme products and also a somewhat reduced reliance on legacy offerings, which I think the market wanted to see. Now, even wi...