Market Signal Briefing

Former CFO Tom Fitzgerald Appointed Interim CFO

Company Initiates Comprehensive Search for Permanent CFO; Reaffirms 2026 Guidance

, /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) (the "Company"), one of the largest and fastest-growing fitness center operators with more members than any other fitness brand, today announced that Tom Fitzgerald, who previously served as Planet Fitness' Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Interim CFO, effective today. Fitzgerald's appointment follows the departure of Jay Stasz from the Company. The Company, with the support of a leading executive search firm, has initiated the process to identify a permanent CFO.

Tom Fitzgerald "We are pleased to welcome Tom back to the Planet Fitness team as Interim CFO," said Colleen Keating, Chief Executive Officer of Planet Fitness. "Tom brings deep institutional knowledge of our business and industry, and a proven track record of strong financial and business leadership. Having guided the Company through significant periods of growth, Tom's broad background across several multi-unit brands and expertise driving value creation will support the execution of our long‑term strategy as we conduct the search for a permanent CFO."

"My time as CFO of Planet Fitness stands out as a highlight of my career, and I'm excited to return and support the Company through this interim period," said Mr. Fitzgerald. "Planet Fitness has a powerful brand, a highly resilient franchise model, and significant long‑term growth opportunity. As the Company conducts its search process for the next CFO, I look forward to working closely with Colleen and the leadership team to advance the Company's strategic and financial objectives and strengthen our competitive edge."

Ms. Keating continued, "I thank Jay for his contributions during his time with the Company. We appreciate his service and wish him success in his next chapter."

The Company is reaffirming its 2026 financial guidance, as previously announced on February 24, 2026.

About Tom Fitzgerald

Tom Fitzgerald is a highly accomplished senior financial executive with more than four decades of experience in senior finance and operating leadership roles across multi‑unit, consumer‑facing businesses. He joined Planet Fitness as Chief Financial Officer in 2020, serving in that role through 2024, where his responsibilities included all aspects of financial leadership, including financial strategy, capital allocation, investor relations, and supporting the Company through the COVID‑19 period, as well as playing a key role in the acquisition of one of Planet Fitness' largest and best‑performing franchisees.

Prior to joining Planet Fitness, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Potbelly Sandwich Works, held multiple leadership roles at Charming Charlie, including President and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer, and previously served as Chief Administrative Officer of Sears Canada. Earlier in his career, he served in senior leadership positions at Liz Claiborne (Chief Operating Officer), Burlington Coat Factory (Chief Financial Officer), Bath & Body Works (Chief Operating Officer), and began his career at PepsiCo.

Mr. Fitzgerald is a member of the board of Premier Franchise Management. He holds an MBA in Finance from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Florida.

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness clubs in the world by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2025, Planet Fitness had approximately 20.8 million members and 2,896 clubs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and Spain. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. Approximately 90% of Planet Fitness clubs are owned and operated by independent business owners.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include the Company's statements with respect to 2026 financial guidance, those attributed to the Company's Chief Executive Officer in this press release, and other statements, estimates and projections that do not relate solely to historical facts. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "envision," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "might," "goal," "plan," "prospect," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "assumption," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," "ongoing," "contemplate," "future," "strategy" and similar references to future periods, although not all forward-looking statements include these identifying words. Forward-looking statements are not assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on the Company's current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Company's control. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially include competition in the fitness industry, the Company's and franchisees' ability to attract and retain members, the Company's and franchisees' ability to identify and secure suitable sites for new franchise clubs, changes in consumer demand, changes in equipment costs, the Company's ability to expand into new markets domestically and internationally, operating costs for the Company and franchisees generally, availability and cost of capital for franchisees, acquisition activity, developments and changes in laws and regulations, our substantial increased indebtedness as a result of our refinancing and securitization transactions and our ability to incur additional indebtedness or refinance that indebtedness in the future, our future financial performance and our ability to pay principal and interest on our indebtedness, our corporate structure and tax receivable agreements, failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Company's information systems or technology, general economic conditions and the other factors described in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as the Company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In light of the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's views only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, neither the Company nor any of its affiliates or representatives undertake any obligation to provide additional information or to correct or update any information set forth in this release, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

SOURCE Planet Fitness, Inc.

Company Drives Potential $1 Billion in Industry Cost Savings and Reduces Loan Acquisition Costs with New VantageScore® 4.0 Mortgage Credit Score Pricing Changes

Equifax is advancing housing affordability and driving adoption by the mortgage industry by offering VantageScore® 4.0 mortgage credit scores at $1 – reducing loan acquisition costs to make the path to homeownership more affordable for everyone. Free VantageScore 4.0 credit scores will continue to be offered to all Equifax mortgage, automotive, card, and consumer finance customers who purchase FICO scores to drive industry adoption. Equifax continues to enhance the value of mortgage solutions by delivering The Work Number® Report Indicator and additional alternative data including telecom, pay TV and utilities attributes alongside the Equifax mortgage credit report at no cost. Free income and employment indicators are also available alongside Equifax credit reports for automotive and card financing with consumer finance scheduled for introduction later in 2026. Actions benefit underserved consumers by providing ready access to a scoring model that includes alternative data not found in traditional scores, and has the potential to save the mortgage industry and consumers an estimated $1 billion. , /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax® (NYSE: EFX) is reiterating its support of the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte's decision in July 2025 to bring scoring competition to the mortgage industry and his commitment to mortgage affordability by offering VantageScore® 4.0 mortgage credit scores for $1. This move – which provides a 90% savings over lenders' current mortgage credit score costs – builds on the February 2026 economic benefits study conducted by Deep Future Analytics. Lowering the cost of VantageScore 4.0 mortgage credit scores to $1 will enable a potential $1 billion in savings for the mortgage industry derived from the cost difference among score providers, drive adoption by the mortgage industry, and reduce loan acquisition costs for consumers. Equifax will also continue to offer free VantageScore 4.0 credit scores to all Equifax customers in mortgage, automotive, card and consumer finance who purchase FICO scores. This action benefits underserved consumers by providing ready access to a scoring model that includes alternative data not found in traditional scores.

"Equifax is deeply committed to supporting the mortgage industry and the consumers it serves, especially as we navigate the most difficult mortgage market in decades. We view our role in expanding homeownership as a vital responsibility and with today's announcement we are rising to FHFA Director Pulte's challenge to also make mortgage costs more affordable," said Mark W. Begor, Equifax Chief Executive Officer. "There has been strong, ongoing collaboration between the FHFA, Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs), and the industry in testing and exploring the benefits of VantageScore 4.0 implementation in mortgage lending. Significantly reducing the cost of VantageScore 4.0 to $1, and offering it free to customers who also purchase a FICO score, makes it easier for even more lenders to evaluate the higher-performing score. We expect this important initiative to further accelerate Director Pulte's vision for score competition, enable lenders to invest in the operations to support modern scores, and generate a significant $1 billion in potential savings across the industry and for consumers."

"Currently, over 250 mortgage lenders are taking advantage of the Equifax offer of free VantageScore credit scores with paid FICO scores, and more than 40 non-GSE lenders are in production with only VantageScore credit scores for some of their portfolios. More data drives better decisions and VantageScore 4.0 provides a fuller view of consumers' financial profiles. Once VantageScore is fully adopted by FHFA, the increased competition in the scoring industry will result in direct cost savings to consumers," Begor continued.

VantageScore 4.0 uses trended data and alternative data (including rental, utilities and telecommunications payment histories) to enhance the assessment of creditworthiness. Setting a model for the industry, it was the first credit score to incorporate these factors, with a goal of expanding access to credit for millions more Americans. Trended credit data reflects changes in credit data over time for a fuller financial picture. These deeper insights have proven to provide a 20% lift in originations without adding incremental risk – enabling greater mainstream financial opportunities for more people. Additionally, VantageScore 4.0 generates scores using as little as one month of history, while leveraging up to two years of trended data to maintain a score—even during periods of inactivity.

"The total cost of owning a home has increased significantly since 2020, with American homebuyers challenged by increasing home values, high interest rates, and increasing taxes and insurance," said Joel Rickman, General Manager and Senior Vice President of U.S. Mortgage and Verification Services at Equifax. "As the spring homebuying season gets underway, we believe that more borrowers deserve the chance at a conforming mortgage. Equifax is driving the next generation of mortgage lending by offering unparalleled visibility into consumer financial health. Our proprietary data is the foundation of our highly differentiated products and analytical capabilities through which our customers generate unique solutions. We are also providing an employment and income verification indicator as well as additional alternative data including telecom, pay TV and utilities attributes alongside every Equifax Consumer Credit Report in the mortgage market. The greater visibility we provide allows for more efficient underwriting and can help open new homeownership opportunities for millions of Americans."

Equifax is the only Nationwide Consumer Reporting Agency to provide alternative data including telecom, pay TV and utilities attributes alongside consumer credit reports for the mortgage market, at no additional cost to lenders. These insights provide a more complete financial picture of a borrower that can make mortgage underwriting faster and easier and are only used to help consumers obtain a mortgage loan.

Additionally, Equifax is the first to empower lenders by delivering an indicator of employment status earlier in the mortgage qualification process through The Work Number® Report Indicator, alongside the Equifax mortgage prequalification credit report. Delivering this unique solution with the Equifax credit report at no additional cost, enables our customers to instantly view whether an employment record for an applicant is available on The Work Number database, making the lending process easier for lenders and applicants alike. Indicator Reports for the automotive, bank card, and consumer finance industries will be available later in 2026.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains certain forward-looking information to help you understand Equifax and its business environment. All statements that address operating performance and events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to the pricing strategies, potential benefits and value propositions of product offerings of Equifax and its competitors, are forward-looking statements. We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in our 2025 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings. As a result of such risks and uncertainties, we urge you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC.
At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Stacy Kirk for Equifax
[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

A combination of geopolitical tension, technological disruption fears, and financial market stress has created one of the most opportunity-rich environments I have seen in some time. The conflict involving Iran, growing concerns about AI potentially disrupting large segments of the software industry, and several high-profile blowups in the private credit space have rattled sentiment across markets. Yet periods like this, when uncertainty dominates headlines, often create some of the most attractive entry points for disciplined investors.

Importantly, the broader macro backdrop remains constructive. Global economic growth continues at a solid pace, productivity gains are beginning to materialize from technological adoption, and enormous capital expenditures tied to the AI infrastructure buildout are flowing through the global economy. These forces collectively provide a powerful foundation for continued economic expansion.

The primary risk to that outlook at the moment is the escalating situation in Iran. Rising tensions in the region have pushed oil prices sharply higher and introduced the possibility of inflationary pressure if the conflict were to persist or intensify. A prolonged disruption to global energy markets could weigh on economic activity and complicate the outlook for policymakers. That said, as I will outline below, I currently assign relatively low odds to a drawn-out conflict and view some form of resolution in the near term as the more likely outcome.

Despite the geopolitical noise, the equity market itself remains remarkably resilient. Major indexes are still trading only a few percentage points below their record highs. At the same time, many of the market’s largest leaders remain well off their peaks. This dynamic reflects a broadening of market participation, an encouraging development that stands in sharp contrast to the persistent warnings over the past year about excessive index concentration. Rather than signaling weakness, the expansion of leadership across sectors is often characteristic of durable bull markets.

In recent pieces I highlighted opportunities in the Magnificent Seven and the software sector, while earlier coverage focused on energy and gold, both of which have performed exceptionally well. I continue to believe those themes remain intact, though after such strong momentum they may begin to consolidate, particularly if capital rotates back into sectors that now appear discounted.

Today I want to focus on several additional opportunities emerging across technology and financials, including Expedia ((EXPE - Free Report) ), Nvidia ((NVDA - Free Report) ), Fair Isaac ((FICO - Free Report) ), Broadcom ((AVGO - Free Report) ), Apollo Global Management ((APO - Free Report) ) and Dell Technologies ((DELL - Free Report) ).

Interestingly, today’s market action may already be reflecting that view. Overnight, Nasdaq 100 e-mini futures were down more than 2%, yet by the open the market had staged a powerful reversal, pointing to the type of sharp, potentially capitulatory price action that often accompanies intermediate-term bottoms.

Image Source: TradingView

Why the Iran Conflict May Be Shorter Than Markets FearDespite the alarming headlines, several structural factors suggest the Iran conflict may be less likely to evolve into a prolonged regional war than many investors fear. According to my research, Iran has already suffered significant degradation of its military capabilities. Much of its missile-launch infrastructure has reportedly been destroyed, and the country has already used a large portion of its ballistic missile inventory while facing a relatively high failure rate. Just as importantly, the infrastructure needed to produce new missiles was damaged in prior strikes, meaning Iran cannot easily replenish its arsenal. These constraints limit Iran’s ability to sustain a long-duration conflict.

Iran also appears to have miscalculated strategically and diplomatically. By launching missiles at several Gulf states, Tehran inadvertently pushed governments that had previously tried to remain neutral closer to the US and Israel. Rather than destabilizing the region politically, the attacks created a rally-around-the-flag effect among Gulf monarchies and provided them political justification to support defensive and potentially offensive actions. Combined with the weakening of Iran’s proxy networks across the region, this further reduces the likelihood that Iran can maintain a prolonged confrontation.

Perhaps most importantly, the expected endgame appears to point toward a negotiated off-ramp rather than regime change. It seems to me that the US and Israel may spend several weeks degrading Iran’s military infrastructure before reopening diplomatic channels. Notably, President Trump’s public position has remained somewhat vague, particularly around what constitutes “unconditional surrender,” leaving room for a resolution that stops short of toppling the regime. In practice, this could mean Iran accepts new military constraints while the existing government remains in place. While a worst-case scenario cannot be ruled out, assessments suggest the probability of a prolonged regional war remains relatively low.

Something also worth noting is the price action in crude oil futures. Similar to what we are seeing in the Nasdaq and broader equity indexes, oil has experienced a sharp reversal that may signal a form of capitulation. Overnight, WTI crude futures briefly surged to $119.48, but prices have since reversed sharply, falling nearly $25 from those highs. While it is impossible to know whether that spike ultimately marks the peak in oil prices, this type of rapid surge followed by an equally aggressive pullback often occurs near turning points and increases the probability that the market may have already seen the worst of the panic-driven move.

Image Source: TradingView

Financial Sector Opportunities: Fair Isaac and Apollo Global StocksI have not focused much on the recent drama in the private credit market in my commentary, but it has become a major topic of discussion across the credit and debt industry. Private credit has expanded at an extraordinary pace, growing from roughly $500 billion in assets under management in 2020 to around $2 trillion today, and was virtually nonexistent as an institutional asset class just a decade ago.

Apollo Global Management has emerged as one of the clear leaders in this rapidly expanding market. The boom has been extremely lucrative for firms operating in the space, though the speed of growth has also raised concerns that some lenders may have become overly aggressive with underwriting standards. Blue Owl Capital has been the primary company in the headlines amid these concerns, fueling broader fears of stress within the private credit ecosystem.

Much of the commentary surrounding the issue has drawn comparisons to the 2008 financial crisis, though that characterization appears exaggerated. Leverage levels across the system are considerably lower, and the risks appear far more contained. Nevertheless, the concerns have pressured stocks across the alternative asset management space, including Apollo.

That pullback has created a potentially attractive entry point. Apollo Global Management currently trades at just 11.8x forward earnings, near one of its most compelling valuations in years. At the same time, earnings are projected to grow 14.3% annually over the next three to five years, while revenue is expected to climb in the high teens this year and next. Importantly, Apollo’s business is also highly diversified across asset management, insurance, and private markets, meaning its earnings power extends well beyond private credit alone.

Fair Isaac, meanwhile, has been caught up in a completely different selloff. Rather than credit market concerns, the stock has been pressured by the broader correction in software stocks, as well as lingering controversy surrounding price increases implemented more than a year ago. Despite that noise, the company’s underlying business continues to perform exceptionally well.

Shares currently trade at 35.2x forward earnings, which is not inexpensive on an absolute basis but looks more reasonable relative to the company’s historical valuation. Over the past decade, Fair Isaac has traded at a median multiple of roughly 50x earnings, reflecting the company’s powerful competitive moat and dominant position in credit scoring. That competitive advantage remains firmly intact, and analysts expect earnings to grow nearly 28.6% annually over the long term, suggesting the company’s premium valuation may continue to be justified.

Tech Stock Opportunities Multiply: NVDA, AVGO, EXPE and DELLConcerns about overvalued technology stocks have dominated market conversations for much of the past year. Yet in many cases, the data no longer supports that narrative. After a period of sharp corrections and consolidations, several major technology companies are now trading at far more reasonable valuations while their underlying businesses continue to grow at impressive rates.

A number of tech leaders now stand out as particularly compelling opportunities, including Nvidia, Broadcom, Dell Technologies, and Expedia.

Nvidia, which carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), remains the clear leader in AI infrastructure. Despite its dominant position, the stock now trades at roughly 22.7x forward earnings, a modest multiple for a company expected to deliver long-term EPS growth of about 39% annually. Revenue is projected to surge 59% this year and another 27% next year, reflecting continued explosive demand for AI compute. Nvidia has also expanded its reach by investing in numerous AI startups, giving the company exposure across AI ecosystem.

Broadcom offers many of the same structural growth catalysts tied to AI infrastructure and data center expansion. Shares currently trade at around 31.9x forward earnings, while analysts expect earnings to grow roughly 48.6% annually over the next three to five years. Revenue growth is projected to remain exceptionally strong as well, with sales expected to rise 53% this year and 45% next year, remarkable growth for a company of Broadcom’s scale.

Dell Technologies represents a different type of opportunity within the AI trade. The company was an early beneficiary of the surge in demand for AI servers and data center hardware, and the stock has spent the past couple of years consolidating those gains. Today, Dell trades at a very reasonable 11.5x forward earnings, while analysts expect earnings to grow about 18% annually over the next three to five years. With its valuation compressed and demand for AI infrastructure continuing to expand, the stock appears well positioned for a potential breakout to new highs.

Finally, Expedia stands out as a true bargain within the broader technology sector. Shares currently trade at roughly 13x forward earnings, while analysts expect EPS to grow nearly 20% annually over the long term. In addition to its strong portfolio of consumer travel brands, Expedia has been building a rapidly expanding B2B travel platform, which allows partners to access its inventory and booking technology. That segment has become an increasingly important driver of growth having grown 24% in the past year.

Finding Opportunity in Uncertain MarketsPeriods of uncertainty often create the most compelling investment opportunities. While geopolitical tensions and sector-specific fears have unsettled markets in the short term, the broader economic backdrop remains constructive and many high-quality companies are now trading at far more attractive valuations than they were just a year ago.

For disciplined investors willing to look through the current noise, opportunities are emerging across several sectors. If the macro environment remains stable and current fears begin to fade, these names could be well positioned to participate in the next leg of the bull market.

, /PRNewswire/ -- (OTCID: PTBS) – Potomac Bank announced today that Alice P. Frazier, President and CEO, was elecacted chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for 2026-27. Her term begins March 9 following the conclusion of ICBA LIVE in San Diego, California.

In an address to attendees, Frazier praised community banks for being a safe harbor for their customers and urged them to commit to "innovate boldly, advocate fiercely, and identify, mentor and educate the next generation of community bank leaders."

Alice Frazier, President and CEO of Potomac Bank, has been elected Chairman of ICBA. "If we do this, we won't just survive, we will lead and I believe we will thrive," Frazier said. She concluded her remarks with a call to join her for ICBA Capital Summit in May. "We have made significant progress. Members of Congress and the administration believe in community banks. This is our time."

Frazier serves in many leadership roles at ICBA. She is chairman of the ICBA Executive Committee and board of directors, and a member of ICBA's Federal Delegate Board and its Policy Development and Nominating committees. She also serves as Executive Committee liaison for the Large Community Bank Council.

Active at the local level as well, Frazier serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Board and is past chairman of the Virginia Association of Community Banks. She currently serves as treasurer on the WVU East Hospital System and for the Loudoun Economic Development Authority, and she is a member of 100 Women Strong.

"Alice found purpose as a financial steward of her community, and turned her passion into action, testifying before Congress, canvasing the country spreading the community banking message, and encouraging others to get involved to preserve the legacy of community banking," said ICBA Immediate Past Chairman Jack Hopkins, president and CEO of CorTrust Bank in Sioux Falls, S.D. "Alice will bring that same visionary leadership and determination to her role as chairman as ICBA works to empower the community banks that power local communities."

ICBA is the only national advocacy organization dedicated exclusively to promoting the interests of locally operated community banks and savings institutions. With the high-tech, high-touch banking services that consumers expect, community banks offer the best financial-services options for millions of consumers, small businesses, and agricultural enterprises.

For more information visit ICBA's website.

About ICBA

The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation's community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.  

As local and trusted sources of credit, America's community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers' financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA's website at icba.org.

About Potomac Bank

Potomac Bank, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Potomac Bancshares, Inc., was founded in 1871 as Bank of Charles Town and renamed Potomac Bank on November 3, 2025. The Bank conducts operations through its nine-branch network and one loan production office serving the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, Washington County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The Bank offers comprehensive financial solutions through its consumer and commercial banking divisions, Trust, Wealth, and BCT Investments divisions, and its Residential Lending mortgage division. The Bank is also proud to serve its communities as a Small Business Administration (SBA) Preferred Lender. Over the past several years, the Bank has received numerous awards and recognitions, including American Banker's "Top 200 Community Banks" and "Best Banks to Work For", the Journal-News "Best of the Best" award, and the LoudounNow "Loudoun's Favorite" award. 

The Company's shares are quoted on the OTCID marketplace under the symbol "PTBS." For more information about the Bank, please visit our website at www.potomac.bank.

SOURCE Potomac Bank

March 09, 2026 16:18 ET  | Source: NL Industries

Dallas, Texas, March 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NL Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NL) today reported a net loss attributable to NL stockholders of $31.0 million, or $.63 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to net income attributable to NL stockholders of $16.5 million, or $.34 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2024. NL’s results include an unrealized loss of $4.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to an unrealized loss $12.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 related to the change in value of marketable equity securities. For the full year of 2025, NL reported a net loss attributable to NL stockholders of $37.8 million, or $.77 per share, compared to net income attributable to NL stockholders of $67.2 million, or $1.38 per share for the full year of 2024. NL’s full year results include an unrealized loss of $13.6 million in 2025 compared to an unrealized gain of $9.8 million in 2024 related to the change in value of marketable equity securities. Net loss per share attributable to NL stockholders for the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2025 also includes a loss of $19.7 million (or $.32 per share, net of tax) related to the termination of our U.S. pension plan. Net income per share attributable to NL stockholders for the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2024 includes aggregate income of $31.4 million ($24.8 million, $.51 per share, net of tax) related to an environmental remediation settlement, including income of $21.8 million related to the adjustment of an associated environmental accrual and $9.6 million received from former customers.   

CompX’s net sales were $37.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to $38.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $158.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $145.9 million for the full year of 2024. Net sales decreased in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 predominantly due to lower Security Products sales to the healthcare market, partially offset by higher Marine Components sales to the industrial market. Net sales increased for the full year of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 primarily due to higher Security Products sales to the government security market and higher Marine Components sales to various markets including the towboat, government and industrial markets. CompX’s segment profit (a non-GAAP measure defined as gross margin less selling, general and administrative expenses directly attributable to CompX) was $5.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to $4.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2024 and $22.6 million for the full year of 2025 compared to $17.0 million for the same prior year period. CompX’s segment profit increased in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 primarily due to higher sales at Marine Components as well as improved gross margins at each of the Security Products and Marine Components reporting units. CompX’s segment profit increased for the full year of 2025 compared to 2024 primarily due to higher sales and improved gross margins at each of the Security Products and Marine Components reporting units.

NL recognized equity in losses of Kronos of $25.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to equity in losses of $4.0 million in the same period of 2024 and equity in losses of Kronos of $33.9 million in the full year of 2025 compared to equity in earnings of $26.4 million in the full year of 2024.

As previously reported, effective July 16, 2024, Kronos acquired the 50% joint venture interest in Louisiana Pigment Company, L.P. (“LPC”) previously held by Venator Investments, Ltd. Prior to the acquisition, Kronos held a 50% joint venture interest in LPC. Following the acquisition, LPC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kronos. In 2025, LPC merged into our wholly-owned subsidiary Kronos Louisiana, Inc. The results of operations of LPC have been included in Kronos’ results of operations beginning as of the acquisition date. Kronos’ net income for the full year of 2024 includes the recognition of an aggregate non-cash gain of $64.5 million ($12.3 million or $.25 per share, net of tax, attributable to NL stockholders) associated with the remeasurement of its investment in LPC as a result of the acquisition.

Kronos’ net sales of $418.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 were $4.8 million, or 1%, lower than in the fourth quarter of 2024. Kronos’ net sales of $1.9 billion for the full year of 2025 were $27.7 million, or 1%, lower than the full year of 2024. Kronos’ net sales decreased in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily due to the net effects of lower average TiO2 selling prices, higher market share gains in its European markets and changes in product mix, primarily due to lower sales volumes in its complementary businesses. Kronos’ net sales decreased for the full year of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 due to lower average TiO2 selling prices partially offset by higher sales volumes, primarily in its European, North American and Latin American markets. Kronos ended 2025 with average TiO2 selling prices 10% lower than the beginning of the year. Kronos’ average TiO2 selling prices were 8% lower in the fourth quarter of 2025 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 and 4% lower for the full year of 2025 as compared to the full year of 2024. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) also affected Kronos’ comparisons, increasing net sales by approximately $13 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and by approximately $24 million in the full year of 2025 as compared to the same prior year periods. The table at the end of this press release shows how each of these items impacted Kronos’ net sales. 

Kronos’ loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2025 was $63.1 million as compared to income from operations of $28.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. For the full year of 2025, Kronos’ loss from operations was $36.5 million as compared to income from operations of $122.9 million in 2024. Kronos’ income from operations decreased in the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily due to the effects of  higher unabsorbed fixed production costs resulting from reduced operating rates at its production facilities, lower average TiO2 selling prices and costs incurred related to workforce reduction initiatives of approximately $10.3 million. Kronos’ cost of sales in the fourth quarter of 2025 includes approximately $54 million of unabsorbed fixed production and other manufacturing costs associated with production curtailments at its facilities. Kronos’s income from operations decreased in the full year of 2025 compared to the full year of 2024 resulting from approximately $111 million of unabsorbed fixed production costs recognized as a result of reduced operating rates at its production facilities, partially offset by lower production costs, primarily raw materials. Kronos operated its production facilities at overall average capacities of 77% of practical capacity utilization in the full year of 2025 (93%, 81%, 80% and 55% in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2025, respectively) compared to 96% in the full year of 2024 (87%, 99%, 92% and 97% in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2024, respectively). Fluctuations in currency exchange rates (primarily the euro) decreased Kronos’ loss from operations by approximately $3 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 and $8 million for the full year of 2025 as compared to the same prior year periods. 

NL’s equity in losses of Kronos for the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2025 include a loss of $2.6 million ($2.1 million, or $.04 per share, net of tax) related to Kronos’ recognition of a valuation allowance related to its German interest deduction limitation deferred tax asset, a loss  of $2.2 million ($1.7 million, or $.04 per share, net of tax) due to Kronos’ settlement loss related to the termination and buy-out of its U.S. pension plan and a loss of $2.0 million ($1.5 million, or $.03 per share, net of tax) related to Kronos’ restructuring costs related to workforce reductions.  In addition, NL’s equity in losses of Kronos for the full year of 2025 includes a loss of $5.9 million ($4.7 million, or $.10 per share, net of tax) related to Kronos’ non-cash deferred income tax expense reflecting the impact of the rate reduction on its net German deferred tax asset.

NL’s equity in losses of Kronos for the fourth quarter of 2024 and equity in earnings of Kronos for the full year of 2024 include a loss of $5.1 million ($4.0 million, or $.08 per share, net of tax) related to Kronos’ increased tax expense resulting from final tax regulations on the treatment of certain currency translation gains and losses, which resulted in a non-cash deferred income tax expense and a loss of $2.5 million ($2.0 million, or $.04 per share, net of tax) related to Kronos’ increased tax expense resulting from the recognition of a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance related to its Belgian net deferred tax assets, which resulted in a non-cash deferred income tax expense.

Excluding the effects of the environmental remediation settlement in the fourth quarter of 2024 discussed above, corporate expenses in the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2025 were comparable to the same periods of 2024. Interest and dividend income in the fourth quarter and for the full year of 2025 decreased $1.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2024 primarily due to lower interest rates and decreased average investment balances. Marketable equity securities represent the change in unrealized gains (losses) on our portfolio of marketable equity securities during the periods.

The statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that represent management's beliefs and assumptions based on currently available information. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot give any assurances that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly impact expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements. While it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially include, but are not limited to:

Future supply and demand for our products; Kronos’ ability to realize expected cost savings from strategic and operational initiatives;Kronos’ ability to integrate acquisitions into its operations and realize expected synergies and innovations; The extent of the dependence of certain of our businesses on certain market sectors;The cyclicality of our businesses (such as Kronos’ TiO2 operations);Customer and producer inventory levels;Unexpected or earlier-than-expected industry capacity expansion (such as the TiO2 industry);Changes in raw material and other operating costs (such as energy, ore, zinc, aluminum, steel and brass costs), including as a result of additional or changed tariffs on imported raw materials, and our ability to pass those costs on to our customers or offset them with reductions in other operating costs;Changes in the availability of raw materials (such as ore);General global economic and political conditions that harm the worldwide economy, disrupt our supply chain, increase material and energy costs or reduce demand or perceived demand for TiO2 and our products or impair our ability to operate our facilities (including changes in the level of gross domestic product in various regions of the world, tariffs, natural disasters, terrorist acts, global conflicts and public health crises);Operating interruptions (including, but not limited to, labor disputes, leaks, natural disasters, fires, explosions, unscheduled or unplanned downtime, transportation interruptions, certain regional and world events or economic conditions and public health crises);Technology related disruptions (including, but not limited to, cyber-attacks; software implementation, upgrades, or improvements; technology processing failures; or other events) related to our technology infrastructure (including manufacturing and accounting systems) that could impact our ability to continue operations, or at key vendors which could impact our supply chain, or at key customers which could impact their operations and cause them to curtail or pause orders;Competitive products and substitute products;Competition from Chinese suppliers with less stringent regulatory and environmental compliance requirements;Customer and competitor strategies;Our ability to retain key customers;Potential consolidation of Kronos’ competitors;Potential consolidation of Kronos’ customers;The impact of pricing and production decisions;Competitive technology positions;Our ability to protect or defend intellectual property rights;Potential difficulties in integrating future acquisitions;The introduction of new, or changes in existing, tariffs, trade barriers or trade disputes;Fluctuations in currency exchange rates (such as changes in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and each of the euro, the Norwegian krone and the Canadian dollar and between the euro and the Norwegian krone), or possible disruptions to our business resulting from uncertainties associated with the euro or other currencies;Decisions to sell operating assets other than in the ordinary course of business;Kronos’ ability to renew or refinance credit facilities or other debt instruments in the future;Changes in interest rates;Kronos’ ability to comply with covenants contained in its revolving bank credit facility;Our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity;The timing and amounts of insurance recoveries;The ability of our subsidiaries or affiliates to pay us dividends;Uncertainties associated with CompX’s development of new products and product features;The ultimate outcome of income tax audits, tax settlement initiatives or other tax matters, including future tax reform;Our ability to utilize income tax attributes or changes in income tax rates related to such attributes, the benefits of which may or may not have been recognized under the more-likely-than-not recognition criteria;Environmental matters (such as those requiring compliance with emission and discharge standards for existing and new facilities or new developments regarding environmental remediation or decommissioning obligations at sites related to our former operations);Government laws and regulations and possible changes therein (such as changes in government regulations which might impose various obligations on former manufacturers of lead pigment and lead-based paint, including us, with respect to asserted health concerns associated with the use of such products), including new environmental, sustainability, health and safety or other regulations (such as those seeking to limit or classify TiO2 or its use);The ultimate resolution of pending litigation (such as our lead pigment and environmental matters); andPending or possible future litigation (such as litigation related to CompX’s use of certain permitted chemicals in its productions process) or other actions. Should one or more of these risks materialize (or if the consequences of such a development worsen), or should the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those currently forecasted or expected. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of changes in information, future events or otherwise.

NL Industries, Inc. is engaged in component products (security products and recreational marine components) and chemicals (TiO2) businesses.

Investor Relations Contact

Bryan A. Hanley
Senior Vice President and Treasurer
(972) 233-1700

NL INDUSTRIES, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In millions, except earnings per share)

                               Three months ended    Year ended     December 31,    December 31,     2024    2025    2024    2025  (unaudited)      Net sales $ 38.4 $ 37.7 $ 145.9 $ 158.3Cost of sales   27.4   25.6   104.6   110.1             Gross margin   11.0   12.1   41.3   48.2             Selling, general and administrative expense   6.1   6.5   24.3   25.6Other operating income (expense):            Insurance recoveries   .1   —   1.4   —Corporate income (expense)   28.7   (2.7)   19.5   (11.9)             Income from operations   33.7   2.9   37.9   10.7             Equity in earnings (losses) of Kronos Worldwide, Inc.   (4.0)   (25.3)   26.4   (33.9)             Other income (expense):                Interest and dividend income   3.1   1.4   11.0   7.0Marketable equity securities   (12.0)   (4.5)   9.8   (13.6)Settlement loss on pension plan termination and buy-out   —   (19.7)   —   (19.7)Other components of net periodic pension and OPEB cost   (.3)   (.3)   (1.2)   (1.1)Interest expense   (.1)   —   (.6)   (.8)             Income (loss) before income taxes   20.4   (45.5)   83.3   (51.4)             Income tax expense  (benefit)   3.3   (15.1)   14.1   (16.1)             Net income  (loss)   17.1   (30.4)   69.2   (35.3)             Noncontrolling interest in net income of subsidiary   .6   .6   2.0   2.5             Net income (loss) attributable to NL stockholders $ 16.5 $ (31.0) $ 67.2 $ (37.8)             Net income (loss) per share attributable to NL stockholders $ .34 $ (.63) $ 1.38 $ (.77)             Weighted average shares used in the calculation of
  net income (loss) per share   48.8   48.9   48.8   48.9 NL INDUSTRIES, INC.

COMPONENTS OF INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

(In millions)

             Three months ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2024    2025    2024    2025 (unaudited)      CompX segment profit$ 4.9 $ 5.6 $ 17.0 $ 22.6Insurance recoveries  .1   —   1.4   —Corporate income (expense)  28.7   (2.7)   19.5   (11.9)            Income from operations$ 33.7 $ 2.9 $ 37.9 $ 10.7 CHANGE IN KRONOS’ NET SALES

(unaudited)

      Three months ended    Year ended  December 31, December 31,  2025 vs. 2024 2025 vs. 2024    Percentage change in net sales:      TiO2 sales volume 7% 2%TiO2 product pricing (8)  (4) TiO2 product mix/other (3)  — Changes in currency exchange rates 3  1      Total (1)%   (1)%

U.S. stocks traded mostly lower toward the end of trading, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 300 points on Monday.

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FuelCell Energy, Inc. (FCEL) Q1 2026 Earnings Call March 9, 2026 10:00 AM EDT

Company Participants

Michael Bishop - Executive VP, CFO & Treasurer
Jason Few - President, CEO & Director

Conference Call Participants

Dushyant Ailani - Jefferies LLC, Research Division
Jason Tilchen - Canaccord Genuity Corp., Research Division
Manav Gupta - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Ryan Pfingst - B. Riley Securities, Inc., Research Division
Colin Rusch - Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Research Division
Noel Parks - Tuohy Brothers Investment Research, Inc.

Presentation

Operator

Hello, and thank you for standing by. My name is Tiffany, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the FuelCell Energy First Quarter of Fiscal 2026 Financial Results Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] I would now like to turn the call over to Michael Bishop, Chief Financial Officer. Michael, please go ahead.

Michael Bishop
Executive VP, CFO & Treasurer

Thank you, operator. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us on the call today. This morning, FuelCell Energy released our financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, and our earnings press release is available on the Investors section of our website at www.fuelcellenergy.com.

In addition to this call and our earnings press release, we have posted a slide presentation on our website. The webcast is being recorded and will be available for replay on our website approximately 2 hours after we conclude. Before we begin, please note that some information you will hear or be provided with today consists of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements express our expectations, beliefs and intentions regarding the future and include statements concerning our anticipated financial results, plans and expectations regarding the continuing development, commercialization and financing of our fuel cell technology, our anticipated market opportunities and our business plans

John Blank says the “real salient event” around oil will be in six months when producers of oil-based products have a supply shock. In fact, he thinks prices could even hit $150-$200/barrel over the next 6-12 months.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $ARDT #ARDT--Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Ardent Health, Inc. (“Ardent” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ARDT) and reminds investors of the March 9, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has.

Aroundtown SA (AANNF) Q4 2025 Earnings Call March 3, 2026 7:00 PM EST

Company Participants

Barak Bar-Hen - Co-CEO & COO
Kamaldeep Manaktala - Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Frank Roseen - Executive Director
Timothy Wright - Chief Capital Markets Officer
Limor Bermann - Chief Sustainability Officer
Jonas Tintelnot - Chief Financial Officer

Conference Call Participants

Jonathan Kownator - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division
Kai Klose - Joh. Berenberg, Gossler & Co. KG, Research Division
Marios Pastou - Bernstein Institutional Services LLC, Research Division
Manuel Martin - ODDO BHF Corporate & Markets, Research Division

Presentation

Unknown Executive

Good afternoon, everybody. Thank you for joining us for Aroundtown's Full Year 2025 Results Call. You can view this presentation on Aroundtown's website, either on the Home section or under Financial Reports of the Investor Relations section.

Guiding you through the presentation today will be CEO, Barak Bar-Hen, CFO, Jonas Tintelnot, Executive Director, Frank Roseen; Chief Capital Markets Officer, Timothy Wright; Chief Sustainability Officer, Limor Bermann; Deputy CFO, Kamaldeep Manaktala; and representatives from Grand City Properties are also present. [Operator Instructions]

With that, I would like to hand over to Barak and the rest of the team, who will guide you through the presentation of our results.

Barak Bar-Hen
Co-CEO & COO

Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us for our call for year 2025 results presentation. As you have noticed, we have launched a share-to-share voluntary tender offer for GCP shares and therefore, came out earlier with the results. We published our results in parallel with GCP, so both companies' most updated numbers are the base for the transaction. We also announced our decision to recommend to distribute a dividend for 2025, after 3 years without a dividend payout.

We will start with the FY 2025 presentation. And after that, we will continue with the offer presentation. After both presentations, we

I was dead wrong in downgrading Broadcom Inc. heading into the Q1 print, despite my previous concerns with margins due to the recent hike in HBM chip costs. Q1 adjusted EBITDA margin came in at 68% versus 67% guided, and AVGO management kept Q2 margin guidance at 68%. Visibility improved meaningfully, as AVGO management now sees roughly 10 gigawatts of 2027 AI volume and $100B in AI chip revenue from the likes of Google, Anthropic, Meta, and OpenAI.

Tesla stock (NASDAQ: TSLA) is trading down more than 1% on Tuesday, and the slide is looking less like collateral damage from a rough macro day and more like a stock wrestling with its own credibility.

While retail investors have largely stood firm, three institutional voices: JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Phillip Securities have each taken a careful step back from the Tesla story over the past ten weeks.

Their reasons differ in detail but are aligned in conclusion: the valuation reflects a future Tesla hasn't yet earned.

JPMorgan says 'sell'JPMorgan's case is the bluntest, as the bank trimmed its price target to $145 from $150 and maintained its Underweight rating, a call that implies roughly a 63% downside from where Tesla sits today.

The core concern isn't Tesla's technology; it is its capital discipline.

Tesla has guided for roughly $20 billion in capital expenditure in 2026, more than double its prior year spending, while simultaneously projecting zero free cash flow in both 2026 and 2027.

JPMorgan reads that combination as a company betting heavily on robotaxi and Optimus with no near-term financial return visible on either.

The bank trimmed delivery growth forecasts from 10% to just 5% for 2026, and cut EPS estimates for both years, noting Q4 earnings and revenue deteriorated year over year and fell well short of what the much lower share price had previously implied.

Tesla's Q4 numbers frame the concern clearly. Revenue came in at $24.9 billion, down 3% year over year.

Net income attributable to shareholders fell 46% year over year on a full-year basis, declining from $7.08 billion in FY2024 to $3.8 billion in FY2025.

On a quarterly basis, Q4 2025 GAAP net income came in at $0.8 billion.

Is Tesla stock priced for perfection?Morgan Stanley's shift carries particular weight because the bank was one of Tesla's loudest institutional bulls for years.

In December 2025, new analyst Andrew Percoco, who took over coverage from the well-known Adam Jonas, downgraded the stock from Overweight to Equal Weight with a $425 price target, the first time the firm stepped back from a Buy since 2023.

Percoco used a sum-of-the-parts model, essentially valuing each piece of Tesla's business separately, and concluded that every credible positive catalyst through 2026 is already reflected in the share price.

His delivery estimate for 2026 sits 13% below Wall Street consensus, driven by a more cautious view on US EV adoption and intensifying competition abroad.

Phillip Securities' Glenn Thum adds the valuation lens from a different angle.

In a February note, Thum maintained his Sell rating and set a $215 price target, citing the loss of US EV tax credits, rising tariffs, and the collapse in China's market share as near-term pain points with no immediate offset.

Autonomous and robotics contributions, in his assessment, remain realistically five years away from meaningful revenue.

The broader consensus hasn't fully turned as MarketBeat's composite sits at a Hold with an average target around $410, reflecting 17 Buy ratings against 8 Sells.

The bears aren't the majority, at least not yet, but their arguments are gaining data points with every passing quarter.

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, /PRNewswire/ -- Robbins LLP reminds stockholders that a class action was filed on behalf of all investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: EOSE) securities between November 5, 2025 and February 26, 2026. Eos Energy designs, manufactures, and markets zinc-based battery energy storage systems intended for utility‑scale commercial and industrial applications.

For more information, submit a form, email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003.

The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. (EOSE) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Prospects

According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose that: (1) the Company was unable to achieve the ramp in production and capacity utilization required to achieve its previously set guidance; (2) the Company's battery line downtime was running well above industry norms, the design intent of the line, and internal forecasts; (3) the Company was experiencing delays in the ability for its automated bipolar production to hit quality targets; and (4) the Company's inadequate systems and processes prevented it from ensuring reasonably accurate guidance and that its public disclosures were timely, accurate, and complete.

Plaintiff alleges that on February 26, 2026, Eos Energy announced disappointing fourth quarter and full year 2025 results, reporting, among other things, full year 2025 revenue of $114.2 million, falling far short of the Company's previously issued guidance of $150 million to $160 million for fiscal year 2025 revenue. The Company further reported a "gross loss of $143.8 million," a "net loss attributable to shareholders of $969.6 million," and an "adjusted EBITDA loss of $219.1 million." Further, on the Company's earnings call, the CEO disclosed that certain "issues prevented us from delivering our commitments," including that "battery line downtime ran well above industry norms, the design intent of the line and our internal forecast," and "the ability for the automated bipolar production to hit quality targets took longer than expected. That drove rework and lost revenue." On this news, Eos Energy's stock price fell $4.39, or 39.4%, to close at $6.74 per share on February 26, 2026.

What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. Shareholders who wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the class should contact Robbins LLP. The lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

About Robbins LLP: A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002.

To be notified if a class action against Eos Energy Enterprises, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

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

SOURCE Robbins LLP

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On Monday, March 9, GameStop (NYSE:GME) is trending as one of today’s notable market movers. While the broader meme-stock universe is deep in the red for 2026, GME stock stands out with a year-to-date gain of 23%, powered by renewed short-squeeze speculation and growing buzz around a potential blockbuster acquisition (not currently confirmed) by CEO Ryan Cohen. The contrast with meme peers like Opendoor Technologies (NASDAQ:OPEN), SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:SOUN), and AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) couldn’t be sharper.

GameStop (GME): Short Squeeze Speculation and Buyout Buzz Drive the Stock GME stock is trading at $24.64 as of today, up 22.72% year-to-date from $20.08 at year-end 2025. That’s a meaningful move in a market where most speculative names are getting crushed.

The catalyst isn’t a single event; it’s a convergence of narratives. Reports from late January and early February, including from CNBC and the Wall Street Journal, indicated Cohen is eyeing a “very big” deal involving a publicly traded consumer company, with widespread speculation centering on eBay (NASDAQ:EBAY) as a potential target. That kind of M&A chatter has a way of lighting up retail investor communities, and this is no exception.

There’s also the compensation angle. Ryan Cohen’s compensation plan, reported in January 2026, could be worth up to $35 billion if GameStop hits certain milestones — an extraordinary figure that signals just how ambitious the transformation strategy really is. In other words, GameStop isn’t just coasting on nostalgia and Cohen is swinging for the fences.

It’s worth noting that 24/7 Wall St. explored this setup back in January, asking whether Michael Burry’s GameStop purchase could signal another meme surge. Michael Burry has been compared to Warren Buffett in the way Cohen is approaching the company’s strategic transformation, which adds a layer of credibility to the bull case that pure meme-stock narratives typically lack.

GameStop’s Sentiment Shift and Transformation Sentiment surrounding GameStop appears to be on an upswing. Retail investor communities have renewed their interest in GME stock as the acquisition speculation and Cohen’s compensation news have gained traction, with social sentiment moving in a more bullish direction in recent weeks. The composite sentiment score now sits at 57.54, with insider activity trending toward net buying.

For balance, it’s worth noting that some analysts remain skeptical. StockStory, for example, has noted GME as a stock they keep off their radar. The traditional analyst consensus price target sits at $13.50, well below where the stock trades today. That divergence between Street targets and actual price action is part of what makes GME so difficult to analyze through a conventional lens.

GameStop’s underlying business is also in the midst of a genuine transformation. The company has been accelerating store closures, investing cash reserves in Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC), and shifting toward collectibles and digital gaming. Q3 FY2025 showed net income of $77.1 million and cash and securities of approximately $8.8 billion, giving Cohen a real war chest to work with if the eBay rumors prove true.

OPEN Stock Down -16.76% Year-to-Date as iBuying Struggles Continue Opendoor Technologies, meanwhile, tells a very different story. OPEN stock is sitting at $4.88 today, down 16.76% year-to-date from $5.83 at year-end 2025. That follows a wild 2025 that saw the stock gain 317.87% over the trailing twelve months — a reminder of just how volatile this name can be.

Overall, the iBuying model continues to face pressure from a challenging housing market. Despite a strong Q4 2025 revenue beat and an aggressive “Opendoor 2.0” pivot toward AI-driven pricing and a below-market mortgage product, the path to profitability remains uncertain. A 247wallst.com article from February 22 raised concerns about OPEN stock, citing the company’s substantial net debt and a bleak housing outlook.

Opendoor Technologies did make a move to broaden its platform, acquiring Homebuyer.com in January 2026, but that hasn’t been enough to shift sentiment. Prediction markets assign only a 37.5% probability that OPEN stock finishes this week above $5, and the composite sentiment score of 38.35 reflects a broadly bearish outlook. Occasional speculative surges tied to macro headlines have faded quickly, leaving Opendoor stock firmly in the red for 2026.

Does GME Stand Alone? A Look at Other Meme Stocks in 2026 The weakness extends across the meme-stock universe. SoundHound AI shares are down 21.21% year-to-date from $9.97, with a one-week decline of 8.87% making it one of the harder-hit names in recent sessions.

AMC Entertainment stock is even more dire, down 30.13% year-to-date from $1.56 and down 64.38% over the past year. The five-year picture for AMC shares is staggering: down 98.89%, believe it or not, from $98.46 in March 2021. GameStop stock is the clear outlier in this group in 2026, and it isn’t even close.

GameStop is riding a wave of buyout speculation and short-squeeze interest while most meme stocks are fading in 2026. Whether the Cohen acquisition rumors pan out or not, GME stock has carved out a real identity as a holding company in transition, not just a Reddit darling.

That distinction may be what’s keeping it afloat while peers continue to drift lower. Watch whether today’s momentum holds into the coming days and weeks, and whether any acquisition news emerges to give the rally a more durable foundation.

STMicroelectronics N.V. (STM) Shareholder/Analyst Call Transcript

Key Takeaways SNA's Tools Group posts Q4 sales of $505M with operating margin improving to 21.2%.SNA lifts gross margin 150 bps to 46.1% by focusing on faster payback tools.SNA introduces new tools like the 307RIPLMS socket set and KTL1021 roll cab to drive demand. Snap-On Incorporated’s (SNA - Free Report) Tools Group demonstrated strong resilience in a difficult fourth-quarter 2025, highlighting its ability to sustain performance in a slower economic environment through strategic adjustments. In the fourth quarter of 2025, the segment generated sales of $505 million, slightly below the $506.6 million reported in the same period of 2024. Despite the marginal decline in revenue, operating income improved to $107.3 million from $106.9 million, raising the operating margin to 21.2%, an increase of 10 basis points (bps). At the same time, uncertainty stemming from fluctuating tariffs, prolonged shutdowns and frequent policy changes from Washington has made customers more cautious, particularly when evaluating investments with longer payback periods.

In response, the Tools Group is focusing on products with shorter payback cycles that provide immediate value to technicians and enhance shop profitability, reflected in a 46.1% gross margin, up 150 bps year over year despite flat volumes. The consistent rollout of innovative tools is improving repair efficiency. While tools storage remains pressured, demand for smaller boxes is growing, and the company’s broad accessory range is starting to see stronger traction.

The group has also introduced several products inspired by direct technician feedback. In Milwaukee, the 307RIPLMS Impact Flex socket set features extra-long shafts and low-profile hexets, enabling technicians to reach deeply recessed fasteners without removing surrounding components. Designed to speed up routine repairs, the product quickly generated $1 million in sales. Meanwhile, in Algona, Iowa, the KTL1021 54-inch Master Series roll cab was launched with seven full-width drawers, heavy-duty slides and approximately 9,300 square inches of storage. Offering substantial capacity at a midrange price point, it has been well received by technicians.

Overall, resilient margins, steady innovation, and a focus on productivity-enhancing tools position the Tools Group to navigate economic uncertainty while sustaining profitability and reinforcing its competitive position in the professional tools market.

The Zacks Rundown for SNAShares of this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company have gained 8% year to date compared with the industry’s rise of 13.5%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, SNA trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.53X, lower than the industry’s average of 19.29X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SNA’s current and next fiscal year earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 1.6% and 6.1%, respectively.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks have been discussed below:

The Toro Company (TTC - Free Report) provides professional turf maintenance equipment and services. At present, TTC flaunts a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TTC’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 3.1% and 10%, respectively, from the year-ago figures. TTC delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 6.1%, on average.

The Crocs, Inc. (CROX - Free Report) designs, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells casual lifestyle footwear and accessories for men, women, and kids under the Crocs and HEYDUDE Brands in the United States and internationally. At present, CROX flaunts a Zacks Rank of 2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CROX’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 0.6% and 7.2%, respectively, from the year-ago figures. CROX delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 16.6%, on average.

Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM - Free Report) engages in the design, development, marketing, and distribution of outdoor, active, and lifestyle products in the United States, Latin America, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Canada. At present, COLM flaunts a Zacks Rank of 2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COLM’s current fiscal-year sales implies growth of 2.1%, and earnings indicate a decline of 6.2% from the year-ago figures. COLM delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 25.2%, on average.

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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Did you buy KD securities between August 7, 2024, and February 9, 2026?

Affected Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. Investor Summary

Who: Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KD)What: Securities fraud class action lawsuit filedClass Period: August 7, 2024, through February 9, 2026Deadline to Seek Lead Plaintiff Status: April 13, 2026Key Lawsuit Allegations: Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company’s cash management practices and internal control over financial reporting.Investor Action: Contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) for recovery options at no cost to investor RADNOR, Pa., March 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (Kyndryl) (NYSE: KD) on behalf of those who purchased or acquired Kyndryl securities between August 7, 2024, and February 9, 2026, inclusive. The lawsuit is filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York and is captioned Brander v. Kyndryl Holdings, Inc., et al, Case No. 1:26-cv-00782 (E.D.N.Y.).   Investors have until April 13, 2026, to file for lead plaintiff status.  

CONTACT KTMC TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS:
If you purchased or acquired Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. securities and have lost money on your investment, you are encouraged to contact KTMC attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. at:

(484) 270-1453
[email protected]
https://www.ktmc.com/kd-kyndryl-holdings-inc-class-action-lawsuit?utm_source=Globe&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=kd&mktm=PR

There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney.

Learn more about Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. on YouTube:

Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. Securities Class Action Lawsuit (long video)Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. Securities Class Action Lawsuit (short video) KYNDRYL HOLDINGS, INC. CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT - COMPLAINT ALLEGATION SUMMARY:
The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Kyndryl’s financial statements issued during the Class Period were materially misstated; (2) Kyndryl lacked adequate internal controls and at times materially understated issues with its internal controls; (3) as a result, Kyndryl would be unable to timely file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC for the quarter ended December 31, 2025; and (4) as a result, Defendants’ statements about Kyndryl’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times.

Why did Kyndryl’s Stock Drop?
On February 9, 2026, Kyndryl surprised investors when it announced that the company’s CFO and General Counsel had both departed “effective immediately.” Kyndryl also disclosed that, following the company’s receipt of voluntary document requests from the SEC, that the company is reviewing its cash management practices related disclosures as well as the efficacy of the company’s internal control over financial reporting and certain other matters. Kyndryl further disclosed that it anticipates reporting material weaknesses in the company’s internal control over financial reporting. On this news, Kyndryl’s stock price fell over 54%, from a close of $23.49 on February 6, 2026, to close at $10.59 on February 9, 2026.

WHAT KD INVESTORS CAN DO NOW:

File to be lead plaintiff by April 13, 2026.Contact KTMC for a free case evaluation.Retain counsel of choice or take no action. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS FOR KYNDRYL HOLDINGS, INC. INVESTORS:
Kyndryl investors may, no later than April 13, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation.  The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Kyndryl investors to contact the firm for more information.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal’s Plaintiff’s Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group’s Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer’s Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon’s Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360’s Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California.  KTMC has recovered over $25 billion for our clients and the classes they represent. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com.   The complaint in this matter was not filed by KTMC.

CONTACT:

Jonathan Naji, Esq.
(484) 270-1453
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
[email protected]

        May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Key Takeaways IDXX rose 39.4% in a year, beating its industry and the S&P 500 as CAG Diagnostics drives momentum.IDXX posted 10% organic growth in Q4 CAG Diagnostics recurring revenues on volume gains and pricing.IDXX software, PIMS and Vello tools improved clinic workflows and boosted diagnostics use, driving growth. IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX - Free Report) has shown strong momentum in the last 12 months, rising 39.4%. The stock has comfortably surpassed the industry’s 4.3% decline and the S&P 500 Composite’s 23.1% return.

Carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present, the pet healthcare innovator's ongoing momentum in Companion Animal Group (“CAG”) Diagnostics’ recurring revenues is supported by improved net price realization and solid volume growth, driven by business expansion.

International opportunity remains appealing to IDEXX Laboratories, as it continues investing in its commercial footprint. Its software solutions are enhancing clinic workflows and promoting greater utilization of diagnostics, supporting expansion.

Headquartered in Westbrook, ME, IDEXX Laboratories distributes products and services primarily for the companion animal veterinary, livestock, poultry and dairy, and water testing industries. The company provides software, hardware and integrated services that run key functions of veterinary clinics, including managing patient electronic health records, scheduling, client communication, billing and inventory management.

IDEXX Laboratories’ footprint spans more than 175 countries, with innovation and customer focus being crucial to its long-term value creation strategy.

What’s Behind IDXX Stock’s Price Surge?The increase in the company’s share price can be linked to the consistently strong performance in the CAG Diagnostics business. Worldwide CAG Diagnostics’ recurring revenues increased 10% organically in the fourth quarter of 2025, including solid benefits from volume growth and average global net price improvement.

Latest innovations, such as the Cancer Dx diagnostic panel for early detection of canine lymphoma, inVue Dx cellular analyzer, as well as the expansion of the Catalyst platform with the Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase and the Catalyst Cortisol Test, continue to gain commercial traction.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

In December, IDEXX Laboratories initiated a controlled launch of Fine Needle Aspirate on inVue Dx, a critical diagnostic technique used daily to assess masses and skin lesions. Fourth-quarter 2025 veterinary software and diagnostic imaging revenues also increased 13% organically, supported by recurring revenue gains, with momentum from the company’s vertical SaaS strategy.

IDEXX Laboratories is expanding its global commercial capability to sustain strong CAG Diagnostics recurring revenue growth. Its commercial strategies are tailored to regional dynamics worldwide, supported by strong Reference Laboratory networks and an innovation-led approach that ensures high product/market fit, such as with ProCyte One hematology analyzer and SNAP Leishmania. International regions delivered strong growth throughout 2025, reflecting ongoing demand for diagnostic solutions and significant global opportunity.

Meanwhile, the company’s software ecosystem remains a key component of its value proposition. The solutions are driving growth by improving clinic workflows and supporting greater utilization of diagnostics. Throughout last year, IDEXX Laboratories delivered strong performance in its practice information management systems (PIMS), alongside continued momentum in pet owner engagement tools, such as Vello. The integration of Vello with the diagnostics and PIMS ecosystem further expands its value, making it an increasingly important part of the company’s long-term growth engine. The year ended with record quarterly bookings, signaling strong momentum for these software solutions.

Concerns for IDEXXIn recent times, U.S. clinical visit growth levels have been constrained by the persistent staffing challenges at veterinary clinics and the cumulative impacts of broader macroeconomic challenges on consumers. IDEXX Laboratories’ U.S. outlook for 2026 anticipates net price improvement of 3.5%, with U.S. same-store clinical visit growth expected to decline 2%, given the ongoing macro and sector constraints.

A Glance at IDXX’s EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for IDEXX’s 2026 and 2027 earnings per share (EPS) is expected to increase 11.2% and 12.4% year over year, respectively, to $14.55 and $16.36. In the past 30 days, the consensus mark for the company's 2026 EPS has inched up 0.4%. 

Revenues for 2026 are projected to grow 8.6% to $4.67 billion, while the same for 2027 is expected to reach $5.09 billion, implying a 8.9% increase.

Key PicksSome better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Globus Medical (GMED - Free Report) , Intuitive Surgical (ISRG - Free Report) and Edwards Lifesciences (EW - Free Report) .

Globus Medical has an earnings yield of 4.9%, well ahead of the industry’s negative 0.7% yield. Its earnings surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, the average surprise being 18.8%. The company’s shares have rallied 15.5% against the industry’s 4.3% fall in the past year.

GMED sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Intuitive Surgical, flaunting a Zacks Rank #1, has an earnings yield of 2.1% against the industry’s negative 0.7% yield. Shares of the company have risen 1.5% against the industry’s 4.3% fall. ISRG’s earnings topped estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 13.2%.

Edwards Lifesciences, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, has an earnings yield of 3.6% against the industry’s negative 0.7% yield. Shares of the company have climbed 19.1% against the industry’s 4.3% decline. EW’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, the average surprise being 5.5%.

HomeMarket OutlookToday's Market

SummaryTwo US banks posted double-digit percentage growth in assets on a sequential basis in the fourth quarter of 2025, causing a shake-up in the US banking industry asset rankings.In the most recent quarter, the 50 largest US banks reported a $186.20 billion increase in assets, with 38 institutions posting growth.Aggregate assets of the four largest US banks declined sequentially by $26.85 billion, or 0.2%, in the fourth quarter of 2025, following a 0.6% increase in the previous quarter. EschCollection/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Two US banks posted double-digit percentage growth in assets on a sequential basis in the fourth quarter of 2025, causing a shake-up in the US banking industry asset rankings.

Banco Santander SA (SAN) on

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Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NXST) Deutsche Bank 34th Annual Media, Internet & Telecom Conference March 9, 2026 11:40 AM EDT

Company Participants

Perry Sook - Founder, Chairman & CEO
Lee Gliha - Executive VP & CFO

Conference Call Participants

Benjamin Soff - Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division

Presentation

Benjamin Soff
Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division

Good morning, everyone. My name is Benjamin Soff. I'm the equity analyst at Deutsche Bank covering TV broadcasters, and I'm very pleased to be joined today by Nexstar's Chairman and CEO, Perry Sook; and CFO, Lee Ann Gliha. Thanks for being here.

Perry Sook
Founder, Chairman & CEO

Thank you for having us.

Question-and-Answer Session

Benjamin Soff
Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division

You reported 4Q earnings a couple of weeks ago. Looking back to 2025, what were some of the highlights for Nexstar? And what are your key priorities for 2026?

Lee Gliha
Executive VP & CFO

Maybe I'll kick that off. We had, I think, really good 2025. We had record odd year revenue, which was fantastic for us. We had -- in the fourth quarter, we actually generated a positive 4.5% growth in our nonpolitical advertising revenue, which was an improvement from what we had thought at the time when we did our third quarter earnings, which was a positive signal regarding the advertising market. Again, in 2025, we were able to reduce our overall operating expenses by being very focused on making sure that we were streamlining operations where we could. And so we were able to actually reduce costs benefiting the bottom line.

And then going into 2026, we're very excited about the opportunity that is coming for us with respect to the TEGNA acquisition. But beyond that, in 2020 -- at the end of 2025, we renewed about 60% of our distribution deals representing 60% of our subscribers. And so

Investors in the live entertainment giant Live Nation are feeling optimistic this morning after reports that the company has settled its civil antitrust lawsuit with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and 39 participating states. The settlement will cost Live Nation, but it means that the company has narrowly avoided a forced breakup with its popular subsidiary, Ticketmaster. 

The reports come after a week-long trial in which the DOJ laid out its argument that Live Nation and Ticketmaster rely on anticompetitive conduct to create a monopoly over the live events industry in the U.S., leading the DOJ to call for a separation of the brands.

On March 9, sources close to the matter informed outlets including The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, and The New York Times that Live Nation has reached a settlement with the DOJ—reportedly for a sum of around $300 million and several tweaks to its business model—to avoid that outcome.

While some attorneys general plan to continue pursuing the case independently, Live Nation’s investors are reacting positively to the news: the company’s shares are up around 6% since market close as of this writing.

Why did the DOJ sue Live Nation?Live Nation and Ticketmaster first merged back in 2010 in a deal that was reviewed and approved by the DOJ. By 2024, though, the DOJ apparently regretted its decision. That May, the department filed its suit against the company for thwarting competition through dubious practices designed to make its services the only option available to artists, venues, and fans.

At the time, former U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland wrote, “We allege that Live Nation relies on unlawful, anticompetitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States at the cost of fans, artists, smaller promoters, and venue operators,” adding, “the result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices for ticketing services. It is time to break up Live Nation-Ticketmaster.”

One of the chief concerns raised by plaintiffs in the courtroom was that Live Nation and Ticketmaster used exclusionary contracts to lock artists and venues into a so-called “flywheel” that made Live Nation the only viable option for concert promotion and ticket sales. According to The New York Times, multiple witnesses alleged that Live Nation had threatened to retaliate against their venues if they did not use Ticketmaster as their exclusive ticketing vendor.

Key Takeaways PAAS invested $94M in 2025 projects, highlighting La Colorada and revisiting the Skarn plan.PAAS drilling in Candelaria found four new high-grade veins; 40% of holes topped 1,000 g/t silver.PAAS plans phased development, combining the La Colorada vein mine with the Skarn project. Pan American Silver Corp. (PAAS - Free Report) invested $94 million of project capital in 2025 to advance several major projects, among which the most notable is the La Colorada mine in Mexico. The company is reevaluating the development plans for the Skarn project since the discovery of high-grade silver zones and increased mineral resources at La Colorada.

Pan American Silver aims to combine the mine plans and infrastructure of the La Colorada vein mine with the Skarn project through a phased development approach. With this approach, the company can focus on high-grade, low-tonnage and less capital-intensive initial stages, while targeting lower-grade material in a future expansion.

The company is moving ahead with initial mine infrastructure early works mobilization at the Skarn project while simultaneously advancing drilling and underground development in Candelaria’s deep east sections. On Thursday, Pan American Silver reported continued exceptional results from exploration at La Colorada. Drilling results highlighted the discovery of at least four new high-grade veins in the southeastern Candelaria zone. Exploration activities revealed high-grade structures with 40% of drill holes exceeding 1,000 g/t silver, signaling a clear opportunity to expand the project’s total resource base.

Pan American Silver expects 2026 total silver production of 25-27 million ounces, with a stronger performance anticipated in the second half of the year. Increased contributions from La Colorada will be a primary driver of this growth.

Growth Projects of Pan American Silver’s PeersAvino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (ASM - Free Report) is benefiting from its strategy of advancing production, development and exploration projects in Mexico. Avino Silver’s La Preciosa project was reclassified from exploration to development in April 2025 after demonstrating technical feasibility and commercial viability. During 2025, La Preciosa contributed initial mill feed and drilling returned high-grade results.

Hecla Mining Company’s (HL - Free Report) Polaris Exploration Project in Mineral County, NV, received approval to begin exploration activities in 2026. Early drilling at  Hecla Mining’s Midas Project in Nevada has delivered encouraging results. The company’s Lucky Friday and Keno Hill project also delivered an improved performance in 2025.

PAAS’ Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesIn a year, PAAS shares have skyrocketed 158.3% compared with the industry's 212.3% whopping growth. In comparison, the Basic Materials sector has risen 47.5%, whereas the S&P 500 has moved up 24.6%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

PAAS is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings multiple of 14.88X compared with the industry average of 18.15X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

In comparison, Avino Silver and Hecla Mining are trading at a higher 27.78X and 35.34X, respectively.

The consensus mark for 2026 earnings is pegged at $3.97 per share, indicating a year-over-year jump of 56.3%. The estimate for 2027 of $4.14 suggests an increase of 4.3%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pan American Silver’s earnings for 2026 has moved up 8.2% over the past 60 days and the same for 2027 has risen 4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

PAAS currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.