MarketAxess Appoints William Quan As Chief Technology Officer MarketAxess Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: MKTX), the operator of a leading electronic trading platform for fixed income securities, has announced that William Quan will join the company as Chief Technology Officer. The appointment underscores MarketAxess’ strategic focus on platform modernization, AI integration and enterprise-wide technology execution as fixed-income markets continue their structural shift toward electronic trading. In his new role, Q ...

Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 18, 2026) - Bri-Chem Corp. (TSX: BRY) ("Bri-Chem" or "Company"), a leading North American oilfield chemical distribution and blending company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into and have ratified a formal supply agreement with Reliant Technologies Inc. ("Reliant") effective February 17, 2026 ("Agreement").Reliant Technologies Inc. is substantially owned by Mr. Barry Hugghins, Chief Executive Officer, President and Executive Chairman of the Board of ...

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] Group 1: AI and Energy Demand - AI technologies, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, are extremely energy-intensive, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities [2] - The increasing demand for AI is straining global power grids, leading to rising electricity prices and a need for utilities to expand capacity [2] - Industry leaders, including Sam Altman and Elon Musk, have highlighted the critical link between AI development and energy availability, warning of potential shortages [2] Group 2: Investment Opportunity - A specific company is positioned as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that will benefit from the anticipated surge in energy demand from AI data centers [3][7] - This company is not a chipmaker or cloud platform but is described as a "toll booth" operator in the energy market, profiting from the increasing need for electricity [5][6] - The company is debt-free and has significant cash reserves, equating to nearly one-third of its market capitalization, making it an attractive investment option [8] Group 3: Market Position and Growth Potential - The company is involved in large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects across various energy sectors, including nuclear energy, which is crucial for America's future power strategy [7] - It has a substantial equity stake in another AI-related venture, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities in the AI sector [9] - The stock is currently undervalued, trading at less than seven times earnings, which presents a compelling investment opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the AI and energy convergence [10]

Core Insights - California Resources Corporation (CRC) has successfully completed its all-stock merger with Berry Corporation, making Berry a wholly owned subsidiary of CRC in a transaction valued at approximately $717 million [1][8] Portfolio Expansion & Operational Upside - The merger enhances CRC's California-focused portfolio by incorporating high-quality, long-lived, low-decline conventional assets, particularly in the San Joaquin Basin [2] - The deal adds about 20,000 net acres and 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of production, providing strategic optionality in the Uinta Basin and expanding CRC's development runway [2] Synergies & Financial Flexibility - CRC anticipates annual synergies of $80-$90 million within 12 months post-merger, with nearly half expected in the first six months [3] - Pro forma leverage is projected to remain below 1X, which will help maintain balance sheet strength and financial flexibility, enhancing free cash flow per share and supporting shareholder returns [3] Looking Ahead to 2026 - The combined company will be headquartered in Long Beach, CA, and will be led by CRC's existing executive team [4] - CRC plans to provide full-year 2026 guidance with its year-end and fourth-quarter 2025 earnings release, aiming to clarify operational performance expectations [4]

Core Insights - Laird Superfood has expanded its Hydrate product line with two new flavors: Wild Berry and Tropical Punch, both containing zero added sugar and real-food ingredients [1][2] - The Hydrate powders include Aquamin™, a red marine algae that provides essential minerals, and are lightly sweetened with monk fruit [2][3] - The full Hydrate lineup now consists of five flavors, including Original, and is available in single-serve sticks and a Variety Pack [4] Product Details - The new Wild Berry flavor features antioxidant-rich berries from Patagonia, while Tropical Punch combines various fruits and real orange oil [1][2] - Each Hydrate product contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium to naturally replenish the body [3] - The Original flavor is made from only two ingredients: coconut water and Aquamin [2] Company Background - Laird Superfood was co-founded by Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece in 2015, focusing on minimally processed superfood products that support active lifestyles [6] - The brand has expanded its offerings from superfood creamers to include instant lattes, coffees, bars, and prebiotic daily greens [6] - The company's mission is to provide simple ingredients that fuel energy, endurance, and overall well-being [6]

Core Viewpoint - California Resources Corporation (CRC) has successfully completed an all-stock combination with Berry Corporation, enhancing its asset portfolio and operational capabilities in California [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction involved Berry's former equity holders receiving approximately 5.6 million shares of CRC common stock, valued at around $253 million based on CRC's closing share price on December 17, 2025 [2]. - The combined company will be headquartered in Long Beach, California, and will be led by CRC's existing executive team [3]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The acquisition is expected to strengthen CRC's operational momentum and deliver meaningful synergies for shareholders, particularly in the San Joaquin Basin [2]. - CRC aims to enhance cash flow durability and operational efficiencies, positioning itself for sustainable shareholder value [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - California Resources Corporation is an independent energy and carbon management company focused on energy transition and environmental stewardship [4]. - The company is committed to maximizing the value of its land and mineral ownership while developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) and other emissions-reducing projects [4].

Core Viewpoint - Berry Corporation has successfully received approval from its stockholders for the merger with California Resources Corporation, with a fixed exchange ratio of 0.0718 shares of CRC common stock for each share of Berry common stock [1][2]. Group 1: Merger Approval - Approximately 73% of the total shares outstanding and about 98% of the shares voted supported the merger [2]. - The final voting results will be reported in a Form 8-K to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Berry Corporation is an independent upstream energy company focused on onshore oil and gas reserves in the western United States, operating in two segments: exploration and production (E&P) and well servicing [3]. - The E&P assets are primarily located in California and Utah, characterized by high oil content, with California assets in the San Joaquin Basin (100% oil) and Utah assets in the Uinta Basin (70% oil) [3].

Core Insights - California Resources (CRC) is entering 2026 with an improved regulatory environment, a clear integration strategy, and a conservative balance sheet, despite facing challenges such as lower production and higher costs [1][10] Regulatory Environment - California's 2025 policy changes have created a favorable regulatory landscape, including tighter permitting frameworks and extended Cap-and-Invest programs, which are expected to enhance project visibility and accelerate approvals [2] Berry Merger - CRC's all-stock merger with Berry is anticipated to close in Q1 2026, targeting annual synergies of $80–$90 million, with significant production and acreage additions, while maintaining pro forma leverage below 1X [3][10] Financial Position - CRC has over $1.1 billion in liquidity, minimal net leverage, and extended debt maturities to 2029, supporting a 5% increase in quarterly dividends and ongoing stock repurchases [4][10] Near-Term Challenges - The company is experiencing production declines, with Q3 2025 net production averaging 137 Mboe/d, and increased operating costs due to the merger with Aera Energy and elevated taxes [5][10] Q4 and 2026 Guidance - For Q4, CRC projects production of 131–135 Mboe/d, with capital expenditures estimated at $115 million, while the 2026 capex framework is set at $280–$300 million, indicating a focus on stabilizing volumes [6][10] Market Position - CRC holds a short-term Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of A, reflecting strong value and momentum characteristics, with a constructive outlook for 2026 driven by policy shifts and the Berry merger [7][10] Peer Comparison - Matador Resources and Murphy Oil, both ranked 3, offer competitive value characteristics and dividend income, appealing to investors seeking balanced return profiles alongside CRC [9]

Core Viewpoint - The former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., and Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are investigating the proposed sale of Berry Corporation to California Resources Corporation to assess the adequacy of the price and process involved in the transaction [1]. Summary by Relevant Sections Proposed Transaction Details - Under the terms of the proposed transaction, shareholders of Berry Corporation will receive 0.0718 shares of California Resources Corporation for each share of Berry they own [1]. Investigation Purpose - Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC aims to determine whether the consideration offered to Berry shareholders is adequate or if it undervalues the company [1]. Contact Information - Interested parties can contact Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC for discussions regarding their legal rights related to the proposed sale [2].

Core Viewpoint - Bri-Chem Corp. reported a decrease in sales for Q3 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower fluid distribution sales and a decline in active land rigs in North America. However, the company showed significant improvements in adjusted EBITDA and operating earnings, indicating better operational efficiency and cost management [1][4][8]. Financial Performance - Consolidated sales for Q3 2025 were $18.2 million, down from $22 million in Q3 2024, reflecting a decrease of $3.8 million or 17% [2][4]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $836 thousand in Q3 2025, up 42% from $588 thousand in Q3 2024, with adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue rising from 3% to 5% [2][8]. - Operating earnings rose to $576 thousand in Q3 2025, a 146% increase from $234 thousand in the same period last year [2][8]. - Net earnings for Q3 2025 were $160 thousand, compared to a net loss of $269 thousand in Q3 2024, marking a significant turnaround [2][8]. Sales Breakdown - Canadian drilling fluids distribution sales were $2.3 million, a 41% decrease from the prior year, attributed to a reduction in active land rigs [5]. - U.S. drilling fluids distribution sales were $9.5 million, down 19% from $11.7 million in Q3 2024, with an average of 525 active land rigs in Q3 2025, a decrease of approximately 7% from the previous year [6]. - Canadian blending and packaging sales decreased to $3.7 million, down 19% from $4.6 million in Q3 2024, while U.S. blending and packaging sales increased by 49% to $2.7 million due to higher cementing activities [7]. Financial Position - Total assets decreased by 14% to $48.9 million compared to $57.1 million in the previous year [2]. - Working capital fell by 21% to $10.8 million, primarily due to a significant decrease in accounts receivables and inventory [2][4]. - Long-term debt slightly decreased by 4% to $6.3 million, while shareholders' equity was down 8% to $19.5 million [2]. Market Outlook - The North American energy sector is expected to stabilize, with modest growth anticipated in early 2026 as drilling and completion programs increase in response to improved price stability [9][10]. - In Canada, drilling activity is projected to follow seasonal trends, with winter drilling expected to provide a moderate uplift in demand [10]. - In the U.S., rig counts are expected to stabilize and gradually strengthen, particularly in the Permian Basin, supporting steady demand for Bri-Chem's products [11]. Strategic Initiatives - Following the recent Annual General Meeting, Bri-Chem appointed a new Board of Directors to enhance operational performance and long-term shareholder value [13]. - The company will conduct a comprehensive strategic review of all business units to evaluate performance and profitability, aiming to improve capital allocation and operational focus [14]. - Management emphasizes liquidity preservation and cost efficiency to sustain margin performance amid competitive pricing [12][15].