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SummaryPayPal Holdings presents a classic contrarian opportunity with shares trading at 7-8x forward earnings after a series of negative developments.Recent headwinds include a sharp branded checkout slowdown, lowered near-term guidance, and withdrawal of long-term targets, yet operational metrics show stability.Take rates have remained sequentially stable in 2025 despite a YoY decline, suggesting that further material downside is difficult to justify.A measured Buy is fundamentally supported as downside risks appear lower than the probability of stabilization or turnaround at current valuations. chameleonseye/iStock Editorial via Getty Images

All the bad news possible in PayPal Holdings (PYPL) seems to be already in, after a torrid Q4. Leadership changes, a sharp slowdown in branded checkout growth, lower near-term guidance, and the withdrawal of prior long-term targets have

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.

Consumer discretionary stocks haven’t fared so well in 2026. After finishing with a 6% gain last year—good for third worst among the S&P 500’s 11 sectors—the cohort has posted a 2.7% year-to-date (YTD) loss, also good for third to last place. 

Things have looked even bleaker over the past month, during which time the consumer discretionary sector has lost 6.46%—dead last in the S&P 500. But help could be on the way later this year thanks to an unlikely hero: food inflation. 

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its Food Price Outlook for 2026. And while the cost of some foodstuffs is expected to slow, most others are expected to rise. One notable takeaway is that prices for food away from home (i.e., dining out) are expected to surge nearly 5%. 

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That’s good news for one exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides basket exposure to a handful of fast food and fast casual dining chains.

Food Inflation Is Not Going Away If you thought prices were out of control in 2025, just wait until this year. Products like pork and eggs are expected to deflate, but beef and veal prices are forecast to increase 9.4% in 2026. However, that inflation will not hurt grocery shoppers as much as it will those who enjoy going out to eat. 

Food-at-home prices are predicted to increase 1.7%, but food-away-from-home prices are predicted to increase 4.6%. That, of course, may dissuade some from dining out. But even for companies whose stocks struggled in 2025, many saw top-line growth despite falling share prices and shifting consumer sentiment.  

Take, for instance, Chipotle NYSE: CMG. Despite CMG's shares being battered last year, the company has consistently posted year-over-year (YOY) revenue growth. That includes last year—albeit at a slower rate of 5.41% YOY—despite the stock falling more than 30%. From 2022 to 2024, the company averaged 14.45% YOY revenue growth. 

Despite inflation remaining sticky this year, it is down considerably from 2022’s 41-year high record consumer price increases, when food prices rose 9.9%. Inasmuch, it could be argued that Chipotle’s slower revenue growth last year is an outlier, and better results would be in store even if that annual figure were to moderate slightly. 

Although consumers are lamenting the loss of dollar menus, they are simultaneously—albeit begrudgingly—accepting the reality of $12 burgers, $15 burritos, and $20 pizzas. 

According to industry consultancy firm Grand View Research, the global fast food and quick service restaurant market size, which was estimated at more than $296 billion in 2025, is projected to enjoy a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 14.8% from 2026 through 2033 when it reaches a forecasted value of more than $885 billion. 

That is really good news for one ETF in particular. 

Order Up Exposure With the EATZ ETF Since it was launched on April 20, 2021, the AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF (EATZ) has provided investors with broad exposure to the fast food and quick service restaurant market. The fund is actively managed and carries an expense ratio of 0.99%, which is partially offset by its modest dividend yield of 0.48%, or 13 cents per share annually.

AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF TodayEATZ

AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF

$27.23 -0.15 (-0.55%)

As of 02/20/2026 04:10 PM Eastern

52-Week Range$24.19▼

$31.61Dividend Yield0.48%

Assets Under Management$2.59 million

The ETF’s holdings, by weight, include Nathan's Famous NASDAQ: NATH , Dutch Bros NYSE: BROS, Darden Restaurants NYSE: DRI, Yum! Brands NYSE: YUM, Chipotle, The Cheesecake Factory NASDAQ: CAKE, El Pollo Loco NASDAQ: LOCO, Texas Roadhouse NASDAQ: TXRH, Domino's NASDAQ: DPZ, DoorDash NASDAQ: DASH, Wingstop NASDAQ: WING, and more.

Admittedly, some of those stocks have struggled over the past year. But in numerous instances, that appears to be an aberration more than the new normal. Returning to the Chipotle case, in years when revenue growth slowed dramatically, it bounced back toward the mean each time. After posting YOY growth of nearly 15% in 2019, the pandemic resulted in just 7.13% revenue growth in 2020. But in 2021, that figure rebounded to more than 26% in 2022.  

Last year, the fast-casual restaurant saw record net income. So too did Dutch Bros, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse owner Darden Restaurants, and Texas Roadhouse. Domino’s, which doesn’t report earnings until Feb. 23, is on pace to set record revenue, as are The Cheesecake Factory and DoorDash when they next report. 

The fund receives an aggregate Moderate Buy rating despite a notable current short interest of nearly 24%, or more than 21,000 shares of the 90,000 shares outstanding. EATZ could also warrant concerns regarding liquidity, as it has an average daily trading volume of just 2,240 shares. 

But for investors who believe in the long-term prospects of the global fast food and quick service restaurant market size, the AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF can be your portfolio’s all-you-can-eat buffet. 

Should You Invest $1,000 in AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF Right Now?Before you consider AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF wasn't on the list.

While AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF currently has a Hold rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

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NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Beyond Meat, Inc. (NASDAQ: BYND) between February 27, 2025 and November 11, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important March 24, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

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

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Beyond Meat class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=16090 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than March 24, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

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

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the book value of certain of Beyond Meat’s long-lived assets exceeded their fair value, making it highly likely that Beyond Meat would be required to record a material, non-cash impairment charge; (2) the  foregoing was likely to impair Beyond Meat’s ability to timely file its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (3) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Beyond Meat class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=16090 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

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

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

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

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

Contact Information:

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

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) between January 17, 2025 and November 13, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 3, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

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

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Plug Power class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=1011 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 3, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

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

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) defendants had materially overstated the likelihood that funds attributed to the U.S. Department of Energy's Loan would ultimately become available to Plug Power, and/or that Plug Power would ultimately construct the hydrogen production facilities necessary to receive those funds; (2) as such, Plug Power was likely to pivot toward more modest projects with less commercial upside; and (3) as a result, Plug Power's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Plug Power class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=1011 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

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

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

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

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284714

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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REX FANG & Innovation Equity Premium Income ETF offers a high current dividend yield, supported by its latest monthly distribution of $0.9548 per share. The fund's strategy and performance are highlighted, with a focus on income generation and recent yield levels. Dividend risks are discussed, emphasizing the sustainability and reliability of the fund's monthly distributions.

Nextech3D.AI (CSE:NTAR, OTCQX:NEXCF, FRA:1SS) earlier this week reported Q3 2026 financial results that CEO Evan Gappelberg described as a corporate “inflection point,” highlighting 59% revenue growth, 20% sequential quarterly growth and record gross margins of 95%.

Speaking to Proactive, Gappelberg said the company has emerged from the recent bear market “leaner and stronger than ever,” positioning itself for what he called a new phase of scalable, high-margin growth. He emphasized that the latest quarter was not simply a strong reporting period, but rather proof that Nextech3D.AI’s enterprise-focused strategy is gaining traction.

Gappelberg pointed to accelerating adoption of the company’s unified AI event platform, particularly among enterprise customers. He stressed that “enterprise deals are the big deals,” referencing major organizations such as Google, Microsoft, Meta and BNP Paribas.

The company’s pipeline, he said, is now more enterprise-focused than at any time in its history outside of the exceptional conditions seen during 2020.

A key catalyst is the integration of recent acquisitions. Nextech3D.AI acquired Eventdex toward the end of 2025 and completed the acquisition of Krafty Labs on January 2.

Gappelberg noted that Krafty Labs already serves hundreds of Fortune 1000 customers, including Google, Microsoft, Meta, Netflix, General Motors and BNP Paribas. He said these relationships validate the technology and create opportunities for multi-platform expansion across the Nextech ecosystem.

Importantly, the reported Q3 numbers did not include a full-quarter contribution from Eventdex and did not include Krafty Labs, suggesting potential incremental upside in upcoming quarters as integration progresses.

Looking ahead, Gappelberg indicated that the current quarter is already shaping up to be stronger, supported by an expanding enterprise pipeline and accelerating platform adoption.

He also revealed that the company plans to unveil its next-generation platform in the coming weeks, which could represent an additional catalyst for investor attention.

Chevron is a top-tier dividend stock.

Chevron (CVX 0.46%) is a dividend-paying juggernaut. The oil giant recently hiked its dividend payment by 4%, extending its growth streak to 39 consecutive years. The company currently has a 3.9% dividend yield, more than three times the S&P 500's level (1.2%).

The high-yield dividend stock enables investors to generate lots of passive income. All it takes is a $3,000 investment in Chevron to generate hundreds of dollars in passive income in the coming years.

Image source: Getty Images.

A high-octane income stream Chevron increased its quarterly dividend payment by 4% this year to $1.78 per share ($7.12 annually). If you invested $3,000 in Chevron, you could buy 16 shares at the current price of around $185 each. That would enable you to collect $113.92 in dividends over the next year ($28.48 each quarter). If Chevron simply maintained its current dividend rate, you'd collect $569.60 in dividend income over the next five years.

However, barring a collapse in crude oil prices, Chevron will most likely continue increasing its dividend. It currently has the second-longest dividend growth streak in the oil patch behind ExxonMobil's 43 consecutive years. The company has grown its payout at a peer-leading 7% compound annual rate over the last quarter-century.

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If we assume a more modest dividend growth rate of around 4% annually (matching this year's raise), here's how much dividend income you could collect from Chevron over the next five years:

Annual dividend rate

Annual dividend income

Year One

$7.12

$113.92

Year Two

$7.40

$118.48

Year Three

$7.70

$123.22

Year Four

$8.01

$128.14

Year Five

$8.33

$133.27

Cumulative

$617.03

Data source: Author.

Incidentally, that's a lot more income than you'd generate from a $3,000 investment in ExxonMobil.

Plenty of fuel to continue growing its dividend While Chevron's historical track record of increasing its dividend doesn't guarantee it will continue to grow the payout, it shows the priority it places on dividends. However, history alone isn't the primary factor driving the view that Chevron will continue growing its dividends. The company's financial profile and outlook more than support this expectation.

Chevron generated $16.6 billion in free cash flow last year, delivering industry-leading growth despite falling oil prices. The oil giant got a big boost from recently completed major growth projects and its acquisition of Hess. Chevron produced more than enough cash to cover its dividend payments ($12.1 billion in 2025). That was part of the $27.1 billion in cash it returned to shareholders last year. It funded the difference with its fortress balance sheet.

The company expects its free cash flow to surge by $12.5 billion this year, fueled by expansion projects, the Hess acquisition, and its structural cost-savings initiatives. Meanwhile, Chevron anticipates that its free cash flow will grow at a more than 10% compound annual rate through 2030 (assuming oil averages $70 a barrel, which is right below the current price point), fueled by major growth projects. That should give it plenty of fuel to increase its dividend, which will likely grow much faster than 4% each year.

An excellent income stock Chevron has a terrific record of increasing its high-yielding dividend, which seems likely to continue. That makes it a great stock for those seeking to generate passive income.

Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Significant Losses In Beta Bionics To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you suffered significant losses in Beta Bionics stock or options and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). 

[You may also click here for additional information]

, /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Beta Bionics, Inc. ("Beta Bionics" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: BBNX).

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

James (Josh) Wilson, Faruqi & Faruqi Senior Partner (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP) On January 9, 2026, shares of Beta Bionics declined sharply in trading, following the company's disclosure of preliminary fourth-quarter 2025 performance metrics that fell short of market expectations.

The company reported lower-than-anticipated new patient starts for its iLet automated insulin delivery system, prompting investor concerns regarding near-term adoption trends and revenue growth.

On this news, Beta Bionics stock fell roughly $11.85 or 37.04% to close at $20.14, on January 9, 2026.

To learn more about the Beta Bionics investigation, go to www.faruqilaw.com/BBNX or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising.  The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.  We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case.  All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Fermi To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or otherwise acquired securities in Fermi (a) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Registration Statement") issued in connection with the Company's October 2025 initial public offering ("IPO" or the "Offering"); and/or (b) securities between October 1, 2025 and December 11, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period") and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]

, /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Fermi Inc. ("Fermi" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: FRMI) and reminds investors of the March 6, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

James (Josh) Wilson, Faruqi & Faruqi Senior Partner (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP) Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Company overstated its tenant demand for its Project Matador campus; (2) the extent to which Project Matador would rely on a single tenant's funding commitment to finance the construction of Project Matador; (3) there was a significant risk that that tenant would terminate its funding commitment; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On October 1, 2025, Fermi completed its initial public offering of approximately 32.5 million shares of common stock at $21.00 per share. The Company's registration statement emphasized its plans to develop a large electric generation campus for AI data centers and identified an investment-grade "First Tenant" for its Project Matador site. The registration statement stated that, on September 19, 2025, Fermi had entered into a letter of intent with the First Tenant to lease a portion of the site on a triple-net basis for an initial twenty-year term, with four five-year renewal options.

In November 2025, the Company further announced that the First Tenant had entered into an Advance in Aid of Construction Agreement agreeing, subject to conditions, to advance up to $150 million toward construction costs.

On December 12, 2025, Fermi disclosed that the First Tenant had terminated the AICA the prior day, eliminating a key funding arrangement for the Project. Although Fermi stated that lease negotiations continued under the letter of intent, the market reacted negatively, and Fermi's stock price fell more than 33%, closing at $10.09 per share, well below the IPO price.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. 

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Fermi's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Fermi class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/FRMI or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

Tech companies will always face threats, but this one has successfully navigated industry developments.

In November 2022, OpenAI released ChatGPT 3.5 to incredible success. Within two months, the chatbot had amassed 100 million users, who found the human dialogue and code and text generation to be groundbreaking.

Any time a widely adopted product or service enters the market, investors worry about the threat it can pose to the incumbents. This was certainly the case with Alphabet (GOOGL +3.95%) (GOOG +3.66%). There were fears that its crown jewel, Google Search, was counting down the days until it became obsolete.

We're now more than three years after ChatGPT's launch. And Alphabet shareholders shouldn't worry. Here's one reason why.

Image source: Getty Images.

Early concerns were understandable The risk to Google Search when ChatGPT and its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities hit the scene was obvious. If people start to use chatbots more often when seeking information, it will lead to a lower number of queries going to Google Search. As a result, this will pressure advertising revenue, which is key to Alphabet's financial success.

To add fuel to the fire, Microsoft, which has invested billions of dollars into OpenAI, decided to power its Bing search engine with the help of ChatGPT. It also didn't help that Alphabet fumbled its early AI efforts, with Bard (now called Gemini) providing inaccurate answers.

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Google Search still dominates the market Fast-forward to early 2026, and Google Search still sits on the throne. According to statcounter, it has 90% share of the global search market. Bing has less than 5% share.

This is why investors have no reason to worry. ChatGPT was perhaps the biggest risk factor that Alphabet faced in recent memory. And Google Search still reported $63.1 billion in revenue in 2025, up 17% year over year.

It continues to dominate, with the success of AI Overviews and AI Mode as notable developments that expand the ways people look for information. "Search saw more usage in Q4 than ever before, as AI continues to drive an expansionary moment," CEO Sundar Pichai said on the Q4 2025 earnings call.

This is clear evidence that Alphabet's most important platform has successfully adapted to the rise of AI. In the future, there will certainly be new AI products and services that are released by other companies. But Alphabet's ability to respond and lean on its advantages, mainly around data, tech know-how, network effects, and unrivaled distribution, give it the upper hand.

This adds support to the argument that Alphabet remains a no-brainer AI stock for investors to buy and hold.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Plug Power To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Plug Power between January 17, 2025 and November 13, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Plug Power Inc. ("Plug Power" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: PLUG) and reminds investors of the April 3, 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 recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (i) Defendants had materially overstated the likelihood that funds attributed to the DOE Loan would ultimately become available to Plug Power, and/or that Plug Power would ultimately construct the hydrogen production facilities necessary to receive those funds; (ii) as such, Plug Power was likely to pivot toward more modest projects with less commercial upside; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On October 7, 2025, Plug Power issued a press release and filed a current report on Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") announcing that Defendant Andrew Marsh would step down from his role as the Company's Chief Executive Officer, "effective as of the date [Plug Power] files its [2025] Annual Report", and that Sanjay Shrestha would step down from his role as the Company's President, "effective as of October 10, 2025[.]" Plug Power concurrently announced the appointment of Chief Revenue Officer Jose Luis Crespo to both roles. The abrupt departure of two key executives just one month before the expected issuance of Plug Power's financial and operating results for the third quarter plainly did not bode well for the Company.

On this news, Plug Power's stock price fell $0.26 per share, or 6.29%, to close at $3.87 per share later that day.

Then, on November 10, 2025, Plug Power issued a press release reporting its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, and filed a quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC that reported the same. That same day, Plug Power held a related conference call to discuss those results. During the call, Defendants announced that they expected to generate more than $275 million in liquidity after signing a nonbinding letter of intent to monetize their electricity rights in New York and one other location in partnership with a major U.S. data center developer, and that "[a]s a result, we have suspended activities under the DOE loan program, allowing us to redeploy capital". This represented a significant pivot for Plug Power. Defendants had not previously discussed the possibility of suspending activities under the DOE Loan and during the Class Period, and, just eight months earlier, had specifically advised analysts that they should "not expect revenue from that segment [i.e., data center power generation] of any size over the next two to three years".

On this news, Plug Power's stock price fell $0.09 per share, or 3.39%, to close at $2.53 per share on November 11, 2025.

Then, during market hours on November 13, 2025, The Washington Examiner reported that Plug Power "confirmed . . . that it suspended activities" on "its plans to construct six facilities to produce and liquefy zero or low-carbon hydrogen, putting at risk" the $1.66 billion DOE Loan it closed in January.

On this news, Plug Power's stock price fell $0.48 per share, or 17.58%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $2.25 per share on November 14, 2025.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Plug Power's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Plug Power Inc. class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/PLUG or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284728

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Significant Losses In Rezolute To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you suffered significant losses in Rezolute stock or options and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Rezolute, Inc. ("Rezolute" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: RZLT).

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

Rezolute, Inc. shares tumbled sharply on December 11, 2025, as investors reacted to disappointing topline results from its Phase 3 sunRIZE clinical trial for ersodetug, its lead drug candidate for treating congenital hyperinsulinism. The study failed to meet both its primary and key secondary endpoints, with the highest dose showing reductions in hypoglycemia events that were not statistically significant versus placebo.

During intraday trading, RZLT collapsed from levels near its prior day close of around $10.94 to an intraday low near $0.90, representing an approximate 85-90% drop as markets opened and halted trading under Nasdaq's volatility controls.

To learn more about the Rezolute investigation, go to www.faruqilaw.com/RZLT or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284722

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Bath & Body Works To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Bath & Body Works between June 4, 2024 and November 19, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

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, /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Bath & Body Works, Inc. ("Bath & Body Works" or the "Company") (NYSE: BBWI) and reminds investors of the March 16, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

James (Josh) Wilson, Faruqi & Faruqi Senior Partner (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP) Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Company's strategy of pursuing "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" was not growing the customer base and/or delivering the level of growth in net sales touted; (2) as the Company's strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" faltered, the Company relied on brand collaborations "to carry quarters" and obfuscate otherwise weak underlying financial results; (3) as a result, the Company was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance; (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On November 20, 2025, Bath & Body Works, Inc. announced disappointing third quarter 2025 financial results, reporting a 1% year-over-year decline in revenue, missing prior guidance calling for 1–3% growth, and a 26% drop in net income to $77 million. The Company also sharply reduced its full-year outlook, cutting expected earnings per diluted share from a range of $3.28 to $3.53 to "at least $2.83." That same day, in an investor presentation, Bath & Body Works unveiled a new business strategy and acknowledged that its prior focus on "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" had failed to grow its total customer base. The Company further admitted that this strategy reduced investment in core categories, relied on collaborations to "carry quarters," and led to an overreliance on deeper and more frequent promotions.

Following these disclosures, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $5.22, or 24.8%, to close at $15.82 per share on November 20, 2025.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. 

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Bath & Body Works' conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Bath & Body Works class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/BBWI or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Significant Losses In Wealthfront To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you suffered significant losses in Wealthfront stock or options and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Wealthfront Corporation ("Wealthfront" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WLTH).

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

Shares of Wealthfront Corporation declined sharply following the company's first post-IPO earnings release, pressured by disappointing asset flow figures and emerging investor concerns about strategic exposures underpinning its mortgage business. The stock sell-off came as Wealthfront reported softer net inflows in recent months, signaling a slowdown in client acquisitions and cash management balances relative to prior periods. Additionally, heightened market scrutiny over the CEO's ownership stake in a banking partner central to the firm's mortgage initiative has added to investor uncertainty, fueling speculation around potential conflicts of interest and long-term integration risks.

Since the company's IPO on or around December 12, 2025, at $14.00 per share, the stock has fallen $3.74, or 26.71%, to close at $10.26 on January 14, 2026.

To learn more about the Wealthfront investigation, go to www.faruqilaw.com/WLTH or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284721

Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Significant Losses In Helen of Troy To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you suffered significant losses in Helen of Troy stock or options and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Helen of Troy Limited ("Helen of Troy" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: HELE).

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

On October 9, 2025, Helen of Troy reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, revealing an approximately 8.9% year-over-year decline in consolidated net sales to roughly $431.8 million. The Company also reported a GAAP diluted loss per share of $13.44, driven in part by significant charges, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.59, down substantially from $1.21 in the prior-year period.

Following this news, Helen of Troy's common stock declined sharply. The Company's shares fell $6.90 per share, or approximately 25.0%, to close at $20.71 per share on October 9, 2025.

To learn more about the Helen of Troy investigation, go to www.faruqilaw.com/HELE or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284719

Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP

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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Picard Medical To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Picard Medical between September 2, 2025 and October 31, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2026) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Picard Medical, Inc. ("Picard" or the "Company") (NYSE American: PMI) and reminds investors of the April 13, 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 recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) that Picard was the subject of a fraudulent stock promotion scheme involving social media-based misinformation and impersonated financial professionals; (2) that insiders and/or affiliates used offshore or nominee accounts to facilitate the coordinated dumping of shares during a price inflation campaign; and (3) that Picard's public statements and risk disclosures omitted any mention of the false rumors and artificial trading activity driving the stock price.

On October 24, 2025, Picard Medical, Inc. (NYSE: PMI) shares closed at $5.31, a steep decline from the prior trading session's close of $13.20 on October 23, 2025. This represents a drop of $7.89 per share, or approximately a 59.8% decrease in value in a single session, marking one of the most significant one-day declines since the company's recent IPO.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Picard Medical's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Picard Medical class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/PMI or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/284727

Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP

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Perion Networks' FY '26 guidance implies 11% contribution ex-TAC growth at the midpoint, with adjusted EBITDA margins expanding 100 bps to 23%. Management targets greater than 20% CAGR in contribution ex-TAC through 2028, alongside margin expansion to 28%. Net cash of $285M equals more than 80% of the current market cap.

More than 80% of those treated with TREMFYA® were in clinical remission and more than 50% were in endoscopic remission at Week 140 of the QUASAR long-term extension study, showing lasting disease control for patients 

78% of patients achieved intestinal healing at both the tissue and visual level (histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement)

, /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced new long-term data from the QUASAR long-term extension (LTE) study showing that TREMFYA® (guselkumab) sustained clinical, endoscopic, and histologic outcomes through Week 140 in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). These data are among the 30 company-sponsored abstracts being presented at the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) 2026 conference.

At Week 140, 80.8% of patients taking TREMFYA® were in clinical remissiona. Additionally, 78.6% of patients achieved histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement (HEMI)b, and 53.6% of patients were in endoscopic remissionc, respectively.d  Approximately 89% of eligible study participants combined completed treatment through Week 140. Nearly all participants who achieved clinical remission at Week 140 were corticosteroid-free for at least eight weeks.1

The study also showed that of those in clinical remission at Week 44, 87.5% maintained clinical remission through Week 140. Efficacy was sustained regardless of prior biologic and/or JAK inhibitor treatment history, and no new safety concerns were observed.1

"Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact patients' overall health and they need treatment options that remain effective and well-tolerated over time," said Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet, MD, PhD, study investigator.e "The QUASAR long-term study shows the sustained ability of TREMFYA to deliver durable results, with consistent outcomes regardless of previous biologic or JAK inhibitor treatment. With high study retention and no new safety concerns over this extended time period, the data strengthen confidence in the long-term use of TREMFYA in ulcerative colitis." 

"These findings highlight the endoscopic outcomes that can be achieved with TREMFYA, raising expectations for what is possible for patients with ulcerative colitis," said Esi Lamousé-Smith, MD, PhD, Vice President, Gastroenterology Disease Area Lead, Immunology, Johnson & Johnson. "Patients who achieve endoscopic remission experience fewer flare-ups and are less likely to need steroids or require surgery over time. We are energized by these findings and remain focused on delivering treatments that help more patients achieve meaningful, lasting disease control."

TREMFYA® is the first and only approved, dual-acting monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-23 while also binding to CD64, a receptor on cells that produce IL-23. IL-23 is a cytokine secreted by activated monocyte/macrophages and dendritic cells that is known to be a driver of immune-mediated diseases. Findings are based on in vitro studies. 2 3 4 5 6 

TREMFYA® has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Commission (EC) approval for both SC and IV induction options for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease and U.S. FDA approval for both SC and IV induction options for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. TREMFYA® is approved by the EC for the treatment of adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and is currently administered via an IV induction regimen, followed by a SC maintenance regimen.

Two other Johnson & Johnson-sponsored abstracts were selected as Top 10 oral abstracts by ECCO, highlighting continued commitment to providing treatment options to those with inflammatory bowel disease:

Results from the Phase 2b ANTHEM-UC study of icotrokinra, the first targeted oral peptide that selectively blocks the interleukin-23 receptor, demonstrating its impact on systemic and tissue biomarkers of inflammatory burden in UC.7   Primary safety results from the UNITI Jr study of STELARA® (ustekinumab) showing that it was effective and well-tolerated, with no new safety signals, in treating pediatric patients with Crohn's disease.8 For a full list of all Johnson & Johnson data being presented at ECCO visit: https://www.jnj.com/innovativemedicine/immunology/gastroenterology.  

Editor's Notes: 

a. Clinical remission was defined as a Mayo stool frequency subscore of 0 or 1 and not increased from induction baseline, a Mayo rectal bleeding subscore of 0, and a Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) of 0 or 1.
b. Histo-endoscopic mucosal improvement was defined as a combination of endoscopic improvement and histologic improvement (neutrophil infiltration in <5% of crypts, no crypts destruction, and no erosions, ulcerations or granulation tissue according to the Geboes grading system. 
c. Endoscopic remission (normalization) was defined as a MES of 0.
d. As observed. Data were analyzed using 2 methods: 'nonresponder imputation' (NRI) accounting for patients with treatment failure or missing data, and 'as observed'. NRI results were consistent with as observed.
e. Dr. Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet is a paid consultant for Johnson & Johnson. He has not been compensated for any media work.

About the QUASAR Program (NCT04033445)
QUASAR is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter, Phase 2b/3 program designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TREMFYA® in adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional therapy (e.g., thiopurines or corticosteroids), prior biologics (TNF antagonists or vedolizumab) and/or JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib). QUASAR included a Phase 2b dose-ranging induction study, a confirmatory Phase 3 induction study, and a Phase 3 randomized withdrawal maintenance study. In the Phase 3 induction study, patients received either TREMFYA® 200 mg or placebo by IV infusion at Weeks 0, 4, and 8. In the Phase 3 maintenance study, patients received a SC maintenance regimen of either TREMFYA® 200 mg q4w, TREMFYA® 100 mg q8w, or placebo. The ongoing long-term extension study provides an additional 4 years of treatment. Efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and biomarkers are assessed at specified time points.9 

About ANTHEM-UC (NCT06049017)
ANTHEM-UC is a Phase 2b multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of icotrokinra (JNJ-77242113, JNJ-2113) in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who had an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional therapy (e.g., thiopurines or corticosteroids), prior biologics (TNF antagonists or vedolizumab) and/or ozanimod or approved JAK inhibitors. The study is evaluating three once-daily dosages of icotrokinra taken orally. Participants who complete the Week 28 assessments and have achieved clinical response at Week 28 and who, in the opinion of the investigator, will continue to benefit from treatment with study intervention will continue in the 48-week long term extension (LTE) period and receive the same treatment up to Week 76.10

About UNITI JR (NCT04673357)
UNITI-Jr is a randomized, double-blind Phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of ustekinumab in 48 pediatric patients (aged 2-17) with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (defined by a Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index [PCDAI] score >30) through 52 weeks of treatment (8 weeks of induction and 44 weeks of maintenance treatment).1,3 The study included an open-label induction treatment with a single ustekinumab intravenous dose of approximately 6mg/kg followed by a randomized double-blind subcutaneous maintenance regimen of 90mg administered either every 8 weeks or every 12 weeks.

About Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease of the large intestine, also known as the colon, in which the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops tiny open sores, or ulcers, that produce pus and mucus. It is the result of the immune system's overactive response. Symptoms vary but may typically include loose and more urgent bowel movements, rectal bleeding or bloody stool, persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue.11 

About Crohn's Disease 
Crohn's disease is one of the two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease, which affects an estimated three million Americans and an estimated four million people across Europe.12 13 Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract with no known cause, but the disease is associated with abnormalities of the immune system that could be triggered by a genetic predisposition, diet, or other environmental factors.14 Symptoms of Crohn's disease can vary, but often include abdominal pain and tenderness, frequent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fever. Currently no cure is available for Crohn's disease.15

About TREMFYA® (guselkumab)
Developed by Johnson & Johnson, TREMFYA® is the first fully-human, dual-acting monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize inflammation at the cellular source by blocking IL-23 and binding to CD64 (a receptor on cells that produce IL-23). Findings for the dual-acting mechanism are limited to in vitro studies that demonstrate guselkumab binds to CD64, which is expressed on the surface of IL-23 producing cells in an inflammatory monocyte model. The clinical significance of this finding is not known.

TREMFYA® is a prescription medicine approved in the U.S. to treat:

adults and children 6 years and older who also weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg) with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light). adults and children 6 years and older who also weigh at least 88 pounds (40 kg) with active psoriatic arthritis. adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease.  TREMFYA® is approved in Europe, Canada, Japan, and a number of other countries for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, adults with active psoriatic arthritis, adults with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease and adults with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis.

The legal manufacturer for TREMFYA® is Janssen Biotech, Inc. 

Johnson & Johnson maintains exclusive worldwide marketing rights to TREMFYA®. For more information, visit: www.tremfya.com.

About Icotrokinra (JNJ-77242113, JNJ-2113)
Investigational icotrokinra is the first targeted oral peptide designed to precisely block the IL-23 receptor16, which underpins the inflammatory response in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and offers potential in other IL-23-mediated diseases.17 18 Icotrokinra binds to the IL-23 receptor with single-digit picomolar affinity and demonstrated potent, precise inhibition of IL-23 signaling in human T cells.19 The license and collaboration agreement established between Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. and Janssen Biotech, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, in 2017 enabled the companies to work together to discover and develop next-generation compounds that ultimately led to icotrokinra.20 

Icotrokinra was jointly discovered and is being developed pursuant to the license and collaboration agreement between Protagonist and Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson retains exclusive worldwide rights to develop icotrokinra in Phase 2 clinical trials and beyond, and to commercialize compounds derived from the research conducted pursuant to the agreement against a broad range of indications.21 22 23

Icotrokinra is being studied in the pivotal Phase 3 ICONIC clinical development program in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and moderately to severely active Crohn's disease.

TREMFYA® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA®?

TREMFYA® is a prescription medicine that may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious Allergic Reactions. Stop using TREMFYA® and get emergency medical help right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: o fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood
pressure)

o swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue
or throat

o trouble breathing or throat tightness

o chest tightness

o skin rash, hives

o itching

Infections. TREMFYA® may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Your healthcare provider should check you for infections and tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with TREMFYA® and may treat you for TB before you begin treatment with TREMFYA® if you have a history of TB or have active TB. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with TREMFYA®. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, including:

o fever, sweats, or chills

o muscle aches

o weight loss

o cough

o warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
different from your psoriasis

o diarrhea or stomach pain

o shortness of breath

o blood in your phlegm (mucus)

o burning when you urinate or urinating more often
than normal

Liver problems. With the treatment of Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver before and during treatment with TREMFYA®. Your healthcare provider may stop treatment with TREMFYA® if you develop liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: o unexplained rash

o vomiting

o tiredness (fatigue)

o yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes

o nausea

o stomach pain (abdominal)

o loss of appetite

o dark urine

Do not use TREMFYA® if you have had a serious allergic reaction to guselkumab or any of the ingredients in TREMFYA®.

Before using TREMFYA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the section "What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA®?" have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back. have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB. have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). You should avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment with TREMFYA®. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TREMFYA® can harm your unborn baby.
Pregnancy Registry: If you become pregnant during treatment with TREMFYA®, talk to your healthcare provider about registering in the pregnancy exposure registry for TREMFYA®. You can enroll by visiting www.mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/tremfya-guselkumab, by calling 1-877-311-8972, or emailing [email protected]. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of TREMFYA® during pregnancy. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TREMFYA® passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of TREMFYA®?

TREMFYA® may cause serious side effects. See "What is the most important information I should know about TREMFYA®?"

The most common side effects of TREMFYA® include: respiratory tract infections, headache, injection site reactions, joint pain (arthralgia), diarrhea, stomach flu (gastroenteritis), fungal skin infections, herpes simplex infections, stomach pain, and bronchitis.

These are not all the possible side effects of TREMFYA®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Use TREMFYA® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.

Please read the full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide, for TREMFYA® and discuss any questions that you have with your doctor.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Dosage Forms and Strengths: TREMFYA® is available as 100 mg/mL and 200 mg/2mL for subcutaneous injection and as a 200 mg/20 mL (10 mg/mL) single dose vial for intravenous infusion.

WHAT IS STELARA® (ustekinumab)?
STELARA® is a prescription medicine used to treat:

adults and children 6 years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet light alone or with pills). adults and children 6 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis. adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
STELARA® is a prescription medicine that affects your immune system. STELARA® can increase your chance of having serious side effects, including:

Serious Infections
STELARA® may lower your ability to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Some people have serious infections during treatment with STELARA®, which may require hospitalization, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Your healthcare provider should check you for TB before starting STELARA® and watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment Before starting STELARA®, tell your healthcare provider if you:

think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as: o fever, sweats, or chills
o muscle aches
o cough
o shortness of breath
o blood in phlegm

o weight loss
o warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
o diarrhea or stomach pain
o burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal
o feel very tired

are being treated for an infection or have any open cuts. get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back. have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB. After starting STELARA®, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection (see above). These may be signs of infections such as chest infections, or skin infections or shingles that could have serious complications. STELARA® can make you more likely to get infections or make an infection that you have worse.

People who have a genetic problem where the body does not make any of the proteins interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interleukin 23 (IL-23) are at a higher risk for certain serious infections that can spread throughout the body and cause death. People who take STELARA® may also be more likely to get these infections.

Cancers
STELARA® may decrease the activity of your immune system and increase your risk for certain types of cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer. Some people who had risk factors for skin cancer developed certain types of skin cancers while receiving STELARA®. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new skin growths.

Serious Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using STELARA® and get medical help right away if you get any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as: feeling faint, swelling of your face, eyelids, tongue, or throat, chest tightness, or skin rash.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES)
PRES is a rare condition that affects the brain and can cause death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any symptoms of PRES during treatment with STELARA®, including: headache, seizures, confusion, and vision problems.

Lung Inflammation
Cases of lung inflammation have happened in some people who receive STELARA® and may be serious. These lung problems may need to be treated in a hospital. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop shortness of breath or a cough that doesn't go away during treatment with STELARA®.

Before you use or receive STELARA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above for serious infections or cancers. ever had an allergic reaction to STELARA® or any of its ingredients. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure. are allergic to latex. The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains latex. have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People who are being treated with STELARA® should avoid receiving live vaccines. Tell your healthcare provider if anyone in your house needs a live vaccine. The viruses used in some types of live vaccines can spread to people with a weakened immune system and can cause serious problems. You should avoid receiving the BCG vaccine during the one year before receiving STELARA® or one year after you stop receiving STELARA®. have any new or changing lesions within psoriasis areas or on normal skin. are receiving or have received allergy shots, especially for serious allergic reactions. receive or have received phototherapy for your psoriasis. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STELARA® can harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive STELARA®. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. STELARA® can pass into your breast milk. talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive STELARA®. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

When prescribed STELARA®:

Use STELARA® exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to. The healthcare provider will determine the right dose of STELARA®, the amount for each injection, and how often it should be given. Be sure to keep all scheduled follow-up appointments. STELARA® is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare provider. In children, it is recommended that STELARA® be administered by a healthcare provider. If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver may give your injections of STELARA® at home, you or a caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject STELARA®. Do not try to inject STELARA® until you have been shown how to inject STELARA® by a healthcare provider. Common side effects of STELARA® include: nasal congestion, sore throat, and runny nose, upper respiratory infections, fever, headache, tiredness, itching, nausea and vomiting, influenza, redness at the injection site, vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections, sinus infection, bronchitis, diarrhea, stomach pain, and joint pain. These are not all of the possible side effects with STELARA®. Tell your doctor about any side effect that you experience. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Please read the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for STELARA® and discuss any questions you have with your doctor.

ABOUT JOHNSON & JOHNSON 
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.  

Learn more at https://www.jnj.com/ or at www.innovativemedicine.jnj.com 

Follow us at @JNJInnovMed. 

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 related to TREMFYA®. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; uncertainty of commercial success for new products; the ability of the company to successfully execute strategic plans; impact of business combinations and divestitures; challenges to patents; changes in behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health care products and services; and global health care reforms and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and in Johnson & Johnson's subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com, www.investor.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

References:

__________________________

1 Peyrin-Biroulet L, et al. Efficacy and safety of guselkumab for ulcerative colitis through week 140 of the QUASAR long-term extension study. Poster presentation (DOP104) at European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation 2026. February 2026.

2 Atreya R, Abreu MT, Krueger JG, et al. Guselkumab, an IL-23p19 subunit-specific monoclonal antibody, binds CD64+ myeloid cells and potentially neutralizes IL-23 produced from the same cells. Poster presented at: 18th Congress of the European Crohn's and Colitis Organization (ECCO); March 1-4, 2023; Copenhagen, Denmark. Poster P504.

3 Kreuger JG, Eyerich K, Kuchroo VK. Il-23 past, present, and future: a roadmap to advancing IL-23 science and therapy. Front Immunol. 2024; 15:1331217. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331217.

4 TREMFYA® [Prescribing Information]. Horsham, PA: Janssen Biotech, Inc.

5 Skyrizi® [Prescribing Information]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie, Inc.

6 Omvoh™ [Prescribing Information]. Indianapolis, IN: Eli Lilly and Company.

7 E. Louis, et. al. Icotrokinra, the first targeted oral peptide that selectively blocks the interleukin-23 receptor, reduces systemic and tissue inflammatory burden in Ulcerative Colitis: Results from the ANTHEM-UC study. Oral presentation (OP29) at European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation 2026. February 2026

8 D. Turner, et. al.The UNITI Jr Study: Safety and efficacy results of ustekinumab in paediatric patients with Crohn's Disease. Oral presentation (OP18) at European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation 2026. February 2026

9 National Institutes of Health: Clinicaltrials.gov. A Study of Guselkumab in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis (QUASAR). Identifier: NCT04033445. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04033445. Accessed February 2026.

10 Clinicaltrials.gov. A Study of JNJ-77242113 in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis (ANTHEM-UC). Identifier NCT06049017. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06049017?term=ANTHEM-UC&rank=1. Accessed February 2026.

11 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. What is ulcerative colitis? Available at: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis. Accessed February 2026.

12 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Overview of Crohn's disease. Available at: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-crohns-disease/overview. Accessed February 2026.

13 Ng SC, et al. Worldwide incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in the 21st century: a systematic review of population-based studies. The Lancet. 2017;390:2769-78.

14 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. What is Crohn's disease? Available at: https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-crohns-disease/causes. Accessed February 2026.

15 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease. Available at https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/patientsandcaregivers/what-is-crohns-disease/symptoms. Accessed February 2026.

16 Bissonnette R, et al. Data presentation. A phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of oral JNJ-77242113 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: FRONTIER 1. Presented at WCD 2023, July 3-8.

17 Razawy W, et al. The role of IL‐23 receptor signaling in inflammation‐mediated erosive autoimmune arthritis and bone remodeling. Eur J Immunol. 2018 Feb; 48(2): 220–229.

18 Tang C, et al. Interleukin-23: as a drug target for autoimmune inflammatory diseases. Immunology. 2012 Feb; 135(2): 112–124.

19 Pinter A, et al. Data Presentation. JNJ-77242113 Treatment Induces a Strong Systemic Pharmacodynamic Response Versus Placebo in Serum Samples of Patients with Plaque Psoriasis: Results from the Phase 2, FRONTIER 1 Study. Presented at EADV 2023, October 11-14.

20 Johnson & Johnson. Press release. Janssen enters into worldwide exclusive license and collaboration agreement with Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc. for the oral Interlukin-23 receptor antagonist drug candidate for the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Available at: https://www.jnj.com/media-center/press-releases/janssen-enters-into-worldwide-exclusive-license-and-collaboration-agreement-with-protagonist-therapeutics-inc-for-the-oral-interlukin-23-receptor-antagonist-drug-candidate-for-the-treatment-of-inflammatory-bowel-disease. Accessed February 2026.

21 Protagonist Therapeutics. Press release. Protagonist Therapeutics announces amendment of agreement with Janssen Biotech for the continued development and commercialization of IL-23 antagonists. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/protagonist-therapeutics-announces-amendment-of-agreement-with-janssen-biotech-for-the-continued-development-and-commercialization-of-il-23-antagonists-301343621.html. Accessed February 2026.

22 Protagonist Therapeutics. Press release. Protagonist Reports positive results from Phase 1 and pre-clinical studies of oral Interleukin-23 receptor antagonist JNJ-2113. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/protagonist-reports-positive-results-from-phase-1-and-pre-clinical-studies-of-oral-interleukin-23-receptor-antagonist-jnj-2113-301823039.html. Accessed February 2026.

23 Protagonist Therapeutics. Press release. Protagonist Therapeutics announces positive topline results for Phase 2b FRONTIER 1 clinical trial of oral IL-23 receptor antagonist JNJ-2113 (PN-235) in psoriasis. Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/protagonist-therapeutics-announces-positive-topline-results-for-phase-2b-frontier-1-clinical-trial-of-oral-il-23-receptor-antagonist-jnj-2113-pn-235-in-psoriasis-301764181.html. Accessed February 2026.

SOURCE Johnson & Johnson

Cover image via U.Today Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

XRP holders, builders and creators hosted a community night event at the ongoing ETHDenver event, one that has attracted the attention of Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse on X.

The ETHDenver event marks a Web3 BUIDLathon and Innovation Festival convening over 25,000 builders and creators in the crypto industry, scheduled from Feb. 18 to 21, 2026.

Reacting to an X user's post about the XRP community night Denver gathering, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse tweeted: "love to see it."

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Speaking about the XRP community night Denver gathering, RippleX describes it as a "great evening with the community" while appreciating everyone who joined the event.

Earlier this month, Ripple hosted a successful XRP community day event that convened builders, creators and partners in the XRP Ledger ecosystem.

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A third stablecoin yield meeting took place at the White House this week with a small group representing crypto and banks attending, with Ripple represented at the event by its chief legal officer, Stuart Alderoty.

Ripple and XRPL newsIn recent news, SBI Ripple Asia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a technical support partnership with Asia Web3 Alliance Japan. This partnership will establish a framework in which SBI Ripple Asia will provide technical support to startups and businesses aiming to implement financial services using blockchain technology in society.

The XRP Ledger repository key has been updated ahead of a fix release. According to a recent notice on the XRPL blog, Ripple has rotated the GPG key used to sign rippled packages. Users are urged to download to prevent issues upgrading in the future, as automatic upgrades might not work until they have trusted the new key.

XRP Ledger users should add Ripple's package-signing GPG key and then verify the fingerprint of the newly-added key.

The XRPL Foundation stated that a fix is underway for the batch amendment bug and is undergoing additional validation before being included in a new XRP software update. It is currently preparing a release to formally deprecate the current batch amendments.

XRP sentiment remains cautiously optimistic as Ripple’s strategic partner SBI Holdings unveiled plans to issue $64.5 million in on-chain bonds that reward investors with XRP. While the token has been trading in a narrow range between $1.40 and $1.45, the announcement adds a stronger utility narrative at a time when broader crypto markets are seeking institutional validation.

Rather than relying purely on speculative momentum, XRP’s latest catalyst centers on structured financial products built directly on blockchain infrastructure.

Inside SBI’s On-Chain Bond PlanSBI Holdings confirmed it will launch its first Series ST bonds fully issued, settled, and administered on-chain. The bonds are designed specifically for retail investors and will use digital registration via the ibet for Fin platform developed by BOOSTRY. Trading will occur on the Osaka Digital Exchange’s START system, with secondary trading expected to begin in March 2026.

Interestingly, as per the reward structure, the investors will receive XRP tokens equivalent to their subscription amount after confirmation, provided they meet eligibility requirements. Additional XRP distributions will follow on scheduled interest payment dates through 2029.

By embedding XRP directly into a regulated bond product, SBI is positioning the token within traditional finance structures rather than leaving it solely in the spot trading arena.

Potential Impact for XRPThe potential implications are significant. Some analysts within the XRP community argue that increased demand for the bonds could require consistent XRP purchases to fund subscription rewards and ongoing payouts. If participation grows, this mechanism could generate sustained structural demand for the token.

One X User, Jay Nisbett, linked the initiative to Japan’s yen carry trade dynamic, where investors borrow yen at relatively low rates and allocate capital into higher-yielding assets. In that context, an XRP-linked bond product could channel additional liquidity into instruments tied to the token.

There is also speculation that SBI could scale the $65 million issuance if demand proves strong. Expanding the offering to attract institutional investors would further embed XRP into structured financial products, potentially accelerating institutional adoption beyond simple exchange trading.

While price action remains steady for now, SBI’s bond initiative may serve as a foundational step in expanding XRP’s integration into mainstream financial systems.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.

FAQsWhat is SBI Holdings’ XRP on-chain bond plan?

SBI will issue $64.5M in fully on-chain bonds, rewarding eligible retail investors with XRP at subscription and on interest dates through 2029.

Why is SBI’s bond launch important for XRP adoption?

It embeds XRP in a regulated financial product, boosting real-world utility and supporting institutional credibility beyond trading.

Could SBI’s bond issuance increase XRP demand?

Yes. If subscriptions grow, XRP may need to be purchased for rewards and payouts, creating ongoing structural demand.

When will SBI’s XRP-linked bonds begin trading?

Secondary trading is expected to start in March 2026 on the Osaka Digital Exchange’s START system.

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

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Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, has been struggling lately to recover after falling from its all-time high of $126K to around $67K, marking nearly a 50% decline.

While crypto traders eagerly wait for the market to recover, historical data suggest that the Bitcoin price will drop to $40K by no 2026.

Let’s see here’s why!

Why Bitcoin Value Could Fall to $40K?Bitcoin has a history of very deep corrections after reaching new highs. For example, in 2011, BTC value jumped from $1 to $30, only to correct 93% to below $5. In 2015, it fell 85% from $1,100 to $150 after Mt. Gox collapsed. 

In 2018, the Bitcoin price further dipped by 84% from $20K to around $3100 as investors booked profits. 

Similarly, in 2022, BTC fell by 77% from $69K to around $16K after Tesla decided to stop accepting BTC as a payment, which weakened the market confidence.

In this new cycle, Bitcoin already hit a new ATH of $126K in Oct 2025 and is now trading at $67K, down by 50%.

Therefore, if Bitcoin follows its past historical pattern, then BTC will surely dip to 70% from its peak, which will cause the BTC price to reach the $40,000 level.

Market Cycle Predict Bitcoin To Drop To $40K by NovMarket cycle psychology also supports this bearish outlook. Looking at the Wall Street Cheat Sheet, it shows how Bitcoin moves through emotional stages.

Bitcoin reached a high of $126K during the Euphoria stage, when investors were very excited and expected higher prices. Later, Bitcoin entered the stages of Complacency and Anxiety, where prices dropped, but most thought it was only a normal drop to around $97,620 in Jan 2026.

Currently, Bitcoin is entering the Anger and early Depression stage, where fear, frustration, and heavy selling dominate. 

In past cycles, this stage often led to a final bottom, and this time, bitcoin will drop to near $40K, possibly by Nov 2026.

After the bottom forms, Bitcoin usually enters the Disbelief and Recovery stages, where prices slowly rise, and a new bull run begins.

Bitcoin Halving Cycle Could Invalidate Historical TrendMeanwhile, the Bitcoin halving cycle could change this perspective. Because Bitcoin has always peaked after 12 to 18 months after each halving due to a reduction in supply and rising demand. 

After the last BTC halving took place in 2024, Bitcoin may soon enter a strong rally phase by mid-2026, which might invalidate this historical trend.

Trust with CoinPedia:CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.

Investment Disclaimer:All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.

Sponsored and Advertisements:Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.

Uzbekistan has for the first time issued a permit to mine cryptocurrency in its territory, entering the region’s expanding coin minting market.

The move puts an end to months of uncertainty, the newly licensed miner said, promising to “build the infrastructure of the future” in the country.

Uzbekistan greenlights its first legal crypto mining project The Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan has issued its first permit for cryptocurrency mining to a private company, which plans to base its operations in the southwest Bukhara region.

The mining firm, NexaGrid, has received the official authorization from the National Agency of Perspective Projects (NAPP) this week, local media reported late Friday.

The government body, which is directly subordinated to Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s administration, is tasked with enforcing crypto regulations and licensing.

The Tashkent-registered company was established in April 2025, with a statutory capital of 600 million Uzbekistani sums (around $50,000).

In comments quoted by the news outlets Spot and UZ Daily, one of its two founders, Toymurod Sultonov, emphasized that his entity received the permit in a transparent procedure.

In a celebratory post on the professional social network LinkedIn, the former civil servant and textile marketing analyst, turned crypto entrepreneur, also stressed:

“This isn’t just about Bitcoin. It’s about the courage to go where no one has gone before. It’s about months of uncertainty, about the question ‘Why do you need this?’ It’s about risk, pressure, and silence, when no one else believes.”

Private company to pioneer crypto mining in Uzbekistan Sultonov, who has 63% of Uzbekistan’s first licensed mining business, will be managing the enterprise, which will be set up in the Romitan district, with the help of his partner, Makhmudjon Rozimurodov, who owns 37% of its stock.

Commenting further on the positive development, the new crypto executive also noted:

“NexaGrid wasn’t born out of hype — it was born from the idea of building the infrastructure of the future here in Central Asia, where they usually say ‘it’s too early.’”

The move is a significant step for Uzbekistan, which joins Central Asia’s growing crypto mining sector late and needs to catch up with some of its neighbors like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.

It has been more than two years since the NAPP adopted rules for issuing permits for digital currency mining in the fall of 2023. As per a report by its deputy head, Vyacheslav Pak, there were no legal crypto farms registered in the country in the years that followed.

According to the regulations, legal entities can apply for authorization, provided they have a dedicated mining site that complies with safety standards.

Companies are encouraged to use power generated by their own photovoltaic installations, and when they connect to the public grid, a separate meter must be installed.

Miners are required to thoroughly inform the NAPP about all their activities and file transaction reports. Hidden mining and the minting of anonymous crypto assets are strictly prohibited.

Their license applications must provide detailed information about the solar power plant and any electricity supply agreements, the technical specifications of the mining hardware, including its energy rating, as well as a list of the cryptocurrencies that will be minted and the addresses of the crypto wallets used.

Submission of incomplete data and non-compliance with other relevant regulations may result in rejection of the application if the deficiencies are not corrected within a month after they have been established by Uzbek officials.

Following a 15-day fee-free review process, permits are issued in the form of electronic certificates with QR codes. The licenses are valid for a period of five years, but can be suspended in case of violations for up to six months and even revoked by court order.

Vitalik Buterin laid a foundation for a “cypherpunk-principled, non-ugly Ethereum” that reinforces privacy and censorship resistance, while remaining tightly integrated with the existing network. Buterin highlights FOCIL hardening efforts, including security testing and post-quantum readiness, which are a part of Ethereum’s strengthening plans for 2026. Ethereum’s next chapter is envisioned by Vitalik, which is a ‘cypherpunk upgrade’ and not as a replacement chain, but as a tightly integrated evolution of the existing system.

On February 20, Vitalik Buterin mentioned his ambitious vision for Ethereum in a response to an X post, which said, “Vitalik should let the original ethereum die a slow and painful death by fragmentation (tempo, reth, l2s, app chains, institutions, etc) and rebuild it as a cypherpunk chain from first principles on risc v just to show who was the boss.”

Building on Ethereum, Not a New Chain Buterin had dismissed the idea of abandoning the current Ethereum network due to issues such as fragmentation caused by layer-2 solutions and institutional influence. Rather, he proposed building a “cypherpunk principled non-ugly Ethereum” as a tightly integrated “bolt-on” addition to the existing system.

Which means, he aims to build a simpler version, a more privacy-focused framework that interoperates with today’s Ethereum by adding more features, such as stronger censorship resistance, zero-knowledge proof compatibility, and simpler consensus.

Buterin also said that this newly set system can allow smart contracts to be rewritten in a more elegant, verifiable language, using AI tools, that potentially reshapes how developers and users interact with Ethereum in the next five years.

Further, Buterin echoed the confidence by saying, “Ethereum has already made jet engine changes in-flight once (the merge), we can do it ~4 times more!”

Strengthening Ethereum for 2026 Previously, the Ethereum Foundation released its protocol priorities for the year 2026, in which they mentioned there are three new tracks to be focussed such as scaling, improving UX, and hardening the chain. With that, on Thursday, Buterin wrote about Fork-Choice Enforced Inclusion Lists (FOCIL) as a major step toward strengthening Ethereum.

Also, on Friday, Buterin wrote that the 2026 upgrade includes network security testing, post-quantum readiness, and mentioned. “Ethereum will emerge from the year a far stronger, more powerful, and more self-sovereign protocol than what it was entering this year.”

Highlighted Crypto News:

Bitcoin Below $70K: Ecoinometrics Warns of Further Downside

Journalist

Posted: February 21, 2026

Polygon [POL] continued to trade within a thin margin, still holding the $0.10 support level. The altcoin flipped its short-term moving average EMA20, signaling strengthening momentum. 

At the time of writing, POL traded at $0.108, up 4.06% on the daily charts. This slight price uptick was backed by a 17% jump in trading volume, indicating increased on-chain activity. 

Polygon burns 100M tokens With POL struggling to hold an upside momentum, Polygon has continued to deploy its major deflationary tool to absorb market pressure.

According to the official report, Polygon has achieved a major milestone, burning 100 million POL. Typically, token burns help shrink the circulating supply, reduce inflation, and thus accelerate an asset’s upside momentum. 

Even more importantly, sustained token burns reflect higher fees and network revenue, a sign of increased network usage and adoption.

Source: Defillama

In fact, at the time of writing, Daily Fees and Revenue have stabilized above $200k, with App Fees holding above $500k. When network revenue continues to rise, it suggests higher network participation and actual demand. 

A network with sustained demand can boost its native token, potentially driving prices higher. 

Any impact on POL price action? In the short term, Polygon’s token burns have tended to positively impact POL’s price, as the altcoin slightly jumped from the lower boundary.

Notably, the altcoin’s Stochastic RSI made a bullish crossover and rose to 88.27 as of writing, although its signal line remained around 88.

Source: TradingView

With Stoch rising to such levels, it suggested strong upside momentum as demand stepped into the market. However, the signal remained roughly the same, suggesting a strong seller presence.

Such market conditions indicate a fierce struggle between bulls and bears for market control. For a bullish takeover, POL buyers must push for a daily close above the EMA 20 and EMA 50 at $0.11, setting up a move towards $0.12.

However, if the momentum turns short-lived and sellers cash out these minor gains, the altcoin will pull back towards $0.106.

Inflo remains elevated Interestingly, despite continued token burns, POL’s inflation remains extremely elevated, signaling higher sell pressure. According to Santiment data, the altcoin’s Stock-to-Flow Ratio continued to decline, falling to 8.6 at press time. 

Source: Santiment

A drop in SFR suggests low scarcity and increased immediate supply. A high supply presents a significant selling pressure in the market. 

Even more so, the altcoin’s Exchange Supply Ratio surged to a monthly high of 0.003. When ESR rises, it suggests that a significant amount of Polygon has recently flowed into exchanges. 

Source: CryptoQuant

Therefore, sellers are more active than buyers on exchanges, further straining the already overwhelmed market. Typically, such market conditions tend to accelerate downside momentum, leading to lower prices.

Final Summary Polygon reaches a major deflationary milestone by burning 100 million POL tokens, though inflation remains elevated.  POL rose 4% on daily charts, flipping EMA20, indicating short-term bullish momentum.

Is ETH finally going to rebound decisively, or will there be another crash to new lows.

Ethereum continues to struggle to reclaim the coveted $2,000 psychological level, as each attempt to do so results in a subsequent rejection and correction.

Popular analyst Ali Martinez weighed in on the asset’s recent performance and explained that it’s forming a bullish flag. However, there’s a major catch in his post, which could actually mean trouble ahead for ETH.

Ethereum $ETH is forming a bullish flag!

There’s just one twist… The chart is inverted. pic.twitter.com/Kb8eamJOMF

— Ali Charts (@alicharts) February 20, 2026

The “inverted” bullish flag shows that ETH has actually been in a consistent downtrend for weeks, but it has managed to compress within a tighter range more recently. Martinez believes a bigger move is in the making, but it could push the asset to new local lows of under $1,400.

Daan Crypto Trades also brought up ETH’s underwhelming performance as of late, indicating that the start of 2026 has been worse than how it moved in early 2025.

The analyst outlined hopes that the largest altcoin could finally rebound in the following few months, since the March-to-May period is historically more beneficial for it.

$ETH Has started the year of worse than last year so far. Historically, March through May are good months for ETH.

But we know how the market is all over the place recently and that there’s been pretty much zero correlation with other risk assets.

This makes for an awful… pic.twitter.com/CBAfLTduHx

— Daan Crypto Trades (@DaanCrypto) February 21, 2026

You may also like: Peter Thiel Exits ETHZilla, Company Sells $74.5M in ETH Amid Market Pressure Ethereum Is Neutral, People Aren’t: Vitalik Buterin Draws a Clear Line Tom Lee Says Ethereum Has Never Failed This Pattern and Expects Another V-Shaped Recovery Another unfavorable development within the Ethereum investor ecosystem is the net flows within the spot ETH ETFs. Last week was in the red once again, with roughly $113 million leaving the funds.

On the opposite side, BitMine continues to accumulate. The Tom Lee-chaired company bought another 45,759 ETH last week, and now holds 4,371,497 tokens, valued at almost $8.7 billion. The company is down $8 billion on its Ethereum position, given its average entry cost of $3,820.

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About the author

Jordan got into crypto in 2016 by trading and investing. He began writing about blockchain technology in 2017 and now serves as CryptoPotato's Assistant Editor-in-Chief. He has managed numerous crypto-related projects and is passionate about all things blockchain.