Blockonomi

Key Highlights

Globalstar achieves $71.96M in quarterly revenue, exceeding analyst projections even with reported losses.

Shares jump 4% as the company outlines ambitious growth plans through 2026.

Fourth-quarter results demonstrate robust performance in satellite communications and IoT sectors.

Revenue expansion continues despite per-share losses, indicating sustainable growth trajectory.

Wall Street analysts maintain bullish stance with $66.50 average price target for GSAT.

Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT) delivered noteworthy fourth-quarter performance metrics, recording a loss of $0.07 per share while simultaneously demonstrating remarkable revenue expansion. The satellite communications firm witnessed its share price surge 4.00% to reach $60.19 in midday market activity. Although the quarterly losses exceeded analyst forecasts, the company’s robust revenue trajectory suggests a promising outlook for its operational future.

Revenue Performance Exceeds Market Predictions

The satellite operator delivered quarterly revenue totaling $71.96 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.23%. This represents substantial progress compared to the prior year’s figure of $61.18 million achieved by the company. While per-share losses were recorded, the firm’s capacity to generate above-forecast revenue demonstrates its sustained competitive advantage within the satellite communications marketplace. These results emerge as the organization continues enhancing its service revenue streams and Internet of Things functionalities.

Service revenue experienced a 17% year-over-year increase, primarily driven by enhanced wholesale capacity offerings and performance-based incentives. Furthermore, the introduction of advanced two-way satellite IoT technologies and the deployment of the RM200M module have significantly broadened Globalstar’s commercial footprint. This service revenue expansion corresponds with the company’s strategic initiatives to scale operations through cutting-edge satellite infrastructure and diversified IoT applications.

Strong Forward-Looking Growth Trajectory

Management forecasts 2026 revenue ranging from $280 million to $305 million, accompanied by an adjusted EBITDA margin hovering around 50%. The company’s sustained emphasis on broadening satellite IoT capabilities, combined with strategic partnerships across government and defense industries, establishes a foundation for substantial expansion. Globalstar intends to fortify its competitive standing while scaling operations with advanced-generation satellite infrastructure.

The organization’s forward guidance remains encouraging, bolstered by its diversifying portfolio of service solutions. Market success will largely depend on maintaining momentum within the satellite communications arena, especially through continued government and defense sector partnerships. Wall Street maintains an optimistic perspective, with consensus 12-month projections reaching $66.50, implying approximately 15% appreciation potential from current trading levels.

Wall Street Perspective and Growth Potential

The company’s latest financial disclosure has not diminished analyst confidence in the equity. Average analyst sentiment remains at “buy” level, with consensus price objectives set at $66.50. This bullish perspective persists despite current losses and competitive headwinds within the intensely contested satellite communications sector.

Globalstar’s 2026 success will depend on maintaining expansion momentum while navigating industry challenges. Moving forward, strategic priorities include scaling IoT capabilities and delivering consistent operational excellence across government and defense verticals. Through these initiatives, Globalstar appears well-positioned to strengthen its satellite communications market presence and sustain its upward growth path.

 

The post Globalstar (GSAT) Delivers Impressive Q4 Revenue Growth Amid Operational Losses appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

Shares of Sunrun plummeted 28% to $14.74 following the release of conservative 2026 guidance

Fourth quarter earnings delivered 38 cents per share, significantly surpassing analyst expectations of 3 cents; revenue jumped 124% to reach $1.16 billion

Company forecasts 2026 cash generation between $250M and $450M, representing a potential decrease from 2025’s $377M

Investment firm Jefferies cut its rating on RUN to Hold from Buy while maintaining a $22 price target

Management’s silence on potential dividends or share repurchases left investors disappointed

The solar company delivered impressive fourth quarter results, posting earnings of 38 cents per share—substantially exceeding the analyst consensus of just 3 cents. Revenue reached $1.16 billion, representing a remarkable 124% increase compared to the previous year. Much of this revenue surge stemmed from a strategic decision to sell newly created lease agreements to external parties—marking a fresh approach for the organization.

$RUN @Sunrun just delivered the most overlooked earnings beat of the season.

EPS: $0.76 vs -$0.07 expected → Beat by 1,186%
Revenue: $1.16B — UP 124% YoY
Storage attachment: 71% — record high
1M+ customers — America's largest home battery network
Cash up $248M… pic.twitter.com/cetSouKnOj

— robot2trade (@robot2trade1) February 27, 2026

However, it was the forward-looking guidance that spooked market participants.

Management provided 2026 cash generation estimates ranging from $250 million to $450 million. The midpoint of this forecast—$350 million—falls short of the $377 million achieved in 2025. This apparent regression caught Wall Street’s attention immediately.

Shares declined 28% to close at $14.74 on Friday. The drop is particularly painful considering the stock had rallied 182% over the preceding twelve months and gained 11% year-to-date before the earnings announcement.

Investment bank Jefferies revised its stance, downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold while keeping its $22 price objective intact. Research analyst Julien Dumoulin-Smith characterized the company’s approach as adopting a “defensive posture” heading into fiscal 2026.

Analyst Highlights Conservative Stance

Dumoulin-Smith observed a notable contrast: while competing residential solar firms have expressed increasing optimism about market recovery, Sunrun’s management painted a more sobering picture during its earnings conference call—emphasizing extended market weakness and heightened focus on balance sheet discipline.

The company also revealed plans to reduce its affiliate partner network by approximately 40%. Jefferies interprets this restructuring as an indicator that total installations and new customer acquisitions will decelerate.

Market participants had anticipated announcements regarding dividends or stock buyback programs, particularly given the robust cash generation in 2025 and meaningful progress toward the company’s 2x leverage ratio objective. Management declined to commit to either option. Executives clarified that returning capital to shareholders remains under consideration, but current priorities center on safe-harbor investments and reducing outstanding debt.

Jefferies identified challenging conditions in tax equity markets and quality issues among Sunrun’s partner ecosystem as further obstacles ahead.

The firm maintained its constructive long-term view on Sunrun but anticipates limited share price appreciation through 2026 until capital market conditions normalize.

Contrarian Voice Emerges

Not all analysts share this pessimistic outlook. Clear Street analyst Tim Moore reaffirmed his Buy recommendation and increased his price objective to $24 from $23.

Moore expressed confidence despite anticipated volume reductions, highlighting Sunrun’s strategic pivot toward channels with superior profit margins. He believes the monetization strategy for newly created subscription agreements will drive improved profitability even if installation volumes decline.

Jefferies also acknowledged that third-party originators such as Sunrun stand to benefit from approximately 25% growth this year following the conclusion of the 25D tax credit—though this potential upside hasn’t yet materialized in official guidance.

Sunrun’s measured outlook contrasts sharply with industry peers like Enphase Energy, which has aggressively pursued prepaid lease and loan products as the sector undergoes transformation.

The stock concluded Friday’s trading session at $14.74, down 28% for the day.

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Key Takeaways

Q4 net profit reached $894.8 million for Nu Holdings (NU), marking a 50% year-over-year increase

Revenue climbed 45% to $4.86 billion while customer count expanded to 131 million throughout Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia

Shares declined 9.55% on Feb. 26, finishing at $15.06 even after surpassing revenue projections

Market participants expressed concern about rising operational costs and unclear margin outlook

The company secured conditional OCC approval in January 2026 to operate a U.S. national bank

On Feb. 25, 2026, Nu Holdings (NU) unveiled impressive fourth-quarter results for 2025, yet shares tumbled 9.55% the next trading session to settle at $15.06.

Nu Holdings, $NU, Q4-25.

Record scale. Record profits.

Adj. EPS: $0.18
Revenue: $4.9B
Net Income: $894.8M

Net income surged 50% YoY with ROE at 33% and ARPAC up 27% YoY to $15.00.
131M customers and accelerating monetization. pic.twitter.com/zo0QkuzFuH

— EarningsTime (@Earnings_Time) February 25, 2026

The market reaction surprised many observers, given the company’s robust performance metrics.

Quarterly net profit reached $894.8 million, representing a 50% jump from the $552.6 million recorded in Q4 2024. Total revenue climbed to $4.86 billion, reflecting 45% annual growth and exceeding Wall Street expectations of approximately $4.55 billion.

The financial services company achieved a 33% return on equity while its efficiency ratio improved to 20%.

Customer acquisition remained strong with 17 million new users joining during the quarter. By year-end 2025, Nubank served 131 million customers throughout its three operating markets—Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. This represented 15% annual growth and penetration of 62% among Brazilian adults.

Revenue per active customer (ARPAC) increased 27% year-over-year to $15, boosted by growth in credit products, float revenue, and fee-based services.

The company’s total loan book grew 40% to $32.7 billion. Delinquency rates for loans past 90 days improved slightly, declining 0.1 percentage points to 6.6%.

Market Concerns That Drove the Selloff

JPMorgan analysts observed that the profit beat stemmed primarily from a lower tax rate rather than core operational strength. This observation provided ammunition for skeptical investors.

Citi described the results as a “strong quarter on top-line” but highlighted concerns around cost of risk and operating expense trends that complicated the overall narrative.

The market also reacted negatively to management’s lack of specific forward-looking guidance on profitability margins, creating uncertainty about future performance.

Shares initially spiked 4% immediately following the earnings release, but momentum reversed sharply. By the Feb. 26 close, NU had fallen as much as 9.55%. After-hours trading showed continued weakness with shares hovering around $15.07.

CFO Guilherme Lago attributed the profit gains to expanding customer numbers, improved revenue per user, and controlled servicing costs. CEO David Vélez characterized 2025 as a “fantastic year” for the company.

Building a Presence in the United States

January 2026 brought significant news when Nubank obtained conditional OCC approval for a U.S. national bank charter—the first of three required regulatory clearances. The firm has a 12-month window to satisfy capitalization requirements.

Vélez recognized the challenging competitive landscape in U.S. banking but emphasized opportunities within targeted customer segments.

Looking ahead to 2026, leadership highlighted key strategic priorities: securing Mexico’s banking license, expanding services for small businesses and affluent customers, and integrating artificial intelligence throughout operations.

Wall Street sentiment remains largely positive. Analyst price targets for the next 12 months span from $18.05 to $22.00, suggesting potential gains of 20% to 46% from current trading levels. The majority of ratings are in Buy territory.

Shares have traded between $9.01 and $18.98 over the past 52 weeks, with the recent peak near $18.98 occurring in late January 2026. Current market capitalization stands between $78 billion and $80 billion.

The company’s next quarterly report is scheduled for May 14, 2026, covering first-quarter 2026 performance.

The post Nu Holdings (NU) Shares Plunge 9% Following Strong Q4 Results appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

Shares of Duolingo plummeted more than 20% following management’s decision to emphasize expanding its user base rather than maximizing immediate revenue.

JPMorgan and BofA Securities both moved DUOL to Neutral ratings, with price targets falling sharply to $95 and $100 respectively.

Management set an ambitious goal of reaching 100 million daily active users by 2028, acknowledging this will create near-term pressure on bookings and profitability.

A $400 million share repurchase program was approved to provide support for the stock throughout this strategic transition period.

Additional downgrades came from Morgan Stanley and Evercore ISI, with analysts expressing concern about growth deceleration and strategic direction.

Duolingo (DUOL) experienced a brutal trading session on Friday. Shares plunged over 20% during early market hours, dropping to $90.76, as Wall Street reacted negatively to a significant change in the company’s strategic direction.

Company leadership revealed plans to dial back aggressive monetization tactics in order to prioritize expanding daily active users. Management is targeting 100 million daily active users by 2028, a substantial increase from today’s figures.

This strategic announcement was paired with disappointing 2026 financial projections, creating the perfect storm for a massive selloff.

Duolingo actually exceeded fourth quarter 2025 expectations, delivering $0.84 in earnings per share compared to the anticipated $0.83. Revenue reached $282.9 million, surpassing the $275.74 million estimate. However, investors were more concerned about future prospects than past performance.

Over the previous two years, the language-learning platform had aggressively promoted subscription upgrades and increased ad impressions. While this strategy boosted profitability, it simultaneously degraded the experience for free users. Consequently, user acquisition began decelerating in the latter half of 2025.

The company’s solution involves reducing monetization intensity. The application will focus on enhancing the free user experience, betting that satisfied users will organically promote the platform through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Artificial intelligence capabilities such as “Video Call with Lily,” which were previously exclusive to paying subscribers, will become accessible to all users. However, this democratization carries higher operational costs that will compress profit margins temporarily.

Wall Street Turns Bearish

JPMorgan analyst Bryan Smilek downgraded DUOL from Overweight to Neutral while slashing his price target from $200 down to $95. He pointed to the user-first approach as a catalyst for reduced bookings and margin compression, emphasizing that the investment payoff will require considerable time.

BofA Securities analyst Omar Dessouky similarly downgraded shares from Buy to Neutral, reducing his target price from $250 to $100. His primary concern centered on Duolingo’s minimal advancement in performance marketing capabilities, with management indicating they’re unlikely to build this expertise internally.

BofA characterized this as a strategic miscalculation, particularly considering the sophisticated ad targeting capabilities now available through platforms like AppLovin and Google. The investment bank stated that its original bullish investment thesis had been invalidated.

Morgan Stanley dropped its rating from Overweight to Equalweight. Evercore ISI shifted from Outperform to In Line. KeyBanc maintained its Sector Weight stance.

D.A. Davidson analyst Wyatt Swanson offered a more understanding perspective, noting that previous aggressive monetization approaches had created “disgruntled users and a meaningful negative impact to ‘word-of-mouth’ marketing.”

Company Unveils Buyback Program

To provide price support during this strategic transformation, Duolingo announced authorization for a $400 million share repurchase program. This signals that management believes current share prices significantly undervalue the company.

DUOL has declined approximately 69% over the trailing twelve months. The stock is now trading close to its 52-week low.

According to TipRanks, the consensus analyst rating stands at Hold, comprised of five Buy ratings, 10 Hold ratings, and one Sell rating. The average twelve-month price target of $139.64 suggests approximately 49% potential upside from current trading levels.

The $400 million buyback program remains in effect as Duolingo pursues its ambitious 2028 user base expansion objectives.

The post DUOL Stock Plunges 20% Following Multiple Analyst Downgrades and Strategy Shift appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

IonQ shares climbed 21.7% Thursday following stronger-than-expected Q4 results and optimistic 2026 projections

The company reported $130 million in total 2025 revenue with 2026 targets ranging from $225 to $245 million

Leadership drew parallels between IonQ’s current position and Nvidia’s early-stage expansion

A 256-qubit quantum system is slated for Q4 2026 release, while SkyWater Technology acquisition moves forward

Street opinion remains divided: Rosenblatt maintains $100 price target while DA Davidson lowered theirs to $35

 

IonQ delivered $61.9 million in fourth-quarter revenue, bringing its complete 2025 fiscal year total to $130 million. These numbers exceeded analyst consensus estimates, propelling shares to close at $40.88 Thursday — representing a 21.7% single-day gain.

Session volume reached 66.4 million shares, substantially higher than the three-month daily average. Such elevated activity typically indicates meaningful institutional participation rather than retail-driven volatility.

Looking ahead to 2026, management issued revenue guidance between $225 million and $245 million. Chief Executive Niccolo de Masi characterized 2025 as “a strategic and financial inflection point” for the organization.

Chief Financial Officer Inder Singh highlighted that commercial clients represented over 60% of 2025 sales, while international markets contributed more than 30%. The balance sheet closed the year with $3.3 billion in cash and investment holdings.

During post-earnings commentary, de Masi revisited comparisons to Nvidia‘s early development. He noted that Nvidia previously reported $60 million in quarterly revenue — similar to IonQ’s current scale. “There’s room for us to go a long way,” he stated.

He also recognized IBM as the primary competitive force. “There’s two ecosystems — there’s IBM and there’s the rest of us,” de Masi commented. Gartner identified IBM last year as “the quantum computing company to beat.”

Advanced Qubit Platform and SkyWater Acquisition

IonQ aims to deliver a 256-qubit production system during Q4 2026. Additionally, the firm announced deployment of quantum-secured communication links throughout Romania’s National Quantum Communication Infrastructure — consisting of 36 connections spanning more than 1,500 kilometers.

The organization has pursued multiple acquisitions recently, adding capabilities in atomic clock technology, quantum sensing equipment, and semiconductor production. The pending SkyWater Technology acquisition would enable vertical integration of chip manufacturing — a strategic shift several analysts view favorably.

Skepticism persists among some observers who question whether rapid expansion ahead of profitability introduces unnecessary execution risk. IonQ has not yet posted positive annual earnings.

Analyst Perspectives

Wall Street responses following the earnings release varied considerably. Rosenblatt’s John McPeake maintained his buy recommendation with a $100 price objective. DA Davidson’s Alexander Platt held a neutral stance while reducing his target to $35. Needham’s Quinn Bolton adjusted his estimate downward to $65.

This divergence highlights the ongoing tension: growth-oriented investors remain enthusiastic about the company’s trajectory, while concerns about cash consumption and integration challenges surrounding transactions like SkyWater keep others cautious.

Over the trailing twelve months, IonQ shares have appreciated 66%, significantly outperforming the Nasdaq Composite’s 23% advance. Competitor D-Wave has surged nearly 270% during the same period, while Rigetti has posted approximately 120% gains.

Following his company’s recent earnings, D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz warned investors to anticipate “unpredictable revenue patterns” in coming quarters. Rosenblatt characterized his firm’s latest quarter as “uneventful,” though bookings remained robust despite a 27% year-over-year decline.

IonQ management is set to participate in the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 4, with a subsequent appearance at the Cantor Global Technology & Industrial Growth Conference scheduled for March 11.

The post IonQ Shares Soar Over 20% Following Strong Q4 Results and Ambitious 2026 Outlook appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Warner Bros Discovery’s board has labeled Paramount Skydance’s $111bn proposal as “superior” compared to Netflix’s competing offer

Netflix has withdrawn from the bidding, stating the $31 per share valuation makes the acquisition “no longer financially attractive”

The Paramount proposal encompasses WBD’s complete portfolio, including HBO, CNN, and iconic franchises like Harry Potter and Batman

Significant regulatory scrutiny lies ahead, with California’s Attorney General and federal/European authorities still reviewing the transaction

Employees at both CBS News and WBD have expressed serious concerns regarding potential layoffs and editorial direction under Ellison leadership

Paramount Skydance has overcome a significant obstacle in its pursuit of Warner Bros Discovery following Netflix’s decision to exit the competition, propelling Paramount shares 6% higher in extended trading.

Paramount has won the bidding war for Warner Bros. after Netflix withdrew, saying that the deal was no longer financially attractive.

Paramount will now own the following:

— HBO / HBO Max
— CNN
— CBS
— DC Studios
— Cartoon Network
— Adult Swim
— Paramount+
— Nickelodeon… pic.twitter.com/utXHZ33Hdn

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) February 26, 2026

On Thursday, Netflix announced it would decline to counter Paramount’s $31-per-share proposal after WBD’s board designated it as the “superior” bid. Netflix’s co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters explained that the elevated price point rendered the transaction “no longer financially attractive.”

This decision concludes several months of competitive bidding that commenced when Paramount initially contacted WBD in September.

The $111bn Paramount proposal encompasses WBD’s entire operations — including HBO, CNN, and valuable intellectual property like Harry Potter and Batman franchises. By contrast, Netflix’s initial $83bn December agreement covered exclusively WBD’s studio operations and streaming platforms.

The Ellison family, which merged Skydance with Paramount in the previous year, stands to acquire oversight of CBS News, 60 Minutes, and CNN through this proposed consolidation.

David Zaslav, WBD’s CEO, praised the transaction, stating it “will create tremendous value for our shareholders.”

Netflix shares surged 8.5% in after-market trading, with investors seemingly pleased the streaming giant avoided a transaction carrying substantial antitrust exposure.

Regulatory Road Ahead

The transaction remains far from finalized. Approval from the US Department of Justice and European regulatory bodies is still required.

California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed his office maintains an active investigation and plans to conduct a “vigorous” review. “Paramount/Warner Bros is not a done deal,” he stated via social media.

Paramount enhanced its proposal by increasing the per-share price by $1 from its December offer, introduced a $0.25-per-share quarterly payment should the deal extend beyond September, and included a $7bn breakup fee if regulatory authorities reject it.

Additionally, Paramount committed to assuming the $2.8bn termination payment WBD would owe Netflix upon exiting their original agreement.

Staff Concerns

Personnel at CBS News and WBD have responded to the announcement with considerable apprehension. Workers anticipate that combining two major news operations will result in workforce reductions as duplicate positions are consolidated.

Several staff members have voiced unease about Bari Weiss, who was named CBS News editor-in-chief last October, potentially assuming expanded responsibilities. Weiss lacks previous television news background, and her leadership has received mixed reviews.

A CBS News producer cautioned the consolidation would be “a disaster for the people who work at both companies.”

Seth Stern from the Freedom of the Press Foundation issued sharp criticism, cautioning that Ellison would favor corporate priorities above journalistic independence.

Political considerations have also emerged as factors. Trump, who maintains ties to Larry Ellison, has commented publicly on the bidding process on multiple occasions. David Ellison was present at Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday as Senator Lindsey Graham’s guest.

WBD has scheduled an employee town hall meeting for Friday morning. In a Thursday memorandum, CNN leader Mark Thompson encouraged staff to avoid premature conclusions.

Paramount shares gained 6% in after-hours trading when the news broke.

The post Paramount (PSKY) Shares Surge as Netflix Abandons Warner Bros Discovery Pursuit appeared first on Blockonomi.

Quick Overview

Q4 2025 earnings release scheduled for March 2, following market close

Analysts project EPS of -$0.11 alongside revenue expectations of $217.3M

Jose Crespo assumes CEO position March 1, making this his inaugural earnings presentation

Shares have declined over 7% in 2025, with Hold ratings from Seeking Alpha and Wall Street

Management maintains $700M FY25 revenue objective, noting EBITDA profitability is within reach

Meta Description: Plug Power (PLUG) prepares for Q4 2025 earnings Monday with new CEO leadership, analyst expectations of -$0.11 EPS, and $217.3M revenue projections.

The hydrogen infrastructure company Plug Power is scheduled to unveil its Q4 2025 financial results this Monday, March 2, following the market close. This particular earnings announcement carries additional significance due to concurrent leadership changes.

Wall Street analysts have established a consensus EPS projection of -$0.11, accompanied by revenue expectations reaching $217.3M. The past quarter has witnessed an even split in analyst adjustments, with three upward and three downward revenue revisions—indicating divided opinion among market watchers.

During the previous quarter, PLUG exceeded earnings expectations by a penny, posting -$0.12 against the anticipated -$0.13. However, investor response proved muted, with shares declining 1.17% in the subsequent trading session.

This subdued reaction fits an established pattern. The Q2 2025 report saw Plug Power miss projections by $0.04, triggering a 2.53% share price decline. Q1 2025 proved even more challenging, with post-earnings trading showing losses exceeding 10%. The market has demonstrated consistent skepticism toward the company’s progress.

As of February 26, shares were changing hands at $1.91. The year-to-date performance shows a decline exceeding 7%, contrasting with broader market stability during the same period.

Looking at the full 52-week period tells a more nuanced story—PLUG has gained 22.33%, providing some relief for long-term shareholders.

Leadership Transition at Critical Moment

The upcoming quarterly report marks a significant milestone as Jose Crespo’s first earnings disclosure as chief executive. His official start date of March 1 positions him to lead the earnings presentation just 24 hours into his tenure.

Market participants are eager to hear Crespo articulate any shifts in company strategy or major initiatives he plans to implement.

The company’s CFO has previously emphasized the latter half of 2026 as a pivotal timeframe for operational improvements, referencing enhanced sales patterns, increased volume, and expense optimization. Regarding EBITDA profitability, management characterized it as “definitely in the art of the possible to go sooner.”

Management has also acknowledged certain historical challenges that have impacted results, though specific details remain undisclosed.

Financial Metrics Tell a Challenging Story

The company’s current financial position presents ongoing difficulties. Key metrics include a net margin of -204.38%, return on equity of -23.36%, and return on assets of -11.21%—all trailing industry benchmarks.

A noteworthy positive indicator: the debt-to-equity ratio stands at 0.7, below industry norms. This conservative leverage profile provides management with operational flexibility moving forward.

Revenue expansion registered at 1.91% for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. While representing growth, this figure lags behind typical performance within the Industrials sector.

Management has identified the electrolyzer segment as a promising growth catalyst, expressing confidence in expansion opportunities throughout the upcoming fiscal period.

The company maintains its full-year 2025 revenue target of $700M.

Both Seeking Alpha’s quantitative analysis and the Wall Street analyst community have assigned Hold ratings to the stock.

Monday’s Q4 earnings presentation will provide initial insights into Crespo’s strategic vision for navigating the company’s operational hurdles.

The post Plug Power Q4 Earnings Preview: New Leadership Faces First Test Monday appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Archer Aviation has entered a partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink to equip its Midnight air taxis with high-speed satellite internet connectivity.

The low-Earth-orbit satellite network will enable passenger Wi-Fi, pilot communication systems, and infrastructure for autonomous flight technology.

The company is scheduled to release Q4 2025 financial results on March 2, with analysts forecasting a $0.24 per share loss versus $0.45 last year.

Raymond James maintains its Buy recommendation with a $13 target price, suggesting approximately 76% potential upside.

Market expectations based on options activity indicate a 13.69% price movement following the earnings announcement.

On Friday, Archer Aviation (ACHR) revealed a strategic partnership with Elon Musk’s Starlink to integrate satellite internet technology into its Midnight electric air taxi fleet. This collaboration represents Starlink’s inaugural venture into the urban air mobility sector.

NEWS: Archer Aviation is partnering with @Starlink to bring stable, reliable and high-speed connectivity to its air taxis, marking Starlink’s entry into the emerging air mobility category.

Under the agreement, Archer will install Starlink into its Midnight aircraft and conduct… pic.twitter.com/Z5uI87YKdl

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) February 27, 2026

The agreement calls for Archer to integrate Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite technology into the Midnight aircraft and commence testing protocols. The objective is to provide high-speed, low-latency internet access throughout all phases of flight.

Midnight represents Archer’s piloted electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle designed to transport up to four passengers. The aircraft operates with significantly reduced noise levels and zero emissions compared to conventional helicopters, featuring 12 independent engines and propellers for enhanced safety redundancy.

According to Archer, the connectivity system serves purposes beyond passenger entertainment. The company intends to leverage Starlink to maintain continuous communication between Midnight aircraft and both pilots and ground-based engineering personnel throughout operations.

The collaboration extends beyond immediate implementation. Archer and Starlink are jointly developing connectivity infrastructure specifically engineered to facilitate Archer’s future autonomous aircraft program.

The rationale for selecting Starlink over conventional connectivity options centers on operational altitude and geographic challenges. Traditional connectivity infrastructure depends on terrestrial cell towers or geostationary satellites, both of which struggle to deliver consistent performance at the low altitudes and complex urban landscapes where air taxi services will function.

Midnight operates at approximately 1,500 feet altitude in metropolitan areas — precisely the range where cellular network coverage becomes unreliable. Starlink’s satellite constellation architecture is specifically designed to address this challenge.

CEO Adam Goldstein stated directly: “Connectivity is a must have feature for Midnight. Starlink is uniquely built to deliver it.”

Archer’s value proposition to customers centers on urban transportation completed in 5 to 15 minutes. Starlink connectivity would ensure passengers remain online throughout the entire journey.

The partnership disclosure arrives as Archer awaits Federal Aviation Administration certification before commencing commercial service in the United States.

Q4 Earnings on Deck

Archer is scheduled to announce Q4 2025 financial performance after market close on Monday, March 2. Analyst consensus projects a $0.24 per share loss, representing significant improvement from the $0.45 loss recorded in the comparable quarter last year — notable progress despite the company remaining in pre-revenue status.

CEO Goldstein has indicated that revenue generation is anticipated to commence in Q1 2026, coinciding with the company’s planned commercial service launch.

ACHR shares declined approximately 7% throughout 2025, impacted by FAA certification delays, escalating development expenditures, and persistent cash consumption concerns. A short seller analysis also introduced uncertainty regarding the company’s timeline to secure FAA type certification.

What Analysts Are Saying

Raymond James analyst Savanthi Syth maintained her Buy recommendation and $13 price objective ahead of the earnings announcement — indicating approximately 76% upside potential from present trading levels. She characterizes recent price weakness as a strategic entry point rather than a concerning signal.

The overall Wall Street consensus registers as “Moderate Buy,” with a mean price target of $11.50, implying roughly 56% upside from current price levels, derived from two recent analyst evaluations.

Options market activity suggests traders are anticipating a 13.69% price movement in either direction subsequent to the earnings disclosure.

The post Archer Aviation Partners With Starlink Days Before Q4 2025 Earnings Drop appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Over the past year, Micron (MU) shares have rocketed approximately 300%, climbing from around $60 to near $430, while maintaining a forward P/E of merely 12.4 — about 46% beneath sector averages.

Analysts project Micron will generate $76 billion in fiscal 2026 revenue, representing a 103% year-over-year increase, while earnings per share are anticipated to surge fourfold to $33.92.

The high-bandwidth memory (HBM) market is completely sold out through 2026, with major cloud providers receiving significantly less supply than requested.

The company’s Cloud Memory Business Unit achieved approximately 66% gross margins in Q1 fiscal 2026, with overall corporate margins expected to reach ~68% in Q2.

Should Micron’s valuation multiples align with industry peers, price targets in the mid-$600 to low-$700 range become plausible according to analyst models.

Micron Technology shares have achieved a rare feat in the equity markets: experiencing a triple-digit percentage gain while becoming more attractive from a fundamental valuation perspective.

Throughout the trailing twelve-month period, MU shares have soared from the low-$60 range to approximately $430. This represents roughly a 300% appreciation. Paradoxically, the forward non-GAAP P/E multiple has contracted to approximately 12.4 — nearly 50% below sector benchmarks — as earnings projections have accelerated beyond even the aggressive stock price movement.

The PEG ratio reinforces this narrative. Currently sitting around 0.21, compared to a sector median approaching 1.5, the market appears to discount the sustainability of Micron’s growth trajectory.

Analyst consensus paints a different picture. Fiscal 2026 revenue projections call for $76 billion, representing more than a doubling from the previous fiscal year. Earnings per share are anticipated to leap from $7.59 in fiscal 2025 to $33.92 in the current year — approaching a four-fold expansion. Notably, every single analyst revision over the past ninety days has trended upward — all 28 of them.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, consensus estimates cluster around $18.7–$18.9 billion in revenue, approximately 135% above the year-ago period, with non-GAAP EPS expectations near $8.50 — suggesting 445% year-over-year expansion.

Supply Is the Constraint, Not Demand

The supply-demand dynamics are remarkably clear-cut. HBM inventory is completely committed through 2026 under fixed pricing and volume agreements. DDR5 spot market prices have climbed approximately 30% year-to-date, while DRAM and NAND contract pricing has added another 30% in early 2026.

Certain hyperscale customers are reportedly receiving merely half to two-thirds of their requested memory allocations. This dynamic provides Micron with substantial pricing leverage and strategic allocation flexibility toward premium-margin customers.

The addressable market for HBM specifically reached $35 billion in 2025 and is projected to expand at a 40% compound annual growth rate through 2028, positioning it to approach $100 billion before decade’s end.

Micron’s Cloud Memory Business Unit — encompassing HBM and premium data-center DRAM products — delivered gross margins near 66% in Q1 fiscal 2026. Corporate-level gross margin reached 56.8% in Q1, with management guidance calling for approximately 68% in Q2, representing an 11-percentage-point sequential improvement.

Free cash flow margin achieved nearly 30% in Q1 — establishing a company record. During the identical period, Micron reduced debt obligations by roughly $2.7 billion while executing approximately $300 million in share buybacks.

Long-Term Capacity Build

Micron has outlined plans to deploy approximately $200 billion toward manufacturing capacity in the United States and allied nations over the long term, including a proposed $100 billion mega-fab facility in New York State. Additional investments include a $24 billion silicon-wafer fabrication plant in Singapore and the acquisition of DRAM production facilities in Taiwan from Powerchip Semiconductor for approximately $1.8 billion.

These capital expenditures receive partial offset through up to $6.1 billion in CHIPS Act subsidies and a 25% advanced manufacturing investment tax credit.

From a valuation perspective, if Micron were to trade at a forward P/E of 20 — remaining comfortably below the Nasdaq-100 average of 24.5 — the mathematics imply a share price near $660. Applying peer-group EV/Sales and EV/EBITDA median multiples, blended valuation methodologies point toward the low-$700 range.

The current Wall Street consensus price target clusters around $390, a level MU has already exceeded.

The post Why Micron (MU) Remains Undervalued Despite a 300% Rally appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Arena evaluates AI agents using challenging document scenarios to validate enterprise readiness.

Financial backing from Pantera Capital and Franklin Templeton drives Arena’s mission for trustworthy AI performance.

The platform identifies reasoning failures and incomplete evidence, providing developers actionable insights.

Standardized benchmarks, public leaderboards, and detailed analyses establish agent quality baselines.

Ecosystem collaborators contribute computing power and evaluation tasks while Arena launches global initiatives with San Francisco gatherings.

Sentient’s launch of Arena marked a significant step forward in enterprise AI validation, drawing support from Pantera Capital and Franklin Templeton. This production-focused evaluation platform establishes rigorous benchmarks for agent performance under demanding operational scenarios. The development reflects mounting industry recognition that automated systems require proven reliability before widespread enterprise adoption.

Financial Powerhouses Rally Behind Sentient’s AI Validation Initiative

The unveiling of Arena addressed critical gaps in enterprise AI accountability, particularly for document-intensive operations. Initial cohort participation gained momentum with backing from Pantera Capital and Franklin Templeton, reinforcing industry commitment to measurable AI standards. This institutional support highlighted growing urgency around establishing verifiable benchmarks for mission-critical automated systems.

Arena distinguished itself by moving past conventional assessment methods toward dynamic evaluation frameworks. The system challenges agents with extensive documentation, fragmented data sets, and contradictory information streams to assess operational resilience. Additionally, it maintains detailed failure logs that enable systematic improvement of agent architectures.

The platform’s design philosophy prioritizes transparency in reasoning assessment across diverse technology stacks. Sentient committed to publishing comparative leaderboards alongside comprehensive failure analyses. This approach seeks to establish enduring evaluation frameworks capable of evolving with advancing automation capabilities.

Enterprise Demand Drives Focus on Rigorous AI Testing Environments

Arena functions as a collaborative validation hub where development teams submit their agents for uniform assessment protocols. The system identifies specific reasoning deficiencies including insufficient supporting evidence and unsubstantiated conclusions. Teams receive granular performance data enabling targeted system improvements.

Accelerating integration of autonomous agents into business operations created urgent demand for dependable performance metrics. Organizations increasingly deploy AI across research functions, regulatory compliance, and customer service, often without comprehensive oversight frameworks. Arena directly addresses these operational concerns through repeatable evaluation standards.

Document analysis capabilities represent Arena’s inaugural focus area given organizational dependence on accurate information processing for strategic decisions. The environment examines agent proficiency handling intricate, loosely structured content. These assessments support critical functions including risk assessment procedures and internal analytics workflows.

Technical Partners Amplify Arena’s Evaluation Capabilities

OpenRouter and Fireworks committed computational infrastructure for Arena’s launch phase, while supplementary partners delivered tooling and educational programming. Their engagement enabled Arena to expand assessment capacity significantly. This collaborative foundation established pathways for wider industry engagement.

OpenHands, alphaXiv, and additional organizations integrated their capabilities to diversify available evaluation scenarios. These contributions enhanced Arena’s impartiality while enabling comprehensive cross-platform benchmarking. The framework promotes varied methodological approaches to enterprise reasoning challenges.

Arena announced plans for worldwide developer access through a managed onboarding queue. The initiative also revealed physical gatherings scheduled for San Francisco commencing March 2026. These expansion efforts demonstrate Sentient’s commitment to cultivating a sustainable ecosystem for agent validation and improvement.

The post Sentient’s Arena Platform Secures Support from Pantera Capital and Franklin Templeton for AI Testing appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Meta is trialing stablecoin payments across its apps, with a possible rollout expected later in 2025.

WhatsApp is viewed as the key gateway for stablecoin adoption in underbanked emerging markets worldwide.

Stripe is reportedly a key candidate for Meta’s stablecoin project amid close ties between both firms.

Stablecoin payment volume doubled to around $400 billion last year, reflecting fast real-world adoption growth.

Stablecoin payments are gaining fresh momentum as Meta Platforms considers integrating them across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

The company is reportedly testing this technology for a potential rollout later this year. This development follows Meta’s failed Diem digital currency project from four years ago.

Analysts say the move reflects both a maturing regulatory environment in the United States and a growing appetite among large tech firms to reshape cross-border payment infrastructure.

Meta’s Stablecoin Experiment Takes Early Shape

Meta is conducting small-scale trials using existing stablecoins rather than building its own digital currency. A company spokesperson confirmed on X that Meta has no plans to issue a proprietary stablecoin. Instead, the focus appears to be on integrating third-party options already circulating in the market.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone addressed the company’s direction directly on X. “This is about enabling people and businesses to make payments on our platforms using their preferred method,” Stone wrote. That framing positioned the effort as a payments accessibility play rather than a broader crypto initiative.

Reports also indicate Meta issued a “request for product” to third-party stablecoin firms. Stripe is reportedly among the candidates under consideration for parts of the project.

Stripe CEO Patrick Collison joined Meta’s board of directors last year, adding another layer of connection between the two companies.

WhatsApp Becomes the Gateway for Underserved Markets

The most likely near-term use case for Meta’s stablecoin adoption is WhatsApp-enabled payments in emerging economies.

India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia represent markets where WhatsApp already facilitates daily commerce at scale. Yet hundreds of millions of users there remain largely cut off from traditional banking services.

Maghnus Mareneck, co-CEO of blockchain firm Cosmos Labs, laid out the opportunity in direct terms. “WhatsApp is the payments Trojan horse in emerging markets across India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia, where hundreds of millions of people conduct daily commerce but remain underserved by traditional banking,” he wrote. He further noted that legacy remittance fees are costs “that stablecoins would make look absurd.”

Beyond messaging, Meta’s broader platform supports creator payouts, in-app purchases, and peer-to-peer transfers.

These transactions currently lose value through legacy remittance corridors that charge steep fees. Stablecoins could streamline these flows with faster settlement and lower transaction costs.

Analysts See Opportunity, but Note Real Challenges Ahead

Georgetown University professor Jim Angel pointed out that Meta already operates major communications networks.

He noted it is “very natural for them to want to add a payments network” on top of those existing systems. Angel’s research covers both payment systems and the evolving role of digital assets.

Josh Istas of The Strawhecker Group identified creator and contractor payouts as the clearest entry point. He described this as “the clearest strategic wedge,” citing “fees, FX friction, and settlement delays” that still create real pain across borders. Stablecoins directly address both issues, making them attractive for international disbursements.

Aaron Press of IDC Global offered a more measured view on adoption. “Presence is not the same as adoption, and outside of a small handful of markets, combining social payments with social interaction has been a tough sell,” he wrote, adding that “stablecoins don’t fundamentally change this.”

Meanwhile, Stripe’s co-founders reported in their annual letter that global stablecoin payment volume doubled last year to around $400 billion, writing that “stablecoin payments are advancing quietly and inexorably as real-world uptake continues apace.”

The post Meta Bets on Stablecoins to Power Payments Across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

CNBC’s Jim Cramer has changed his stance on SoFi $SOFI, declaring it’s currently “too cheap to ignore” following a steep 40%+ decline from November peaks down to approximately $18.

The fintech company exceeded Q4 projections with earnings per share of $0.13 compared to analyst expectations of $0.12, while revenue reached $1.01 billion, representing a 39.6% annual increase.

Company leadership projected $0.60 in EPS for FY2026, suggesting approximately 54% earnings expansion, with Cramer highlighting a PEG ratio of merely 0.6.

Thoroughbred Financial Services expanded its position by 212.2% during Q3; institutional ownership currently represents 38.43% of outstanding shares.

Wall Street consensus remains “Hold” with an average price objective of $26.34; Citizens JMP recently raised its rating to “Outperform” with a $30 price target.

SoFi Technologies has experienced significant turbulence in recent months. Shares plummeted more than 40% from their mid-November peak, sliding from $32 down to approximately $18. Such a dramatic correction naturally attracts attention from market observers.

Jim Cramer has weighed in. The prominent CNBC commentator, who has tracked SoFi since its $5 trading days, generated headlines this week by declaring the shares “too cheap to ignore” at their current valuation.

Cramer emphasized the company’s execution history initially. SoFi has exceeded both revenue and EBITDA projections in every single quarter since its 2021 public debut—18 consecutive quarters. Additionally, it has surpassed earnings forecasts for nine straight quarters.

This isn’t coincidence. It demonstrates consistent operational excellence.

He also highlighted the attractive valuation metrics. Trading around $18, the shares command approximately 31 times projected 2026 earnings. Company management has set $0.60 EPS guidance for this year, representing roughly 54% earnings expansion.

This calculation yields SoFi a PEG ratio of merely 0.6. Cramer characterized paying 30 times earnings for a company growing earnings over 50% as “a legitimate steal.”

Extending the analysis further, the projections become increasingly compelling. Wall Street analysts have SoFi valued at approximately 23 times 2027 estimates and below 19 times 2028 forecasts. Using management’s published guidance, that 2028 multiple contracts to roughly 17 times.

What the Numbers Show

The latest quarterly performance supports the optimistic perspective. SoFi delivered $0.13 EPS for Q4, exceeding the $0.12 consensus by one cent. Revenue totaled $1.01 billion, surpassing projections of $984.75 million and representing a 39.6% year-over-year increase.

In the comparable 2024 quarter, the company generated $0.05 EPS. The annual progression is substantial.

Return on equity registered at 5.88%, accompanied by a net margin of 13.34%. The company maintains a conservative debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17.

SOFI began trading Friday at $19.10. The 52-week trading range spans from $8.60 to $32.73. Shares currently trade beneath both the 50-day moving average of $23.99 and the 200-day moving average of $26.05.

Analyst and Investor Activity

Not all market professionals share equal optimism. The prevailing analyst consensus stands at “Hold,” with an average price objective of $26.34. Seven analysts recommend Buy, eight suggest Hold, and three maintain Sell ratings.

Citizens JMP elevated SOFI to “Outperform” with a $30 price objective on February 9th. Bank of America maintains an “Underperform” rating with a $20.50 target. Goldman Sachs reduced its target from $27 to $24 while maintaining a “Neutral” stance.

Regarding institutional movements, Thoroughbred Financial Services increased its holdings by 212.2% in Q3, expanding its position to 40,140 units valued at approximately $1.06 million. Multiple other institutional investors similarly expanded positions during this timeframe.

Insider transactions showed mixed signals. EVP Eric Schuppenhauer acquired 5,000 units at $19.93 on February 5th. CTO Jeremy Rishel divested 91,837 units in December at $26.64. Throughout the previous 90 days, company insiders sold a total of 214,753 units worth roughly $5 million.

Insiders currently control 2.60% of outstanding shares. Institutional investors hold 38.43%.

The post Jim Cramer Calls SoFi Stock a ‘Legitimate Steal’ Following 40% Decline appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Morgan Stanley elevated Block (XYZ) to Buy status, increasing its price objective to $93 from $72, emphasizing accelerated expansion and broader market opportunities.

Block revealed plans for a ~40% reduction in workforce, downsizing to approximately 6,000 staff members, with artificial intelligence set to handle much of the displaced workload.

Bank of America increased its price objective to $86 from $75, emphasizing projected 18% gross profit expansion in 2026 and adjusted operating income margin climbing to 26%.

Cash App gross profit surged 33% during Q4, monthly active users reached 59 million, and consumer lending originations soared 69% compared to the previous year.

Wall Street maintains a Strong Buy consensus rating on XYZ, featuring an average price objective of $86.08, suggesting approximately 58% potential upside.

Shares of Block experienced a significant rally of approximately 17% during Friday’s pre-market session following CEO Jack Dorsey’s announcement of a sweeping 40% workforce reduction.

The restructuring will reduce total headcount to roughly 6,000 workers, with the company planning to utilize artificial intelligence to handle the displaced responsibilities.

Morgan Stanley’s James Faucette swiftly elevated XYZ from Hold to Buy, establishing a fresh price objective of $93, representing an increase from the previous $72 target.

Faucette highlighted what he described as “accelerated growth and an expanded TAM,” emphasizing that enhancements to products and more adaptable pricing strategies have unlocked previously untapped market segments for Block.

He adjusted his 2026 EPS projection upward to $3.81 from $3.19, while his 2027 forecast increased to $5.19 from $4.10.

Morgan Stanley‘s $93 price objective reflects 18 times the 2027 adjusted EPS. The investment bank acknowledged this valuation might prove conservative considering anticipated revenue growth and approximately 26% EPS expansion expected in 2027.

In a shareholder letter, Dorsey disclosed that more than 4,000 workers are being asked to depart or begin consultation processes. CFO Amrita Ahuja characterized the reductions as strategically positioning Block for its “next chapter of sustainable growth.”

Leadership emphasized that margin enhancement stems from operational improvements rather than reactive cost-cutting measures. This narrative distinction resonated positively with market participants.

Cash App and Lending Show Strong Momentum

Cash App gross profit expanded 33% during Q4 2025, while monthly active users increased to 59 million from the prior year’s 57 million.

Cash App incorporated 1 million primary banking actives during Q4 exclusively, elevating that metric to 9.3 million.

Consumer lending originations expanded 69% year-over-year in Q4, while Cash App Borrow originations surged an impressive 223%.

Regarding the Seller segment, pricing modifications have attracted larger merchants and enhanced adoption of supplementary services. Seller gross payment volume has demonstrated acceleration since Q2 2025.

Total gross profit increased 24% in Q4 2025 — representing a meaningful rebound from the deceleration observed between 2022 and 2024, when expansion had contracted to 18%.

Analysts Back the AI Pivot

Bank of America’s Jason Kupferberg elevated his price objective to $86 from $75 while maintaining his Buy recommendation.

He emphasized that Block anticipates 18% gross profit growth throughout 2026, despite implementing a 40% staff reduction, and that adjusted operating income margin is projected to climb to 26% from the previous year’s 20%.

Kupferberg identified the “central question” as whether a leaner, AI-enabled workforce can successfully execute. Currently, he believes market participants are expressing confidence.

Wall Street’s collective consensus on XYZ stands at Strong Buy, comprising 24 Buy ratings, two Holds, and one Sell recommendation.

The mean price objective among analysts stands at $86.08, implying approximately 58% upside potential from present trading levels.

Block has issued guidance for 18% gross profit growth during 2026, with Q4 2025 performance already demonstrating momentum in that trajectory.

The post Morgan Stanley and BofA Boost Block (XYZ) Price Targets Following Major Restructuring appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

OpenAI successfully completed a historic $110 billion private financing round

Major investments include: Amazon ($50B), Nvidia ($30B), and SoftBank ($30B)

Company valuation surged to $730–$840 billion on a pre-money basis

Amazon Web Services secured exclusive third-party cloud partnership for OpenAI’s Frontier enterprise platform

Company forecasts annual revenue exceeding $280 billion by decade’s end

In a groundbreaking development, OpenAI has successfully completed a $110 billion financing round, marking the largest private capital raise in corporate history. This massive injection represents more than double the amount raised in its previous funding effort just twelve months earlier.

We have raised a $110 billion round of funding from Amazon, NVIDIA, and SoftBank.

We are grateful for the support from our partners, and have a lot of work to do to bring you the tools you deserve.

— Sam Altman (@sama) February 27, 2026

Amazon has pledged a total of $50 billion to this financing round. The tech giant’s contribution will be structured with an initial $15 billion payment, while the remaining $35 billion is contingent upon meeting specific performance milestones.

Nvidia has committed $30 billion to the investment. Meanwhile, SoftBank matched that figure with its own $30 billion stake. According to OpenAI, additional investors are anticipated to participate as the funding round continues.

The capital infusion establishes OpenAI’s pre-money valuation in the range of $730 billion to $840 billion. This represents a substantial increase from the $500 billion valuation assigned during a secondary transaction last October.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s Chief Executive Officer, discussed the landmark deal during an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box Friday morning. He expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and emphasized how artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economic landscape.

Andy Jassy, Amazon’s CEO, joined the same broadcast to share his perspective. He praised OpenAI’s promising trajectory and stated that Amazon views them as a future powerhouse in the artificial intelligence sector.

Amazon Web Services Gains Exclusive Frontier Cloud Partnership

Under the terms of this agreement, Amazon Web Services has been designated as the sole third-party cloud distribution partner for OpenAI Frontier. This enterprise-focused platform enables organizations to develop and deploy AI agents at scale.

The arrangement also includes an expansion of OpenAI’s current $38 billion AWS contract, adding another $100 billion spread across the coming eight years. Additionally, OpenAI plans to leverage two gigawatts of computing power utilizing Amazon’s proprietary Trainium chip technology.

This new strategic alliance with Amazon does not impact OpenAI’s longstanding relationship with Microsoft. Microsoft Azure continues as the exclusive cloud infrastructure provider for OpenAI’s application programming interfaces, while Microsoft maintains its exclusive licensing rights to OpenAI’s proprietary technology.

In a collaborative statement with Microsoft, OpenAI emphasized that their strategic partnership continues to be “strong and central” to both organizations.

Infrastructure Investment Strategy and Market Dynamics

OpenAI has set a target of approximately $600 billion in aggregate computing infrastructure expenditure through 2030. This figure represents a reduction from the $1.4 trillion infrastructure commitment CEO Sam Altman had previously discussed in public forums.

According to sources speaking with CNBC, the company adjusted these projections downward amid concerns that aggressive expansion targets were outpacing reasonable revenue expectations.

The company is also deepening its collaboration with Nvidia. OpenAI will deploy three gigawatts of dedicated inference computing capacity alongside two gigawatts of training capacity utilizing Nvidia’s Vera Rubin infrastructure systems.

OpenAI’s revenue projections anticipate surpassing $280 billion annually by 2030. The company expects its consumer-facing products and enterprise solutions to contribute roughly equal portions to this total.

The organization confronts intensifying competition from Google’s Gemini platform in consumer markets. Within the enterprise artificial intelligence segment, competitor Anthropic, which recently secured $30 billion in funding, currently maintains a competitive advantage.

OpenAI’s public offering is anticipated to occur within the current calendar year. This $110 billion funding round eclipses the previous record—also established by OpenAI—with a $40 billion raise spearheaded by SoftBank in the prior year.

The post OpenAI Secures Historic $110B Investment from Tech Giants Amazon, Nvidia, and SoftBank appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

MP Materials secured a significant rare earth supply agreement with an unidentified automaker characterized as “one of America’s leading industrial and technology companies”

The agreement includes neodymium-praseodymium oxide, an essential component in electric motor production

The company is committing more than $1.25 billion to construct a magnet production campus in Northlake, Texas, dubbed “10X”

The Northlake site is projected to generate over 1,500 jobs and begin operations in 2028, with annual production targets of approximately 10,000 metric tons of rare earth magnets

Following a $400 million investment in 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense maintains a 15% ownership position in MP Materials

MP Materials announced Thursday that it has finalized a rare earth supply agreement with an undisclosed automotive manufacturer, a revelation that accompanied the company’s fourth-quarter earnings results, which surpassed Wall Street projections.

The agreement encompasses neodymium-praseodymium oxide, a critical element in electric motor manufacturing. While describing the unnamed partner as “one of America’s leading industrial and technology companies,” MP Materials declined to disclose the buyer’s identity or financial terms of the arrangement.

During the earnings conference call, CEO James Litinsky noted that current demand throughout the supply chain remains robust. “We’re having a lot of conversations,” he remarked.

MP Materials maintains an existing supply arrangement with General Motors that encompasses rare earth materials, alloys, and finished magnets, making this newly announced contract the company’s second significant automotive partnership.

Accompanying the earnings release was a substantial capital expenditure announcement. MP Materials revealed plans to deploy over $1.25 billion toward constructing a rare earth magnet manufacturing complex in Northlake, Texas.

Meet 10X

MP’s next‑generation rare earth magnet campus in North Texas

10,000 tons across the $MP U.S. platform
$1.25B+ investment
1,500 engineers & manufacturing jobs
120 acres of industrial scale
Commissioning in 2028

A decade‑defining step toward American supply chain… pic.twitter.com/E8yjsDCFsn

— MP Materials (@MPMaterials) February 26, 2026

Dubbed “10X,” the Northlake campus represents an expansion of the company’s current Fort Worth operations, strengthening the North Texas presence of America’s sole domestic rare earth mineral producer.

The facility is scheduled to commence operations in 2028. Upon reaching full capacity, it will elevate MP Materials’ total annual production capability to approximately 10,000 metric tons of rare earth magnets.

MP Materials anticipates creating more than 1,500 direct manufacturing and engineering positions at the location. Engineering design work and equipment acquisition are currently in progress.

Defense Department Backing

The Texas manufacturing complex stems directly from MP Materials’ strategic collaboration with the United States Department of Defense. In July 2024, the Pentagon acquired a 15% equity stake in the company through a $400 million investment.

The agreement mandated that MP Materials construct a new manufacturing facility capable of producing rare earth magnets at a volume substantially exceeding current domestic capacity — explicitly designed to diminish reliance on Chinese suppliers.

Rare earth magnets find applications in automobiles, wind energy systems, fighter aircraft, and missile defense platforms, positioning them at the center of ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.

Chinese Export Restrictions

Beijing implemented rare earth export limitations following President Trump’s imposition of substantial tariffs on Chinese imports in April of last year. While a trade agreement was negotiated in June, supply chain concerns persist.

This environment has accelerated efforts by American manufacturers to identify reliable domestic suppliers, with MP Materials standing as the only U.S.-based company extracting rare earths at commercial scale.

Litinsky suggested it would be “natural to conclude” that multiple supply contracts will emerge from the 10X facility following its launch.

The company is presently negotiating with additional organizations regarding magnet supply from the Texas plant, although no additional agreements have been finalized.

Fourth-quarter financial results exceeded analyst forecasts, providing the company with strong financial positioning as it enters this significant investment phase.

MP Materials stock was trading at $59.97, down 0.15%, at the time of reporting.

The post MP Materials Secures Major Auto Deal and Announces $1.25B Texas Manufacturing Expansion appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

State legislators push comprehensive crypto kiosk prohibition

Elder fraud victims drive statewide enforcement push

Previous 2024 protective measures deemed ineffective

Criminals exploit cross-border loopholes to evade limits

Operators argue total prohibition threatens legitimate users

State legislators in Minnesota have pushed forward with comprehensive legislation that would eliminate cryptocurrency kiosks entirely, responding to a dramatic increase in fraud-related financial losses. The measure instructs regulatory bodies to dismantle current oversight structures and physically remove automated teller machines implicated in numerous criminal schemes. Bipartisan support has emerged as fresh data reveals mounting casualties among the state’s senior population.

Legislative Push Gains Momentum

State representatives examined House File 3642 following intensified alerts from municipal law enforcement regarding kiosk-facilitated criminal activity. Investigators documented systematic operations where fraudsters coached unsuspecting citizens through sequential cash conversions that depleted critical financial reserves. Minnesota’s Department of Commerce endorsed the legislation after determining that present regulations proved inadequate against mounting financial devastation.

The legislative text concentrates on automated devices that facilitate cash-to-cryptocurrency conversions before routing funds to fraudster-controlled digital accounts. State regulators determined that protective measures enacted during 2024 failed to impede criminals employing detailed verbal instructions to circumvent warning systems. Investigating officers noted that fraud targets frequently believed they were complying with directions from legitimate institutional representatives throughout the conversion process.

Committee chairs emphasized that Minnesota must confront the escalating crisis given the disproportionate impact on fixed-income retirees. Law enforcement documented numerous instances where targets experienced acute financial hardship following multiple machine interactions. State legislators identified enhanced consumer safeguards as the primary justification for the comprehensive prohibition.

Prior Safeguards Fall Short

Minnesota established revised protocols during 2024 that imposed transaction ceilings, mandated disclosure statements, and compelled operators to process refund requests from first-time customers. Authorities determined that criminal networks rapidly modified their approaches and circumvented protections through fractional deposits and detailed coaching scripts. The state Commerce Department concluded that available enforcement mechanisms no longer matched the magnitude of criminal exploitation.

Law enforcement intelligence indicated that fraudsters instructed targets to cross state lines into Wisconsin to circumvent Minnesota’s deposit restrictions. Officers documented that numerous cases exceeded refund qualification thresholds because criminals maintained prolonged contact until victims surpassed the protection window. State data indicated that recovery efforts reclaimed only a minimal portion of documented losses.

Legislators recognized that refund mandates provided relief to certain households yet remained insufficiently broad to prevent ongoing exploitation. Minnesota enforcement bodies requested expanded authority to address equipment that repeatedly enabled criminal operations. Committee members concluded that complete removal of kiosks might deliver more comprehensive consumer protection.

Operator Opposition and Business Implications

Kiosk business representatives contended that Minnesota should reinforce regulatory oversight rather than implementing a blanket prohibition. They maintained that automated terminals serve lawful customers and support expanding digital asset integration throughout commercial environments. Minnesota businesses cautioned that comprehensive prohibition would eliminate consumer access to authorized financial services.

Operators recommended broadened refund provisions and extended transaction suspension periods to diminish criminal exploitation. They contended that Minnesota should concentrate enforcement on non-compliant entities rather than restricting all properly licensed businesses. Executives further maintained that fraudulent activity represents a nationwide challenge rather than a problem uniquely created by kiosk availability.

Committee representatives countered that Minnesota confronts persistent and accelerating losses requiring firm legislative response. They highlighted that substantial sums depart smaller municipalities annually through irreversible digital transfers. Minnesota lawmakers indicated they would polish the legislative text and pursue approval prior to the conclusion of the current session.

 

The post Minnesota Pushes Forward with Complete Crypto ATM Prohibition appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

OpenAI raised $110B in a record private tech funding round, reaching a $730B pre-money valuation with three major backers.

Amazon leads the round with a $50B commitment and expands its AWS agreement with OpenAI by $100B over eight years.

ChatGPT now serves over 900M weekly active users, with January and February set to be its biggest subscriber months ever.

The OpenAI Foundation’s stake in OpenAI Group now exceeds $180B, funding health breakthroughs and AI resilience globally.

OpenAI has secured $110 billion in new funding, setting a record for private tech companies. Amazon, NVIDIA, and SoftBank anchored the round at a $730 billion pre-money valuation.

The deal also includes a strategic partnership with Amazon and expanded infrastructure commitments with NVIDIA. This capital positions OpenAI to scale AI access for consumers, businesses, and governments worldwide.

Strategic Investors Back OpenAI’s Infrastructure Push

Amazon committed $50 billion to the round, making it the largest single contributor. NVIDIA followed with $30 billion, while SoftBank also pledged $30 billion.

Together, these three companies form the core of OpenAI’s new investment base. Additional financial investors are expected to join as the round progresses.

Beyond capital, OpenAI and Amazon announced a multi-year strategic partnership. The agreement is designed to accelerate AI adoption for enterprises, startups, and consumers globally.

OpenAI also expanded its existing AWS agreement by $100 billion over eight years. That contract strengthens OpenAI’s cloud and distribution infrastructure considerably.

NVIDIA’s partnership goes beyond funding. OpenAI secured access to 3GW of dedicated inference capacity and 2GW of training on Vera Rubin systems.

This builds on existing Hopper and Blackwell infrastructure already running across Microsoft, OCI, and CoreWeave. The expanded compute access supports both model training and large-scale deployment.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s co-founder and CEO, addressed the partnerships in a public statement. He said the company is “pushing the frontier across infrastructure, research, and products to make AI more capable, reliable, and broadly useful.”

He described SoftBank, NVIDIA, and Amazon as partners who “share our ambition to turn real scientific progress into systems that deliver meaningful benefits for people at global scale.”

Altman added that “building AI that works for everyone will require deep collaboration across the stack.”

OpenAI’s Product Growth Drives Funding Demand

ChatGPT now serves more than 900 million weekly active users. The platform has crossed 50 million consumer subscribers, with January and February tracking as the largest months for new subscriber additions.

That growth rate pushed OpenAI to seek additional infrastructure capital. Meeting demand at that scale requires compute, distribution, and balance sheet strength.

OpenAI made that case publicly through its official channels. The company posted on X, stating: “Helping AI reach more people requires deep collaboration across the ecosystem.”

Helping AI reach more people requires deep collaboration across the ecosystem.

Today we’re announcing new investment, with support from @SoftBank, @NVIDIA, and @Amazon, to scale the infrastructure needed to bring AI to everyone.https://t.co/xW0ItgMTLe

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) February 27, 2026

It also announced “new investment, with support from SoftBank, NVIDIA, and Amazon, to scale the infrastructure needed to bring AI to everyone.” Those statements framed the round as an ecosystem-level move rather than a standalone financing event.

Business adoption is also accelerating. More than 9 million paying business users now rely on ChatGPT for work daily.

Enterprises are deploying OpenAI’s Frontier platform across engineering, support, finance, sales, and operations. The platform helps companies build, deploy, and manage AI coworkers at scale.

The new funding also strengthens the OpenAI Foundation’s financial position. The foundation’s stake in OpenAI Group now exceeds $180 billion in value.

That makes it one of the most well-resourced nonprofits globally. The foundation plans to direct resources toward health breakthroughs and AI resilience efforts.

The post OpenAI Raises $110B at $730B Valuation in Record-Breaking Round Led by Amazon, NVIDIA, and SoftBank appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

JPYSC is issued by Shinsei Trust & Banking under Japan’s trust bank regulatory framework for full compliance.

Startale Group leads technical development while SBI VC Trade serves as the primary stablecoin distribution partner.

The stablecoin targets cross-border payments, treasury operations, and tokenized asset settlement at high volumes.

JPYSC is structured as a Type III Electronic Payment Instrument with an official launch planned for Q2 2026.

JPYSC, Japan’s first trust bank-backed yen stablecoin, has been officially unveiled by Startale Group and SBI Holdings.

Shinsei Trust & Banking will issue the stablecoin under Japan’s regulatory framework. The partnership positions JPYSC as a regulated digital yen built for global use.

SBI VC Trade will serve as the primary distribution partner. Startale Group will lead all technical development for the project. An official launch is targeted for Q2 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

A Regulated Framework Behind Japan’s Digital Yen

JPYSC is structured as a Type III Electronic Payment Instrument under Japan’s trust bank framework. This classification ensures the stablecoin meets institutional compliance standards from the ground up.

The regulatory structure gives financial institutions a clear path to adopt the digital yen. It also allows JPYSC to operate within existing Japanese financial laws without exemptions.

Shinsei Trust & Banking’s role as issuer adds a layer of credibility rarely seen in stablecoin projects. Trust bank backing separates JPYSC from most crypto-native stablecoins in the market today.

This setup directly addresses long-standing concerns about stablecoin legitimacy among traditional banks. The structure mirrors how institutional-grade financial instruments are typically handled in Japan.

Startale Group announced the development through its official channels, stating:

“Startale Group and SBI Holdings introduce JPYSC, the first trust bank–backed JPY stablecoin issued by Shinsei Trust & Banking, with Startale Group building the technical foundation for regulated digital yen infrastructure.”

Startale Group and SBI Holdings introduce JPYSC, the first trust bank–backed JPY stablecoin issued by Shinsei Trust & Banking, with Startale Group building the technical foundation for regulated digital yen infrastructure.

Here's what makes JPYSC a landmark moment pic.twitter.com/HbWGVIO3nR

— Startale (@StartaleGroup) February 27, 2026

The blue logo unveiled alongside the brand name reflects the stablecoin’s principles of trust, stability, and global connectivity. It is designed to serve as a visual symbol of the bridge between traditional banking and blockchain networks.

Enterprise Use Cases and Global Interoperability

JPYSC is built to handle high-volume settlement transactions from day one. It also supports tokenized asset settlement, making it suitable for large-scale financial operations.

Leading financial institutions and corporate giants have already shown strong interest in the project. This early demand points to serious adoption potential in treasury and operational use cases.

Cross-border payments represent another core application for JPYSC. The stablecoin is designed to connect traditional financial systems with onchain ecosystems seamlessly.

This capability makes it practical for global companies managing multi-currency transactions. It also opens doors for trade finance and international settlement corridors.

SBI VC Trade’s role as the primary distribution partner strengthens the stablecoin’s reach across Japan’s digital asset market.

The exchange already operates within Japan’s regulated crypto environment, which supports smooth distribution. Together, Startale Group and SBI Holdings aim to make JPYSC a trusted standard in digital finance.

The project reflects a broader push to bring regulated financial infrastructure fully onchain.

The post Startale Group and SBI Holdings Launch JPYSC to Bridge Traditional Finance and Blockchain with a Digital Yen appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Fourth-quarter revenue climbed 29.6% year-over-year to $247.1M.

Cortrophin Gel generated $111.4M in Q4, expanding across multiple specialties.

ILUVIEN contributed $19.8M with enhanced coverage and market penetration.

Generics division expanded 28.2% to $100.8M driven by new product rollouts.

Full-year 2026 revenue guidance set between $1.06B and $1.12B with adjusted EBITDA up to $290M.

Shares of ANI Pharmaceuticals (ANIP) demonstrated notable strength following a robust fourth-quarter performance that showcased accelerated revenue and profitability across multiple business lines. Trading closed at $77.15 before advancing to $78.68 in early pre-market activity. The pharmaceutical company achieved record annual sales while solidifying its foothold in rare disease therapeutics.

ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., ANIP

Rare Disease Division Powers Quarterly Revenue Acceleration

The rare disease business unit generated $131.3 million during the quarter, representing a year-over-year increase of 50.8%. Cortrophin Gel accounted for the majority of this growth with quarterly net sales of $111.4 million. ILUVIEN contributed an additional $19.8 million, bolstering the segment’s overall commercial momentum.

Demand for Cortrophin Gel remained robust as physicians across neurology, rheumatology, nephrology, and ophthalmology increasingly prescribed the therapy. Utilization for acute gouty arthritis flares grew significantly and now comprises over 15% of total prescriptions. Management plans to expand the rare disease commercial team by mid-2026 to capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

ILUVIEN’s performance benefited from enhanced reimbursement coverage and focused commercial execution. Targeted investments improved patient access pathways and drove higher adoption rates across approved uses. The company anticipates sustained momentum as distribution channels continue developing.

Generics Division Delivers Growth Through Strategic Product Launches

Quarterly generics revenue totaled $100.8 million, marking a 28.2% increase compared to the same period last year. A partnership-based product launch initiated in Q3 contributed substantially to the division’s performance. Several additional generics introduced throughout 2025 further enhanced revenue growth.

Royalty income within the segment declined due to reduced contributions from specific service arrangements. Nevertheless, the generics platform demonstrated operational resilience and consistent execution. The company maintains a disciplined approach to rolling out new generic formulations.

Brand product revenue decreased to $12.3 million as demand for certain offerings returned to normalized levels. This reduction reflected anticipated trends following previous quarters of elevated purchasing activity. Management continues prioritizing stable operations within the brand portfolio.

Financial Performance Reflects Margin Expansion and Profitability Growth

Total revenue for the quarter reached $247.1 million, a 29.6% increase from the prior-year period. GAAP gross margin improved primarily due to the elimination of purchase accounting adjustments that impacted earlier periods. Non-GAAP gross margin experienced slight compression as the product mix shifted toward higher royalty-bearing items.

Operating expenses rose in response to increased headcount and investments in rare disease and ophthalmology commercial infrastructure. Research and development spending declined modestly due to timing considerations related to active development programs. The company maintained strategic investments in initiatives designed to fuel long-term expansion.

Net income for the quarter totaled $27.5 million, representing a significant improvement from the prior year’s loss. Adjusted diluted earnings per share increased to $2.33, driven by revenue growth and operational efficiency gains. Adjusted EBITDA climbed to $65.4 million, a 30.6% year-over-year increase.

2026 Financial Outlook Supports Long-Term Growth Strategy

Management reaffirmed its 2026 revenue guidance, projecting total sales between $1.055 billion and $1.115 billion. Cortrophin Gel is forecast to deliver up to $575 million as commercial teams expand into additional specialty and primary care settings. ILUVIEN revenue is expected to reach as much as $83 million.

The company projects adjusted EBITDA will climb to $290 million, underscoring ongoing margin expansion. Earnings per share guidance points to further profitability improvements as operational leverage increases. ANI concluded 2025 with solid liquidity and generated $185.2 million in operating cash flow for the year.

The organization is focused on establishing itself as a prominent rare disease pharmaceutical company while continuing disciplined execution across its generics and brand segments.

 

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TLDR

Appaloosa Management under David Tepper expanded positions in five major AI-related stocks during the fourth quarter

Micron’s stake was tripled to 1.5 million shares amid reports that memory chips are completely sold out through year-end

Alphabet crossed the $400 billion annual revenue milestone with Google Cloud revenue surging 48% year-over-year

Despite beating Q4 estimates with $59.89B revenue, Meta stock faces pressure from its massive $115–$135B AI infrastructure investment forecast

Microsoft shares have declined more than 25% from peak levels, now trading at notably compressed valuation multiples

Hedge fund manager and billionaire David Tepper submitted his 13F filing for the fourth quarter on February 17, revealing portfolio adjustments at Appaloosa Management. With a concentrated portfolio of only 45 equities, Tepper adjusted five positions within his top 10 holdings during the period.

Appaloosa expanded its Alphabet holdings by 28.7%, purchasing an additional 399,431 shares to bring the position to approximately 8.1% of total assets under management. The tech giant crossed $400 billion in annual revenue for the first time in its history, powered by Google Cloud’s impressive 48% year-over-year expansion to $17.7 billion. Alphabet recently claimed the title of America’s most profitable corporation, surpassing both Apple and Microsoft.

The most dramatic portfolio adjustment involved Micron Technology. Tepper expanded his position threefold, jumping from 500,000 shares to 1.5 million. This move comes as the semiconductor manufacturer reports its memory chip inventory is fully allocated through the remainder of the year, driven by explosive AI data center requirements. Micron delivered Q4 revenue of $13.64 billion alongside earnings per share of $4.78, exceeding analyst projections.

Micron and Meta: Two Very Different Bets

Micron stock has skyrocketed 348% over the past twelve months and continues its ascent with a 35% gain year-to-date. The semiconductor company is committing $200 billion toward manufacturing expansion, including two Idaho fabrication facilities totaling $50 billion and a massive $100 billion New York manufacturing complex.

Tepper increased his Meta holdings by 62% during the fourth quarter, though this investment has underperformed expectations. The social media giant posted Q4 revenue of $59.89 billion with earnings per share of $8.88, topping consensus forecasts. Nevertheless, shares tumbled following Q3 results as investors digested the company’s aggressive capital expenditure plans.

Meta has outlined plans to invest between $115 billion and $135 billion in AI infrastructure throughout 2026. Advertising revenue accounted for $58.1 billion of Q4’s total. Shares remain below their previous peak and have yet to stage a meaningful recovery.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company represents another Q4 addition to Appaloosa’s portfolio. The foundry produces the majority of advanced logic semiconductors powering AI systems, positioning it as a primary beneficiary of infrastructure buildouts by hyperscale technology companies.

Microsoft Trades at Historically Low Valuation

Microsoft received a modest 8% position increase from Tepper during the fourth quarter. The software giant’s shares declined substantially following its most recent quarterly report and currently sit more than 25% below all-time highs. The stock’s price-to-earnings multiple has compressed to levels not observed in an extended period.

Appaloosa’s subsequent 13F disclosure, covering the first quarter of 2026, is expected around mid-May. That report will reveal whether Tepper has added to his Microsoft position during the current market pullback.

Alphabet shares are currently changing hands near $307. Micron is trading around the $415 level. Meta stock sits at approximately $655.

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