WOODBURY, NY, Nov. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research Frontiers Inc. (Nasdaq: REFR), the inventor and licensor of SPD-SmartGlass technology, announced today that its President and CEO, Joseph M. Harary, has been selected as Chairman of the North American Vehicle Glazing Innovation Summit 2025, to be held November 18–19, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan. In addition to opening the conference and serving as its Chairman, Mr. Harary will deliver the keynote presentation titled “Real World Uses of SPD-SmartGlass a ...

Core Insights - Tesla's robotaxi ambitions are generating excitement despite some disappointments in earnings [1] - The market is increasingly viewing Tesla as a tech company rather than a traditional automaker [2][7] Valuation and Market Position - Tesla's price-to-sales ratio is significantly higher than that of other automakers, trading above 16 times earnings, indicating a premium valuation typically associated with tech firms [3][7] - Despite a projected decline in sales this fiscal year, Tesla continues to maintain a high market cap of $1.518 trillion [5][6] Sales and Market Dynamics - Tesla is experiencing sales declines of up to 40% in certain regions, even as overall EV sales rise [5] - The loss of federal subsidies has impacted the EV industry, which previously contributed billions in profits to Tesla [5] Robotaxi Development - Elon Musk has made ambitious predictions regarding the rollout of Tesla's robotaxi service, aiming for "millions" of robotaxis by the end of 2026 [11] - The company plans to expand its robotaxi service to eight to ten cities by the end of the year [11] Competitive Advantage - Tesla's control over its production processes and significant investments in AI position it favorably in the robotaxi market [12][13] - Analysts believe that Tesla's vertically integrated business model and access to capital could enable it to capitalize on a potential $10 trillion global opportunity in autonomous vehicles [15]

'We achieved our goal': Ford stands firm on Reagan anti-tariff ad https://t.co/Q3cNJ0cozO ...

Core Insights - Sandeep Goyal, chairman of Rediffusion, is known for his ambitious plans to bid for dentsu's international business despite Rediffusion's relatively smaller size with a turnover of ₹100 crore [5][7] - Goyal has a rich history in advertising, having successfully navigated various roles and companies, leading to significant achievements in the industry [10][15] - The advertising landscape is evolving, with Goyal emphasizing the importance of adapting to changes, particularly with the rise of AI in the industry [18] Company Overview - Rediffusion is currently a small but profitable agency, having crossed ₹100 crore in revenue, with a focus on maintaining profitability rather than merely expanding size [18] - The agency has a history of successful partnerships, including a notable joint venture with dentsu that brought in numerous Japanese clients [15][17] - Goyal's leadership style includes a preference for cost-effective operations, utilizing unconventional office spaces to keep expenses low [17] Industry Context - The advertising industry is facing transformative changes, with Goyal predicting that traditional ad agencies will need to evolve significantly in the next decade [18] - Goyal has launched the Aesthetic Intelligence Lab (AIL) to leverage generative AI for creative production, indicating a shift towards technology-driven solutions in advertising [18] - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with Goyal's approach focusing on optimal growth rather than maximal expansion, reflecting a strategic shift in how agencies operate [18]

Military Operations & Surveillance - U S military possesses precise intelligence on drug smuggling boats due to established maritime surveillance capabilities, tracking their movements and cargo [2][3] - The U S employs various resources, including drones, satellites, and patrol aircraft, for maritime surveillance, ensuring confidence in striking drug boats [4] - Technology initially developed for tracking Soviets, Russians, and Chinese is now utilized for monitoring maritime activities [3] - The U S military carefully considers weapons parameters to avoid collateral damage during targeted attacks [6] Power Projection & Deterrence - B-1 bombers possess excellent overwater reconnaissance capabilities for finding and targeting ships [8] - B-52 bombers were reportedly flying near Venezuela, potentially as a projection of power [7][9] - The U S is sending the Gerald Ford Carrier Strike Group to the U S Southern Command Area of Responsibility to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and counter narco-terrorism [17][18] - Deployment of the aircraft carrier Ford to the Caribbean serves as a projection of force and enhances overwater surveillance capabilities [19][20] Geopolitical Tensions & Missile Capabilities - Russia is concerned about potential Tomahawk cruise missile deployment to Ukraine, which could reach 60 Russian airbases [12][13] - Ukraine has successfully used drone attacks against Russian bombers, warplanes, and energy infrastructure [14] - The U S has a sufficient supply of Tomahawk missiles and is developing new hypersonic missiles [15] - Maduro claims Venezuela possesses 5000 surface-to-air missiles [16]

Core Insights - WEG has successfully transformed from a regional motor manufacturer to a diversified energy and automation platform, positioning itself well in the global industrial sector [1] Company Overview - WEG is recognized as one of the best-positioned industrial companies worldwide, indicating strong competitive advantages and market presence [1] Industry Positioning - The company has clear visibility into long-duration themes, suggesting a strategic focus on sustainable growth and innovation within the energy and automation sectors [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales for Q3 2025 were $917 million, a 6% decline from the prior year, primarily due to an unplanned production shutdown at JLR [4][25][26] - Adjusted EBITDA was $119 million, with a margin of 13%, reflecting strong operational execution and cost control [6][26] - Adjusted free cash flow for the quarter was $110 million, driven by robust EBITDA performance [6][26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cockpit electronics business showed strong growth in Europe and The Americas, offset by lower sales in China and for Battery Management Systems (BMS) in the U.S. [5][8] - BMS sales were down significantly year over year, reflecting a challenging environment for EVs in 2025 compared to 2024 [8][25] - The company launched 28 new products across 10 different OEMs in Q3, indicating strong program execution capabilities [12][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in North America for cockpit electronics exceeded expectations, while BMS sales were down significantly due to changes in the EV market [8][25] - In Europe, sales were flat year over year, with gains in cockpit electronics and ICE vehicles [9][11] - Sales in China declined year over year, primarily due to a negative vehicle mix and market share loss of global OEMs [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its product portfolio and securing new business wins, with expectations to exceed $7 billion in new business awards for the year [15][16] - Strategic initiatives include targeting underrepresented car OEMs in Asia and expanding into adjacent markets such as two-wheelers and commercial vehicles [23][24] - The introduction of AI-enabled cockpit systems is a key focus, with the company positioned well in this emerging technology trend [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds from the macro environment, particularly in China and for electric vehicles in the U.S., but maintained a positive outlook for adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow [6][39] - The company expects to return to growth in China, driven by new model launches and high-performance compute programs [48][61] - Concerns were raised regarding potential risks from recent trade restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on semiconductor suppliers, which could impact production [41][42] Other Important Information - The company resumed capital returns to shareholders with the initiation of a quarterly dividend and plans for additional capital returns in Q4 [7][35] - The company ended the quarter with $459 million in net cash, providing flexibility for investments and shareholder returns [27][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for growth in China into 2026 - Management expects to return to growth in China, with about 20 new model launches planned for next year, predominantly in the back half of 2026 [46][48] Question: Impact of Nexperia trade restrictions - Management discussed the potential direct and indirect impacts of Nexperia's trade restrictions, noting that Visteon has a higher level of semiconductor inventory compared to peers, providing some cushion [49][54] Question: Direction of BMS sales into 2026 - Management anticipates BMS revenue to continue declining in 2026 due to headwinds in the EV market, with expectations for stabilization thereafter [62] Question: Sustainability of new business booking momentum - Management believes the current momentum in new business bookings is sustainable, driven by strong demand for displays and ongoing investments in product development [65][66] Question: Margin implications and recoveries from OEMs - Management indicated that margins have remained strong, with expectations for continued recoveries from OEMs related to volume adjustments [72][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third quarter adjusted EBITDA improved to $143 million, a 52% increase over the prior quarter, driven by margin expansion from higher realized prices and improved mix [17] - Steel shipment volumes were 4 million tons in the quarter, a reduction from the prior quarter due to summer slowdowns and continued market discipline [17] - The average selling price increased to $1,032 per net ton, up $17 per net ton over the prior quarter, driven by an increase in automotive shipments from 26% to 30% share [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The automotive sector is leading the rebound in domestic steel demand, with the third quarter being the best auto steel shipment quarter since Q1 2024 [3] - The company locked in multi-year agreements with major automotive OEMs, covering higher sales volumes and favorable pricing through 2027 or 2028 [3][4] - The mix shifted favorably toward automotive, with coated volumes increasing from 27% to 29% share [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Canadian market continues to lag expectations, with 9% of total sales coming from Stelco, and imported steel penetration into Canada at 65% [11] - The U.S. automotive sector is experiencing a resurgence, supported by domestic steel production, which is critical for national security [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its position in the automotive steel market and is prepared for increased demand in 2026 [6][7] - A memorandum of understanding with a major global steelmaker aims to leverage the company's U.S. footprint for downstream industrial clients moving production to the U.S. [10] - The company is exploring opportunities in rare earth elements within its mining portfolio, identifying two sites in Minnesota and Michigan for potential development [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in the automotive sector and the effectiveness of cost actions taken [24] - The company anticipates that operational improvements will lead to amplified EBITDA and cash flow as demand stabilizes [22][23] - The management highlighted the importance of consistent demand and stable policy to sustain the recovery [22] Other Important Information - The company was awarded a five-year, $400 million fixed-price contract by the U.S. Department of War for grain-oriented electrical steel, reinforcing its strategic importance [14] - The company is on track to achieve projected annual savings of $300 million from operational efficiencies implemented earlier in the year [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: How quickly could the company produce products in the rare earth vertical? - The company has identified two promising sites and is working with geologists to assess their commercial viability, with potential cooperation opportunities with Canada [26][30] Question: Can you provide details on the asset sale process? - The company has closed on a portion of the sale of FPT and is considering selling its direct reduction plant in Toledo, Ohio, due to a lack of strategic value [34][35] Question: Did any new auto contracts kick in during this quarter? - Some contracts began on October 1, and the company expects significant activity from these contracts as the year turns to 2026 [52] Question: What does the guidance imply for further unit cost reductions? - The company expects costs to be down $50 a ton year-over-year when adjusted for the increased automotive mix, with shipments expected to be similar to Q3 [54][56] Question: Can you comment on the volume growth from the new auto agreements? - The new contracts are expected to generate more margin, and the company has significant capacity to meet the automotive industry's needs [61][62]

Core Insights - Broad Arrow Auctions, a subsidiary of Hagerty, is launching its inaugural Las Vegas Auction on October 31, featuring a selection of high-value collector cars and memorabilia [1][2][3] Auction Details - The auction will showcase 68 collector cars and two Formula One memorabilia lots, held at the Wynn Las Vegas [2] - The event is part of the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, creating a weekend dedicated to car enthusiasts [2] Featured Cars - The auction is headlined by a 2010 Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 Coupe, estimated between $1.5 million and $1.8 million, and a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, estimated between $1.45 million and $1.6 million [3][4] - The Bugatti Veyron is one of only 252 original units, with a low mileage of 6,515 miles [3] - The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster is one of approximately 270 units with original features and has been recently serviced [3] Additional Highlights - The auction includes notable collections such as the Lone Star Sports Car Collection, featuring a 1963 Maserati 3500 GTI Vignale Spyder Prototype estimated at $475,000 to $575,000 [5] - The Cobalt Collection features modern performance cars, including a 2001 BMW Z8 estimated at $275,000 to $325,000 [6][9] Modern Collectibles - High-performance modern cars include two Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLRs, with estimates of $850,000 to $950,000 for a 2009 Roadster and $600,000 to $700,000 for a 2006 Coupe [11][12] - A 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano is also featured, estimated at $400,000 to $450,000 [13] Event Logistics - The auction is scheduled for October 31 at 3:00 PM PDT, with previews on October 30 and 31 [13][14] - Interested bidders can register and view the complete digital catalog online [14]

Core Insights - Broad Arrow Auctions, a subsidiary of Hagerty, is set to host its inaugural Las Vegas Auction on October 31, 2025, in partnership with Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, featuring a complete digital catalog of collector cars and memorabilia [1][2]. Auction Details - The auction will showcase 68 collector cars and two Formula One memorabilia lots, held in the Bandol 1 Room at Wynn Las Vegas, with cars displayed at the Wynn Golf Club [2]. - The event is part of the Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, providing a weekend of activities for car enthusiasts [2]. Featured Cars - The auction highlights include a 2010 Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 Coupe, estimated between $1,500,000 and $1,800,000, and a 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, estimated between $1,450,000 and $1,600,000 [3]. - The Bugatti Veyron is one of only 252 original Coupes, with a low mileage of 6,515 miles, while the 300 SL Roadster retains its original components and is presented in its original colors [3]. Additional Collections - The auction will feature the Lone Star Sports Car Collection, which includes notable models such as a 1963 Maserati 3500 GTI Vignale Spyder Prototype (Estimate: $475,000 - $575,000) and a 1959 BMW 503 Series II Cabriolet (Estimate: $425,000 - $475,000) [5]. - The Cobalt Collection will also be present, featuring performance cars like a 2001 BMW Z8 (Estimate: $275,000 - $325,000) and a 2013 Dodge SRT Viper GTS Launch Edition (Estimate: $160,000 - $200,000) [6]. Modern Collectibles - The auction includes high-performance modern collectibles such as a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S (Estimate: $850,000 - $950,000) and a 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Coupe by MSO (Estimate: $600,000 - $700,000) [8][9]. - Additional modern collectibles include a 2023 Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano (Estimate: $400,000 - $450,000) [10]. Event Schedule - The Las Vegas Auction is scheduled for October 31 at 3:00 PM PDT, with previews on October 30 and 31 [10].