Market Signal Briefing

This U.S. supplier serves construction and packaging markets with a diverse mix of cement, aggregates, wallboard, and paperboard.

On February 13, 2026, Black Creek Investment Management Inc. disclosed a new position in Eagle Materials (EXP +0.95%), acquiring 502,120 shares in the fourth quarter with an estimated trade value of $103.78 million.

What happenedAccording to a SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, Black Creek Investment Management Inc. established a new position in Eagle Materials (EXP +0.95%), acquiring 502,120 shares during the fourth quarter. The quarter-end position value stood at $103.78 million, reflecting the new share purchase.

What else to knowThis new position in Eagle Materials accounted for 5.1% of Black Creek’s 13F reportable assets as of December 31, 2025.Top five holdings after the filing:NYSE:ELAN: $250.32 million (12.4% of AUM)NYSE:BAH: $211.34 million (10.5% of AUM)NASDAQ:PSMT: $201.01 million (10.0% of AUM)NASDAQ:PYPL: $187.56 million (9.3% of AUM)NYSE:FCN: $183.17 million (9.1% of AUM)As of February 12, 2026, shares of Eagle Materials were priced at $232.67, down 5.1% over the past year and underperforming the S&P 500 by 18.0 percentage points.Company overviewMetricValuePrice (as of market close February 12, 2026)$232.67Market capitalization$7.60 billionRevenue (TTM)$2.30 billionNet income (TTM)$430.13 millionCompany snapshotEagle Materials produces and supplies cement, concrete and aggregates, gypsum wallboard, and recycled paperboard, serving the construction and packaging industries.The company generates revenue through the mining, manufacturing, and distribution of heavy and light building materials, with a diversified product mix supporting both commercial and residential construction, as well as infrastructure projects.Its primary customers include commercial and residential builders, public construction entities, and manufacturers in the gypsum wallboard and packaging sectors.Eagle Materials operates as a leading U.S. supplier of construction materials, with a balanced portfolio spanning cement, aggregates, wallboard, and paperboard. Its integrated business model leverages raw material extraction and manufacturing capabilities to serve a broad customer base across multiple construction end-markets.

What this transaction means for investorsCyclical stocks rarely look comfortable at the exact moment capital rotates toward them, and that might be exactly why this position deserves a closer look.

Eagle Materials just posted $556 million in quarterly revenue and $3.22 in diluted EPS for its fiscal third quarter. Meanwhile, cement volumes rose 9% year over year, while organic aggregates volumes climbed 34%, even as gypsum wallboard volumes fell 14%. In other words, heavy materials tied to infrastructure are offsetting residential softness.

With net debt of roughly $1.37 billion and a net leverage ratio of 1.8x, the balance sheet looks disciplined. The company also repurchased about 648,000 shares for $142.6 million in the quarter, reinforcing capital allocation consistency.

Within a portfolio led by Elanco, Booz Allen, PriceSmart, PayPal, and FTI Consulting, this 5.1% allocation is meaningful but not outsized. It fits a profile that favors cash-generative, asset-heavy businesses with pricing power. Shares are down 5.1% over the past year and have lagged the broader market, yet operating metrics remain resilient. For long-term investors, the question is not whether housing is soft today. It is whether infrastructure spending, disciplined leverage, and steady buybacks can compound value through the next cycle.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Booz Allen Hamilton, FTI Consulting, and PayPal. The Motley Fool recommends Eagle Materials and recommends the following options: long January 2027 $42.50 calls on PayPal and short March 2026 $65 calls on PayPal. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Here is a rare investor chance to scoop up shares of arguably the best auto stock at a discount. Here's why you don't want to miss out.

The global automotive industry is driving toward a future of electrification -- it's just a question of the pace at which each automaker is moving. China, for example, is far ahead in electric vehicle (EV) development and infrastructure, and its new-vehicle market is roughly 50% new-energy vehicles.

Many investors think of automakers such as Tesla and BYD when considering EV stocks, but the best opportunity in EV stocks right now might be the automaker you least expect: racing juggernaut Ferrari (RACE 3.10%). Here's why.

Wait, Ferrari is an EV stock? Few investors think of Ferrari as an EV stock, but that's a huge mistake. In fact, perceptive investors could have noticed the change in the automaker's mix of sales over the last few years.

Image source: Ferrari.

Back in 2022, Ferrari's shipments were 78% internal combustion engine and 22% hybrids. Fast-forward to the first six months of 2025 and the breakdown for Ferrari shipments is around 55% internal combusion engine and 45% hybrid.  While full-electric vehicles are still far less profitable compared to their gasoline counterparts, Ferrari's surge in hybrids hasn't slowed down its margin gains over recent years.

RACE Operating Margin (TTM) data by YCharts.

Not only is Ferrari quickly accelerating its hybrid shipments, and doing so with increasing profitability, the company is calculating when might be the right time to debut its first full-electric vehicle. The long-awaited EV from Ferrari is called the Elettrica. Whether investors like it or not, it will be pivotal in deciding Ferrari's pace diving into the future of EVs. Entering the full-EV market too quickly makes it expensive to readjust later, as automakers are finding out, while being too late could be costly by missing out on building its future cadre of enthusiasts.

"Luxury EVs are still a young and immature category," says Brian Lum, an investment manager at Baillie Gifford, according to Barron's. "It's important to build that next generation of Ferraristi, and electrification should help them to do that."

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Why buy now? Ferrari as an automaker is uniquely positioned with ferocious demand for its products, a line of previous customers waiting for the next supercar to hit the market, margins that competitors can only dream of generating, and a racing heritage that can power its brand to heights few attain. All of these positives come at a cost, and that cost is a premium price for its stock compared to mainstream autos.

RACE PE Ratio data by YCharts.

However, Ferrari has given investors a slight opportunity in recent months to take advantage of an unusually low price-to-earnings valuation for the stock, which declined following the company's guidance that left analysts wanting more, perhaps forgetting that Ferrari often lowballs its guidance to handily beat it later. For investors, Ferrari might not be the first place you look for top EV stocks -- but maybe it should be.

Daniel Miller has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends BYD Company and Ferrari. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - The law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that investors in SLM Corporation a/k/a Sallie Mae (NASDAQ: SLM; SLMBP) securities between July 25, 2025 and August 14, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until this Tuesday, February 17, 2026 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the SLM class action lawsuit. Captioned Zappia v. SLM Corporation a/k/a Sallie Mae, No. 25-cv-18834 (D.N.J.), the SLM class action lawsuit charges SLM as well as certain of SLM's executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the SLM class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-slm-corporation-a-k-a-sallie-mae-class-action-lawsuit-slm-slmbp.html

You can also contact attorney J.C. Sanchez of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected].

CASE ALLEGATIONS: SLM, through its subsidiaries, originates and services private education loans ("PELs").

The SLM class action lawsuit alleges that throughout the Class Period defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) SLM was experiencing a significant increase in early stage delinquencies; and (ii) accordingly, defendants overstated the effectiveness of SLM's loss mitigation and/or loan modification programs, as well as the overall stability of SLM's PEL delinquency rates.

The SLM investor class action further alleges that on August 14, 2025, investment bank TD Cowen issued a report addressing SLM, flagging that, "[o]verall, July [2025] delinquencies were up 49 bp m/m, higher (worse) than the seasonal (+10 bps) performance for July, driven by a 45 bps increase in early stage delinquencies." Notably, TD Cowen's findings directly contradicted assurances made by SLM's CFO, defendant Peter M. Graham – made late in the month of July 2025 – that defendants were observing delinquency rates that "really are following the normal seasonal trends we would expect in the business," the complaint alleges. Following this news, the price of SLM's stock fell by approximately 8%, the SLM shareholder class action claims.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who invested in SLM securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the SLM class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the SLM investor class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the SLM shareholder class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the SLM class action lawsuit.

ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud and shareholder rights litigation. Our Firm ranked #1 on the most recent ISS Securities Class Action Services Top 50 Report, recovering more than $916 million for investors in 2025. This marks our fourth #1 ranking in the past five years. And in those five years alone, Robbins Geller recovered $8.4 billion for investors – $3.4 billion more than any other law firm. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world, and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest ever – $7.2 billion – in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:

https://www.rgrdlaw.com/services-litigation-securities-fraud.html

Attorney advertising.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.

Contact:
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
J.C. Sanchez
655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101
800-449-4900
[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283870

Source: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP

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Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) closed the week at $76.87, down 6.48% from February 6. That’s five times worse than the broader market’s 1.29% decline and leaves the streaming giant down 18% year to date. The stock trades near its 52-week low of $79, a sharp reversal from 2024’s momentum. Three storylines explain what’s happening.

Analysts Maintain Buy Ratings Despite Price Decline Wall Street maintains positive ratings on Netflix despite the recent plunge. The consensus rating sits at “Moderate Buy” with 30 buy or strong buy ratings against 14 holds or sells. The average analyst target of $111.43 implies 45% upside.

The technical setup supports a contrarian case. The RSI hit 26.8, deep into oversold territory, while the Schaeffer’s Volatility Index sits in the 8th percentile, suggesting excessive bearishness. Options traders are building put positions at the $80 strike, but max pain sits at $90, indicating potential upside if sentiment stabilizes.

The fundamentals remain intact. Revenue grew 17.6% year over year in Q4 2025, operating margins hit 29.5% for full year 2025, and the company generated $2.66 billion in free cash flow last quarter. Renaissance Technologies loaded up on shares recently, signaling institutional confidence.

Warner Bros Acquisition Battle Creates Uncertainty Netflix’s $82.7 billion all-cash offer for Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) faces serious headwinds. Activist investor Ancora Holdings, holding a $200 million stake, is pushing Warner’s board to reject Netflix in favor of Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) Skydance’s competing bid.

Paramount sweetened its offer on February 10, adding a “ticking fee” of 25 cents per share per quarter if the deal doesn’t close by year end and pledging to cover Warner’s $2.8 billion breakup fee to Netflix. The tender deadline was extended to March 2.

Investors worry about leverage. Netflix has historically operated with minimal debt and industry-leading margins. Acquiring Warner would fundamentally change that profile, adding significant debt while integrating HBO, HBO Max, and legacy franchises like Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. Regulatory scrutiny from the DOJ and Senate Judiciary Committee adds another layer of risk. A shareholder vote is expected in March 2026.

AI Disruption Fears Hit Media Stocks Monday.com (NASDAQ:MNDY) dropped 25% this week after withdrawing its 2027 guidance, citing concerns that AI advancements could disrupt its project management business. That spooked investors across software and media sectors.

Another event that’s dropped like a bomb on media stocks is the release of Seedance 2.0 model from Bytedance. The model creates extraordinary videos and is from China, which raises additional fears about models gaining popularity that won’t comply with U.S. infringement laws.

Netflix isn’t immune to AI anxiety, but it does have weapons many other rivals lack. The company is deploying GenAI tools internally and has 85% of devices on its new TV UI, which leverages machine learning for personalization.

The real question is whether AI-generated content or new distribution models threaten Netflix’s moat. So far, the company’s scale and content library provide insulation, but the Monday.com selloff shows how quickly sentiment can shift.

Netflix faces a critical stretch. The Warner acquisition decision, analyst conviction at depressed prices, and broader AI fears in media will define whether this week’s decline is a buying opportunity or the start of a deeper revaluation.

Investors have found another tangential AI play.

A shift in investor thinking has been hitting the "Magnificent Seven" big tech stocks recently, as investors wonder whether they are overspending on artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure buildouts. Some of that money is flowing into names that will benefit from all the heavy tech company spending. That includes power providers, data center owners, and HVAC service providers, including installation and maintenance.

Argan (AGX 0.89%) is one of those names benefiting from the rapid growth in AI. Shares of the industrial company soared 16.4% this week, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Image source: Getty Images.

Another data center play Argan offers engineering, construction, and associated commissioning, maintenance, and consulting services to the power and industrial construction industries. The demand for its services has surged as data centers are being rapidly built, driving increased power requirements.

While revenue for the first nine months of 2025 rose 6.4% year over year to about $682 million, the company reported a record backlog of $3 billion. Some investors have been tracking its growing business, and the stock has soared 177% in the last year.

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For investors who think it may be too late to harvest more gains, they may be right, at least for another year or so. Argan's forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is now about 43, double its three-year average. Investors should keep it on their radar, however, as companies assess how much return they can get from the massive data center growth. If returns on those investments are substantial, tech companies will need plenty more help with what Argan provides.

Howard Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of CoreWeave, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRWV) between March 28, 2025 and December 15, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important March 13, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283896

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of PennyMac Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFSI) resulting from allegations that PennyMac may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

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

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51887 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On January 29, 2026, PennyMac filed a Current Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 8-K announcing PennyMac's fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial results. The report stated that PennyMac's "servicing segment pretax income was $37.3 million, down from $157.4 million in the prior quarter and $87.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2024," as well as "[retax income excluding valuation-related items was $47.8 million, down 70 percent from the prior quarter driven primarily by increased realization of mortgage servicing rights (MSR) cash flows as lower mortgage rates drove higher prepayment activity."

On this news, PennyMac's stock price fell $49.78 per share, or 33.3%, to close at $99.92 per share on January 30, 2026.

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

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

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

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283921

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Richtech Robotics Inc. (NASDAQ: RR) between January 27, 2026 and 12:00 PM ET on January 29, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 3, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Richtech Robotics 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 Richtech Robotics class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51742 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) Richtech claimed that it had a collaborative and commercial relationship with Microsoft when it did not; and (2) as a result, defendants' statements about Richtech's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Richtech Robotics class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51742 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

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

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

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

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/283867

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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

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Core Scientific delivers digital asset mining and blockchain infrastructure services to institutional clients across North America.

Helix Partners Management bought 350,000 additional shares of Core Scientific (CORZ +2.43%) in the fourth quarter, an estimated $6.10 million trade based on quarterly average pricing, according to a February 13, 2026, SEC filing.

What happenedAccording to a recent SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, Helix Partners Management LP increased its position in Core Scientific (CORZ +2.43%) by 350,000 shares during the fourth quarter. The estimated transaction value for these incremental purchases was $6.10 million, calculated using the average closing price over the quarter. The reported Core Scientific position’s value declined by $12.65 million, a change reflecting both additional purchases and stock price changes.

What else to knowThis was a net purchase; Core Scientific now accounts for 27.41% of Helix Partners Management LP’s 13F reportable assets under management.Top holdings after the filing:NASDAQ: CORZ: $81.54 million (27.41% of AUM)NYSE: GNL: $30.96 million (19.1% of AUM)NASDAQ: SATS: $26.09 million (16.1% of AUM)NYSE: CNK: $6.97 million (4.3% of AUM)NYSE: PDM: $5.21 million (3.2% of AUM)As of February 12, 2026, shares of Core Scientific were priced at $17.48, up 44.6% over the past year and outperforming the S&P 500 by 31.68 percentage points.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$334.18 millionNet Income (TTM)($768.31 million)Price (as of market close 2026-02-12)$17.48One-Year Price Change44.58%Company snapshotCore Scientific, Inc. provides digital asset mining, blockchain infrastructure, and colocation services, generating revenue from both proprietary mining operations and hosting solutions for third-party clients.The company operates a dual business model, earning income through direct digital asset mining as well as recurring fees from hosting and equipment sales to institutional miners.Primary customers include large-scale digital asset miners and enterprises seeking secure, scalable blockchain infrastructure solutions across North America.Core Scientific, Inc. is a leading provider of digital asset mining and blockchain infrastructure services, operating at scale across North America. The company leverages advanced data center facilities and proprietary software to optimize mining efficiency and offer robust hosting solutions for institutional clients. Its integrated approach and focus on technology-driven operations position it as a significant player in the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem.

What this transaction means for investorsPortfolio concentration tells you what a manager truly believes, and when a position takes up 27.4% of assets, even amid a volatile quarter, that signals conviction.

Core Scientific generated $81.1 million in third-quarter revenue, with high-density colocation revenue rising to $15.0 million from $10.3 million a year earlier, even as total revenue declined year over year from $95.4 million. Gross profit improved to $3.9 million versus a loss last year, though the company still posted a $146.7 million net loss, largely tied to noncash fair value adjustments, but liquidity stood at $694.8 million, including $453.4 million in cash and $241.4 million in bitcoin.

The bet here is less about bitcoin volatility and more about the pivot. Management is converting facilities toward high-density colocation tied to AI workloads, and $196.4 million of capital expenditures were funded by CoreWeave under existing agreements.

Compared with smaller allocations to GNL or SATS, this holding dominates the risk profile. Long-term investors should watch colocation revenue growth, capital intensity, and the pending CoreWeave transaction. If execution sticks, this becomes infrastructure with optionality. If not, concentration cuts both ways.

Synchrony Financial is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Cinemark Holdings runs a major theatre network in the Americas, earning revenue through box office sales, concessions, and advertising.

On February 13, 2026, Helix Partners Management LP disclosed a new position in Cinemark Holdings (CNK +0.24%), acquiring 300,000 shares in a trade estimated at $6.97 million.

What happenedAccording to a SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, Helix Partners Management LP added a new position in Cinemark Holdings, purchasing 300,000 shares. The estimated transaction value was $6.97 million.

What else to knowThis was a new position for Helix Partners Management LP, equating to 2.34% of 13F reportable AUM after the trade.Top holdings after the filing:NASDAQ: CORZ: $81.54 million (50.3% of AUM)NYSE: GNL: $30.96 million (19.1% of AUM)NASDAQ: SATS: $26.09 million (16.1% of AUM)NYSE: PDM: $5.21 million (3.2% of AUM)NYSE: SYF: $3.67 million (2.3% of AUM)As of February 12, 2026, shares of Cinemark Holdings were priced at $24.86, with a one-year price decline of 21.1% and underperforming the S&P 500 by 34.01 percentage points.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$3.15 billionNet income (TTM)$154.80 millionDividend yield1.33%Price (as of market close February 12, 2026)$24.86Company snapshotCinemark operates movie theatres and generates revenue from box office ticket sales, concessions, and on-screen advertising.Its business model centers on the exhibition of motion pictures across the United States and Latin America, monetizing high foot traffic and ancillary sales.Primary customers include moviegoers in North and South America seeking theatrical entertainment experiences.Cinemark Holdings is a leading motion picture exhibitor with a significant presence across the Americas. The company leverages its extensive theatre network and established market position to drive consistent revenue through both ticket and concession sales. Its scale and diversified geographic footprint provide competitive advantages in the entertainment industry.

What this transaction means for investorsCinemark is not firing on all cylinders, but the fundamentals are sturdier than the stock chart suggests, and that may be why Helix is betting on a turnaround. In the third quarter, the company delivered $858 million in revenue, $51 million in net income, and $178 million in adjusted EBITDA, good for a 20.7% margin. It also eliminated its remaining pandemic-related debt and authorized a $300 million share repurchase program while lifting its dividend by 12.5%.

Shares are down 21.1% over the past year and have lagged the S&P 500 by more than 34 percentage points, but attendance hit 54.2 million patrons in Q3, and concession revenue per cap reached a record $8.20 domestically.

For long-term investors, the question is whether a cleaner balance sheet, disciplined capital returns, and improving film slates can translate into durable cash flow for Cinemark. At today’s valuation, that risk-reward looks more interesting than the headline decline suggests.

Synchrony Financial is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

SLM focuses on private education loans and financial services for U.S. students, with revenue from interest income and servicing fees.

On February 13, 2026, Helix Partners Management LP reported selling its entire 200,000-share stake in SLM Corporation (SLM 2.93%) in an estimated $5.54 million trade.

What happenedAccording to a SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, Helix Partners Management LP sold its entire 200,000-share holding in SLM Corporation (SLM 2.93%) during the fourth quarter. The estimated transaction value was approximately $5.54 million.

What else to knowTop holdings after the filing:NASDAQ:CORZ: $81.54 million (50.3% of AUM)NYSE:GNL: $30.96 million (19.1% of AUM)NASDAQ:SATS: $26.09 million (16.1% of AUM)NYSE:CNK: $6.97 million (4.3% of AUM)NYSE:PDM: $5.21 million (3.2% of AUM)As of February 12, 2026, SLM shares were priced at $24.76, down 14.6% over the past year. SLM underperformed the S&P 500 by 27.5 percentage points over the same period.Company overviewMetricValueRevenue (TTM)$1.98 billionNet Income (TTM)$744.85 millionDividend Yield2.16%Price (as of market close 2/12/26)$24.76Company snapshotSLM Corporation provides private education loans, retail deposit accounts, and credit card loans, with primary revenue generated from interest income and servicing fees.The company operates as a specialty finance company, earning revenue through loan origination, servicing, and deposit products for students and families.It targets students and their families in the United States seeking financial solutions for educational expenses.SLM Corporation provides private education loans and related financial services to students and families across the United States. The company leverages expertise in loan origination and servicing to serve the education finance market.

What this transaction means for investorsTrimming exposure to a specialty lender after a mixed year tells you something about risk appetite. Sallie Mae just closed 2025 with $3.46 in GAAP diluted EPS and $1.12 in the fourth quarter, alongside a 5.21% net interest margin and a 34.6% efficiency ratio. And to be clear, those are not weak numbers. Management also authorized a new $500 million share repurchase program after buying back 12.8 million shares for $373 million in 2025.

Still, delinquencies ticked up to 4.0% of loans in repayment from 3.7% a year earlier, and guidance calls for $345 million to $385 million in net charge-offs in 2026. That signals credit normalization, not deterioration, but it does cap upside narratives.

Within a concentrated portfolio led by Core Scientific at 50% of assets and satellite and REIT exposure, reducing a 3.18% position to 0.70% reflects prioritization. Long-term investors should watch capital returns and credit metrics more than the trade itself. The business remains profitable and well capitalized. The question is whether growth accelerates enough to justify sticking around.

SLM is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Navan delivers an AI-powered platform for travel, payments, and expense management to enterprise clients in the business software sector.

Singapore-based Napean Trading & Investment disclosed a new stake in Navan (NAVN +2.35%) in its February 13, 2026, SEC filing, acquiring 5,874,257 shares in an estimated $100.33 million trade.

What happenedAccording to its SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, Napean Trading & Investment Co established a new position in Navan, acquiring 5,874,257 shares. The estimated transaction value was $100.33 million.

What else to knowThis was a new position; the holding now represents 19.52% of the fund’s 13F reportable AUMTop five holdings after the filing:NASDAQ: HOOD: $118.73 million (23.1% of AUM)NASDAQ: NAVN: $100.33 million (19.5% of AUM)NASDAQ: AVGO: $21.08 million (4.1% of AUM)NASDAQ: BLLN: $19.10 million (3.7% of AUM)NASDAQ: LRCX: $18.07 million (3.5% of AUM)As of February 13, 2026, Navan shares were priced at $10.44, down nearly 60% from their October IPO price of $25.Company overviewMetricValueEmployees3,400Revenue (TTM)$656.3 millionNet income (TTM)($371.9 million)Company snapshotNavan provides an AI-powered software platform for travel, payments, and expense management.It offers a software platform for travel, payments, and expense management.Navan serves finance, human resources, and travel managers.Navan leverages artificial intelligence to deliver an integrated solution for corporate travel and expense management, positioning itself as a technology leader in the business software sector. With a scalable platform and a focus on automation, the company aims to reduce friction and costs for enterprise clients managing complex travel and expense needs. Navan's strategy centers on innovation and workflow efficiency, supporting its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving travel technology landscape.

What this transaction means for investorsAllocating roughly $100 million, or 19.5% of reportable assets, to a newly public company whose stock is still nearly 60% below its $25 IPO price signals conviction that the market is mispricing the story. Navan reported 29% year over year revenue growth to $195 million in the October quarter, with gross booking volume up 40% to $2.6 billion and non-GAAP operating margin expanding to 13%. Full year guidance calls for roughly $685 million in revenue and positive non-GAAP operating income.

That combination matters. Usage revenue rose 29%, subscription revenue climbed 26%, and the company ended the quarter with $809 million in cash following its IPO. GAAP losses remain steep, but stock-based compensation and debt-related charges drove much of the gap.

Within this portfolio, only Robinhood carries more weight. That tells you this investor is leaning hard into fintech-enabled platforms with transaction volume upside.

For long-term investors, the question is simple. Do you believe Navan can convert 40% booking growth into durable margin expansion? If yes, a beaten-down IPO with improving operating leverage can be powerful. If not, concentration risk cuts both ways.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lam Research. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Given the importance of the AI buildout, Broadcom's semiconductor chips make the stock a top pick under any economic conditions.

Stock market crashes rattle most investors, as they are the ultimate tests of patience and willpower. Some people abandon high-quality companies if they drop by 10%, only to regret that decision when those same corporations reclaim all-time highs.

This powerhouse growth stock has outperformed the S&P 500 for several years, and recent tailwinds suggest it should continue to thrive. Broadcom (AVGO 1.81%) is an attractive buy on any dip, especially during a market crash, since AI chips aren't going anywhere.

Broadcom's role in the AI boom Broadcom is one of the AI chipmakers that tech giants have turned to for their AI plans. Autonomous vehicles, humanoid robots, and AI models like ChatGPT are some of the products and services that rely on semiconductors.

Image source: Getty Images.

While Nvidia (NVDA 2.21%) has the largest market share, Broadcom specializes in ASIC chips, which are customized for each customer. This customization sets Broadcom apart from Nvidia and other graphics processing unit (GPU) chipmakers. Although Nvidia offers some ASIC chips, those chips are Broadcom's entire business, making it the go-to choice for customized chips.

Nvidia and Broadcom compete, but they sell similar products instead of identical ones. On the other hand, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD +0.67%) competes directly with Nvidia, since it mostly makes GPUs. Broadcom doesn't face as much competition in ASIC chips, which explains why the company feels so optimistic about future results.

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Broadcom CEO Tan Hock told investors that AI semiconductor revenue should double year over year in the first quarter to $8.2 billion. That's more than 40% of the company's projected Q1 2026 revenue.

Tech giants continue to ramp up their spending A central thesis of the AI boom is that technology companies will continue to increase their AI expenditures each year. This technology has helped companies deliver higher revenue and profits, so there is a return on investment. Big tech has committed roughly $650 billion toward AI investments in 2026, and every tech company has increased its annual spending.

Many tech CEOs see this technology as revolutionary and aren't afraid to commit significant capital to it. These same leaders have seen the benefits of being a first mover. Google became the world's leading search engine in large part due to its early entry into the industry. Facebook became the top social network because it was one of the first options. Amazon (AMZN 0.39%) gobbled up e-commerce market share by being the first of its kind.

Those types of opportunities exist in AI, and the tech giants know it. They aren't afraid to invest significant capital in the industry. As revenue and profits continue to grow, it will further support each tech leader's ability to invest more in AI infrastructure, such as Broadcom's ASIC chips.

Marc Guberti has positions in Broadcom. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Amazon, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

This diagnostics firm delivers precision molecular testing for prenatal and oncology use to hospitals and research centers.

On February 13, 2026, Singapore-based Napean Trading & Investment disclosed a new position in BillionToOne (BLLN 1.20%), acquiring 233,333 shares in a transaction valued at $19,095,973, according to an SEC filing.

What happenedAccording to a SEC filing dated February 13, 2026, Napean Trading & Investment initiated a new position in BillionToOne, acquiring 233,333 shares. The transaction was valued at $19,095,973.

What else to knowThis is a new position; the post-trade stake accounts for 3.71% of the fund’s reportable U.S. equity assets under management (AUM)Top holdings after the filing:NASDAQ: HOOD: $118.73 million (23.1% of AUM)NASDAQ: NAVN: $100.33 million (19.5% of AUM)NASDAQ: AVGO: $21.08 million (4.1% of AUM)NASDAQ: BLLN: $19.10 million (3.7% of AUM)NASDAQ: LRCX: $18.07 million (3.5% of AUM)As of February 13, 2026, shares of BillionToOne were priced at $88.61, up 48% from their November IPO price of $60.Company overviewMetricValuePrice (as of market close February 13, 2026)$88.61Market capitalization$4.06 billionRevenue (TTM)$254.14 millionNet income (TTM)($14.20 million)Company snapshotBillionToOne, Inc. offers precision molecular diagnostics, including UNITY Complete (non-invasive prenatal screening), Northstar Select (liquid biopsy for tumor mutation profiling), and Northstar Response (cancer burden monitoring).The company generates revenue by providing advanced molecular testing services to healthcare providers and laboratories, leveraging proprietary molecular counting technology for high-sensitivity DNA analysis.Primary customers include hospitals, clinics, and research institutions focused on prenatal care and oncology diagnostics.BillionToOne, Inc. is a healthcare diagnostics company specializing in molecular counting technology for single-molecule DNA detection. With a focus on non-invasive prenatal testing and oncology liquid biopsy solutions, the company enables earlier and more accurate disease detection. Its differentiated platform and expanding test menu position it to address critical needs in precision medicine and clinical diagnostics.

What this transaction means for investorsThis roughly $19.1 million position in BillionToOne instantly makes it a meaningful allocation at 3.71% of assets, placing it alongside larger tech bets like a $118.73 million stake in Robinhood and a $100.33 million position in Navan. In other words, this is not a toe-dip.

The timing is notable. Shares sit at $88.61, up 48% from the $60 IPO price, and the company just reiterated 2025 revenue guidance of $293 million to $299 million while guiding to $415 million to $430 million in 2026 revenue, implying 40% to 45% growth at the midpoint. Management also expects positive GAAP operating income in both 2025 and 2026, rare air for a recently public diagnostics platform.

For long-term investors, the key question is durability. BillionToOne is scaling high-sensitivity prenatal and oncology tests built on its proprietary molecular counting platform. If revenue growth holds near guidance and profitability sticks, valuation can expand. If clinical adoption stalls, momentum can unwind quickly.

Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lam Research. The Motley Fool recommends Broadcom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR | PLTR Price Prediction) dropped 3.3% this week, closing at $131.41 on Friday. That extends a brutal year-to-date decline of 26%, despite blowout earnings less than two weeks ago.

While the S&P 500 dipped just 1.3% this week, Palantir is caught between a wave of AI momentum and software sector panic. Three storylines explain what’s happening.

The SaaSpocalypse Narrative Hits Software Stocks Software stocks are experiencing what some call a “SaaSpocalypse” as fears mount that AI programs will enable companies to build their own software, minimizing the need for traditional vendors. The iShares Tech-Expanded Software ETF dropped over 3% on February 11, with Palantir caught in the selloff despite positioning as an essential AI infrastructure provider rather than traditional SaaS.

The panic stems from the “Anthropic shock”, with AI potentially cutting delivery timelines and pressuring traditional outsourcing models. Yet Palantir’s business model differs fundamentally. While legacy software vendors face disruption, Palantir provides the AI platform that enables the disruption. Its 82% gross margin and 36% profit margin reflect a company selling AI infrastructure, not commoditized software.

Still, sector-wide selling pressure explains why Palantir trades at $131 despite strong revenue growth in Q4. When software funds panic-sell, differentiation gets ignored. Everyone has known Palantir traded at expensive levels, and ‘multiple contraction’ was a threat. That time has now arrived.

Insider Selling Accelerates Through the Decline Every single insider transaction from November 15, 2025 through February 13, 2026 was a sale. Zero buying. CEO Alex Karp sold shares as recently as February 2 at prices between $147 and $151. COO Shyam Sankar liquidated 149,872 shares on November 20 immediately after receiving them.

Director Alexander Moore executed 16 separate transactions on January 2 alone, selling across a price range of $167 to $181. The selling is almost certainly a part of systematic portfolio reduction rather than opportunistic selling. When insiders sell at both $181 peaks in January and $147 lows in February, they’re not timing the market. They’re exiting.

Still, it will be interesting if we begin seeing open market buys with Palantir’s price down. In the past 12 months, insiders had 43 open market buys across 133 insider trades total. If insiders begin buying, it could be a powerful catalyst for shifting sentiment.

Customer Wins Show AIP Adoption Is Real OneMedNet reported $2.79 million in 2025 bookings, a 4.1x increase year-over-year, driven by Palantir-powered subscription offerings. Innodata (NASDAQ:INOD) signed a deal for high-quality training data and multimodal AI engineering. FTAI Aviation (NYSE:FTAI) partnered with Palantir for a multi-year AI operations platform supporting data center power solutions.

These aren’t vanity partnerships. They’re evidence that Palantir’s Artificial Intelligence Platform is becoming infrastructure for enterprise AI deployments. Morningstar (NASDAQ:MORN) raised its fair value estimate to $150 per share on February 9, citing the company’s “unique ontological framework” and strong U.S. commercial adoption as justification for a “narrow moat” rating.

The tension is obvious: fundamentals point up while price action points down. Palantir demonstrated strong customer adoption and contract growth in Q4. Yet the stock sits 26% below year-end levels, trading closer to its 52-week low of $66 than its 52-week high of $207 on a relative basis. Software sector panic, relentless insider selling, and a 205x P/E ratio create a valuation standoff that strong customer wins haven’t yet resolved.

AST SpaceMobile shares may see "substantial" volatility next week.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS +0.44%) announced plans to raise money this week, and some shareholders decided to dump the stock. The financial engineering it announced was the focus for investors who may see more volatility next week.

Shares plunged 18.9% for the week, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Image source: Getty Images.

Shareholder dilution coming In a series of announcements this week, AST SpaceMobile said it plans to repurchase about $300 million of its existing convertible senior notes due in 2032, while concurrently offering about $1 billion of new notes due in 2036. The transactions were viewed negatively by existing shareholders for several reasons. Both offerings are expected to occur next week.

While the move will remove $300 million of debt -- and save over $50 million in interest payments -- it will result in approximately 1.15 million additional shares being issued by the company. It's also a reminder that AST SpaceMobile still needs to spend much more capital to finish building out its satellite array to offer broadband directly to smartphone users.

The company said it will use some of the additional capital for "accelerating the deployment of AST SpaceMobile's controlled spectrum bands on a global basis," as well as to pursue other future business growth opportunities.

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Existing shareholders will take a hit, though, potentially from more than just direct dilution. With shares already about 32.5% off 2026 highs, the company warned that the common stock could see "substantial" volume impacts as note holders may need to buy or sell AST stock to cover derivative transactions or other positions related to the notes.

Howard Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends AST SpaceMobile. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The market is worried that the company's huge AI spending won't lead to meaningful value creation.

With shares trading down almost 55% from an all-time high of $345.72 reached in late 2025, Oracle (ORCL +2.38%) has become the fallen star of the boom among generative artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. Investors are worried that the company's aggressive capital expenditure plans aren't translating to meaningful returns while burdening its balance sheet with massive debt.

The situation came to a head when the company signed a $300 billion deal with ChatGPT creator OpenAI to help build data centers over the next five years. Let's explore the long-term implications of this deal to decide if Oracle's share price dip is a buying opportunity or a sign to stay far away.

Image source: Getty Images.

Overexposed to a risky partner? On the surface, Oracle's OpenAI deal looks like a win/win opportunity. Its business model involves selling hardware and software used for database management and cloud computing, as well as building data centers that can be leased to third-party clients. These products and services synergize well with OpenAI's needs to store and transmit data for its generative AI large language models (LLMs).

Furthermore, as the infrastructure provider, Oracle is positioned on the pick-and-shovel side of the agreement. The company is somewhat shielded from the uncertainties that OpenAI will face as it seeks to monetize its consumer-facing algorithms and make returns that will justify the hundreds of billions it is spending on data center infrastructure. That said, the deal is not without potential pitfalls for investors.

For starters, the deal has made Oracle overly reliant on one client. The Financial Times goes as far as calling Oracle OpenAI's "publicly traded proxy" because 58% of its contractual backlog is tied to the ChatGPT maker.

And while OpenAI remains a leader in generative artificial intelligence, it is an extremely risky partner to build a business around. According to a report from tech news site The Information, the ChatGPT maker could burn through $115 billion in cash by 2029. And with losses on that scale, there is a real possibility that OpenAI could eventually run out of the capital needed to meet its obligations -- although there are no signs of that happening yet.

Oracle is also on a spending spree Oracle is also spending substantial amounts of its own capital to provide the data center infrastructure for OpenAI and other clients like TikTok, Nvidia, and xAI. In February, management announced plans to raise $45 billion to $50 billion through debt and equity financing (creating and selling new units of stock) to fund the infrastructure projects.

However, the new funding adds to Oracle's already overleveraged balance sheet. The company reported $100 billion in total debt in the fiscal second quarter (which ended in November). All this money will have to be paid back while it also generates interest expense that will be a long-term drag on Oracle's earnings.

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Is Oracle stock a buy? Orace is a high-risk, high-reward way to get exposure to the generative AI industry. Investors are essentially betting that the technology will continue to improve at a rate that justifies the huge levels of capital spending and debt Oracle is pouring into data centers for its clients. And that assumption is far from guaranteed to play out.

Furthermore, even if generative AI evolves into a widely commercially viable technology, Oracle's main client, OpenAI, still faces the risk of getting outdone by rivals like Anthropic or Gemini. OpenAI's flagship app, ChatGPT, is already rapidly losing ground, with its January market share falling from 69.1% in 2025 to 45.3% in 2026.

With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of just 20, Oracle stock may look like a good value relative to the Nasdaq 100 average of 27, but that's not a sign to buy it. Shares could get even cheaper as these long-term challenges play out.

Bulls are more optimistic than ever, but there's a lot of skepticism.

Artificial intelligence has reenergized the tech sector, and semiconductor stocks in particular have enjoyed huge gains. The standard-bearer for the chip revolution is Nvidia (NVDA 2.21%), which has found valuable applications for semiconductors that it initially used to power graphics processing capabilities. Now, Nvidia stock is the envy of the stock market.

My Voyager Portfolio aims to look beneath the surface of these key trends, though, to find companies that have gone unnoticed. Unfortunately, when it comes to semiconductor makers, the market has been unusually diligent in unearthing just about every possible opportunity to benefit. Indeed, even long-suffering Intel (INTC +0.61%), which many abandoned as having failed to keep up with the times after its initial success during the PC boom, has made its way back to prominence. Yet many still feel that the same problems that landed Intel in the scrap heap in the 2010s haven't really gone away. In the first of a three-article series on Intel, you'll learn more about the boom and bust that put Intel in the position it finds itself today.

Image source: Getty Images.

A disruptor in its own time Intel began in 1968, when Silicon Valley pioneers Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore decided to leave their employer and set off on their own. It wasn't long before Intel had made its mark, creating the first dynamic random access memory chip that marked the first departure from alternative memory devices using magnetic cores.

What really put Intel on the map was its work in microprocessors, where it was instrumental in making products that would eventually find their way into the earliest personal computers. In 1978, Intel released its 8086 chip, the first in a series of microprocessors that would mark the first stage of exponential growth in the PC era of the 1980s and 1990s. With subsequent releases of ever-faster semiconductors that continued to follow the law that carries one of its co-founder's names, Intel became a household name, and its products made their way into the vast majority of PCs sold during that key period for computing.

Where Intel fell off the pace Intel's problems, though, came largely from assuming that it could stay focused on the technology that initially powered its rise to prominence. In particular, Intel failed to recognize the value of extending its dominating chip market share to the mobile device market. As a result, smartphones largely used rival chips, leaving Intel out of a lucrative market.

Intel also failed to recognize the threat that graphics processing units represented to its microprocessor technology. Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD +0.67%) initially justified investment in GPUs in order to serve the relatively small video game market. However, as tech experts realized the potential for using GPUs in applications that went far beyond video gaming, Nvidia and AMD pulled away from Intel. Now, when hyperscaler companies look for the products that are best able to help them with their AI aspirations, Intel is definitely not the first company they think of to help them.

Even once Intel identified the need to get more heavily involved in AI chip development, it wasn't able to get up to speed fast enough to be a competitive threat. Acquisitions allowed Intel to start making its own chips for generative AI and similar applications, but the performance of Intel products hasn't matched what Nvidia has achieved.

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Why the newfound optimism then? As a result of that loss of business momentum, Intel stock has never managed to return to the highs it set in 2000. Still, investors haven't given up on the company just yet, and share prices have actually doubled just in the past year. In the second article of this three-part series on Intel, you'll see more of the financial ups and downs that Intel has seen, along with the reasons for bulls to come out of the woodwork.

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: INO) between October 10, 2023 and December 26, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 7, 2026.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Inovio 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 Inovio class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=52847 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 7, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

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

DETAILS OF THE CASE: Inovio describes itself as a “biotechnology company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of DNA medicines to treat and protect people from diseases associated with, inter alia, human papillomavirus (“HPV”).” According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) manufacturing for Inovio’s CELLECTRA device was deficient; (2) accordingly, Inovio was unlikely to submit the INO-3107 Biologics License Application (“BLA”) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) by the second half of 2024; (3) Inovio had insufficient information to justify the INO-3107 BLA’s eligibility for FDA accelerated approval or priority review; (4) accordingly, INO-3107’s overall regulatory and commercial prospects were overstated; and (5) 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 Inovio class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=52847 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
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        [email protected]
        www.rosenlegal.com

Explore how each ETF’s unique market coverage and sector mix can impact your international diversification strategy.

The Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (NASDAQ:VXUS) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEMKT:IEFA) differ most in their market coverage: VXUS includes emerging markets, while IEFA limits itself to developed countries outside the U.S. and Canada.

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Both funds target investors seeking global diversification beyond the U.S., but VXUS tracks thousands of stocks across both developed and emerging markets, while IEFA focuses exclusively on developed markets, omitting both the U.S. and Canada. This comparison highlights how each ETF stacks up on cost, performance, risk, and portfolio makeup.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricVXUSIEFAIssuerVanguardiSharesExpense ratio0.05%0.07%1-yr return (as of Feb. 13, 2026)35.7%32.9%Dividend yield2.91%3.27%Beta0.991.01AUM$606 billion$178 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-year return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

IEFA charges a slightly higher expense ratio than VXUS, but the difference is modest. Investors looking for a higher payout may notice IEFA’s yield edges out VXUS by 0.36 percentage points.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricVXUSIEFAMax drawdown (five years)(29.44%)(30.37%)Growth of $1,000 over five years$1,504$1,580What's insideVXUS holds 8,691 stocks and adds emerging markets to its developed-market mix. Top positions include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd, Tencent Holdings Ltd, and ASML Holding NV. It offers more geographic diversification than IEFA, with 38% in Europe,  27% in emerging markets, 25% in the Pacific, and just 8% in North America.

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IEFA, by contrast, offers exposure to 2,589 developed-market stocks. Its largest holdings include ASML Holding NV, Roche Holding AG, and AstraZeneca Plc. The fund has been operating for more than 13 years, offering a long track record and a stable composition for those who want to avoid emerging-market risk.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the complete guide at this link.

What this means for investorsThese are both low-cost options to gain broad exposure to international stocks. Improving global economic conditions and a weaker dollar could drive growth in international stocks in 2026. IEFA appears to be the better option for the current bull market, as it has slightly outperformed VXUS over the last 1-year period.

IEFA may also be a better choice for several reasons. It offers a higher dividend yield. Plus, it is focused solely on developed markets, where economic stability is greater.

VXUS offers greater diversification, but that’s more to mitigate the inherent risks and volatility of investing in emerging markets. But VXUS has managed this well, as noted by its lower volatility (beta) over the past five years.

Still, IEFA has delivered better returns over the past five years (including dividend reinvestment), which suggests it is a better performer across market cycles. Its higher yield may seal the deal for investors looking for a solid international stock fund.

Spotify's Q4 results helped the stock recover some of its early losses from the start of the year.

Shares of Spotify (SPOT +2.81%) jumped after the music subscription service reported strong Q4 results and issued upbeat Q1 guidance. Despite the stock price jumping nearly 15% in the trading session following its earnings report's release on Feb. 10, it is still down around 18% year to date, as of this writing.

The stock was under pressure earlier this year on fears of gross margin compression and the potential for user growth to slow. However, neither of those concerns showed up in its results or guidance.

Let's take a closer look at the company's results and prospects to see if the stock can continue to rebound.

Image source: Getty Images.

Growing users and increased prices Spotify announced earlier this year that it was raising its premium subscription prices in the U.S. from $11.99 a month to $12.99 a month starting in February. While the move could have impacted its premium subscriber numbers, the company projected 3 million net new premium subscriber additions for Q1 to 293 million. It projected total subscribers to rise to 759 million for Q1, which was above analyst estimates of 752.45 million users, as compiled by Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, the company forecast that its Q1 operating income would climb to 660 million euros ($785 million), above analyst estimates of 645 million euros ($768 million). Gross margin guidance of 32.8% also came in above expectations of 32.2%. It guided for revenue of 4.5 billion euros ($5.35 billion), just shy of the 4.58 billion consensus ($5.45 billion).

For Q4, its revenue rose 7%, or 13% in constant currencies, to 4.53 billion euros ($5.39 billion). Its premium revenue climbed 8%, or 14% in constant currencies, to 4.01 billion euros ($477 billion), while ad-supported revenue fell 4% to 518 million euros ($616 million), but was up 4% in constant currencies.

Gross margin expanded 110 basis points to 33.1%. Premium gross margins edged up 10 basis points to 34.8%, while ad-supported gross margins jumped 441 basis points to 19.5%. Operating income, meanwhile, surged 47% to 701 million euros ($834 million).

The company said it plans to invest heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) to increase personalization and enhance the user experience. It is also looking to expand beyond music into both audiobooks and physical books to become a complete media platform. It's also moved to a new proprietary ad stack and expects to see strong ad growth as a result.

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Can the stock keep its momentum up? Spotify's results and guidance helped dispel the worry that the company was going to see margin compression or that its premium user growth would be impacted by recent price increases. That said, the stock is not cheap even after this year's pullback, trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 33 times 2026 estimates.

While Spotify has become an integral part of the music industry through its scale, I think the stock's valuation likely limits its upside given its current growth. As such, I would not chase this post-earnings rally.

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As software stocks crater on AI disruption fears, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives is taking a contrarian stance on the selloff. Ives says the current selloff is “the worst he’s witnessed in 25 years” but believes investors are making a critical mistake by treating enterprise software as obsolete in the AI era.

The numbers tell a brutal story. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) has plunged 28% year-to-date to $189.72, while ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW) has dropped 30.1% in 2026 to $107.08. Even Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT | MSFT Price Prediction) hasn’t been spared, falling 17% this year.

Salesforce (CRM): Valuation Compression Amid AI Fears Ives’ argument hinges on a fundamental belief that “artificial intelligence will complement existing software models rather than displace them.” He’s not alone. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) recently argued that “generative AI could add approximately $400 billion to the broader Enterprise Software Total Addressable Market by 2028” and noted that software multiples have compressed 33% since October 2025.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) CEO David Solomon echoed this view, calling the “AI-driven software selloff overdone” and suggesting many companies will adapt successfully. The valuation case is compelling. Salesforce now trades at just 14.4x forward earnings despite posting $900 million in Data Cloud and AI ARR, growing 120% year-over-year.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff tried to counter the negative narrative on the company’s recent earnings call, warning investors to “beware of the false agent” and claiming Salesforce is “light years ahead of other providers.” The company’s Agentforce platform with 3,000+ paid customers demonstrates its efforts to integrate AI into its existing platform.

ServiceNow (NOW): Strong Results Can’t Stop the Selloff The fear gripping software investors isn’t irrational. OpenAI’s Frontier platform and the rise of AI agents threaten to commoditize what enterprise software companies have spent decades building. ServiceNow reported strong Q3 revenue of $3.41 billion, up 22% year-over-year, yet the stock still cratered.

The market is pricing in a world where traditional SaaS models become obsolete. Even positive results can’t overcome that narrative. ServiceNow’s aggressive acquisitions suggest the company isn’t sitting still in the face of AI disruption. One area of expansion is security. Right now, the market has been selling off companies in security, but the narrative could flip quickly if there’s a series of major attacks this year using swarms of agents.

Microsoft (MSFT): Even the AI Leader Isn’t Immune Microsoft’s 17% decline this year shows that even companies at the forefront of AI development aren’t immune to the sector-wide selloff. The software giant has been a leader in integrating AI across its product suite, yet investor fears about the broader software market have weighed on the stock.

Microsoft is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Investors sold off the stock for forward Azure projections (about 38% growth) that came in below expectations. It’s not that demand isn’t there, but Microsoft doesn’t have any more compute capacity as it needs to dedicate portions of their infrastructure to internal projects.

That’s the right call. By renting more capacity to Anthropic or OpenAI, Microsoft is gaining revenue today to give more capacity to the companies disrupting it. Microsoft needs far better AI capabilities in its own software if it wants to defend revenue growth in core franchises like its Office products.

The Verdict Ives believes the selloff represents a significant disconnect between market pricing and fundamental value. The dot-com crash, the 2008 financial crisis, and the 2022 tech selloff all saw quality names trade at depressed valuations during periods of sector panic. But this time the technology shift is real and accelerating.

For Ives’ thesis to prove correct, AI needs to expand the software market rather than cannibalize it. The bull case rests on whether enterprise software companies can successfully integrate AI into their platforms rather than being displaced by it. The bear case assumes AI agents will bypass traditional SaaS entirely, making current valuations still too high.

I’d expect to see a broader separation as the year progresses. There could be a world where Salesforce continues selling off while the market’s sentiment of ServiceNow or other software verticals changes.

Wall Street currently projects Microsoft will hit $18.85 in earnings next year. That means the company is currently trading at about 21X earnings right now. At this point, I’m a buyer, but a bit more moderate. The company will need to endure more negative sentiment as it balances serving compute to internal projects and renting it out via Azure.

However, if negative sentiment continued and Microsoft slipped into the low $300s, putting it at a forward P/E of closer to the mid-teens, I would move from a moderate buyer to buying the company hand over fist. 

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AWP either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. 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.

Beyond Saving, Philip Mause, and Hidden Opportunities, all are supporting contributors for High Dividend Opportunities. Any recommendation posted in this article is not indefinite. We closely monitor all of our positions. We issue Buy and Sell alerts on our recommendations, which are exclusive to our members.

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.

Nvidia and Micron Technology are real bargains right now.

The market is trading near its all-time highs, but there are still some very inexpensive stocks out there for consideration by long-term investors. Here are two that investors can dip their toes into with a $1,000 investment.

Nvidia Nvidia (NVDA 2.21%) has gone from a stock often talked about as being overvalued to one of the cheapest megacap artificial intelligence (AI) names. It trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of around 24.5, based on analyst estimates for fiscal 2027 (ending in January), but if you go another year out, that multiple falls to just 19 times.

Image source: Getty Images

Given the company's incredible revenue growth (62% last quarter) and the opportunity still in front of it, that valuation is dirt cheap.

Nvidia is very closely tied to the artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure building boom, since its graphics processing units (GPUs) are the main chips used to power AI workloads. If there were any inclinations that AI spending was set to slow, those notions were put to rest when the big cloud computing companies and other big AI players announced their capital expenditure (capex) plans for the year. Spending is going to be through the roof, which will greatly benefit Nvidia.

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Even more importantly, chip manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing announced after careful due diligence that it would expand its own capex to increase capacity to meet long-term AI chip demand. TSMC, as it's also known, talked not just to its chip customers but also to its customers' customers to make sure the long-term demand was there and felt comfortable ramping up the building of new chip manufacturing facilities. That's great news for Nvidia and makes its stock look like a real bargain at current levels.

Micron Technology Sticking with semiconductor stocks, Micron Technology (MU 0.56%) is the definition of "dirt cheap" despite the stock's strong performance. It trades at a forward P/E of 11 times fiscal year 2026 analyst estimates (ending August 2026) and just above 8.5 times the fiscal 2027 consensus. Micron's low valuation can be attributed to the cyclical nature of the memory market, but with AI infrastructure needing a boatload of memory, the market appears to have shifted toward a structural growth story.

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Micron is one of the big three DRAM memory makers, and to optimize the performance of GPUs, the chips need to be packaged with a special form of DRAM called high-bandwidth memory (HBM). With AI infrastructure spending booming, so is the demand for HBM. However, it takes upward of three times the wafer capacity of ordinary DRAM, which has created a huge supply shortfall and soaring DRAM prices.

While Micron and others are increasing capacity, demand is expected to continue to outstrip supply in the coming years, making Micron's stock look very attractive. The company should see continued strong growth and robust gross margins over the next several years.

Geoffrey Seiler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Micron Technology, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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© RiverNorthPhotography / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images

Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE:BUD) delivered a 6% gain this week, outpacing both the S&P 500 and its consumer staples peers. The world’s largest brewer is trading at $80.39, approaching its 52-week high of $81.56. Three distinct storylines drove the move, each revealing where this company stands heading into 2026.

The Stock’s Week: Outperformance Across Every Timeframe BUD’s 6% weekly gain more than tripled the Consumer Staples sector ETF’s 1.8% rise. Year-to-date, BUD is up 25.5% versus 15.2% for consumer staples broadly. Over the past year, the stock has surged 54%, crushing the sector’s 13% return.

Even competitor Molson Coors (NYSE:TAP), which gained 2.8% this week, couldn’t keep pace. BUD is capturing momentum that extends beyond simple sector rotation.

Storyline 1: Analyst Price Targets Surge Past $100 Wall Street dramatically repriced BUD’s upside this week. Evercore ISI raised its price target from $75 to $100 on February 13, maintaining an Outperform rating. That’s a 33% increase and implies 24% upside from current levels.

Wells Fargo followed with two separate increases, first moving from $75 to $85 on February 9, then raising again to $88 days later. Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and JPMorgan all reaffirmed Buy ratings with price targets clustering between $77 and $94.

BUD now carries a $79.10 average analyst target with 9 Buy or Strong Buy ratings versus just 3 Holds and zero Sells. When multiple firms raise targets simultaneously, it signals something fundamental changed in their models.

Storyline 2: Q4 Earnings Beat Extends Four-Quarter Streak The catalyst arrived Thursday morning when Anheuser-Busch Inbev reported Q4 EPS of $0.95, beating the $0.89 consensus by 7%. Revenue came in at $15.55 billion with organic revenue growth of 2.5% and EBITDA growth of 4.9%.

This marks the fourth consecutive quarter BUD exceeded estimates. The company generated $11.3 billion in free cash flow last year while expanding margins by 101 basis points. Management guided to 4% to 8% EBITDA growth for 2026, suggesting confidence despite volume headwinds in China and Brazil.

The premiumization strategy is working. Higher-margin brands are offsetting volume declines, a playbook that matters more than unit sales when margins expand triple digits year-over-year.

Storyline 3: Valuation Concerns Emerge Despite Momentum Anheuser-Busch Inbev trades at 27x trailing earnings, elevated for a beverage company facing volume pressures. GuruFocus flagged the stock as potentially overvalued despite strong earnings momentum.

Short interest tells a mixed story. Only 0.9% of the float is sold short, well below the 7.8% peer average, but that short interest increased 7% recently. Some institutional players trimmed positions in Q3, including Envestnet, which reduced its stake by 10.7%.

The bull case hinges on whether premium brand momentum and margin expansion justify the multiple. The bear case points to volume declines and geographic weakness that could pressure growth if consumer spending softens. At current levels, BUD is priced for execution, not forgiveness.