The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is presented as a cornerstone for corporate transparency in Europe, aiming to redefine how companies communicate their value.

The economic head of the Democratic Party: "The government should address companies regarding the refunds of tariffs declared illegitimate"

Connor Hellebuyck, a celebrated NHL goaltender for the Winnipeg Jets and Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, boasts an estimated net worth of $20-30 million. His impressive career, marked by three Vezina Trophies and a significant contract extension, has also led to lucrative brand endorsements with companies like CCM Hockey and EA Sports.

A summary of top global business stories for the week highlights notable companies such as Rio Tinto and Airbus, indicating their involvement in significant developments.

Robinhood has launched a new $1 billion fund aimed at providing retail investors with access to shares in private companies like SpaceX and Stripe.

The Romanian Association of Airlines, representing companies like HiSky and Tarom, deemed it 'unacceptable' for a government minister to post 'breaking news' messages regarding a HiSky plane incident.

One of the world's leading American computer technology companies saw an unexpected 11.5% drop in its stock value over the past 21 days, causing surprise in the market.

US tax yo-yo blurs situation for Swiss companies  SWI swissinfo.ch

Portuguese footwear companies are reporting significant business downturns due to global uncertainty and economic instability. Companies like Joseli and Fábrica de Calçado da Mata have experienced substantial losses, with one reporting a halving of production and another a 2 million loss.

Analysts have shared insights on various technology companies, including NICE (NICE), RingCentral (RNG), Sensata (ST), Zscaler (ZS), Duolingo (DUOL), and Murata Manufacturing Co (OtherMRAAF).

Financial commentator Jim Cramer has offered his insights and opinions on a range of companies including DoorDash, Klarna, NVIDIA, Meta, Amazon, Caterpillar, Sandisk, General Mills, Walmart, and Costco.

Many employees in Germany experience setbacks upon returning to work after parental leave, including loss of leadership positions, project removal, and being pushed out of companies, raising questions about systemic issues.

Two Austrian eyewear companies, Schau Schau and Andy Wolf, are highlighted for transforming glasses from a simple visual aid into a fashionable cult object.

Estonian construction companies experienced a 1.5 percent decrease in construction volume both domestically and internationally in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline for the sector, according to Statistics Estonia.

Analysts have provided their insights and recommendations on key materials companies, including Nutrien, Gold Fields, and First Majestic Silver.

German furniture manufacturer Rolf Benz is returning to German ownership, a notable reversal of the common trend of Chinese investors acquiring European companies.

Two companies from Veleshta were discovered operating heavy machinery near the Shumi springs, leading to proposed measures to ban further activities in the area.

An editorial highlights that housing intended for low-income residents in Helsinki is being improperly utilized by high-income individuals, and housing production companies have mismanaged their finances.

Switzerland's startup ecosystem is facing challenges as companies leave the country, prompting politicians to consider increased funding, though simpler solutions may exist.

Analysts have provided varied insights and opinions on the stock performance of technology companies RingCentral (RNG), Akamai (AKAM), and Klarna Group Plc (KLAR).

Hidden global market leaders among German mid-sized companies are facing existential challenges due to global competition, climate change, and political regulations, leading to an overwhelming transformation.

A New York Times article analyzes how Donald Trump's economic policies, characterized by stakes in private companies and handshake deals, deviate significantly from traditional Republican free-market principles.

Romania is enhancing social protection measures for employees working in companies deemed strategically important.

A report suggests that a growing number of companies are moving away from the 'Buy America' policy, leading to an increasing exodus of businesses from the US.

A workshop addressing femicide was held in Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting that the feeling of guilt often accompanies the victim rather than the perpetrator in cases of violence.

Analysts have presented varied opinions on the stock performance of technology companies Roadzen Inc (RDZN), NICE (NICE), and RingCentral (RNG).

70% UAE companies turn to artificial intelligence to fight AI threats  khaleejtimes.com

Analysts have expressed varied opinions on the performance and outlook of industrial goods companies including Xometry (XMTR), LegalZoom (LZ), and Deere (DE).

President Trump's economic policies, characterized by stakes in private companies and handshake deals with CEOs, are seen as a significant departure from traditional Republican principles of free market capitalism.

China is leveraging its shipbuilding and battery expertise, including companies like CATL, to electrify its shipping fleets and decarbonize waterways, following its success in electrifying highways.

Analysts have provided their perspectives and insights on the performance and prospects of materials sector companies Nutrien, Gold Fields, and First Majestic Silver.

Nvidia's upcoming earnings report is anticipated to deliver a significant update on artificial intelligence developments and conclude the 'Magnificent Seven' companies' results.

An analysis compares the growth prospects of quantum computing companies IonQ and D-Wave, evaluating which stock has a clearer path to growth by 2026.

Boards Are Replacing CEOs At The Fastest Pace In Over A Decade A historic wave of leadership change is sweeping corporate America. Across 1,500 of the largest publicly traded companies, roughly one in nine CEOs was replaced last year—the highest churn since the post-financial-crisis years., according to the Wall Street Journal. The turnover has ushered in the largest cohort of new chief executives in more than a decade, and they’re arriving younger and, in many cases, with thinn...

Analysts have shared their perspectives on various materials companies, specifically mentioning Nutrien (NTR), Gold Fields (GFI), and First Majestic Silver (AG).

New regulations will require all truck and bus drivers to take their commercial driver’s license test in English, alongside strengthened registration requirements for trucking companies.

Warren Buffett stated that federal taxes, including Social Security, would be fully covered if 800 companies paid the IRS at the same rate as Berkshire Hathaway.

If 'Cash Is King', Berkshire Hathaway Leads The World The cash that companies hold is important for paying employees, funding operations, and as a measure of financial health. This chart, via Visual Capitalist's Boyan Girginov, shows the 50 companies with the largest cash holdings, using data from TradingView to highlight who is sitting on the largest war chests. This metric captures a company’s most liquid assets: cash plus short-term securities like T-bills that typically matu...

Several financial firms have raised their price targets for individual companies, including Diebold Nixdorf, SharkNinja, The Williams Companies, and FedEx, indicating positive outlooks for these stocks.

Analysts provide their insights and recommendations on technology companies RingCentral (RNG), Akamai (AKAM), and Alarm (ALRM).

BlackRock Smaller Companies Trust's shares rose by 4% after announcing a merger plan with Throgmorton.

India's current data centre hubs, which are set to expand as large tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Google pour billions of dollars into the country's AI sector, are in areas where water and energy are already scarce.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a faster route to obtaining banking licenses and expanding their financial services.

Local and foreign mining companies are forced to pay protection money or hire suppliers linked to their extortionists in order to operate

FDA Dropping Requirement For 2 Studies For New Drug Approvals Authored by Zachary Stieber via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will approve many new drugs based on one trial moving forward, agency leaders have said. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary in Washington on July 29, 2025. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images The FDA has typically required two studies from companies seeking approval for most new drugs, although in recent years it has ap...

Crypto and fintech companies are exploring a strategy of acquiring existing banks to gain quicker access to banking licenses and services.

Singaporean tech founders building global US companies  The Straits Times

From 233,000 cases still in the backlog to the private companies that have benefited most, here's what a decade of the Phoenix pay-system crisis looks like in numbers.

Crypto and fintech companies are looking to buy existing banks as a faster route to obtaining banking licenses and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a faster route to obtaining banking licenses and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Meta's AI Would Like To Keep You Posting After You're Dead Ever since social media became a fixture of daily life, an uncomfortable question has lingered: what should happen to someone’s account after they die? Leave it frozen in time? Hand it to family members as a memorial? Or quietly let it fade into the algorithm? A few years ago, Meta Platforms explored a far more ambitious possibility, according to Futurism. In 2023, the company received a patent describing how a large language model could be trained on a user’s past posts to simulate their voice and behavior — keeping an account active if the person were “absent,” including in the event of death. The filing, led by CTO Andrew Bosworth, outlined how such a system could generate posts, comments, likes, and even private messages in the user’s style. The idea was striking, and for many, unsettling. Meta has since said it has no plans to move forward with that example. But the patent offers a snapshot of a moment when tech companies were aggressively testing the limits of what generative AI might do — including extending a person’s digital presence beyond their lifetime. The Futurism piece says that the concept isn’t entirely theoretical. A small but growing “grief tech” sector has promoted AI tools that recreate voices or personalities of the deceased using photos, recordings, and written messages. Proponents argue that such tools could offer comfort. Critics worry they could complicate the grieving process. Even within Meta’s own public comments, there has been ambivalence. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has spoken about AI companions as a way to address loneliness and, in a 2023 interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, suggested that interacting with digital representations of loved ones might help some people cope with loss. He also acknowledged the psychological risks and the need for deeper study. The business logic behind such experiments is difficult to ignore. Platforms like Facebook are filled with dormant accounts — profiles that remain but are rarely updated. More AI-generated activity could mean more engagement and more data. As University of Birmingham law professor Edina Harbinja observed, the commercial incentive is clear, even if the ethical path forward is not. Others urge caution. University of Virginia sociologist Joseph Davis has argued that part of grieving involves confronting the reality of loss, not blurring it with simulations. Meta has distanced itself from the patent’s more provocative scenario. Still, its existence underscores how far companies have been willing to push generative AI — and how complex the questions become when technology intersects with death, memory, and identity. Tyler Durden Fri, 02/20/2026 - 12:00

Global payments companies are exploring strategies for expanding their operations into the United States market, navigating the complexities of the US financial landscape.

Major tech companies are increasing their investments in AI, which is affecting stock buyback programs and creating a looming memory crunch for hardware manufacturers, though Apple remains a bullish exception.

The upcoming week will see several Brazilian companies reporting their corporate earnings.

An analysis pits Nebius against UiPath, suggesting one of the two companies has the potential to generate significant wealth for investors.

Williams Companies (WMB) has earned increased confidence from analysts due to its positive growth outlook.

This article provides a roundup of recent dividend declarations from various companies including Halliburton, AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, and Delta Air Lines.

Companies in Germany, Nordic regions, and the UK are preparing for their corporate earnings week, while various firms like Cogent Communications and Secure Waste Infrastructure report their latest financial results, and building permits see revisions.

Analysts are bullish on several biotech companies, including GH Research, Cybin D/B/A Helus Pharma, and COMPASS Pathways, following a psychedelics symposium and positive model updates, with Baird lowering Bright Minds Biosciences' price target but maintaining an Outperform rating.

After a period focused on share buybacks, major oil companies are now increasing their drilling activities.

This article explores the considerations and implications for investors looking to buy into funds composed of private companies.

Nvidia has sold its stakes in various companies, resulting in a decline in the stock prices of those firms.

Jim Cramer offered his insights on several companies, including Broadcom, NVIDIA, Crowdstrike, GE Vernova, Salesforce, Gartner, and Advanced Micro Devices, often linking them to broader market trends or specific industry developments.

Wall Street is reportedly making new investments in 'HALO' companies, which are perceived to be immune to the disruptive impacts of artificial intelligence.

Research by BCG indicates that the share of UK companies with low productivity is higher now than it was in 1997, suggesting Britain is lagging behind its peers in key growth sectors.

BNP Paribas suggests that the recent pullback in water technology stocks creates an opportune entry point for investors in companies like Xylem and Veralto.

The Globe and Mail features analysts' insights on energy companies, with a focus on Cenovus Energy (CVE) and Obsidian Energy (OBE).

Analysts provide their perspectives and insights on the financial performance and outlooks of Sprott (SII) and Zurich Insurance Group (OtherZFSVF).

Benoît Coquart, CEO of Legrand, emphasized the importance for companies not to miss out on the advancements and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.

Six out of ten companies licensed for medical marijuana cultivation in North Macedonia are in the process of having their licenses revoked for failing to meet legal requirements.

Poland has sent its largest-ever economic mission, comprising 70 companies, to Riyadh to forge a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia. The visit included the signing of a trilateral agreement by BGK, KUKE, and SaudiEXIM to facilitate potential contracts.

Wall Street investors are reportedly shifting their focus and placing new bets on 'HALO' companies, which are perceived to have immunity from the impacts of artificial intelligence.

Analysts have provided insights on several healthcare companies, including Integer Holdings (ITGR), Spyre Therapeutics (SYRE), and Tandem Diabetes Care (TNDM).

An expert notes a significant shift in the stock market as investors, concerned about technology stocks, are now favoring more traditional, 'boring' companies, leading to price drops for tech giants and gains for others. Despite this trend, a chief strategist advises against prematurely dismissing technology stocks.

Wall Street is reportedly focusing on 'HALO' companies, which are perceived to have immunity from the impacts of artificial intelligence, as a new investment trend.

A new European law will require companies to publish salary ranges before interviews, prohibit questions about previous salaries, and strengthen the right to claim equal pay, with fines up to 225,018 euros for non-compliance.

Analysts are presenting conflicting views on several industrial goods companies, specifically Xometry (XMTR), LegalZoom (LZ), and Deere (DE).

Real estate firms report that the condition and age of properties are increasingly becoming obstacles to securing home loans for renovations, with banks even requesting shareholder lists from housing companies.

The CEO of NNPC visited the Dangote Refinery for high-level discussions, resulting in a renewed commitment to strategic collaboration between the two companies.

Analysts provide insights and recommendations on technology companies including Workday (WDAY), RingCentral (RNG), and Zoom Video Communications (ZM).

Merger talks between Íslandsbanki and Skagi, which owns VÍS, Fossa, and Íslensk verðbréf, have been concluded, as announced by both companies.

Austrian developer Peter Steinberger, operating as a one-man show, built an AI agent that attracted major tech companies, ultimately leading him to join OpenAI.

Serbian companies GPTS and EDePro publicly unveiled their long-range 'Goshawk' cruise missile for the first time at a defense exhibition in Riyadh, attracting significant attention.

Daria Marchenko, the 21-year-old goddaughter of Vladimir Putin and daughter of former Ukrainian MP Viktor Medvedchuk, has been appointed general director of Rad-Ev and Almirida Investments, companies with assets totaling €32 million.

While other countries are exploring alternative software providers, Luxembourg's administration largely continues to rely on US companies like Microsoft.

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan stated that over 400 Japanese companies operating in Romania contribute significantly to the country's development and modernization, speaking at a reception for Japan's National Day.

This week's notable healthcare headlines highlight developments concerning major companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Masimo, and Bayer.

Energy storage providers in Germany are raising alarms about potential multi-billion euro misinvestments, citing a paper from the Federal Network Agency. A dozen energy companies have issued a joint statement protesting the situation.

Swiss companies face uncertainty due to fluctuating US tax policies, while a Swiss economic official warns that the country must adapt to ongoing US tariffs.

Analysts are presenting mixed sentiments regarding consumer cyclical companies, specifically Visteon (VC), Savers Value Village Inc. (SVV), and Texas Roadhouse (TXRH).

Analysts have offered insights and commentary on the performance and outlook of technology companies Workday (WDAY), RingCentral (RNG), and Zoom Video Communications (ZM).

Analysts are offering their perspectives and insights on several materials companies, including Nutrien (NTR), Gold Fields (GFI), and First Majestic Silver (AG).

Blue Owl has reportedly sold loans to pension funds and is involved in managing assets for insurance companies, indicating its strategic financial activities.

Major tech companies Amazon, Microsoft, Nvidia, and SoftBank are reportedly experiencing a collective financial impact of $100 billion.

Nakamoto, a struggling company, reportedly acquired two other companies that were owned by its own founder, a move described as 'theater of the absurd'.

Analysts are providing insights and recommendations on several energy companies, including Gran Tierra Energy, DT Midstream, and SunocoCorp LLC.

Visa Inc. is planning to acquire two significant payment companies in Argentina, expanding its presence in the Latin American market.

This article provides a summary of significant corporate deals and transactions that occurred this week, featuring companies such as Visa, Hims & Hers Health, and Salesforce.

Analysts have provided insights on several consumer cyclical companies, including BorgWarner (BWA), Texas Roadhouse (TXRH), and LKQ (LKQ).

An analysis explores how volatility skew can be utilized as an indicator of 'smart money' activity in the stock market, referencing companies like Target, Apple, and Oracle.

A Supreme Court decision deeming President Trump's tariffs illegal is expected to prompt companies to seek billions in refunds, though the ruling did not specify how these refunds would be handled.

During Warren Buffett's last quarter as CEO, Berkshire Hathaway was a net seller of stocks, continuing to reduce its holdings in major companies like Apple and Bank of America.

Crypto and fintech companies are reportedly seeking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to gain access to banking services and licenses.

Major Chinese technology companies, including ByteDance and Baidu, are aggressively expanding their US-based research and development teams, specifically targeting AI and semiconductor talent as competition intensifies.

AI companies, along with allied groups and executives, spent at least $83 million on federal elections last year, with significant amounts expected to be invested in the upcoming midterm elections.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a faster route to obtaining banking licenses and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Crypto and fintech companies are exploring a strategy to gain banking access by purchasing existing banks.

Analysts are expressing conflicting sentiments regarding several technology companies, including SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG), Remitly Global (RELY), and Dynatrace (DT).

A survey reveals that 80% of Japanese companies plan to raise wages in the new fiscal year, though some face challenges like difficulty passing on costs and rising raw material prices.

A Walmart executive expressed regret over other companies' workforce reductions due to AI, stating that Walmart is instead offering AI training to 1.6 million employees.

Japanese companies Skylark and Watami are planning to establish new production facilities in Southeast Asia.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking charters.

Former engineers from major tech companies are leveraging artificial intelligence to help businesses navigate the complexities and uncertainties of Trump's trade policies.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly buying existing banks to bypass lengthy regulatory approval processes and gain banking licenses more quickly.

Mexico is gearing up for its corporate earnings week, with companies preparing to release their financial results.

The Financial Times has revealed a network of shell companies involved in exporting $90 billion worth of sanctioned Russian oil, identified through their use of a common private email server.

Ratel Robotics said it had adapted one of its ground robot models to carry and launch fiber-optic drones. Ratel Robotics A Ukrainian arms maker said one of its ground robots can now launch fiber-optic aerial drones. It said the robot can launch them closer to the front without putting operators at risk. "Everything is as safe as possible for all people performing this mission," the CEO told Business Insider. A Ukrainian arms company says it has modified one of its ground robots to carry and launch unjammable fiber-optic drones. Ukrainian forces can put the drones in the air closer to the front without exposing pilots. Ratel Robotics shared a video this week of its Ratel H model robot equipped with a protected box. In the clip, the launcher opens up and releases a small drone connected to a fiber-optic cable. The uncrewed ground vehicle functions as a mobile launch point. CEO Taras Ostapchuk told Business Insider the "ground robot becomes like a base station" for the up to four drones that it can carry. Those bases are typically human-operated launch points, where pilots need to be closer to danger to put the drone in the air. Ostapchuk said that the ground robot can drop off operators at a safe location and then continue toward the front to launch the drones. The operators remotely controlling it and the fiber-optic drones can hang back "in the safest place possible." The aim is that "everything is as safe as possible for all people performing this mission," the CEO said. Fiber-optic drones, which receive signals by a thin cable rather than radio links, have become central to the war because they can't be jammed by electronic warfare like other drones — though their range is limited and the cable can be cut or snagged. Fiber-optic drones can't be jammed by electronic warfare. Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images It is unclear how many of Ratel Robotics' systems have been adapted for this mission or whether they are already in the field. Drone carriers are not necessarily a new concept. For instance, Ukrainian soldiers say Russia is using its medium-sized strike drones to fly smaller drones into battle like "an aircraft carrier." Ground robots account for only a small share of Ukraine's drone missions, but the technology is becoming more prolific. New Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov said this week that Ukrainian forces carried out more than 7,000 combat and logistics missions with ground robotic systems in January. He added that production and upgrades are accelerating. Ukraine uses its fleet of ground robots for many different missions, including carrying ammunition and gear, evacuating wounded soldiers, laying mines, demining, firing on Russian positions, and exploding near targets. Ukraine uses robots for a host of uses, including firing at Russian positions and carrying wounded troops. Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images The Ratel H can carry more than 880 pounds and can travel more than 37 miles. The company says it is multipurpose, able to transport cargo and evacuate wounded soldiers. The robot can also be equipped with weaponry and electronic warfare systems. The West is paying close attention to Ukraine's fight, seeking to learn lessons about what it would need to fight Russia. Ground robots are drawing close scrutiny in the West. Western militaries have fielded similar systems, but not at this scale or across so many roles, and Ukrainian companies are pushing the technology forward. Read the original article on Business Insider

This roundup presents market commentary and updates for companies in the basic materials sector.

Multiple companies, including Rio Tinto, RingCentral, Perdoceo Education, Savaria Corporation, Insperity, and Flowers Foods, have announced their latest dividend declarations.

Leading technology companies have pledged billions of dollars in investments towards India's artificial intelligence sector during a recent AI summit, signaling a significant boost for the country's tech landscape.

The software stock market is experiencing a significant sell-off, with analysts debating whether it's due to AI disruption fears, broken logic, or other factors. Companies like Manhattan Associates and CarGurus are focusing on cloud expansion and AI innovations to navigate this environment.

Google's AI boss Demis Hassabis said the memory market came down to "a few suppliers of a few key components." PONTUS LUNDAHL/TT NEWS AGENCY/AFP via Getty Images Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said that the "whole supply chain" for memory chips is constrained. "You need a lot of chips to be able to experiment on new ideas," Hassabis told CNBC. Google produces its own TPUs, but Hassabis said that there were still "key components" that were supply-constrained. The memory shortage takes no prisoners. Even Google isn't immune. AI companies are duking it out for greater and greater quantities of memory chips. The problem? The industry is heavily supply-constrained. Costs have skyrocketed, products have been tied up, and some companies — especially those in consumer electronics — are increasing prices. On the AI front, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis told CNBC that physical challenges were "constraining a lot of deployment." Google sees "so much more demand" for Gemini and its other models than it could serve, he said. "Also, it does constrain a little bit the research," Hassabis said. "You need a lot of chips to be able to experiment on new ideas at a big enough scale that you can actually see if they're going to work." Researchers want chips, whether they work at Google, Meta, OpenAI, or other Big Tech companies, and memory is a key component. Mark Zuckerberg said that AI researchers demanded two things beyond money: the fewest number of people reporting to them, and the most chips possible. Hassabis said that wherever there was a capacity constraint, there was a "choke point." "The whole supply chain is kind of strained," Hassabis said. "We're lucky, because we have our own TPUs, so we have our own chip designs." Google has long built TPUs — Tensor Processing Units — for internal use. The company also leases them to external customers through its cloud, which has also put Nvidia on edge. But even access to their own TPUs won't save Google from having to navigate the highly competitive memory market. "It still, in the end, actually comes down to a few suppliers of a few key components," Hassabis said. Three suppliers dominate memory chip production: Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix. These companies are struggling to meet demand for chips from AI hyperscalers without dropping their longtime electronics customers. It doesn't help that AI companies mainly want a different type of memory chip than PC manufacturers do. Large language model producers want HBM (high-bandwidth memory) chips. Don't expect Google's spending on AI infrastructure and chips to go down anytime soon. On its fourth-quarter earnings call, the company projected capital expenditures of $175 billion to $185 billion for 2026. Read the original article on Business Insider

From Texas, Luxemborg Trading LLC ordered thousands of shipments with the help of shell companies in Mexico, in a vast operation that has delivered $8 million dollars to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel

This article highlights the biggest stock movers on Friday, including OPEN and AKAM, indicating significant market activity for these companies.

AI demand is boosting unexpected Japanese companies — including a toilet maker and a seasoning giant. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images A toilet maker and seasoning giant are Japan's unlikely winners in the AI boom. Toto, famous for its bidets, has drawn investor attention because it makes key components for memory chips. Food giant Ajinimoto produces an insulating material used in advanced semiconductor packaging. The AI boom isn't just lifting chipmakers and Big Tech. In Japan, it's flushing gains into a toilet manufacturer and a seasoning giant. As demand for AI chips surges, investors are piling into companies that sit inside the semiconductor supply chain — even if they're better known for bathrooms and soup stock. Toilet maker Toto, famous for its high-tech bidets and heated seats, has drawn investor attention. The company makes electrostatic chucks, which are critical components used in the production of NAND memory chips. Memory prices have climbed sharply in recent months, driven by AI-related demand. Last week, UK-based activist fund Palliser Capital called Toto "the most undervalued and overlooked AI memory beneficiary," according to reports by Bloomberg and the Financial Times. After news broke on Tuesday that Palliser Capital had taken a stake and was pushing Toto to promote its chip-parts business, the toilet maker's stock jumped more than 5%. Its shares are up more than 54% over the past year. It's not just Toto. Japanese food giant Ajinomoto, better known for its umami seasonings and soup bases, has become an unlikely AI infrastructure play. The company produces an insulating material used in advanced semiconductor packaging. Ajinomoto's latest financials point to strength beyond its core food business. For the nine months ended December, the company reported an 8.9% rise in net profit, while operating profit increased 5.6% year-on-year. The gains were partly driven by its "Healthcare and Others" segment which includes electronic materials used in semiconductors, the company said in a February earnings statement. After Ajinomoto posted its earnings on February 5, the company's stock rose 13%. Its shares are up more than 56% over the past year. Not all non-tech companies are benefiting equally from the AI boom. Daikin, best known globally for its air conditioners, supplies high-purity chemical materials used in semiconductor manufacturing. It recently trimmed its outlook, citing uncertainty over US tariffs as a drag on demand. The Japanese air conditioning maker reduced its operating profit forecast by about 5% to 413 billion Japanese yen, or $2.6 billion, for the fiscal year ending in March. "Operating profit was significantly affected by the decline in semiconductor demand, decreasing by 44.6% year over year to ¥18,102 million," the company said in its financial report in February. "Net sales of fluoropolymers fell year over year, despite focused Group efforts to capture strong new demand in the data center field, and was due to the stagnation in the construction markets of the United States and China and the significant overall impact of delays in the recovery of semiconductor demand," it added. The company said it plans to cushion the blow through price increases and cost reductions. Daikin's stock dropped as much as 8.4% in Tokyo following its financial results. Read the original article on Business Insider

Canadian cannabis companies are at the forefront of global deal-making in the industry, indicating a strong international presence and influence.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has criticized tech companies for falsely blaming AI for mass layoffs that are primarily driven by cost-cutting measures, labeling this practice as 'AI washing'.

Hong Kong’s tech equity benchmark is struggling to balance the artificial intelligence frenzy and picking the right industry leaders, leading to its underperformance this year, according to analysts. The Hang Seng Tech Index, which comprises 30 technology-related companies including Tencent Holdings, Alibaba Group Holding and Meituan, has fallen 5.5 per cent this year up to Friday, giving up some of last year’s 23.5 per cent gains. In contrast, the broad-based Hang Seng Index has risen 0.3 pe...

A new trade association has been formed to represent Irish companies that operate in the data centre supply chain.

Wall Street is reportedly placing its latest bets on 'HALO' companies, which are perceived to have immunity from the impacts of artificial intelligence.

Analysts from The Globe and Mail provide their insights and recommendations on the materials sector, specifically focusing on 5E Advanced Materials, Inc. (FEAM) and Cf Industries Holdings (CF).

Wall Street investors are reportedly shifting their focus to 'HALO' companies, which are perceived to be resilient and immune to the disruptive impacts of artificial intelligence.

A new report reveals that 61% of electricity companies' connection points have little to no capacity for new customers, causing frustration for businesses and delaying the green transition in Denmark.

Wall Street is reportedly making new investments in 'HALO' companies, which are perceived to be immune to the impacts of artificial intelligence.

Investors are closely watching the stock market this week, with key AI and software companies Nvidia and Salesforce set to report their earnings.

Analysts have provided insights on energy companies such as Teekay Tankers (TNK), Occidental Petroleum (OXY), Infinity Natural Resources, Inc. Class A (INR), Obsidian Energy (OBE), and Cenovus Energy (CVE).

Intuit Inc. (INTU) has announced an expanded partnership with Wix, a move expected to impact both companies' services.

Several tech companies, including Amazon, Alphabet, Broadcom, MongoDB, Palantir, and Datadog, are being touted by analysts as top picks or leaders in the AI space, with expectations of accelerated growth and market expansion.

In an effort to cut costs, some companies are implementing "peanut butter" pay increases. According to experts, it could motivate top performers to leave.

US tax yo-yo blurs situation for Swiss companies  SWI swissinfo.ch

Analysts have expressed differing opinions on the performance and outlook of several consumer cyclical companies, including Visteon (VC), Savers Value Village Inc. (SVV), and Texas Roadhouse (TXRH).

Upcoming reports from Nvidia and software companies are anticipated to be the next significant tests for the stock market, which remains highly sensitive to developments in artificial intelligence.

Companies in Romania are facing difficulties in retaining foreign workers, even those recruited from Asian countries, indicating challenges in the labor market.

Analysts are presenting divergent opinions and sentiments regarding the performance and outlook of technology companies Klaviyo, Inc. Class A (KVYO), Akamai (AKAM), and Five9 (FIVN).

Some Japanese companies have sued the U.S. government over the tariffs, seeking a refund.

The Silicon Beach Programme (SBP) announced over 840 experienced-level IT job openings from more than 100 companies across the Udupi-Mangaluru region, having already facilitated 16 senior hires.

The proliferation of AI agents has led to a competitive environment where individuals and companies are actively trying to identify the most promising and successful platforms.

A high-ranking Iranian official confirmed that Iran and the United States remain deeply divided on sanction relief during nuclear program negotiations, with Iran proposing business opportunities for American companies in exchange for peace.

Several prominent companies, including NVDA, CRM, HD, BIDU, LOW, DELL, SNOW, AMC, ZM, and others, are scheduled to release their earnings reports in the coming week.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico warned that if Ukraine does not resume oil deliveries to Slovakia by Monday, he will instruct Slovak companies to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine.

Survivors of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution recount fierce battles in the Mecsek forests near Pécs, where 'Invisible' free companies clashed with the Red Army, holding out longer than in other parts of the country.

Analysts Have Conflicting Sentiments on These Technology Companies: Klaviyo, Inc. Class A (KVYO), Akamai (AKAM) and Five9 (FIVN)  The Globe and Mail

Estonian construction companies built 1.5 percent less in Estonia and abroad in 2025 than the year before. Construction volume declined for the fourth consecutive year, Statistics Estonia said.

Analysts have provided their perspectives on technology companies such as Workday (WDAY), RingCentral (RNG), and Zoom Video Communications (ZM).

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman defended AI's energy use by comparing it to human development, but Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu disagreed, advocating for technology to recede into the background. Vembu also likened large tech companies to the East India Company due to their immense financial power and operational scale.

The CEO of NNPC visited the Dangote Refinery for high-level discussions aimed at forging a strategic collaboration and renewed commitment between the two major companies.

Analysts Offer Insights on Technology Companies: NICE (NICE), Five9 (FIVN) and Autodesk (ADSK)  The Globe and Mail

This article reports on leadership changes and moves at companies BFC and Bare Necessities.

A leading VPN service was reportedly left vulnerable to Chinese hackers due to its private equity debt structure, highlighting the potential cybersecurity risks associated with financial pressures on tech companies.

Consultancy firms are projected to experience their fastest growth in years, fueled by the artificial intelligence boom as companies seek advice on powering data centers and profiting from AI.

Wall Street analysts are expressing optimism and issuing 'buy' ratings for several leading technology companies, signaling confidence in the sector's future performance.

A group of companies and hospitals in Tokyo has developed an AI-powered system that analyzes 3D images of cell clusters to detect cervical cancer with high accuracy.

How much is Drake Maye worth? Breaking down the Patriots quarterback's rookie contract, guaranteed money, college NIL earnings, and brand partnerships with Nike, Lowe's, and major companies.

A recent earnings scorecard reveals that 33 out of 52 S&P 500 companies have posted earnings per share (EPS) growth in the latest reporting week, indicating positive financial performance across a significant portion of the index.

Half of the S&P 500 utilities companies surpassed their earnings estimates this week, indicating a strong performance within the sector.

Crypto and fintech companies are looking into purchasing existing banks as a strategy to expedite their entry into the banking sector.

Crypto and fintech companies are looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to enter the banking sector.

Yahoo Finance provides investment advice on top stocks and covers updates from various companies including FuelCell Energy, Energy Vault, ReNew, QuantumScape, Blink Charging, Lucid, Amprius, EVgo, and SunPower.

Crypto and fintech companies are looking to buy existing banks as a shortcut to obtaining banking charters, aiming to streamline their entry into the regulated financial sector.

Crypto and fintech companies are reportedly seeking to purchase existing banks as a strategy to bypass traditional regulatory hurdles and gain quicker access to banking licenses.

KFC, Nando's, Wingstop, Burger King, and other fast-food companies have abandoned an industry commitment to avoid using fast-growing chickens, raising concerns about animal welfare.

An article critiques the common narrative of blaming 32 specific companies for half of the world's CO2 emissions, arguing that this perspective misses broader systemic issues.

Crypto and fintech companies are reportedly seeking to acquire existing banks as a quicker route to obtaining banking licenses and navigating regulatory hurdles.

Cryptocurrency and fintech companies are looking to acquire existing banks as a shortcut to enter the banking sector.

Crypto and fintech companies are exploring a strategy to enter the banking sector by acquiring existing banks.

A summary of Bausch Health Companies Inc.'s Q4 2025 earnings call provides key financial highlights and management commentary from the period.

Crypto and fintech companies are increasingly buying existing banks as a strategy to bypass lengthy regulatory processes and gain banking licenses.

This article highlights five companies that are actively developing the underlying infrastructure necessary to support and facilitate crypto payments.

NLC rejected claims by the generation companies that it lacks the competence to interrogate developments in the electricity market. The post NLC slams ‘Clandestine’ N6tn GENCO demand appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Big Tech companies are increasingly buying up land, making it difficult for home builders to compete and driving up property costs.

Walmart has received a downgrade from Wall Street analysts, while Etsy has been upgraded, reflecting shifting market perspectives on these companies.

EssilorLuxottica Logs Worst Week In Nearly Four Years As Apple Eyes AI Smart Glasses Shares of EssilorLuxottica SA are on track for their worst weekly decline in nearly four years, as competition in the smart-glasses market intensified this week following reports that Apple plans to launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2027. EssilorLuxottica manufactures the smart glasses that Meta sells under the Ray-Ban partnership. These glasses are in the sub-$500 category, which proves that affordability wins. Meta nailed that sweet spot in pricing, while Tim Cook's $3,500 Vision Pro has been an epic bust and failed to achieve mass adoption. It's not just Apple. Citigroup analyst Veronika Dubajova noted this week that her team "expects a number of competitive launches in the smart eyewear market over the next 12 to 24 months." Bloomberg-tracked Wall Street analyst ratings show no meaningful wave of downgrades following this week's Apple news, with roughly 93% of covering analysts maintaining a "Buy" recommendation. Stifel analyst Cedric Rossi said that the entry of Apple and Google into the smart-glasses market represents more of a catalyst than a threat. "Their presence should accelerate consumer awareness and expand the total addressable market," he told clients earlier this week, adding that EssilorLuxottica "retains several key competitive advantages." Shares of EssilorLuxottica in Paris are down about 10% this week, marking their largest weekly decline since the first week of March 2022. From the 2025 peak, shares are down 26%. Goldman analyst Jerry Shen recently published a detailed view of the AI and AR glasses supply chain, breaking it down by the companies that supply the critical components behind these devices (see report). Tim Cook blew it with Vision Pro ... Meta takes the win. Apple has to focus on affordability ... Tyler Durden Fri, 02/20/2026 - 08:20

Novo Nordisk has nominated new members to its board, while UPL has approved a composite scheme of arrangement, indicating corporate governance and structural changes within these companies.

Analysts are providing insights and ratings on several companies, including F5, PTC, Corpay, Unum Group, OneMain Holdings, MSCI, Cadence Design Systems, Assurant, Arthur J. Gallagher, and Fidelity, following their recent financial performances and market positions.

Apparent network of companies using same server includes little-known group that has become country’s largest oil exporter

Machina Labs This post originally appeared in the Business Insider Today newsletter. You can sign up for Business Insider's daily newsletter here. The US manufacturing industry is at a crossroads: try catching the leaders where they are or beat them to where the industry is headed. Edward Mehr sits firmly in the second camp. The thesis of his robotics-enabled manufacturing startup, Machina Labs, is that America's reindustrialization needs to be distributed and flexible. Trying to build the centralized, traditional factories China has perfected is a lost cause. "It's going to be a miracle to catch up if you want to replicate what they have," Mehr told me. "It's just not the right chess move. We need to try to see if we can leapfrog and then do the next generation." We're still in the early stages of robotics in factories. Mehr said the industry is still five years away from a major, ChatGPT-like breakthrough. But there's no shortage of companies giving it a go, including giants such as Tesla and Amazon. The opportunity is huge, with the manufacturing industry accounting for trillions of dollars. It's also a brutal business to break into. If a robot doesn't immediately help you cut costs or improve efficiencies, there's not much point pursuing it any further. (Example: Amazon's recent "Blue Jay" warehouse robot.) Machina Labs, which specializes in producing complex metal structures for the defense, aerospace, and automotive industries, sees its value-add on two fronts. Its robots can switch between different manufacturing operations, saving the time it would take to retool a factory to produce a new product. It's also portable, meaning there's no need to custom-design factories for specific productions. The space is crowded, and Mehr acknowledged that competitors are also pursuing portability or flexibility, but typically not both. "We're almost rethinking a lot of the manufacturing processes from scratch," he said. "If you go to our factory, things are being built in a way that you cannot see in any other place." Like many robotics players, Machina Labs now needs to prove its thesis at scale. The company raised a $124 million Series C round earlier this month from investors including Lockheed Martin Ventures and Toyota's venture arm. It'll use that cash to build a new 200,000-square-foot factory. The factory will feature 50 robots and initially serve Lockheed Martin. The goal is to produce a few thousand structures every year. That's a significant step up from its current factory, which runs 10 robots and has an annual production of a few hundred. But what about the humans? Tensions are already high around AI's impact on white-collar jobs. Are blue-collar workers headed to a similar fate? Machina Labs' new factory will include about 150 human workers, which Mehr said is roughly equivalent to the number of humans who'd work at a robot-free factory. The work is different, but no one seems to be complaining. Mehr said a recent internal survey found that employees' interest level in the job was exceptionally high. (So much for AI fatigue!) "You're working with robots. You're working with software. Compared to previously, you had these instructions. You'd follow it daily, over and over again," he said. "Now, you almost feel like you're playing a game." Read the original article on Business Insider

A timeline details the developing rivalry between AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI, highlighting key events from a corporate split to a viral photo.

Nvidia is reportedly re-evaluating its artificial intelligence investment portfolio, moving away from two previously favored AI companies to instead focus on a significant investment in Intel.

Several companies across different sectors, including Devon Energy, EQT, Fresh Del Monte Produce, Constellium, Dana, Element Solutions, Centerspace, and Charles River Laboratories International, have released their fourth-quarter earnings reports.