Core Viewpoint - Straumann Group reported full-year organic sales growth of 8.9%, exceeding expectations, driven by strong performance in EMEA markets [1] Financial Performance - The company's revenue reached 2.6 billion Swiss francs (approximately $3.4 billion), surpassing analysts' estimates of 2.59 billion francs [1]

Core Viewpoint - Western Digital is set to sell a stake worth $3.17 billion in Sandisk, indicating a strategic move in the flash memory market [1]. Group 1: Transaction Details - Western Digital will sell over 5.8 million shares of Sandisk at a price of $545 each [1]. - The offering price represents a discount of approximately 7.7% compared to Sandisk's last closing price of $590.59 [1].

Core Viewpoint - EFG International reported a 1% increase in full year net profits, reaching 325.2 million Swiss francs ($421.95 million) [1] Financial Performance - The bank's net new assets amounted to 11.3 billion francs in 2025, reflecting a growth rate of 6.8% [1] - This level of net new assets is the highest since the global financial crisis [1]

Group 1 - Microsoft plans to invest $50 billion by the end of the decade to expand AI in the 'Global South' [1] - The 'Global South' includes developing, emerging, or lower-income countries, primarily located in the southern hemisphere [1] - Last year, Microsoft announced $17.5 billion in AI investments specifically in India, highlighting its commitment to one of the fastest-growing digital markets [1]

Core Insights - Volkswagen has received bids from leading private equity firms such as Blackstone, EQT, and CVC for its Everllence division, indicating strong interest in the asset from major investment players [1] Group 1 - The involvement of top private equity funds suggests a competitive bidding environment for Volkswagen's Everllence division [1] - The Financial Times reported this development, highlighting the significance of the interest from these firms [1]

Core Viewpoint - Eni is considering re-entering the oil and gas trading market to capitalize on the significant returns seen by competitors like BP, Shell, and TotalEnergies amid rising energy price volatility due to geopolitical tensions [1]. Company Strategy - Eni's CEO Claudio Descalzi indicated that the company had ceased trading in 2019 but noted that major competitors are actively engaged in trading and generating substantial profits from it [1]. Market Context - The decision to re-enter trading comes as geopolitical tensions are contributing to increased volatility in energy prices, which presents potential opportunities for profit [1].

Group 1 - Yotta Data Services, an Indian data center company, plans to build one of Asia's largest AI computing hubs with an investment exceeding $2 billion [1] - The project will utilize Nvidia's latest Blackwell Ultra chips, indicating a significant partnership between Yotta and Nvidia [1] - This initiative highlights the growing demand for AI infrastructure in Asia, positioning Yotta as a key player in the region's tech landscape [1]

Alcoa forced to pay $38 million after illegally clearing Australian native forest | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]A shift worker at the Alcoa aluminium smelter leaves the plant during a shift change before sunrise at Point Henry in Geelong February 25, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Reed [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]SYDNEY, Feb 18 (Reuters) - U.S. aluminium company Alcoa [(AA.N), opens new tab] will pay A$55 milli ...

Group 1 - JPMorgan Chase has appointed Catherine O'Donnell as the head of its North America Leveraged Finance department, effective later this year [1] - O'Donnell brings over 20 years of experience to the role and will relocate to New York [1] - Stathis Karanikolaidis will serve as the deputy head of the team and will report to O'Donnell while maintaining his duties in other areas [1]

Group 1 - Oil prices experienced a slight decline on Wednesday due to advancing talks between the United States and Iran, which raised hopes for reduced bilateral tensions [1] - The progress in negotiations is expected to lower the risks of supply disruptions from Iran, a significant oil producer in the Middle East [1]