Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

, /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of Burnaby, British Columbia-based Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc. ("WMB"). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

WMB provides retail insurance brokerage services to commercial clients primarily in Western Canada, with industry focuses of construction, commercial real estate, surety bonding, hospitality and mining. The WMB team, led by David Beck, will remain in their current locations under the direction of Dave Partington, head of Gallagher's retail property/casualty brokerage operations in Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.

"WMB's excellent reputation for niche industry expertise will enhance our retail brokerage capabilities in Canada," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and CEO. "I am very pleased to welcome David, his partners and associates to Gallagher."

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Key Takeaways ASTS faces margin pressure from heavy investment, launch timing uncertainty and supply shocks.Competition from Starlink and Globalstar forces AST SpaceMobile to customize and spend more to keep up.Plans to deploy 45-60 satellites by the end of 2026; acquisitions add integration and management strain. AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS - Free Report) has surged 77.4% over the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 42.2%. It has outperformed peers like Aviat Networks, Inc. (AVNW - Free Report) and Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (CMTL - Free Report) . While Aviat has declined 13.2%, Comtech fell 22.2% over the same period. 

One-Year ASTS Stock Price Performance

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ASTS Gears Up for Bluebird 11, 12 & 13 LaunchesAST SpaceMobile is likely to strengthen its position as one of the leading space-based cellular broadband service providers in the market with the proposed deployment of three satellites in its direct-to-device (D2D) constellation in August. The company is slated to launch BlueBird 11, 12, and 13 satellites from Cape Canaveral, FL.

Utilizing large phased array antennas measuring approximately 2,400 square feet, AST SpaceMobile's technology is backed by more than 3,800 patents and patent-pending claims. It aims to deliver worldwide cellular coverage by eradicating dead zones and providing space-based connectivity to areas that lack broadband service. By connecting directly to standard smartphones at broadband speeds, these advanced phased arrays eliminate the need for special equipment, enhancing current mobile networks while ensuring seamless use of existing mobile phones.

Uncertain Business Conditions Hurt ASTSDespite the buzz, AST SpaceMobile continues to navigate a challenging operating environment, plagued by margin and macroeconomic headwinds. The company operates in a capital-intensive phase, requiring substantial investments in satellite deployment, network infrastructure and commercialization efforts, which are difficult to secure amid a volatile geopolitical scenario. In addition, execution-related challenges, including launch timing uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and potential cost inflation, are likely to dent its growth prospects.

Unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, including rising inflation, higher interest rates, capital market volatility, tariff imposition and geopolitical conflicts, have adversely impacted AST SpaceMobile. These have led to continued fluctuations in satellite material prices, resulting in increased capital costs and pressure on the company’s financial performance.

Depleting Margins Add to the WoesThe company faces severe competition from existing and new industry leaders like Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s (SPCX - Free Report) Starlink and Globalstar. To combat such competitive pressure, AST SpaceMobile has to continuously customize its network offerings, enhance the cost-effectiveness of its products and services and boost its satellite data networks to remain ahead of the competition, which often results in higher operating costs.

Due to high infrastructure setup costs and research and development expenses for highly sophisticated satellite technology, AST SpaceMobile expects significant expenditures in the coming months to build and launch the next crop of satellites, in line with its expansion plans to serve the full spectrum of U.S. subscribers. This is largely because the company is slated to deploy about 45-60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026.

In addition, AST SpaceMobile continues to acquire a large number of companies. While this improves revenue opportunities, it adds to integration risks. These include adverse legal, organizational and financial challenges, loss of key customers and distributors and increased demands on management’s time.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Estimate Revision TrendEarnings estimates for AST SpaceMobile for 2026 and 2027 have narrowed 65.2% and 200% to a loss of $1.47 and a loss of 38 cents per share, respectively, over the past year. The negative estimate revision depicts bearish sentiments about the stock’s growth potential.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

End NoteThe successful launch of the Bluebird satellites will likely transform network connectivity and help bridge the digital divide, significantly expanding its global presence and enhancing AST SpaceMobile’s capabilities in providing ubiquitous connectivity.

However, the downtrend in estimate revisions portrays skepticism about the business model. Stiff competitive pressure and an uncertain geopolitical environment are headwinds for the company. High operating expenses remain an overhang as well. Consequently, it might be a prudent investment decision to avoid the stock at the moment.

AST SpaceMobile carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.

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

Key Takeaways NuScale named ENTRA1 its exclusive global commercialization partner for SMR technology.ENTRA1 will develop, finance, own and operate plants using NuScale's approved SMR technology.ENTRA1 and TVA are working on a proposal for up to 6 GW of new nuclear capacity. NuScale Power Corporation’s (SMR - Free Report) partnership with ENTRA1 Energy has become an important part of its strategy to bring small modular reactors (SMRs) to market. Instead of only supplying its reactor technology, NuScale has named ENTRA1 as its exclusive global commercialization partner. Under this arrangement, NuScale provides its U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission-approved SMR technology, while ENTRA1 is responsible for developing, financing, owning and operating the power plants.

This partnership helps address one of the biggest challenges facing advanced nuclear projects: turning proven technology into commercial power plants that can be built and financed. It also simplifies the process for customers by offering a single, integrated solution instead of requiring them to work with multiple companies for development, financing and operations.

ENTRA1's role goes beyond building nuclear power plants. The company aims to provide complete energy solutions by offering different ownership and financing options, such as long-term power purchase agreements or transferring plant ownership to customers. ENTRA1 also plans to use NuScale's SMR technology for a wide range of applications, including electricity generation, hydrogen production, water desalination and industrial heating. This broad approach expands the potential market for NuScale's reactors and helps meet the growing demand for reliable, around-the-clock, carbon-free energy across different industries.

The partnership is already moving from planning to execution. ENTRA1 is continuing to work with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on a proposal to develop up to 6 gigawatts of new nuclear generating capacity using NuScale Power Modules. If completed, it could become one of the largest nuclear power projects in U.S. history. ENTRA1 is also working toward a long-term power purchase agreement with TVA and expects to benefit from funding opportunities under the U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement. As these projects move forward, ENTRA1 could play a key role in bringing NuScale's SMR technology into commercial use on a much larger scale.

NuScale is not the only company working to commercialize advanced nuclear technology. While its strategy combines approved SMR technology with commercialization through ENTRA1, other nuclear developers are pursuing different reactor designs to meet the growing demand for reliable, carbon-free power.

How Other Advanced Nuclear Companies are Approaching the Market

Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) is developing liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors that use metal fuel, a technology with decades of operating history. OKLO says its reactors rely on inherent safety features that allow them to respond naturally to changing conditions. OKLO is also building capabilities in fuel recycling, allowing used nuclear fuel to become a future energy source. Beyond electricity generation, OKLO is expanding into advanced fuel services and radioisotope production, creating a broader long-term business model.

NANO Nuclear Energy (NNE - Free Report) is developing compact microreactors designed for applications where large nuclear plants are impractical. NANO Nuclear's portfolio includes the KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor, the ZEUS battery reactor and the portable LOKI microreactor. NANO Nuclear is targeting data centers, industrial facilities, military sites, remote communities and microgrids. By focusing on smaller, modular reactor designs, NANO Nuclear aims to provide reliable, carbon-free power that can be deployed more quickly and flexibly than traditional nuclear plants.

The Zacks Rundown on NuScale Power

Shares of SMR have lost more than 50% over the past six months.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

NuScale Power currently has an average brokerage recommendation of 2.56 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 18 brokerage firms. 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for SMR’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

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

Shares of SanDisk Inc. SNDK fell sharply in trading on Tuesday as a broad selloff in memory-chip stocks spread from South Korea to US markets despite strong preliminary earnings from Samsung Electronics.

SanDisk shares declined 8% after falling 23% over the previous three trading sessions.

The stock has been one of the strongest performers in the US technology sector this year, gaining about 635% year to date and more than 3,750% over the past 12 months.

The decline came as investors took profits across the memory-chip sector following steep gains in semiconductor stocks driven by artificial intelligence demand.

The selling pressure followed Samsung Electronics' preliminary second-quarter earnings announcement.

The South Korean technology company projected operating profit of 89.4 trillion won ($58.44 billion), representing a 19-fold increase from the same period a year earlier. Samsung also forecast revenue of 171 trillion won, up 129% year over year.

Despite the stronger-than-expected results, Samsung shares fell 6.9% in South Korean trading as investors appeared to lock in gains after a prolonged rally. The stock has risen about 380% over the past year.

SK Hynix also declined 6.1%, with the two companies together accounting for more than half of the Kospi index's market capitalization.

The broader South Korean market came under pressure as heavy selling in chipmakers pushed the Kospi down as much as 8.2% during the session, briefly placing the index in bear market territory before trimming some losses.

The weakness in South Korea quickly spread to US semiconductor stocks.

Micron Technology and Western Digital fell 7.3% and 8.14% respectively in trading.

The Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM), whose largest holdings include Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron, dropped 6.2%.

The selloff extended beyond memory-chip companies. Intel and Advanced Micro Devices each declined more than 6%, while Nvidia slipped 1.5%.

Investors appeared to be taking profits after a prolonged rally in semiconductor shares, particularly in companies benefiting from growing demand for AI-related memory and storage products.

SanDisk's recent decline comes after an extended period of exceptional gains.

Although the stock has fallen more than 20% over the past three trading sessions, it remains one of the best-performing US technology stocks over the past year.

The company has previously experienced similar pullbacks, including a four-day losing streak in May and a five-day decline in March before resuming its broader upward trend.

Profit-taking was also evident across the memory sector.

Micron and SanDisk are now trading well below the highs they reached last month, while the Roundhill Memory ETF has declined 19% from its June 22 peak.

Investors are also preparing for another potential catalyst later this week, with South Korean memory-chip maker SK Hynix scheduled to begin trading on the Nasdaq on Friday.

The upcoming listing could keep attention focused on the memory-chip sector as investors continue to assess whether recent declines represent a pause in the AI-driven rally or the beginning of a broader correction following months of outsized gains.

Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.

WELLSTAR is expected to become a publicly listed company through a TSXV listing, supported by a Concurrent Financing with gross proceeds of approximately $50 million anchored by strong institutional subscription from a large Canadian bank-owned asset manager and continued support from existing shareholders. The proposed public listing is expected to crystallize the value of WELLSTAR's underlying assets through an independent public market valuation, while providing a dedicated acquisition currency to support its long-term growth strategy.WELLSTAR is a high growth, profitable pure-play healthcare technology company with a historical three-year organic revenue CAGR of over 20% and expected 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin of 21%. The Company serves over 40% of providers across Canada with high quality technology and services that significantly reduce providers’ administrative burden, and is expected to generate approximately $95 million of revenue in 2026.Following the listing, WELL is expected to remain a significant long-term controlling shareholder and growing customer, reinforcing its commitment to WELLSTAR while unlocking value for WELL shareholders and providing WELLSTAR continued access to one of Canada's largest outpatient clinic networks to support WELLSTAR's continued growth.The Concurrent Financing is being led by TD Securities Inc., RBC Capital Markets and Stifel, on behalf of a syndicate of agents, with proceeds used to fund strategic acquisitions, AI-driven product innovation, organic growth initiatives, and general corporate purposes, further strengthening WELLSTAR’s position as a leading healthcare technology platform. Purchasers will receive subordinate voting shares in WELLSTAR, each of which will subsequently be exchanged for one freely tradeable Resulting Issuer SVS in connection with the completion of the Transaction expected to occur in mid-September 2026. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF) (“WELL”), a digital health company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, together with 1587818 B.C. Ltd. (“818”), are pleased to announce that WELL’s subsidiary, WELLSTAR Technologies Corp. (“WELLSTAR” or the “Company”), has entered into an amalgamation agreement dated as of the date hereof (the “Amalgamation Agreement”) with 818, pursuant to which WELLSTAR and 818 will amalgamate under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (such amalgamated entity, the “Resulting Issuer”) (the “Transaction”) and intends to apply to concurrently list the Resulting Issuer’s subordinate voting shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”).

The Transaction is currently expected to close on or about September 16, 2026. Following completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the Resulting issuer will carry on the business of WELLSTAR and the subordinate voting shares of the Resulting Issuer (the “Resulting Issuer SVS”) will be listed on the TSXV.

WELL is also pleased to announce that, in connection with, and as a condition to closing of, the Transaction, WELLSTAR is undertaking a brokered private placement (the “Concurrent Financing”) of subscription receipts (“Subscription Receipts”). TD Securities Inc., RBC Capital Markets and Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. (“Stifel” and together with TD Securities Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, the “Lead Agents”), on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively with the Lead Agents, the “Agents”) will support WELLSTAR on a best efforts basis in offering the Subscription Receipts. The Concurrent Financing is expected to raise aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$50 million at a price of C$10.00 per Subscription Receipt (the “Issue Price”)1. WELLSTAR has also granted the Agents an option (the “Agents’ Option”), exercisable in whole or in part at any time up until 48 hours prior to the date of closing of the Concurrent Financing, to place at the Issue Price up to such number of additional Subscription Receipts as is equal to 15% of the Subscription Receipts issuable under the Concurrent Financing. The Concurrent Financing is anchored by strong institutional subscription from a large Canadian bank-owned asset manager and continued support from existing shareholders, continuing WELLSTAR's successful track record of financing independently. Closing of the Concurrent Offering is expected to occur on or about July 29, 2026 (the “Subscription Receipt Closing Date”).

Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and CEO of WELL, commented, “This transaction is a significant milestone in WELL's strategy to unlock the value of our healthcare technology assets while retaining a meaningful ownership position in one of Canada's leading digital health platforms. WELLSTAR's electronic medical records, AI-enabled clinical tools and practice management solutions are the technology foundation powering a significant portion of our clinics across Canada, and that clinical environment in turn strengthens WELLSTAR's products, a symbiotic relationship that will endure as WELL remains a significant long-term shareholder. A standalone public listing will give WELLSTAR enhanced strategic flexibility, greater access to growth capital and increased visibility with investors, positioning it to create long-term value for both WELL and WELLSTAR shareholders.”

Amir Javidan, CEO of WELLSTAR, further commented, “Today's announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for WELLSTAR as we prepare to become a publicly listed healthcare technology company. We are encouraged by the strong interest we've already received from institutional investors, which reflects confidence in our business, our leadership team and our long-term vision. Access to the public markets, together with the capital raised through this financing, will enhance our strategic flexibility and position us to accelerate product innovation, expand our AI capabilities, execute on our acquisition pipeline and continue delivering solutions that empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.”

Concurrent Financing

In connection with the Transaction, WELLSTAR is undertaking a brokered private placement of Subscription Receipts. The Concurrent Financing is expected to raise aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$50 million at a price of C$10.00 per Subscription Receipt, reflecting the 818 Consolidation and WELLSTAR Consolidation. The net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be released to WELLSTAR on the closing of the Transaction and be used by WELLSTAR for potential future acquisitions, AI-related innovation, organic growth initiatives and general corporate purposes.

Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder, without payment of any additional consideration or further action on the part of the holder, and subject to adjustment in certain events, upon satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions (as defined in the Subscription Receipt Agreement, the “Escrow Release Conditions”) in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, and following the 818 Consolidation and WELLSTAR Consolidation (as defined below), to receive one subordinate voting share of WELLSTAR (“WELLSTAR SVS”), which will subsequently be exchanged for one freely tradeable Resulting Issuer SVS in connection with the completion of the Transaction. The Subscription Receipts issued in connection with the Concurrent Financing are subject to a statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities legislation, however, the Resulting Issuer SVS will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to Canadian securities laws and will be listed on the TSXV.

The Agents will receive a cash commission payable by WELLSTAR to the Agents, equal to 6% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing, reduced to 2% of the aggregate gross proceeds for investors on a president’s list agreed between the Lead Agents and WELLSTAR (the “Agents’ Commission”).

On the Subscription Receipt Closing Date, the gross proceeds of the Subscription Receipts, less 50% of the Agents’ Commission and all of the expenses of the Agents not yet paid as of such date, will be delivered to and held by the Subscription Receipt Agent and invested in an interest bearing account until satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions or the Escrow Deadline (as defined below) (the “Escrowed Proceeds”, and together with all interest and other income earned thereon, referred to as the “Escrowed Funds”).

If (i) the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied prior to 90 days from the Subscription Receipt Closing Date or such later date as may be agreed to by not less than 66 2/3% of the votes of holders of the Subscription Receipts (the “Escrow Deadline”) or, (ii) if prior to the Escrow Deadline, the Amalgamation Agreement is terminated or WELLSTAR has advised the Subscription Receipt Agent and the Lead Agents, or announced to the public, that the Transaction will not be completed (the date upon which such event occurs, the “Termination Date”), within five business days following the Termination Date, the Escrowed Funds shall be returned to the holders of Subscription Receipts pro rata. To the extent that the Escrowed Funds are not sufficient to satisfy the Issue Price of each such Subscription Receipt, WELLSTAR will contribute such amounts as are necessary to satisfy any shortfall.

On the date on which the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied (the “Escrow Release Date”), the Subscription Receipt Agent shall release from the Escrowed Funds: (i) to the Agents, an amount equal to the balance of the Agents’ Commission and all remaining expenses of the Agents not previously paid (collectively, the “Agents’ Payment”), and (ii) following release of the Agents’ Payment, all remaining Escrowed Funds shall be released to the Resulting Issuer.

The securities to be offered in the Concurrent Financing have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Transaction Details

Share Consolidations

Immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, each of 818 and WELLSTAR intend to undertake certain share consolidations on exchange ratios to be finally determined and subject to receipt of necessary corporate approvals (the “818 Consolidation” and the “WELLSTAR Consolidation”, respectively).

Preferred Share Conversion

The Transaction and Concurrent Financing together will constitute an Automatic Conversion Event under the terms of the WELLSTAR Series A Preferred Shares and WELLSTAR Series B Preferred Shares. Immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, WELLSTAR will convert all issued and outstanding WELLSTAR Series A Preferred Shares and WELLSTAR Series B Preferred Shares into fully paid and non-assessable WELLSTAR SVS (the “Preferred Share Conversion”).

Amalgamation

The Amalgamation Agreement between WELLSTAR and 818 provides, among other things, that (i) WELLSTAR and 818 will amalgamate pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), (ii) all of the outstanding WELLSTAR SVS, including those issued in connection with the Preferred Share Conversion, will be cancelled and, in consideration therefor, the holders thereof will receive Resulting Issuer SVS on the basis of one Resulting Issuer SVS for each WELLSTAR SVS held, (iii) all of the outstanding multiple voting shares of WELLSTAR (“WELLSTAR MVS”) will be cancelled and, in consideration thereof, the holders thereof will receive multiple voting shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer (“Resulting Issuer MVS”) on the basis of one Resulting Issuer MVS for each WELLSTAR MVS held and (iv) all of the outstanding shares of 818 post-818 Consolidation (“Post-Consolidation 818 Shares”) will be cancelled and, in consideration thereof, the holders thereof will receive Resulting Issuers SVS on the basis of one Resulting Issuer SVS for each Post-Consolidation 818 Share held.

Closing Conditions

Completion of the Transaction will be subject to certain customary conditions, including among others: (i) that holders of WELLSTAR SVS and WELLSTAR MVS have passed a special resolution in writing with respect to the Amalgamation Agreement; (ii) that holders of shares of 818 have passed a special resolution with respect to the Amalgamation Agreement; (iii) that 818 will have instituted a dual class share structure; (iv) that 818 will have completed the 818 Consolidation; (v) that WELLSTAR will have completed the WELLSTAR Consolidation; (vi) that WELLSTAR will have completed the Preferred Share Conversion; (vii) the completion of the Concurrent Financing; (vii) the execution and delivery of the filing statement of 818 and receipt of conditional acceptance of such filing statement and of the Transaction by the TSXV; (viii) that 818 shall not be in default of the requirements of the TSXV and any securities commission and no order shall have been issued that would prevent the Transaction or the trading of any securities of 818 or the Resulting Issuer; (ix) the receipt of all consents, orders and approvals necessary or desirable for the completion of the Transaction; and (x) that 818 shall have been a reporting issuer for at least four months and one day prior to the closing date of the Transaction.

Resulting Issuer Share Capital

Upon completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer’s articles will provide for three classes of shares: Resulting Issuer SVS, Resulting Issuer MVS and preferred shares issuable in series. Upon completion of the Transaction, the Concurrent Financing, the Preferred Share Conversion and reflecting the 818 Consolidation and WELLSTAR Consolidation, an aggregate of 23.3 million Resulting Issuer SVS, 25.8 million Resulting Issuer MVS (24.1 million Resulting Issuer SVS and 25.8 million Resulting Issuer MVS if the Agents’ Option is exercised in full) and no preferred shares are expected to be issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding Resulting Issuer MVS will be held by WELL.

Each Resulting Issuer SVS will be entitled to one vote and each Resulting Issuer MVS will be entitled to four votes. After giving effect to the Transaction, the Concurrent Financing and the Preferred Share Conversion, the Resulting Issuer SVS will collectively represent 47.5% of the Resulting Issuer’s issued and outstanding shares and 18.4% of the voting rights attached to all of the issued and outstanding shares (48.3% and 18.9%, respectively, if the Agents’ Option is exercised in full) and the Resulting Issuer MVS will collectively represent 52.5% of the Resulting Issuer’s issued and outstanding shares and 81.6% of the voting rights attached to all of the issued and outstanding shares (51.7% and 81.1%, respectively, if the Agents’ Option is exercised in full).

Other Key WELLSTAR Agreements

WELL and WELLSTAR are parties to a shared services agreement pursuant to which WELL provides information technology, cybersecurity, human resources administration, tax, legal, marketing, accounts payable and such other services as may be agreed by the parties. This agreement will remain in place following completion of the Transaction.

Upon completion of the Transaction, WELL intends to enter into an investor rights agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”) with the Resulting Issuer providing for, among other things, certain director nomination rights and customary demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to future public offerings by the Resulting Issuer, subject to the terms and conditions to be included in the Investor Rights Agreement.

Upon completion of the Transaction, WELL will enter into a customary coattail agreement with the Resulting Issuer and a trustee (the “Coattail Agreement”). The Coattail Agreement will contain provisions customary for dual-class, TSXV-listed issuers.

The Investor Rights Agreement and Coattail Agreement will be available for review under the Resulting Issuer’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com on completion of the Transaction.

Stock Exchange Matters

As at the date hereof, neither the WELLSTAR SVS nor the 818 Shares are listed on any stock exchange. A condition to completion of the Transaction is the fulfillment by the Resulting Issuer of all of the minimum listing requirements of the TSXV and obtaining conditional approval for the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the TSXV. A filing statement in respect of the Resulting Issuer Shares, which will include further details of the Transaction, will be filed on 818’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca provided TSXV’s conditional approval of the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares has been obtained. There can be no assurance that the TSXV will grant such conditional approval or that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

About WELLSTAR

About the Business

WELLSTAR is a digital healthcare company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare providers and their patients. WELLSTAR offers innovative technology and services to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. WELLSTAR’s digital technologies are contributing to the transformation of the future of healthcare through a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients. WELLSTAR’s suite of solutions can be divided into three principal business units: (i) Clinical Platform Group; (ii) Digital Health Networks; and (iii) Billing and Practice Management.

WELLSTAR is currently a partially-owned subsidiary of WELL. WELLSTAR’s close strategic relationship with WELL, one of the largest operators of outpatient medical clinics in Canada, provides WELLSTAR with industry insight and expertise in optimizing clinical workflows, enhancing patient engagement, and streamlining administrative processes.

A summary of certain financial information for WELLSTAR is included in the tables below:

CAD Millions  As at March 31, 2026(1)Cash and Cash Equivalents (2)$75 Debt (Deferred Acquisition Costs)($3)Net Cash$72   WELLSTAR Shareholders’ Equity$48 Non-Controlling Interest$8 Total Equity$56  (1) Unaudited.
(2) Pro forma adjusted to give effect to the repayment of a $10 million loan to WELL, as if received on March 31, 2026.

 2026E(2)2025(2)2024(2)Revenue$95 $72 $45 Adjusted Gross Profit(1)$72 $54 $36 Adjusted EBITDA(1)$20 $16 $10 Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1)21%23%22%Net lossN/A(3)($6)($4)Free Cash Flow(1)$11 $10 $6      Q1 2026(2)Q1 2025(2)YoY ChangeRevenue$22 $17 26%Adjusted Gross Profit(1)$16 $12 29%Adjusted EBITDA(1)$3.9 $3.6 10%Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1)18%21%-300 bpsNet loss($8)($1)571% (1) These measures are unaudited, are not recognized under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. Refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” below for a definition of these measures and “Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures” for reconciliations of these measures to standardized IFRS measures.
(2) Full year 2024 and 2025 financial information is audited. Q1 2025, Q1 2026 and 2026E financial information is unaudited.
(3) Net income (loss) is not forecasted for 2026.

Further financial information will be included in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction. An investor presentation relating to information in respect of the WELLSTAR business can be found on the Company’s website at investors.wellstar.health.

Proposed Directors and Senior Management Team

The current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of WELLSTAR, Amir Javidan and Darren Hoegler, each of whom was appointed to their current roles at WELLSTAR in December 2024, will be the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Resulting Issuer. Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WELL and current Chairman of the WELLSTAR board of directors, will be the Chairman of the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer with the board of directors also including Amir Javidan, Evelyn Sutherland, Matt Mattox and Sue Paish (each currently a member of the WELLSTAR board of directors). Other members of the WELLSTAR executive team are expected to remain in their current roles at the Resulting Issuer following the Transaction.

WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
Per: “Hamed Shahbazi”
Hamed Shahbazi
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director   

About WELL Health Technologies Corp.

WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) is Canada’s largest outpatient healthcare company and a leading provider of technology-enabled healthcare solutions. WELL is building the infrastructure for a healthier Canada, where every patient gets better care, every provider is empowered by AI, and every piece of health data is protected. WELL owns and operates approximately 270 clinics in Canada, supporting more than 5 million annual patient visits. Through its subsidiary WELLSTAR, WELL provides electronic medical records, AI-powered clinical tools, patient engagement platforms and IT management services. WELL provides cybersecurity services through its CYBERWELL subsidiary. WELL is publicly traded on the TSX under the symbol “WELL” and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol “WHTCF”. To learn more, please visit: www.well.company.

Non-IFRS Measures

Adjusted Gross Profit

Adjusted Gross Profit is defined as revenue less cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization. Adjusted Gross Profit should not be construed as an alternative for revenue or net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS. WELLSTAR does not present gross profit in its consolidated combined financial statements as it is a non-IFRS financial measure. WELLSTAR believes that Adjusted Gross Profit is a meaningful metric that is often used by readers to measure a company's efficiency of selling its products and services.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less net rent expense on premise leases accounted for as right-of-use leases under IFRS 16, and before share-based compensation expense, time-based earnout expense, foreign exchange gains and losses, change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities, impairment charges, transaction, restructuring and integration costs and gains/losses that are not reflective of ongoing operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue.

WELLSTAR considers Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to be financial metrics that measure cash flow that WELLSTAR can use to fund working capital requirements and fund future growth initiatives. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss), cash flow from operating activities or other measures of financial performance defined under IFRS.

Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow is defined as Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures (including hosting payments treated as right-of-use leases under IFRS), cash interest and cash taxes. Free Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities or other measure prepared in accordance with IFRS.

Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures

Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA

 2026
 2025
 2024
CAD in 000sQ1 Q1FY25  Net loss(8,211) (1,223)(6,195) (3,963)Depreciation and amortization2,296  1,560 6,728  5,511 Interest expense, net5,768  1,850 7,705  510 Income tax expense550  (573)1,355  236 EBITDA per financial statements403  1,614 9,593  2,294 Adjustments:      Share-based compensation1,784  156 2,241  2,398 Foreign exchange (gain) loss3  1 (12) 8 Time-based earnout expense344  1,161 5,111  5,080 Gains (losses) on fair value of financial assets833  - (1,404) - Rent expense on right-of-use assets(169) (124)(623) (516)M&A transaction and integration costs396  553 1,190  168 Restructuring and other costs287  172 399  419 Adjusted EBITDA3,881  3,533 16,495  9,851        Revenue21,521  17,046 72,227  44,716 Adjusted EBITDA Margin %18.0% 20.7%22.8% 22.0%            Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Free Cash Flow

 2025
 2024
CAD in 000s   Adjusted EBITDA16,495  9,851 Adjustments:   Capital expenditures(4,825) (2,496)Hosting lease payments-  (880)Cash tax payments(2,089) (780)Free Cash Flow9,581  5,695        Reconciliation of Revenue to Adjusted Gross Profit

 2026 2025 2024CAD in 000sQ1 Q1FY25  Revenue21,521 17,04672,227 44,716Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)5,361 4,56718,274 9,042Adjusted Gross Profit16,160 12,47953,953 35,674        Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain “Forward-Looking Information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, without limitation: the terms and conditions of the Transaction and the Concurrent Financing, including with respect to the terms of the Subscription Receipts issued pursuant thereto; use of proceeds from the Concurrent Financing; expectations regarding the 818 Consolidation and the WELLSTAR Consolidation, including the terms and timing thereof; expectations regarding the timing of closing of the Transaction and the Concurrent Financing; the expected benefits of the Transaction; expectations regarding the Resulting Issuer’s share capital; the terms and conditions of the Shared Services Agreement, Investor Rights Agreement and Coattail Agreement; future plans of the Resulting Issuer; and the proposed directors and senior management of the Resulting Issuer. Forward-Looking Information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-Looking Information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-Looking Information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information and the Forward-Looking Information are not guarantees of future performance. WELL’s comments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and conditions, many of which are outside of WELL ‘s control, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-Looking Information are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: satisfaction or waiver of all applicable conditions to the completion of the Transaction (including receipt of all necessary shareholder, stock exchange and regulatory approvals or consents, and the absence of material changes with respect to the parties and their respective businesses) and the Concurrent Financing; ability to close the Concurrent Financing on the proposed terms or at all; the synergies expected from the Transaction not being realized; business integration risks; market for the Resulting Issuer SVS; market price of the Resulting Issuer SVS; the Amalgamation Agreement may be terminated by WELLSTAR or 818 in certain circumstances; WELLSTAR and 818 may incur costs even if the Transaction or Concurrent Financing is not completed; the requirements that accompany being a publicly traded company may put a strain on the Resulting Issuer’s resources, divert attention from management, and adversely affect its ability to maintain and attract management and qualified board members; uncertainty of use of proceeds; liquidity risk; leverage risk; and share price fluctuations; adverse market conditions and the ability to complete acquisitions; risks inherent in the primary healthcare sector in general; continued patient and consumer demand for WELLSTAR’s products and services; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; the inability to obtain any requisite future financing on suitable terms; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies from acquisitions; that market competition may affect the business, results and/or financial condition of WELLSTAR and other risk factors identified in documents filed by WELL under its profile at www.sedarplus.com, including its most recent Annual Information Form. Except as required by securities laws, 818, WELL and WELLSTAR do not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.

This news release contains future oriented financial information (collectively, “FOFI”) about WELLSTAR, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set out in the above paragraph. In addition, the FOFI has been prepared based on a number of assumptions, including assumptions regarding: the Company’s 2026 outlook; continued demand for the Company’s product and service offerings; continued growth in subscription and recurring revenue; expected levels of new customer acquisition, customer retention and renewal rates; anticipated expansion revenue from existing customers through upselling and cross-selling activities; the implementation of planned pricing increases across certain products and services; the successful negotiation, execution and closing of one or more potential tuck-in acquisition transactions currently under letter of intent; the timing and success of new product releases, enhancements and go-to-market initiatives; the continued availability, reliability and performance of third-party technology infrastructure and service providers; no significant cybersecurity incidents, service disruptions or data breaches; continued competitive intensity in the markets in which the Company operates; no significant legal, regulatory or compliance developments affecting the Company’s business; and no significant deterioration in general economic conditions. The actual financial results of WELL may vary from the amounts set out herein and such variation may be material. WELL and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, WELL undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about WELL’s anticipated future business operations on an annual basis. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

Neither the TSX, the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX or TSXV, respectively) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.

For further information:
Pardeep Sangha
Vice President Investor Relations
[email protected]
604-628-7266

___________________________
1 The $10.00 issue price has been presented to reflect an approximate $1.03 subscription price (prior to the WELLSTAR Consolidation).

Memory and storage prices are climbing sharply, which means consumers will be paying more for many tech products. Apple (AAPL +0.35%) recently said that it was raising the price of some iPad and MacBook products to offset rising costs. While this may seem like it's bad news for Apple, the supply shortage may actually help the business in the long run and be a positive catalyst for the stock. Here's why.

Image source: Getty Images.

Apple's products may suddenly look more affordable Earlier this year, Apple introduced a series of lower-priced products that aimed at gaining market share by appealing to a broader customer base. The MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e were among the most notable. The tech company said its MacBook Neo was its "most affordable laptop ever." And the iPhone 17e offers consumers a cost-effective way to upgrade and access the company's latest and greatest artificial intelligence capabilities.

By introducing lower-priced products, Apple has suddenly narrowed the gap between its devices and those of cheaper alternatives. And as other companies need to raise prices significantly due to rising memory and storage costs, Apple may not feel as much pressure to do so, given its strong margins. While it has announced price increases for some products, including the MacBook Neo, it has held off on raising iPhone prices for the time being. Other companies that don't have Apple's financial might may not have that same luxury. And as the gap between Apple's products and lower-priced options diminishes, consumers may be more inclined to simply buy an Apple product.

Today's Change

(

0.35

%) $

1.11

Current Price

$

313.77

The stock has been doing just fine this year, but can it continue rising? Apple's stock is up 15% since the start of the year, as concerns about rising prices don't appear to be weighing on the business. While higher prices may negatively impact demand for some of its premium-priced products, there's still hope that Apple might be able to capture greater sales on its lower-priced products and, in doing so, potentially attract more consumers into its ecosystem, leading to more future growth.

The business still looks to be in strong financial shape, but with a price-to-earnings multiple of 38, this is not a cheap stock to own, given the uncertainty amid both challenging economic conditions and rapidly rising memory and storage prices. While it may be a solid long-term investment for investors who just want to buy and hold for years, I'd hold off on buying the stock for now, as I think there are better options in the tech sector today.

David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Amazon logo outside an Amazon warehouse in Manchester, Britain, October 28, 2025. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

CompaniesJuly 7 (Reuters) - Amazon.com (AMZN.O), opens new tab is looking to raise at least $25 billion ​through a U.S. dollar bond sale, Bloomberg News reported ‌on Tuesday, in the company's latest push to fund its hefty AI investments.

Tech companies have been tapping debt markets and launching equity sales to ​fund their costly AI infrastructure build-out. Big Tech, including ​Amazon, Alphabet (GOOGL.O), opens new tab, Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab and Meta (META.O), opens new tab, are expected to spend ⁠more than $700 billion on AI this year.

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The size of Amazon's ​offering could increase depending on investor demand, Bloomberg said, citing ​people familiar with the matter. Amazon did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

A regulatory filing by the tech giant from earlier ​in the day showed it has filed for an eight-part ​offering of floating and fixed-rate notes.

Turning to debt and equity offerings for capital ‌marks ⁠a shift for the Silicon Valley giants, who have typically relied on their cash reserves to fund their investments. The recent debt offerings have seen strong investor appetite.

Google-parent Alphabet last month ​said it would ​raise some $85 ⁠billion in an upsized equity sale. Facebook-parent Meta earlier this year sold investment-grade bonds worth $25 billion, ​following a $30 billion bond sale in October, which ​was ⁠the company's biggest ever.

Amazon said in its exchange filing that Barclays, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley are the joint ⁠book-running managers ​for the offering.

The company had in ​March targeted a $37 billion raise in a heavily oversubscribed 11-part bond sale.

Reporting by ​Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Arun Koyyur

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Nokia stock is among today’s weakest performers. Why are NOK shares down? What Is Nokia’s Catalyst with Orange Belgium?Orange Belgium has selected Nokia as the sole supplier to modernize its transport infrastructure by converging fixed and mobile networks into a unified optical transport network across Belgium, using Nokia’s AI-powered WaveSuite automation platform. The multi-year build is designed to improve resilience, security, and scalability as bandwidth demand rises from AI, remote work, video streaming, gaming, and cloud services.

Nokia is also leaning into automation partnerships that traders are treating as a "prove-it" pipeline for incremental orders, with its Autonomous Networks Fabric positioned around "Level 4" autonomy and targeted for availability later this year. In parallel, Nokia is building six Gemini-powered agents aimed at telecom workflows, with a claim that troubleshooting time can drop 50% to 80%.

NOK Technical Analysis: Key Levels To WatchThe bigger-picture trend is still constructive after a 143.86% run over the past 12 months, and the stock remains well above its longer-term baselines (about 8.8% above the 100-day SMA and about 39.9% above the 200-day SMA). But the near-term tape is clearly in "pullback mode," with shares trading about 11.8% below the 20-day SMA and about 12.5% below the 50-day SMA.

The moving-average stack is mixed: the 20-day SMA is below the 50-day SMA (a bearish near-term crossover), while the 50-day SMA remains above the 200-day SMA (the golden cross that occurred in October 2025 is still intact). That combination often reads as a longer-term uptrend that’s cooling off and trying to find a new base.

For momentum, MACD is below its signal line and the histogram is negative, which points to fading upside pressure versus the prior upswing unless buyers can reclaim key moving averages. In plain terms, MACD compares faster and slower trend signals—when it’s below the signal line, momentum is typically weakening rather than building.

Key Support: $10.00 — a nearby round-number level that can act as a decision point if the pullback extends What Is Nokia’s Business Model?Nokia is a networking equipment vendor focused primarily on supporting wireless networks and, to a growing extent, Internet Protocol and optical systems. It operates across mobile infrastructure (wireless core and enterprise wireless), network infrastructure (IP, optical, and fixed-network gear like routing/switching and fiber access), and a portfolio segment that houses businesses viewed as less central longer term.

That mix matters for the Orange Belgium win because it’s directly tied to optical transport and automation—areas where carriers are trying to simplify operations while scaling capacity. The project’s stated support for traffic from 1G to 400G and beyond also fits the broader push to upgrade backbone networks for AI-era bandwidth needs.

Nokia Benzinga Edge Rankings OverviewBelow is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for Nokia, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:

The Verdict: Nokia’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a momentum-led profile with supportive quality, but only middling value. For longer-term bulls, the setup is most compelling if the stock can stabilize above key support and then work back toward the 50-day area without breaking the longer-term uptrend.

NOK Price Action: Tuesday Premarket ActivityNOK Stock Price Activity: Nokia shares were down 3.92% at $12.02 during premarket trading on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

Image: Shutterstock

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The company logo and trading information for BlackRock is displayed on a screen on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., March 30, 2017. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

CompaniesJuly 7 (Reuters) - BlackRock (BLK.N), opens new tab said on Tuesday it would launch an exchange-traded fund tracking the technology-heavy Nasdaq-100 index (.NDX), opens new tab, as ​it seeks to tap surging investor demand for exposure to ‌the AI-driven stock market rally.

The iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, offered by the world's largest asset manager, will track the flagship U.S. index and start ​trading under the ticker on Thursday, just months after the Nasdaq (NDAQ.O), opens new tab revised ​its criteria to accelerate the inclusion of newly listed companies ⁠such as SpaceX (SPCX.O), opens new tab.

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BlackRock's ETF will compete with asset manager Invesco's Nasdaq-100 ​franchise, which has long dominated the market for investors seeking ​access to large-cap growth and tech-heavy stocks through its QQQ Trust Series 1 (QQQ.O), opens new tab and Nasdaq 100 (QQQM.O), opens new tab ETFs. Last month, bank State Street (STT.N), opens new tab also launched a Nasdaq ​100 ETF (QNDX.O), opens new tab.

"IQQ enhances our ability to offer investors access to ​the Nasdaq-100 with iShares ETFs — providing complementary strategies that allow them to align ‌their ⁠portfolios with their objectives," said U.S. head of iShares at BlackRock Elise Terry.

Strong investor demand for large-caps and technology-focused stocks helped the Nasdaq 100 (.NDX), opens new tab log its best quarter since April 2020 in the three months ended June. ​The index tracks ​the top ⁠100 non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange.

The iShares Nasdaq 100 ETF will start trading ​with an initial net asset value (NAV) of $24 per ​share. In ⁠comparison, the NAVs of Invesco's funds are $722.45 and $297.45, respectively.

BlackRock currently has over $41 billion in assets under management through its other Nasdaq 100 strategies such ⁠as ​the iShares Nasdaq Top 30 Stocks ​ETF (QTOP.O), opens new tab and the iShares Nasdaq Premium Income Active ETF (BALQ.O), opens new tab.

Reporting by Johann M Cherian in ​Bengaluru and Lewis Krauskopf in New York; Editing by Diti Pujara

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

The corporate logo of UnitedHealthcare, the insurance unit of UnitedHealth Group, appears on the side of one of their office buildings in Santa Ana, California, U.S., April 13, 2020.... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more

CompaniesNEW YORK, July 7 (Reuters) - UnitedHealth on Tuesday said an audit by an external consulting firm showed nearly 97% of diagnoses identified ​within its HouseCalls home-health unit, which has faced scrutiny from lawmakers, ‌were supported by a patient's medical record.

"We look at this with both a sense of pride, but also humility," said Wyatt Decker, an executive vice president at ​UnitedHealth, adding the company aims to make sure that documentation ​practices by nurse practitioners more accurately reflect diagnoses patients receive.

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According ⁠to the Wall Street Journal, the Department of Health and Human ​Services has scrutinized diagnoses that appear only in UnitedHealth's home-visit assessments and ​do not appear elsewhere in a patient's medical record. Patient diagnoses submitted by HouseCalls help determine Medicare Advantage payments to the company's insurance arm, UnitedHealthcare.

The report said 3.4% ​of diagnoses made by HouseCalls clinicians in 2025 were not supported. ​HouseCalls, a home-healthcare program under UnitedHealth's Optum primary care business, sends clinicians annually to ‌perform ⁠physical exams and discuss patients' medical history. UnitedHealthcare operates Medicare Advantage plans for adults 65 and older and people with disabilities on behalf of the government.

CEO Stephen Hemsley in a letter to stakeholders said the ​company was committed ​to doing better ⁠and believed home visits helped seniors avoid more expensive medical emergencies.

Hemsley promised the review of the company’s businesses ​last year after UnitedHealth missed its own profit ​expectations for ⁠the first time since 2008. UnitedHealth commissioned business consulting firm FTI Consulting to conduct the analysis.

FTI in a previous report found that UnitedHealth sometimes ⁠lacked standardized ​documentation in its HouseCalls program.

FTI's report analyzed ​200 visits, representing 494 diagnoses. The new report has not yet resulted in changes to ​the company's policies, Decker said.

Reporting by Amina Niasse; Editing by Stephen Coates

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

 Near-real-time spatial data and AI capabilities strengthen mine planning and execution

, /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) has acquired Skycatch, Inc. (Skycatch), a leading provider of spatial data capture, processing and analysis solutions for the mining industry, further enhancing its capabilities following the recent acquisition of RPMGlobal (RPM). The acquisition expands Caterpillar's portfolio of data-driven mining technology solutions that help customers optimize material movement.

Caterpillar is expanding its portfolio of data-driven mining technology with the acquisition of Skycatch. "Acquiring Skycatch aligns with our strategy to solve our customers' toughest challenges," said Denise Johnson, group president, Caterpillar Resource Industries. "By integrating near-real-time, high-resolution spatial data into both RPM and MineStar solutions, we can help customers improve mine site performance by enhancing safety, productivity and predictability across their operations using both staffed and autonomous fleets."

Skycatch's technology captures high-frequency, high-precision, large-scale spatial data and pairs it with a suite of AI capabilities that identify, measure and interact with the data to deliver improved operational performance. This gives mining customers a more up-to-date view of their operations, improving the speed, accuracy and precision of decision-making.

"Skycatch's ability to process large volumes of spatial data at dramatically improved speeds opens up a fundamentally different way of operating," said Richard Mathews, CEO of RPMGlobal. "With a near real-time spatial view of the operation, miners can adjust plans as conditions change, improve alignment between planning and execution, and deliver more predictable outcomes."

By generating a near-real-time digital twin of the mining site and integrating it directly into existing software solutions, customers can incorporate accurate, current data into their planning and execution workflows. The result is improved decision-making, reduced delays and greater confidence in daily operations. 

"We're incredibly proud of what Skycatch has built over the past decade and excited for this next chapter with Caterpillar," said Christian Sanz, Skycatch Founder & CEO. "This next step strengthens our ability to support our customers while increasing the value we can deliver."

About Caterpillar
For more than a century, Caterpillar has built a better, more sustainable world. With 2025 sales and revenues of $67.6 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is shaping the future as the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Backed by one of the largest independent global dealer networks and financing services through Cat Financial, the company's primary business segments: Power & Energy, Construction Industries and Resource Industries are solving customers' toughest challenges through commercial excellence and advanced technology, driven by a highly skilled, dedicated global team. Learn more at www.caterpillar.com. 

About RPMGlobal 
RPMGlobal [RPM®] is a global leader in the provision and development of mining software solutions to the mining industry. RPM has been advancing the global mining industry through the provision of innovative software solutions and deep domain expertise for almost 50 years. The company's innovative technology solutions support mining clients to extract more value at every stage of the mining lifecycle. In partnership with the industry, RPM has delivered safer, cleaner and more efficient operations in over 125 countries. Learn more at www.rpmglobal.com. 

About Skycatch 
Skycatch is a provider of spatial data capture, processing and analytics solutions for mining and industrial operations. The company's technology enables the rapid generation of high-precision 3D data and insights, supporting more accurate, timely and data-driven decision-making across site operations. Skycatch's solutions are used by global customers to improve visibility, consistency and efficiency in complex operating environments. Learn more at www.skycatch.com. 

SOURCE Caterpillar Inc.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Hyliion Holdings Corp. (NYSE American: HYLN), a developer of modular power plant technology, today announced that defense innovation leader and technology entrepreneur, Abdul Subhani has been appointed to be a strategic advisor for the company.

Abdul Subhani has been appointed as a strategic advisor to Hyliion. Subhani brings more than two decades of experience at the intersection of national security, emerging technology, cybersecurity, and defense innovation. As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Centex Technologies, he has led technology modernization initiatives supporting government, military, and commercial organizations while building strategic partnerships across the United States and allied nations.

Subhani has served as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Texas, where he worked closely with military leadership on defense modernization and innovation initiatives. He also serves as Distinguished Chair of Innovation and Senior Advisor to the Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Technology Advisor to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and a member of the Board of Advisors for the Center for a New American Security.

As a strategic advisor to Hyliion, Subhani will provide guidance on defense strategy, military engagement, and the growing role advanced power generation technologies can play in strengthening U.S. national security.

"The need for resilient, efficient power across the defense sector continues to grow," said Abdul Subhani. "Hyliion's technology has already generated strong interest from the U.S. military, and I believe it can play an important role in strengthening our nation's energy resilience and supporting next-generation defense capabilities. I'm excited to help the company deepen its engagement across the defense community."

"As demand for the KARNO™ technology continues to grow across defense applications, Abdul's experience at the intersection of technology and national security will be invaluable," said Thomas Healy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hyliion. "His insight and relationships will help strengthen our engagement across the defense community as we continue expanding our military business."

Hyliion has rapidly expanded its defense business, securing multiple contracts with the U.S. Navy while advancing a growing pipeline of military opportunities. The Company expects to secure an additional $40–50 million of military contracts during 2026. Subhani's appointment further strengthens Hyliion's ability to support this growth as the Company expands deployment of the KARNO technology across defense and national security applications.

About Hyliion

Hyliion is committed to creating innovative solutions that enable clean, flexible and affordable electricity production. The Company's primary focus is to provide modular power plant technology that can operate on various fuel sources to future-proof against an ever-changing energy economy. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, and with research and development in Cincinnati, Ohio, Hyliion is initially targeting the commercial and waste management industries with a locally deployable KARNO Power Module that can offer prime power as well as energy arbitrage opportunities. Beyond stationary power, Hyliion will address mobile applications such as vehicles and marine vessels. The Company aims to offer innovative, yet practical solutions that contribute positively to the environment in the energy economy. For further information, please visit www.hyliion.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included in this press release, regarding Hyliion and its future financial and operational performance, as well as its strategy, future operations, estimated financial position, estimated revenues, and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, including any oral statements made in connection therewith, the words "could," "should," "will," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Hyliion expressly disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements herein, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Hyliion cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Hyliion. These risks include, but are not limited to, our status as an early stage Company with a history of losses; our expectation of incurring significant expenses and continuing losses for the foreseeable future; our ability to develop key commercial relationships with suppliers and customers; our ability to retain the services of Thomas Healy, our Chief Executive Officer; the expected performance of the KARNO generator and system; the execution of the strategic shift from our powertrain business to our KARNO business, and the other risks and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in our SEC filings including in our Annual Report (See item 1A. Risk Factors) on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 25, 2026 for the year ended December 31, 2025 and subsequently filed Form 10-Qs. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact Hyliion's operations and projections can be found in its filings with the SEC. Hyliion's SEC Filings are available publicly on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, and readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made in such filings.

SOURCE Hyliion

Dividend Aristocrats, the S&P 500 companies that have raised payouts for 25 or more consecutive years, remain the bedrock of income portfolios heading into the second half of 2026. Three of them stand out for July: a beaten-down quick-service leader, a biopharma machine firing on all cylinders, and a home improvement giant priced for a housing recovery that hasn’t fully arrived. Each pick offers a verified payout, a forward-looking thesis, and a clear risk to weigh.

McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD) McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD | MCD Price Prediction) is the classic “buy the weakness” setup right now. Shares traded around $275 on Monday, July 6, down more than 9% year to date and more than 6% over the past year. That underperformance has pushed the yield to 2.71% on an annualized payout of $7.26 per share.

The dividend record is the anchor. Alpha Vantage data confirms an unbroken quarterly dividend history from 1999 through 2026, with the most recent bump from $1.77 to $1.86 per share. McDonald’s has raised its payout for decades, comfortably clearing the Aristocrat bar.

Operationally, the business is working. Q1 2026 delivered EPS of $2.83 vs. $2.74 expected, revenue of $6.52 billion (up 9% YoY), and global comparable sales up 4%. CEO Chris Kempczinski said “McDonald’s delivered this quarter. Our 6% global Systemwide sales growth shows how we executed with discipline.” Food services spending in the broader economy supports the setup: PCE data shows food services climbing to $1,538.3 billion in May 2026, up steadily from January.

Risk: Margin pressure from inflationary cost pressures, tariffs, and intense QSR competition could cap upside. A forward P/E of 21 isn’t cheap if comp growth stalls.

AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) is the momentum name in this trio. The stock is up 14% over the past month, 11% year-to-date and 36% over the trailing year. The yield sits at 2.71% on an annualized payout of $6.74 per share.

A note on the Aristocrat label: AbbVie’s standalone dividend streak runs 12 consecutive years (2013 through 2026) since its spin-off from Abbott Laboratories on January 1, 2013. Counting the combined Abbott lineage gets you to the traditional 25-year threshold, but on a standalone basis, it’s a 12-year streak that has grown the quarterly payout from $0.40 to $1.73.

The growth engine has fully replaced Humira. Q1 2026 revenue hit $15 billion (up 12% YoY), with Skyrizi at $4.48 billion (+31%) and Rinvoq at $2.12 billion (+23%). Management raised 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $14.08-$14.28. CEO Robert A. Michael said AbbVie is “off to an excellent start in 2026, with first-quarter results exceeding our expectations.”

Risk: Humira biosimilar erosion remains brutal, with the franchise down 50% in FY25, and the balance sheet carries negative shareholders’ equity. After the recent rally, valuation is stretched on a trailing basis.

Lowe’s (NYSE: LOW) Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW) is the contrarian pick. Shares traded around $221.95 on Monday, July 6, down 10% year-to-date despite a nearly 7% bounce over the past month. The quarterly dividend just stepped up to $1.25, with the next ex-date July 22.

The streak is real Aristocrat material. Alpha Vantage data shows consistent year-over-year dividend increases from 1999 through 2026, with the Q2 payout climbing from 3 cents in 1999 to $1.20 in 2026.

The thesis hinges on the housing lock-in trade. Existing home sales sit at 4.17 million annualized in May 2026, still below the 4.5–5.5M healthy band. That keeps homeowners in place and pushes renovation spending. Furnishings PCE has accelerated to $531.6 billion in May 2026 from $516.7 billion in January. Q1 FY2027 results showed revenue up 10% YoY to $23.08 billion, the fourth consecutive quarter of positive comps, and online sales up 16%. CEO Marvin R. Ellison cited “strong spring execution and continued momentum in Pro, Appliances, Online, and Home Services.” FY2026 guidance calls for adjusted diluted EPS of $12.25–$12.75.

Risk: Housing starts dropped 15% month-over-month in May to 1.177 million units, a warning that new construction demand is slowing. Combined with margin compression from recent acquisitions and tariff exposure, the recovery could take longer than bulls expect.

Bottom Line These three names cover different macro lanes: McDonald’s offers value and global QSR exposure at a discount, AbbVie delivers growth-driven income momentum, and Lowe’s lets investors lean into the home improvement cycle while collecting a rising payout. For income investors building a July watchlist, the combination of yield, growth, and verified dividend track records makes each worth a closer look.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR +0.81%) has done almost everything that investors asked of it.

The company is growing rapidly. It's generating meaningful profits. And demand for its artificial intelligence (AI) software continues to accelerate. Yet the stock remains well below its late-2025 peak. So what's holding it back? The answer probably isn't the lack of another blockbuster earnings report.

Instead, I think Wall Street wants answers to three important questions before becoming bullish on the stock again.

Image source: Getty Images.

Can Palantir keep winning commercial customers? If there's one number investors should keep an eye on with regards to Palantir, it is the company's U.S. commercial revenue.

For years, Palantir's biggest strength was its tight relationship with Washington, D.C., which had helped it win numerous government contracts. Yet that was also the source of much criticism of the company. While those contracts provided it with stability, they also led many investors to question how large a business that was so reliant on a single customer could become.

That narrative is changing. In its latest reported quarter, U.S. commercial revenue surged more than 130% year over year to $595 million. Comparatively, U.S. government revenue grew by "just" 84% to $687 million.

That's a great start. But Wall Street isn't looking backward. It's looking forward. The question now is whether Palantir will be able to sustain strong commercial growth after the initial wave of enterprise AI adoption.

If it can, investors may begin viewing Palantir less as a niche government contractor and more as one of the leading enterprise AI software companies. That would be a meaningful shift that could change the stock price's trajectory.

Today's Change

(

0.81

%) $

1.07

Current Price

$

133.61

Can earnings finally catch up with the valuation? The second question has nothing to do with technology and everything to do with valuation.

Palantir's recent share price decline doesn't necessarily mean investors have lost confidence in the business. Instead, many have become less willing to pay such a large premium for anticipated future growth. For perspective, the stock still trades at a premium valuation, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 141 (as of this writing).

That's why the next phase of Palantir's story can't be simply about growing revenue. It will have to be about growing earnings. The idea is simple. Expensive stocks become more attractive when the underlying business keeps improving, while the stock goes nowhere.

We've seen this before. After the dot-com bubble burst, companies like Microsoft spent years growing earnings while their share prices moved very little. Eventually, the businesses caught up with their valuations, laying the foundation for another long period of strong shareholder returns.

In other words, Palantir needs to keep executing, and it needs to grow its profitability over time.

Can Palantir become a true software platform? Whether Palantir can become a widely used AI platform provider may be the most difficult question of all to answer.

It has already proven it can solve complex problems for its customers. Now investors want proof that it can do so at scale. Products like the Palantir Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) suggest the company is moving in the right direction. Rather than relying as heavily as it used to on customized deployments, Palantir is increasingly offering repeatable software that can be adopted across multiple industries.

If it continues down this path, its business model would become much more scalable. And scalable software platforms tend to enjoy stronger operating leverage, wider margins, and longer growth runways than businesses that rely heavily on customized implementations.

In other words, investors aren't just betting on AI. They're betting that Palantir can become one of the defining enterprise software platforms of the AI era.

What does it mean for investors? Palantir's recent stock performance has been disappointing, despite the business's ongoing strong performance. Its latest results suggest demand remains strong, commercial adoption continues to accelerate, and management is executing well.

This suggests that investors are becoming more cautious about the company's long-term prospects.

For the stock price to rally again, Palantir will need to exceed investors' current expectations, largely by sustaining commercial business growth, delivering massive earnings expansion, and continuing to transform AIP into a highly scalable software platform.

For now, investors should spend less time watching its daily share price movements and more time watching its progress on those three aspects of the business.

European production to boost output and strengthen the transatlantic defense industrial base

, /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, is working with European companies, including Diehl Defence, to double Stinger® missile production in response to growing global demand.

Working with Raytheon, Diehl Defence will produce the guidance section, a key component of the Stinger missile, and source related subcomponents from across Europe. Raytheon is also working with key Dutch suppliers to produce additional major Stinger assemblies. The final Stinger missile will be assembled, tested and completed in the Netherlands.

"We are laser-focused on doubling our Stinger missile production capacity," said Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. "Expanding Stinger production in Europe strengthens our industrial base and broadens our global network, ensuring our allies have reliable access to this critical air defense capability."

The Stinger missile is a lightweight, combat-proven and self-contained air defense system deployed by ground troops against cruise missiles and aircraft. Stinger is the preferred surface-to-air missile for 24 countries, including 10 NATO members.

"We are proud to work together once again on Stinger, where we previously produced relevant parts of the missile," said Helmut Rauch, Diehl Defence CEO. "Producing the guidance section for new Stinger systems marks another strong chapter of cooperation between Diehl Defence and Raytheon."

The expanded production capacity in Europe will help support future work with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, known as the NSPA, to meet European demand.

About Raytheon
Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space.

About RTX
With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected]

About Diehl Defence
As a reliable partner of the German and international armed forces, Diehl Defence is a leading system house for air defence systems. In addition to systems for ground-based air defence, the product portfolio of the company headquartered in Überlingen (Germany) includes guided missiles for all branches of the armed forces, ammunition for army, air force and navy as well as protection systems. In addition, Diehl Defence develops and produces key components such as infrared modules, fuzes and special batteries. Diehl Defence currently employs more than 6,000 people generating annual sales of over 2.5 billion euros.

Point of contact:

David Voskuhl, Vice President Communications & PR, +49 7551 89-6955, [email protected], www.diehl.com/defence

SOURCE RTX

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) will release its second quarter earnings report before the opening bell on Wednesday, July 15.

Analysts expect the New York-based company to report quarterly earnings of $2.81 per share, up from $2.13 per share in the year-ago period. The consensus estimate for Morgan Stanley’s quarterly revenue is $19.34 billion. It reported $16.79 billion last year, according to Benzinga Pro.

On June 24, Morgan Stanley announced a $20 billion buyback plan.

Shares of Morgan Stanley rose 3.8% to close at $222.10 on Monday.

Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the Analyst Stock Ratings page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.

Let’s have a look at how Benzinga’s most-accurate analysts have rated the company in the recent period.

Considering buying MS stock? Here’s what analysts think:

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Bowie, MD., July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK) (“Blink” or the “Company”), a leading global owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, today announced that it has formally submitted its request to The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) for an additional 180-day compliance period to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement under Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).

Based on guidance from Nasdaq, the Company believes it is eligible to receive a second 180-day extension (or until January 25, 2027) to meet Nasdaq’s $1 minimum bid price requirement for ten consecutive trading days if it continues to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for the Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the minimum bid price requirement. Per Nasdaq’s standard procedures, the Company anticipates receiving official notification of such extension by July 27, 2026. There can be no assurance that Nasdaq will grant the requested extension or that the Company will regain compliance within the applicable compliance period. Blink will continue to monitor its compliance status and will provide updates as appropriate.

###

About Blink Charging

Blink Charging Co. (Nasdaq: BLNK) is a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, enabling drivers, hosts, and fleets to easily transition to electric transportation through innovative charging solutions. Blink’s principal line of products and services include Blink’s EV charging network (“Blink Network”), EV charging equipment, and EV charging services. The Blink Network uses proprietary, cloud-based software that operates, maintains, and tracks the EV charging stations connected to the network and the associated charging data. Blink has established key strategic partnerships for rolling out adoption across numerous location types, including parking facilities, multifamily residences and condos, workplace locations, health care/medical facilities, schools and universities, airports, auto dealers, hotels, mixed-use municipal locations, parks and recreation areas, religious institutions, restaurants, retailers, stadiums, supermarkets, and transportation hubs.

For more information, please visit https://blinkcharging.com/

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “expects,” “believes,” “will” and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on the Blink's current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled "Risk Factors" in Blink’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in subsequent periodic reports. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Blink undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under U.S. federal securities law.

Blink Investor Relations Contact
Vitalie Stelea
[email protected]

Blink Media Contact
Felicitas Massa
[email protected]

Lucid stock is trading at depressed levels. Where is LCID stock headed? Q2 Production and DeliveriesLucid produced 4,774 vehicles and delivered 3,953 during the quarter ended June 30. Q2 earnings will be reported on August 4.

CEO Silvio Napoli announced a broad executive shakeup designed to halve the number of direct reports to the CEO and simplify the organizational structure. Key appointments include:

Alexander De Bock joins as incoming CFO, replacing Taoufiq Boussaid, who will depart following a handover. De Bock brings more than two decades of automotive finance leadership, including a turnaround role as CFO of TI Automotive.

Raja Ramana Macha joins as CTO, most recently EVP and CTO at Eaton, where he led global innovation across multiple sectors including automotive.

Billy Hayes joins as Chief Customer Officer, effective immediately, with accountability for sales, service, marketing and regional P&L across the U.S., Middle East, and Europe. He brings more than 25 years of automotive experience including senior roles at Nissan and Stellantis.

Kay Stepper has been named President of Lucid Technologies and Chief Digital Officer, with accountability for robotaxis, AI, autonomy and ADAS. Lucid Technologies will become a distinct business unit focused on strategic partnerships and advanced technologies.

“We are simplifying the organization, strengthening leadership, enforcing accountability and aligning our structure with the priorities that matter most: customers, quality, and innovation,” said Napoli.

Lucid Shares Edge LowerLCID Price Action: At the time of publication, Lucid shares are trading 0.30% lower at $6.64, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

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Rivian stock is doing well this month and beating its top rivals like Lucid and Tesla, helped by its strong vehicle delivery numbers. RIVN soared to $20.15 on Monday, its highest level since January 8. This rally may continue ahead of its earnings, which are coming out on July 30th. 

The daily chart suggests that Rivian shares may have some more upside to go in the near term. It has already formed a golden cross pattern as the 50-day and 200-day moving averages crossed each other. Since then, the stock has remained above these two averages.

Most notably, the stock has formed an inverted head-and-shoulders pattern. It has already moved above the neckline at $18.17, confirming the bullish outlook. At the same time, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has continued rising in the near term.

Therefore, the stock will likely continue rising in the near term as investors embrace the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO). If this works, the next important target to watch will be at $22.72. 

This surge will not be linear. Instead, the stock may retreat and retest the support of $18.17. Such a move is known as a break-and-retest and is a common bullish continuation sign.

RIVN stock chart | Source: TradingView

The ongoing Rivian stock surge is happening at a time when demand for the vehicles is rising. In a recent statement, the company said that its deliveries rose to 12,194 in the second quarter. 

It produced 12,613 vehicles, a trend that may continue once it completes building its plant in Georgia. Its existing plant can make 200k vehicles a year, while its upcoming one in Georgia will make 400k vehicles.

Rivian is benefiting from the rising demand for electric vehicles after gasoline prices jumped during the US-Iran conflict. Also, it is benefiting from the recently R2 vehicle, whose production has started to pile up. The company also aims to launch a cheaper R3 crossover and R3x vehicles to give customers access to a high-performance, lower-cost vehicle. 

Most importantly, after years of selling its vehicles domestically, the company is seeking to grow its business in Europe, with estimates being that it will start doing so next year. This will not be an easy thing as Europe is already saturated with domestic vehicle manufacturers and those from China.

As a result, analysts believe that its growth will gain momentum in the coming years. The annual revenue is expected to jump by 30% this year to $7 billion, followed by a 65% jump next year to $11.6 billion. If this trend continues, it may get to $20 billion in annual revenue in the coming years.

The risk, however, is that the company continues to lose money in the coming years. In a recent statement, the management noted that it will not achieve an EBITDA profit next year. 

As such, with the cash burn continuing, the company may dilute its shareholders soon. It has a long history of diluting its shareholders, with its total outstanding shares rising to 1.26 billion from 892 million in 2022.

Also, the stock is nearing the targets set by analysts. Needham has a target of $23, while Cowen, BNP Paribas, and Benchmark are targeting $20, $22, and $25.

READ MORE: Rivian stock forecast: Wyckoff theory points to long‑term rebound

Please note. Shortly after the publication of this story, Rivian announced that it was selling 75 million shares to boost its capital, confirming the risk we highlighted

FREMONT, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 7, 2026 / Aehr Test Systems (NASDAQ:AEHR), a leading provider of test and burn-in solutions for semiconductor devices used in artificial intelligence (AI), silicon photonics, data center, automotive, and industrial applications,today announced that it will report financial results for its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year ended May 29, 2026 on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 following the close of the market. The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the results.

What:

Aehr Test Systems fiscal 2026 fourth quarter and full year financial results.

When:

Tuesday, July 14, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (2:00 p.m. PT).

Dial in Number:

To access the live call, dial +1 888-506-0062 (US and Canada) or +1 973-528-0011 (International) and give the participant passcode 222496.

Webcast:

To access the live webcast, please visit the investor relations section at www.aehr.com.

Call Replay:

A phone replay of the call will be available approximately two hours following the end of the live call and will remain available for one week. To access the call replay, dial +1 877-481-4010 (US and Canada) or +1 919-882-2331 (International) and enter replay passcode 54119.

About Aehr Test Systems

Headquartered in Fremont, California, Aehr Test Systems is a leading provider of test solutions for testing, burning-in, and stabilizing semiconductor devices in wafer-level, singulated die, and package-level form, and has installed thousands of systems worldwide. Increasing quality, reliability, safety, and security needs of semiconductors used across multiple applications, including electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, solar and wind power, computing, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) processors, data and telecommunications infrastructure, and solid-state memory and storage, are driving additional test requirements, incremental capacity needs, and new opportunities for Aehr's products and solutions. Aehr has developed and introduced several innovative products including the FOX-PTM families of test and burn-in systems and FOX WaferPakTM Aligner, FOX WaferPak Contactor, FOX DiePak® Carrier and FOX DiePak Loader. The FOX-XP and FOX-NP systems are full-wafer contact and singulated die/module test and burn-in systems that can test, burn-in, and stabilize a wide range of devices such as leading-edge silicon carbide-based and other power semiconductors, 2D and 3D sensors used in mobile phones, tablets, and other computing devices, memory semiconductors, processors, microcontrollers, systems-on-a-chip, and photonics and integrated optical devices. The FOX-CP system is a low-cost single-wafer compact test solution for logic, memory and photonic devices and the newest addition to the FOX-P product family. The FOX WaferPak Contactor contains a unique full-wafer contactor capable of testing wafers up to 300mm that enables IC manufacturers to perform test, burn-in, and stabilization of full wafers on the FOX-P systems. The FOX DiePak Carrier allows testing, burning in, and stabilization of singulated bare die and modules up to 1024 devices in parallel per DiePak on the FOX-NP and FOX-XP systems up to nine DiePaks at a time. Acquired through its acquisition of Incal Technology, Inc., Aehr's new line of high-power package-level reliability/burn-in test solutions for AI semiconductor manufacturers, including its ultra-high-power Sonoma family of test solutions for AI accelerators, GPUs, and high-performance computing (HPC) processors, position Aehr within the rapidly growing AI market as a turnkey provider of reliability and testing that span from engineering to high volume production. For more information, please visit Aehr Test Systems' website at www.aehr.com.

# # #

Contacts:

SOURCE: Aehr Test Systems

July 07, 2026 07:00 ET  | Source: Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.

The FOCUS-2 trial in children complements the recently announced FOCUS-3 trial in adolescents with ADHD

NEW YORK, July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXSM), a biopharmaceutical company leading a new era in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced that the first patient has been dosed in the FOCUS-2 Phase 3 trial evaluating solriamfetol as a treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

FOCUS-2 (Forward Treatment of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Using Solriamfetol) is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial to assess the efficacy and safety of solriamfetol in children aged 6 to less than 12 years with ADHD. Approximately 468 patients will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive one of two doses of solriamfetol or placebo for 6 weeks. The primary endpoint will be the change from baseline to week 6 in the ADHD Rating Scale (ADHD-RS-5) total score.

Previously, Axsome announced the initiation of the FOCUS-3 Phase 3 trial of solriamfetol in adolescents aged 12 to less than 18 years with ADHD.

About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobiological and developmental disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, that interferes with functioning or development.1 Impairments in cognition are apparent in attention, planning and problem solving, working memory, and behavioral inhibition.2,3 An estimated 15.5 million adults and 7 million children in the U.S. are affected by ADHD,4,5 with approximately two-thirds or more of children with ADHD continuing to experience symptoms into adulthood.6 The total annual societal excess cost associated with adult ADHD in the U.S. has been estimated at over $120 billion.7

About Solriamfetol

Solriamfetol is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (DNRI), TAAR1 agonist, and 5-HT1A agonist being developed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), major depressive disorder (MDD) with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), binge eating disorder (BED), and excessive sleepiness associated with shift work disorder (SWD).

About Axsome Therapeutics

Axsome Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company leading a new era in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) conditions. We deliver scientific breakthroughs by identifying critical gaps in care and develop differentiated products with a focus on novel mechanisms of action that enable meaningful advancements in patient outcomes. Our industry-leading neuroscience portfolio includes FDA-approved treatments for major depressive disorder, agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy and obstructive sleep apnea, and migraine, as well as multiple novel product candidates addressing a broad range of serious neurological and psychiatric conditions that impact over 150 million people in the United States. Together, we are on a mission to solve some of the brain’s biggest problems so patients and their loved ones can flourish. For more information, please visit us at www.axsome.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release are “forward-looking statements”. The Company may, in some cases, use terms such as “predicts,” “believes,” “potential,” “continue,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “may,” “could,” “might,” “will,” “should” or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. In particular, the Company’s statements regarding trends and potential future results are examples of such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the commercial success of the Company’s SUNOSI®, AUVELITY®, and SYMBRAVO® products and the success of the Company’s efforts to obtain any additional indication(s) with respect to solriamfetol and/or AXS-05; the Company’s ability to maintain and expand payer coverage; the success, timing and cost of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials and anticipated clinical trials for the Company’s current product candidates, including statements regarding the timing of initiation, pace of enrollment and completion of the trials (including the Company’s ability to fully fund the Company’s disclosed clinical trials, which assumes no material changes to the Company’s currently projected revenues or expenses), futility analyses and receipt of interim results, which are not necessarily indicative of the final results of the Company’s ongoing clinical trials, and/or data readouts, and the number or type of studies or nature of results necessary to support the filing of a new drug application (“NDA”) for any of the Company’s current product candidates; the Company’s ability to fund additional clinical trials to continue the advancement of the Company’s product candidates; the timing of and the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or other regulatory authority approval of, or other action with respect to, the Company’s product candidates, including statements regarding the timing of any NDA submission; the Company’s ability to successfully defend its intellectual property or obtain the necessary licenses at a cost acceptable to the Company, if at all; the Company’s ability to successfully resolve any intellectual property litigation, and even if such disputes are settled, whether the applicable federal agencies will approve of such settlements; the successful implementation of the Company’s research and development programs and collaborations; the success of the Company’s license agreements; the acceptance by the market of the Company’s products and product candidates, if approved; the Company’s anticipated capital requirements, including the amount of capital required for the commercialization of SUNOSI, AUVELITY, and SYMBRAVO and for the Company’s commercial launch of its other product candidates, if approved, and the potential impact on the Company’s anticipated cash runway; the Company’s ability to convert sales to recognized revenue and maintain a favorable gross to net sales; unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to domestic political climate, geo-political conflicts or a global pandemic and other factors, including general economic conditions and regulatory developments, not within the Company’s control. The factors discussed herein could cause actual results and developments to be materially different from those expressed in or implied by such statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Investors:
Ashley Dong
Senior Director, Investor Relations
(929) 687-1614
[email protected]

Media:
Darren Opland
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
(929) 837-1065
[email protected]

References:

American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5 ed., Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013.Brown TE. ADD/ADHD and Impaired Executive Function in Clinical Practice. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2008 Oct;10(5):407-11.Nestler E., Hyman S., and Malenka R. Molecular Neuropharmacology: A Foundation for Clinical Neuroscience, Second Edition, 2nd ed., New York: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.Facts About ADHD in Adults. CDC. 2024.Data and Statistics on ADHD. CDC. 2024.Sibley MH et al. Variable Patterns of Remission From ADHD in the Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD. Am J Psychiatry. 2022 Feb;179(2):142-151.Schein J et al. Economic burden of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder among adults in the United States: a societal perspective. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2022 Feb;28(2):168-179.

A securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of AeroVironment investors after its stock plummeted over 17% because AeroVironment allegedly misled investors regarding its SCAR contract to provide the U.S. Space Force with its BADGER systems.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAV) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after its significant stock drop resulting from potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in AeroVironment, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/aerovironment-class-action-lawsuit.

Key Details of the AeroVironment ($AVAV) Class Action:

Lead Plaintiff Deadline: July 27, 2026 Alleged Misconduct: Securities fraud relating to AeroVironment's contract to provide the U.S. Space Force's SCAR program with its BADGER phased array antenna systems Largest Alleged Stock Drop: March 2, 2026 – 17% Stock Drop Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia Action: Contact BFA Law to discuss your rights Investors have until July 27, 2026 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts securities fraud claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in AeroVironment securities. The class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. It is captioned Norrell v. AeroVironment, et al., No. 26-cv-01429.

Why is AeroVironment Being Sued for Securities Fraud?

In May 2025, AeroVironment acquired BlueHalo, LLC, a defense technology firm specializing in advanced engineering. Three years earlier, BlueHalo had been awarded a $1.4 billion contract to deliver its BADGER phased array antenna systems to support the U.S. Space Force's SCAR program.

According to the complaint, during the relevant period, AeroVironment consistently touted its SCAR contract and indicated it represented a "tremendous growth opportunity," that AeroVironment's work pursuant to the contract was "very much on track," that the customer was "asking for more [BADGER systems]," and that the Company stood "ready to build more."

As alleged, in truth, AeroVironment faced a significant likelihood of competition for the SCAR program and overstated its goodwill from its BlueHalo acquisition.

BFA Law is also investigating AeroVironment's June 22, 2026, announcement that the financial statements in its quarterly report for the three and nine months ended January 31, 2026 "require restatement and should no longer be relied upon."

Why did AeroVironment's Stock Drop?

On January 20, 2026, AeroVironment announced that the U.S. government issued a stop work order on the Company's agreement to deliver BADGER systems to the SCAR program, upon mutual agreement with the Company. This news caused the price of AeroVironment common stock to decline $61.97 per share, or 15.77%, from $392.86 per share on January 16, 2026, to $330.89 per share on January 20, 2026.

On March 2, 2026, Space News reported that the U.S. Space Force was reopening the SCAR program to suppliers other than AeroVironment and "are going to move into a new acquisition strategy for SCAR" which would "likely take the form of other companies building versions or variants of SCAR." On this news, AeroVironment's common stock dropped $43.93 per share, or 17.42%, from $284.24 per share at open on March 2, 2026, to a close of $208.32 per share.

Then, on March 10, 2026, AeroVironment announced its Q3 financial results reporting an operating loss of $179.0 million, compared to an operating loss of $3.1 million for the same period in fiscal year 2025. The company also announced the impact of a $151.3 million goodwill impairment in the AeroVironment's space division after the stop work order tied to the Space Force's SCAR program. This news caused the price of AeroVironment common stock to drop $13.84 per share, or 6.24%, from $221.57 per share on March 10, 2026, to $207.73 per share on March 11, 2026.

Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/aerovironment-class-action-lawsuit.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in AeroVironment, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/aerovironment-class-action-lawsuit

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, "Litigation Stars" by Benchmark Litigation, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters.

Most recently, The Legal 500 awarded BFA the most client satisfaction accolades of any plaintiff's securities litigation law firm, with clients noting: "[t]here is no better service provider in the practice area," "[t]he interest of the client is always front and center," and "[t]here isn't a better firm in this space."  One testimonial described the firm as "nimble and entrepreneurial," with a "relentless focus on adding value for clients."

Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/aerovironment-class-action-lawsuit

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

SOURCE Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP

Sometimes a stock looks cheap for a reason. Most of the time, the reason is macro trends affecting the industry the stock is in. No matter how nice it looks on paper, no matter how much value you perceive…it could get worse. Beware of those value traps. One way to avoid them is by leaning on the Zack Rank. Stocks in the bad graces of our Zacks Rank often have earnings estimates moving in the wrong direction.

Today’s Bear of the Day is one of those names. It’s Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) Caesars Entertainment ((CZR - Free Report) ). Caesars remains one of the biggest names in gaming, operating iconic Las Vegas resorts alongside a massive portfolio of regional casinos and a growing digital sportsbook business. But despite its recognizable brands, the investment story continues to be weighed down by one overwhelming issue, debt.

The company carries approximately $11.9 billion in debt, and that's before factoring in billions more in long-term lease obligations tied to its casino real estate. Those financial commitments translate into roughly $2.3 billion in annual interest expense, making it difficult for Caesars to consistently generate meaningful profits even when business conditions are favorable.

The result has been a string of disappointing bottom-line results. Caesars posted another loss in the first quarter of 2026, missing Wall Street earnings expectations as higher interest costs continued to eat away at operating performance. While revenue has remained relatively stable, growth has been sluggish, and adjusted EBITDA has largely stalled despite continued consumer spending.

That's a problem because gaming is an inherently cyclical business. Las Vegas visitation fluctuates with the economy, regional casinos depend heavily on discretionary consumer spending, and digital sports betting remains an intensely competitive market with high customer acquisition costs and evolving regulatory hurdles. If the economy slows, consumers typically cut back on vacations, casino visits, and entertainment spending long before reducing essential purchases.

The stock has missed earnings expectations for six consecutive quarters, helping to prompt analysts all over Wall Street to cut their estimates. The Leisure and Recreational Services industry ranks in the Bottom 16% of our Zacks Industry Rank. There are a few stocks within this industry that are in the good graces of our Rank. These include Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) The Marcus ((MCS - Free Report) ) and Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality ((PRSU - Free Report) ).

Strategic Acquisition of Fastest-Growing Credit Bureau in Mexico Expands Equifax International Presence; Aligned with Equifax Strategy to Invest in Bolt-On Acquisitions: Offers Círculo de Crédito Customers Access to Cloud-Native Capabilities and Patented EFX.AI Technology to Accelerate Customer Growth and Financial Inclusion

Investor Call and Webcast to be Held on July 7 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time

, /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax® (NYSE: EFX) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Círculo de Crédito, a leading credit information services company and the fastest-growing credit bureau in Mexico, for an enterprise value of $750 million1. This acquisition would expand Equifax into the fast-growth Mexico market, the second-largest economy in Latin America, and offer Círculo de Crédito customers access to industry-leading Equifax cloud-native capabilities, patented EFX.AI technology, and award-winning identity protection and fraud prevention offerings for the development of solutions designed to help customers grow and expand financial inclusion. Círculo de Crédito has delivered very strong financial results with revenue for the 12 months ended June 30, 2026 estimated at $134 million, up 31%, with $62 million of Adjusted EBITDA2. Círculo de Crédito is expected to continue to deliver strong high double-digit revenue growth in 2026, and is expected to be accretive to Equifax Adjusted EPS in the first full year of ownership. An investor call and webcast on the agreement will be held on July 7 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).

"The acquisition of Círculo de Crédito will expand Equifax's presence in the fast-growing Mexico market and marks an energizing new global chapter for both companies. The acquisition is aligned with our strategy to reinvest our strong free cash flow in accretive and strategic acquisitions to strengthen Equifax. Círculo de Crédito will be our 17th bolt-on acquisition in the past six years, totaling nearly $5 billion. Our strong performance and balance sheet allow Equifax to reinvest in growth, return cash to shareholders and acquire accretive and strategic acquisitions," said Mark W. Begor, CEO of Equifax. "Mexico is one of the fastest-growing credit markets globally. More than 25% of the Mexican population is without access to formal financial products, and nearly 44% of the population does not have a bank account.3 Equifax and Círculo de Crédito have a shared commitment to helping more consumers live their financial best, and together we will continue to offer deeper alternative data and unique insights that can help our customers deliver unique solutions to expand their consumer credit offerings."

Círculo de Crédito is the only Mexican credit bureau currently operating both consumer and commercial credit bureau services – with more than 1,700 bank, retail, fintech, small business lending, micro-finance, and telecommunications customers; and 2 billion tradelines covering 80 million validated identities. The company is a leader in alternative data, or information not included in traditional credit reports, including gig-economy transactions and utility and telecommunications payment history. This alternative data can responsibly expand access to credit and support a more inclusive economy, critical in a country where more than 33 million people4 are engaged in "informal" employment such as unregistered microbusinesses or gig employment.

"We are energized to join the Equifax team and have access to their industry-leading cloud-native technology, platforms, and products to help our customers grow and expand our position in Mexico. Consumer credit growth in Mexico is driven by inclusion and digitization, and Círculo de Crédito has been a first-mover in the market with the market's broadest data set and innovative solutions. We provide strategic data, decision-making, and digital solutions that empower lenders to deliver innovative financial services products across Mexico and expand access to credit for Mexican citizens," said Juan Manuel Ruiz Palmieri, CEO of Círculo de Crédito. "We are excited to integrate cloud-native Equifax data, analytics, and global solutions to help our customers grow."

Under the terms of the agreement, Equifax will acquire 100% of Círculo de Crédito equity from its existing shareholders, including: Banca Afirme, S.A. Institución de Banca Múltiple Afirme Grupo Financiero; Coppel, S.A. de C.V.; Grupo Elektra, S.A.B. de C.V.; and a group of private investors. Upon completion of the acquisition, Juan Manuel Ruiz Palmieri and the Círculo de Crédito team will continue to lead the company, which will join the Equifax International business team. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review and approval, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Conference Call and Audio Webcast
Equifax will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on July 7 in which senior management will discuss the Círculo de Crédito acquisition. Related presentation materials will be published on investor.equifax.com on July 7 at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Investor Conference Call:
US/Canada: 877-559-1190 /+1 201-389-0916
International: Click here for participant International Toll-Free access numbers
Please dial the appropriate number 5-10 minutes prior to the call to complete registration. Name and affiliation/company are required to join the call.

Webcast:
To view the webcast and slide presentation, please click the link and enter your information to be connected. The link becomes active 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
Webcast link

NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Purchase price of $825 million. Enterprise value of $750 million reflects purchase price net of estimated $75 million cash at closing with zero debt balance
2. Financials were converted from Mexican Peso to USD at an exchange rate of 17.37 USD/MXN. Estimated Last twelve months financial results through June 30, 2026 based on information provided by Círculo de Crédito
3. Source: ENCUESTA NACIONAL DE INCLUSIÓN FINANCIERA (ENIF) 2024
4. Source: ENCUESTA NACIONAL DE OCUPACIÓN Y EMPLEO (ENOE) INDICADORES DE OCUPACIÓN Y EMPLEO, June 25, 2026

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. All statements that address future operating performance and events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, including statements relating to our future financial and operating results, our strategy, our ability to successfully consummate the proposed transaction, the expected financial and operational benefits, synergies and growth from the proposed transaction, our ability to integrate Círculo de Crédito and its products, services, technologies, IT systems and personnel into our operations, and similar statements about our outlook and our business plans are forward-looking statements. We believe these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in our 2025 Form 10-K and subsequent SEC filings. As a result of such risks and uncertainties, we urge you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Alexandra Packey for Equifax
[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

Hot Line Presentation of Primary Results from ACACIA-HCM to Elaborate on Positive Topline Results in Patients with Non-Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Company to Host In-Person and Virtual Investor Event to Discuss Results from Late-Breaking Science Presentations

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cytokinetics, Incorporated (Nasdaq: CYTK) today announced three Late Breaking Science abstracts were accepted for presentation at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, taking place August 28-31 in Munich, Germany, including a Hot Line presentation of the primary results from ACACIA-HCM, the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of aficamten in patients with non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Hot Line and Late-Breaking Science Presentations

Title: ACACIA-HCM: Aficamten for Symptomatic Nonobstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Presenter: Ahmad Masri, M.D., M.S., Associate Professor of Medicine, Director of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Center at Oregon Health & Science University
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Session Title: Hot Line 1
Session Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM CEST
Presentation Time: 11:45 – 11:55 AM CEST
Location: Munich, Main Auditorium (Hall B3)

Title: Effect of Aficamten on Cardiac Structure and Function in Patients with Symptomatic Nonobstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy - Results from the ACACIA-HCM Trial
Presenter: Sheila Hegde, M.D., MPH, Assistant Professor, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas, TX and Affiliate Faculty, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Session Title: Late-Breaking Clinical Science: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Session Time: 4:15 – 5:15 PM CEST
Presentation Time: 4:15 – 4:30 PM CEST
Location: Achgabat (Hall A3)

Title: Aficamten vs. Metoprolol Monotherapy in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy According to Pre-Trial Treatment in MAPLE-HCM
Presenter: Fernando Dominguez, M.D., Ph.D., Consultant Cardiologist, Hospital Universitario Puerta De Hierro Majadahonda – Madrid, Spain
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
Session Title: Late-Breaking Clinical Science: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Session Time: 4:15 – 5:15 PM CEST
Presentation Time: 4:30 – 4:45 PM CEST
Location: Achgabat (Hall A3)

Investor Event and Webcast

Cytokinetics will host an in-person and virtual investor event onsite at ESC to discuss results from the Late-Breaking Science presentations at the Congress. Additional details including the date, time and registration information will be announced at a later date.

About Cytokinetics

Cytokinetics is a specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company, building on its over 25 years of pioneering scientific innovations in muscle biology, and advancing a pipeline of potential new medicines for patients suffering from diseases of cardiac muscle dysfunction. Cytokinetics’ MYQORZO® (aficamten) is a cardiac myosin inhibitor approved in the U.S., Europe and China for the treatment of adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM). Following positive topline results in ACACIA-HCM, a Phase 3 clinical trial of aficamten in patients with non-obstructive HCM (nHCM), the company plans to discuss the results with the U.S. FDA and other regulatory authorities. Cytokinetics is also developing omecamtiv mecarbil, an investigational cardiac myosin activator for the potential treatment of patients with heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction and ulacamten, an investigational cardiac myosin inhibitor for the potential treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, while continuing pre-clinical research and development in muscle biology.

For additional information about Cytokinetics, visit www.cytokinetics.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Cytokinetics disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements and claims the protection of the Act’s Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the enrollment, expected results or timing of completion of any of our clinical trials, the clinical meaningfulness, persuasiveness or interpretation of clinical trial results, including for purposes of regulatory approval, labeling, or market acceptance, the results of long-term, secondary or exploratory analyses, including analyses of time to first cardiovascular event, statements relating to our ability to obtain regulatory approval for aficamten in nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in any jurisdiction by any particular date, if ever, the number of patients comprising the eligible treatment population for aficamten, or market acceptance of aficamten for the treatment of nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Such statements are based on management’s current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, potential difficulties or delays in the development, testing, regulatory approvals for trial commencement, progression or product sale or manufacturing of Cytokinetics’ drug candidates that could slow or prevent clinical development or product approval; Cytokinetics’ drug candidates may have adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy; the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies may delay or limit Cytokinetics’ ability to conduct clinical trials; Cytokinetics may be unable to obtain or maintain patent or trade secret protection for its intellectual property; standards of care may change, rendering Cytokinetics’ drug candidates obsolete; and competitive products or alternative therapies may be developed by others for the treatment of indications Cytokinetics’ drug candidates and potential drug candidates may target. For further information regarding these and other risks related to Cytokinetics’ business, investors should consult Cytokinetics’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the risk factors included in Cytokinetics’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent reports filed with the SEC.

CYTOKINETICS® and the CYTOKINETICS C-shaped logo are registered trademarks of Cytokinetics in the U.S. and certain other countries.

MYQORZO® is a registered trademark of Cytokinetics in the U.S. and the European Union.

Contact:
Cytokinetics
Diane Weiser
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs
(415) 290-7757