SaaS Markets Have Crashed in 2026. But Is Private Credit the Even Bigger Risk? We all know software stocks have entered a bear market in 2026. But the debt side of software might end up being a much bigger deal.IGV is down 23%+ year-to-date. $285 billion in market cap wiped out in a single day. Software P/S ratios compressed from 9x to 6x — levels we haven’t seen since the mid-2010s. But it’s more than just stocks going down.It puts huge stress on private credit’s $600-750 billion exposure to software comp ...

Group 1: Company Performance - Conestoga Capital Advisors reported that Rollins, Inc. (NYSE:ROL) stock closed at $60.92 per share on February 19, 2026, with a one-month return of -3.16% and a 52-week gain of 18.78% [2] - Rollins, Inc. achieved record revenue of $3.8 billion in 2025, reflecting an 11% year-over-year increase [4] - The company demonstrated organic growth of 7.2%, driven by commercial organic growth of 8.4%, and reported strong incremental margins of 35% [3] Group 2: Investment Insights - Rollins, Inc. is characterized as a premier global consumer and commercial services company, providing essential pest control services through brands like Orkin, and remains a core holding due to its defensive characteristics and ability to compound earnings through various economic cycles [3] - Despite the potential of Rollins, Inc. as an investment, the company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 48 hedge fund portfolios holding its shares at the end of Q3 2025, up from 42 in the previous quarter [4] - Conestoga Capital Advisors noted that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk compared to Rollins, Inc. [4]

Core Viewpoint - UBS has lowered its price target on Moody's Corp to $490 from $515 while maintaining a Neutral rating, indicating a cautious outlook despite recent performance improvements [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Moody's shares have outperformed following a solid quarterly report and constructive fiscal 2026 guidance, with the core ratings business expected to deliver high-single-digit revenue growth [1] - The outlook for Moody's core ratings business is viewed as stronger than that of S&P Global, suggesting potential for upside if capital markets remain supportive [1] Group 2: Segment Analysis - Moody's Analytics has shown mixed results relative to medium-term targets, although the company has undertaken selective divestitures to enhance growth prospects for this segment [2] Group 3: Competitive Positioning - Moody's is considered relatively insulated from artificial intelligence-related disruption risks that have affected parts of the information services sector, positioning it as a high-quality franchise with a favorable growth profile [3] - Despite its strong positioning, Moody's valuation trades at a meaningful premium to peers, which may limit its relative risk-reward attractiveness [3]

Group 1 - The article provides a market analysis focused on UBS Group AG, highlighting its recent performance and strategic initiatives [1] - UBS Group AG is positioned to capitalize on market trends, with a strong emphasis on wealth management and investment banking services [1] - The analysis indicates that UBS has seen significant growth in its assets under management, reflecting a robust demand for its financial services [1] Group 2 - The report discusses the competitive landscape in the investment banking sector, noting that UBS is well-equipped to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities [1] - UBS's financial results demonstrate resilience, with key metrics showing improvement compared to previous periods [1] - The analysis suggests that UBS's strategic focus on technology and innovation will enhance its service offerings and operational efficiency [1]

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LPL Financial LLC announced today that financial advisor Tom Madigan, CEPA®, has joined LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) and custodial platforms, aligned with Thimble Island Private Wealth, an existing firm supported by LPL Strategic Wealth (SW). He reported serving approximately $300 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement assets* and joins LPL from UBS. Based outside New Haven, Conn. in Branford, the Thimble Island team i ...

Core Viewpoint - Apollo Global Management's CEO Marc Rowan denies any business or personal relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, amidst ongoing scrutiny related to Epstein's past activities and correspondence with Apollo executives [1]. Company Statements - Apollo stated that neither Marc Rowan nor any other employee, except for Leon Black, had a relationship with Epstein [1]. - The company emphasized that the recent documents do not accuse Apollo or its executives of engaging in or being aware of Epstein's illicit activities [1]. - Apollo's response was prompted by teachers' unions requesting an SEC investigation into what they believe are misleading statements made by Apollo to its investors [1]. Historical Context - Leon Black, a co-founder of Apollo, left the company in early 2021 following a review of his ties to Epstein, which cleared him of wrongdoing [1]. - The review indicated that while Black attempted to introduce Epstein to his co-founders, no one else at Apollo seriously considered hiring Epstein [1]. Recent Developments - New documents reveal correspondence between Rowan's office and Epstein's office regarding at least five scheduled meetings, although it remains unverified if these meetings occurred [1]. - Apollo clarified that in certain instances, Rowan and other employees provided information to Epstein related to tax work for Black [1]. - Apollo stated that Epstein's attempts to work with the co-founders were declined consistently [1]. Broader Implications - The release of Epstein-related documents has led to increased scrutiny of Apollo's top officials, particularly in light of Epstein's past convictions and the ongoing fallout from his death [1]. - The American Federation of Teachers and the American Association of University Professors have expressed concerns regarding the implications of these documents for Apollo's leadership [1].

Core Insights - UBS raised its 2026 US investment grade issuance forecast to $1.8 trillion, citing increased hyperscaler capital expenditure [1] - The bank's US investment grade technology supply estimate increased to $360 billion, reflecting a significant rise in capital spending from major tech companies [1][2] - UBS maintained its forecasts for US high yield, European investment grade, and European high yield, while reducing its US leveraged loan projection [1][3] Investment Grade Issuance - The forecast for US investment grade issuance was increased due to stronger technology issuance and a rise in mergers and acquisitions, indicating a year-on-year growth of 22% [3] - Year-to-date US investment-grade issuance reached $296 billion, which is 31% higher than the previous year, with technology issuance more than doubling as a share of total supply [4] Hyperscaler Capital Expenditure - Aggregate hyperscaler capital expenditure guidance for 2026 rose by approximately $145 billion, leading to an expected public debt issuance increase of $40 billion to $50 billion [2] - Major companies like Amazon, Meta, and Google significantly raised their capital expenditure guidance, driving total projected hyperscaler capex to around $770 billion, which is about 23% higher than previous estimates [2] Leveraged Loans and Defaults - UBS reduced its leveraged loan forecast to $360 billion, citing concerns over artificial intelligence disruption risks being underpriced in loan and private credit markets [3] - The bank anticipates a marginal rise in leveraged loan defaults by roughly 2% and a spread widening to 610 basis points by the end of 2026, which may dampen refinancing and leveraged buyout activity [4] Reverse Yankee Issuance - UBS expects an increase in reverse yankee issuance, where US technology companies issue bonds in currencies like sterling and Swiss francs to diversify funding sources [5] - Despite hedged yields indicating that US dollar funding remains cheaper, particularly for longer maturities, this strategy is seen as a way to access different investor bases [5] Market Absorption and Positioning - The investment-grade market is believed to be able to absorb the additional supply, supported by muted sovereign and emerging market issuance and relatively tight spreads in structured credit [6] - UBS maintains a short position on US investment-grade technology versus the broader index, cautioning that spreads could widen despite strong demand [6]

Core Insights - Global financial firms, including Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp and Julius Baer Group, are expanding in India by establishing global capability centres to leverage local talent and competitive costs [1][3] - The expansion involves hiring at least 1,000 people collectively this year in cities like Chennai and Hyderabad [2] - The move is influenced by US immigration policies that complicate the deployment of Indian talent overseas, prompting firms to localize roles in India [4] Group 1: Expansion Plans - Sumitomo Mitsui and Julius Baer are joining US firms like Charles Schwab and Vanguard in hiring initiatives [2] - The roles being created will focus on research, payments, operations, and digital assets, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence and automation [6] - UBS Group AG has also opened a new global capability centre in Hyderabad, indicating a trend among global firms [6] Group 2: Industry Trends - India's role as a hub for global capability centres is growing, driven by the need for regulatory capabilities and cost-effective talent [3][5] - Rising compliance costs and stricter visa regulations are accelerating the shift towards India's GCC industry [5] - Other global financial firms, such as Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, are also establishing GCCs in India [5]

Bain Capital and UBS are lending a combined $382 million to an Australian health-equipment manufacturer Aidacare, sources say, in the latest example of private credit being used to help finance stakeholder returns https://t.co/BneV9EZwr1 ...

🚨 MARKETS: TOP FUND MANAGERS SAY GOLD IS GOING TO $6,200A Bank of America survey of 190 managers controlling $512B says gold hasn't peaked yet.JPMorgan targets $6,300. UBS says $6,200. Deutsche Bank calls $6,000. Gold already sits at $4,937 — up 67% YoY.Central banks are buying record amounts. The dollar is weakening. And crypto is bleeding.Here's what's driving the call 👇BSCN (@BSCNews):https://t.co/2ftonvaAh2 ...