Company Overview - Proactive provides fast, accessible, informative, and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience [2] - The news team operates from key finance and investing hubs including London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney, and Perth [2] Market Focus - Proactive specializes in medium and small-cap markets while also covering blue-chip companies, commodities, and broader investment stories [3] - The content includes insights across various sectors such as biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto, and emerging digital and EV technologies [3] Technology Utilization - Proactive is a forward-looking company that adopts technology enthusiastically to enhance workflows [4] - The company utilizes automation and software tools, including generative AI, while ensuring all content is edited and authored by humans [5]

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avenue Z, the hybrid agency for influence known for driving revenue and reputation for fast-moving brands, today announced the acquisition of Varfaj, a trusted Shopify development and optimization partner recognized for building high-performing commerce experiences. The acquisition strengthens Avenue Z's full-funnel offering and positions the agency at the forefront of the next evolution in commerce: AI-powered, agent-led buying experiences. As platforms like OpenAI and Shopify bring ...

Market Overview - US stocks experienced their worst week since November, with major tech companies losing a combined market cap of one trillion dollars since their earnings results [4] - Dow futures indicate a drop of about 72 points, while S&P futures suggest a decline of a third of a percent, and NASDAQ futures are under the most pressure, pointing to a drop of about 0.7% at the open [2][3] Technology Sector Insights - The technology sector, particularly software stocks, has seen hundreds of billions of dollars wiped off their value, leading to discussions about a potential "SAS apocalypse" [5][6] - Historical transitions in technology have shown that while many companies fail, others emerge stronger, suggesting a similar outcome may occur in the current AI-driven market [8][10] AI Disruption - AI is viewed as a significant disruptor across various industries, including finance, with expectations of increased productivity and efficiency [12][15] - Companies that effectively integrate AI into their operations are likely to thrive, while those that resist change may struggle [19][20] Investment Opportunities - Software stocks are currently trading at approximately three times revenue, down from historical highs, indicating potential investment opportunities, though not all companies will succeed [40][41] - Specific companies like Oracle and Digital Ocean are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of AI advancements [41] IPO Market Outlook - The IPO market is expected to see more activity in 2026 than in 2025, with a broader range of opportunities beyond just tech [53][55] - Proper pricing and understanding of market demands are crucial for successful IPOs, as evidenced by recent cancellations and postponements [55] Company-Specific Developments - Warner Brothers Discovery is in discussions with Paramount regarding a potential deal, which may reignite a bidding war [58] - Trip Advisor is facing pressure from activist investor Starboard, which is pushing for a majority slate on the board [59] - Masimo's shares surged following news of a nearly $10 billion acquisition by Daher, despite facing challenges in recent years [61]

Core Viewpoint - The decline in software stocks is a significant investment trend in 2026, with major SaaS companies facing substantial losses due to fears surrounding AI's impact on their business models [1][2]. Group 1: Software Stock Performance - The Nasdaq-100 index is down approximately 3% year to date, while the S&P 500 index remains relatively unchanged [1]. - Major software companies have seen significant declines: Microsoft is down 16%, Shopify down 26%, Adobe down 27%, and Salesforce down 30% [2]. Group 2: Investor Concerns - Investors are worried that advancements in AI could disrupt the enterprise software business model, leading to vulnerabilities for established software companies [2]. - There are two primary concerns: the potential disruption of the software industry by AI and the fear that AI hyperscalers are overspending on infrastructure without generating expected returns [5]. Group 3: J.P. Morgan's Analysis - J.P. Morgan's research suggests that the current sell-off in AI-driven software stocks is exaggerated and based on "broken logic" [3][6]. - The firm argues that if AI is truly set to disrupt software companies, then AI stocks should be more valuable, indicating a disconnect in market logic [6]. Group 4: Investment Opportunities - J.P. Morgan encourages investors to consider purchasing "AI-resilient" software stocks that are likely to benefit from AI enhancements in their workflows, viewing the current sell-off as an "overshoot" [8].

Shopify's stock price is currently at $112.70, reflecting a recent increase despite a significant monthly decline.Jefferies analyst Samad Samana sets a price target of $125 for Shopify, indicating potential growth.The stock has experienced a 27.7% decline over the past month, underperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite.Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) is a leading e-commerce platform that enables businesses to create online stores. It provides tools for merchants to manage their products, payments, and shipping. ...

Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) ranks among the best innovative stocks to buy according to Wall Street analysts. On February 11, Stifel lowered its price target for Shopify Inc. (NASDAQ:SHOP) to $115 from $175 while retaining a Hold rating on the company’s shares. The revision follows Shopify’s recent Q4 2025 quarterly report, which revealed solid performance and a positive top-line forecast, driven by enterprise and international growth and Payments adoption. The firm highlighted Shopify’s strengthening posi ...

Core Viewpoint - Shopify is experiencing a decline in stock price despite strong Q4 results and a positive outlook, primarily due to the broader sell-off in the SaaS sector [1] Financial Performance - Q4 revenue increased by 31% to $3.67 billion, exceeding analyst expectations of $3.58 billion [3] - Gross merchandise volume (GMV) rose by 31% to $123.84 billion, with Europe showing a 45% increase in GMV [3] - Merchant solution revenue grew by 35% to $2.9 billion, while subscription revenue increased by 17% to $777 million [4] - Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) rose by 15% to $205 million [4] - Shopify Payments processed $84 billion, or 68% of GMV, representing a 38% increase in processed GMV [5] Future Outlook - Shopify forecasts Q1 revenue growth in the low 30s percentage range, surpassing analyst expectations of 25.1% [6] - The company has initiated a $2 billion stock buyback program [6] Valuation and Investment Considerations - Shopify currently trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 11 based on 2026 estimates, which is considered fair given its growth potential [8] - Despite strong performance, investor concerns about AI disrupting the business persist [8] - It is suggested that investors may consider taking a starter position in Shopify stock, with the potential to add more on further price dips [9]

Core Viewpoint - Shopify Inc. is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity, with a focus on long-term growth through reinvestment in its commerce platform rather than immediate cash flow maximization [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Shopify achieved a 30% revenue growth over the past year, indicating strong execution and positioning in global commerce [3]. - The company's gross merchandise volume (GMV) grew by 29% year over year in Q4 2025, excluding foreign exchange effects, although it experienced a 1% slowdown from the previous quarter [4][5]. - Shopify's GAAP operating margin reached 17.2%, an increase of 70 basis points from the prior year, demonstrating the company's ability to enhance growth while improving profitability [5]. Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - Nearly half of Q4's incremental GMV and merchant base is now located outside North America, showcasing Shopify's expanding global reach [6]. - The company is recognized as "the de facto platform for starting an eCommerce business," with ongoing advancements in enterprise, B2B, and offline segments [6]. Group 3: Analyst Ratings - Benchmark reaffirmed a Buy rating on Shopify with a price target of $145, emphasizing the company's strategic focus [1]. - Citizens analyst Andrew Boone lowered the price target to $160 from $200 while maintaining a Market Outperform rating, reflecting confidence in Shopify's robust performance [4].

Loomis Sayles, an investment management company, released its “Global Growth Fund” investor letter for the fourth quarter of 2025.  A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Fund prioritizes investments in high-quality companies that possess a lasting competitive advantage and long-term growth drivers, capable of generating attractive cash flow and sustained value for investors. The Fund returned -3.05% in Q4 2025 compared to 3.29% for the MSCI ACWI Index Net. As a patient investor, the firm maintain ...

Core Insights - Shopify Inc. reported a 31% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2025, reaching $3.67 billion, exceeding analysts' expectations of $3.59 billion [1] - The company's earnings per share (EPS) of $0.57 also surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.51 [1] - Management highlighted that the strong performance was driven by international revenue growth, offline revenue growth, and B2B GMV growth [3] Financial Performance - Shopify maintained a free cash flow margin of 19%, achieving ten consecutive quarters of double-digit free cash flow margins [3] - The company is investing in various initiatives, including Catalog, Sidekick, Universal Commerce Protocol, and its comprehensive platform of commerce solutions [3] Market Sentiment - MoffettNathanson upgraded Shopify from Neutral to Buy, raising the price target from $122 to $150, citing it as an "unusually attractive entry point" and a "long-term winner in the AI commerce wars" [4]