Market Signal Briefing

– Study, Which Enrolled 27 Patients, Met Primary Endpoint with a Significant Reduction in Hearing Loss in 3-18 Year Old Patients who Received PEDMARK® when Compared with Historically Reported Rates of Hearing Loss in Patients Receiving Cisplatin Alone (16-24% versus 56-63%, Respectively) –

– PEDMARK® Showed No Interference with Cisplatin Antitumor Activity as Evidenced by an Approximate 95% Clinical Response Rate –

– The Company Plans to Pursue Registration and is Exploring Partnering or Licensing Opportunities for PEDMARK® in Japan Based Upon These Results –

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Dec. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:FENC; TSX: FRX), a specialty pharmaceutical company, today announced positive topline results from the investigator-initiated Phase 2/3 STS-J01 clinical trial evaluating PEDMARK® (sodium thiosulfate injection) for the reduction of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in pediatric and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with non-metastatic solid tumors in Japan. PEDMARK® is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapy indicated to reduce the risk of ototoxicity associated with cisplatin treatment in pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with localized, non-metastatic, solid tumors.

The study, which enrolled 27 patients in the primary cohort (patients aged 3-18 years) and 6 in exploratory cohorts and examined the addition of PEDMARK® administered six hours after cisplatin. The primary endpoint of the study was met and the data showed that 24% and 16% of evaluable patients who were treated with PEDMARK® experienced hearing loss (ototoxicity) as assessed by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) criteria and Brock grade scaling, respectively. These rates compare favorably to the cisplatin-only arms of PEDMARK®’s pivotal Phase 3 trials, where 56% of children developed clinically significant hearing loss using ASHA criteria (ACCL0431) and 63% developed hearing impairment defined as Brock Grade ≥1 (SIOPEL-6). Further, the study demonstrated that among the largest subgroup of patients aged 7–18 years, hearing loss occurred in only 19% (ASHA) and 14.3% (Brock).

Additionally, pharmacokinetic analyses demonstrated no reduction in cisplatin exposure, and there was no evidence of adverse interaction or attenuation of antitumor activity. The overall tumor response rate of approximately 95% confirms that PEDMARK® does not interfere with the antitumor activity of cisplatin.

“The STS‑J01 findings add compelling support to the global clinical evidence base for PEDMARK®,” said Pierre S. Sayad, PhD, M.S., chief medical officer of Fennec Pharmaceuticals. “Seeing such low rates of hearing loss in a real‑world, investigator‑initiated setting in Japan reinforces the consistency and magnitude of PEDMARK®’s protective effect, which has now been demonstrated across multiple continents, tumor types and clinical settings. Importantly, the high tumor response rate and the pharmacokinetic data show that PEDMARK® does not interfere with how cisplatin works; by six hours, the active platinum is already bound and inactive. This is a critical and highly reassuring finding for physicians, families and regulators alike.”   

PEDMARK® was well-tolerated in the study. Across more than 200 treatment-emergent adverse events reported, none were attributed to PEDMARK®.

“For decades in Japan, we have witnessed the profound and lifelong burden of cisplatin‑induced hearing loss among the children and young adults,” said Eiso Hiyama, M.D., lead investigator and professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at Hiroshima University Hospital in Hiroshima, Japan. “These encouraging results from the first large-scale pediatric and adolescent and young adults (AYA) trial in Japan demonstrate that PEDMARK® can protect hearing without compromising cisplatin’s efficacy or introducing any concerning side effects. As a clinician, and with the current unmet medical need of cancer patients in Japan, these findings give me confidence in the effectiveness and safety of PEDMARK® which may offer patients the chance for both survival and preserved quality of life.”

Fennec intends to pursue registration in Japan and will also explore partnering or licensing opportunities for PEDMARK®. Full results from the study will be shared in a future scientific presentation and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

About the STS-J01 Study
STS-J01 is a Phase 2/3, investigator-initiated, open-label, single-arm clinical trial designed to evaluate PEDMARK for the prevention of cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The study enrolled 33 patients in two cohorts: 27 children ages 3-18 years (primary cohort), 6 infants ≥1 month to <3 years (exploratory cohort), all with localized-stage solid tumors, including neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, germ cell tumors, bone and soft tissue sarcomas, medulloblastoma, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors. Patients received PEDMARK intravenously six hours after cisplatin infusion, with dosing adjusted by body weight. The primary endpoint was the incidence of hearing impairment at the end of treatment in the 3- to 18-year-old cohort, assessed according to American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) criteria. Secondary endpoints included safety, antitumor efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and incidence of hearing loss as measured by Brock grading. Exploratory measures included longitudinal audiometric follow-up and validation of surrogate hearing tests.

About Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity
Cisplatin and other platinum-based chemotherapies are widely used to treat solid tumors and have been vital in improving survival rates. Unfortunately, these life-saving treatments often result in permanent, irreversible hearing loss, also known as ototoxicity.i

Hearing loss from cisplatin treatment is not rare. Studies show that between 60-90% of patients treated with cisplatin may develop hearing loss, depending upon the dose and duration of chemotherapyii. Many of those treated with cisplatin will require lifelong hearing aids or cochlear implants, which can be helpful for some, but do not reverse the hearing loss and can be costly over time.iii Treatment-induced hearing loss can reduce quality of survivorship as it impacts many aspects of life, such as speech and language skills, academic performance, social-emotional development, career potential and the ability to live independently.iv,v While audiologic monitoring is recommended to help manage ototoxicity, it is currently underutilized in certain cancer patient populations.

PEDMARK® (sodium thiosulfate injection)
PEDMARK® is the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved therapy indicated to reduce the risk of ototoxicity associated with cisplatin treatment in pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with localized, non-metastatic, solid tumors. It is a unique formulation of sodium thiosulfate in single-dose, ready-to-use vials for intravenous use in pediatric patients. PEDMARK is also the first and only therapeutic agent with proven efficacy and safety data with an established dosing regimen, across two open-label, randomized Phase 3 clinical studies, the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Protocol ACCL0431 and SIOPEL 6.

Additionally, PEDMARK is recommended for the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, or NCCN, with a 2A endorsement.

Approximately 500,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed annually with cancers that could be treated with a platinum-based chemotherapy.vi,vii The incidence of ototoxicity depends upon the dose and duration of chemotherapy, and many of those treated will require lifelong hearing aids. Until the FDA approval of PEDMARK, there were no preventative agents for this hearing loss. Patients with hearing loss resulting from cancer treatment have a statistically significant worse quality of life compared with peers who have no hearing loss.viii,ix

PEDMARK has been studied by co-operative groups in two Phase 3 clinical studies of survival and reduction of ototoxicity, COG ACCL0431 and SIOPEL 6. Both studies have been completed. The COG ACCL0431 protocol enrolled childhood cancers typically treated with intensive cisplatin therapy for localized and disseminated disease, including newly diagnosed hepatoblastoma, germ cell tumor, osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, and other solid tumors. SIOPEL 6 enrolled only hepatoblastoma patients with localized tumors.

Indications and Usage
PEDMARK® (sodium thiosulfate injection) is indicated to reduce the risk of ototoxicity associated with cisplatin in pediatric patients 1 month of age and older with localized, non-metastatic solid tumors.

Limitations of Use
The safety and efficacy of PEDMARK have not been established when administered following cisplatin infusions longer than 6 hours. PEDMARK may not reduce the risk of ototoxicity when administered following longer cisplatin infusions, because irreversible ototoxicity may have already occurred.

Important Safety Information
PEDMARK is contraindicated in patients with history of a severe hypersensitivity to sodium thiosulfate or any of its components.

Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 8% to 13% of patients in clinical trials. Monitor patients for hypersensitivity reactions. Immediately discontinue PEDMARK and institute appropriate care if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs. Administer antihistamines or glucocorticoids (if appropriate) before each subsequent administration of PEDMARK. PEDMARK may contain sodium sulfite; patients with sulfite sensitivity may have hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or severe asthma episodes. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in people with asthma.

PEDMARK is not indicated for use in pediatric patients less than 1 month of age due to the increased risk of hypernatremia or in pediatric patients with metastatic cancers.

Hypernatremia occurred in 12% to 26% of patients in clinical trials, including a single Grade 3 case. Hypokalemia occurred in 15% to 27% of patients in clinical trials, with Grade 3 or 4 occurring in 9% to 27% of patients. Monitor serum sodium and potassium levels at baseline and as clinically indicated. Withhold PEDMARK in patients with baseline serum sodium greater than 145 mmol/L.

Monitor for signs and symptoms of hypernatremia and hypokalemia more closely if the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls below 60 mL/min/1.73m2.

Administer antiemetics prior to each PEDMARK administration. Provide additional antiemetics and supportive care as appropriate.

The most common adverse reactions (≥25% with difference between arms of >5% compared to cisplatin alone) in SIOPEL 6 were vomiting, nausea, decreased hemoglobin, and hypernatremia. The most common adverse reaction (≥25% with difference between arms of >5% compared to cisplatin alone) in COG ACCL0431 was hypokalemia.

Please see full Prescribing Information for PEDMARK® at: www.PEDMARK.com.

About Fennec Pharmaceuticals
Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company committed to the fight against ototoxicity in cancer patients who receive cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Fennec is focused on the commercialization of PEDMARK® to reduce the risk of platinum-induced ototoxicity in cancer patients. PEDMARK received FDA approval in September 2022 and European Commission approval in June 2023 and United Kingdom (U.K.) approval in October 2023 under the brand name PEDMARQSI.

In March 2024, Fennec entered into an exclusive licensing agreement under which Norgine Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a leading European specialist pharmaceutical company, will commercialize PEDMARQSI® in Europe, U.K., Australia and New Zealand. PEDMARQSI is now commercially available in the U.K. and Germany.

PEDMARK has received Orphan Drug Exclusivity in the U.S. and PEDMARQSI has received Pediatric Use Marketing Authorization in Europe which includes eight years plus two years of data and market protection. Further, Fennec has patents providing protection for PEDMARK until 2039 in both the U.S. and internationally.

For more information, please visit www.fennecpharma.com and follow on LinkedIn.

Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information described in this press release, all other statements are forward-looking. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements about our business strategy, timeline and other goals, plans and prospects, including our commercialization plans respecting PEDMARK®/PEDMARQSI®, the market opportunity for and market impact of PEDMARK®/ PEDMARQSI®, its potential impact on patients and anticipated benefits associated with its use, and future commercial and regulatory milestones, and potential access to further funding after the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business that could cause actual results to vary, including the risks and uncertainties that regulatory and guideline developments may change, scientific data and/or manufacturing capabilities may not be sufficient to meet regulatory standards or receipt of required regulatory clearances or approvals, clinical results may not be replicated in actual patient settings, unforeseen global instability, including political instability, or instability from an outbreak of pandemic or contagious disease, such as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), or surrounding the duration and severity of an outbreak, protection offered by the Company’s patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by its competitors, the available market for the Company’s products will not be as large as expected, the Company’s products will not be able to penetrate one or more targeted markets, revenues will not be sufficient to fund further development and clinical studies, our ability to obtain necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms or at all, the Company may not meet its future capital requirements in different countries and municipalities, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Fennec disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

For a more detailed discussion of related risk factors, please refer to our public filings available at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com.

PEDMARK® PEDMARQSI® and Fennec® are registered trademarks of Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc.

©2025 Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc. All rights reserved. FEN-1604-v1

For further information, please contact:

Investors:
Robert Andrade
Chief Financial Officer
Fennec Pharmaceuticals Inc.
+1 919-246-5299

i Rybak L. Mechanisms of Cisplatin Ototoxicity and Progress in Otoprotection. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery. 2007, Vol. 15: 364-369.
ii Langer T, am Zehnhoff-Dinnesen A, Radtke S, Meitert J, Zolk O. Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2013;34(8):458-469
iii Landier W. Ototoxicity and Cancer Therapy. Cancer. June 2016 Vol. 122, No.11: 1647-1658.
iv Clemens E, van den Heuvel-Eibrink MM, Mulder RL, et al. Recommendations for ototoxicity surveillance for childhood, adolescent, and young adult cancer survivors: a report from the International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group in collaboration with the PanCare Consortium. Lancet Oncol. 2019;20(1):e29-e41
v Bass JK, Knight KR, Yock TI, Chang KW, Cipkala D, Grewal SS. Evaluation and management of hearing loss in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers: a report from the children’s oncology group. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2016;63(7):1152-1162.
vi Chattaraj A et al. Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity: A Concise Review of the Burden, Prevention, and Interception Strategies. JCO Oncol Pract. 2023;19
vii Freyer DR et al. Effects of sodium thiosulfate versus observation on development of cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children with cancer (ACCL0431): a multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2017;18(1):63-74.
viii Rajput K, Edwards L, Brock P, Abiodun A, Simpkin P, Al-Malky G. Ototoxicity-induced hearing loss and quality of life in survivors of paediatric cancer. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020;138:110401. doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110401
ix Bass JK, Knight KR, Yock TI, Chang KW, Cipkala D, Grewal SS. Evaluation and management of hearing loss in survivors of childhood and adolescent cancers: a report from the children’s oncology group. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2016;63(7):1152-1162.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #Omdia--Omdia's latest report reveals that Latin America's smartphone market grew 1% year-over-year (YoY) in 3Q25, with shipments reaching 35.2 million units, the highest quarterly level since 4Q15. The region's resilience amid economic uncertainty, cautious inventory management, and moderate consumption was reflected in shipments across top vendors. Samsung led with 11.6 million units and a 33% share, driven by its low-end A-series models, which accounted for 68% of its shipme.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 2, 2025) - Lion Rock Resources Inc. (TSXV: ROAR) (FSE: KGB) (OTCQB: LRRIF) (the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its inaugural drill program at Volney in the historic Black Hills mining district of South Dakota, USA. Volney has historically produced high-grade gold, lithium, and tin.

Launched on December 2, 2010, the Invesco KBW Property & Casualty Insurance ETF (KBWP - Free Report) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Financials - Insurance segment of the equity market.

Passively managed ETFs are becoming increasingly popular with institutional as well as retail investors due to their low cost, transparency, flexibility and tax efficiency. They are excellent vehicles for long term investors.

Investor-friendly, sector ETFs provide many options to gain low risk and diversified exposure to a broad group of companies in particular sectors. Financials - Insurance is one of the 16 broad Zacks sectors within the Zacks Industry classification. It is currently ranked 1, placing it in top 6%.

Index DetailsThe fund is sponsored by Invesco. It has amassed assets over $410.32 million, making it one of the average sized ETFs attempting to match the performance of the Financials - Insurance segment of the equity market. KBWP seeks to match the performance of the KBW Nasdaq Property & Casualty Index before fees and expenses.

The KBW Nasdaq Property & Casualty Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index that reflects the performance of approximately 24 property and casualty insurance companies.

CostsInvestors should also pay attention to an ETF's expense ratio. Lower cost products will produce better results than those with a higher cost, assuming all other metrics remain the same.

Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.35%, making it one of the least expensive products in the space.

It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.76%.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsEven though ETFs offer diversified exposure that minimizes single stock risk, investors should also look at the actual holdings inside the fund. Luckily, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.

This ETF has heaviest allocation in the Financials sector -- about 100% of the portfolio.

Looking at individual holdings, Chubb Ltd (CB) accounts for about 8.48% of total assets, followed by Travelers Cos Inc/the (TRV) and American International Group Inc (AIG).

The top 10 holdings account for about 60.69% of total assets under management.

Performance and RiskThe ETF has gained about 7.73% and is down about 0.45% so far this year and in the past one year (as of 12/02/2025), respectively. KBWP has traded between $110.12 and $126.65 during this last 52-week period.

The ETF has a beta of 0.55 and standard deviation of 17.62% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 27 holdings, it has more concentrated exposure than peers.

AlternativesInvesco KBW Property & Casualty Insurance ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Thus, KBWP is a sufficient option for those seeking exposure to the Financials ETFs area of the market. Investors might also want to consider some other ETF options in the space.

iShares U.S. Insurance ETF (IAK) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Insurance Index and the State Street SPDR S&P Insurance ETF (KIE) tracks S&P Insurance Select Industry Index. iShares U.S. Insurance ETF has $508.98 million in assets, State Street SPDR S&P Insurance ETF has $635.06 million. IAK has an expense ratio of 0.38%, and KIE charges 0.35%.

Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.

Looking for broad exposure to the Mid Cap Blend segment of the US equity market? You should consider the Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ - Free Report) , a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on December 1, 2006.

The fund is sponsored by Invesco. It has amassed assets over $5.12 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs attempting to match the Mid Cap Blend segment of the US equity market.

Why Mid Cap BlendMid cap companies have market capitalization between $2 billion and $10 billion. They usually have higher growth prospects than large cap companies and are less volatile than small cap companies. These types of companies, then, have a good balance of stability and growth potential.

Blend ETFs are aptly named, since they tend to hold a mix of growth and value stocks, as well as show characteristics of both kinds of equities.

CostsExpense ratios are an important factor in the return of an ETF and in the long term, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive counterparts, other things remaining the same.

Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.25%, putting it on par with most peer products in the space.

It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.64%.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsIt is important to delve into an ETF's holdings before investing despite the many upsides to these kinds of funds like diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.

This ETF has heaviest allocation to the Industrials sector -- about 33.4% of the portfolio. Healthcare and Financials round out the top three.

Looking at individual holdings, Comfort Systems Usa Inc (FIX) accounts for about 5.66% of total assets, followed by Medpace Holdings Inc (MEDP) and Carlisle Cos Inc (CSL).

The top 10 holdings account for about 31.63% of total assets under management.

Performance and RiskXMHQ seeks to match the performance of the S&P MIDCAP 400 QUALITY INDEX before fees and expenses. The S&P MidCap 400 Quality Index is designed to provide equal-weighted exposure to approximately 800 securities of medium-sized companies in the larger US equity market.

The ETF return is roughly 4.31% so far this year and is down about 4.84% in the last one year (as of 12/02/2025). In the past 52-week period, it has traded between $82.17 and $108.93.

The ETF has a beta of 1.05 and standard deviation of 19.01% for the trailing three-year period. With about 80 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk.

AlternativesInvesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Thus, XMHQ is a sufficient option for those seeking exposure to the Style Box - Mid Cap Blend area of the market. Investors might also want to consider some other ETF options in the space.

The Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) and the iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) track a similar index. While Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF has $88.94 billion in assets, iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF has $101.02 billion. VO has an expense ratio of 0.04% and IJH charges 0.05%.

Bottom-LineRetail and institutional investors increasingly turn to passively managed ETFs because they offer low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency; these kind of funds are also excellent vehicles for long term investors.

To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.

Strengthening our Advisory Board with addition of Mark McKenna as Strategic Advisor and Peter Libby, MD as a Clinical Advisor Expanding the Phase 2 recurrent pericarditis study into Canada, EU and the UK to evaluate QD dose ranging in preparation for the global Phase 3 development plan Interim analysis for the ongoing Phase 2 recurrent pericarditis study to now be presented as part of Ventyx's R&D Day planned for Q1 2026 SAN DIEGO, Dec. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ventyx Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: VTYX) (“Ventyx”, “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative oral therapies for patients with inflammation-mediated cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that the Company added two leading experts to their advisory board and provided an update to its ongoing Phase 2 study of VTX2735 in patients with recurrent pericarditis (“RP”). “We are fortunate to attract such an outstanding group of scientists, clinicians and strategic advisors to work with us.

Airbus is assessing the impact on year-end deliveries of a newly discovered fuselage quality issue on some of its A320 jets after it led to "weak" November handovers, CEO Guillaume Faury told Reuters on Tuesday.

The State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE - Free Report) made its debut on 06/19/2006, and is a smart beta exchange traded fund that provides broad exposure to the Financials ETFs category of the market.

What Are Smart Beta ETFs?The ETF industry has traditionally been dominated by products based on market capitalization weighted indexes that are designed to represent the market or a particular segment of the market.

Because market cap weighted indexes provide a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of replicating market returns, they work well for investors who believe in market efficiency.

If you're the kind of investor who would rather try and beat the market through good stock selection, then smart beta funds are your best choice; this fund class is known for tracking non-cap weighted strategies.

This kind of index follows this same mindset, as it attempts to pick stocks that have better chances of risk-return performance; non-cap weighted strategies base selection on certain fundamental characteristics, or a mix of such characteristics.

While this space offers a number of choices to investors, including simplest equal-weighting, fundamental weighting and volatility/momentum based weighting methodologies, not all these strategies have been able to deliver superior results.

Fund Sponsor & IndexThe fund is managed by State Street Investment Management. KRE has been able to amass assets over $3.44 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Financials ETFs. KRE, before fees and expenses, seeks to match the performance of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index.

The S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index represents the regional banks segment of the S&P Total Market Index.

Cost & Other ExpensesWhen considering an ETF's total return, expense ratios are an important factor. And, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive cousins in the long term if all other factors remain equal.

Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.35%, making it one of the least expensive products in the space.

The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.48%.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsMost ETFs are very transparent products, and disclose their holdings on a daily basis. ETFs also offer diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk, though it's still important for investors to research a fund's holdings.

Representing 100% of the portfolio, the fund has heaviest allocation to the Financials sector.

Taking into account individual holdings, Cadence Bank (CADE) accounts for about 2.16% of the fund's total assets, followed by First Horizon Corp (FHN) and Valley National Bancorp (VLY).

KRE's top 10 holdings account for about 20.25% of its total assets under management.

Performance and RiskThe ETF has added about 7.46% so far this year and is down about -3.64% in the last one year (as of 12/02/2025). In the past 52-week period, it has traded between $48.81 and $66.71

The fund has a beta of 0.96 and standard deviation of 31.63% for the trailing three-year period, which makes KRE a high risk choice in this particular space. With about 150 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk .

AlternativesState Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF is a reasonable option for investors seeking to outperform the Financials ETFs segment of the market. However, there are other ETFs in the space which investors could consider.

Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF (KBWR) tracks KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index and the iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (IAT) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Regional Banks Index. Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF has $51.44 million in assets, iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF has $543.71 million. KBWR has an expense ratio of 0.35% and IAT changes 0.38%.

Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Financials ETFs

Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.

If you're interested in broad exposure to the Technology - Broad segment of the equity market, look no further than the Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK - Free Report) , a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on June 8, 2022.

While an excellent vehicle for long term investors, passively managed ETFs are a popular choice among institutional and retail investors due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency.

Additionally, sector ETFs offer convenient ways to gain low risk and diversified exposure to a broad group of companies in particular sectors. Technology - Broad is one of the 16 broad Zacks sectors within the Zacks Industry classification. It is currently ranked 2, placing it in top 13%.

Index DetailsThe fund is sponsored by Pacer Etfs. It has amassed assets over $337.19 million, making it one of the average sized ETFs attempting to match the performance of the Technology - Broad segment of the equity market. TRFK seeks to match the performance of the PACER DATA TRANSMISN & COMM REVOLUTN ID before fees and expenses.

The Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index derive at least 50% of their revenues from one of the following activities related to the use, manipulation, transmission, or storage of data and the ancillary services.

CostsCost is an important factor in selecting the right ETF, and cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive counterparts if all other fundamentals are the same.

Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.49%, making it on par with most peer products in the space.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsIt is important to delve into an ETF's holdings before investing despite the many upsides to these kinds of funds like diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.

This ETF has heaviest allocation in the Information Technology sector -- about 92.2% of the portfolio.

Looking at individual holdings, Broadcom Inc (AVGO) accounts for about 10.21% of total assets, followed by Nvidia Corp (NVDA) and Oracle Corp (ORCL).

The top 10 holdings account for about 58.96% of total assets under management.

Performance and RiskThe ETF has added about 30.96% and it's up approximately 29.42% so far this year and in the past one year (as of 12/02/2025), respectively. TRFK has traded between $38.975 and $73.9 during this last 52-week period.

The ETF has a beta of 1.29 and standard deviation of 27.02% for the trailing three-year period. With about 86 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk.

AlternativesPacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Because of this, TRFK is an outstanding option for investors seeking exposure to the Technology ETFs segment of the market. There are other additional ETFs in the space that investors could consider as well.

Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) tracks Technology Select Sector Index and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) tracks MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index. Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF has $93.69 billion in assets, Vanguard Information Technology ETF has $112.94 billion. XLK has an expense ratio of 0.08%, and VGT charges 0.09%.

Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.

Designed to provide broad exposure to the Materials ETFs category of the market, the First Trust Materials AlphaDEX ETF (FXZ - Free Report) is a smart beta exchange traded fund launched on 05/08/2007.

What Are Smart Beta ETFs?Products that are based on market cap weighted indexes, which are strategies designed to reflect a specific market segment or the market as a whole, have traditionally dominated the ETF industry.

Because market cap weighted indexes provide a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of replicating market returns, they work well for investors who believe in market efficiency.

But, there are some investors who would rather invest in smart beta funds; these funds track non-cap weighted strategies, and are a strong option for those who prefer choosing great stocks in order to beat the market.

By attempting to pick stocks that have a better chance of risk-return performance, non-cap weighted indexes are based on certain fundamental characteristics, or a combination of such.

Methodologies like equal-weighting, one of the simplest options out there, fundamental weighting, and volatility/momentum based weighting are all choices offered to investors in this space, but not all of them can deliver superior returns.

Fund Sponsor & IndexThe fund is managed by First Trust Advisors. FXZ has been able to amass assets over $205.47 million, making it one of the average sized ETFs in the Materials ETFs. Before fees and expenses, this particular fund seeks to match the performance of the StrataQuant Materials Index.

The StrataQuant Materials Index is a modified equal-dollar weighted index designed by the AMEX to objectively identify and select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index that may generate positive alpha relative to traditional passive style indices through the use of the AlphaDEX screening methodology.

Cost & Other ExpensesInvestors should also pay attention to an ETF's expense ratio. Lower cost products will produce better results than those with a higher cost, assuming all other metrics remain the same.

Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.61%, making it on par with most peer products in the space.

It's 12-month trailing dividend yield comes in at 1.73%.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsEven though ETFs offer diversified exposure which minimizes single stock risk, it is still important to look into a fund's holdings before investing. Luckily, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.

FXZ's heaviest allocation is in the Materials sector, which is about 82.5% of the portfolio. Its Industrials and Energy round out the top three.

When you look at individual holdings, Newmont Corporation (NEM) accounts for about 5.29% of the fund's total assets, followed by Alcoa Corporation (AA) and Anglogold Ashanti Plc (AU).

Its top 10 holdings account for approximately 45.28% of FXZ's total assets under management.

Performance and RiskThe ETF return is roughly 12.29% so far this year and is down about -2.4% in the last one year (as of 12/02/2025). In the past 52-week period, it has traded between $46.76 and $65.58

FXZ has a beta of 1.17 and standard deviation of 21.61% for the trailing three-year period, which makes the fund a medium risk choice in the space. With about 38 holdings, it has more concentrated exposure than peers .

AlternativesFirst Trust Materials AlphaDEX ETF is not a suitable option for investors seeking to outperform the Materials ETFs segment of the market. Instead, there are other ETFs in the space which investors should consider.

Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) tracks Materials Select Sector Index and the FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources ETF (GUNR) tracks Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources Index. Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF has $5.17 billion in assets, FlexShares Morningstar Global Upstream Natural Resources ETF has $5.61 billion. XLB has an expense ratio of 0.08% and GUNR changes 0.46%.

Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Materials ETFs

Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.

Making its debut on 11/08/2005, smart beta exchange traded fund State Street SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF (KCE - Free Report) provides investors broad exposure to the Financials ETFs category of the market.

What Are Smart Beta ETFs?The ETF industry has traditionally been dominated by products based on market capitalization weighted indexes that are designed to represent the market or a particular segment of the market.

Investors who believe in market efficiency should consider market cap indexes, as they replicate market returns in a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way.

If you're the kind of investor who would rather try and beat the market through good stock selection, then smart beta funds are your best choice; this fund class is known for tracking non-cap weighted strategies.

These indexes attempt to select stocks that have better chances of risk-return performance, based on certain fundamental characteristics or a combination of such characteristics.

Even though this space provides many choices to investors--think one of the simplest methodologies like equal-weighting and more complicated ones like fundamental and volatility/momentum based weighting--not all have been able to deliver first-rate results.

Fund Sponsor & IndexManaged by State Street Investment Management, KCE has amassed assets over $541.31 million, making it one of the average sized ETFs in the Financials ETFs. This particular fund, before fees and expenses, seeks to match the performance of the S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index.

The S&P Capital Markets Select Industry Index represents the capital markets segment of the S&P Total Market Index.

Cost & Other ExpensesWhen considering an ETF's total return, expense ratios are an important factor. And, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive cousins in the long term if all other factors remain equal.

With one of the least expensive products in the space, this ETF has annual operating expenses of 0.35%.

The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.56%.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsEven though ETFs offer diversified exposure which minimizes single stock risk, it is still important to look into a fund's holdings before investing. Luckily, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.

For KCE, it has heaviest allocation in the Financials sector --about 100% of the portfolio.

When you look at individual holdings, Galaxy Digital Inc A (GLXY) accounts for about 2.7% of the fund's total assets, followed by Robinhood Markets Inc A (HOOD) and Coinbase Global Inc Class A (COIN).

Its top 10 holdings account for approximately 19.33% of KCE's total assets under management.

Performance and RiskSo far this year, KCE has added about 6.01%, and is down about -1.04% in the last one year (as of 12/02/2025). During this past 52-week period, the fund has traded between $108.52 and $157.83.

The ETF has a beta of 1.28 and standard deviation of 21.18% for the trailing three-year period, making it a high risk choice in the space. With about 65 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk .

AlternativesState Street SPDR S&P Capital Markets ETF is not a suitable option for investors seeking to outperform the Financials ETFs segment of the market. Instead, there are other ETFs in the space which investors should consider.

iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF(IAI) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Investment Services Index The fund has $1.51 billion in assets. IAI has an expense ratio of 0.38%.

Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Financials ETFs

Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.

If you're interested in broad exposure to the Industrials - Broad segment of the equity market, look no further than the Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF (FIDU - Free Report) , a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on October 21, 2013.

Passively managed ETFs are becoming increasingly popular with institutional as well as retail investors due to their low cost, transparency, flexibility and tax efficiency. They are excellent vehicles for long term investors.

Sector ETFs are also funds of convenience, offering many ways to gain low risk and diversified exposure to a broad group of companies in particular sectors. Industrials - Broad is one of the 16 broad Zacks sectors within the Zacks Industry classification. It is currently ranked 13, placing it in bottom 19%.

Index DetailsThe fund is sponsored by Fidelity. It has amassed assets over $1.46 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs attempting to match the performance of the Industrials - Broad segment of the equity market. FIDU seeks to match the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Industrials Index before fees and expenses.

The MSCI USA IMI Industrials 25/25 Index represents the performance of the industrial sector in the U.S. equity market.

CostsSince cheaper funds tend to produce better results than more expensive funds, assuming all other factors remain equal, it is important for investors to pay attention to an ETF's expense ratio.

Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.08%, making it one of the least expensive products in the space.

It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.34%.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsEven though ETFs offer diversified exposure which minimizes single stock risk, it is still important to look into a fund's holdings before investing. Luckily, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.

This ETF has heaviest allocation in the Industrials sector -- about 100% of the portfolio.

Looking at individual holdings, General Electric Common Stock Usd.01 (GE) accounts for about 5.37% of total assets, followed by Caterpillar Inc Common Stock Usd1.0 (CAT) and Rtx Corp Common Stock Usd1.0 (RTX).

The top 10 holdings account for about 30.29% of total assets under management.

Performance and RiskSo far this year, FIDU has added about 15.95%, and is up about 5.83% in the last one year (as of 12/02/2025). During this past 52-week period, the fund has traded between $60.99 and $83.46.

The ETF has a beta of 1.11 and standard deviation of 16.66% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 363 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk.

AlternativesFidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Thus, FIDU is a reasonable option for those seeking exposure to the Industrials ETFs area of the market. Investors might also want to consider some other ETF options in the space.

Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) tracks MSCI US Investable Market Industrials 25/50 Index and the Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) tracks Industrial Select Sector Index. Vanguard Industrials ETF has $6.24 billion in assets, Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF has $24.01 billion. VIS has an expense ratio of 0.09%, and XLI charges 0.08%.

Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.

Fairstone Bank of Canada entered an agreement to buy Laurentian Bank of Canada for about 1.9 billion Canadian dollars, or $1.36 billion.

Nvidia-backed video generation startup Luma AI is joining a growing wave of U.S. tech companies launching operations in the U.K., with major plans for a London expansion revealed on Tuesday.

The Palo Alto-headquartered startup will look to hire around 200 employees — making up around 40% of its workforce — at its new London base by early 2027, across research, engineering, partnerships and strategic development. 

The expansion comes two weeks on from Luma announcing a $900 million funding round led by Saudi Public Investment Fund-owned AI company Humain, which saw it hit a valuation upwards of $4 billion. The startup previously received backing from Nvidia. 

Luma is building "world models," a class of AI models that are able to learn from video, audio and images, alongside text, and which large language models (LLMs) like those powering OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini use. 

The startup is currently targeting marketing, advertising, media and entertainment sectors with its video models, which it sells via an application programming interface (API) and as part of a content creation suite.

"With this Series C raise and the upcoming build-out of global compute infrastructure, we have the capital and capacity to bring world-scale AI to creatives everywhere," said Amit Jain, CEO and co-founder of Luma AI. "Launching across Europe and the Middle East is the logical next step in putting this power directly in the hands of storytellers, agencies and brands globally."

The U.K. is the starting point of the expansion because of its access to talent, Jain told CNBC.

"London has some of the best people when it comes to research, given the universities here and institutions like DeepMind," he said. "We also consider London to be the entry point to the European market."

Luma is the latest in a wave of North American AI labs doubling down on the U.K. and Europe as they look to take advantage of talent pools and revenue opportunities.

In November, San Francisco-based Anthropic announced plans to open offices in Paris and Munich, months on from kicking off a hiring spree in London and Dublin. Canadian AI startup Cohere said it would open a Paris office to become its EMEA headquarters in September and OpenAI announced a new office in Munich in February.

While world models may not yet be as developed as LLMs, some researchers say they are as, if not more, crucial in the pursuit of achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI).

"These kinds of visual models are about a year to a year-and-a-half behind language models right now," said Jain. 

But world models will become the "natural interface" for AI for most day-to-day use in time, he predicted, pointing to the amount of time people spend watching video content each day. 

Tech giants including Google, Meta and Nvidia are all developing world models for a range of use cases.

Luma released its latest model, Ray3, in September, which Jain told CNBC benchmarks higher than OpenAI's Sora and at similar levels to Google's Veo 3.

“We'd like to move on to another credit card for the benefits.”

CHONGQING, CHINA NOVEMBER 30: A pedestrian walks past a Tesla showroom displaying one of the brand's electric vehicles on November 30, 2025, in Chongqing, China. Tesla continues to strengthen its sales network and service presence in China as competition in the country's rapidly growing electric-vehicle market remains intense. (Photo by Cheng Xin/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) finds itself at a sensitive juncture as 2025 comes to an end. On one hand, its stock price indicates a company on the edge of achieving general artificial intelligence, trading at an enormous premium that exceeds the valuation of the entire global automotive sector combined. Conversely, its principal business—selling electric vehicles—is struggling. Data from October reveals a company ensnared in a challenging transition. While Wall Street values Tesla for a future filled with robotaxis, consumers are progressively shunning its outdated vehicle models. Separately, Nvidia’s Real Risk: Hardware That Ages Too Fast?

Regardless of the trajectory of TSLA stock, your investment portfolio should remain on course. Discover how the High Quality Portfolio can assist you in achieving that.

Automotive Reality Check

The most pressing challenges are coming from the automotive division, which still represents the bulk of Tesla’s revenue.

The Tax Credit Hangover: The end of the U.S. federal EV tax credit on September 30, 2025, has acted as a significant hindrance to EV demand. According to Cox Automotive, EV sales in the U.S. decreased by approximately 30% year-over-year in October. The “pull-forward” effect in Q3 resulted in buyers hurrying to capture $7,500 incentives, creating a demand vacuum in Q4. Absent these subsidies, Tesla must compete on price against a rejuvenated hybrid market and traditional automakers who are heavily discounting.European Collapse: The situation across the ocean is even worse. In October, Tesla registrations in Europe plummeted by 48.5%. European consumers are gravitating towards newer, more affordable alternatives from Chinese manufacturers like BYD and SAIC. Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3—initially launched in 2017 and 2020, respectively—are beginning to show their age.Margin Compression: Once renowned within the industry for exceeding 25%, automotive gross margins have reduced to around 16% to 18%. This brings Tesla dangerously close to the profitability margins of mass-market rivals like Ford (13% gross margin in Q3), yet its stock is valued as though it were a high-margin software monopoly. The catch is that each percentage point of margin lost could directly endanger the substantial free cash flow that finances Tesla’s aspirations in AI and autonomy. The Valuation Disconnect

In spite of these automotive difficulties, Tesla continues to be traded at a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 260x projected 2025 earnings. By comparison, traditional automakers currently trade at approximately 7x to 12x earnings. This substantial discrepancy stems from the “AI Premium.” Investors are likely overlooking the automobile business, instead betting that Elon Musk will fulfill promises of autonomous transportation and humanoid robotics, viewing Tesla as a representation of physical AI. Thus, Can A $30K Robot Save Tesla And Make Musk A Trillionaire?

Nonetheless, the “proof points” for this AI future are diminishing:

Robotaxi Reality vs. Rhetoric: Though the company pledged thousands of autonomous vehicles by the conclusion of the year, reports from Austin indicate a test fleet of only 30 to 60 vehicles. The “unsupervised” FSD (Full Self-Driving) aspiration remains ensnared in a “supervised” reality, hindered by regulatory obstacles and safety data that have yet to satisfy NHTSA criteria.FSD Licensing: A crucial aspect of the bullish argument was that traditional automakers would eventually license Tesla’s FSD software, establishing it as the “Windows” of driving. No progress has occurred on this matter. Main competitors seem more inclined to partner with Waymo or develop in-house solutions, dismissing Musk’s attempts due to liability issues and integration challenges.Optimus Delays: The humanoid robot, Optimus, was expected to begin limited production runs this year. Instead, we are witnessing “hundreds” of experimental units rather than the revenue-producing thousands that were anticipated. It remains a concept, not a commercial venture. Experts suggest that developing a general-purpose humanoid robot is much more challenging than Tesla’s timelines suggest. See How the $10 trillion AI bubble popsThe Sole Silver Lining: Energy

If there is a pathway to the future, it lies in Tesla Energy. This division is the only segment of the “Plan” that is undeniably succeeding. Revenue from energy generation and storage skyrocketed by nearly 44% in Q3, driven by overwhelming demand for Megapacks batteries to support AI data centers and stabilize the grid. This sector is now also achieving higher gross margins compared to the automotive division. However, despite this increase, energy cannot sufficiently justify a trillion-dollar valuation—nor can it fully offset the billions in cash that a shrinking automotive margin structure is consuming.

Tesla’s Valuation Premium Encounters Cash-Flow Realities

Tesla in late 2025 is a company essentially “treading water” with its vehicle sales while racing towards an AI future that is taking longer to realize than expected. The market may be willing to overlook the dwindling auto sales and declining margins for the time being, but that forbearance depends on imminent breakthroughs in autonomy. The real threat lies in the cash-flow stranglehold. The stock is valued for perfection (trading at over 260x earnings), yet the automotive cash engine is quickly losing strength. Free cash flow has already fallen from $8.5 billion in 2022 to $4.4 billion in 2023 and around $3.6 billion in 2024. If the “Tax Credit Hangover” evolves into an extended automotive recession and necessitates continuous price reductions, free cash flow could be suffocated, starving the AI initiatives upon which Tesla's valuation relies.

The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, comprising a selection of 30 stocks, has a history of comfortably outperforming its benchmark, which includes all three – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. What accounts for this? As a collective, HQ Portfolio stocks yield better returns with lower risk compared to the benchmark index; offering a steadier ride, as demonstrated in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.

PETAH TIKVA, Israel, Dec. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT), a worldwide leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced today that Gilat DataPath has been selected to deliver a customized Earth Observation Solution. The order, valued at approximately $10 million, will be delivered within the next 12 months. This award reflects the continued expansion of Gilat Defense’s portfolio of specialized capabilities beyond satellite communications and into the earth observation and geospatial insights domain.

The tailored solution leverages satellites equipped with various sensors to provide real-time data for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and situational awareness. The capability will deliver a first-to-market, transportable direct downlink terminal to enable secure, timely and trusted delivery of earth observation insights in remote locations.

“Nations today rely on resilient, mission-tailored insights and intelligence as they seek to understand the security environment, humanitarian assistance and first responder efforts,” said Nicole Robinson, President of Gilat DataPath. “This award underscores confidence in our ability to deliver customized Earth observation capabilities based upon our time tested and trusted SATCOM terminal solutions that enhance operational performance. We are proud to support our customer’s mission and continue broadening our offerings.”

About Gilat

Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ: GILT, TASE: GILT) is a leading global provider of satellite-based broadband communications. With over 35 years of experience, we develop and deliver deep technology solutions for satellite, ground, and new space connectivity, offering next-generation solutions and services for critical connectivity across commercial and defense applications. We believe in the right of all people to be connected and are united in our resolution to provide communication solutions to all reaches of the world.

Together with our wholly owned subsidiaries Gilat Wavestream, Gilat DataPath, and Gilat Stellar Blu, we offer integrated, high-value solutions supporting multi-orbit constellations, Very High Throughput Satellites (VHTS), and Software-Defined Satellites (SDS) via our Commercial and Defense Divisions. Our comprehensive portfolio is comprised of a cloud-based platform and modems, high-performance satellite terminals, advanced Satellite On-the-Move (SOTM) antennas and ESAs, highly efficient, high-power Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and Block Upconverters (BUC) and includes integrated ground systems for commercial and defense markets, field services, network management software, and cybersecurity services.

Gilat’s products and tailored solutions support multiple applications including government and defense, IFC and mobility, broadband access, cellular backhaul, enterprise, aerospace, broadcast, and critical infrastructure clients all while meeting the most stringent service level requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.gilat.com

Certain statements made herein that are not historical are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Gilat to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, changes in general economic and business conditions, inability to maintain market acceptance to Gilat’s products, inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications, rapid changes in the market for Gilat’s products, loss of market share and pressure on prices resulting from competition, introduction of competing products by other companies, inability to manage growth and expansion, loss of key OEM partners, inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, inability to protect the Company’s proprietary technology and risks associated with Gilat’s international operations and its location in Israel, including those related to the hostilities between Israel and Hamas. For additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties associated with Gilat’s business, reference is made to Gilat’s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Contact:

Gilat Satellite Networks

[email protected]

Alliance Advisors:

[email protected]
Phone: +1 212 838 3777

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) and Jo Malone London today announced the launch of the Jo Malone London Scent Advisor, an innovative, AI-powered digital experience designed to help customers discover their perfect fragrance through an intuitive, conversational journey, bridging the gap between curiosity and confidence in online fragrance discovery. Online fragrance shopping often lacks the sensory cues of in-store experiences, making it difficult for consum.

Here are five stocks added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List today: 

Kohl's Corporation (KSS - Free Report) : This omnichannel retail company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 71.2% over the last 60 days. 

Materialise NV (MTLS - Free Report) : This 3D printing and medical software solutions company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 33.3% over the last 60 days.

Centerra Gold Inc. (CGAU - Free Report) : This gold and copper mining company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 29.3% over the last 60 days.

Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A.A. (BVN - Free Report) : This polymetallic mining company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.8% over the last 60 days.

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS - Free Report) : This tree-nut and peanut processing company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.8% over the last 60 days.

You can see???the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

RBC Capital Markets has reshuffled its deck of housebuilder convictions, declaring Persimmon PLC (LSE:PSN), TTaylor Wimpey PLC (LSE:TW.) and Crest Nicholson PLC (LSE:CRST) the winners in waiting while sending Berkeley Group Holdings PLC (LSE:BKG) and Barratt Redrow PLC (LSE:BTRW) to the naughty step.

The broker has decided 2026 belongs to self-help and strategic land, a polite way of saying good luck out there.

Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey are both bumped up to 'outperform', with price targets of 1,750p and 150p respectively.

Crest keeps its 'outperform' badge, although with a trimmed target.

Berkeley, by contrast, is demoted to 'underperform', collateral damage of the Budget’s mansion tax theatrics.

Barratt Redrow is pushed down to 'sector perform' amid the ongoing teething issues of its Redrow acquisition. Bellway, Gleeson and Vistry remain where the broker left them.

This outbreak of analyst decisiveness sits atop an industry still barely moving. Planning approvals are running at their lowest level in two decades, a feat even by British administrative standards.

RBC’s charts show a parade of downward slopes: site numbers, reservation rates, pricing momentum, all declining with the enthusiasm of a wet Bank Holiday queue.

Housebuilders, the report notes with admirable culinary commitment, are still chewing through limp lettuce landbanks, the result of build costs rising just as post mini Budget house prices stalled. Profitability, accordingly, is on a long march back to normality.

There are, allegedly, greenshoots. Appeals data is improving, housing starts have ticked up and planning applications may have troughed.

If history repeats, the revised National Planning Policy Framework might even begin working by late 2026, roughly 18 months after politicians declared it fixed.

Until then, the sector remains trapped between government exhortation to build more homes and local authorities’ apparent preference to do anything else.

The Budget offered no rescue. Between the mansion tax, higher property income levies and anaemic infrastructure progress, the environment looks calibrated to irritate landlords, slow transaction volumes and generally ensure housebuilders have something fresh to complain about at every results season.

RBC’s verdict is simple: land strategy will decide who climbs out of the mire first and who remains stuck rearranging the lettuce.

TOKYO, Dec. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CTW Cayman (Nasdaq: CTW) (“CTW” or “the Company”), a leading game platform company providing global access to web-based games through its flagship HTML5 platform, G123.jp, today announced that its subsidiary CTW Inc. has officially launched Crayon Shinchan: My Sugoroku Great Strategy, a video game based on the classic traditional Japanese sugoroku board game and the main characters from the popular Japanese manga Crayon Shinchan. Players can immediately enjoy the game on any mobile, PC, or tablet device at G123.jp, which offers free browser games without the need to register or download any game-specific app.

Crayon Shinchan: My Sugoroku Great Strategy follows the mischievous main character Shinchan and his friends at Futaba Kindergarten who have decided to make their own sugoroku game with their own creative ideas. The game mechanics are very similar to a classic sugoroku game, where rolls of the dice allow player progression in the game. Players must collect “Action Coins” that can be used to enhance the buildings within each stage, a necessary step in order to clear each stage and progress. Challenge mini-games, such as those based on memory games or pinball, and surprise events that activate unpredictable and silly pranks can also occur on each tile that a player lands on while progressing through the game. A big part of the game’s charm is its rich and diverse collection feature that allows players to collect “Cosplay Costumes,” “Emotes,” and “Collection Cards,” all of which can be obtained for free.

“Crayon Shinchan: My Sugoroku Great Strategy will bring the colorful main character Shinchan and his supporting cast to life as they navigate the world of sugoroku,” said Ryuichi Sasaki, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of CTW. “Having delighted fans both in anime print and in TV for over 30 years, Shinchan’s silly humor and antics can now be embraced by gamers across the world. This launch brings the number of games available on our G123 platform to 30 and continues to demonstrate our ability to secure valuable IP and work with the best third-party game developers in repeatable fashion to build a sustainably profitable business model.”

About Crayon Shinchan

Crayon Shinchan is a well-known Japanese comedy series featuring a mischievous five-year-old named Shinchan. The series humorously depicts the adventures of Shinchan, his family, friends, and teachers in a slice-of-life format full of gags and heartwarming moments.

About CTW Cayman

CTW is a leading game platform company providing global access to web-based, free-to-play games inspired by popular Japanese animations, including So I’m a Spider, So What? Ruler of the Labyrinth, Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest – Rebellion Soul, and Queen’s Blade Limit Break. CTW delivers these games through its globally-accessible flagship HTML5 platform, G123.jp. According to a Frost & Sullivan Report, CTW was the largest anime IP-based H5 game platform in the world in 2023 in terms of gross billings.

For more information, visit www.ctw.inc or G123.jp.

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “targets,” “guidance” and similar statements. CTW may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Any statements that are not historical facts, including statements about CTW’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: CTW’s growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; its ability to distribute successful and engaging games with high “playability” on its platform; its ability to efficiently attract and retain end-users who come to play and make in-game purchases; its ability to achieve positive return on investment on user acquisition efforts; its ability to establish and maintain relationships with game developers; governmental policies and regulations relating to CTW’s industry; and general economic and business conditions globally and in Japan and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in CTW’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and CTW undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

Contacts

Investors:
Matt Chesler, CFA
FNK IR
646-809-2183
[email protected]

Media:
Edwina Frawley-Gangahar
EFG Media Relations
+44 7580 174672
[email protected]

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Synopsys Inc (NASDAQ: SNPS) pushed higher on December 1st as the artificial intelligence (AI) giant, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), revealed a $2 billion stake in the design automation company. Nvidia's chief executive Jensen Huang dubbed the deal a “huge deal” in a CNBC interview today, calling SNPS a foundational partner in semiconductor innovation.

December 02, 2025 06:00 ET

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The Ensign Group, Inc.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., Dec. 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensign Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENSG), the parent company of the Ensign™ group of companies, which invest in and provide skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies, other rehabilitative and healthcare services, and real estate, announced today that it acquired the real estate and operations of “Willow Point Rehabilitation and Nursing Center”, a 45-bed skilled nursing facility located in Kansas City, Kansas. The real estate was acquired by a subsidiary of Standard Bearer Healthcare REIT, Inc., Ensign’s captive real estate company, and the facility is operated by an Ensign-affiliated tenant. The acquisition was effective as of December 1, 2025.

“This is another fantastic addition to our portfolio in Kansas. This new facility joins our other recent acquisitions in Kansas and allows us to offer even more services to the Kansas City community,” said Barry Port, Ensign's Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to add another real estate asset to Standard Bearer’s growing footprint in the Midwest,” he added.

Dave Jorgensen, President of Gateway Healthcare LLC, Ensign’s Kansas-based subsidiary, added “We look forward to working with the talented caregivers at the facility to dignify post-acute care and are excited to provide exceptional service to the community, our residents, and their families.”

In another transaction on the same day, Ensign announced that it acquired the operations of “Santa Rosa Care Center”, a 144-bed skilled nursing facility located in Tucson, Arizona. The facility is operated by an Ensign affiliated operator and is subject to a long-term triple net lease.

In a separate transaction on the same day, Ensign announced that it acquired the operations to two facilities in Colorado (i) “The Rehabilitation Center at Sandalwood”, a 103-bed skilled nursing facility located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and (ii) “Edgewater Health and Rehabilitation”, a 69-bed skilled nursing facility located in Lakewood, Colorado. Both facilities are operated by an Ensign affiliated operator and are subject to a long-term triple net lease.

These acquisitions were effective December 1, 2025, and bring Ensign's growing portfolio to 373 healthcare operations, which includes 47 senior living operations, across 17 states.  Ensign subsidiaries, including Standard Bearer, own 156 real estate assets. Mr. Port reaffirmed that Ensign is actively seeking opportunities to acquire real estate and to lease both well-performing and struggling skilled nursing, senior living and other healthcare related businesses throughout the United States.

About Ensign™

The Ensign Group, Inc.'s independent operating subsidiaries provide a broad spectrum of skilled nursing and senior living services, physical, occupational and speech therapies and other rehabilitative and healthcare services at 373 healthcare facilities in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. More information about Ensign is available at http://www.ensigngroup.net.

Contact Information

The Ensign Group, Inc., (949) 487-9500, [email protected]

SOURCE: The Ensign Group, Inc.

Company Holds 421.6747 Bitcoin and $34.25 Million of Cash Allocated for Future Purchases of Bitcoin

, /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), an artificial intelligence ("AI") data center company anchored by Bitcoin ("Hyperscale Data" or the "Company"), today announced that its Bitcoin treasury, including current holdings and cash allocated to committed purchases of Bitcoin, totaled approximately $72.25 million, based on the price of Bitcoin as of November 30, 2025. This amount represents approximately 83% of the Company's market capitalization, based on the Company's stock price at the close of trading on December 1, 2025. The Company remains committed to its long-term goal of accumulating Bitcoin equal to 100% of its market capitalization as part of its broader $100 million digital asset treasury ("DAT") strategy.

The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Sentinum, Inc. ("Sentinum") held approximately 421.6747 Bitcoin as of November 30, 2025, consisting of 59.1978 Bitcoin generated from mining operations and 362.4768 Bitcoin acquired in the open market (including 33.6800 Bitcoin purchased during the week ended November 30, 2025). Based on the Bitcoin closing price of $90,394 on November 30, 2025, these holdings had an approximate market value of $38 million.

In addition, Hyperscale Data has allocated $34.25 million of cash for Sentinum to deploy into open-market Bitcoin purchases. The Company emphasized that it intends to continue deploying capital through a disciplined dollar-cost averaging strategy designed to reduce exposure to short-term market volatility while building its long-term reserve position.

"Reaching $72.25 million for our Bitcoin treasury strategy is a powerful validation of Hyperscale Data's disciplined approach to its accumulation of Bitcoin," said Milton "Todd" Ault III, Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data. "We believe that Bitcoin is a foundational asset for the future of the Company and remain committed to our long term DAT strategy."

Hyperscale Data will fully deploy the cash allocated to its DAT strategy into Bitcoin purchases over time. While the Company generally targets investing at least 5% of allocated cash each week with daily purchases, the actual amount may vary, with some weeks higher or lower, depending on market conditions and strategic considerations. Investors should evaluate the Company's Bitcoin accumulation based on multi-week averages, as part of its ongoing dollar-cost-averaging strategy.

The Company highlighted that both open-market purchases and self-mined Bitcoin are driving the growth of its DAT position. Hyperscale will continue to issue weekly reports every Tuesday morning detailing its Bitcoin holdings as it advances toward its $100 million DAT target.

For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data's public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov. 

About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging AI ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data's other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. ("ACG"), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

Hyperscale Data currently expects the divestiture of ACG (the "Divestiture") to occur in the second quarter of 2026. Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, as well as a holder of the digital assets. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data's headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the "Series F Preferred Stock") to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the "ACG Shares"). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be shareholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company's business and financial results are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at hyperscaledata.com.

SOURCE Hyperscale Data Inc.