Market Signal Briefing

Crypto markets continue to trade sideways as investors search for a meaningful catalyst to reignite momentum. Bitcoin remains range-bound in the mid-$60,000 level, while Ethereum hovers near $2,000. Trading volumes across major crypto exchanges have thinned, reflecting cautious sentiment among both retail and institutional participants.

According to JPMorgan analysts led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, a potential turning point could come from U.S. market structure legislation known as the Clarity Act. The bank suggests that approval of the bill, possibly by midyear, could serve as a strong catalyst for the digital asset market in the second half of the year. Regulatory uncertainty has long weighed on cryptocurrency prices, limiting fresh capital inflows and discouraging large-scale institutional participation.

The proposed legislation aims to establish a clearer regulatory framework by defining oversight between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Under the framework, major cryptocurrencies could be classified as digital commodities or securities. JPMorgan notes that placing leading tokens under CFTC jurisdiction may reduce compliance burdens and legal risks. A grandfather clause would reportedly treat certain tokens tied to spot ETFs listed before January 1, 2026, including XRP, Solana, Litecoin, Hedera, Dogecoin, and Chainlink, as commodities.

The bill also proposes allowing crypto projects to raise up to $75 million annually without full SEC registration, provided they meet disclosure requirements. Analysts believe this provision could revive U.S.-based token issuance, venture funding, and crypto deal activity that has increasingly moved offshore.

However, the legislation remains stalled in the Senate after delays and disagreements among lawmakers and industry participants. Coinbase recently withdrew its support, arguing that aspects of the bill could hinder innovation and limit features such as stablecoin rewards. Despite the setbacks, many analysts maintain that a comprehensive U.S. crypto regulatory framework could restore investor confidence, boost liquidity, and potentially drive a renewed Bitcoin and Ethereum rally.

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XRP price faced sharp selling pressure after President Donald Trump confirmed major US combat operations against Iran, following reports of US and Israeli missile strikes. Rising geopolitical tensions sparked a broad crypto market sell-off, dragging XRP down to $1.27 and wiping out its early 2026 rally from $2.40. At the time of writing, XRP is trading near $1.32, down 2.02% in the past 24 hours and over 30% in the last month.

Despite the recent decline, on-chain data suggests limited resistance between $1.76 and $1.80, where approximately 1.85 billion XRP—worth nearly $2.83 billion—was accumulated. XRP is currently holding above the crucial $1.27 support level. A breakdown below this zone could invalidate the bullish outlook and potentially push the XRP price toward $1.11, signaling a deeper bear phase. However, continued consolidation remains possible as global uncertainty weighs on investor sentiment, making March a pivotal month for the cryptocurrency.

Technical analysis indicates that XRP remains above a multi-year ascending trendline that has acted as support since 2018. Historical patterns show that previous retests of this curve were followed by strong breakout phases. Some analysts suggest XRP may be entering another support phase before a potential rally, with long-term cycle projections pointing to ambitious targets as high as $21.5 to $27.6.

On-chain metrics further reveal that XRP is currently in a capitulation phase, as reflected by the Net Unrealized Profit and Loss (NUPL) indicator. Many holders are sitting on unrealized losses, a condition that historically marks the final stage of a downtrend. Previous capitulation periods lasted nearly a month, and the current phase, which began in early February, could conclude in early March.

Meanwhile, the broader crypto market cap has fallen to $2.24 trillion. The Spent Output Profit Ratio (SOPR) remains below 1, indicating that most XRP is being sold at a loss. A sustained move above 1 would signal renewed profitability and potentially confirm the beginning of an XRP price recovery. Seasonality data shows that March has historically delivered an average 18% return for XRP over the past 12 years, though escalating geopolitical risks could continue to impact price momentum.

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The US-Iran war has intensified dramatically following joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, triggering widespread retaliation across the Gulf region. Explosions were reported in Tehran and multiple Iranian cities, while Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and US-linked military bases. The conflict quickly spread to Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, and Iraq, raising fears of a broader regional war and shaking global financial markets, including cryptocurrency.

According to regional reports, a suspected Iranian drone hit a high-rise building in Bahrain amid strikes targeting US military assets. Authorities have not confirmed whether the building was the intended target. Bahrain also reported a missile attack aimed at the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters. In Kuwait, officials said Ali al-Salem Air Base faced ballistic missile threats, though air defenses intercepted incoming projectiles.

The UAE confirmed that missile interceptions caused debris to fall in populated areas, killing a Pakistani national. Explosions were heard in Dubai, and a fire reportedly broke out at the Fairmont The Palm hotel due to falling debris. The Burj Khalifa was evacuated as a precaution. Several Gulf nations temporarily closed their airspace as tensions surged.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that US assets in the region are legitimate targets and claimed attacks on US bases and a radar station in Qatar. The IRGC also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route carrying roughly 20 million barrels per day, prompting oil tanker disruptions.

As geopolitical tensions escalated, crypto markets reacted instantly. Bitcoin dropped from $65,500 to $63,000 before rebounding near $65,670, posting a modest 24-hour gain. Ethereum fell toward $1,800 before recovering above $1,900, while XRP also bounced back. Nearly $100 billion briefly exited the total crypto market cap, and $464 million in liquidations were recorded within 24 hours. Analysts warn that key levels of $60,000 for Bitcoin and $1,750 for Ethereum remain critical as volatility continues amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.

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Amid the flood of negative sentiments hitting the crypto markets from every side and affecting different sectors, Hyperliquid Strategies continues to stay afloat, beating other companies like Bitmine and Strategy in terms of profitability. 

According to data from analytics firm Artemis, Hyperliquid Strategies has emerged as the leading digital asset treasury firm in terms of unrealized profits, with over $300 million in gains. 

Most other DATs are underwater, beaten down by severe market dips. Bitmine is currently taking the heaviest hit at over $7.5 billion in unrealized losses, while others like Saylor’s Strategy are also posting multi-billion dollar deficits. 

Hyperliquid Strategies defies market drawdown dragging DATs into unrealized loss territories. Source: Artemis DATs absorb losses as downtrend persists Hyperliquid Strategies is an outlier in the midst of what analysts are calling the first major stress test for DATs. They have attributed its profitability its more agile approach to the “Strategic Reserve” concept. 

The Hyperliquid franchise differs from many traditional DATs that simply hold BTC as a status balance sheet asset because it uses the $PURR ecosystem to navigate volatility. This active management system has helped it stay ahead of the curve by anticipating the liquidity needs of the mining sector and positioning itself accordingly, while BTC and ETH-linked DATs lose ground as their premiums evaporate. 

It is now AI versus BTC One of the primary catalysts for the downward pressure on many DATs is the shift in BTC miner behavior. 

In the past, miners were the last bastion of defense; the HODLers of last resort, who retained a large amount of BTC as a signal of long-term belief. So, when recent data shows a dramatic reversal with miners now dumping their BTC holdings at rates not witnessed in years, it raises questions that need answering. 

However, rather than a loss of faith in BTC as an asset, experts suggest it is the evidence of a pivot towards a new, more exciting venture: AI expansion. 

There is an ever-increasing demand for high-performance computing and data centers, and mining giants have been liquidating their respective stashes to fund the massive capital undertakings required to make the pivot into AI expansion. 

As of February 27, Bitdeer, the Singapore-based BTC miner, claims to hold no BTC, having sold a total of 166 BTC while adding zero. Others like Cango Inc, Riot platforms and Terawulf have also been selling considerable amounts, all to finance their respective pivots to AI-linked endeavors. 

Cango reportedly completed another major sale this February, selling 4,451 BTC to repay a loan and fund its AI initiatives. Riot Platforms reportedly did the same thing last year, selling about $200 million worth of BTC to fund AI ambitions, and Terawulf has been shedding on a gradual basis as well. 

The selling pressure from the miner community has now formed a ceiling for BTC prices, with collateral damage affecting firms that adopted Strategy’s strategic reserve model. 

It is unlikely that the sell pressure from miners tapers off anytime soon as they continue to sell to satisfy their AI expansion obligations, and investors are starting to price this in. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the DAT sector is struggling to justify its treasury holdings as they wallow underwater, hoping for the next macro to gain another leg up. The fact that Hyperliquid Strategies has managed to stay afloat amid it all is proof of the success of its strategies. 

Bitcoin is trading at weekly RSI levels historically seen near bear market bottoms, signaling that selling pressure may be easing. While confirmation is needed, the market is in a zone often marking late-stage capitulation. The key question: was the recent drop the final flush, or is one last shakeout still ahead?

RSI Compression Signals Downside Exhaustion According to crypto analyst Batman, Bitcoin’s weekly RSI has fallen back into the same territory that historically marked prior bear market bottoms. This momentum zone has repeatedly appeared during late-stage capitulation phases, making it a critical signal that the market could be nearing another major turning point.

However, Batman is clear that this does not confirm the bottom is already in, stressing the importance of waiting for proper confirmation before declaring a reversal. Still, he notes that when RSI compresses to these levels on the weekly timeframe, Bitcoin has typically been much closer to a structural low than to the beginning of a fresh collapse.

Source: Chart from Batman on X Reflecting on the 2022 bear cycle, Batman points out that once RSI entered this extreme zone, price managed to print one final lower low. However, that move occurred very close to the ultimate bottom, indicating that most of the downside had already played out by the time momentum reached such depressed readings.

The analyst concludes that probabilities matter more than precision. From his perspective, when Bitcoin trades at these weekly RSI levels, it historically represents a zone where strategic accumulation becomes increasingly attractive.

Bitcoin’s Six Consecutive Weekly Lower Highs — A Rare Signal In a recent weekly Bitcoin analysis, SuperBro pointed out that BTC has now printed six consecutive weekly lower highs, a rare structural pattern. The last time this occurred was during the COVID crash in 2020, a period marked by extreme volatility and eventual macro reversal.

Price is currently slipping beneath the 200-week EMA and the volume Point of Control (POC), though the weekly candle has not yet closed. A reclaim of the POC before the close could trigger a sharp upside reaction and signal that the breakdown attempt is losing strength.

Just below current levels sits the rising 200-week SMA, adding another layer of higher-timeframe support. RSI remains at extreme levels, suggesting that momentum is already deeply stretched. When you combine oversold conditions with six straight lower highs pressing into major support, the case for sustained downside continuation becomes less convincing.

Beyond the near-term structure, the broader megaphone formation remains intact. If that macro pattern ultimately plays out, its upper trajectory projects potential targets north of $300,000,  keeping the long-term expansion thesis firmly on the table despite current compression.

BTC trading at $63,602 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

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Iran denies Khamenei death; no independent confirmation yetIran has denied reports that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is dead, and no independent confirmation exists at this time, as reported by Middle East Eye (https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iran-denies-khamenei-death-reports-after-strike-claims). Tehran has characterized the claims as psychological warfare.

Separately, President Donald Trump announced Khamenei had been killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike, as reported by Time (https://time.com/7381829/iran-supreme-leader-ali-khamenei-dead/). Conflicting narratives persist, leaving verification as the key gap.

Why the conflicting claims matter nowThe status of Iran’s supreme leader shapes command, deterrence, and diplomacy; uncertainty elevates miscalculation risks. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting and European leaders voiced concern over destabilization and nuclear safety, as reported by the Washington post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/02/28/iran-us-israel-attack-european-allies-reactions/8528dab6-1496-11f1-8e8d-fe91db44677b_story.html). Verification remains central to credibility for all parties.

In Washington, lawmakers questioned the legality and authorization of expanded strikes, noting a lack of public intelligence and clarity on congressional approval, as reported by Yahoo (https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trumps-statement-iran-strikes-analysed-165118514.html). Such issues influence risk assessments and alliance cohesion.

Analysts highlight that institutional resilience may limit immediate systemic shock even if leadership changes, with potential for pre-arranged decision-making to persist, as reported by Forbes (https://www.forbes.com/sites/guneyyildiz/2026/02/28/khamenei-is-dead—irans-missiles-keep-flying-without-him/). This context tempers assumptions that a single loss would trigger regime collapse.

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U.S.-Israeli strikes, Iran’s response, and Trump’s vow to continueFollowing reported U.S.-Israeli strikes, Tehran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf states hosting U.S. bases, according to the BBC (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70n9wlkx3lo). The exchange underscores near-term escalation risk across multiple fronts.

Editorial note: Trump’s stated timeline is a political commitment rather than independently verified military guidance, and it may evolve with operational realities. In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump said strikes would persist, as reported by Livemint (https://www.livemint.com/news/world/is-ayatollah-ali-khamenei-alive-trump-claims-killing-iran-denies-as-conflicting-narratives-deepen-leadership-crisis-11772321958020.html). “continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or as long as necessary,” said Trump.

At the time of this writing, Bitcoin is near $66,747 with bearish sentiment, a 39.37 RSI, and 7.94% volatility. These are contextual indicators and do not constitute financial advice.

Succession, IRGC role, and scenarios if death confirmedWhat Iran’s succession process could entailIf Khamenei’s death were confirmed, experts note the Assembly of Experts would be central to choosing a successor, helping preserve continuity, as reported by Le Monde (https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/02/21/iran-expert-ross-harrison-cutting-off-the-head-of-the-snake-would-not-bring-down-the-regime67507144.html). Transitional arrangements could be contentious but structured.

Based on data from TRM Labs, there was around $10 billion of crypto activity in Iran last year. That scale suggests parallel finance channels that can endure beyond leadership changes.

Chainalysis estimates the IRGC processed more than $3 billion in crypto transactions last year. Such reach can provide liquidity and leverage during crises. Elliptic reported a $90 million Nobitex hack in 2025, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.

FAQ about Is Ayatollah Khamenei dead?What verified evidence exists to confirm or refute reports of Khamenei’s death?No independent confirmation is available. Iranian officials and state-linked media deny the reports; U.S. and Israeli claims remain unverified.

Will U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran continue and for how long, according to officials?President Donald Trump said strikes will continue uninterrupted for a week or longer, with duration dependent on stated objectives.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

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Bitcoin’s long-term structure has always been examined through the perspective of its halving cycle, and one crypto pundit believes the pattern is pointing to a clear price bottom. 

The analysis centers on a recurring time-based rhythm tied to each halving event, and it proposes a specific window for when accumulation could begin again. Crypto pundit Blockchainedbb projected that the Bitcoin phase may be heading into another structured reset phase that drags on for a while, and it may not be until Q4 2024 before the best time for buying BTC presents itself.

The Bitcoin 135-Week Rule Before Halving The timing framework is based on a recurring pattern observed ahead of Bitcoin’s halving events, highlighted by pundit Blockchainedbb. According to his analysis, each previous major Bitcoin cycle price low formed somewhere around 135 weeks before a halving takes place.

The weekly chart shared in the analysis shows previous halving dates, including May 11, 2020, and April 19, 2024, and overlays green accumulation zones around profitable long-term entry points. Price compression into those zones in previous cycles came before explosive upside moves that eventually led to new all-time highs.

Source: Chart from Blockchainedbb Applying the same calculation forward, Blockchainedbb estimates that the next meaningful bottom could form in late Q4 of this year. The projected price range for that bottom is between $50,000 and $58,000. This range is derived by extrapolating the current cycle’s structure from the previous halving-era bottom.

If the pattern repeats itself again, that means Bitcoin will continue trading in a range of lower lows for most of the year, then position Q4 as the accumulation window before the next sustained uptrend of higher highs kicks in.

Q2 And Q3: A Trader’s Market Under this approach, Q1 and Q4 are considered by the pundit as the primary windows for investors looking to build longer-term exposure. Q4 is seen as the likely bottoming phase, while Q1 is projected for investors to exit at an approximate price of $75,000. 

On the other hand, Bitcoin price history shows that the remaining quarters, Q2 and Q3, are environments better suited for active short-term traders than long-term holders. According to the pundit, Q2 and Q3 have always been characterized by directional moves and breakdowns below key technical levels, particularly the 200-week exponential moving average for altcoins. During these phases, short-term positioning and tactical trades tend to dominate.

Therefore, the most positive long-term technical outlook is for investors to wait for the more favorable structural window in the fourth quarter of 2026. As it stands, the next Bitcoin halving is projected to take place sometime in April 2028. It will happen at block height 850,000, reducing the block reward from 3.125 to 1.5625 BTC.

BTC trading at $63,605 on the 1D chart | Source: BTCUSDT on Tradingview.com Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

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Scott Matherson is a leading crypto writer at Bitcoinist, who possesses a sharp analytical mind and a deep understanding of the digital currency landscape. Scott has earned a reputation for delivering thought-provoking and well-researched articles that resonate with both newcomers and seasoned crypto enthusiasts. Outside of his writing, Scott is passionate about promoting crypto literacy and often works to educate the public on the potential of blockchain.

A major US-Israel coordinated attack on Iran is expected to drive short-term oil prices up 5-10%. I anticipate global equities to fall 1-2% and cryptocurrencies to drop 3-10% in the immediate aftermath of the conflict escalation.

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Energy stocks have been strong over the last six months because the sector is benefiting from a powerful mix of tightening global supply, disciplined capital spending, and surprisingly resilient demand. Crude prices have remained supported as major producers, including OPEC and OPEC+, continue to manage output. So that you know, OPEC+ has discussed a modest output increase for April. At the same time, U.S. shale companies have prioritized shareholder returns over aggressive production growth, limiting new supply. Geopolitical tensions in key producing regions, especially in the Middle East, have added a risk premium to oil and natural gas prices, while steady economic activity has kept consumption firm. With the United States’ attack on Iran, an escalation in pricing for oil is a given. However, the companies we are focusing on have strong cash flows, rising dividends, and continued share buybacks, and are not overbought. This combination has attracted both passive income-focused and value-oriented investors back into energy stocks. While some of our favorite stocks have exploded higher and are out of the sweet-spot buy range they were in most of last year, five top companies with big high-yield dividends are still strong Buy stocks.

While the mega-cap integrated giants have soared in price over the last six months, and are much more expensive now than they were last summer, some of the other companies in the sector, that dominate their respective energy silos, still offer outstanding entry points, and dividend yields that are reliable and have the potential to be raised year in and year out. We screened our 24/7 Wall St. energy database for high-yielding bargains and found five that investors seeking dependable passive income may want to consider. All five are rated Buy at the top Wall Street firms that we cover.

Why do we cover the high-yielding energy dividend stocks?

Since 1926, dividends have accounted for approximately 32% of the S&P 500’s total return, while capital appreciation has accounted for 68%. Therefore, sustainable dividend income and the potential for capital appreciation are essential to total return expectations. A study by Hartford Funds, in collaboration with Ned Davis Research, found that dividend stocks delivered an annualized return of 9.18% over the past 50 years (1973-2023). Over the same timeline, this was more than double the annualized return for non-payers (3.95%).

BP This company is one of the premier European integrated oil giants, paying shareholders a substantial 5.14% dividend. BP p.l.c. (NYSE: BP) engages in the energy business worldwide.

It operates through:

Gas & Low Carbon Energy Oil Production & Operations Customers & Products Rosneft segments BP produces and trades natural gas, offers biofuels, operates onshore and offshore wind and solar power generating facilities, and provides decarbonization solutions and services, such as hydrogen and carbon capture, usage, and storage.

The company is also involved in the convenience and mobility business, which includes managing the sale of fuels to wholesale and retail customers, as well as convenience products, aviation fuels, and Castrol lubricants. Additionally, it refines, supplies, and trades oil products and operates electric vehicle charging facilities.

Additionally, it produces and refines oil and gas, and invests in upstream, downstream, and alternative energy companies. It also invests in advanced mobility, biotechnology, and low-carbon products, as well as carbon management, digital transformation, and power and storage solutions.

Wolfe Research has an Outperform rating with a $51 target. 

Chord Energy This is a very off-the-radar idea that still offers investors an outstanding entry point for the shares and a strong 4.93% dividend. Chord Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: CHRD) is an independent exploration and production company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL), and natural gas primarily in the Williston Basin.

The Company’s operations are focused on the North Dakota and Montana areas of the Williston Basin, targeting the Middle Bakken and Three Forks formations, which are present across a substantial portion of its acreage.

Chord Energy has an average daily production of approximately 232,737 net barrels of oil equivalent.

The company has approximately 9,011 (4,174.2 net) total gross productive wells, of which the Company operated 4,824 gross (3,752.2 net) productive wells. It sells its crude oil, NGL, and natural gas production to refiners, marketers, and other purchasers that have access to nearby pipeline and rail facilities.

Piper Sandler has an Overweight rating with a huge $151 target price.

Energy Transfer Energy Transfer is one of North America’s largest and most diversified midstream energy companies. This top master limited partnership is a safe option for investors seeking energy exposure and income, as the company pays a 7.05% distribution yield. Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET) owns and operates one of the largest and most diversified portfolios of energy assets in the United States, with a strategic footprint across all major domestic production basins.

The company is a publicly traded limited partnership with core operations that include:

Complementary natural gas midstream, intrastate, and interstate transportation and storage assets Crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL), and refined product transportation and terminalling assets NGL fractionation Various acquisition and marketing assets Following the acquisition of Enable Partners in December 2021, Energy Transfer owns and operates over 114,000 miles of pipelines and related assets in 41 states, spanning all major U.S. producing regions and markets. This further solidifies its leadership position in the midstream sector.

Through its ownership of Energy Transfer Operating, L.P., formerly known as Energy Transfer Partners, L.P., the company also owns Lake Charles LNG Company, the general partner interests, the incentive distribution rights, and 28.5 million standard units of Sunoco LP (NYSE: SUN), and the public partner interests and 39.7 million standard units of USA Compression Partners, LP (NYSE: USAC).

TD Cowen has a Buy rating on the shares, with a $21 target price.

TotalEnergies TotalEnergies SE is an integrated energy and petroleum company founded in 1924 and is one of the seven supermajor oil companies. This French-integrated giant is another excellent way to play the energy sector from the European side. It sports a massive 4.87% dividend. TotalEnergies SE (NYSE: TTE) is an integrated oil and gas company with a global presence.

The company operates through four segments:

Exploration and production Integrated Gas Renewables and power Refining, chemicals, marketing, and services The company’s Exploration & Production segment involves oil and natural gas exploration and production activities in approximately 50 countries.

The Integrated Gas, Renewables & Power segment engages in:

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) production Shipping, trading, and regasification activities Trading of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), petcoke and sulfur, natural gas, and electricity Transportation of natural gas Electricity production from natural gas, wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biogas sources Energy storage activities; and development and operation of biomethane production units, as well as providing energy efficiency services The TotalEnergies Refining & Chemicals segment refines petrochemicals, including olefins and aromatics, as well as polymer derivatives such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and hydrocarbon resins. It also converts biomass and processes elastomers. This segment also trades and ships crude oil and petroleum products.

Its Marketing & Services segment produces and sells:

Lubricants Supplies and markets petroleum products, including bulk fuel, aviation and marine fuel, special fluids, compressed natural gas, LPG, and bitumen; and fuel payment solutions The company also operates approximately 15,500 service stations.

Wolfe Research has an Overweight rating with a $83 target price.

Western Midstream Partners While somewhat off the radar, this is the highest-yielding stock in the group, with an 8.84% dividend yield, and offers an outstanding entry point. Western Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: WES) acquires, owns, develops, and operates midstream assets.

The Company is engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and transporting natural gas, as well as gathering, stabilizing, and transporting condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and crude oil. Additionally, the Company collects and disposes of produced water.

The  midstream assets are located in:

Texas New Mexico Colorado Utah Wyoming In addition, as a natural gas processor, the Company also buys and sells natural gas, NGLs, and condensate on its own behalf and as an agent for its customers under specific contracts. The Company’s subsidiaries include:

Western Midstream Operating GP, LLC Western Midstream Services, LLC Western Midstream Services Holdings, LLC Western Midstream Operating, LP Mizuho has an Outperform rating and a $46 target price.

Consider this Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) Those looking to avoid the pesky K-1s can always purchase shares in the ALPS Alerian MLP ETF (NYSE: AMLP), which pays a substantial 7.86% dividend. Investors receive a 1099 instead of a K-1. You will receive a K-1 from Energy Transfer and Western Midstream. 

Microsoft (MSFT 2.17%) has sold off heavily over the past few weeks. It's now down nearly 30% from its all-time high, which is a rare sell-off for one of the world's largest and most important tech companies. I believe right now is a rare buying opportunity, and investors should scoop up shares while the stock is cheap.

The stock price will be far higher in three years than it is today, and the price that it ends up at makes it a no-brainer buy.

Image source: Getty Images.

Microsoft is excelling in its chosen AI path Right now, AI sentiment is driving a lot of the market's action. Investors are worried about what the return on investment will be for all of the generative AI spending going on, and many of the AI hyperscalers are being hammered as a result. Microsoft is no exception, with it being down around 30% from its all-time high.

However, some AI stocks were starting to obtain absurd premiums despite mediocre growth, so was this Microsoft sell-off warranted? From a price-to-earnings standpoint, Microsoft now trades at the lowest level since the depths of the 2023 sell-off.

MSFT PE Ratio data by YCharts

That's a notable point, as market sentiment was more negative during that period than it is right now. Since 2020, Microsoft's average P/E multiple was 33, and I'll use that as the same valuation I'd expect it to return to after the stock has recovered. Now that we've set out our end valuation level, let's look at how quickly Microsoft is expected to grow over the next three years.

Azure is powering Microsoft's growth Microsoft is approaching the AI arms race differently than some of its peers. Instead of developing a generative AI model in-house, it's becoming a location where developers can access multiple generative AI models and choose the one that suits their purpose best. This neutral stance allows it to capitalize on the general rise of AI computing, rather than needing to go all-in on an internal model.

Still, Microsoft has a vested interest in OpenAI succeeding, as it owns a 27% stake in it. This investment is a true wild card, as Microsoft could be sitting on a massive gain if OpenAI goes public at around a $1 trillion valuation. I'll mostly ignore this in my valuation, as it's impossible to predict what OpenAI will be worth over the next few years.

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The biggest contributor to Microsoft's growth is Azure, its cloud computing wing. This division is the primary beneficiary of AI spending, as it's growing rapidly due to AI workloads coming online every day. Azure's revenue rose by 39% year over year in its last quarter -- a figure that could have been higher if management deployed some of its hardware that came online for external use rather than internal use. I doubt this division's growth will slow much over the next few years, as the demand is massive.

For its fiscal 2026 (ending June 30), Wall Street analysts expect Microsoft's revenue to grow at a 16% pace. In fiscal year 2027, they expect a 15% growth rate. While I won't be surprised if Microsoft exceeds these figures, I think they are strong base projections. For fiscal year 2027, they also expect earnings per share (EPS) of $19.02 on average. That's only year one and a half of the projection, so we still need to apply growth on top of that. If Microsoft sustains its 15% growth rate, then its expected EPS in three years will be $23.45.

If Microsoft returns to its 33 times earnings premium, that would value the stock at $774 per share. Currently, it trades at about $390, so this would essentially indicate that Microsoft's stock could double in three years. Most stocks double in seven years, not three, making Microsoft a fantastic buy right now.

In Brief

Posted:

2:07 PM PST · February 28, 2026

Image Credits:AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images / Getty Images Netflix stunned the entertainment world this week when it declined to raise its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, setting the stage for Paramount Skydance to win ownership of the Hollywood studio.

At the time, Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said that they were being financially disciplined. Now reporting in Bloomberg offers more details about why Netflix executives backed down from a bidding war that it seemed to win back in December. 

For one thing, the streaming giant’s shareholders seemed unconvinced that buying a Hollywood studio was the right move — Netflix’s share price was down 30% since announcing the acquisition, while the subsequent announcement that it was backing down sent Netflix stock up nearly 14%.

For another, Netflix’s commitment to the deal reportedly wavered after Paramount came in with an increased offer and seemed willing to go several more rounds in a bidding war.

By the time Sarandos met with Trump administration officials on Thursday, he may already have decided to concede. In fact, since Trump had previously warned him not to overpay, Sarandos reportedly told the president, “I took your advice.”

Meanwhile, employees at Warner Bros. now worry about major studio layoffs and conservative political pressure on CNN.

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For investors looking to put $1,000 toward buying shares in some growth stocks, I suggest they consider businesses with flywheels that help generate the outsized growth. A business flywheel is
a self-reinforcing cycle related to the company's operations that takes advantage of small, consistent actions compounded over time to create unstoppable momentum, propelling growth. Businesses that achieve this kind of momentum can make great investments.

Two stocks with business flywheels pushing them higher are MercadoLibre (MELI +1.01%) and Toast (TOST 1.51%). And fortunately for investors today, both stocks trade at reasonable valuations.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. MercadoLibre As of this writing, MercadoLibre's stock price is down 34% from its all-time high. But the flywheel that is keeping its business growing is undoubtedly still spinning. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the company grew its revenue by 45% year over year, marking its 28th consecutive quarter of greater than 30% top-line growth.

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Latin America's MercadoLibre has operations in e-commerce, financial technology (fintech), credit, advertising, logistics, and more. All parts of the business support growth in the others, which is why I call this a flywheel.

Fintech adoption at MercadoLibre continued to surge in Q4, with 27% monthly active user growth, bringing the total to 78 million users. More fintech users in Latin America is a huge benefit for e-commerce marketplaces, including MercadoLibre's platform. Accordingly, the company's Q4 gross merchandise volume (the dollar value of sales on its platform) took a huge 37% step forward, boosted by more active buyers.

MercadoLibre's flywheel clearly has incredible momentum. But investors don't seem too impressed. The stock now trades at its cheapest price-to-sales valuation since the Great Recession, which I believe is a bargain too good to pass up.

Data by YCharts.

2. Toast In fairness to the detractors, MercadoLibre is boosting adoption by offering more free shipping, which is a headwind for profit margins. For investors concerned about this pressure on margins, they might want to instead consider restaurant technology company Toast: It should enjoy a margin tailwind as it grows.

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Toast sells payment-processing hardware at a loss. These devices are sold when it gains new customers. Therefore, growth naturally leads to a one-time hit to profits. Toast also processes payments, but competition keeps these margins razor-thin.

However, Toast also has subscription software solutions for its restaurant customers. And these subscription products had a gross margin of 70% in 2025. This is the real moneymaker for the business. And in the fourth quarter of 2025, the company's annual recurring revenue (ARR) hit $2 billion, growing 26% year over year.

According to management, Toast adds new customers more easily in markets where it has high market share because there's greater brand awareness among operators. This creates the flywheel. Adding new customers is a short-term profit headwind. But if it retains its customers, it eventually turns into a tailwind as subscription services take over the revenue mix.

Toast's management believes it has a path to $10 billion in ARR, which would almost assuredly generate substantial profits at that scale. With the stock trading down nearly 50% from its highs and trading at 2.5 times its sales, I believe that Toast is a growth stock to buy now.

Growth is often an extremely beneficial trait for an investment. MercadoLibre and Toast both have flywheels to keep the growth going for the foreseeable future, which is why I like both stocks today.

What happenedAccording to an SEC filing dated February 27, 2026, Cross Staff Investments Inc established a new position in Professionally Managed Portfolios - Akre Focus ETF (AKRE +0.00%) by purchasing 289,630 shares. The estimated value of the purchase was $18.97 million.

What else to knowThis was a new position in AKRE, representing 10.45% of the fund’s 13F reportable AUM as of December 31, 2025

Top five holdings after the filing:

NYSE:AKRE: $18.97 million (10.45% of AUM)NASDAQ:COST: $16.04 million (8.8% of AUM)NASDAQ:AAPL: $12.43 million (6.8% of AUM)NYSE:BRK.B: $8.16 million (4.5% of AUM)NASDAQ:AMZN: $6.23 million (3.4% of AUM)As of Feb. 28, 2026, shares were priced at $56.14, down 20.61% over the past year and underperforming the S&P 500 by 37.97 percentage points.

Company overviewMetricValuePrice (as of market close Feb. 27, 2026)$56.14AUM$8.42 billionIndustryAsset ManagementCompany snapshotAkre Focus ETF offers a diversified portfolio of U.S. equities, including common and preferred stocks, as well as equity-like instruments such as REITs, partnership interests, and convertible securities.

It operates by identifying companies with high returns on capital, strong management teams, and reinvestment opportunities, aiming to acquire these at reasonable valuations and actively managing positions based on valuation and investment thesis.

AKRE employs a disciplined, quality-focused investment strategy, concentrating on U.S. companies with strong shareholder returns and proven management. The fund's flexible mandate allows for selective investments across market capitalizations and security types, supporting both growth and risk management objectives.

The ETF's competitive edge lies in its rigorous selection process and willingness to allocate capital dynamically, selling positions when valuations become excessive or superior opportunities arise. This approach is designed to deliver sustained value for investors seeking long-term capital appreciation.

What this transaction means for investorsAkre Focus ETF is an actively-managed fund that aims for above-average returns over time by hand-selecting companies with high potential for consistent growth.

The fund is somewhat diversified, as it requires that no more than 25% of assets be allocated to a single stock and that no more than 35% be devoted to international stocks. But with under 20 holdings, it’s much more concentrated than many other ETFs.

NYSE: AKREProfessionally Managed Portfolios - Akre Focus ETF

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While it’s outperformed the S&P 500 for much of its history since its launch in 2009, it’s faltered in recent years, with its price sinking by more than 20% over the past 12 months. While that could make it a more affordable time to stock up, increased volatility is a risk investors should consider before buying.

AKRE also focuses on small- and mid-cap stocks in its portfolio, which can carry additional risks. Smaller companies tend to be more volatile than their larger counterparts, but they also often have greater earning potential. Between this ETF’s narrow focus on a relatively few stocks and its emphasis on smaller companies, it could be a higher-risk, higher-reward investment.

Katie Brockman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 28, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Nidec Corporation (OTC: NJDCY) resulting from allegations that Nidec may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Nidec securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47559 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On September 3, 2025, after market close, CNBC published an article entitled "Nidec shares plunge 22% as China unit probe finds accounting issues tied to management." The article further stated that shares of Nidec fell "after the company announced a probe into allegations of improper accounting in its group. This marks the largest one-day drop in the Japanese electronics components manufacturer's shares."

On this news, Nidec's American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") fell 22.7% on September 4, 2025.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285752

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Litigation Partner Brandon Walker Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In CoreWeave (CRWV) To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired CoreWeave securities between March 28, 2025 and December 15, 2025, and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Bragar Eagel & Squire partner Brandon Walker or Melissa Fortunato directly at (212) 355-4648.

Click here to participate in the action.

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

What’s Happening:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against CoreWeave, Inc. (“CoreWeave” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ:CRWV) in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired CoreWeave securities between March 28, 2025 and December 15, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Investors have until March 13, 2026 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit.
Allegation Details:

The lawsuit alleges that Defendants issued false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Defendants had overstated CoreWeave’s ability to meet customer demand for its service; (ii) Defendants materially understated the scope and severity of the risk that CoreWeave’s reliance on a single third-party data center supplier presented for CoreWeave’s ability to meet customer demand for its services; and (iii) the foregoing was reasonably likely to have a material negative impact on the Company’s revenue.
Next Steps:

If you purchased or otherwise acquired CoreWeave shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Melissa Fortunato by email at [email protected], telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you.
About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, South Carolina, and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in securities, derivative, and commercial litigation as well as individuals in consumer protection and data privacy litigation. The firm has a nationwide practice and routinely handles cases in both federal and state courts. For more information about the firm, please visit www.bespc.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn and Facebook, and keep up with other news by following Brandon Walker, Esq. on LinkedIn.

Contact Information:

Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.
Brandon Walker, Esq.

Melissa Fortunato, Esq.
(212) 355-4648
[email protected]
www.bespc.com

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 28, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: FBRT) between November 5, 2024 and February 11, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 27, 2026 in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Franklin BSP Realty Trust, Inc. class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=53434 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 27, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Defendants recklessly overstated Franklin BSP Realty Trust's prospects; (2) Defendants recklessly overstated Franklin BSP realty Trust's ability to maintain the $0.355 dividend; and (3) as a result, defendants' statements about Franklin BSP Realty Trust's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Franklin BSP Realty Trust class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=53434 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285767

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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Interactive Brokers (IBKR 4.54%) built its reputation on efficiency, precision, and global reach. For decades, it has served sophisticated traders and institutions with a platform designed to minimize cost and maximize execution quality.

But the brokerage industry isn't static. In 2026, competition looks different from what it did even five years ago. The question isn't whether Interactive Brokers has an edge -- it does. The real question is whether that edge remains durable as the industry evolves.

Three forces will likely shape that answer.

Image source: Getty Images.

Pricing pressure isn't going away Zero-commission trading permanently reshaped investor expectations. Even though Interactive Brokers never built its brand on being "free," it still operates in an environment where pricing pressure is structural.

Revenue per contract can fluctuate as competition intensifies and exchanges adjust fee structures. Large incumbents compete aggressively on price while retail-focused platforms simplify onboarding and remove friction, often subsidizing trading through alternative revenue streams.

For Interactive Brokers, the risk isn't sudden collapse. It's a gradual compression.

If industrywide pricing declines across equities, options, or futures, Interactive Brokers must rely even more heavily on operating leverage to protect margins. Fortunately, its automated infrastructure gives it a meaningful cost advantage. Expenses scale slowly relative to revenue.

But pricing power still matters. Over time, sustained fee compression can influence return on equity and earnings growth, even for efficient operators.

The silver lining is that Interactive Brokers' core clients -- active traders, advisors, and institutions -- tend to be less price-sensitive than casual retail users. They care about execution quality, margin rates, and global access. That loyalty helps.

Still, scale and efficiency must continue offsetting industrywide fee pressure. Cost leadership is an advantage. It is not immunity.

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The rise of AI and changing platform expectations Another structural shift is technological.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in portfolio construction, risk analytics, and financial advice. Emerging platforms promote AI-driven trading signals, automated strategy building, and personalized dashboards.

Interactive Brokers has always been technology-first. Its strength lies in infrastructure, risk management, and execution quality. So, the risk isn't that Interactive Brokers lacks technology. It's possible that the definition of "best platform" may change.

If retail and semi-professional investors begin prioritizing AI-enhanced insights over execution precision, the competitive battleground could shift toward user experience rather than backend strength.

To be fair, Interactive Brokers will likely integrate more intelligent tools over time. But it must do so without undermining its disciplined architecture. In particular, its culture favors stability over rapid experimentation. So, in some ways, this is a strategic balancing act: Evolve the interface without destabilizing the engine.

The companies that succeed over the next decade won't just execute trades efficiently. They'll integrate intelligence into workflows. Whether Interactive Brokers leads or follows in that transition will influence how durable its edge remains.

Retail expansion vs. institutional depth Interactive Brokers has meaningfully broadened its retail footprint. Account growth has accelerated and younger investors are discovering the platform. That expansion is positive. A larger client base deepens liquidity, increases balances, and strengthens network effects.

But retail clients behave differently from institutions.

They are more sensitive to market sentiment. They trade less consistently across cycles. They often value simplicity over customization. As such, they may migrate toward platforms that emphasize design, education, and community features.

Interactive Brokers' historical strength has been depth -- global access, advanced tools, sophisticated order routing, and institutional-grade risk management. Maintaining that identity while expanding retail appeal requires discipline. Lean too far into simplification, and Interactive Brokers risks diluting the very features that attract serious capital. Stay too institutional, and it may limit retail growth relative to more consumer-focused competitors.

This tension is not a flaw. It is a strategic crossroads.

The brokerage industry increasingly rewards platforms that can serve both segments without confusing their identity. Whether Interactive Brokers can scale retail without compromising institutional depth will define much of its competitive trajectory over the next few years.

What does it mean for investors? Interactive Brokers doesn't compete on hype. It competes on design.

Its infrastructure, global reach, and cost discipline remain formidable advantages. But the brokerage industry continues to evolve -- toward lower pricing, AI-enhanced tools, and more retail-centric experiences.

Interactive Brokers doesn't need to reinvent itself. But it must adapt carefully, preserving the engineering philosophy that underpins its efficiency while meeting changing user expectations.

For long-term investors, the key question isn't whether Interactive Brokers has an edge today. It's whether that edge strengthens -- or slowly narrows -- as the industry changes.

Because in financial services, competitive advantages rarely disappear overnight. They erode quietly -- or compound steadily -- depending on how management responds. Either way, investors should keep a close eye on the company's performance in the coming quarters.

, /PRNewswire/ --

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ: TCOM) resulting from allegations that Trip.com Group Limited may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

So What: If you purchased Trip.com Group Limited securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50668 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

What is this about: On January 14, 2026, Investing.com published an article entitled "Trip.com stock falls after Chinese regulators launch antitrust probe." The article stated that Trip.com stock fell after "the Chinese travel service provider disclosed it is under investigation by China's market regulator for potential antitrust violations."

On this news, Trip.com American Depositary Shares ("ADS") fell 17% on January 14, 2026.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions.  Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

      Laurence Rosen, Esq.
      Phillip Kim, Esq.
      The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
      275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
      New York, NY 10016
      Tel: (212) 686-1060
      Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
      Fax: (212) 202-3827
      [email protected]
      www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

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Jim Cramer made a bold call this week: Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) should acquire Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NYSE:NCLH) valued roughly around $11 billion right now, pointing to what he called a “big ship shortage” driving demand across the cruise industry. It’s a provocative idea, but the timing and logic are worth unpacking.

The Ship Shortage Is Real Cramer’s core thesis has legs. The cruise industry is in a genuine capacity crunch. Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) just unveiled plans to add 10 additional river cruise ships by 2031 while launching a third Icon Class ship and posting record revenues of $17.9 billion. Norwegian itself just signed a long-term deal with Fincantieri for three new ships with deliveries scheduled through 2036-2037. Shipyards are booked out for years.

Norwegian’s own expansion plan calls for 13 additional ships by 2036, adding over 38,000 berths to its current fleet of 34 ships and 71,000+ berths. Demand is clearly outpacing supply industry-wide.

Does the Deal Make Sense for Disney? Disney’s Experiences segment just posted a record $10 billion in Q1 FY2026 revenue, and the company already has cruise line expansion baked into its growth roadmap. Buying Norwegian would be a massive shortcut, instantly adding three premium brands (Norwegian, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas) and a large existing fleet rather than waiting years for new ships to be built.

The problem is the balance sheet math. Disney has $5.68 billion in cash and posted negative free cash flow of $2.28 billion in Q1 2026 due to heavy capital expenditures. An $11 billion deal would require significant debt financing, and Norwegian itself carries roughly $20 billion in total liabilities against $22.2 billion in assets — meaning Disney would be absorbing a highly leveraged company onto an already stretched balance sheet.

Norwegian’s Own Story Is Getting Complicated Norwegian isn’t a clean acquisition target right now. Elliott Investment Management just acquired a 10%+ stake and is pushing its “Norwegian Now” plan to triple the company’s valuation. A new CEO, John Chidsey, was just appointed. Wells Fargo maintains an Underweight rating, flagging execution concerns and cost discipline issues.

NCLH shares have rallied roughly 19% over the past month to around $24.79, putting the market cap closer to $11-12 billion.

The Bottom Line Cramer’s instinct about the ship shortage is grounded in real supply dynamics, and Disney’s cruise ambitions make Norwegian a conceptually interesting fit. But with Disney navigating a CEO transition, negative near-term free cash flow, and Norwegian carrying activist pressure and heavy debt, this deal would be as complicated as it is creative. Whether Disney’s next chapter is built around physical experiences rather than screens, and whether new leadership under Josh D’Amaro is bold enough to pursue a deal this large, remains to be seen.

Oklo (OKLO 8.66%) is a nuclear fission and nuclear recycling specialist that is trying to revolutionize the energy space. The company went public in May 2024 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC).

Oklo's business is still in a pre-revenue state, and the outlook for the company's energy technologies remains highly speculative. While rising energy demands connected to artificial intelligence (AI) data center trends have helped promote big valuation gains for the company, its path to getting its nuclear fission tech to a viable commercial state is still highly uncertain.

Image source: Getty Images.

Could Oklo become a high-yield dividend stock? If Oklo shifts into posting reliable profits and free cash flow from which it can pay dividends, shareholders who buy the stock at today's prices will likely see massive capital appreciation in addition to enjoying dividend yields that could look huge in relation to the company's current share price. On the other hand, investors should understand that there is still a long way to go before the company can reach a position where it makes sense to consistently pay a meaningful dividend.

Many companies in the energy sector pay reliable dividends with sizable yields and reliable payout growth. For example, ExxonMobil has increased its dividend on an annual basis for 43 years running -- and its stock currently sports a yield of roughly 2.7%. Meanwhile, Brookfield Renewable sports a 4.6% yield. While these two companies have vastly different business models, they are both well established players in their respective corners of the energy market and reliably generate strong cash flows from which to pay dividends.

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As of this writing, Oklo stock is up roughly 97% over the last year. The company does not currently pay a dividend, but breakthroughs for its nuclear fission tech could pave the way for it to begin returning cash directly to shareholders through regular dividend payments.

In last year's third quarter, Oklo posted an operating loss of $36.3 million on zero revenue. On the other hand, the loss actually looks relatively small when viewed in the context of the highly capital intensive nature of being an upstart player in the energy space. Oklo ended the third quarter with cash and short-term equivalents totaling approximately $1.2 billion, but the business is still in a developmental phase.

If Oklo reaches a point where it can reliably pay dividends, investors who buy the stock at today's prices and hold on a long-term timeline could wind up banking stellar yields. On the other hand, betting that the company will make it to that point remains highly speculative.

Keith Noonan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

HomeMarketsCommodities CornerCommodities CornerReports say Iran’s military is not allowing passage through the crucial maritime waterway known as the Strait of HormuzPublished: Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:39 p.m. ET

Sealing the Straight of Hormuz would be the economic equivalent of pulling the fire alarm in a crowded theatre, says SPI Asset Management. Photo: MarketWatch photo illustration/Getty Images, iStockphotoThe U.S. and Israel’s attack on Iran raised alarms on Saturday that a key regional source of the world’s crude oil may now be at risk, sparking talk of a return to $100-a-barrel oil prices.

The Strait of Hormuz, a maritime chokepoint vital to the world’s crude-oil exports, has come into sharp focus as fears of a broader regional conflict grow. The strait is crucial because it allows cargo ships to pass the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, facilitating the production and flow of crude oil from the Middle East. The region is home to five of the world’s top 10 biggest producers.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 28, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRWV) between March 28, 2025 and December 15, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 13, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased CoreWeave securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the CoreWeave class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50571 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 13, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants had overstated CoreWeave's ability to meet customer demand for its service; (2) defendants materially understated the scope and severity of the risk that CoreWeave's reliance on a single third-party data center supplier presented for CoreWeave's ability to meet customer demand for its services; (3) the foregoing was reasonably likely to have a material negative impact on CoreWeave's revenue; (4) as a result, CoreWeave's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the CoreWeave class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=50571 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285763

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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Immunic Inc (NASDAQ:IMUX) earlier this week outlined how a newly secured up to $400 million private placement is set to support completion of late-stage trials and prepare the company for a potential commercial launch of vidofludimus calcium in multiple sclerosis.

Speaking to Proactive, CEO Dr Daniel Vitt described the financing as “a transformative transaction for the company,” noting that $200 million has already been received, with the remainder available in a second tranche.

He said the raise equips the company with the flexibility required to transition into a commercial-stage organization as it approaches a pivotal data milestone.

The primary near-term catalyst is the Phase 3 ENSURE program in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS), comprising two twin studies. Vitt confirmed that an interim analysis conducted in 2024 resulted in the Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommending the trials continue as planned.

Topline data from the four-year, 2,200-patient program is expected at the end of the year.

Proactive: Hello, you're watching Proactive. I'm joined by Immunic CEO Dr Daniel Vitt. Daniel, very good to speak with you. Immunic recently closed an up to $400 million private placement financing, with $200 million received immediately. Can you walk us through the details of the transaction, please?

Dr Daniel Vitt: It was a great transaction and a transformative transaction for the company. As you know, the company is approaching Phase 3 readout and starting the preparations for commercial launch of vidofludimus calcium. This raise equips the company with the right financing and the flexibility to prepare a perfect transition into a commercial-stage company.

With the fresh capital from the first tranche, the company is well funded beyond the Phase 3 ENSURE readouts and potential NDA filing in RMS. Can you update us on cash reach and what the financing covers?

The full financing, which would include the second tranche, would cover more or less everything. The most important priorities are to complete the Phase 3 studies in relapsing MS at the end of the year and to prepare the NDA submission in the middle of next year. In parallel, the company now has the ability to kick off the Phase 3 study in primary progressive MS, addressing an area of high unmet medical need. Considering the challenges and failures of other drugs in that space, this opens a wide space for vidofludimus calcium. It is an important step for the company.

You mentioned the important Phase 3 ENSURE readout coming up at the end of the year. Can you remind us of the study details and what investors will see when topline data is reported?

The company has two ongoing Phase 3 twin studies. An interim analysis was conducted in 2024, and the IDMC gave the green light to continue as planned. The topline data is expected at the end of the year.

What would be the next steps for vidofludimus calcium in relapsing MS?

Clearly, the next step would be the FDA submission. Preparations are ongoing to submit for approval first in the United States with the FDA. In parallel, the company will kick off the Phase 3 study in primary progressive MS.

In a recent update, the company commented on organizational and leadership changes. Can you tell us how Immunic plans to transform into a commercial organization?

The company already started that process some time ago. Morphing from an R&D organization into a sales organization is a significant step in the history of a biotech company. The company agreed to search for a more commercially sales-oriented CEO to come in soon. As part of that transition, I would go back to my roots and focus more on scientific work within the company.

Final question, what else can we expect from Immunic this year?

There are important milestones ahead. The Phase 3 readout of a four-year, 2,200-patient MS study is a major event. Kicking off primary progressive MS is another key development enabled by the financing. The company is exclusively focused on these priorities right now. Everything else, we will see.

Quotes have been lightly edited for style and clarity

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 28, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KD) between August 7, 2024 and February 9, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 13, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Kyndryl securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Kyndryl class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=38139 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 13, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Kyndryl's financial statements issued during the Class Period were materially misstated; (2) Kyndryl lacked adequate internal controls and at times materially understated issues with its internal controls; (3) as a result, Kyndryl would be unable to timely file its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2025; and (4) as a result, defendants' statements about Kyndryl's business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Kyndryl class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=38139 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285745

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 28, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Vital Farms, Inc. (NASDAQ: VITL) resulting from allegations that Vital Farms, Inc. may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Vital Farms securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=54670 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On February 26, 2026, MarketBeat published an article entitled "Vital Farms (NASDAQ: VITL) Shares Gap Down Following Weak Earnings". The article stated that Vital Farms stock price "gapped down before the market opened on Thursday after the company announced weaker than expected quarterly earnings."

On this news, Vital Farms stock fell 10.8% on February 26, 2026.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285709

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

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