Core Viewpoint - Oil prices are experiencing a second weekly decline due to reduced concerns over a potential conflict with Iran and forecasts indicating that supply will exceed demand this year [1] Group 1: Oil Price Movements - Brent crude oil futures increased by 3 cents, or 0.04%, to $67.55 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 1 cent, or 0.02%, to $62.85 after previous declines of 2.7% and 2.8% respectively [1] - Brent prices are projected to drop by 0.8% this week, while WTI is expected to fall by 1.1% [1] Group 2: Geopolitical Factors - Concerns regarding a U.S. attack on Iran over its nuclear program had initially driven prices higher, but comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a potential deal with Iran led to a decrease in prices [1] - The reduction in geopolitical risk is attributed to the U.S. seeking more time to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran [1] Group 3: Supply and Demand Dynamics - The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that global oil demand growth for this year will be weaker than previously expected, with supply anticipated to exceed demand [1] - A significant increase in U.S. crude stockpiles and expectations of rising Venezuelan oil supply, projected to increase from 880,000 barrels per day to about 1.2 million barrels per day, contributed to the decline in prices [1] - The U.S. Treasury is set to issue more allowances easing sanctions on Venezuelan energy, which could further impact supply dynamics [1]

Core Viewpoint - Elliott Investment Management opposes the tender offer from Toyota Motor for Toyota Industries, claiming the offer price is too low and detrimental to minority shareholders [1]. Group 1: Tender Offer Details - Toyota Motor initially offered 16,300 yen per share for Toyota Industries, later increasing the bid to 18,800 yen in January [1]. - The tender offer was set to close on Thursday, with 33.1% of shares tendered two and a half hours before the deadline [1]. - To succeed, the bid requires acceptance from 42.01% of minority shareholders, excluding Toyota Motor's 24.66% stake [1]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the announcement of the tender offer extension, Toyota Industries shares surged, reaching a record high of 20,355 yen per share [1].

Core Viewpoint - Nike-owned Converse is realigning its operations and reducing its corporate workforce to better align with its parent company's strategies aimed at recapturing sales growth [1] Group 1: Corporate Restructuring - Converse is cutting corporate roles and shifting many employees' responsibilities and reporting structures as part of a strategic overhaul [1] - Nearly all corporate employees at Converse will experience some level of change due to this restructuring [1] Group 2: Strategic Changes - The restructuring includes the formation of cross-functional teams focused on various sports, mirroring Nike's broader operational strategy [1] - This move follows previous layoffs at Nike, including 775 distribution roles cut in January, as part of efforts to boost profits and enhance automation [1] Group 3: Market Positioning - Under CEO Elliott Hill, Converse is attempting to regain market share lost to competitors, indicating a proactive approach to its market positioning [1] - The brand had previously implemented job cuts in May 2024 as part of a cost-saving initiative linked to its parent company's overall strategy [1]

Core Viewpoint - Trucking and logistics stocks have experienced a significant decline due to concerns that rapidly advancing AI technology will increase competition for established firms reliant on software for their services [1] Industry Summary - Shares of logistics companies such as Landstar System and C.H. Robinson fell more than 14%, while the Dow Jones Transportation Average dropped 4% after reaching a record high [1] - The decline in logistics shares follows a selloff in software stocks, with investors worried that future AI products could severely impact profit margins of established businesses [1] - The market sentiment reflects a trend of reacting aggressively to any news related to AI, as noted by Jefferies trader Jeffrey Favuzza [1] Company Summary - Algorhythm Holdings, an AI-focused logistics firm, reported that its SemiCab unit increased customers' freight volumes by 300%-400% without a corresponding increase in operational headcount, leading to a 30% surge in its stock price [1] - Algorhythm Holdings, previously known as The Singing Machine Company, transitioned from selling karaoke machines to focusing on AI logistics solutions [1]

Apple fends off 4G wireless patent lawsuit at third trial | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]An Apple logo appears in this illustration taken August 25, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]- Companies[Apple Inc]FollowFeb 12 (Reuters) - Apple [(AAPL.O), opens new tab] [won a defense verdict, opens new tab] on Thursday in a lawsuit by intellectual-property management ...

Core Viewpoint - Arista Networks forecasts annual revenue exceeding Wall Street estimates, driven by consistent demand for its electronic hardware amid the growing data landscape [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Arista Networks is betting on steady demand for its electronic hardware, indicating confidence in its product offerings [1] - The company’s revenue forecast suggests a positive outlook for its financial performance in the upcoming year [1] Group 2: Industry Trends - The expanding presence of data is a key factor contributing to the demand for networking equipment, highlighting a trend in the industry towards increased reliance on electronic hardware [1]

Core Viewpoint - Eversource Energy reported a significant increase in fourth-quarter profit, driven by improved performance in its gas business and the absence of substantial one-time charges that impacted earnings in the previous year [1]. Financial Performance - Eversource's net income for the fourth quarter reached $421.3 million, or $1.12 per share, compared to $72.5 million, or 20 cents per share, in the same quarter last year [1]. - The natural gas segment earned $123.6 million, up from $103.4 million a year earlier [1]. Future Outlook - The company forecasts 2026 profit to be between $4.80 and $4.95 per share, with analysts estimating a full-year profit of $4.97 per share [1]. - Eversource expects its long-term earnings per share growth rate to remain in the range of 5% to 7% through 2030 [1]. Capital Investment - Eversource raised its five-year capital investment plan to $26.5 billion, an increase from the previous $24.2 billion, primarily due to higher spending on electric and natural gas distribution infrastructure [1]. - The company anticipates raising between $800 million and $1.1 billion in equity from 2026 to 2030, excluding routine issuances related to its dividend reinvestment and compensation programs [1].

Core Viewpoint - Expedia forecasts 2026 gross bookings and revenue to exceed Wall Street expectations, driven by strong demand from business clients [1] Group 1: Financial Projections - Gross bookings for 2026 are expected to be between $127 billion and $129 billion, surpassing analysts' average estimate of $125.95 billion [1] - Annual revenue is projected to be in the range of $15.6 billion to $16 billion, with the midpoint exceeding analysts' estimate of $15.69 billion [1] Group 2: Business Segment Performance - The business-to-business (B2B) segment has seen growth due to new client additions, including airlines and offline travel agents [1] - Gross bookings in the B2B division increased by 24% in the fourth quarter, compared to a 5% increase in the direct-to-consumer unit [1] Group 3: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - Cost-conscious travelers are driving demand for online travel agencies, seeking value through deals and discounts [1] - Expedia reported a 70% increase in partners participating in Black Friday sales, with 30% of fourth-quarter bookings coming from discounted inventory [1] Group 4: Financial Performance - Adjusted profit for the fourth quarter was $3.78 per share, up from $2.39 per share a year earlier [1] - Total revenue for the fourth quarter rose by 11.4% to $3.54 billion [1]

Core Points - The U.S. and Taiwan have finalized a trade agreement that establishes a 15% tariff rate on U.S. imports from Taiwan while Taiwan commits to reducing tariffs on nearly all U.S. goods [1][3] - Taiwan is set to significantly increase its purchases of U.S. goods, including $44.4 billion in liquefied natural gas and crude oil, $15.2 billion in civil aircraft and engines, and $25.2 billion in power grid equipment and generators from 2025 to 2029 [2] - The agreement modifies a previous trade deal by reducing tariffs on Taiwanese goods, particularly in the semiconductor sector, from 20% to 15%, aligning Taiwan with South Korea and Japan [3] Trade Impact - The deal will eliminate Taiwan's tariffs of up to 26% on various agricultural imports, including beef, dairy, and corn, enhancing U.S. export opportunities [3] - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer emphasized that the agreement will strengthen the economic relationship with Taiwan and improve supply chain resilience, especially in high-tech sectors [4]

Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser's pay rises to $42 million after banner year | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]Jane Fraser CEO, Citi, speaks at the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 1, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]- Companies[Citigroup Inc]Follow[Goldman Sachs Group Inc]Follow[Morgan Stanley]FollowFeb 12 (Reuters) - Citigroup [(C. ...