June 01, 2026 07:30 ET | Source: SL Green Realty Corp
NEW YORK, June 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SL Green Realty Corp. (NYSE: SLG), Manhattan’s largest office landlord, today announced that it has sold 10 East 53rd Street for total consideration of $312.2 million to Meadow Partners, a vertically integrated real estate investment manager specializing in global middle-market transactions. The transaction, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, will generate net cash proceeds to the company of approximately $100.0 million that will be used for corporate debt repayment.
“This transaction is a meaningful step forward in the execution of our $2.5 billion 2026 strategic disposition plan and further validates the value creation achieved through our redevelopment and asset management initiatives,” said Harrison Sitomer, President and Chief Investment Officer of SL Green. “Following our acquisition of the remaining ownership interest in the property in December 2024, we positioned the asset to capitalize on strong investor demand for high-quality, well-located Midtown assets, and we look forward to continuing to manage the property moving forward.”
The 37-story, 390,000 square foot property, which is located in the heart of East Midtown between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, is currently 92% leased. SL Green acquired the property in 2012 and subsequently completed a comprehensive redevelopment and repositioning of the building. In December 2024, SL Green acquired its partner’s 45.0% interest in the property at a gross valuation of $236.0 million, resulting in the company owning 100% of the property prior to entering into this transaction.
Adam Spies, Adam Doneger and Avery Silverstein from Newmark advised on the transaction.
About SL Green Realty Corp.
SL Green Realty Corp., Manhattan’s largest office landlord, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust, or REIT, that is focused primarily on acquiring, managing and maximizing the value of Manhattan commercial properties. As of March 31, 2026, SL Green held interests in 55 buildings totaling 30.8 million square feet which included ownership interests in 29.4 million square feet and 1.4 million square feet securing debt and preferred equity investments, excluding fund investments, and managed 3 buildings totaling 0.8 million square feet owned by third parties.
Forward Looking Statement
This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions thereof. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as future capital expenditures, dividends and acquisitions (including the amount and nature thereof), development trends of the real estate industry and the New York metropolitan area markets, occupancy, business strategies, expansion and growth of our operations and other similar matters, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially, and we caution you not to place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "project," "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar words or terms.
Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by us. Factors and risks to our business that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.
Key Takeaways SL Green agreed to sell 10 East 53rd Street to Meadow Partners for $312.2 million.The 92%-leased Midtown asset is expected to generate nearly $100M in net proceeds.SLG targets $2.5B in 2026 dispositions to repay debt and enhance portfolio quality. SL Green (SLG - Free Report) recently announced the disposition of 10 East 53rd Street to Meadow Partners, a real estate investment manager specializing in global middle-market transactions, for a total consideration of $312.2 million. Expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, the transaction will yield net proceeds of nearly $100 million. The company plans to use these funds for debt repayment.
Leased at 92%, the asset under consideration is a 37-story, 390,000-square-foot building located in East Midtown between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue. SL Green acquired this property in 2012 and completed its redevelopment and repositioning. In December 2024, SLG acquired the remaining 45% interest in the property for $236 million and positioned it well to capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality, well-located Midtown assets.
SL Green is making efforts to improve its portfolio quality by investing in value-accretive assets and disposing of non-core assets. In March 2026, SL Green entered into a contract to sell the residential and retail components of 7 Dey Street for a consideration of $222.6 million while retaining the 26,000-square-foot office condominium. In February 2026, together with its joint venture partner, SL Green closed on the sale of 690 Madison Avenue for $54.5 million.
These transactions support SL Green’s $2.5 billion disposition target for 2026. By monetizing non-core assets and directing proceeds toward debt repayment, the company aims to strengthen its balance sheet, enhance portfolio quality and create long-term shareholder value through active asset management.
Over the past three months, shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) office REIT company have gained 14.6% compared with the industry’s growth of 1.8%.
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Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks from the broader REIT sector are W.P. Carey (WPC - Free Report) and Lamar Advertising (LAMR - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WPC’s 2026 FFO per share has been moved northward marginally over the past two months to $5.26.
The consensus estimate for LAMR’s 2026 FFO per share has been revised upward by 2.2% to $8.81 over the past month.
Key Takeaways ONDS will add Omnisys' AI-powered BRO software to expand autonomous defense capabilities.Ondas said BRO enables real-time mission planning and battlefield resource optimization.ONDS backlog rose to $457M as acquisitions expanded ISR and autonomous defense offerings. Ondas Inc. (ONDS - Free Report) has announced an agreement to acquire 100% of Omnisys Ltd., adding AI-powered battlefield orchestration software to its autonomous defense systems portfolio. The acquisition marks a major step in Ondas’ strategy to expand as a software-defined defense technology company. Omnisys develops Battle Resource Optimization BRO software designed for multi-domain defense planning and real-time operational decision making. Ondas expects the BRO platform to become a core orchestration layer across its autonomous systems portfolio, supporting mission planning, operational coordination and battlefield resource optimization across sensors, autonomous systems and defense assets operating in complex environments.
Management stated that the BRO platform is a modular vendor-agnostic AI software suite that integrates data from sensors, command and control systems, autonomous platforms and operational assets into a unified operational picture. Using AI algorithms and operations research methodologies, the platform generates optimized courses of action across the mission lifecycle, including pre-mission planning, mission adaptation and post-mission analysis.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen Ondas’ financial profile by adding a high-margin, software-driven business with a long operational history and profitability. Ondas also stated that integrating BRO with its SkyWeaver AI and mission autonomy platform will create a unified “sense-decide-orchestrate-act” framework across ISR strike, electronic warfare, counter-UAS, and air defense missions while supporting expansion into additional U.S. and allied defense markets.
Ondas is expanding its autonomous defense and ISR platform through a series of strategic acquisitions, including Rotron Aerospace, Mistral Inc., Bird Aero, Indo-Earth and World View, strengthening its capabilities across loitering munitions, counter-missile defense systems, military engineering equipment and stratospheric surveillance solutions. The acquisitions are enhancing Ondas’ position as an integrated autonomous defense solutions provider, with Mistral adding access to a $982 million U.S. Army IDIQ program and World View accelerating the company’s multi-domain ISR roadmap. These deals also contributed to a sharp increase in pro forma backlog to $457 million, supporting Ondas’ long-term growth and global expansion strategy.
Taking a Look at ONDS Competitors’ Acquisition StrategiesDraganfly (DPRO - Free Report) is expanding its defense technology portfolio through the acquisition of substantially all assets of Skip Dynamix’s drone technology business. The deal adds ultra-low-cost, mass-producible fixed-wing unmanned aerial systems designed for long-range ISR, electronic warfare support, logistics and one-way missions. By combining Draganfly’s AI, autonomy, manufacturing and military systems integration expertise with Skip Dynamix’s scalable Orca platform, the company aims to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing autonomous defense market. The acquisition is also expected to expand Draganfly’s opportunities across NATO-aligned modernization initiatives, Indo-Pacific security programs and Department of War autonomous systems projects.
Unusual Machines (UMAC - Free Report) is also expanding its domestic drone manufacturing capabilities through the acquisition of Upgrade Energy, which is expected to significantly accelerate its battery production plans and strengthen its position in the rapidly growing U.S. drone ecosystem. The company plans to integrate battery pack manufacturing operations in Orlando and California following the deal’s completion as part of its broader strategy to scale NDAA-compliant drone component production. Management believes the acquisition will support rising demand from Department of War programs, counter-drone applications and the expanding domestic drone market while complementing ongoing investments in motors, cameras and FPV headset manufacturing.
ONDS’ Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of ONDS are down 13.4% in the past month compared with the Wireless-National industry’s decline of 3.5%.
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In terms of the forward 12-month price/sales ratio, ONDS is trading at 9.47, considerably higher than the industry’s multiple of 1.71.
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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ONDS’ earnings for the current year has been revised upward over the past 60 days.
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ONDS currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here..
If you've been watching Ondas (ONDS 3.52%), you may have noticed that its gain over the past year is around 944%. That's enough to turn a single $10,000 investment into $104,000. (If you'd put that money in the S&P 500 instead, you'd still have enjoyed a remarkable 24% gain, turning your $10,000 into $12,400.)
Such parabolic performances draw attention and lead more people to buy and own shares -- which can push the shares even higher. But should you invest in Ondas at this point? I don't think I want to.
Image source: Getty Images.
Meet Ondas Ondas is a tech company, and it describes itself as "a leading provider of autonomous systems and private wireless solutions through its business units Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS), Ondas Capital, and Ondas Networks. Ondas' technologies offer a powerful combination of aerial intelligence and next-generation connectivity to enhance security, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making across essential industries."
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Some of those words should have made you think of drones -- and other products and services used by the military. Given the war in Iran and many Middle East countries, along with the U.S. and others, needing to spend on defense and/or offense, Ondas has benefited. For example, in December of 2025, it won a government contract to set up a border-protection system featuring thousands of drones. A few weeks ago, it announced that it received a $10 million order as part of a $50 million award for a border demining project along the Israel-Syria border.
Indeed, the company's incredible past quarter, the first of 2026, featured revenue of $50 million, a tenfold increase year over year and 66% higher than the previous quarter. Gross profit margin rose to 49% from 35% the year before (and 42% in the previous quarter) -- and the company's cash position surged from $66 million at the end of 2025 to $1.5 billion. Ondas' backlog of orders rose to more than $450 million, assuring it a lot more future revenue.
Why am I avoiding Ondas? The key reason is its valuation. That parabolic run has left it with a recent price-to-sales ratio of 36.3, well above the five-year average of 10.6. It's also not yet profitable, with management expecting adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) profitability by the first quarter of 2028.
Should you avoid it, too? Well, it depends. As I write this, its market value is about $5.3 billion. Do you see it becoming, say, a $10 billion company in the future? Then maybe it will be a good addition to your portfolio. But keep in mind that right now, you'd be paying $36 for each dollar of revenue. That's much more than you'd pay for lots of other great growth stocks. And if you'd like some diversification to reduce your risk, consider a solid tech exchange-traded fund.
Key Takeaways Ondas pivots to autonomous defense systems, adding five acquisitions in Q1 and a sixth deal last week.Ondas guides 2026 revenues at least $390M and cites $457M backlog, but operating loss widened in Q1.Draganfly Q1 revenues up 49.4% on higher military orders; C-UAS demand and new partnerships bode well. The global drone industry is rapidly evolving into one of the most strategically important sectors in defense, surveillance, logistics and autonomous warfare.
According to a report from Mordor Intelligence, the global drone tech market is expected to witness a CAGR of 9.34% from 2026 to 2031. The convergence of drones with artificial intelligence, cloud computing and edge processing is further driving adoption across verticals.
Ondas Inc. (ONDS - Free Report) and Draganfly (DPRO - Free Report) both operate in the defense and unmanned systems domain and are positioning themselves as strategic partners to military and government agencies. However, despite operating in the same space, these companies have very different positions in terms of scale and maturity.
For investors seeking exposure to this theme, the key question remains: which stock offers the better opportunity right now?
Let us do a deep dive into the companies’ competitive dynamics to understand which is better positioned in the industry.
ONDS: Building a “Systems of Systems” PlatformOndas entered 2026 following a transformational year marked by a pivot to autonomous systems, aggressive portfolio expansion and platform scaling. At the core of this transformation is Ondas Autonomous Systems (“OAS”), which has quickly become a multi-domain autonomy platform spanning Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance or ISR, Counter-UAS, loitering munitions/strike systems, unmanned ground vehicles and stratospheric sensing via World View acquisition.
The company has accomplished this broad portfolio through focused M&A activity. In the first quarter alone, the company completed five acquisitions (World View, INDO Earth, Rotron Aerospace, Bird Aero and Mistral Inc). Last week, ONDS announced an agreement to acquire Omnisys Ltd., adding AI-powered battlefield orchestration software to its autonomous defense systems portfolio. In the past year, it has acquired Sentrycs, Apeiro Motion and Zickel, among others. Ondas now operates in more than 45 countries with over 1,000 employees globally.
The company has also accumulated a backlog exceeding $450 million following the acquisitions of World View and Mistral. Management increased 2026 revenue guidance to at least $390 million.
Despite the impressive growth story, Ondas carries substantial risks. Extensive M&A amplifies risks, as so many acquisitions in such a short period can create integration overload and execution risks, as achieving targets depends on timely integration and conversion of backlog into revenues.
Profitability remains concerning. Ondas faces rising operating costs as it invests in personnel and infrastructure capabilities to capture additional market opportunities. First-quarter operating expenses rose substantially to $67 million from $11.8 million reported in the prior-year quarter. This led to an operating loss of $42.7 million, which widened from $10.3 million year over year. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA loss was $10.9 million, up from a loss of $7.5 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Amid rising costs, management expects adjusted EBITDA losses to stay elevated in the second quarter of 2026, likely marking the peak loss period. Beyond that, ONDS expects improvement throughout the year, driven by higher revenues, gross profit and operational scale.
Notably, management pulled forward the OAS EBITDA profitability target to the first quarter of 2027 — roughly six months ahead of the earlier target. Expectations for company-wide adjusted EBITDA profitability were unchanged, with the target being the first quarter of 2028. The key factor driving this is the company’s progress at the product level.
Nonetheless, the path to profitability remains heavily dependent on flawless execution. Any delays in integration and order conversion could push the profitability timeline further out. Increasing competition in the already crowded drone space is another headwind.
DPRO: Rising Product SalesDraganfly is a Canada-based drone solutions and systems developer. The company’s drones include the Commander 3XL, Heavy Lift Drone, Commander 2 and Draganfly Medical Response Drone and the Apex drone aimed at ISR, marketed for the military and public safety.
DPRO has 5-plus drone systems that are all NDAA-compliant. As the United States and NATO aggressively eliminate non-compliant Chinese systems from critical infrastructure, this compliance advantage becomes a moat. DPRO recently introduced the Draganfly Blitz platform to capture demand for NDAA-compliant integrated gimbal systems. Draganfly Blitz payload platform comprises stabilized gimbal systems and electro-optical and infrared payloads.
First-quarter 2026 revenues came in at $2.3 million, up 49.4% year over year, driven by momentum in product sales.
Increasing presence in the military vertical is a major tailwind. At the beginning of the first quarter, DPRO secured orders for FPV drones from the U.S. Army and for Commander 3 XLs from international military customers. It was recently selected by the Department of War, along with F4 Defense International, to develop a multi-layered, modular and rapidly deployable counter-UAS (C-UAS) system.
Draganfly is also building strong strategic partnerships. The alliance with Prime Global Ordnance positions the company as a supplier in the growing military drone and munition ecosystem supporting Ukraine. Meanwhile, the partnership with Babcock strengthens access to Indo-Pacific defense markets.
On the acquisition front, DPRO signed an agreement to purchase all assets of Skip Dynamix’s drone technology business. This acquisition is a strategic fit amid increasing investments in low-cost autonomous aerial systems designed for electronic warfare resilience, ISR, swarm deployment and one-way operations.
However, unlike Ondas, Draganfly is pursuing a more measured and focused strategy. Management is of the idea that future military operations will require fleets of interoperable drones rather than isolated single-use platforms. Draganfly cites that its core advantage lies in its interoperability and modularity.
Another key strength is balance-sheet flexibility. A company with just more than $2 million in quarterly revenues, C$147 million in cash balance and minimal debt on the balance sheet at the end of the first quarter, provides ample flexibility.
Nonetheless, DPRO is not without risks. At just C$2.3 million in quarterly revenues, it remains tiny relative to larger defense drone competitors. Profitability also remains a challenge. Gross margin shrank to 15% from 20% reported in the prior-year quarter, owing to an unfavorable sales mix and a one-time, non-cash write-down of inventory. Intense competition from both established defense contractors and emerging drone startups is a concern, given its small scale.
Price Performance & Valuation for ONDS & DPROYear to date, both ONDS and DPRO have registered losses of 7.1%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In terms of the forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio, ONDS trades at 8.7X, higher than DPRO’s 1.21X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How Do Estimates Compare for ONDS & DPRO?For ONDS, earnings estimates for the current year have unchanged in the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
For DPRO, earnings estimates have been unchanged over the same time frame.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ONDS or DPRO: Which Is a Better Pick?Both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present.
While Ondas offers ambitious scale and backlog potential, Draganfly’s focused execution, lower valuation and expanding defense partnerships make it the relatively more attractive risk-reward opportunity in the drone space today.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have emerged as one of the most transformative innovations in the dynamic landscape of next-generation technologies.
Defense spending continues to be a major tailwind. Within the defense vertical, growing geopolitical strains and defense upgrades are driving increased drone adoption worldwide. Globally, drones are now being widely deployed for border security, precision strikes, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (“ISR”) and other tactical operations, making them indispensable assets in modern warfare.
While defense remains a core market, drones are rapidly gaining traction across a wide range of industries. Drones have become integral to various sectors such as mining, infrastructure monitoring, real estate, oil and gas exploration, logistics and even filmmaking. From aerial photography and agricultural mapping, drones are transforming how businesses collect data and operate across sectors.
The drone technology continues to reach new heights, fueled by breakthroughs in autonomous technology and AI-powered navigation. The embedding of AI has made modern drones faster and more versatile than ever. AI incorporation is driving the autonomous navigation functionality of drones, enabling them to autonomously plan their flight paths based on real-time data, such as environmental terrain. The integration of 5G and advanced Wi-Fi technology has improved real-time data transmission, expanding commercial applications.
With regulatory frameworks evolving and military and commercial adoption gaining pace, the drone sector has a long runway for growth. The UAV drones market is expected to witness a CAGR of 16.77% from 2026 to 2035, according to a report from Precedence Research.
If you are looking to capitalize on this trend, our Drone Technology Screen makes it easy to identify high-potential stocks, such as Elbit Systems (ESLT - Free Report) , Draganfly Inc. (DPRO - Free Report) and Ondas Inc (ONDS - Free Report) .
Explore 36 cutting-edge investment themes with Zacks Thematic Investing Screens and uncover your next big opportunity.
3 Drone Tech Stocks in FocusElbit Systems is an Israel-based company that develops innovative solutions across several domains, including unmanned systems.
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and broader autonomous solutions are becoming a central pillar of ESLT’s growth strategy. On the first quarter 2026 earnings call, management pointed to a major $1.4 billion European extensive military modernization that includes a wide range of solutions, which also includes “uncrewed autonomous solutions” integrated across multiple battlefield domains.
Elbit is also expanding its footprint in this space through both organic investments and acquisitions. The company recently launched a new UAS production facility in Romania. It had earlier completed the acquisition of U.K.-based UAV Tactical Systems Ltd (“UTACS”). UTACS is a key supplier of advanced tactical UAS to the British Army, other NATO member countries and the United Nations. Elbit is also investing heavily in counter-drone technologies.
ESLT’s FUSE recently acquired another Israeli technology company, Blue White Robotics Ltd (Bluewhite). It develops AI-driven autonomous solutions for critical off-road and defense applications. The acquisition bolsters FUSE’s autonomous capabilities and complements its unmanned aerial and swarm technologies. FUSE is a part of Elbit Systems’ C4I & Cyber unit that designs and develops AI-powered autonomous combat systems. Earlier this month, FUSE won a contract, through a tie-up with Mistral, with the U.S. Army to deliver THOR Group 2 UAS.
First-quarter revenues rose 15.5% year over year to $2.19 billion. The company’s performance was supported by a record backlog exceeding $30 billion, providing strong visibility into future revenues. ESLT carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Draganfly is a Canada-based drone solutions and systems developer. The company’s drones include the Commander 3XL, Heavy Lift Drone, Commander 2 and Draganfly Medical Response Drone and the Apex drone aimed at ISR, marketed for the military and public safety.
Increasing presence in the military vertical is a major tailwind. At the beginning of the first quarter, DPRO secured orders for FPV drones from the U.S. Army and for Commander 3 XLs from international military customers. It was recently selected by the Department of War, along with F4 Defense International, to develop a multi-layered, modular and rapidly deployable counter-UAS (C-UAS) system.
DPRO has 5-plus drone systems that are all NDAA-compliant. As the United States and NATO aggressively eliminate non-compliant Chinese systems from critical infrastructure, this compliance advantage becomes a moat. In October 2025, the company introduced its Outrider Southern Border drone, which is a North American-built, NDAA-compliant multi-mission drone platform. DPRO recently introduced the Draganfly Blitz platform to capture demand for NDAA-compliant integrated gimbal systems. Draganfly Blitz payload platform comprises stabilized gimbal systems and electro-optical and infrared payloads.
DPRO, carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present, is expanding its footprint in the demining vertical with collaborations with Autonome Labs and SafeLane. With its data, expertise and AI-powered aerial mapping capabilities, DPRO is well-positioned to expand in this niche market. The company achieved 49.4% revenue growth in the first quarter of 2026, supported by rising product sales.
Ondas is rapidly scaling its Ondas Autonomous Systems (“OAS”) business, which has quickly become a multi-domain autonomy platform spanning ISR, C-UAS, loitering munitions/strike systems, unmanned ground vehicles and stratospheric sensing via World View acquisition.
The company has accomplished this broad portfolio through focused M&A activity. In the first quarter alone, the company completed five acquisitions (World View, INDO Earth, Rotron Aerospace, Bird Aero and Mistral Inc). Last week, ONDS announced an agreement to acquire Omnisys Ltd., adding AI-powered battlefield orchestration software to its autonomous defense systems portfolio. In the past year, it has acquired Sentrycs, Apeiro Motion and Zickel, among others. Ondas now operates in more than 45 countries with over 1,000 employees globally.
The company has also accumulated a backlog of $457 million following the acquisitions of World View and Mistral. Management increased 2026 revenue guidance to at least $390 million.
ONDS, a Zacks Rank #3 stock, has also accelerated its profitability timeline, now expecting its OAS segment to deliver adjusted EBITDA profitability by the first quarter of 2027, roughly six months ahead of the earlier target. Expectations for company-wide adjusted EBITDA profitability were unchanged, with the target being the first quarter of 2028. The key factor driving this is the company’s progress at the product level. Management noted that it achieved adjusted EBITDA profitability at the product company level in the first quarter of 2026, two quarters ahead of the initial timeline. This implies that the underlying businesses are delivering profits even amid heavy growth investments.
ONDS stock is soaring. See the chart and price action here. A Wall Street Journal report published Wednesday revealed the administration is in active talks to extend that same playbook to domestic drone manufacturers, with the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital leading discussions on a mix of debt and equity financing for select U.S. drone firms.
The goal is straightforward: accelerate domestic production, cut costs, and reduce dependence on Chinese-made drone components and supply chains before a potential flashpoint forces the issue.
The policy foundation is already in place.
Trump signed the “Drone Dominance” executive order in June 2025, making mass autonomous drone deployment a presidential priority.
The FY2027 defense budget backs it with tens of billions in drone and autonomy funding, targeting 300,000 low-cost attack drones deployed by 2027.
The $1 billion Drone Dominance Program is actively running — 49 companies were invited Wednesday to compete in the Phase II qualifying event in June. The top performers advance to a production and delivery contract stage.
How To Trade It Markets moved fast on the WSJ report. Here’s where the key names stand:
Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS):
The broadest platform play in the group. Record Q1 revenue of $50.1 million, a $457 million backlog, and 2026 guidance of +$390 million. The $196.6 million Omnisys acquisition added AI battlefield software on top of its drone hardware stack — making it a more complete platform than pure-play hardware names. Unusual Machines Inc. (AMEX:UMAC):
Red Cat Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:RCAT):
The recon drone pure-play. Q1 revenue surged 869% year-over-year to $15.5 million. Its Teal Drones subsidiary is already in the Drone Dominance Program, and it recently locked in a 173-system order from Japan’s Ministry of Defense Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS):
The most institutionally credible name on the list. Up 70% over the past year, per Benzinga Pro data, focused on jet-powered unmanned platforms and target drone systems already embedded in Pentagon programs. AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV):
The legacy small-UAS leader with loitering munitions and ISR platforms in active military use worldwide. Deep existing contract base that makes it a reliable beneficiary of any spending expansion. Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ:DPRO):
The most speculative name on the list. Catches bids on drone-sector headlines, but lacks the revenue scale or confirmed program participation of the others. The WSJ report stopped short of naming confirmed recipients or deal timelines — these are still discussions.
But given the Trump administration’s track record of following through on strategic equity plays, the drone sector is pricing in the real possibility that government capital is coming.
Photo: Joshua Sukoff / Shutterstock
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Defense drone stocks are surging at midday Thursday after a Wall Street Journal and CNBC report indicated the Pentagon is in talks with drone manufacturers about funding deals that could include direct federal equity stakes. Unusual Machines (NYSE:UMAC) stock leads the rally with a 58% intraday jump, while Red Cat Holdings (NASDAQ:RCAT) stock is up 34%.
Larger defense names are also catching the wave. AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV | AVAV Price Prediction) stock has climbed 17%, and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ:KTOS) stock is up 14%. Certainly, this appears to be a coordinated repricing rather than a single-name event.
The trigger is the report that the Pentagon is exploring funding agreements that could grant the U.S. government direct equity stakes in domestic drone makers like Unusual Machines. Traders are positioning for the Trump administration to extend an industrial policy playbook that has already reshaped semiconductors and rare earths.
The Intel Precedent The template is visible in chips. Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) stock has surged 491% over the past year after the U.S. government acquired significant equity interests through the CHIPS Act escrow structure.
NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) followed with a $5 billion purchase of Intel common stock, and Intel was selected as the host CPU for NVIDIA DGX Rubin systems. Clearly, when Washington plants a flag with an equity position, a stock can re-rate violently higher as private capital piles in behind it.
Why Drones Are Next The strategic case for drones, and names like AeroVironment and Red Cat, are being written on Ukrainian battlefields. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that drones caused 96% of the 35,351 Russian casualties Ukraine inflicted in March, with Ukrainian forces averaging 11,000 sorties per day.
That data has shifted procurement priorities in Washington. Red Cat CEO Jeff Thompson recently cited Secretary of War Peter Hegseth’s signal of budget allocations of up to $74 billion for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and unmanned surface vehicle (USV) procurement in FY2027. Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco described a “generational recapitalization of U.S. defense industrial base” that’s already underway.
The Trump Jr. Angle Unusual Machines carries a notable political wrinkle. Donald Trump Jr. is a shareholder and advisory board member at the company, meaning any Pentagon equity stake would invite congressional scrutiny and conflict-of-interest questions.
The operational case is real, though. Unusual Machines says more than half of the Pentagon’s $1.1 billion Drone Dominance program customers are UMAC clients. Needham analyst Austin Bohlig wrote that funding support makes particular sense for Unusual Machines given the critical and supply-constrained nature of drone components and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
China Supply Chain Is the Wedge Drone component supply chains still rely heavily on China for motors, batteries, cameras, and flight controllers. That dependency is the exact vulnerability the Pentagon is trying to close by funding National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant manufacturers like Unusual Machines, Red Cat, and AeroVironment.
The setup also matters for the laggards. AeroVironment stock entered today down 25% for the year, and Kratos stock was off 25% as well. Today’s rally meaningfully narrows both drawdowns and could trigger short covering into the close.
What to Watch Investors can watch for confirmation from Pentagon officials and any named recipient companies. Whether today’s gains hold into Friday could depend on whether the report is followed by an official Department of War announcement or congressional pushback over the Trump Jr. tie at Unusual Machines.
The bulls could point to the Intel template, the FY2027 budget setup, and Ukraine battlefield data as a thesis the market cannot ignore. However, the bears might point out that UMAC stock carries a forward P/E ratio of 250x and a beta of 14x; these figures seemingly have priced in flawless execution.
Prudent investors may want to size their positions modestly in Unusual Machines and Red Cat given the speed and magnitude of these moves. The next catalyst could be any direct Pentagon statement, and momentum traders will likely keep these names active through the afternoon session.
Ondas ONDS is soaring on Thursday morning amidst a sector-wide rally on reports of the Trump administration considering funding domestic drone companies.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Defense Department is in discussions with several drone firms as Washington pushes to accelerate homegrown drone manufacturing capability.
Despite today’s surge, Ondas stock is down nearly 10% versus its year-to-date high.
Caution is warranted in chasing the momentum in ONDS shares because headline excitement now seems to be running ahead of the reality.
For starters, the Nasdaq-listed firm isn’t mentioned anywhere in the original WSJ report; it named Performance Drone Works, Unusual Machines, and Neros Technologies – but not Ondas Inc.
Ondas is riding the wave purely on sector association – not on any direct evidence it’s in line for a government cheque.
Simply put, the price action resembles a classic case of “guilt-by-adjacency” momentum trading, where a rising tide lifts all boats, albeit temporarily.
Investors loading up on Ondas at current levels are paying a premium for speculation that it could benefit from a program it hasn’t even been linked to.
And in small-cap defense names, that premium tends to evaporate quickly once the initial frenzy subsides.
Strip away the headline and ONDS’ underlying numbers present real challenges that a drone-sector narrative alone can’t paper over.
While an 11x year-on-year increase in Q1 sales to just over $50 million sure was “impressive”, the growth was almost entirely acquisition-driven – Ondas has gobbled up six defense-tech names in 2026 alone.
More tellingly, the Q1 operating loss widened to $42.7 million, and management itself said adjusted EBITDA losses will remain rather elevated in the second quarter.
In fact, company-wide profitability isn’t expected until early 2028.
Additionally, ONDS is seeking shareholder votes at its annual meeting today to raise authorized common shares from 800 million to 1.2 billion – indicating further dilution ahead.
The relative strength index (RSI) currently sits in the late 60s, indicating the stock is approaching “overbought” conditions – a setup that often triggers a sell-off.
Historically (over the past six years), Ondas has lost over 1% in June, a seasonal pattern that makes it even less attractive to own in the near-term.
Plus, ONDS traded below $1.0 as recently as a year ago – suggesting the easy money has already been made.
It’s now pricing in a great deal of execution on a $390 million full-year revenue target that depends on seamlessly integrating six acquisitions while converting a $457 million pro forma backlog into actual recognized sales.
Defense contractors, even excellent ones, routinely stumble on that kind of integration complexity.
Key Takeaways Ondas is a leading drone and drone platform defense company.Drone demand is skyrocketing as drone warfare takes center stage.ONDS benefits from a U.S. government investment in the drone sector. Ondas: A Next-Gen Defense LeaderZacks Rank #3 (Hold) company Ondas Inc. ((ONDS - Free Report) ) is a leading defense company headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. The company has several verticals in the defense sector, including a global technology platform for wireless networks, autonomous drone systems, and automated data solutions for government customers. Ondas operates two primary business segments:
· Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS): Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are Ondas’ bread and butter. The ‘Optimus System’ is a fully automated 24/7 drone platform. Meanwhile, the company also offers the ‘Iron Drone Raider’ (an autonomous counter-drone interceptor) and ‘Sentrycs’ (a counter-drone detection system. Additionally, Ondas has a combat robot called ‘Roboteam’ and the accompanying software called ‘Apeiro Motion.’
· Ondas Networks: Delivers private wireless broadband technology to energy grids, rail networks, and various government agencies.
Drone Warfare Disrupts the BattlefieldThe global proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has fundamentally dismantled the traditional, Western-dominated paradigm of precision warfare. Until recently, delivering precise, long-distance attacks required multi-million-dollar missiles or fighter jets. However, the recent global conflicts show the power of drone warfare and how it is quickly evening the global balance of power.
For instance, although Ukraine has far fewer soldiers than Russia, it has been holding its own in the recent conflict due to its use of drones. Ukrainian drones have been spotting and attacking Russian troops from 20 miles away or more. In response, Russia is working quickly to scale up its deployment of one-way attack drones. Meanwhile, there is no better example of the power of drones than the recent U.S.-Iran conflict. Although the Iranian military is dramatically outmatched and funded by the U.S. military, Iran has used low-cost drones to wreak havoc and build leverage in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Government Backs Unusual MachinesPresident Trump has made national defense and control of important technology a pillar of his administration. Last night, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration is in talks to fund U.S. drone companies, including Unusual Machines ((UMAC - Free Report) ). Ondas benefits from the deal because it purchased UMAC shares priced at $17 during a recent public offering of common stock.
ONDS: Soaring Revenue GrowthDrone demand is soaring. Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest that ONDS’s annual revenues will grow from ~$50 million in 2025 to ~$400 million in 2026.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ONDS: A Flurry of CatalystsOndas has a flurry of bullish catalysts. First, ONDS should enjoy a re-rating higher as hype builds around Anduril, likely to be the largest defense IPO in history. Second, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has maintained that “drone dominance” is a priority. Finally, ONDS has a partnership with industry leader Palantir ((PLTR - Free Report) ) and will be participating in the Trump Administration’s “Golden Dome” project.
ONDS Breaks OutThursday, ONDS shares broke above multi-month resistance, driven by news of US government drone investments. ONDS traded its daily average volume two hours into the session, confirming the breakout and implying massive demand for shares.
Image Source: TradingView
Bottom Line
The landscape of modern warfare has permanently shifted, leveling the playing field through low-cost, high-impact autonomous technology. Ondas Inc. sits perfectly at the intersection of this geopolitical shift and aggressive domestic policy. While currently holding a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the company’s staggering projected revenue growth, strategic equity stakes, and explosive technical breakout suggest that Ondas is evolving from a quiet defense player into an absolute next-gen powerhouse. For investors looking to capture the massive tailwinds of the drone revolution, ONDS is a red-hot ticker to watch.
Ondas (ONDS 3.52%), providing private wireless, drone, and automated data solutions, closed Thursday at $13.25, up 22.69%. The stock jumped after news broke that the Trump administration is exploring potential funding deals with an array of drone companies. The news sent the broader drone niche soaring higher today. Trading volume reached 241.6 million shares, about 216% above its three-month average of 76.4 million shares. Ondas IPO'd in 2020 and has grown 115% since going public.
How the markets moved todayThe S&P 500 added 0.57% to finish Thursday at 7,563, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.91% to close at 26,917. Within the drone industry, peers were bullish, as Unusual Machines closed at $29.60 (+57.2%) while AeroVironment finished at $214.39 (+18.3%).
What this means for investorsOndas added to its incredible 11-bagging run over just the last year, rising another 23% today. The next-gen drone and autonomous defense platform spiked on news that the Trump administration was weighing funding deals with key players in the drone space.
Reports explain that the federal government would take equity stakes in the companies, hopefully securing lower costs for domestically produced drones and weapons. A deal like this could be particularly useful for Ondas, as it relies heavily on a highly acquisitive growth strategy that most recently saw the company acquire Omnisys, a developer of battlefield resource-optimization software.
While this excitement is probably warranted, investors should remain somewhat cautious with Ondas despite its potential, as it still trades at 14 times expected 2026 sales.
Josh Kohn-Lindquist has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Ondas and SiTime. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Shares of Ondas (ONDS 3.52%) surged on Thursday, following reports that the U.S government was considering taking steps to accelerate domestic drone production.
Image source: Getty Images.
Game of Drones The U.S. military wants to slash the cost of drones that are rapidly becoming an indispensable part of the modern battlefield.
To do so, the Trump Administration is seeking to provide growth capital to multiple U.S. drone makers -- via both debt financing and equity investments -- to strengthen their manufacturing networks and boost supply.
That's according to a report by The Wall Street Journal released late on Wednesday.
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This initiative coincides with the Pentagon's Drone Dominance program, which seeks to mass-produce over 300,000 relatively inexpensive combat drones by the end of 2027.
The Journal cited a Defense Department's estimate from early 2025 that placed U.S. drone production at up to 100,000 drones annually. That's in stark contrast to the more than four million drones Ukraine reportedly made last year.
Ondas seeks to become a key drone infrastructure supplier Ondas was not one of the companies specifically mentioned in The Journal's report. But as a leading provider of autonomous drones and counter-drone systems, the defense contractor does stand to benefit from the rapidly rising demand for these technologies among the U.S. military and its allies.
Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Ondas. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
New Orders Reflect Growing Demand Across Ondas' Unmanned and Autonomous Systems Portfolio and Demonstrate Continued Execution of the Company's Strategic Growth Plan
WEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 29, 2026 / Ondas Inc. (Nasdaq:ONDS) ("Ondas" or the "Company"), a leading provider of advanced autonomous systems and next-generation defense and security technologies, announced today that it has secured over $30 million in new orders during May across its defense, security and autonomous technology platform.
The May order momentum brings Ondas' Q2-to-date orders to over $110 million, demonstrating continued execution of the Company's strategic growth plan and accelerating customer demand across its core technology segments. These orders help support a growing backlog for Ondas and are being captured across Ondas' system-based defense and security businesses, including Air Defense and C-UAS solutions, loitering munition and one-way attack systems, ISR systems, UGVs, robotic defense systems and mission-critical security technologies. Ondas reported $50.1 million in revenues in the first quarter of 2026 with a proforma backlog of $457 million.
"Securing over $30 million in new orders during May, and over $110 million in orders quarter-to-date, reflects Ondas' continued execution," said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas. "As we scale production, customer deployments and operational capabilities across multiple technology segments, we believe this momentum is strengthening our visibility into future growth opportunities across defense, homeland security and critical infrastructure markets. Our strategy is centered on integrating differentiated technologies into a unified operating platform that can support increasingly complex mission requirements at scale."
Mr. Brock continued, "Governments and critical infrastructure operators are increasingly seeking trusted partners capable of delivering integrated autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies, ISR and robotic mission solutions at scale. We believe Ondas is well positioned to support these evolving requirements through our expanding technology portfolio, operational capabilities and growing global customer relationships."
The recent order momentum demonstrates the impact of Ondas' strategic growth plan as the Company scales multiple technology segments through the integration of engineering resources, operational capabilities, customer access, manufacturing capacity, deployment experience and field support across the Ondas platform. Ondas believes this integrated operating model enables each technology segment to grow faster while supporting larger, more complete mission solutions for defense, homeland security, border security, public safety, critical infrastructure and industrial customers. The Company's approach is to combine specialized technologies into a unified operating platform where each segment benefits from shared engineering, manufacturing, customer access, deployment experience, and operational support.
This structure allows Ondas to support customers with integrated mission solutions rather than standalone products. Air Defense and C-UAS systems can operate alongside ISR assets, while loitering munition, one-way attack, and robotic ground systems support coordinated air and ground operations in complex environments. Together, these capabilities strengthen Ondas' ability to support modern defense, security, border protection, and critical infrastructure missions while reducing risk to personnel and operators.
"Customers are increasingly looking for integrated defense technologies that can operate together across the mission," said Oshri Lugassy, Co-CEO of Ondas Autonomous Systems. "The future is not one drone, one robot or one sensor. It is a connected mission architecture that integrates air defense, counter-UAS, ISR, loitering systems, and autonomous ground operations into a coordinated operational capability. We believe Ondas is increasingly positioned to deliver these multi-domain mission solutions at scale across allied and partner nation defense and security markets."
Ondas expects to continue advancing its strategic growth plan by expanding production capacity, integrating acquired technologies, strengthening customer access, and pursuing larger defense and security programs across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and other allied markets. The Company believes that growing demand for air defense, C-UAS, autonomous ISR, loitering systems, UGVs, robotic defense systems and mission-critical security technologies will continue to support its long-term growth strategy.
About Ondas Inc.
Ondas Inc. (Nasdaq:ONDS) is a leading provider of autonomous systems, robotics, and mission-critical technologies for defense, homeland security, public safety, critical infrastructure, and industrial markets. The Company develops and deploys integrated unmanned and autonomous platforms across air, ground, and stratospheric environments, including autonomous drone systems, counter-UAS technologies, robotic ground systems, advanced unmanned aircraft and propulsion solutions, demining and engineering systems, and integrated sensing and communications technologies designed to support intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, security, and operational missions in complex environments. Ondas' solutions are deployed globally by government, defense, and commercial customers to protect infrastructure, borders, transportation networks, personnel, and strategic assets.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise that occur after that date, except as required by law.
Drone stocks erupted higher yesterday after reports surfaced that the Trump administration is considering directing government funding toward domestic drone manufacturers. According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Barron’s, Pentagon officials are evaluating ways to support America’s drone supply chain, with several U.S. companies — including Unusual Machines (NASDAQ:UMAC) — viewed by investors as potential beneficiaries.
That alone would have been enough to ignite the sector. But investors quickly focused on another detail: President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., has a public advisory and ownership connection to one of the market’s biggest winners.
That connection does not guarantee contracts, funding, preferential treatment, or any government award. Still, when national security priorities, government spending discussions, and high-profile investor ties intersect, Wall Street pays attention — fast.
Drone Stocks Catch Fire as Pentagon Spending Narrative Builds The drone rally reflects a larger defense trend already underway. Warfare in Ukraine, the Middle East, and elsewhere has demonstrated that relatively cheap autonomous systems can destroy assets worth millions of dollars. The Pentagon now views drones less as experimental technology and more as essential military infrastructure.
The Department of Defense has repeatedly warned about America’s dependence on Chinese drone components and manufacturing. Washington wants domestic alternatives — particularly for motors, flight controllers, cameras, sensors, and tactical systems.
That backdrop helps explain why investors flooded into the sector yesterday.
Stock Yesterday’s Gain Unusual Machines 57.2% Red Cat Holdings (NASDAQ:RCAT) 32.6% Ondas Holdings (NASDAQ:ONDS) 22.7% AeroVironment (NASDAQ:AVAV | AVAV Price Prediction) 18.3% Aureus Greenway Holding (NASDAQ:PUSA) 17.7% Draganfly (NASDAQ:DPRO) 16.8% Lantronix (NASDAQ:LTRX) 16.6% ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) 14.0% Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ:KTOS) 13.8% Unusual Machines stood out even in that crowded field. Shares closed at $29.60, pushing the company’s market capitalization to roughly $1.4 billion. Over the past 12 months, the stock has climbed more than 482%.
The company’s underlying business has also improved rapidly. First-quarter revenue rose 296% year over year to $8.1 million from $2 million. Unusual Machines reported more than $10 million in net income, though much of it came from unrealized gains. Excluding those items, adjusted profit totaled approximately $0.8 million. Cash on hand reached $222.9 million at quarter-end.
While speculative trading activity has contributed to the rally, the company also benefits from investor interest in domestic defense manufacturing and drone supply-chain initiatives.
Why Donald Trump Jr.’s Involvement Matters Trump Jr. joined Unusual Machines as an advisor in November 2024 and owns roughly 331,580 shares, according to SEC filings. At recent prices, that stake is worth several million dollars, making him one of the company’s larger individual shareholders.
Ordinarily, an advisory role would not move markets this aggressively. But this situation has drawn added attention because the same administration discussing support for domestic drone companies is led by Trump Jr.’s father. The market reaction suggests investors are focused on the optics and visibility created by that relationship, though there is no public evidence that it confers any procurement advantage or preferential treatment.
Trump Jr. is also a partner at 1789 Capital, an investment firm that has rapidly become a major player in conservative-aligned investing. The Financial Times recently reported the firm’s assets under management surged 1,650% over the past year to $3.5 billion from roughly $200 million.
1789 has also invested in defense technology companies including Anduril Industries, one of the most valuable private drone and autonomous warfare firms in the country.
Regardless of whether any direct benefit materializes, the intersection of national security policy, defense spending priorities, and high-profile investor exposure has created a powerful narrative for investors chasing the sector.
Risks Investors Cannot Ignore Granted, investors should avoid treating any of these companies as guaranteed winners.
Government funding discussions remain preliminary. No formal awards or investment commitments have been announced. Smaller drone companies also carry sharp volatility, limited operating histories, and dependence on future defense demand.
There is also no public evidence that Unusual Machines has received preferential treatment, special consideration, or any government award as a result of Donald Trump Jr.’s involvement with the company. Any future procurement decisions would remain subject to applicable federal contracting and regulatory processes.
Unusual Machines generated just $8.1 million in quarterly revenue. Compare that with AeroVironment’s recent annual revenue of roughly $820 million or Kratos Defense’s $1.1 billion-plus annual sales base, and the scale difference becomes obvious.
That said, the broader trend looks real. The Pentagon wants more domestic drone production, less Chinese exposure, and faster deployment of autonomous systems. Those priorities likely survive regardless of political shifts.
Key Takeaway Smart investors should view the drone sector as one of the market’s fastest-growing — and most speculative — defense opportunities.
Unusual Machines has quickly become a focal point of that trade because its business aligns with Pentagon priorities and because Trump Jr.’s advisory role and equity ownership have made the company one of the most closely watched names in the domestic drone manufacturing space.
Whether that ultimately translates into contracts or government backing remains unknown. But markets often move first on narrative — and right now, few narratives are drawing more attention than drones, defense spending, and the Trump Jr. connection.
Key Takeaways ONDS secured more than $30M in new orders in May 2026 and exceeded $110M in quarter-to-date orders.ONDS reported $50.1M in Q1 revenue and a pro forma backlog of $457M, boosting future visibility.ONDS is leveraging shared resources and expanding across global defense and security markets. The defense technology sector is experiencing unprecedented demand as governments worldwide accelerate investments in autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies, intelligence platforms and robotic warfare capabilities. Against this backdrop, Ondas Inc. (ONDS - Free Report) has secured more than $30 million in new orders during May 2026 and has surpassed $110 million in total orders quarter to date. Strong order momentum signals growing market acceptance, and the company's transformation into a diversified defense technology platform is gaining traction.
It generated $50.1 million in revenue and reported a pro forma backlog of $457 million in the first quarter. For investors, these figures are noteworthy because order growth often serves as an indicator of future revenue expansion. A growing backlog provides visibility into future business activity, suggesting that customers are committing to Ondas' solutions well before deployment. The orders span air defense, counter-drone systems, loitering munitions, ISR platforms, UGVs, robotic defense and security technologies, reducing reliance on any single product while expanding exposure to multiple defense spending trends.
A key part of Ondas' growth plan is its integrated operating model. Instead of managing each technology segment separately, ONDS is using shared resources across the organization, including engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities, customer relationships, deployment experience, operational support infrastructure and field service capabilities. By offering multiple complementary solutions, Ondas can potentially increase its share of customer spending and build long-term relationships.
Ondas also mentioned that it aims to pursue larger defense and security programs across the United States, Europe, the Middle East and allied international markets. Expanding its international presence could provide Ondas with multiple avenues for growth while reducing its reliance on any single government customer. While challenges related to execution, competition and scaling remain, the ongoing momentum suggests that Ondas is positioning itself as a strong participant in the next generation of defense and security technologies.
How ONDS Stack Up in Competitive Defense Tech LandscapeDraganfly (DPRO - Free Report) and F4 Defense International recently secured an initial DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory contract to develop a modular, rapidly deployable counter-drone system that integrates tethered aerial platforms with drone detection, tracking, targeting and defeat capabilities for enhanced situational awareness and defense in contested environments. First-quarter revenue rose 49.4% year over year to $2.3 million, driven by a 44.8% increase in product sales to $2.2 million. Quarterly sales were aided by strong demand from military customers, including an FPV drone order from the U.S. Army, reflecting its growing relationship with an existing defense customer. DPRO expanded its defense portfolio through the acquisition of Skip Dynamix's drone technology assets.
Unusual Machines (UMAC - Free Report) reported healthy first-quarter growth, with strong enterprise demand driving revenue gains, a 32.8% gross margin, expanded production capacity and a strengthened balance sheet following a $150 million equity raise. UMAC also advanced its integrated powertrain strategy through the $52 million Upgrade Energy deal and sees potential drone-delivery expansion by 2027. Per management, demand continues to exceed supply and is expected to remain strong through 2027, driven by rising defense drone procurement and emerging counter-drone programs. It is expanding production and securing raw materials to capitalize on growing demand, supported by increasing U.S. defense spending and a preference for domestic supply chains.
ONDS’ Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of ONDS have gained a whopping 799.3% in the past year against the Zacks Wireless-National industry’s decline of 13%
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation-wise, ONDS seems overvalued, as suggested by the Value Score of F. In terms of the forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio, ONDS is trading at 12.61, considerably higher than the industry’s multiple of 1.72.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
For ONDS, earnings estimates for the current year have remained unchanged in the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ONDS currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
$4.8 Million Initial 3-Month Contract Award Supports Operational Counter-Narcotics and Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Missions Across the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean
World View to Provide Stratospheric ISR Support Under SMX-Led Program Following Successful UNITAS 2025 Demonstration with U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet
Program Aligns with SOUTHCOM's New Autonomous Warfare Command and Growing Demand for Persistent, Multi-Domain Intelligence Architectures
WEST PALM BEACH, FL / ACCESS Newswire / June 2, 2026 / Ondas Inc. (Nasdaq:ONDS) ("Ondas" or the "Company"), a leading provider of autonomous drone and advanced defense technologies, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, World View Enterprises Inc. ("World View"), has been selected by the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) U.S. 4th Fleet and SMX, a leader in next-generation cloud C5ISR solutions for defense and intelligence, as the high-altitude balloon provider for an operational Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) program supporting counter-narcotics and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing missions in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility (AOR).
The initial contract is valued at approximately $4.8 million over a three-month mission period, building on the growing relationship among World View, SMX and U.S. Naval Forces SOUTHCOM U.S. 4th Fleet. World View will immediately begin operational support, deploying high-altitude balloon systems in the program's area of operations to provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for maritime security missions.
The program is being conducted in support of SOUTHCOM's expanding use of autonomous, semi-autonomous and unmanned systems through the region and Operational Area. SOUTHCOM's intent and vision is to accelerate the use of advanced technologies across domains, linking tactical missions to long-term strategic effects while supporting regional security cooperation and efforts to disrupt illicit maritime activity.
"World View's selection for this operational program is a clear validation of the role stratospheric ISR can play in modern maritime security," said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas. "SOUTHCOM's area of responsibility demands persistent, wide-area awareness across vast and complex operating environments. By combining World View's high-altitude platforms with Ondas' broader autonomous systems portfolio, we believe we are building the type of layered, multi-domain intelligence architecture defense customers need to detect, decide and act with greater speed and confidence."
World View's role in the program follows its successful support of UNITAS 2025, the world's longest-running multinational maritime exercise. During UNITAS, World View served as the high-altitude provider in collaboration with SMX and sensor and technology companies, demonstrating how stratospheric platforms can support persistent maritime surveillance, resilient communications and AI-enabled analytics for operational users.
"This award reflects the trust built through execution," said Ryan Hartman, CEO of World View. "During UNITAS 2025, our team demonstrated that high-altitude balloon systems can deliver persistent, operationally relevant ISR in support of real maritime missions. We are proud to continue supporting SMX, SOUTHCOM, and U.S. 4th Fleet as they advance a more integrated, autonomous and persistent approach to Maritime Domain Awareness."
SOUTHCOM's Operational Areas remain critical for counter-narcotics and maritime security missions, where persistent detection, tracking and data-sharing capabilities are essential to understanding activity across wide ocean areas. World View's high-altitude balloon systems are designed to complement satellites, crewed aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and maritime assets by providing long-duration ISR from the stratosphere.
"SMX has been an important partner in bringing together mission-ready technologies that can deliver real operational value," Hartman added. "This program shows how commercial innovation, government mission focus and integrated partner teams can move quickly from demonstration to operational support."
World View, now part of Ondas Autonomous Systems, expands Ondas' multi-domain ISR architecture into the stratosphere. Ondas believes the integration of persistent stratospheric sensing, autonomous aerial and ground systems, AI-enabled data fusion and mission-critical communications creates a differentiated platform for defense, homeland security, allied government and critical infrastructure customers. World View has completed over 140 stratospheric flight operations, with payloads up to 10,000 kg. Its current and past customers include NASA, NOAA, U.S. Department of War, U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.
About Ondas Inc.
Ondas Inc. (Nasdaq: ONDS) is a leading provider of autonomous systems, robotics, and mission-critical technologies for defense, homeland security, public safety, critical infrastructure, and industrial markets. The Company develops and deploys integrated unmanned and autonomous platforms across air, ground, and stratospheric environments, including autonomous drone systems, counter-UAS technologies, robotic ground systems, advanced unmanned aircraft and propulsion solutions, demining and engineering systems, and integrated sensing and communications technologies designed to support intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, security, and operational missions in complex environments. Ondas' solutions are deployed globally by government, defense, and commercial customers to protect infrastructure, borders, transportation networks, personnel, and strategic assets.
For additional information on Ondas Inc., visit www.ondas.com.
About SMX
SMX is an industry-leading provider of product-focused solutions for mission-oriented clients, operating across the United States and around the globe. SMX delivers scalable and secure solutions combined with the mission expertise needed to accelerate outcomes for the Department of War, Intelligence Community, Public Sector, Fortune 1000, and other public and private sector clients. For more information on our solutions, please visit https://www.smxtech.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements made in this release that are not statements of historical or current facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution readers that forward-looking statements are predictions based on our current expectations about future events. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Our actual results, performance, or achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including the risks discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise that occur after that date, except as required by law.
Key Takeaways ONDS won a $4.8M SOUTHCOM and SMX contract for a three-month maritime awareness mission.World View will deploy stratospheric balloon systems for persistent ISR in maritime security operations.Ondas said its ISR platform combines sensing, autonomy, AI data fusion and communications. Ondas Inc. (ONDS - Free Report) recently announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, World View Enterprises, has been selected by the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), U.S. 4th Fleet and SMX to provide high-altitude balloon capabilities for an operational Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) program. The initiative supports counter-narcotics operations and efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing across SOUTHCOM’s area of responsibility.
The initial contract is valued at approximately $4.8 million over a three-month mission period, with World View set to begin immediate deployment of its high-altitude balloon systems to deliver persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for maritime security missions.
The program aligns with SOUTHCOM’s broader strategy to expand the use of autonomous, semi-autonomous and unmanned technologies throughout the region. By integrating advanced systems across multiple domains, SOUTHCOM aims to strengthen regional security cooperation, enhance operational effectiveness and disrupt illicit maritime activities.
Management highlighted that the selection validates the growing importance of stratospheric ISR solutions in providing persistent, wide-area awareness across complex maritime environments. Also, management stated that combining World View’s high-altitude platforms with Ondas’ autonomous systems portfolio supports the development of a layered, multi-domain intelligence architecture designed to improve decision-making and operational responsiveness.
As part of Ondas Autonomous Systems, World View extends the company’s multi-domain ISR capabilities into the stratosphere. Ondas believes the combination of persistent sensing, autonomous systems, AI-enabled data fusion and mission-critical communications creates a differentiated platform for defense, homeland security, allied government and critical infrastructure customers worldwide.
Ondas is benefiting from strong demand for its ISR and counter-UAS solutions, rising defense spending, growing investor support and expanding market opportunities. The company is seeing increased demand for its proven ISR platforms, while acquisitions such as World View, BIRD Aerosystems and Mistral have strengthened its ISR capabilities, expanded its customer reach and enhanced its multi-domain surveillance and reconnaissance offerings. The partnership with Palantir is also supporting the development of layered ISR and ISR-as-a-service opportunities.
Taking a Look at ONDS Competitors’Draganfly (DPRO - Free Report) is benefiting from growing demand for military drone solutions, defense modernization programs, and expanding opportunities with military and government customers. During the first quarter of 2026, the company secured orders from the U.S. Army, international military customers, and special operations units, while also advancing partnerships with defense organizations such as Global Ordnance and Babcock.
On the last earnings call, the company highlighted increasing demand for interoperable drone platforms capable of supporting multiple missions, including ISR, surveillance, communication and networking, targeting, logistics and autonomous operations. Draganfly also stated that strong engagement with Canadian and U.S. defense initiatives, positioning its ISR and multi-drone platform capabilities to support evolving military requirements and future procurement programs.
Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (RCAT - Free Report) is gaining from rising defense spending, accelerating demand for unmanned systems, expanding military procurement programs and growing adoption of ISR and autonomous drone technologies. On the last earnings call, the company highlighted strong demand for its Black Widow ISR drone, which is deployed in multiple operational theaters and is being evaluated across U.S. military branches, Ukraine, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan. Red Cat also noted opportunities tied to Drone Dominance initiatives, where ISR drones such as Black Widow are used as sensor platforms to support sensor-shooter operations.
Additional growth drivers include increasing demand for unmanned surface vessels (USVs), international defense contracts, expanding production capacity, integration with platforms such as Anduril’s Lattice and advancements in swarm robotics, autonomous operations and battlefield communications.
ONDS’ Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of ONDS have surged 676% in the past year against the Zacks Wireless-National industry’s decline of 7.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation-wise, ONDS seems overvalued, as suggested by the Value Score of F. In terms of the forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio, ONDS is trading at 12.91, considerably higher than the industry’s multiple of 1.72.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ONDS’ earnings for the current year has been unchanged over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ONDS currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Ondas reported Q1 revenue of $50.1 million, up 1,079% year-over-year, matching its entire FY2025 revenue base. Pro forma backlog surged to $457 million, while Q2-to-date orders exceeded $110 million, supporting revenue visibility. Gross margin expanded to 49% from 35% a year ago as software-driven revenue increasingly complements hardware sales.
Key Takeaways Ondas reported a $4.3B opportunity pipeline across over 45 programs, spanning ISR, drones, UGVs and security.ONDS sees $500M annual revenue potential; it also has a $450M backlog.ONDS raised 2026 revenue outlook to at least $390M. Ondas Inc (ONDS - Free Report) is witnessing a rapidly expanding opportunity pipeline. On the first-quarter 2026 earnings call, the company disclosed an active pipeline of approximately $4.3 billion in opportunities across more than 45 global program submissions, highlighting strong demand for its autonomous defense, robotic, ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), and security capabilities.
Regionally, Europe and the United States account for the largest share, with roughly $2 billion and more than $1.8 billion in opportunities, respectively. It is advancing in other markets such as Israel. Management noted that the current pipeline represents more than $500 million in potential annualized revenue opportunity.
The pipeline spans multiple operational domains, including aerial security, ISR, and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The company is also targeting large-scale defense initiatives such as the LASSO program, which alone represents a potential opportunity nearing $1 billion. These efforts position Ondas to compete for complex, multi-domain programs that require integrated technology platforms.
The company has already secured positions in strategic programs with a potential value exceeding $1.6 billion. Ondas has also accumulated a backlog exceeding $450 million following the acquisitions of World View and Mistral. Management increased 2026 revenue guidance to at least $390 million.
While execution remains key, the scale and diversification of Ondas’ $4.3 billion pipeline suggest it may have secured multi-year growth in the fast-growing autonomous defense market. However, the autonomous space is witnessing increasing competition as both established players and new players double down on capturing the market share.
Mapping the Competitive TerrainDraganfly (DPRO - Free Report) is a Canada-based drone solutions and systems developer. The company does not explicitly mention backlog and pipeline metrics. Increasing presence in the military vertical is a major tailwind. At the beginning of the first quarter, DPRO secured orders for FPV drones from the U.S. Army and for Commander 3 XLs from international military customers. It was recently selected by the Department of War, along with F4 Defense International, to develop a multi-layered, modular and rapidly deployable counter-UAS (C-UAS) system.
Draganfly is also building strong strategic partnerships. The alliance with Prime Global Ordnance positions the company as a supplier in the growing military drone and munition ecosystem supporting Ukraine. Meanwhile, the partnership with Babcock strengthens access to Indo-Pacific defense markets. Management is of the idea that future military operations will require fleets of interoperable drones rather than isolated single-use platforms. Draganfly cites that its core advantage lies in the interoperability and modularity.
Red Cat Holdings (RCAT - Free Report) also does not break out a backlog metric but has emphasized a “large opportunity pipeline for 2026” around its Black Widow platform on the last earnings call. This pipeline spans multiple customers, including the U.S. Army (with a pending LRIP contract), Marines, Air Force, Philippines, Ukraine, Japan and Taiwan. The opportunity pipeline for the Teal Black Widows is nearly $700 million, added Red Cat. The company has the capacity and inventory to support up to $220 million worth of Black Widows, reinforcing readiness to convert pipeline into revenues.
Red Cat delivered $15.5 million in revenues in the first quarter, marking an 849% year-over-year increase. The company expects $150 million to $180 million in annual revenues in the near to medium term. The gross margins expected to approach 30% over time.
ONDS’ Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of ONDS have gained a whopping 25.5% in the past six months against the Zacks Wireless-National industry’s decline of 1.8%
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In terms of the forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio, ONDS is trading at 11.02, considerably higher than the industry’s multiple of 1.66.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
For ONDS, earnings estimates for the current year have remained unchanged in the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ONDS currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways ONDS shares rose 23.7% in six months, backed by strong orders, a $4.3B pipeline and over $450M backlog.Ondas is expanding via acquisitions and partnerships, with growth driven by defense tech demand.ONDS faces rising costs, integration risks and profitability challenges in the near term. Ondas Inc. (ONDS - Free Report) has delivered a 23.7% gain in the past six months, but the underlying business momentum appears far stronger, marked by explosive revenue growth, expanding backlog and an ambitious strategic roadmap.
Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
This raises a key question for investors: is the market underestimating Ondas’ potential, or are execution risks too significant to ignore?
Let’s do a deep dive.
What Favors ONDS?Ondas is rapidly transforming from a niche unmanned systems player into a scaled, multi-domain defense technology platform. Ondas Autonomous Systems (“OAS”) has quickly become a multi-domain autonomy platform spanning Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance or ISR, Counter-UAS, loitering munitions/strike systems, unmanned ground vehicles and stratospheric sensing via World View acquisition.
The company has accomplished this broad portfolio through focused M&A activity. In the first quarter alone, the company completed five acquisitions (World View, INDO Earth, Rotron Aerospace, Bird Aero and Mistral Inc).
ONDS announced an agreement to acquire Omnisys Ltd., adding AI-powered battlefield orchestration software to its autonomous defense systems portfolio. In the past year, it has acquired Sentrycs, Apeiro Motion and Zickel, among others. Ondas now operates in more than 45 countries with over 1,000 employees globally.
This expanding reach is complemented by a rapidly growing opportunity set, including a $4.3 billion active pipeline and more than $1.6 billion in strategic program potential, as highlighted by management on the last earnings call. Regionally, Europe and the United States account for the largest share, with roughly $2 billion and more than $1.8 billion in opportunities, respectively. It is advancing in other markets such as Israel. Management noted that the current pipeline represents more than $500 million in potential annualized revenue opportunity.
The pipeline spans multiple operational domains, including aerial security, ISR and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The company is also targeting large-scale defense initiatives such as the LASSO program, which alone represents a potential opportunity nearing $1 billion. Ondas has also accumulated a backlog exceeding $450 million following the acquisitions of World View and Mistral.
Against this backdrop, Ondas recently announced that it has secured more than $30 million in new orders during May 2026 and has surpassed $110 million in total orders quarter to date. Strong order momentum signals growing market acceptance, and the company's transformation into a diversified defense technology platform is gaining traction.
Management increased 2026 revenue guidance to at least $390 million. A key factor will be the integration and monetization of recent acquisitions, particularly World View and Mistral, which are expected to contribute more meaningfully as the year progresses.
With substantial cash reserves and minimal debt, the company is well-positioned to continue investing in growth, pursue acquisitions and navigate market uncertainties.
ONDS: Execution Overhang, Competition and So OnDespite the impressive growth story, Ondas carries substantial risks. Extensive M&A amplifies risks, as so many acquisitions in such a short period can create integration overload and execution risks, as achieving targets depends on timely integration and conversion of backlog into revenues.
Profitability remains concerning. Ondas faces rising operating costs as it invests in personnel and infrastructure capabilities to capture additional market opportunities. First-quarter operating expenses rose substantially to $67 million from $11.8 million reported in the prior-year quarter. This led to an operating loss of $42.7 million, which widened from $10.3 million year over year. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA loss was $10.9 million, wider than a loss of $7.5 million in the first quarter of 2025.
Amid rising costs, management expects adjusted EBITDA losses to stay elevated in the second quarter of 2026, likely marking the peak loss period. Beyond that, ONDS expects improvement throughout the year, driven by higher revenues, gross profit and operational scale.
Notably, management pulled forward the OAS EBITDA profitability target to the first quarter of 2027 — roughly six months ahead of the earlier target. Expectations for company-wide adjusted EBITDA profitability were unchanged, with the target being the first quarter of 2028. The key factor driving this is the company’s progress at the product level.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Nonetheless, the path to profitability remains heavily dependent on flawless execution. Any delays in integration and order conversion could push the profitability timeline further out. Increasing competition in the already crowded drone space is another headwind.
The drone industry is experiencing rapid growth, with the unmanned aerial vehicle drones market expected to witness a CAGR of 9.3% from 2026 to 2031, according to a report from Mordor Intelligence. Competition has intensified with drone companies such as Red Cat Holdings (RCAT - Free Report) , Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS - Free Report) and Draganfly (DPRO - Free Report) vying to capture a larger share.
Heavy reliance on OAS for revenue growth in the increasingly crowded drone space is also concerning.
Given these factors, analysts have kept their earnings estimates unchanged for ONDS’ second quarter over the past 30 days.
ONDS Stock vs. PeersNot just ONDS, but other drone tech players have also seen their stocks perform poorly in the past three months.
KTOS and DPRO have lost 25% and 12.1%, respectively, over the same time frame, while RCAT is up 48.6%.
ONDS: Sky High Valuation Complexes Investment CaseONDS is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 9.75X, a premium compared with the Zacks Wireless National industry’s 1.61X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The forward 12-month price/sales multiple for KTOS, DPRO and RCAT stand at 5.75X, 1.16X and 6.85X, respectively.
What Does the Second Half Hold for ONDS?At present, ONDS carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Ondas is moving forward with strong momentum in orders and backlog, but much depends on its ability to execute and integrate recent acquisitions effectively.
While the long-term opportunity remains compelling, the sky-high valuation and near-term profitability issues justify a balanced, wait-and-watch stance.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
BBAI stock is moving. See the chart and price action here. BigBear.Ai is the most established of the group, with a contract backlog that grew 14% quarter-over-quarter to $281.9 million in Q1 2026, including a $53 million classified sole-source military award.
The company reorganized specifically to lean into defense, security, and government — a strategic bet that the Pentagon’s AI modernization budget isn’t slowing down.
BigBear.Ai hauled in roughly $75 million in new Q1 national security and trade and travel contract wins and is guiding to approximately 17% revenue growth for 2026.
According to Benzinga Pro, the stock has a market cap of $1.43 billion — fairly modest relative to the backlog.
Palladyne AI – PDYN Palladyne AI on Monday announced a strategic partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries to manufacture, integrate, and market IAI’s HARPY, HAROP, and Mini HARPY loitering munition systems to the U.S. Department of War.
PDYN shares are trading at $6.46 with a market cap of $251 million, meaning the market hasn’t fully priced in what could be a transformative contract vehicle.
Palladyne AI posted 107% year-over-year Q1 revenue growth to $3.5 million and reaffirmed full-year 2026 guidance of $24 million to $27 million. The company appointed two retired generals to its Defense Advisory Board last week and presented at the Jefferies 2026 Defense Tech Summit.
The autonomous swarming demonstrations via its IntelliSwarm and SwarmOS platforms are exactly the kind of capability the Department of War has been writing large checks for.
Ondas – ONDS Ondas is the growth story of the three, raising its full-year 2026 revenue target to at least $390 million after Q1 revenue surged more than 10-fold year-over-year to $50.1 million.
The company is building a multi-domain autonomous defense platform — drones, ground robotics, AI-at-the-edge — and secured an $80 million-plus cluster of active demining programs and a $68 million military engineering order in recent months.
None of these stocks are risk-free bets — each carries execution risk, unprofitable balance sheets and sensitivity to government budget cycles.
But in a market where every AI narrative runs through the cloud, the defense angle offers something different: signed contracts, growing backlogs and a spending tailwind that transcends the AI hype cycle.
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During the Lightning Round of CNBC’s Mad Money, Jim Cramer adopted a more defensive stance, characterizing the broader market as “turned ugly.” One of his strongest warnings was reserved for Ondas Holdings (NASDAQ:ONDS), one of 2026’s hottest drone and counter-drone stocks.
The Ondas “Meme Stock” Call Asked about Ondas, Cramer was blunt: “This is a meme stock. It’s just a meme stock that it’s about the autonomous system meme. And I can’t get behind a meme stock. This market’s too horrible. I mean meme stock could rip your lungs out.”
Ondas has been one of the year’s most striking stories, with management reporting Q1 FY2026 revenue of $50.12 million, up 1,079.8% year over year, and a pro forma backlog that swelled to $457 million after five acquisitions closed in Q1 2026 alone. CEO Eric Brock raised full-year revenue guidance to at least $390 million in the company’s May 14 earnings release.
Pulling Back on a Favorite: Nebius The more revealing call was on AI cloud infrastructure player Nebius Group (NASDAQ:NBIS | NBIS Price Prediction). Cramer admitted, “Until this market turned ugly, Nebius is one of my favorite stocks. Now, I got to pull back because the facts of this entire market have changed.”
AI Disruption: Thomson Reuters On Thomson Reuters (NASDAQ:TRI), Cramer gave a structural rejection: “I understand why you think that Wall Street is wrong. But the problem is that this is media, and media has been decimated by all things AI. And I can’t get behind it.”
Despite Thomson Reuters’ CoCounsel AI growth story and Q1 2026 revenue of $2.09 billion, up 10% year over year, Cramer sees AI as a secular headwind for media and information businesses broadly. For him, valuation is not enough to overcome the bucket the stock sits in.
The Takeaway Across the segment, Cramer rejected speculative momentum (Ondas), trimmed a former favorite (Nebius), and avoided an AI-disrupted sector (media via Thomson Reuters). Lightning Round calls are rapid-fire opinions, and the “ugly market” framing is Cramer’s read of the broader market. The consistent thread across all these takes is that in this environment, risk management is doing more work than stock picking.
Avalo Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AVTX - Get Free Report) and Silence Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SLN - Get Free Report) are both small-cap medical companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, valuation, dividends, risk, profitability, earnings and institutional ownership. Insider and Institutional Ownership 87.1% of Avalo
Shares of Silence Therapeutics PLC Sponsored ADR (NASDAQ:SLN – Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of “Moderate Buy” from the seven brokerages that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $34.50.
Several research analysts have issued reports on SLN shares. HC Wainwright reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $75.00 price objective on shares of Silence Therapeutics in a report on Friday, March 13th. William Blair reiterated an “outperform” rating on shares of Silence Therapeutics in a research report on Monday, March 2nd. Jefferies Financial Group raised Silence Therapeutics to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, March 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a “sell (d-)” rating on shares of Silence Therapeutics in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd.
Read Our Latest Stock Report on Silence Therapeutics
Silence Therapeutics Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ SLN opened at $5.94 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average of $5.43 and a two-hundred day moving average of $5.88. Silence Therapeutics has a 52-week low of $1.97 and a 52-week high of $7.91. The stock has a market cap of $280.55 million, a PE ratio of -3.18 and a beta of 1.33.
Silence Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SLN – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, March 6th. The company reported ($0.25) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.32) by $0.07. Silence Therapeutics had a negative net margin of 15,851.88% and a negative return on equity of 101.71%. The firm had revenue of $0.03 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.19 million. Analysts predict that Silence Therapeutics will post -1.77 earnings per share for the current year.
Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of SLN. Seven Fleet Capital Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Silence Therapeutics in the 4th quarter valued at $897,000. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new position in Silence Therapeutics in the 4th quarter worth $71,000. Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new position in Silence Therapeutics during the 4th quarter worth about $331,000. Opaleye Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Silence Therapeutics in the 4th quarter valued at about $480,000. Finally, Millennium Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Silence Therapeutics by 121.0% in the fourth quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 659,592 shares of the company’s stock valued at $4,010,000 after purchasing an additional 361,080 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.73% of the company’s stock.
About Silence Therapeutics (Get Free Report)
Silence Therapeutics plc is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) therapeutics. Leveraging its proprietary EnCore lipid nanoparticle delivery platform, the company aims to silence disease-causing genes in the liver and other tissues. Silence’s technology is designed to enhance targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, with the goal of achieving durable therapeutic effects and improved safety profiles compared with traditional drug modalities.
The company’s lead product candidates include SLN360, an siRNA therapeutic designed to reduce lipoprotein(a) levels for cardiovascular risk reduction, and SLN124, aimed at treating hereditary hemochromatosis and beta-thalassemia by modulating iron metabolism.
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Silence Therapeutics PLC Sponsored ADR (SLN - Free Report) shares rallied 19% in the last trading session to close at $7.28. This move can be attributable to notable volume with a higher number of shares being traded than in a typical session. This compares to the stock's 11.4% loss over the past four weeks.
Silence Therapeutics’s stock price gain can be attributed to increasing investor confidence in recent pipeline developments. SLN continues to advance its siRNA pipeline with multiple near-term catalysts. Its lead candidate, divesiran for polycythemia vera (PV), has seen accelerated timelines, with phase II SANRECO topline data expected in the third quarter 2026 due to faster enrollment. The company’s zerlasiran, targeting elevated lipoprotein(a), is Phase III–ready and could attract a development partner. In earlier stages, SLN365 for cholesterol and SLN098 for obesity are showing encouraging preclinical progress, underscoring the potential of its mRNAi GOLD platform, with multiple updates anticipated throughout 2026.
This company is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.33 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +45%. Revenues are expected to be $6 million, up 4185.7% from the year-ago quarter.
While earnings and revenue growth expectations are important in evaluating the potential strength in a stock, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For Silence Therapeutics, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. And a stock's price usually doesn't keep moving higher in the absence of any trend in earnings estimate revisions. So, make sure to keep an eye on SLN going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Silence Therapeutics belongs to the Zacks Medical - Drugs industry. Another stock from the same industry, Guardian Pharmacy Services (GRDN - Free Report) , closed the last trading session 1.9% lower at $37.09. Over the past month, GRDN has returned 10.9%.
For Guardian Pharmacy, the consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has remained unchanged over the past month at $0.24. This represents a change of +14.3% from what the company reported a year ago. Guardian Pharmacy currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $SLN #SenseofSilence--Silence Therapeutics plc, Nasdaq: SLN (“Silence” or “the Company”), a global clinical-stage company developing novel siRNA (short interfering RNA) therapies, today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, and provided an update on recent business achievements. “The Silence team continues to advance research supporting the broad potential of our mRNAi GOLD™ platform, and we remain well positioned as we approach a significant company mile.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $SLN #SenseofSilence--Silence Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: SLN), a global clinical-stage company developing novel siRNA (short interfering RNA) therapies, today announced that Curtis Rambaran, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Silence Therapeutics, will participate in a fireside chat at the H.C. Wainwright BioConnect Investor Conference on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. ET. The live webcast can be accessed in the Investors section of the Silence website at www.silence-therapeutics.com. An archiv.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $SLN #SenseofSilence--Silence Therapeutics plc (Nasdaq: SLN), a global clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel siRNA (short interfering RNA) therapies, today announced that management will participate in an analyst-led fireside chat at the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 4:55 p.m. ET. A live webcast can be accessed in the Investors section of the Silence website at www.silence-therapeutics.com. An archived replay of the webcast will be avail.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Paramount Skydance (PSKY - Free Report) . Shares have added about 1.1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Paramount Skydance due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
PSKY Q1 Earnings & Revenues Beat Estimates, Q2 Outlook SoftParamount Skydance Corporation reported first-quarter 2026 results, wherein both the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
The quarter reflected continued momentum across the company's ongoing transformation, with Direct-to-Consumer growth, a studio recovery and disciplined cost management driving outperformance on both revenue and profitability.
On the revenue front, PSKY posted total revenues of $7.35 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.4%. Revenues grew 2.16% year over year, reflecting continued momentum in streaming and a double-digit rebound at the studio, partially offset by structural headwinds in linear television.
PSKY reported adjusted earnings per share of 23 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 53.33%. The first-quarter 2026 results include $103 million in transaction-related costs associated with the pending Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
PSKY's Financial Performance OverviewGAAP operating income totaled $616 million in the first quarter of 2026 compared with $550 million in the first quarter of 2025, with the current period including $103 million in transaction-related costs associated with the pending WBD merger, excluded from the company's adjusted profitability measure.
Adjusted EBITDA reached $1.16 billion in the first quarter of 2026, rising 59% year over year from $732 million and translating to a 15.8% margin. The result reflected strong cost discipline across the business, with expenses coming in lighter than planned on slower hiring pacing and favorable content spend timing.
On the advertising front, total company ad revenues declined 3% year over year, an improvement from the fourth-quarter 2025 trajectory, with the DTC advertising business returning to growth driven by improved fill rates across both Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
PSKY's Q1 Segment Performance DetailsThe DTC segment posted revenues of $2.40 billion, up 11% year over year. Paramount+ revenues grew 17% year over year to $1.97 billion, driven by a 14% increase in ARPU reflecting the January price increase and an improved subscriber mix. The platform ended the quarter with 79.6 million paid subscribers, adding 700,000 on a reported basis and approximately 2 million on an underlying basis, partially offset by the deliberate exit of over 1 million uneconomic international hard-bundle subscribers. DTC Adjusted EBITDA improved to $251 million (10% margin) from a loss of $4 million in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting subscription and advertising growth as well as a content expense benefit from the Skydance accounting basis change. Pluto TV saw VOD hours per user rise 60% year over year, with 65% of U.S. viewing minutes now coming from registered users.
The TV Media segment reported revenues of $3.67 billion, down 6% year over year, with both advertising and affiliate revenues declining 6% each, reflecting international exits and continued pay-TV subscriber erosion. Despite the revenue pressure, cost discipline drove TV Media Adjusted EBITDA to $1.1 billion (29% margin), up from a 24% margin in the first quarter of 2025. CBS held 13 of the top 20 primetime series and delivered the most-watched Masters final-round broadcast in over a decade.
The Studios segment revenues grew 11% year over year to $1.28 billion, led by Scream 7 — which surpassed $200 million globally — and the consolidation of Skydance licensing revenues. Studios Adjusted EBITDA reached $164 million (13% margin), up from $82 million in the first quarter of 2025. The film slate has doubled to 15 releases in 2026 from 8 in 2025.
PSKY's Q1 Balance Sheet and Cash Flow DetailsAs of March 31, 2026, cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.94 billion, down from $3.27 billion at Dec. 31, 2025, primarily reflecting a $2.8 billion advance consideration payment for the WBD acquisition funded via a $2.15 billion revolving credit facility draw, partially offset by $347 million in debt repayments.
Gross debt stood at $15.48 billion as of March 31, 2026, up from $13.66 billion at Dec. 31, 2025, with $86 million in debt maturities remaining for the balance of 2026.
Operating cash flow was $185 million in the first quarter, broadly in line with $180 million in the year-ago period. Free cash flow was $96 million compared with $123 million in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting higher capital expenditures of $89 million versus $57 million in the prior-year period.
PSKY Offers Q2 and Full-Year 2026 OutlookFor the second quarter of 2026, PSKY expects total revenues between $6.75 billion and $6.95 billion (flat to down 1% year over year). The outlook reflects a difficult comparison against Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning theatrical revenues in the second quarter of 2025 and the lapping of NCAA Final Four and Championship ad revenue.
Paramount+ subscriber growth is expected to be flattish quarter over quarter due to the planned exit of approximately 2 million additional international hard-bundle subscribers.
Adjusted EBITDA is guided to $900 million to $1 billion (13.9% margin at midpoint). The company also anticipates transformation costs of several hundred million dollars in the second quarter, which will weigh on reported free cash flow.
DTC segment margins are expected to face additional pressure in the third and fourth quarters as the content slate ramps through the second half of 2026.
For 2026, PSKY reaffirmed its target of $30 billion in total revenue (+4% year over year) and $3.8 billion in Adjusted EBITDA (12.7% margin), representing approximately 16% profitability growth year over year. Free cash flow conversion is expected at approximately 5% before roughly $800 million in transformation costs. The efficiency program remains on track to deliver more than $2.5 billion in run-rate efficiencies by year-end 2026 and at least $3 billion through 2027.
On the technology and operations front, PSKY remains on track to unify its streaming services, BET+, Pluto TV and Paramount+, onto a single tech stack by mid-2026, with Pluto TV set to receive its most significant product update in a decade this summer.
The WBD acquisition remains on track to close by the end of the third quarter of 2026, with $10 billion in permanent financing secured and $49 billion in bridge financing syndicated to 18 global financial institutions.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, fresh estimates have trended upward during the past month.
The consensus estimate has shifted -19.94% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Paramount Skydance has a subpar Growth Score of D, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock has a score of B on the value side, putting it in the second quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Paramount Skydance has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). We expect a below average return from the stock in the next few months.
The Six-Year Deal Delivers All UFC Numbered Event Main Cards Exclusively to Paramount+ Subscribers Nationwide
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY), and UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, today announced an expansion of their media rights partnership that makes Paramount+ the exclusive home of UFC Numbered Event main cards in Canada for the next six years beginning in 2027.
UFC Numbered Events (traditionally known as Pay-Per-Views) typically feature championship bouts on the main cards and showcase UFC’s biggest stars. This new partnership with Paramount will provide UFC fans across Canada with exclusive access to all 13 marquee UFC Numbered Event main cards live, at no additional cost to Paramount+ subscribers. This announcement expands on Paramount’s landmark seven-year, multi-territory UFC media rights partnership announced in 2025, and reaffirms Paramount+ as the premier destination for UFC fans in North America, Latin America and Australia*.
“Beginning in 2027, Paramount+ subscribers in Canada will get every UFC Numbered Event main card live, at no additional cost,” said UFC President and CEO Dana White. “Paramount has been an incredible partner that understands the power of UFC, and together we’re going to make it easier than ever for fans in Canada to watch the biggest fights in the sport. I love Canada and I’m very excited for the fans to be able to enjoy the Paramount experience.”
"UFC is one of the most dynamic live sports properties in the world and we are thrilled to bring Paramount+ subscribers in Canada into the Octagon in 2027 for no additional cost,” said Rodrigo Mazón, Paramount+’s Head of Direct-To-Consumer in Latin America and Canada. “Expanding our partnership into Canada lets us serve a deeply engaged MMA audience, while reinforcing what Paramount+ is built for: premium live sports and globally relevant entertainment."
Details on the first UFC events to stream live on Paramount+ in Canada will be announced later this year.
The debut of UFC on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Latin America earlier this year was the service’s biggest exclusive live event in history. To date, over 10 million households have watched more than 100 million hours of UFC programming on Paramount+—delivering viewership more than 15x the average pay-per-view event over the past two years.
Since debuting in Canada with UFC 83 in 2008, UFC has held 37 premier sporting events across 11 cities in the Great White North. Canadian cards have featured legendary athletes like Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, Jose Aldo, Valentina Shevchenko and Max Holloway.
About UFC®
UFC® is the world's premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization, with more than 700 million fans and approximately 363 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world, while distributing programming to an estimated 1 billion broadcast and digital households across 210 countries and territories. UFC's athlete roster features the world's best MMA athletes, representing more than 75 countries. The organization's digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world's leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.
About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next‑generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, Skydance Animation, Film, Television, and Interactive/Games, and the newly established Paramount Sports Entertainment. For more information, please visit www.paramount.com.
*In the U.S. and Latin America, Paramount+ offers subscribers all 13 UFC Numbered Events and 30 Fight Nights.
*In Australia, it includes all 30 UFC Fight Nights and prelims for all UFC Numbered Events.
*In Canada, it includes all 13 UFC Numbered Event Main Cards.
Paramount and the UFC, which kicked off a splashy rights deal last January, have agreed to expand their partnership to Canada.
The expansion covers 13 UFC “numbered events,” which have traditionally been known as pay-per-views. Under the Paramount deal, UFC action is included for all subscribers to Paramount+, with no extra charge. typically feature championship bouts on the main cards and showcase UFC’s biggest stars.
“Together we’re going to make it easier than ever for fans in Canada to watch the biggest fights in the sport,” UFC CEO Dana White said in a statement. “I love Canada and I’m very excited for the fans to be able to enjoy the Paramount experience.”
Rodrigo Mazón, Paramount+’s head of direct-to-consumer in Latin America and Canada, said the expansion “lets us serve a deeply engaged MMA audience, while reinforcing what Paramount+ is built for: premium live sports and globally relevant entertainment.”
Details on the first UFC events streaming on Paramount+ in Canada will be announced later this year, the companies said.
In 2025, soon after closing its merger with Skydance, Paramount clinched a 7-year deal with the UFC as the mixed martial arts circuit was wrapping its deal with ESPN. The $7.7 billion agreement, spanning the U.S. and Latin America, signaled to Hollywood and the sports world that the David Ellison-led Paramount, which now is looking to close a far bigger merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, was a major new player on the media scene.
While Paramount+ has grown steadily and in some ways punched above its weight, the streaming service remains on the second tier, lagging behind Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video and HBO Max. Ellison is making a number of aggressive moves designed to boost the company’s standing in streaming.
The UFC has been the top live draw on Paramount+ since the streams began at the start of 2026. Paramount says more than 10 million households have watched more than 100 million hours of UFC programming on Paramount+. Because the prior deal with ESPN required an extra pay-per-view fee, on top of an ESPN+ subscription, viewership on the comparatively cheaper Paramount+ setup has been more than 15 times the average for pay-per-views over the past two years, the company said.
A Paramount logo is shown on the top of a building in Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, U.S., August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesJune 4 (Reuters) - Paramount Skydance (PSKY.O), opens new tab and the Ultimate Fighting Championship on Thursday announced a six-year deal, under which UFC's numbered event main cards in Canada will be streamed exclusively on Paramount+ starting next year.
The deal is the latest step in Paramount's push to become a live sports streaming destination, as media companies bet on live events to boost viewership and drive subscriber growth in a mature streaming market.
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The agreement builds on the $7.7 billion deal in August last year, under which Paramount secured exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to the UFC, allowing it to carry the full U.S. slate of 13 numbered events and 30 "Fight Nights".
The UFC was one of the earliest bets by David Ellison after he became Paramount CEO following the company's merger with his production studio Skydance.
Under the expanded deal, all 13 UFC numbered events that traditionally feature championship bouts and the sport's biggest stars will stream live on Paramount+ each year. The deal ends UFC's traditional pay-per-view model in Canada.
Since the UFC debuted on Paramount's platforms in the U.S. and Latin America, over 10 million households have watched more than 100 million hours of UFC programming on Paramount+, the company said.
TKO Group Holdings-owned (TKO.N), opens new tab UFC is a mixed martial arts organization that produces more than 40 live events annually. Specific events to launch the service in Canada will be announced later in 2026.
The expansion to Canada comes as the media giant prepares to complete its $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O), opens new tab, whose live sports portfolio includes TNT Sports' Major League Baseball and NASCAR rights.
Reporting by Anhata Rooprai in Bengaluru; Editing by Diti Pujara
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
LAS VEGAS & MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Certerra, a leading provider of technology-enabled testing, inspection, and certification (“TIC”) services for critical infrastructure, today announced the acquisition of Paramount Consulting & Engineering, a provider of building envelope consulting, inspection, and specialized testing services in South Florida.
“Over the past 15 years, we've earned a reputation for technical rigor, longstanding client partnerships, & deep expertise in complex building envelope systems. We are excited to build on that legacy as part of Certerra." - Cesar Soto, Paramount Founder
Share This acquisition strengthens Certerra’s presence in the South Florida market, one of the most active and technically demanding building envelope markets in the U.S. driven by stringent durability and performance requirements. The addition of Paramount Consulting & Engineering expands Certerra’s capabilities across the built environment and reinforces its position as the partner of choice in materials engineering and the earth sciences.
For more than 15 years, Paramount Consulting & Engineering has delivered comprehensive building envelope solutions across the Greater Miami and South Florida markets, including glass and glazing inspection, waterproofing, forensic investigation, and special inspections. With a portfolio of 1,500+ active projects, Paramount Consulting & Engineering serves a diverse client base of developers, architects, general contractors, and property managers.
“The acquisition of Paramount Consulting & Engineering brings a highly specialized team with deep expertise in building envelope consulting, forensic engineering, and code-driven inspection services to our Southeast and Building Envelope Divisions," said Ed Lyon, CEO of Certerra. "Paramount Consulting & Engineering's technical depth and proven track record in South Florida position us as a full-lifecycle TIC provider, offering services from the ground up through the roof."
"Joining the Certerra platform is a natural next step for our team and a tremendous opportunity to bring our building envelope expertise to a national scale," said Cesar Soto, P.E., Founder of Paramount Consulting & Engineering. “Over the past 15 years, we have earned a reputation for technical rigor, longstanding client partnerships, and deep expertise in complex building envelope systems, and we are excited to build on that legacy as part of Certerra."
Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP, acts as legal advisor to Certerra. Cassel Salpeter & Co. provides advisory services, and J2 Advisory Group serves as legal advisor to Paramount Consulting & Engineering.
About Certerra
Certerra is a leading provider of technology-enabled testing, inspection, and certification (“TIC”) services in materials engineering and the earth sciences. Certerra helps assure the quality and advance innovation in the delivery of critical infrastructure—from the ground up. Since 2021, Certerra has unified over 20 businesses into a national platform that combines local expertise with specialized capabilities and scaled resources. With a team of 1,800+ engineers, technicians, and scientists across 65+ offices and laboratory facilities, Certerra is the partner of choice for infrastructure asset owners, contractors, design professionals, and manufacturers. Together with its clients, Certerra helps ensure that communities are built to last. Certerra is a portfolio company of OceanSound Partners. For more information, please visit www.certerra.com.
About Paramount Consulting & Engineering
Paramount Consulting & Engineering is a leading provider of building envelope consulting, inspection, and specialized testing services, offering comprehensive solutions backed by more than 15 years of industry experience. Paramount provides a full suite of services, including consulting and design, glass and glazing inspection, waterproofing, forensic investigation, and special inspections, serving developers, architects, general contractors, and property managers across South Florida. For more information, please visit https://paramountce.com/.
SummaryCompaniesAG says his office has central role in protecting Hollywood jobsBehavioral remedies not always adequate to protect competition, AG saysParamount has said deal will create jobsJune 5 (Reuters) - California Attorney General Rob Bonta will soon decide whether to sue to block Paramount's (PSKY.O), opens new tab $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros (WBD.O), opens new tab, he told Reuters in an interview, adding that in general he views any corporate promises to address antitrust concerns as better when backed up by potential divestitures.
Bonta's office has been reviewing the deal for potential violations of U.S. antitrust law, as movie theater owners, Hollywood actors and others have expressed concerns that it would decrease competition across the industry, leading to lower wages, higher prices and fewer options for consumers and content buyers.
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Antitrust authorities in Europe are set to decide by early July whether to clear the deal, while the U.S. Department of Justice is likely to reach a decision soon, according to a source familiar with the matter. The deal could close once it clears those reviews, putting time pressure on Bonta's office, which is seen as the most likely enforcement agency to challenge the deal.
"There's not a lot of time left before we will need to act if that's what we decide to do," Bonta said in an interview in Oakland, California.
The combination of two major U.S. film studios has elicited angst in Hollywood over the potential for fewer productions. Bonta said his office has heard from many workers in the industry and that their concerns have raised "even more red flags."
Antitrust enforcers can challenge mergers that would significantly harm competition, including competition among employers for specialized labor.
"We think we have a central role in being able to protect jobs in Hollywood with respect to the Paramount-Warner Brothers proposed merger," Bonta said.
A Paramount spokesperson said the company has "every economic incentive" to expand production after the merger in order to grow streaming service subscriptions. Paramount CEO David Ellison has vowed that the combined company will release 30 movies per year in theaters. The company views theatrical releases as key to marketing its streaming offerings, it recently said in court papers.
Asked whether Paramount should be required to spin off any parts of its business to protect competition, Bonta said that behavioral remedies, where companies agree to take particular actions, are not always adequate.
"Can they be part of a solution? Maybe. Should they be backed, if they're even pursued at all, by a structural remedy consequence if they're not adequate? I'd say so. That's kind of the way I'm thinking about it," he said.
Item 1 of 2 California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks during an interview with Reuters in Oakland, California, U.S., June 4, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Frandino
[1/2]California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks during an interview with Reuters in Oakland, California, U.S., June 4, 2026. REUTERS/Nathan Frandino Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
Paramount Chief Legal Officer Makan Delrahim said in a statement that the company is "always prepared to remedy legitimate and articulated violations of the antitrust laws," but that it believes the deal presents none.
STATES TEAM UP TO TAKE ON ANTITRUSTCalifornia's Department of Justice has the largest antitrust division in the country, with just under 50 people. And the state is adding eight more attorneys this year along with eight support staff, Bonta said. California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed adding $14.3 million to Bonta's budget for antitrust work.
A number of other states are talking to California about a joint challenge to the deal, two people familiar with the matter said.
However, there was no indication that the states have come to an agreement on their approach. The potential costs involved if California hires an outside lawyer could be a factor for states, the sources said.
"The full range of options are on the table and available and are fully resourced, no matter what we decide," Bonta said when asked if the state was prepared to take action on its own.
California has worked with both Democratic and Republican-led states on major antitrust cases in the past, including a recent win against Live Nation.
Working together is more important now that the Trump administration is "picking winners and losers based on who their friends are," Bonta said.
But antitrust cases often cost tens of millions of dollars, raising questions about how many major lawsuits the states can bring without their federal partners.
"We will find a way, either we'll go back and ask for more money, we'll all pitch in enough resources, we'll hire outside counsel, whatever it takes," Bonta said. "I think the people of our states and the people of this country want that, and I know they deserve that."
Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York, Nathan Frandino in Oakland and Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles; Editing by Christopher Cushing
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Jody Godoy reports on tech policy and antitrust enforcement, including how regulators are responding to the rise of AI. Reach her at [email protected]
Item 1 of 3 The Warner Bros. Water Tower is pictured at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, U.S. February 27, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
[1/3]The Warner Bros. Water Tower is pictured at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, U.S. February 27, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
SummaryCompaniesCalifornia, New York among the states preparing to sueLawsuit expected in coming weeksParamount has promised shareholders payments if closing delayed past SeptemberJune 5 (Reuters) - California, New York and other U.S. states are preparing a lawsuit to block Paramount Skydance's (PSKY.O), opens new tab $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros (WBD.O), opens new tab, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.
The lawsuit is expected to be filed in the coming weeks, the sources said. It was not immediately clear which other states would join the lawsuit, which would mark the boldest move yet by the states in their effort to be at the forefront of U.S. antitrust enforcement.
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California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Thursday criticised what he called President Donald Trump's "abdication" of federal antitrust agencies with more resources than the state governments. Bonta, a Democrat, has led the charge among states concerned about the deal, promising a probe soon after Paramount announced it would acquire Warner Bros, after beating a bid by streaming giant Netflix.
On Friday, a spokesperson for Bonta's office said California's investigation remains active but declined to comment further.
Shares of Warner Bros fell after Reuters first reported the news, and were down 3.6% on Friday afternoon. Paramount shares added to losses and were down 6.7%.
Not all lawsuits seeking to block mergers succeed. But they can delay the consummation of deals by months if a judge issues an order pausing the merger while the case plays out.
Paramount has agreed to pay shareholders a fee starting in October if the deal has not closed. Those fees add up to around $6.9 million per day, the company said recently.
Analysts have said Paramount's political connections and other factors should give it an easier road to regulatory clearance from federal antitrust watchdogs in the U.S. Paramount CEO David Ellison's father, billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has cultivated ties with Trump.
The U.S. Department of Justice is likely to reach a decision on the deal soon, according to a source familiar with the matter. The DOJ sent subpoenas in late March seeking information on how the merger would affect studio output, content rights, streaming competition and movie theaters.
A Paramount spokesperson said the deal would bring greater competition, and opposing it "means giving entrenched incumbents like Netflix an advantage they do not deserve."
"We will continue to fight against any attempt to derail a deal that plainly benefits consumers, creators, and the industry as a whole," the spokesperson said.
Paramount has pledged to maintain both studios, and produce a minimum of 30 theatrical films annually after the deal closes.
The deal, which would combine two of Hollywood's four major studios, has drawn criticism from actors, writers and others in Hollywood who fear job losses. Theater owners also oppose the combination of the storied Warner Bros movie studio, maker of the "Harry Potter" and "Superman" films, with Paramount Pictures, arguing it will give cinemas fewer movies to choose from, eroding competition.
Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; editing by Chris Sanders, Chizu Nomiyama and David Gregorio
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Jody Godoy reports on tech policy and antitrust enforcement, including how regulators are responding to the rise of AI. Reach her at [email protected]
A group of states, including California and New York, are preparing a lawsuit to block Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros., two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.
The lawsuit is expected to be filed in the coming weeks, the sources said. The case would mark the boldest move yet by the states in their effort to be at the forefront of US antitrust enforcement, as their better-funded counterpart agencies in the Trump administration take a more business-friendly view of enforcement.
Analysts have also viewed Paramount as facing an easier road to regulatory clearance from federal antitrust watchdogs in the US in part because of its political connections. Paramount CEO David Ellison’s father, billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, has cultivated ties with President Trump.
A group of states, including California and New York, are preparing a lawsuit to block Paramount Skydance’s $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros.,sources told Reuters. Getty Images Shares of Warner Bros fell after the news, and were down 3%. Paramount shares added slightly to losses and were down 7%.
A Paramount spokesperson said the deal would bring greater competition, and opposing it “means giving entrenched incumbents like Netflix an advantage they do not deserve.”
“We will continue to fight against any attempt to derail a deal that plainly benefits consumers, creators, and the industry as a whole,” the spokesperson said.
It was not immediately clear which other states would join the lawsuit. A spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office said California’s investigation remains active but declined to comment further.
The proposed transaction has faced pushback from actors, writers and others in Hollywood over its potential to eliminate jobs.
Shares of Warner Bros. and Paramount fell on the news. Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery Hollywood and Wall Street have been closely watching the high-stakes deal, which would bring together some of the entertainment industry’s most enduring franchises.
The new Paramount Games Studio will be helmed by Tony Driscoll as president. The studio will roll together Skydance's existing gaming outfits, Skydance Interactive and Skydance New Media.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD 1.24%), global media and entertainment company with film, television, and streaming services, closed Friday at $26.24, down 2.81%. The stock moved lower during Friday’s regular session as investors reacted to reports that multiple U.S. states are preparing antitrust lawsuits to block its planned Paramount Global acquisition. Investors are now watching how growing legal challenges could reshape the deal’s terms and timing.
The company’s trading volume reached 48.1 million shares, about 122% above its three-month average of 21.6 million shares.
How the markets moved todayThe S&P 500 (^GSPC 1.62%) fell 2.63% to 7,383.74 on Friday, while the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC 1.98%) dropped 4.18% to 25,709. Within entertainment, industry peer Walt Disney (DIS 0.42%) closed at $99.71, up 0.37%, underscoring how deal-specific regulatory risk is distinguishing individual media stocks.
What this means for investorsWarner Bros. Discovery shares fell following reports that several U.S. states, led by California and New York, are preparing to sue to block Paramount Skydance’s planned $110 billion acquisition. Although shareholders have approved the merger, these reports introduce additional regulatory uncertainty as the deal still requires U.S. and European approval.
California’s review is significant because state officials may seek structural remedies, such as divestitures, if they find behavioral commitments insufficient to protect competition. Key forthcoming developments will include whether state attorneys general file suit and whether regulators impose conditions that could impact the timing or value of Paramount Skydance’s planned acquisition.
Eric Trie has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Walt Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
SummaryCompaniesWorkers, unions and politicians voice concerns over job losses and industry consolidationCalifornia and New York prepare lawsuit to block deal, citing antitrust and labor concernsEntertainment job losses have hit California especially hardRegulators in US and Europe reviewing merger, with EU decision expected by July 7LOS ANGELES, June 6 (Reuters) - As he spoke at a gathering on Saturday to protest Paramount Skydance's (PSKY.O), opens new tab proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD.O), opens new tab, stand-up comedian Adam Conover framed the ongoing media consolidation as an existential threat to an industry that made the United States a cultural power.
"It's about to die, and that's why I feel so passionately about this issue," he said.
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Conover was a featured speaker on Saturday at an event billed as the first stop in a three-city “Main Street vs. The Merger” tour bringing together entertainment workers, small business owners and politicians who oppose Paramount Skydance's plan to absorb Warner Bros. Discovery in a $110 billion transaction.
About 100 people gathered at Lumiere Music Hall in Los Angeles for the event, which was organized by advocacy groups, the Writers Guild of America and industry workers who wanted to voice their concerns about the merger.
U.S. antitrust regulators appear poised to approve the combination, amid assurances from Paramount Skydance that the deal would not hurt other studios or creative talent. CEO David Ellison has pledged that the combined Paramount and Warner studios would stay productive by releasing at least 30 films a year.
A Paramount spokesperson issued a statement saying the merged companies would have "every economic incentive" to expand production of the quality content that consumers demand.
"Opposing this deal means opposing expanded consumer choice, new opportunities for creators and workers, and greater competition throughout the creative ecosystem — the opposite of what antitrust law is meant to achieve," the spokesperson said in a statement.
But a group of U.S. states including California and New York are preparing a lawsuit to block the deal, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday.
Conover knows firsthand the toll of cost-cutting from media mergers. After AT&T's 2018 acquisition of Time Warner, his TruTV show "Adam Ruins Everything" was canceled, putting employees, "countless" contractors and more than 100 others out of work.
The job losses reflect an entertainment industry where employment has declined since its peak in late 2022.
California has been especially hard hit, shedding 17,234 positions from 2019 through 2023, according to the Milken Institute. It concluded that a combination of factors — including shrinking television ad revenue and stagnating streaming growth — convinced studios to look for less-expensive places to make movies and series.
The occupancy rate in Hollywood’s sound stages has fallen to 62% in the first half of 2025, down from nearly full occupancy in 2016, according to Film LA, the non-profit organization that coordinates filming in greater Los Angeles. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, which represents 170,000 behind-the-scenes professionals, has said its members worked about 36% fewer hours than in 2022.
Matt Radecki, a co-founder of the Different by Design post-production facility in Los Angeles, fears a Paramount Skydance-Warner Bros. Discovery merger will result in fewer buyers for documentary films such as the Oscar-winning "Navalny," which was produced by two Warner units, HBO Max and CNN Films.
"This is the biggest thing that we've faced," Radecki told attendees on Saturday. "The places we work with are closed ... They're gone, and they're never coming back, and we don't want to see that happen to HBO or CNN or CNN Films."
Former Federal Trade Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya expressed optimism that California Attorney General Rob Bonta could block the merger. Bonta could argue that the Paramount Skydance-Warner deal lessens competition among film studios, thereby indirectly affecting workers.
But it is also possible in the U.S. to block a merger by arguing it would decrease competition for specific types of labor. Antitrust authorities did so once before, in the case of publisher Penguin Random House's bid to buy rival Simon & Schuster in 2022.
California could point to that precedent in any labor-focused challenge, said Ioana Marinescu, a University of Pennsylvania economist who wrote the Biden-era Justice Department's guidelines on labor market issues.
"For some workers it could be that jobs at these two companies are really special, and this is really what they want," she said. "And there isn't necessarily a very close substitute. And those are the people for whom it's going to make an adverse impact."
(This June 6 story has been repeated without any changes to the text.)
Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles and Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Edmund Lee, Sergio Non, Franklin Paul and Nick Zieminski
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Jody Godoy reports on tech policy and antitrust enforcement, including how regulators are responding to the rise of AI. Reach her at [email protected]
Marlon Wayans, Craig Wayans and Maurice Mo Hill in "Scary Movie."
Paramount Pictures
The Wayans Bros.’ Scary Movie opened at No. 1 with an estimated $55 million in domestic ticket sales over the weekend, and thanks to its studio Paramount Pictures’ new theatrical-to-streaming window, audiences will get a bit longer to see the film on the big screen.
The sixth film in the Scary Movie franchise opened in theaters on Friday. It marks a reboot of the hit comedy franchise, which kicked off in 2000 with Scary Movie and ended in 2013 with Scary Movie 5. Directed by Michael Tiddes, the new Scary Movie stars Damon Wayans Jr., Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris and Regina Hall.
Forbes‘Scary Movie’ Rotten Tomatoes Reviews Slice And Dice Wayans Bros. SpoofBy Tim Lammers
Like previous releases in the franchise, the new Scary Movie is a send-up of modern horror hits, including M3GAN, Terrifier, Get Out, Weapons, Sinners, Longlegs and Scream, among others.
The new film is written by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans and Rick Alvarez.
Marlon Wayans in "Scary Movie."
Paramount Pictures/Quantrell Colbert
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Paramount Pictures Announced A New 45-Day Theatrical-To-Streaming Window At CinemaConAt the 2026 CinemaCon convention of theater owners in mid-April, Paramount and Skydance CEO David Ellison announced that effective immediately, the studio was going to implement a 45-day window from the time Paramount Pictures’ films open in theaters to the day they arrive on digital streaming via premium video on demand.
Prior to the announcement, Paramount’s films were made available as soon as a month after they opened in theaters. So, for example, the studio’s hit slasher thriller Scream 7, which opened in theaters on Feb. 27, pivoted to PVOD just over a month later, on March 31.
Forbes‘Backrooms’ Drops 70% In Business At Weekend 2 Box OfficeBy Tim LammersAs such, Scary Movie will likely follow Paramount’s new window, which would peg the film for a July 14 release on PVOD, since new releases on digital streaming typically arrive on Tuesdays. New PVOD releases are generally available on such digital platforms as Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video and YouTube Movies & TV to purchase for anywhere between $19.99 and $29.99 and as a 48-hour rental for anywhere between $14.99 and $24.99.
While Scary Movie will likely follow Paramount Pictures’ new streaming strategy, there is a remote chance that it could debut a little later than July 14. However, a longer theatrical window is rare for the studio, and generally has been reserved for mega-blockbuster releases from the likes of Tom Cruise, who champions the big-screen experience and has the clout to demand longer theatrical engagments.
Forbes‘Mandalorian And Grogu’ Tumbles Out Of Top 5 After 59% Drop At Box OfficeBy Tim LammersFor example, it took Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning 88 days from the day it opened in theaters on May 23, 2025, to its release on PVOD on Aug. 19, 2025.
Marlon Wayans in "Scary Movie."
Paramount Pictures/Quantrell Colbert
‘Scary Movie’ Will Make Its Streaming Video On Demand Premiere On Paramount+Since Scary Movie is a Paramount Pictures release, the Pay-1 window for the film on subscription streaming services belongs to Paramount+.
Prior to Paramount Pictures’ implementation of its new 45-day theatrical-to-PVOD window, it would take about a month after the studio’s films debut on PVOD to arrive on Paramount+. However, since Scary Movie is the first major release under Paramount’s new theatrical-to-PVOD strategy, a new theatrical-to-SVOD pattern has yet to be established.
Forbes‘Supergirl’ Tracking To Open At $55 Million, Less Than Half Of ‘Superman’s’ First WeekendBy Tim LammersShould Paramount tack on 15 days to create a month window between Scary Movie’s PVOD and SVOD releases, then the film could possibly arrive on Paramount+ on Aug. 20.
However, the May 28 release date for Scream 7 on Paramount+ may be a telling sign that Paramount has quietly implemented a 90-day theatrical-to-SVOD window since the film was released on the big screen on Feb. 27. Should Scary Movie follows that same pattern, it could arrive on SVOD on Paramount+ as late as Sept. 3.
Rated R, Scary Movie is new in theaters.
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Paramount Skydance (PKSY) shares have fallen 50% from last year's all-time high as it and Netflix (NFLX) saw a months-long clash to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).
Proxy adviser ISS on Monday urged Warner Bros Discovery shareholders to vote against executive pay and exit packages for CEO David Zaslav and other top executives tied to the company's merger with Paramount Skydance.
Item 1 of 2 Paramount sign outside their offices at 1515 Broadway in New York City, U.S., February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Adam Gray
[1/2]Paramount sign outside their offices at 1515 Broadway in New York City, U.S., February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Adam Gray Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesJune 9 (Reuters) - Britain's competition regulator said on Tuesday it has formally started its review of Paramount Skydance's (PSKY.O), opens new tab planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O), opens new tab, after ending the first part of its information gathering process.
The first phase of the review has a deadline of August 7, after which the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will decide whether to clear the deal or refer it for a more in-depth probe.
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Here are details on the deal and the subsequent review:
Under the so-called phase 1 enquiry, the CMA will look into whether a deal may harm competitiveness in an industry or region within the UK.
Its invitation to comment, where interested parties had a chance to tell the regulator how the proposed transaction would impact competition, had run from April 13 until April 27.
Paramount outbid Netflix (NFLX.O), opens new tab in February after a drawn-out bidding war to buy Warner Bros, combining major studios and networks such as CNN and CBS in an effort to compete with streaming platforms more aggressively.
The deal has already received some regulatory scrutiny across North America and Europe, as industry players including writers, actors, filmmakers and cinema operators voiced concerns about the impact it could have on the entertainment industry and consumers.
Last week, sources told Reuters that California, New York and other U.S. states were preparing a lawsuit to block the deal.
“Today’s milestone is consistent with our expected timeline. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Competition and Markets Authority and all regulatory agencies as they advance their review process," a Paramount spokesperson said in an emailed response to Reuters.
Warner Bros declined to comment.
Reporting by Prerna Bedi in Bengaluru; additional reporting by Tuhina; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair and Devika Syamnath
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Bari Weiss, editor of Common Sense and host of "Honestly" podcast speaks at the 2022 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 3, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
June 9 (Reuters) - Paramount Skydance (PSKY.O), opens new tab is scouting candidates to oversee the business side of operations, who would work alongside CBS News' editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, Axios reported on Tuesday, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
If Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O), opens new tab goes through, Weiss would manage editorial across CBS News and CNN, and her potential counterpart would manage business operations at both, the report said.
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Paramount did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the report.
The search follows a recent purge at "60 Minutes", CBS' flagship Sunday news magazine, where more than half a dozen people have departed over internal clashes, including correspondent Scott Pelley, whose contract was terminated last week.
Since becoming editor-in-chief in October under the Free Press-Paramount deal, Weiss has been reshaping the newsroom by adding commentators who offer observations about news, politics and culture to CBS as part of a push to bring a "streaming mentality" to the network.
Among the candidates being considered for the business role are NBCUniversal News Group chairman Cesar Conde, CNN Worldwide CEO Mark Thompson and former NBC News president Noah Oppenheim, the report said.
Paramount has also considered Daily Beast CEO and former ABC News president Ben Sherwood and former CBS News president and current Sky News executive chairman David Rhodes, Axios reported, citing a source.
Axios reported Weiss' position is secure despite a report by media outlet Puck stating Paramount executives were looking for ways to limit her purview over linear coverage.
While the companies wait for regulatory approval for the $110 billion merger, no Paramount executives can have conversations with any Warner Bros executives, including Thompson, Axios reported.
Wendy McMahon, former president and CEO of CBS News, resigned in May 2025, telling staffers that she and the company have differing views on the path forward.
Reporting by Anhata Rooprai in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore
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Paramount Skydance Corporation is rated Buy with a $12.32 12-month price target, driven by operational inflection and merger potential. Q1 adjusted EBITDA surged 59% on just 2% revenue growth, highlighting emerging operating leverage and cost discipline across PSKY's diversified media assets. Streaming momentum is accelerating, with Paramount+ reaching 79.6 million subscribers and platform unification expected to further boost engagement and margins.
The main gate of Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, California, U.S., February 27, 2026. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesBRUSSELS, June 10 (Reuters) - Paramount Skydance Corp's (PSKY.O), opens new tab takeover of Warner Bros Discovery (WBD.O), opens new tab, backed by Gulf, opens new tab sovereign wealth funds, is under European Union subsidy scrutiny, according to a European Commission filing.
The U.S. entertainment giant sought EU approval under its Foreign Subsidies Regulation, which targets unfair foreign state aid, on Tuesday.
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The Commission, which acts as the EU competition enforcer, will decide by July 14 whether to clear the deal or open a full-scale 90 working day investigation.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Abu Dhabi-based L'imad Holding Company, and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) are backing the deal, which is also being reviewed under EU merger rules.
The subsidy review is expected to be easier than the merger one where the companies will likely have to offer concessions such as divesting a children's channel to address EU competition concerns, sources have previously told Reuters.
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
An agenda-setting and market-moving journalist, Foo Yun Chee is a 21-year veteran at Reuters. Her stories on high profile mergers have pushed up the European telecoms index, lifted companies' shares and helped investors decide on their next move. Her knowledge and experience of European antitrust laws and developments helped her break stories on Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta and Apple, numerous market-moving mergers and antitrust investigations. She has previously reported on Greek politics and companies, when Greece's entry into the eurozone meant it punched above its weight on the international stage, as well as on Dutch corporate giants and the quirks of Dutch society and culture that never fail to charm readers.
Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison has prioritized putting streaming services on one tech platform. Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Reuters Connect; Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images; Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Paramount Skydance is preparing to move around some streaming staffers as David Ellison's company wraps up its long-term project of unifying the tech platforms of Paramount+ and free streamer Pluto TV.
This so-called "convergence" project has been a top priority for Paramount. Two high-level streaming employees recently said that convergence is on pace to meet the company's stated goal of a "mid-year launch." While Paramount is planning to keep Paramount+ and Pluto TV as separate services, the hope is that having a single tech platform will save resources and improve recommendations across each app, which could drive higher engagement.
Once convergence is complete, Paramount is planning to reassign staffers who've worked on it, streaming leaders told employees during a quarterly meeting on Wednesday morning.
Paramount said it will "organize our teams against thematic pillars" like monetization, content, and live & video, according to a screenshot of the presentation viewed by Business Insider.
Streaming staffers also learned that some employees "will be utilized to create select additional Solutions Teams" focused on advertising formats, user experience for the short-form video feed on Paramount+, and video playback.
A person familiar with Paramount's streaming strategy said these changes are about "redeploying" product employees after convergence is finished. They said most streaming staff won't be affected by these changes and that no associated layoffs were planned.
Boosting tech beyond convergenceSince Ellison became Paramount's CEO in August, the company has prioritized technology by shaking up teams, making key hires, and adding new streaming features.
Paramount merged some technical streaming teams in March, Business Insider reported. The company said that putting the Paramount+ Global Quality Engineering group and Pluto TV's Software Test Engineering team under one roof helped facilitate "AI enablement and automated testing."
Ellison's company has also emphasized data by expanding the role of EVP Jason Kim, who, since January, has overseen data and insights across all of Paramount, not just streaming.
Paramount has made several key hires. They include former Google AI executive Barak Turovsky as head of consumer AI; fellow former Google executive Hugh Williams as an EVP; and former Amazon ad sales leader Danielle Carney as head of its US ad sales group. Ellison has also brought over product chief Dane Glasgow from Meta and revenue chief Jay Askinasi from Roku.
Paramount has had key departures as well, including former tech chief Phil Wiser in May and former head of streaming product and tech Vibol Hou in January.
Besides marrying the tech stacks of Paramount+ and Pluto TV, Paramount hopes to boost streaming engagement by adding vertical video clips and interactive features, such as a shopping tool. The company is exploring adding video podcasts; rival Netflix recently made a major move into licensed podcasts.
Paramount's most transformative change would be buying Warner Bros. Discovery, which would give it control of the Warner Bros. Studio, HBO, HBO Max, and cable networks like CNN. The merger still needs regulatory approval in the US and abroad, which the company hopes to get by the end of September.
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72.2% Probability of Remaining Event-Free at 24 Months by Kaplan-Meier Analysis After Achieving Complete Response at Three Months (79.6%)
PRINCETON, N.J., March 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UroGen Pharma Ltd. (Nasdaq: URGN), a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers, today announced the publication of results from the pivotal Phase 3 ENVISION trial of ZUSDURI™ (mitomycin) for intravesical solution in The Journal of Urology. ZUSDURI is indicated for the treatment of adults with recurrent low-grade intermediate-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (LG-IR-NMIBC). The publication reports a 72.2% probability of remaining event-free at 24 months after complete response (CR) (95% CI: 64%, 79%) as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The CR rate at three months was 79.6%. The median follow-up time after three-month CR was 23.7 months, and the median DOR was not reached.
“The publication of these long-term data in The Journal of Urology provides important peer-reviewed validation of the durability of ZUSDURI treatment observed in the ENVISION trial,” said Sandip Prasad, M.D., M.Phil., Director of Genitourinary Surgical Oncology and Vice Chair of Urology at Morristown Medical Center/Atlantic Health System, New Jersey, and Principal Investigator of the ENVISION trial. “For patients who achieved a complete response, the likelihood of remaining event-free through two years was substantial, underscoring the potential of ZUSDURI to change the long-term management of this highly recurrent disease with a six-week induction treatment alone without maintenance. For the first time, adult patients with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC have an FDA-approved therapy.”
The existing standard of care for LG-IR-NMIBC is transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), a surgical procedure typically performed under general anesthesia. Due to high recurrence rates, patients, who are often elderly with multiple comorbidities, may require repeated TURBT procedures over their lifetime, which can negatively impact quality of life and may be associated with increased health risks. An estimated 59,000 patients with LG-IR-NMIBC experience recurrence annually in the United States.
“Now that the 24-month duration of response data from ENVISION are published in a leading urology journal, we’re seeing even stronger validation of ZUSDURI’s clinical impact,” said Mark Schoenberg, Chief Medical Officer, UroGen. “As the first and only approved treatment for recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC, ZUSDURI gives patients a real chance at meaningful, recurrence-free periods. These results suggest we may finally be able to break the long-standing cycle of repeated recurrences and surgeries that has defined care for patients with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC.”
The most common (≥10%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, observed in patients treated with ZUSDURI were dysuria, hematuria, urinary tract infection, increased creatinine, increased potassium, decreased hemoglobin, decreased lymphocytes, decreased neutrophils, increased eosinophils, and increased liver enzymes (AST and ALT). Adverse reactions were primarily mild to moderate in severity. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 12% of patients and included urinary retention (0.8%) and urethral stenosis (0.4%).
About ZUSDURI
ZUSDURI (mitomycin) for intravesical solution is an innovative drug formulation of mitomycin approved for the treatment of adults with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Utilizing UroGen’s proprietary RTGel® technology (a sustained release, hydrogel-based formulation), ZUSDURI is delivered directly into the bladder by a trained healthcare professional using a urinary catheter in an outpatient setting, thereby enabling the treatment of tumors by non-surgical means.
About Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)
LG-IR-NMIBC affects around 82,000 people in the U.S. every year and of those, an estimated 59,000 are recurrent. Bladder cancer primarily affects older populations with increased risk of comorbidities, with the median age of diagnosis being 73 years. Guideline recommendations for the management of NMIBC include transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) as the standard of care. Up to 70 percent of NMIBC patients experience at least one recurrence, and LG-IR-NMIBC patients are even more likely to recur and face repeated TURBT procedures. Learn more about non-muscle invasive bladder cancer at www.BladderCancerAnswers.com.
About UroGen Pharma Ltd.
UroGen is a biotech company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative solutions that treat urothelial and specialty cancers because patients deserve better options. UroGen has developed RTGel reverse-thermal hydrogel, a proprietary sustained-release, hydrogel-based platform technology that has the potential to improve the therapeutic profiles of existing drugs. UroGen’s sustained release technology is designed to enable longer exposure of the urinary tract tissue to medications, making local therapy a potentially more effective treatment option. Our first product is approved to treat low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer, and our second product, ZUSDURI (mitomycin) for intravesical solution, is approved for adult patients with recurrent LG-IR-NMIBC. Both products are designed to ablate tumors by non-surgical means. UroGen is headquartered in Princeton, NJ with operations in Israel. Visit www.UroGen.com to learn more or follow us on X, @UroGenPharma.
APPROVED USE FOR ZUSDURI
ZUSDURI (mitomycin) for intravesical solution is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of cancer of the lining of the bladder called low-grade intermediate risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (LG-IR-NMIBC) after previously receiving bladder surgery to remove tumor that did not work or is no longer working.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
You should not receive ZUSDURI if you have a hole or tear (perforation) of your bladder or if you have had an allergic reaction to mitomycin or to any of the ingredients in ZUSDURI.
Before receiving ZUSDURI, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
have kidney problemsare pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ZUSDURI can harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant during treatment with ZUSDURI. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with ZUSDURI.
Females who are able to become pregnant: You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZUSDURI and for 6 months after the last dose.
Males being treated with ZUSDURI: You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ZUSDURI and for 3 months after the last dose.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ZUSDURI passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with ZUSDURI and for 1 week after the last dose.
How will I receive ZUSDURI?
You will receive your ZUSDURI dose from your healthcare provider 1 time a week for 6 weeks into your bladder through a tube called a urinary catheter. It is important that you receive all 6 doses of ZUSDURI according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.During treatment with ZUSDURI, your healthcare provider may tell you to take additional medicines or change how you take your current medicines.
After receiving ZUSDURI:
ZUSDURI may cause your urine color to change to a violet to blue color. Avoid contact between your skin and urine for at least 24 hours.To urinate, males and females should sit on a toilet and flush the toilet several times after you use it. After going to the bathroom, wash your hands, your inner thighs, and genital area well with soap and water.Clothing that comes in contact with urine should be washed right away and washed separately from other clothing.
The most common side effects of ZUSDURI include: increased blood creatinine levels, increased blood potassium levels, trouble with urination, decreased red blood cell counts, increase in certain blood liver tests, increased or decreased white blood cell counts, urinary tract infection, and blood in your urine.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.
Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to UroGen Pharma at 1-855-987-6436.
Please see ZUSDURI Full Prescribing Information, including the Patient Information, for additional information.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the potential long-term benefits of ZUSDURI, including its potential to provide meaningful recurrence-free periods; the estimated annual U.S. patient population and demographics for LG-IR-NMIBC; the potential of UroGen’s proprietary RTGel technology to improve therapeutic profiles of existing drugs other than mitomycin; and UroGen’s sustained release technology making local delivery potentially more effective as compared to other treatment options. Words such as “can,” “estimate,” “likely,” “may,” “potential,” “will” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to: clinical results may not be indicative of results that may be observed in the future, including in larger populations; potential safety and other complications related to UroGen’s products; the ability to maintain regulatory approval; labeling limitations; competition in UroGen’s industry; UroGen’s ability to attract or retain key management, members of the board of directors and other personnel; UroGen’s RTGel technology and ZUSDURI may not perform as expected; UroGen may not successfully develop and receive regulatory approval of any other product that incorporates RTGel technology; and the impacts of general macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions on UroGen’s business and financial position. In light of these risks and uncertainties, and other risks and uncertainties that are described in the Risk Factors section of UroGen’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2026, the events and circumstances discussed in such forward-looking statements may not occur, and UroGen’s actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied thereby. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information available to UroGen as of the date of this release.
