Core Viewpoint - Fluence Energy, Inc. is a key player in the energy storage sector, providing innovative solutions that enhance grid reliability and efficiency, crucial for the transition to renewable energy sources [1] Group 1: Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - On February 9, 2026, Jefferies upgraded Fluence Energy's stock from Hold to Buy, with the stock priced at $19.40 at the time of the upgrade [2] - The stock opened at $20.40, up from a previous close of $18.95, before settling at $19.21, with a trading volume of nearly 1.93 million shares [2] - Recent analyst activity shows a positive shift, with Wall Street Zen upgrading the stock from "sell" to "hold," and Canaccord Genuity Group raising their price target from $10 to $25, assigning a "buy" rating [3] Group 2: Market Activity and Volatility - Fluence Energy's stock experienced a slight decrease of 0.21%, changing by $0.04, with a trading range for the day between $18.29 and $20.72 [4] - Over the past year, the stock has seen a high of $33.51 and a low of $3.46, indicating significant volatility [4] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $2.54 billion, with a trading volume of 7,032,459 shares, suggesting strong investor interest [5]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call on Battery Industry Industry Overview - The conference call focused on the battery industry, particularly the U.S. Electric Vehicle (EV) and Energy Storage System (ESS) markets, with insights from SNE Research [1][3]. Core Insights U.S. ESS Market Dynamics - The U.S. ESS market is expected to face near-term supply constraints, transitioning to Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) prismatic batteries, with localized ESS costs becoming competitive from 2026 [4][7]. - SNE Research projects robust demand for North America's ESS, driven by grid-scale deployments and increasing power needs from AI data centers. However, supply constraints may lead to a temporary market contraction from 2025 to 2027 due to regulatory restrictions and supply limitations affecting Chinese battery imports [4][7]. - In 2024, Chinese imports are projected to supply approximately 65 GWh to North America, but delays or cancellations of projects are anticipated from 2025 due to these constraints [4][7]. - Korean battery manufacturers are expected to increase their market share in North America to about 87% by 2027 as localized production capacity grows [4][16]. U.S. EV Battery Demand - U.S. EV battery demand is expected to remain weak through 2028, attributed to slower EV adoption, easing environmental regulations, and increased support for fossil fuels [7]. - Despite the anticipated cost parity of U.S. onshore LFP cell production with Chinese imports by 2026, a significant oversupply in the overall battery market is projected due to front-loaded capacity additions [7]. Technological Developments - Korean cell manufacturers are focusing on cost differentiation through incremental technological advancements rather than niche market opportunities. Key areas of development include silicon-based anodes, lithium-metal anodes, and cobalt-free cathode materials [8]. - LMR cathodes are highlighted as a promising mid-to-low-cost option with higher energy density than LFP at comparable costs. Sodium-ion batteries are viewed as a long-term alternative for ESS, while solid-state batteries are expected to see initial commercialization between 2027 and 2030 [8]. Additional Important Insights - The transition to LFP chemistry and prismatic form factors for ESS is expected to be gradual as Korean manufacturers adapt their existing EV production lines [4]. - Cost advantages for locally produced ESS container systems are projected to widen after 2026, making them more competitive against imports [4][11]. - The overall supply-demand imbalance for batteries in North America is expected to worsen through 2028, despite strong ESS demand [7]. Conclusion - The battery industry is undergoing significant changes, with supply constraints and technological advancements shaping the market landscape. The focus on cost-effectiveness and local production capabilities will be crucial for companies operating in this space.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Q2 Metals Corp. (TSX.V: QTWO | OTCQB: QUEXF | FSE: 458) (“Q2” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Director Keith Phillips to the role of Executive Chair of the Board of Directors of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Phillips joined the board of Q2 Metals in October 2025 after serving as Chief Executive Officer of Piedmont Lithium (“Piedmont”) from its inception in 2017 to its merger with Sayona Mining in 2025. Under ...

Summary of Pacira BioSciences FY Conference Call (January 14, 2026) Company Overview - **Company**: Pacira BioSciences (NasdaqGS:PCRX) - **Mission**: Deliver innovative, non-opioid pain management therapies to transform lives [2][3] - **Sales**: Reported unaudited sales of $726 million for the previous year [2] - **Employees**: Over 800 engaged employees [2] - **Patients Served**: More than 18 million patients helped to date [2] Product Portfolio - **Key Products**: - **Exparel**: Flagship product for nerve block - **Zilretta**: Long-acting corticosteroid for osteoarthritis pain - **Iovera**: Medical device using cryoneurolysis for pain management [3] Strategic Developments - **5x30 Strategy**: Aims to help over 3 million patients by 2030, achieve double-digit top-line growth, expand profitability by five points, add five new programs to the pipeline, and establish five partnerships [6][7] - **Partnerships**: - **Johnson & Johnson MedTech**: Triples reach for Zilretta [9] - **LG Chem**: Gains commercial rights for Exparel in Asia-Pacific, with potential for Zilretta sales [10] - **Intellectual Property**: Strong IP estate with 21 patents, providing robust defense against future Paragraph IV filers [5][12] Financial Performance - **Stock Performance**: 40% increase in stock price from January to December [5] - **Profitability**: Expected margins of 80%-82% for the current year [7] - **Share Buyback**: $150 million worth of stock repurchased, reducing outstanding shares to 41 million [11] Pipeline and Data Catalysts - **Upcoming Data Catalysts**: - **PCRX201**: Local gene therapy with promising phase one results [8][22] - **Iovera Spasticity**: Interim readout expected in the first half of the year [21] - **Zilretta for OA of the Shoulder**: Registrational study readout anticipated [21] Market Access and Growth Strategy - **NOPAIN Legislation**: Aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions; 102 million lives covered by the end of the year [19] - **Market Access**: Over 90% of business contracted, with ongoing efforts to educate stakeholders [20][44] - **Volume Growth**: Notable growth in the second half of the year, with 9% and 7% volume growth in Q3 and Q4 respectively [36] Challenges and Future Outlook - **Behavior Change**: Ongoing efforts to drive behavior change among healthcare professionals regarding non-opioid pain management [31] - **Market Education**: Continued focus on educating physicians and patients about the benefits of non-opioid options [41][43] - **Long-term Potential**: Exploration of additional indications for PCRX201, including potential for repeat dosing and expansion to other joints [33][35] Conclusion - **Overall Sentiment**: The company is optimistic about its growth trajectory, driven by a strong product pipeline, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to transforming pain management [28][30]

Core Insights - Pacira BioSciences (PCRX) has entered a partnership with LG Chem to enhance access to opioid-sparing postsurgical pain management in select Asia-Pacific markets, granting LG Chem exclusive rights to commercialize Exparel [1][6] Group 1: Partnership Details - The agreement includes an undisclosed upfront payment, a transfer price, and tiered royalties on future sales generated by LG Chem in the licensed markets [2] - Pacira will manufacture Exparel, while LG Chem will manage regulatory filings and approvals, with plans to submit marketing authorization applications in South Korea and Thailand within six months [2][6] Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The partnership aims to extend Exparel's reach into Asia-Pacific markets, supporting Pacira's long-term growth strategy by tapping into a large surgical patient base [3] - Exparel's extended duration of action addresses the demand for advanced postsurgical pain management solutions in Asian markets, where reliance on short-acting analgesics is prevalent [4] Group 3: Financial Implications - The collaboration is expected to expand Exparel's commercial footprint and create new revenue channels outside the United States, which is crucial as Pacira reported preliminary fourth-quarter revenues of $196.9 million, a 5% year-over-year increase but below market expectations [9] - Management is positioning the international expansion of Exparel as a key lever to drive incremental sales and improve overall revenue momentum [9] Group 4: Product Portfolio - In addition to Exparel, Pacira's marketed portfolio includes Zilretta, an extended-release therapy for osteoarthritis knee pain, and the iovera system, a device for delivering cold temperature to targeted nerves [10]

Core Insights - Pacira BioSciences has partnered with LG Chem to expand access to opioid-sparing postsurgical pain control in select Asia-Pacific markets through the exclusive commercialization of EXPAREL [1][2] Company Overview - Pacira BioSciences is focused on delivering innovative, non-opioid pain therapies, with three commercial-stage products: EXPAREL, ZILRETTA, and iovera® [3] - EXPAREL is a long-acting local analgesic approved for various postsurgical pain management techniques [3] - ZILRETTA is an extended-release injectable for osteoarthritis knee pain management [3] - Iovera® is a handheld device providing immediate, long-acting, drug-free pain control [3] - The company is advancing a pipeline of clinical-stage assets, including PCRX-201, a gene therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee in Phase 2 development [3] Partnership Details - LG Chem will have exclusive rights to commercialize EXPAREL in the designated territories, leveraging its experience in orthopedic pain management [2] - Pacira will receive an undisclosed upfront payment, a transfer price, and tiered royalties on future sales by LG Chem [2] - LG Chem is responsible for obtaining regulatory approvals in the licensed territories, with plans to file for marketing authorizations in South Korea and Thailand within six months [2]

Core Insights - The global elastomers market was valued at $112.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $177.7 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2025 to 2030 [1][7]. Market Dynamics and Growth Factors - Increased production of lightweight automotive components, electric vehicles (EVs), medical devices, and consumer electronics is creating new opportunities for elastomer manufacturing [2]. - Advanced medical treatments and the demand for biocompatible elastomers are driving global demand, with applications in various medical devices such as ECG sensors and disposable medical devices [3]. - The demand for EVs and lightweight vehicles positively impacts the elastomers market, as they can replace some metal and ceramic compounds, aiding manufacturers in reducing their carbon footprint [4]. Report Scope - The report covers various types, processes, and end uses of elastomers, with estimated values based on manufacturers' total revenue, projected in constant U.S. dollars [5]. - It includes a comprehensive analysis of global market trends, historical revenue data, and forecasts for the elastomers market [10]. Key Attributes - The report consists of 153 pages, covering a forecast period from 2025 to 2030, with an estimated market value of $120.4 billion in 2025 and a forecasted value of $177.7 billion by 2030 [7]. Emerging Technologies and Developments - The report highlights the evolution of vitrimer polymers technology, development of polyolefin catalysts, and the use of AI systems for TPPU production as key technological advancements [11]. Market Segmentation - The elastomers market is segmented by type (thermosets and thermoplastics), process (injection molding, extrusion, adhesive, coating, and others), end use (automotive, industrial, medical, consumer goods, building and construction, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa) [15]. Companies Featured - Leading companies in the elastomers industry include BASF, Dow, LG Chem, Covestro AG, and Arkema, among others [12][15].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the **energy storage system (ESS)** battery demand driven by surging US data center and AI power needs, with Korean battery manufacturers positioned to benefit from rising tariffs and localization requirements in the US market [1][2][3] Core Insights 1. **US ESS Battery Demand Projections**: - Demand forecasts for US ESS batteries are variable, with projections ranging from 100 GWh to 180 GWh by 2030. The current estimates lean towards the lower end due to conservative assumptions about peak demand growth and coal plant retirements [46][47] - The expectation is that battery storage will not fully close the surplus created by weak EV demand through 2028, despite some absorption of excess capacity through EV to ESS line conversions [47][67] 2. **Battery Pricing Trends**: - Global battery prices are expected to fall to **US$87/kWh** by 2026, but US prices will likely remain at least **15% higher** than the global average due to labor and logistics costs [2][70][77] - The total cost of ownership (TCO) for US battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is projected to reach parity with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by **2028**, delayed from previous estimates of 2026 [2][25][79] 3. **European Market Dynamics**: - European EV demand is recovering, but Chinese battery imports continue to exert downward pressure on costs, with Chinese exports being approximately **30% cheaper** than Korean production costs [3][85] - The increasing penetration of Chinese OEMs in Europe is contributing to the growth of BEV sales, with market share rising from **0.2%** in January 2024 to **4.2%** in October 2025 [85][89] 4. **Korean Battery Manufacturers' Strategies**: - LG Energy Solution (LGES) is expected to lead in plant utilization by diversifying its product offerings and rapidly recalibrating its assets to meet ESS demand. The company aims to ramp up its LFP battery capacity significantly by the end of 2026 [9][103] - Other Korean manufacturers like Samsung SDI are also expected to benefit from robust growth in ESS shipments, despite facing challenges in the EV battery segment [9][11] Additional Important Insights - **Tariffs and Subsidies**: The AMPC and ITC incentives are crucial for maintaining cost competitiveness for domestic producers as volumes ramp up, potentially allowing the US battery market to move closer to balance by 2027 [47][64] - **Market Surplus**: A surplus of **80 GWh** is anticipated by 2027, but this could be mitigated if high-end battery storage scenarios materialize [67][69] - **Investment Recommendations**: The report suggests a "Buy" rating for LG Chem and Samsung SDI, while maintaining a "Neutral" rating for LGES due to current valuations reflecting base case forecasts [9][11] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, highlighting the dynamics of the battery industry, pricing trends, and strategic moves by major players in the market.

Group 1 - The core theme of the news is the transition of autonomous vehicles from pilot programs to commercial operations, highlighted by NVIDIA's partnerships with Mercedes-Benz and a robotaxi alliance with Lucid and Uber [1] - Waymo plans to expand its services to 12 new cities this year, aiming for over one million weekly rides, indicating significant growth in the autonomous vehicle sector [1] - The iShares Self-Driving EV and Tech ETF (IDRV) provides exposure to the entire autonomous vehicle value chain, holding $168 million in assets and trading at a P/E ratio of around 13, which is considered low for a technology ETF [2][4] Group 2 - IDRV's asset allocation includes major players in the autonomous vehicle ecosystem, such as Tesla (4.7%), Rivian (3.9%), and BYD (3.9%), showcasing a diversified investment approach [2][3] - The fund's equal-weight methodology limits single-company risk, with the top holding representing only 4.7% of assets, which is crucial given the competitive landscape of the autonomous vehicle market [3] - IDRV has outperformed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 over the past year, returning 32% compared to the S&P 500's 18% and Nasdaq-100's 22% [6]

Key Takeaways from Bernstein Energy Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Energy Sector, focusing on oil, gas, and renewables - **Key Trends for 2025**: The report outlines significant trends and investment implications in the energy sector as it heads into 2025 Core Insights 1. **Energy Transition Timeline**: The transition to renewable energy will take longer than anticipated, with net zero targets being aspirational rather than achievable in the short term. The IEA has revised its peak oil demand forecast to 2040, indicating a need for continued investment in oil and gas [6][26] 2. **Oil Market Dynamics**: The oil market is oversupplied, with Brent prices declining from US$81/bbl to US$68/bbl. Demand growth is weak, particularly from China, which has reached peak gasoline and diesel consumption [7][8] 3. **Gas Supply Surge**: A significant increase in LNG supply is expected, with 150MTPA of new capacity coming online, while demand in major markets like China and Japan is declining. This could lead to a gas glut [12][26] 4. **Electricity Demand Growth**: Power demand is projected to double by 2050, driven by factors such as AI, electrification of transport, and increased cooling needs due to climate change. Electricity is becoming a larger share of final energy consumption [16][19] 5. **Investment in Renewables**: Despite some project cancellations, 2025 is expected to be a record year for solar and wind installations, particularly in China, which is leading in renewable capacity additions [26][27] 6. **Oil Majors' Investment Strategies**: Oil companies are scaling back investments in low-carbon technologies and focusing on core activities, with a resurgence in exploration and M&A activities [25][26] 7. **Critical Minerals and Supply Chains**: China’s dominance in critical minerals is crucial for clean energy technologies, and decoupling from China will take significant time and investment [34][36] 8. **AI and Power Supply**: The US and China are in an AI arms race, with China leading in power supply capacity but lagging in chip manufacturing. This creates investment opportunities in companies that address these bottlenecks [40][41] 9. **Energy Storage Market**: The energy storage market has seen unexpected growth, with demand for lithium-ion batteries increasing by nearly 50%. This trend is driven by energy storage systems (ESS) [45][46] 10. **Nuclear Power Resurgence**: Nuclear energy is experiencing a revival, particularly in China, which is expected to become the largest nuclear operator by the end of the decade [46][47] 11. **Grid Investment Needs**: Significant investment in electricity grids is necessary to support the growing demand from data centers and renewables, particularly in the US and Europe [51][52] 12. **Geopolitical Uncertainties**: Investors should remain cautious of geopolitical risks that could impact energy markets, as historical events have shown that surprises are inevitable [54][55] Additional Important Insights - **Market Performance Ratings**: Various companies in the energy sector have been rated based on their performance outlook, with notable mentions including CATL, CNOOC, and PetroChina [3][4] - **Investment Implications**: The report emphasizes the need for investors to adapt to changing market dynamics, particularly in oil and gas, as well as in renewable energy sectors [3][4][5] This summary encapsulates the critical insights and trends discussed in the Bernstein Energy conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and future outlook of the energy sector.