Blockonomi

TLDR

Intel (INTC) declined approximately 3% on Thursday, closing at $45.46 with volume 41% below average

Kevin O’Buckley, the SVP and general manager of Intel Foundry Services, departed to join Qualcomm as VP of global operations and supply chain

The company revealed a partnership with AI chip startup SambaNova focused on the SN50 inference chip

Wall Street consensus remains at “Hold/Reduce” with price targets ranging from $45.74 to $48.21

Q4 earnings showed EPS of $0.15, surpassing expectations, though margins remain negative with cautious forward outlook

Shares of Intel (INTC) slipped nearly 3% during Thursday’s session, settling at $45.46 compared to the prior close of $46.88. Volume registered approximately 71 million shares, representing a 41% decline from typical daily levels.

The decline was primarily attributed to a significant personnel change: Kevin O’Buckley, who served as senior vice president and general manager of Intel Foundry Services, has exited the company.

O’Buckley is transitioning to Qualcomm, where he’ll assume the position of vice president of global operations and supply chain. The lateral move between two semiconductor powerhouses triggered immediate market reaction.

Intel acted swiftly to calm investor concerns. The chipmaker emphasized that Intel Foundry continues to be “one of Intel’s highest strategic priorities” and will operate under Naga Chandrasekaran’s leadership, who assumed the top foundry position last year.

The company publicly acknowledged O’Buckley’s contributions and extended best wishes. Official reasons behind his departure remain undisclosed.

Speculation suggests O’Buckley may have previously held a direct reporting relationship with CEO Lip-Bu Tan. Following Intel Foundry’s reorganization, his reporting structure shifted to Chandrasekaran. Whether this organizational change influenced his decision remains unclear.

Intel’s AI Inference Push

The week brought positive developments as well. Intel unveiled a partnership with AI chip startup SambaNova centered on the company’s latest SN50 inference chip. Intel is also contributing to SambaNova’s current funding round.

This collaboration positions Intel more competitively in the AI inference space, which industry analysts identify as a rapidly expanding, higher-margin segment. The partnership demonstrates Intel’s strategic efforts to establish stronger positioning in AI hardware beyond its core CPU operations.

Regarding financial performance, Intel delivered Q4 EPS of $0.15, exceeding the consensus forecast of $0.08. Revenue reached $13.67 billion, topping analyst projections of $13.37 billion. However, revenue declined 4.2% compared to the previous year.

The forward outlook presents challenges. Intel projected Q1 2026 EPS at zero, while analysts anticipate -$0.11 EPS for the complete fiscal year. The company continues facing negative net margins and negative return on equity.

Nvidia Eyes Intel’s Turf

Additional competitive dynamics are emerging. Nvidia, following its $5 billion Intel investment in December, is now advancing into the CPU sector — territory Intel has traditionally dominated.

As artificial intelligence firms transition from model training to deployment phases, CPU requirements are increasing. Nvidia aims to capture market share in this segment.

Analyst opinions show divergence. Tigress Financial maintains a Buy rating with a $66 price objective. Conversely, Wedbush holds a Neutral stance with a $30 target. UBS established a $51 target. MarketBeat’s consensus stands at “Reduce” with a $45.74 price target, while TipRanks reports an average of $48.21 based on recent analyst coverage.

Insider transactions show mixed signals. EVP David Zinsner acquired approximately $250,000 in stock during late January. EVP April Miller disposed of $981,000 worth of shares in early February.

Institutional ownership accounts for 64.53% of INTC shares. The stock’s 50-day moving average stands at $44.26, while the 200-day moving average registers at $37.07.

The consensus analyst price target of $48.21 suggests approximately 6.67% potential upside from current trading levels.

The post Intel (INTC) Shares Slide 3% Following Foundry Leader’s Move to Qualcomm appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Shares of CoreWeave (CRWV) declined 8-9% in extended trading after releasing Q4 2025 results

Fourth quarter revenue reached $1.57B (up 110% YoY) and topped forecasts, though losses per share of $0.89 exceeded the $0.49 consensus

First quarter 2026 revenue outlook of $1.9B-$2.0B fell short of the $2.29B Street estimate

Fiscal 2026 revenue guidance of $12B-$13B aligned with expectations; capital spending planned at $30B-$35B

Contracted revenue backlog expanded to $66.8B; total debt obligations approximate $30B

Shares of CoreWeave tumbled 8-9% during after-hours trading Thursday following the release of fourth-quarter earnings that presented a mixed picture, with investor attention quickly shifting to forward-looking guidance rather than recent performance.

The cloud infrastructure company specializing in AI workloads delivered Q4 revenue of $1.57 billion, surpassing the Street’s $1.55 billion projection. Revenue climbed 110% compared to the same period last year.

That represents the positive takeaway.

However, the per-share loss of $0.89 significantly exceeded analyst predictions of a $0.49 loss. This wider-than-anticipated deficit surprised market participants.

CoreWeave, $CRWV, Q4-25.

Hypergrowth, backlog exploding.

Adj. EPS: -$0.56
Revenue: $1.57B
Net Loss: $452M

Revenue +110% YoY, backlog at $66.8B.
Adjusted EBITDA margin 57% as AI demand intensifies. pic.twitter.com/3zHJWvqLf1

— EarningsTime (@Earnings_Time) February 26, 2026

The company’s adjusted EBITDA reached $898 million, falling short of the $929 million StreetAccount consensus figure.

Yet the primary catalyst for the stock decline centered on forward guidance.

CoreWeave issued Q1 2026 revenue guidance ranging from $1.9 billion to $2.0 billion. Analysts had anticipated $2.29 billion. The shortfall at the midpoint approaches $290 million—a substantial miss.

Full-Year Outlook and Spending Plans

For fiscal 2026, CoreWeave forecasted revenue between $12 billion and $13 billion, generally matching the $12.09 billion analyst consensus.

The capital spending trajectory, however, demands attention. The firm anticipates capital expenditures of $30 billion to $35 billion in 2026, representing a sharp increase from $10.31 billion in 2025. This signals aggressive infrastructure expansion.

CEO Mike Intrator defended the accelerated buildout strategy as deliberate. “Our clients are desperate to get access to more infrastructure faster,” he explained to CNBC, noting his willingness to accept near-term margin pressure.

CoreWeave closed 2025 with 850 megawatts of operational power capacity and 3.1 gigawatts secured under contract. The company aims to exceed 1.7 gigawatts of active capacity by year-end 2026, surpassing analyst forecasts of 1.59 gigawatts.

The contracted revenue backlog expanded to $66.8 billion from $55.6 billion at Q3’s conclusion. Average contract duration lengthened to five years, compared to four years at the end of 2024.

CoreWeave carried $21.37 billion in debt as of December 31. Including lease commitments, aggregate borrowings approach $30 billion—with interest expenses pressuring profitability.

Supply and Demand Still Tight

Nvidia GPU availability continues facing constraints, Intrator acknowledged during the earnings call. H100 pricing during Q4 remained within 10% of year-start levels. Interestingly, legacy A100 chips saw price appreciation throughout 2025.

Intrator indicated demand diversification beyond hyperscale cloud providers and foundation model developers, now encompassing enterprise clients and sovereign entities.

Throughout the quarter, CoreWeave unveiled a partnership with AI developer Poolside, introduced an object storage offering, and expanded its credit facility to $2.5 billion from $1.5 billion.

Notwithstanding the after-hours decline, CRWV shares remained up 36% year-to-date through Thursday’s market close.

Analyst sentiment currently reflects a Moderate Buy rating, comprising nine Buy recommendations and eight Hold ratings. The consensus price target stands at $118.57.

The post CoreWeave Shares Plunge on Disappointing Q1 Revenue Forecast Despite Strong Q4 Performance appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

At Strategy World 2026, Michael Saylor identified Solana and Ethereum as distribution channels for Bitcoin-backed digital credit products

Saylor outlined a vision where credit becomes programmable and tokenized, distributed through multiple blockchain and traditional platforms

STRC preferred stock maintained stability throughout Bitcoin’s 45% decline while generating 4.5% dividend yields

Following Saylor’s remarks, Solana experienced a price surge exceeding 13% in 24 hours, nearing a $50 billion market valuation

Saylor’s digital credit framework made no reference to XRP as part of the infrastructure

At Strategy World 2026 on February 25, Michael Saylor, serving as executive chairman of Strategy, presented a comprehensive financial architecture centered around Bitcoin.

BREAKING: Michael Saylor says the future of programmable digital credit will be deployed on Solanapic.twitter.com/F4scOmDaU3

— Solana (@solana) February 25, 2026

Saylor’s central thesis was straightforward: Bitcoin serves as the foundational capital layer, with digital credit representing the derivative product constructed atop it.

During his presentation, Saylor characterized Strategy’s fundamental business model as “converting capital into credit.” He explained the company’s approach of taking Bitcoin, removing its volatility component, and transforming it into a more stable yield vehicle for investors.

This transformation manifests as Strategy’s STRC preferred stock. According to Saylor, STRC maintained 100% of its value throughout a period that saw Bitcoin retreat 45% from peak levels. Simultaneously, it distributed 4.5% in dividend payments during this same market correction.

Saylor positioned STRC as a compelling yield-generating instrument for market participants seeking Bitcoin-linked returns without direct asset ownership.

Before settling on variable preferred credit, Saylor explored multiple leverage structures. He concluded this approach provided optimal flexibility and downside protection when markets turn volatile.

He further detailed three proprietary metrics Strategy employs internally: BTC rating measuring collateral adequacy, BTC risk calculating the probability of collateral falling below thresholds, and implied credit spread determining investor compensation.

For comparison, investment-grade bonds currently offer 78 basis points while high-yield instruments provide 288 basis points. Saylor contended that with Bitcoin achieving 30% annual growth, digital credit products could match or exceed these traditional benchmarks.

Saylor Names Solana and Ethereum as Credit Distribution Platforms

The keynote’s most anticipated segment arrived when Saylor detailed how programmable digital credit would be distributed and identified specific platforms for deployment.

“I put it on a platform — the NASDAQ, the London Stock Exchange, Solana, Ethereum, Binance, Coinbase Base,” Saylor stated.

Saylor emphasized that Bitcoin remains the core capital asset in this framework. Solana and Ethereum function as transmission mechanisms rather than foundational layers.

According to Saylor, once credit products achieve modular design, issuers gain the ability to dynamically adjust volatility parameters, liquidity characteristics, distribution schedules, and currency denomination within the asset itself.

Notably absent from Saylor’s entire presentation was any mention of XRP within his digital credit infrastructure blueprint.

How Markets Responded

Price action followed swiftly. Within a 24-hour window following Saylor’s remarks, Solana climbed over 13%, pushing its total market capitalization toward the $50 billion threshold.

Ethereum similarly attracted increased buying activity as market participants interpreted Saylor’s statements as institutional endorsement.

Both blockchain networks have continuously vied for dominance in the decentralized finance ecosystem. Saylor’s explicit mention reinforced their positioning precisely when institutional players are actively evaluating tokenized asset infrastructure.

Strategy has articulated its objective to expand STRC market liquidity and grow its Bitcoin treasury while enabling ecosystem partners to develop complementary digital yield instruments and digital currency products around this framework.

The post Saylor Identifies Solana and Ethereum as Key Rails for Bitcoin-Backed Credit Distribution appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

REX Shares introduced the GIF ETF, combining nine leveraged covered-call single-stock approaches into a unified income-generating fund

The portfolio features cryptocurrency-related equities Coinbase and Strategy, plus Nvidia, Tesla, Palantir, and additional holdings

GIF delivers approximately 1.25x leverage on each stock position and distributes weekly dividends from covered call premiums

21Shares debuted a Strategy preferred stock ETP in Europe (STRC NA) on Euronext Amsterdam during the same week

Strategy currently ranks as the most heavily shorted large-cap American stock per Goldman Sachs’ recent data, with prices falling more than 60% in half a year

REX Shares, an American asset management firm, unveiled a new exchange-traded fund this week trading under the ticker GIF. The product combines nine leveraged single-stock covered-call approaches into a single vehicle engineered to deliver weekly dividend payments to shareholders.

Launching Tomorrow: the REX Growth & Income Universe ETF, $GIF$GIF brings REX’s entire Growth & Income ETF suite (9 funds) into a single ticker.

Through its underlying funds, $GIF offers investors multi-sector exposure while accessing covered call strategies designed to seek… pic.twitter.com/dRWPlC8BlD

— REX Shares (@REXShares) February 25, 2026

The portfolio maintains equal-weighted allocations across nine REX single-stock ETFs. Every constituent ETF seeks approximately 1.25x leverage to its respective stock while simultaneously selling covered call options to capture premium income.

A covered call strategy involves selling call options on equities already held within the portfolio. Option buyers provide upfront premium payments, creating immediate income for the fund while limiting potential profits should the underlying stock experience significant price appreciation.

GIF commenced trading on Cboe Global Markets. The nine equities included in the portfolio are Nvidia, Tesla, Strategy, Coinbase, Robinhood, Palantir, CoreWeave, Eli Lilly, and Walmart.

Coinbase and Strategy represent the two cryptocurrency-focused companies within the collection. The remaining holdings cover artificial intelligence, pharmaceutical, consumer retail, and broader technology industries.

Strategy, previously operating as MicroStrategy, has established itself as the world’s leading corporate Bitcoin accumulator. The company presently maintains 717,722 BTC, representing approximately 3.4% of Bitcoin’s maximum 21 million coin supply.

Notwithstanding this substantial Bitcoin position, Strategy’s equity performance has been disappointing. The stock has declined over 60% during the preceding six months and roughly 50% across the past year, based on Yahoo Finance information.

Strategy additionally occupies the top position as the most heavily shorted large-capitalization American stock according to Goldman Sachs’ most recent analysis, calculated by short interest as a percentage of market capitalization.

Strategy-Related Products Attract European Market Attention

The GIF debut occurred alongside considerable activity surrounding Strategy-connected financial products. On Wednesday, 21Shares unveiled a new exchange-traded product offering European market participants access to STRC, Strategy’s variable-rate perpetual preferred equity.

The 21Shares Strategy Yield ETP commenced trading on Euronext Amsterdam under ticker STRC NA on Thursday. Strategy characterizes STRC as a digital credit instrument offering an 11.25% annual dividend payment.

This product connects directly to Strategy’s Bitcoin reserves and represents a component of the company’s broader initiative to create fixed-income instruments backed by its BTC treasury assets.

Also on Wednesday, Prevalon Energy and Anchorage Digital both revealed they had committed portions of their corporate balance sheets to STRC investments. Neither organization provided specific details regarding allocation sizes.

Understanding GIF ETF Distribution Mechanics

Revenue generated by the GIF ETF originates from covered call premiums accumulated across all nine component funds. Each underlying ETF intends to allocate this revenue through weekly distribution schedules.

The 1.25x leverage factor means the fund magnifies both positive and negative returns relative to direct equity ownership. Participants sacrifice a portion of potential appreciation in return for consistent premium revenue streams.

REX Shares has not published a projected yield figure for GIF. The fund’s weekly payouts will fluctuate based on prevailing market volatility levels and option pricing dynamics.

The post REX Shares Debuts GIF ETF Featuring COIN and MSTR With Weekly Dividend Distributions appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Gate obtains PSD2 authorization in Malta, expanding European payment capabilities.

Dual licensing under PSD2 and MiCA creates comprehensive EU regulatory framework.

European passporting enables rapid expansion into additional member state markets.

PSD2 framework permits euro transactions, direct debit processing, and account management.

New authorization establishes groundwork for future stablecoin and payment offerings.

The crypto exchange Gate has strengthened its European regulatory foothold by obtaining a PSD2 license in Malta, complementing its existing MiCA authorization. This development marks a significant step in the platform’s strategy to deliver compliant payment solutions throughout the European Union. With both cryptocurrency and payment service permissions now in place, Gate has substantially broadened its operational capabilities under European regulatory frameworks.

PSD2 Authorization Opens European Payment Corridors

Through its Maltese subsidiary, Gate successfully obtained PSD2 approval, granting the platform authority to conduct regulated payment operations across European markets. This authorization encompasses payment account management and supports essential functions for processing euro transactions and stablecoin settlements. Importantly, the PSD2 license includes passporting privileges, enabling Gate to expand its services into multiple EU jurisdictions without requiring separate licenses in each country.

By combining this fresh PSD2 authorization with its previously secured MiCA license, Gate has constructed a robust dual-pillar compliance architecture for its European operations. The exchange is now positioned to merge traditional payment infrastructure with digital asset services seamlessly. The PSD2 regulatory framework facilitates these integration efforts while ensuring consistent oversight across all participating member nations.

Under PSD2 regulations, Gate gains the capacity to process various payment types, including credit transfers and direct debit transactions. The license additionally permits account-related services, creating a comprehensive legal foundation for transaction processing activities. Consequently, this approval provides Gate with legitimate access to European Union payment networks and infrastructure.

Dual Licensing Strategy Reinforces Regulatory Position

Gate previously secured a MiCA license that authorized exchange operations and digital asset custody services throughout the European Union. The addition of PSD2 licensing diversifies its service portfolio and deepens compliance with European financial regulations. This two-pronged licensing approach supports the development of innovative products while embedding the platform firmly within the region’s regulated financial ecosystem.

The exchange continues advancing its worldwide compliance initiatives, maintaining regulatory approvals in numerous key jurisdictions. Malta serves as a critical operational center, providing clear regulatory pathways for both MiCA and PSD2 activities. This favorable regulatory environment supports the company’s strategic vision and reinforces its commitment to building integrated Web3 and traditional finance infrastructure.

Gate anticipates deploying enhanced payment functionalities, with PSD2 authorization serving as a catalyst for this expansion. The approval bolsters confidence in the platform’s compliance framework and encourages greater institutional participation. Furthermore, the PSD2 component establishes infrastructure for launching new account-based services throughout European territories.

European Crypto Payment Landscape Evolves Through Regulation

Numerous cryptocurrency exchanges are pursuing PSD2 authorizations, with Gate becoming part of this growing regulatory movement across Europe. This strategic direction aligns with MiCA compliance obligations and responds to increasing market demand for regulated stablecoin payment infrastructure. The PSD2 framework provides regulatory supervision while allowing companies to function within established financial governance structures.

Several competing platforms have recently obtained comparable licenses, demonstrating the industry’s progression toward harmonized EU standards. Gate’s participation reinforces this emerging pattern and validates the broader acceptance of regulated payment frameworks within the crypto sector. PSD2 authorization has effectively become an essential prerequisite for digital asset platforms seeking to offer payment-related services.

Gate has not yet announced specific payment product details, and implementation schedules remain undisclosed at this time. Nevertheless, the PSD2 license establishes the necessary regulatory foundation and expands the firm’s authorized operating scope. This milestone positions Gate for continued expansion and advances its comprehensive European market strategy.

 

The post Gate Secures Malta PSD2 License Alongside MiCA Authorization for EU Expansion appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Block is cutting headcount from 10,000 to under 6,000, the largest AI-linked layoff in corporate history.

2026 profit guidance rose 54%, with EPS of $3.66 crushing the analyst estimate of $3.22.

Goose, Block’s internal AI platform, helped engineers ship 40% more code per person in six months.

Dorsey warned most companies will face the same workforce reckoning within a year on their own.

Jack Dorsey has made the most aggressive AI-driven workforce decision in corporate history. Block, the fintech company behind Cash App, Square, and Afterpay, is cutting its headcount from over 10,000 to just under 6,000. 

More than 4,000 employees received departure notices in a single day. The company’s stock jumped 22%.

Dorsey Says AI Tools, Not Financial Trouble, Drove the Decision

Block is not in distress. Gross profit continues growing, and the company projects a 54% jump in 2026 profits. 

Jack Dorsey just fired half his company.

Not gradually but all at once.

More than 4,000 people, gone.

And the stock didn't crash, it EXPLODED 22%.

Here's what's really going on.

Block, the company behind Cash App, Square and Afterpay, just announced the largest AI driven… https://t.co/hZtvdDjFrd pic.twitter.com/Aue4rLcaDx

— StockMarket.News (@_Investinq) February 26, 2026

Earnings per share guidance came in at $3.66, well above analyst expectations of $3.22. Dorsey made the scope of the decision clear in a direct note to staff.

He acknowledged having two options. Cut gradually over time, or act decisively and immediately. He chose the latter, citing the damage that repeated layoff rounds cause to morale and trust. 

Departing employees will receive 20 weeks of base salary plus one additional week per year of tenure.

They also receive equity vested through end of May, six months of healthcare, corporate devices, and a $5,000 transition allowance. 

Dorsey said communication channels would remain open through Thursday evening Pacific time so staff could say proper goodbyes. He also hosted a live video session to address the company directly.

Dorsey wrote that he would rather take one hard, clear action than manage a slow reduction toward the same outcome.

we're making @blocks smaller today. here's my note to the company.

####

today we're making one of the hardest decisions in the history of our company: we're reducing our organization by nearly half, from over 10,000 people to just under 6,000. that means over 4,000 of you are…

— jack (@jack) February 26, 2026

Block’s Internal AI Platform “Goose” Is Central to the Shift

Block’s internal AI platform, called Goose, started as a small engineering test tool roughly two years ago. It has since expanded across nearly every department. 

Engineers are now shipping approximately 40% more code per person than they were just six months ago.

That productivity figure is what made the headcount reduction mathematically viable. Every remaining employee was already required to use AI tools daily before this announcement. AI fluency was embedded into performance reviews. Dorsey framed this not as a one-company story.

He stated that most companies will reach the same conclusion within a year. He said he would rather get there on his own terms than be forced into it reactively. 

Days before the announcement, research firm Citrini published a fictional scenario describing AI-forced mass layoffs rattling U.S. markets. Block then made a version of it real.

Wall Street’s 22% single-session surge sent a signal every corporate board can read without translation.

The post Block Fires 4,000 Workers, Stock Jumps 22% as Dorsey Cites AI Shift appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

HEICO achieves best-ever first quarter earnings, yet shares decline in early trading.

Revenue jumps 14% to reach $1.18B with Flight Support segment leading the charge.

Flight Support profitability climbs to 24.5% driven by favorable mix and operational gains.

Electronic Technologies expands revenue but faces margin compression from product mix changes.

Leverage ratios increase following acquisition activity, though outlook remains optimistic.

Shares of Heico (HEI) experienced downward pressure despite the aerospace and defense supplier delivering its best quarterly earnings performance on record. The stock, which closed at $344.72, retreated to $324.59 during pre-market hours. This pullback came after the company unveiled results demonstrating substantial progress throughout its primary operating divisions.

HEICO Corporation, HEI

Company Achieves Best-Ever Quarter With Double-Digit Sales Expansion

Heico’s first-quarter performance demonstrated impressive financial momentum with net income surging to $190.2 million. The company achieved diluted earnings of $1.35 per share, representing a year-over-year advancement. Consolidated net sales jumped 14% to $1.18 billion, showcasing robust demand dynamics.

The company’s operating income climbed to $259.9 million while maintaining healthy profitability levels. EBITDA grew 14% to hit $312 million, demonstrating effective operational leverage. Cash flow from operations declined to $178.6 million, primarily attributable to timing of employee compensation payouts.

Leverage indicators moved higher following a recent strategic acquisition that expanded balance sheet commitments. The net debt to EBITDA ratio climbed to 1.79x while total debt relative to net income also increased. Despite these metrics, leadership expressed strong optimism regarding fiscal 2026 trajectory.

Flight Support Division Powers Results With Organic Expansion

The Flight Support Group demonstrated exceptional performance with revenue climbing to $820 million for the period. Organic demand accelerated 12%, reflecting strength across the division’s diverse product portfolio. Recent acquisition contributions supplemented organic gains and bolstered overall segment results.

The division’s operating income surged 21% to $200.7 million during the quarter. Profitability expansion stemmed from reduced selling, general and administrative expense ratios combined with advantageous product mix dynamics. Elevated repair and overhaul activity further enhanced bottom-line results.

Operating margins within the segment reached 24.5%, surpassing the prior-year comparison. Enhanced operational execution drove the improvement alongside robust end-market demand conditions. The division sustained its positive trajectory and remained a key contributor to consolidated results.

Electronic Technologies Division Faces Margin Headwinds Despite Sales Growth

The Electronic Technologies Group reported net sales of $370.7 million, benefiting from strong demand across aerospace and electronic components markets. Organic revenue growth of 6% helped counterbalance softer performance in space-related product lines. Recent acquisitions contributed incremental revenue and diversified the business mix.

Operating income for the segment decreased to $73.2 million as profitability faced challenges from an unfavorable shift in product composition. Weakness in space-oriented offerings pressured gross margins during the period. Stronger aerospace demand partially mitigated these headwinds.

The division’s operating margin came in at 19.8%, reflecting the evolving product portfolio dynamics. Margin compression persisted as defense and space order patterns shifted throughout the quarter. Nevertheless, the segment’s revenue performance remained solid and aligned with management’s longer-term projections.

The post HEICO Stock Dips in Pre-Market Despite Recording Best-Ever Q1 Earnings appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

AI-driven revenue climbs 48% year-over-year despite stock weakness.

Apollo Go robotaxi service delivers 3.4M rides with global expansion underway.

Balance sheet remains robust with RMB 294B in cash and liquid assets.

Board approves ambitious $5B share repurchase program to boost value.

Company introduces dividend framework targeting late-2026 distributions.

Despite delivering impressive operational results and announcing shareholder-friendly initiatives, Baidu’s stock price declined. Trading closed at $132.65 with additional weakness visible in early pre-market activity. Yet the company’s latest quarterly performance revealed accelerating AI business momentum and strengthened financial positioning.

Baidu, Inc., BIDU

AI Business Delivers Exceptional Growth Trajectory

Baidu‘s artificial intelligence operations posted remarkable revenue acceleration as adoption deepened across multiple business lines. The division generated RMB 11.3 billion during the reporting period, representing a commanding 48% increase compared to the prior year. This performance underscores growing enterprise acceptance of Baidu’s AI technologies.

The AI Cloud Infrastructure segment demonstrated particularly robust subscription momentum, attracting substantial enterprise customer demand. This unit produced RMB 5.8 billion in quarterly revenue with sustained growth throughout the entire fiscal year. Meanwhile, AI Applications revenue surpassed RMB 10 billion for full-year 2025 with consistent user engagement.

AI-powered marketing solutions continued their upward trajectory as digital advertising platforms integrated advanced tools. This segment achieved RMB 2.7 billion in revenue with significant year-over-year gains. Both Baidu App and ERNIE Assistant recorded strong user activity across China’s consumer market.

Apollo Go Accelerates International Robotaxi Operations

Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go pushed forward with commercial deployment and began meaningful international expansion. The service completed 3.4 million passenger trips in the quarter while initiating overseas testing programs. The autonomous fleet has now accumulated over 300 million kilometers with an excellent safety record.

Geographic reach extended into European, Asian and Middle Eastern markets as regulatory approvals enabled broader experimentation. Service commenced in Abu Dhabi while partnerships formed with transportation networks in Dubai and London. Additional pilot programs launched in Hong Kong and throughout Seoul’s metropolitan area.

Apollo Go now operates across 26 cities with consistent volume growth as regulatory frameworks mature. This progress reinforces Baidu’s strategic commitment to autonomous transportation technology. The company continues building competitive advantages in the global self-driving mobility sector.

Quarterly Financials Show Solid Cash Position Despite Margin Pressures

Overall revenue for the quarter hit RMB 32.7 billion, reflecting sequential improvement. Operating profitability advanced but faced headwinds from elevated administrative expenses and R&D investments. Non-GAAP financial metrics demonstrated healthier margin profiles and stronger cash generation capability.

Baidu closed the fiscal year holding RMB 294.1 billion in cash, equivalents and marketable securities. Operating cash flow returned to positive territory during the latter half of the year, reinforcing financial stability. Adjusted EBITDA exhibited steady improvement across the company’s platform businesses.

The board of directors authorized a substantial new share buyback program valued at up to $5 billion. Additionally, management instituted a dividend distribution framework that could begin payments by the end of 2026. These capital allocation decisions signal management confidence in Baidu’s AI transformation strategy and financial foundation.

 

The post Baidu (BIDU) Unveils $5B Buyback as AI Business Revenue Soars 48% Year-Over-Year appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

Full-year revenue soars 179% as shares breach $20 in early trading

Cash and liquidity position reaches unprecedented $884M level

Profit margins surge to 82.6% on GAAP basis from premium system sale

Total bookings reach $32.8M, setting stage for 2026 acceleration

Technology roadmap expansion and headquarters relocation fuel growth trajectory

D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) experienced renewed investor interest following the release of robust fiscal year results that showcased substantial advancement across multiple operational metrics. After settling at $19.65 during regular trading hours, the stock climbed to $20.66 in pre-market sessions as positive sentiment intensified. Management highlighted strong execution in revenue generation, profitability, customer acquisition, and financial positioning.

D-Wave Quantum Inc., QBTS

Full-Year Financial Results Show Dramatic Revenue Acceleration and Cash Buildup

The quantum computing specialist announced fiscal 2025 revenue of $24.6 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 179%. Simultaneously, the firm achieved its strongest-ever liquidity position, with total available capital exceeding $884 million. This financial foundation reflects ongoing product development success and provides substantial runway for future initiatives.

D-Wave achieved notable profitability improvements, with full-year GAAP gross margin reaching 82.6%. This margin expansion stemmed primarily from a high-value quantum computing system transaction finalized during the fiscal period. Non-GAAP gross margin figures also showed improvement, contributing to enhanced overall financial performance.

Operational spending increased throughout the year as the company scaled its workforce, intensified research and development efforts, and expanded infrastructure investments. Additional resources were allocated to sales operations, marketing initiatives, and product development to facilitate aggressive growth objectives. Non-GAAP adjusted operating expenses reflected this strategic expansion approach and remained consistent with management’s planned investment trajectory.

Dual-Platform Technology Evolution Enhances Competitive Standing

D-Wave made significant progress across both quantum annealing and gate-model computing architectures, reinforcing its multi-platform strategy. Recent technical enhancements included improved solver efficiency, refined annealing control mechanisms, and deeper machine learning capabilities. These upgrades reduced time-to-solution metrics and expanded appeal within the academic research community.

The acquisition of Quantum Circuits brought error-corrected superconducting qubit technology into D-Wave’s portfolio. This architecture features high-fidelity qubit operations and incorporates erasure detection mechanisms that lower physical qubit requirements. The addition strengthens D-Wave’s capabilities in next-generation gate-model quantum computing development.

Additionally, D-Wave unveiled scalable cryogenic control infrastructure designed to minimize wiring complexity in large-scale qubit configurations. These innovations enable higher performance levels while maintaining quantum coherence. Company representatives emphasized that these technical achievements create a foundation for delivering commercially viable large-scale quantum systems.

Growing Customer Base, Rising Bookings, and Government Contracts Fuel Momentum

Commercial adoption accelerated as D-Wave engaged with more than 135 distinct customers throughout the fiscal year. The client roster encompasses Fortune 500 corporations and prominent research institutions distributed across multiple geographic markets. Cumulative bookings through the reporting period exceeded $32.8 million, establishing strong momentum heading into 2026.

The company also deepened its engagement with U.S. government agencies through a specialized business division. This unit focuses on defense and aerospace applications while pursuing sustained institutional adoption. Recent demonstrations of hybrid quantum-classical defense solutions showed measurable performance advantages versus traditional computing approaches.

D-Wave officially designated Boca Raton as its future corporate headquarters and primary U.S. innovation center. This strategic relocation aims to enhance ecosystem connectivity and support engineering team expansion. The transition is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 and represents a cornerstone of the company’s broader scaling strategy.

 

The post D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) Shares Climb 5% Following 179% Revenue Spike and $884M Cash Position appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

Telegram integrates DeFi vaults within TON Wallet for USDT, BTC, and ETH yield generation.

USDT vaults launch first with variable APY reaching as high as 18% through on-chain protocols.

Bitcoin vaults leverage wrapped BTC on TON network for cross-chain yield opportunities.

Ethereum vaults operate similarly using wrapped ETH for streamlined in-app earning.

TON Wallet advances its DeFi infrastructure while maintaining self-custody for all users.

The messaging giant Telegram has unveiled a suite of DeFi vaults integrated directly into its TON Wallet, enabling users to generate yield on major cryptocurrencies without leaving the application. This development brings on-chain earning capabilities for USDT, Bitcoin, and Ethereum to the platform’s self-custodial wallet infrastructure. The launch represents a significant push toward mainstream DeFi adoption within the TON network.

USDT Vaults Launch With Variable Returns

The platform’s [[LINK_START_0]]USDT[[LINK_END_0]] vault system went live first, delivering on-chain yield strategies with annual percentage yields climbing to 18%. The infrastructure relies on decentralized protocols to execute automated asset allocation while preserving user ownership throughout the process. This framework reduces complexity and makes sophisticated earning mechanisms accessible through Telegram’s established user interface.

Yield rates fluctuate based on evolving market dynamics and liquidity availability. The composite APY derives from Re7’s strategic allocation engine, which continuously rebalances vault positions according to optimal return opportunities. This transparent approach allows broader user participation in yield generation activities without requiring specialized knowledge.

The TON Wallet implementation incorporates lending infrastructure from Morpho alongside execution systems from TAC. These components handle deposit processing, fund transfers, and wrapped asset circulation throughout the TON blockchain environment. The technical architecture establishes a streamlined pathway for stablecoin holders exploring passive income options.

Bitcoin Vaults Bring Cross-Chain Earning Capabilities

Telegram’s Bitcoin vault offering operates through wrapped asset technology deployed on the TON blockchain. Users can generate variable returns on their BTC holdings while maintaining access through the same messaging app interface. This design eliminates the typical multi-platform navigation required for cross-chain DeFi participation.

The technical foundation uses Coinbase-wrapped Bitcoin to facilitate seamless operation within TAC’s infrastructure. This configuration minimizes friction points and enables more efficient capital rotation across different yield strategies. The architecture bolsters TON’s capability to manage earning products for established cryptocurrency assets.

Future roadmap plans include native Bitcoin deposit functionality within TON Wallet. The system will automatically convert incoming BTC into its wrapped equivalent upon wallet entry. This enhancement aims to lower barriers and reduce operational overhead for regular participants.

Ethereum Vaults Complete the Multi-Asset Strategy

The ETH vault component mirrors the Bitcoin implementation methodology, utilizing wrapped Ethereum to power earning features across TON’s network infrastructure. This parallel structure aligns with the platform’s comprehensive strategy to build out its decentralized finance capabilities.

Ethereum vault returns vary according to underlying strategy performance and prevailing liquidity dynamics. The earning tools maintain the same self-custodial framework that preserves direct user control over assets. This consistent model ensures familiar access patterns while eliminating complicated setup procedures.

TON Wallet has established itself as a primary access point for digital asset management within Telegram’s ecosystem. With over 150 million registered accounts, the platform aims to drive deeper DeFi participation among its user base. The vault launch signals a calculated effort to foster sustained interaction throughout the expanding ecosystem.

The post Telegram Integrates DeFi Vaults Into TON Wallet With Returns Up to 18% APY appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

Federal regulator proposes comprehensive stablecoin yield prohibition with public comment period

Framework establishes presumption against affiliate-based reward structures and indirect payments

Merchant discount programs and whitelabel profit-sharing permitted without holder compensation

Yield prohibition establishes foundation for broader CLARITY Act discussions and market standards

Regulatory reach extends to international issuers serving American customers; implementation targeted for early 2027

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has published a comprehensive regulatory proposal designed to implement the GENIUS Act while eliminating yield payments on stablecoin holdings. The framework establishes rigorous operational standards and invites stakeholder feedback over a 60-day period. This initiative marks a significant transformation in how payment stablecoins will function under federal banking supervision.

Comprehensive Standards Define GENIUS Act Implementation

The regulatory agency has laid out extensive requirements governing how authorized payment [[LINK_START_0]]stablecoin[[LINK_END_0]] issuers must conduct operations under federal authority. The proposal explicitly forbids issuers from distributing any form of yield related to stablecoin ownership or transactions. The framework also establishes a regulatory assumption that indirect compensation mechanisms may contravene GENIUS provisions.

According to the OCC, issuers bear the burden of proving compliance when affiliated organizations or connected parties provide incentives linked to stablecoin holdings. The regulator cautioned that these arrangements could represent strategies to circumvent legislative restrictions. Issuers must supply written evidence to rebut these regulatory presumptions.

The proposal includes two specific exceptions that address merchant and partnership arrangements. Independent merchants retain the ability to provide discounts for stablecoin payments, while issuers can distribute earnings to unaffiliated partners through whitelabel arrangements. These exceptions explicitly prohibit creating yield opportunities for stablecoin holders.

Regulatory Framework Shapes CLARITY Act Negotiations

The [[LINK_START_1]]OCC[[LINK_END_1]]’s proposed rules directly influence the evolving conversation around the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025. By establishing a zero-yield standard for GENIUS-compliant issuers, the banking authority creates definitive regulatory boundaries. This approach may fundamentally alter conversations surrounding incentive-based stablecoin offerings.

The limitations directly challenge positions from companies seeking to provide regulated interest on stablecoin deposits. These organizations have advocated for lawmakers to maintain optional compensation mechanisms within federal frameworks. The OCC’s approach effectively excludes these business models from the GENIUS regulatory category.

This proposal creates a clear division between yield-generating products and federally overseen payment stablecoins. The separation forces interest-bearing programs toward different regulatory channels. The framework indicates that compliant payment stablecoins must function without financial rewards connected to customer holdings.

Expanded Supervision Scope and Operating Requirements

The OCC‘s oversight will encompass national bank affiliates, federal qualified issuers, state qualified issuers, and specific international issuers. This expansion incorporates foreign entities within the regulatory framework when serving American customers. The proposal reinforces federal authority over international stablecoin operations.

The draft establishes standards for reserve composition, redemption processes, liquidity management, audit requirements, and custody arrangements. Application procedures and capital buffers are included to promote system stability. Current capital adequacy standards and enforcement mechanisms will be modified to reflect GENIUS requirements.

The [[LINK_START_2]]OCC[[LINK_END_2]] anticipates the framework becoming operational by January 2027 at the latest. Earlier implementation remains possible should final regulations be completed ahead of the statutory timeline. The agency indicated that Bank Secrecy Act compliance and sanctions protocols will be addressed through separate rulemaking.

 

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Key Highlights

National availability reaches 49 states, including New York for the first time; Vermont remains unavailable.

True self-custody model keeps digital assets in your wallet until the moment of purchase.

Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, plus virtual card functionality for easy transactions.

Cross River Bank provides issuance; Monavate delivers infrastructure; Mastercard supplies network coverage.

Earn up to 1% cashback in mUSD, or upgrade to 3% rewards with the $199 annual Metal Card membership.

The popular crypto wallet provider MetaMask has significantly broadened its payment capabilities following Consensys‘s announcement of a nationwide launch for its Mastercard-backed crypto card. This new offering features a self-custodial architecture that preserves complete user ownership of digital assets until the point of transaction. New York residents can now access the service, marking a major expansion in mainstream crypto payment adoption.

Nationwide Availability Now Live

[[LINK_START_0]]Consensys[[LINK_END_0]] has officially launched the MetaMask Card throughout the United States following successful pilot programs conducted in 2024 and early 2025. The service now covers 49 states and marks its debut in New York, a significant milestone for crypto payments. Only Vermont residents currently lack access, though the company plans future geographic expansions.

The payment card seamlessly bridges MetaMask wallet holdings with established financial infrastructure, enabling both digital and physical retail transactions. Payment options include integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay platforms, alongside a virtual card that activates upon account approval. The system executes cryptocurrency-to-fiat conversion at the point of sale while maintaining traditional card usability.

The offering leverages Mastercard’s worldwide acceptance network while operating within regulated frameworks. Cross River Bank serves as the card issuer and handles all necessary compliance procedures. Monavate provides the technical backbone that connects wallet balances with merchant payment systems.

Direct Wallet Spending Without Intermediaries

The MetaMask Card employs a completely self-custodial design that maintains assets on-chain right up to the transaction moment. Users maintain full wallet sovereignty without transferring funds to third-party holding accounts. Upon transaction authorization, the card executes immediate asset conversion.

This architecture represents a departure from conventional crypto payment cards and seeks to enable frictionless direct spending. The transaction approval process replicates familiar debit card mechanics while maintaining blockchain connectivity. The platform accommodates multiple token types and processes settlements in real time.

The card effectively bridges on-chain asset storage with everyday commerce. Digital holdings stay under complete user authority until the conversion executes. This design facilitates direct expenditure without requiring centralized exchange platforms.

Tiered Reward Program and Premium Option

MetaMask has introduced an on-chain incentive system that converts spending activity into redeemable rewards. Base-tier cardholders receive up to 1 percent back in mUSD tokens. Premium Metal Card members receive up to 3 percent back on their initial $10,000 in annual purchases.

The Metal Card tier costs $199 per year and unlocks enhanced spending capabilities. This premium option eliminates foreign transaction charges and expands ATM network access. Subscribers also receive an exclusive physical card design connected to their digital wallet.

Reward redemptions unlock various ecosystem benefits and provide entry to emerging programs. The card connects with DeFi platforms such as Aave to enable yield generation on qualifying balances. Geographic availability will continue expanding as MetaMask scales its global payments infrastructure.

The post MetaMask Debuts Nationwide Crypto Card with Mastercard Partnership and Self-Custody Features appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

Opera stock climbs 23% to $15.41 following Q4 earnings beat and new $300M share repurchase initiative

Fourth-quarter revenue reaches $177.2M with solid margins and upgraded forward guidance

Advertising and search query expansion fuel momentum with 284M MAUs and improving ARPU

Full-year performance shows 28% revenue growth, enhanced cash generation, and increased shareholder returns

2026 projections anticipate up to 20% revenue growth driven by AI innovation and MiniPay expansion

Shares of Opera Limited (OPRA) experienced a significant rally following the release of impressive fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed analyst expectations and featured a substantial new share repurchase program. The stock climbed 23.38% to close at $15.41, representing its most dramatic single-session gain of the year. The upward movement accelerated as investors responded positively to robust financial performance and an enhanced capital allocation strategy.

Opera Limited, OPRA

Robust Q4 Revenue Performance Drives Positive Investor Sentiment

Opera delivered fourth-quarter revenue totaling $177.2 million, surpassing guidance while achieving 22% year-over-year expansion. The company simultaneously increased adjusted EBITDA to $41.9 million, achieving a 24% margin that exceeded internal projections. These results demonstrated the organization’s capacity to drive top-line growth while maintaining disciplined profitability.

Advertising-related revenue climbed 25% to reach $114.4 million, continuing as the dominant revenue stream for the quarter. Query-based revenue similarly expanded 16% to $62.3 million, with non-search segments showing particularly strong performance. Accordingly, the diversified revenue mix illustrated healthy business momentum across multiple channels.

The platform reported average monthly active users of 284 million, supporting an improved annualized ARPU of $2.49. Opera acquired 2 million additional users in Western regions, while its gaming-focused Opera GX browser reached 34 million monthly users. Furthermore, newly integrated AI capabilities powered by Gemini technology enhanced the experience for over 80 million PC-based users.

Annual Performance Demonstrates Consistent Expansion and Margin Enhancement

For the full year, Opera recorded revenue of $614.8 million, reflecting 28% year-over-year advancement. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $142.5 million with a 23% margin, highlighting effective operational leverage. Annual net income rose 34% to $108.3 million.

Annual advertising and query revenues sustained robust trajectories through expanded e-commerce partnerships and strengthened intent-driven monetization strategies. The company simultaneously enhanced its browser portfolio with multiple releases designed for various user demographics. Its MiniPay digital wallet exceeded 13 million activations while processing 360 million total transactions.

Opera concluded the fiscal year holding $155.5 million in cash while generating operating cash flow of $117.7 million. Free cash flow from operations increased 39% to $97.7 million as operational efficiency improved. Consequently, the organization finished the period with enhanced financial flexibility.

$300M Share Buyback Authorization and 2026 Projections Signal Management Optimism

Opera unveiled a two-year share repurchase program authorized for up to $300 million. This initiative encompasses ADS purchases from open markets as well as proportional acquisitions from its controlling shareholder. The program operates in conjunction with the existing semi-annual dividend distribution framework.

Leadership provided 2026 revenue guidance ranging from $720 million to $735 million, indicating anticipated growth approaching 20%. Adjusted EBITDA projections span $167 million to $172 million, with margin profiles expected to remain consistent. First-quarter guidance calls for revenue reaching $172 million and EBITDA of approximately $40 million.

Opera remains committed to expanding AI-powered tools and browser functionality while broadening financial inclusion through its MiniPay platform. The organization seeks to deepen user engagement by developing additional product verticals. Therefore, Opera positions itself for 2026 with strengthened strategic direction and expanded global market presence.

 

The post Opera (OPRA) Stock Surges 23% on Stellar Q4 Results and $300M Share Buyback Plan appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

Shares declined to $121.45 during regular trading before surging 10.95% to $134.75 after market close.

Fiscal 2026 delivered record performance: $113.5B in revenue, representing 19% year-over-year growth.

Company projects FY27 revenue at $140B midpoint with expanding margins and accelerated earnings.

AI server segment delivers explosive growth: $9.0B quarterly revenue with $43B backlog and $64B total orders.

Capital returns reach $7.5B for the year, dividend increased 20%, expanded buyback program announced.

Dell Technologies (DELL) experienced an unusual trading pattern, dropping 1.64% to close at $121.45 during regular hours before mounting an impressive 10.95% rally to $134.75 in after-hours trading. The dramatic reversal came as investors digested the company’s exceptional fiscal 2026 performance and ambitious fiscal 2027 projections. The initial decline appeared disconnected from the underlying fundamentals, which showcased unprecedented revenue growth and surging AI server demand.

Dell Technologies Inc., DELL

Fiscal 2026 Achieves Historic Milestones Across All Metrics

Dell achieved unprecedented annual revenue of $113.5 billion for fiscal 2026, marking a robust 19% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. The technology giant simultaneously delivered record-setting diluted earnings per share and generated the highest annual operating cash flow in company history. These achievements prompted management to enhance shareholder value initiatives and expand stock repurchase authorizations to align with strategic objectives.

The exceptional full-year results demonstrated sustained momentum across diverse product lines and geographic markets. The company maintained consistent non-GAAP earnings per share expansion while simultaneously enhancing cash generation capabilities worldwide. For fiscal 2027, management announced elevated revenue projections alongside expectations for ongoing margin enhancement.

Looking ahead to fiscal 2027, Dell anticipates reaching $140 billion in revenue at the guidance midpoint, accompanied by substantial earnings expansion. Leadership highlighted the growing contribution from AI-optimized server platforms as the order pipeline continued its upward trajectory. The outlook also emphasized stronger first-quarter performance driven by improved operating leverage throughout the organization.

Q4 Performance Demonstrates Accelerating Enterprise AI Adoption

Dell delivered fourth-quarter revenue of $33.4 billion, representing a substantial 39% year-over-year increase. The quarter produced record earnings per share alongside robust operating cash flow generation. These impressive results catalyzed the significant after-hours stock price recovery following the counterintuitive regular-session weakness.

AI-optimized server shipments accelerated dramatically as enterprise customers intensified deployments across worldwide markets. This high-growth segment generated $9.0 billion in quarterly sales, more than tripling from the comparable prior-year period. The company also maintained steady storage revenue growth while experiencing increased networking segment activity.

The Infrastructure Solutions Group achieved record quarterly performance with comprehensive gains spanning multiple product categories. This division elevated revenue to $19.6 billion while advancing operating profitability at a sustainable rate. Meanwhile, the Client Solutions Group registered moderate annual improvement as commercial PC demand showed signs of stabilization.

Massive AI Order Pipeline and Enhanced Capital Allocation Drive Growth Strategy

Throughout fiscal 2026, Dell substantially expanded its AI-optimized server opportunity pipeline, with backlog climbing to $43 billion entering the new fiscal year. Management disclosed that cumulative orders exceeded $64 billion as enterprise AI adoption accelerated. Annual shipments surpassed $25 billion, indicating expanding deployments across diverse industry verticals.

The company simultaneously reinforced its financial position through record cash generation and elevated shareholder distributions. Dell returned $7.5 billion to shareholders during the fiscal year while repurchasing 54 million shares. The board approved a substantial 20% dividend increase to strengthen ongoing shareholder return programs.

For fiscal 2027, Dell has established aggressive targets projecting AI-optimized server revenue reaching $50 billion. The forecast encompasses continued scaling across established markets alongside broader platform proliferation. Despite these impressive fundamentals, the stock closed lower during regular trading before staging a sharp recovery in extended-hours activity.

 

The post Dell Technologies Stock Rebounds After Historic FY26 Results and AI Server Surge appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Bloomberg and Kaiko have partnered to deliver institutional-grade financial data natively on blockchain infrastructure

The initial focus centers on tokenized US Treasury bonds and repo markets operating on Canton Network

This collaboration addresses critical data standardization challenges plaguing tokenized asset ecosystems

The service caters exclusively to institutional clients including banks and asset managers, not retail participants

Current valuations place the tokenized real-world asset sector at approximately $25 billion, excluding stablecoins

Bloomberg has entered into a strategic partnership with Kaiko, a digital asset data specialist based in Paris, to deploy licensed financial data natively within blockchain infrastructures. The firms made the announcement public on Thursday.

Bloomberg and Kaiko have announced a joint initiative to develop a pathway for Bloomberg's trusted Data License offerings to be accessed on-chain via Kaiko's infrastructure.

This collaboration will utilize Kaiko's Data On-Ramp service to support tokenized U.S. Treasuries and… pic.twitter.com/hf6JNgmxvm

— Kaiko (@KaikoData) February 26, 2026

The initiative seeks to deliver critical market information—including pricing feeds, security identifiers, and reference datasets—directly within blockchain ecosystems. Traditionally, this information has resided exclusively in conventional, off-chain database systems.

The collaboration specifically addresses a persistent challenge within tokenized financial markets. Various institutions frequently rely on disparate versions of identical datasets, resulting in scenarios where one financial entity might value a Treasury instrument differently from another.

These discrepancies generate substantial reconciliation overhead and elevate operational risk exposure. By establishing a unified, licensed data layer on-chain, the companies aim to ensure all market participants access identical information.

The inaugural deployment concentrates on tokenized US Treasury instruments and repurchase agreement markets. These markets function on the Canton Network, a permissioned distributed ledger infrastructure purpose-built for institutional financial operations.

Kaiko introduced its blockchain data integration service for Canton Network last August. The current Bloomberg partnership represents a significant expansion of that capability.

The offering specifically serves banks, institutional asset managers, and other regulated financial market participants. Retail cryptocurrency traders fall outside the intended user base.

Data Reliability Has Been a Known Problem

Concerns regarding data quality within tokenized real-world asset markets have existed for some time. Last May, Chris Yin, co-founder of RWA platform Plume, suggested the market’s actual size might be substantially smaller than published estimates indicated.

Yin’s assessment placed the genuine market size at approximately half the figures reported by prominent data aggregators during that period. Present estimates value the tokenized RWA sector at around $25 billion when stablecoins are excluded, based on data from RWA.xyz.

Kaiko’s CEO Ambre Soubiran emphasized that institutional-quality data infrastructure remains fundamental to proper market functioning. She noted the Bloomberg collaboration extends established market data systems to support blockchain-based securities.

Kaiko’s Expanding Role in Digital Asset Data

Kaiko has systematically expanded its digital asset data service offerings. Throughout 2024, the company completed an acquisition of Vinter, a European provider of cryptocurrency indices.

That transaction bolstered Kaiko’s capabilities in regulated benchmark and index provision throughout European markets. The Bloomberg alliance represents another strategic advancement in that direction.

Within tokenized markets, standardized pricing information fulfills a critical operational function. Many tokenized instruments represent tangible financial products such as Treasury bonds, making accurate data essential for ensuring on-chain representations properly reflect underlying assets.

The Canton Network, serving as the deployment environment for this service, was specifically architected for institutional financial use cases. As a permissioned network, access remains controlled rather than publicly available.

This partnership exemplifies broader trends among traditional financial data vendors seeking to establish presence within blockchain-native infrastructure. Bloomberg’s licensed datasets maintain widespread adoption throughout global financial markets.

The post Bloomberg Partners with Kaiko to Deliver Licensed Financial Data On-Chain appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Federal prosecutors have until March 11 to file their response to Sam Bankman-Fried’s request for a new criminal trial

The FTX founder received a 25-year prison sentence after being found guilty on seven felony fraud charges in 2023

SBF has been using social media from prison to express support for Trump, a strategy many interpret as pardon-seeking behavior

His public backing of the Clarity Act crypto legislation drew swift rejections from Senators Cynthia Lummis and Elizabeth Warren

White House officials have consistently stated that President Trump has no plans to grant Bankman-Fried clemency

The disgraced crypto mogul behind FTX’s spectacular implosion, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), is currently waging battles on multiple legal and political fronts — with little success to show for his efforts.

Judge Lewis Kaplan of the US District Court for the Southern District of New York established March 11 as the deadline for federal prosecutors to submit their response to SBF’s motion requesting a new criminal trial. The deadline was set through a Wednesday court filing.

Following his conviction on seven felony charges in 2023, SBF received a 25-year prison sentence in March 2024. The charges stemmed from his orchestration of a massive fraud that siphoned billions from FTX customer accounts through his affiliated trading operation, Alameda Research.

His legal team has challenged both the guilty verdict and the sentencing decision. The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has yet to deliver its judgment on these appeals as of Thursday.

The motion for a new trial, submitted earlier this month, represents a separate legal strategy from the pending appeal. SBF’s attorneys argue that fresh witness testimony could bolster his defense.

Clinton-appointed judge Lewis Kaplan made his political bias very clear when sentencing me and @rsalame7926.

Kaplan ranted about how I “set up a vehicle for making political donations to the right.”

“The state of our political life in this country is in jeopardy,” he said, and…

— SBF (@SBF_FTX) February 18, 2026

During his incarceration, SBF has maintained a social media presence through intermediaries. His X account has featured multiple posts expressing support for President Donald Trump and condemning what he characterizes as “political bias” influencing his prosecution.

He has also publicly endorsed the Clarity Act, pending crypto regulatory legislation making its way through Congress. In his posts, SBF framed the bill’s potential passage as a political victory for the Trump administration.

Someone’s looking for a pardon and doesn’t realize the Clarity Act would have you locked up for much longer than 25 years.

My legislation couldn’t be more different than the bill you tried to buy from Congress over my objection in 2022.

We do not need—nor want—your support. https://t.co/JlywsCh3ry

— Senator Cynthia Lummis (@SenLummis) February 26, 2026

The strategy immediately blew up in his face. Senator Cynthia Lummis, a Republican known for championing cryptocurrency legislation, fired back on X with a pointed message. “Someone’s looking for a pardon and doesn’t realize the Clarity Act would have you locked up for much longer than 25 years,” the senator wrote.

Lummis drew a clear distinction between her current legislative work and the bill SBF allegedly attempted to shape through political contributions in 2022. “We do not need — nor want — your support,” she emphasized.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, similarly rejected SBF’s endorsement. She labeled him “a fraudster who stole at least $8 billion from customers” and warned that his support for the Clarity Act should “set off alarm bells.”

The likelihood of the Clarity Act’s passage has declined approximately 16% over the past seven days, based on data from prediction platform Polymarket. The bill now shows a 69% probability of becoming law before year-end.

SBF’s prospects for receiving a presidential pardon look equally bleak. White House representatives have made clear on numerous occasions that Trump isn’t entertaining the possibility, including statements to the New York Times in January and Fortune magazine on Tuesday.

While Trump has granted clemency to other cryptocurrency industry figures — notably former Binance chief executive Changpeng Zhao and Ross Ulbricht, who founded the Silk Road marketplace — SBF has not received such consideration.

Caroline Ellison, who previously led Alameda and provided testimony against SBF during his trial, walked free in January after serving 440 days. Ryan Salame, who served as co-CEO of FTX Digital Markets, is currently serving a sentence exceeding seven years.

At the time of writing, SBF’s appeal remains unresolved, with the March 11 deadline for prosecutors’ response to his new trial motion still in effect.

The post Sam Bankman-Fried’s Multi-Front Legal Battle: Appeals, Pardons, and Political Maneuvering appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Jimmy Wales, who co-founded Wikipedia, describes Bitcoin as a “complete failure” in its role as currency and store of value

His forecast: Bitcoin trading below $10,000 (in current dollar terms) by the year 2050

Despite his criticism, Wales doesn’t believe Bitcoin will crash to zero due to its solid technical foundation

He views institutional investment as profit-motivated rather than belief-driven, and rejects claims that AI is fueling crypto adoption

According to Wales, real-world obstacles including transaction costs, price instability, and limited merchant acceptance block Bitcoin from widespread use

The co-founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, sparked discussion this week following a string of posts on X where he labeled Bitcoin a “complete failure” in its function as money.

People who think that Bitcoin is going to zero are likely mistaken. The design is robust enough that it will continue to exist in perpetuity, barring some currently unforeseen breakdown in cryptography or a surprise 51% attack (even then, a fork would carry on I would imagine).…

— Jimmy Wales (@jimmy_wales) February 25, 2026

This isn’t Wales’ first time expressing doubt about Bitcoin. In 2020, he stated he couldn’t find a convincing use case for the cryptocurrency, though he emphasized he wasn’t fundamentally against it.

His recent remarks surfaced after X users contended that Bitcoin’s fixed supply gives it an edge over gold, and that expanding digital economies would naturally lead to greater cryptocurrency adoption.

Wales challenged these assertions head-on. He characterized Bitcoin as falling short as currency and described it as “a speculative asset at best.”

He also dismissed suggestions that artificial intelligence is boosting crypto usage. “AI bots are not adopting crypto in meaningful numbers,” he stated.

Yet Wales didn’t go so far as to forecast Bitcoin’s total demise. He believes those anticipating a drop to zero are “likely mistaken,” crediting the cryptocurrency’s robust technical architecture.

He even noted that if the network faced a significant attack, the system would probably continue operating via a software fork.

This positions Wales in a somewhat paradoxical stance — deeply critical of Bitcoin’s prospects, yet not predicting its complete extinction.

Still, his price outlook for the long term remains decidedly negative. “I’d suggest a 2050 price target of under $10,000 in today’s dollars. Possibly much lower,” he stated.

Wales Explains Bitcoin’s Shortcomings for Daily Transactions

Wales presented a pragmatic case against Bitcoin through a straightforward comparison. Living in the United Kingdom, he explained he can transfer £10 to a friend immediately via his bank without any charges.

Attempting the same transaction with Bitcoin, he noted, would require purchasing the cryptocurrency, absorbing spread costs, paying network transaction fees, and converting back to pounds — incurring another spread in the process.

He also responded to comparisons some users made between today’s Bitcoin critics and early internet skeptics. Wales said he finds that analogy unconvincing.

Wales Distinguishes Between Gold and Bitcoin

According to Wales, gold stands apart from Bitcoin because it serves tangible purposes beyond investment and doesn’t require continuous network maintenance to exist.

Bitcoin, in contrast, relies on miners and supporting infrastructure for continued operation, which he considers a fundamental vulnerability.

He did recognize one legitimate application for cryptocurrency — enabling individuals in authoritarian regimes to transfer wealth beyond government control.

However, he argued this particular use case is too limited to support crypto becoming widely adopted currency.

Bitcoin was changing hands at $68,716 when the initial report was published, representing a 7% gain over the previous day. The price has since retreated and is currently trading under $70,000.

The post Jimmy Wales Says Bitcoin Will Drop Below $10K by 2050 – Wikipedia Founder Explains His Bearish Stance appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

World Liberty Financial (WLFI) has introduced a governance proposal mandating a 180-day staking period for voting eligibility

The plan establishes two participation levels: “Node” (requiring 10M WLFI stake, approximately $1M) and “Super Node” (requiring 50M WLFI stake, approximately $5M)

Participants can earn roughly 2% annual returns in WLFI tokens, contingent on voting in a minimum of two proposals throughout the lock-up phase

The project’s USD1 stablecoin has expanded to $4.7 billion in circulation, positioning it among leading stablecoins

The timeline for community voting on this proposal remains unannounced

The DeFi initiative linked to Donald Trump, World Liberty Financial, has unveiled a governance proposal that would mandate WLFI token holders to commit their assets for a minimum of 180 days before gaining voting privileges on protocol matters.

A new governance proposal is now live on the WLFI forum.

The community is being asked to vote on enabling Staking for $WLFI token holders to incentivize participation in governance— one of the most significant steps forward in the evolution of $WLFI.

Read the proposal. Make…

— WLFI (@worldlibertyfi) February 25, 2026

Released in late February 2026, the proposal awaits community deliberation with no scheduled voting date currently announced.

According to the framework, mere ownership of WLFI tokens will be insufficient for governance participation. Instead, token holders must commit to actively staking their holdings for no less than six months.

The framework establishes two distinct participation categories. Those committing a minimum of 10 million WLFI—valued at approximately $1 million based on present market rates—would achieve “Node” designation.

Node participants would receive access to over-the-counter channels for stablecoin conversions. These services operate through licensed market makers, with World Liberty Financial providing subsidies to these market makers to preserve 1:1 equivalence with its USD1 stablecoin.

Historically, these arbitrage mechanisms yielded between 10 and 15 basis points per transaction cycle for institutional market makers. The revised framework redirects this economic value to eligible stakers.

Those staking 50 million WLFI, representing roughly $5 million in value, would attain “Super Node” classification. This premium tier provides direct team access for partnership conversations and possible qualification for supplementary economic benefits.

Rewards Tied to Participation

Stakers across all tiers would receive an approximate 2% yearly return, distributed in WLFI tokens from the project’s treasury reserves. However, these rewards are conditional.

Eligibility requires stakers to cast votes on no fewer than two governance proposals throughout their staking duration. Inactive participants who refrain from engagement will forfeit reward distribution.

The proposal incorporates a square-root calculation method for determining voting influence. This mechanism prevents disproportionate control by major token holders. A wallet containing 100 times more tokens would not command 100 times greater voting authority.

USD1 Supply Reaches $4.7 Billion

This governance initiative arrives as World Liberty Financial’s USD1 stablecoin experiences substantial expansion. Current circulation has climbed to roughly $4.7 billion, establishing its position among the most substantial stablecoins available in today’s market.

According to project representatives, the staking framework aims to channel economic benefits away from speculative traders and intermediary entities toward committed, long-term ecosystem participants.

World Liberty Financial has yet to disclose when the community will vote on this governance proposal.

The post World Liberty Financial Unveils 6-Month Token Lock Requirement for Governance Voting appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Block (XYZ) is eliminating approximately 4,000 positions, representing nearly 40% of its total workforce, reducing headcount to around 6,000

Jack Dorsey attributes the decision to artificial intelligence productivity improvements, enabling leaner teams to accomplish more

Shares of Block skyrocketed more than 31% to $96.58 in response to the workforce reduction and quarterly results

Fourth quarter 2025 gross profit reached $2.87 billion, representing 24% year-over-year growth; Cash App sales climbed 33%

Impacted workers will receive 20 weeks base pay, additional weeks based on tenure, six months healthcare continuation, and $5,000 personal support

Jack Dorsey’s fintech company Block is eliminating approximately 4,000 positions — representing nearly 40% of its entire employee base.

we're making @blocks smaller today. here's my note to the company.

####

today we're making one of the hardest decisions in the history of our company: we're reducing our organization by nearly half, from over 10,000 people to just under 6,000. that means over 4,000 of you are…

— jack (@jack) February 26, 2026

The organization, which reached approximately 13,000 employees at its 2023 peak, will operate with just under 6,000 workers following these reductions. This brings staffing levels close to its 2019 pre-pandemic footprint of roughly 3,835 employees.

Dorsey revealed the restructuring in a public letter posted to X, linking it directly to advancing artificial intelligence tools being deployed throughout the organization.

“We’re already seeing that the intelligence tools we’re creating and using, paired with smaller and flatter teams, are enabling a new way of working,” he stated.

He explained his preference for swift, decisive action over prolonged cuts spanning months or years, maintaining that successive layoff waves undermine employee morale and organizational trust.

Workers impacted by the cuts will receive compensation including 20 weeks of base salary, an extra week for each year of service, healthcare benefits for six months, company equipment to keep, and $5,000 for personal expenses. Termination notices started being distributed on the same day the announcement was made.

Dorsey forecasts similar moves across the industry. “I don’t think we’re early to this realization. I think most companies are late,” he stated, projecting that the majority of organizations will arrive at similar conclusions within twelve months.

Block’s employee count expanded by 237% from 2019 through 2023, based on Macrotrends figures. This current reduction represents the company’s most substantial workforce cut — significantly larger than the 10% decrease Bloomberg had reported as under consideration earlier this month.

Stock Jumps on Cuts and Strong Earnings

Shares of Block (XYZ) climbed more than 31% to reach $96.58 at the opening bell, rising from the prior closing price of $73.65.

The workforce announcement coincided with the company’s fourth quarter 2025 financial disclosure. Block delivered gross profit of $2.87 billion, marking 24% year-over-year expansion. Cash App recorded 33% year-over-year revenue growth, reaching $1.83 billion.

Investor response was immediate and substantial, although the stock price remains approximately 80% below its pandemic-era high.

Stablecoins Add a Structural Question

While Dorsey’s communication emphasizes AI-driven efficiency, market observers have identified another structural pressure: stablecoin payment infrastructure.

Block developed its primary business around card-based merchant transaction fees, generally ranging from 2% to 3% per transaction. Stablecoin technology can facilitate identical transactions at virtually no cost, creating pressure on that revenue model.

Analysis from Citrini Research highlights that “agentic shopping” — where artificial intelligence systems automatically direct payment flows — may hasten the migration away from traditional card networks altogether.

The GENIUS Act alongside Circle’s public offering have brought stablecoins significantly closer to widespread commercial acceptance, transforming this into a more pressing concern than during Block’s expansion phase.

Not everyone accepts the restructuring as purely strategic. Ben Carlson, director at Ritholtz Wealth Management, commented on X: “Or maybe the stock is down 80% from the highs and they overhired and AI is a convenient excuse.”

Block’s fourth quarter gross profit of $2.87 billion and Cash App’s 33% revenue expansion represent the latest available financial metrics.

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Key Takeaways

Justin Drake, an Ethereum researcher, has unveiled “Lean Ethereum,” a comprehensive initiative to enhance quantum resistance while streamlining the network

The initiative encompasses zero-knowledge virtual machines, data availability sampling techniques, and RISC-V infrastructure

Vitalik Buterin presented a distinct strategy addressing four critical quantum attack vectors: validator signatures, data availability systems, wallet security, and zero-knowledge proofs

Buterin’s approach involves transitioning from BLS to hash-based signature schemes and implementing wallet upgrades through EIP-8141

A specialized post-quantum cryptography research division has been established within the Ethereum Foundation

Quantum computing poses a significant long-term security challenge for the Ethereum blockchain. Though current quantum technology cannot compromise Ethereum’s cryptographic systems, developers are proactively preparing defensive measures.

Ethereum Foundation’s Justin Drake has introduced a comprehensive blueprint titled “Lean Ethereum.” This strategy addresses vulnerabilities across three critical infrastructure components: consensus mechanisms, data management, and execution environments.

Drake’s vision includes deploying zero-knowledge virtual machines to fortify the execution layer against quantum attacks. These systems enable on-chain verification while maintaining data privacy through cryptographic concealment.

Another key element involves implementing data availability sampling protocols. This approach validates block integrity by examining randomized data fragments instead of processing complete blocks, thereby optimizing storage efficiency without compromising accuracy.

For the consensus layer, Drake advocates implementing a RISC-V architectural framework. This streamlined instruction set architecture minimizes vulnerability exposure and eliminates potential backdoor entry points.

Ethereum’s technical complexity has drawn ongoing scrutiny from the development community. Drake’s blueprint addresses these concerns by pursuing both simplified architecture and enhanced quantum defenses simultaneously.

Buterin’s Quantum Defense Strategy

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin independently released his strategic framework via X, identifying four critical vulnerability points susceptible to quantum exploitation.

Now, the quantum resistance roadmap.

Today, four things in Ethereum are quantum-vulnerable:

* consensus-layer BLS signatures
* data availability (KZG commitments+proofs)
* EOA signatures (ECDSA)
* Application-layer ZK proofs (KZG or groth16)

We can tackle these step by step:…

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) February 26, 2026

Validator signature protocols represent the initial concern. Ethereum’s current BLS signature implementation for block validation requires replacement. Buterin advocates adopting hash-based signature algorithms, offering superior quantum resistance.

Ethereum’s data availability infrastructure utilizing KZG commitments constitutes the second vulnerability. While quantum-resistant alternatives exist, Buterin acknowledges their implementation demands substantial engineering resources and protocol modifications.

Standard wallet signature mechanisms form the third challenge. Contemporary wallets predominantly employ a single signature standard vulnerable to quantum attack. Buterin champions EIP-8141, enabling seamless migration to quantum-resistant signature algorithms through account-level upgrades.

The final vulnerability involves zero-knowledge proof systems powering privacy solutions and layer-2 scaling networks. Quantum-safe proof variants currently impose higher computational verification costs on Ethereum’s base layer.

Buterin identified EIP-8141’s “validation frames” feature as a promising long-term optimization pathway. This innovation aggregates multiple signatures and proofs into unified compressed structures, substantially reducing blockchain verification overhead.

Broader Ecosystem Developments

Vitalik Buterin previously advocated in May for architectural simplification of Ethereum’s technology stack, drawing inspiration from Bitcoin’s minimalist design philosophy. He emphasized how excessive technical complexity introduces security vulnerabilities and inflates research expenditures.

IoTeX’s cryptography director XinXin Fan has independently proposed hash-based zero-knowledge proof implementations designed to quantum-proof the entire network infrastructure while preserving seamless user interaction.

The Ethereum Foundation has recently formed a specialized post-quantum cryptography research unit dedicated to investigating these security challenges before quantum computing reaches practical threat levels.

Buterin published his comprehensive roadmap on February 26, 2026, following the official announcement of the Foundation’s quantum research initiative.

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