February 8, 2026 03:47 PM GMT Software | North America Software Gut Check – AI IS Software Peak uncertainty has severely impacted Software multiples, as investor worry about potential AI impacts. GenAI fundamentally expands the capabilities of enterprise software – presenting opportunities along with risks, with the pullback giving attractive entry points in well positioned incumbents. Key Takeaways Setting the Stage – The AI Opportunity in Software. Generative AI represents the continuing expansion of what ...

About this content About Emily Jarvie Emily began her career as a political journalist for Australian Community Media in Hobart, Tasmania. After she relocated to Toronto, Canada, she reported on business, legal, and scientific developments in the emerging psychedelics sector before joining Proactive in 2022. She brings a strong journalism background with her work featured in newspapers, magazines, and digital publications across Australia, Europe, and North America, including The Examiner, The Advocate, ...

Core Insights - The Zacks Internet - Content industry is experiencing growth due to strong demand for digital offerings, video content, and cloud-based applications, aided by advancements in AI and Generative AI [1][3] - Despite growth opportunities, the industry faces challenges from macroeconomic conditions affecting advertising spending, which is a primary revenue source [1][4] Industry Description - The industry includes providers of video encoding platforms, Internet content, staffing services, and online travel companies, among others, and is undergoing rapid digitalization [2] - Advertising remains a major revenue source, prompting companies to enhance their digital presence across various platforms [2] Trends - There is a growing demand for digital offerings driven by technological advancements and the proliferation of smart devices [3] - The industry is characterized by frequent product introductions and evolving consumer behavior [3] Advertising and Revenue - Marketing efforts are focused on increasing website traffic, with advertising and subscriptions being key revenue sources [4] - Consumer spending trends, particularly during holidays, significantly influence revenue, although macroeconomic challenges are expected to impact ad spending in the near term [4] Regulatory Environment - Increased regulatory pressures, especially in China and the EU, are affecting industry participants, particularly regarding advertising practices [5] - The implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation and the Digital Markets Act in the EU adds to the challenges faced by online content providers [5] Industry Ranking - The Zacks Internet - Content industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 55, placing it in the top 23% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a generally positive outlook [6] - However, the near-term prospects are considered dim, with the industry underperforming compared to the broader market [7][10] Earnings Outlook - Analysts show optimism regarding the industry's earnings growth potential, with a 4.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings since November 30, 2025 [8] Stock Performance - The industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector over the past year, with a decline of 40.3% compared to the S&P 500's increase of 16.8% [10] Valuation - The industry is currently trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 3.66X, lower than the S&P 500's 6.61X and the sector's 8.32X [13] Company Highlights - **RELX**: A Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) company benefiting from a shift towards higher growth analytics and decision tools, with a steady earnings estimate of $1.95 per share for 2026 [16][17] - **Yelp**: A Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) stock experiencing growth from increased ad spending and consumer traffic, with a steady earnings estimate of $2.39 per share for 2026 [20][21]

One investing mistake I made about five years ago was selling Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) stock. I made a solid profit on the initial investment, then sold the shares when they were trading at about $150. With the stock at over $400 now, that was clearly a huge error. While Microsoft stock may not be that cheap anymore, it is cheaper than it has been in recent months. Thanks to a huge sell-off following its fiscal year 2026 Q2 earnings announcement (Q2 ended Dec. 31), Microsoft stock is now down more than 20% ...

Ruane, Cunniff LP, an investment adviser managing Sequoia Strategy, released its Q4 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Sequoia Strategy returned 9% in Q4 compared to 2.7% for the S&P 500 Index. The Strategy delivered a return of 21.9% in 2025 versus 17.9% for the Index. In a year characterized by both strength and volatility, the Strategy outperformed the Index. The firm strives to invest in high-quality, fundamentally and financially strong businesses at reasonable prices. T ...

Core Insights - ACG Packaging Materials' Shirwal site has been recognized by the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network for its advanced digital transformation [1][3] - This is ACG's second facility to receive such recognition, following the Pithampur capsules plant in 2023 [1] - The transformation at the Shirwal plant involved technologies such as generative AI, machine learning, deep learning, IIoT, and digital twin technologies [1] Performance Outcomes - The digital transformation led to a 40% reduction in lead times [2] - There was a 71% decrease in defects reported [2] - Energy usage was reduced by 31% [2] - Full on-time deliveries improved by 34% [2] Industry Context - The Global Lighthouse Network, initiated by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, recognizes manufacturing sites that excel in productivity, supply chain resilience, sustainability, talent development, and customer focus [3] - Kiva Allgood from the World Economic Forum emphasized that modern competitiveness is defined by the ability to adapt and respond quickly, highlighting the importance of intelligence-led operations [4] Company Commitment - ACG operates in 138 countries across six continents, showcasing its global reach [5] - The CEO of ACG Packaging Materials, S R Shivshankar, stated that the recognition reflects the commitment of the Shirwal team to integrate advanced digital technologies into manufacturing operations, enhancing quality, productivity, and sustainability [5]

Core Viewpoint - Global Mofy AI Limited has successfully delivered high-quality visual effects for the urban workplace comedy series "No Pain No Gain," which has gained significant popularity on Tencent Video since its premiere [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Global Mofy AI Limited is a generative AI-driven technology solutions provider focused on virtual content production and the development of 3D digital assets for the digital content industry [6]. - The company utilizes its proprietary "Mofy Lab" technology platform, which includes interactive 3D and AI technology, to create high-definition virtual versions of various physical world objects [6]. - Global Mofy Metaverse is recognized as one of the leading digital asset banks in China, boasting over 150,000 high-precision 3D digital assets [6]. Group 2: Project Details - The series "No Pain No Gain" features extensive VFX work, combining comedic storytelling with a fast-paced urban setting and stylized visuals [3]. - Global Mofy employed advanced generative AI tools and an AI-native production workflow to ensure high-quality and efficient delivery of VFX at scale [3][4]. - The production workflow integrates AI-assisted and automation-driven modules across key stages of the VFX pipeline, aiming to enhance throughput and maintain high visual standards [4]. Group 3: Market Impact - The series has attracted strong audience attention and online discussion, indicating a robust market appeal for premium episodic content that resonates with young viewers [2]. - The internal popularity metric, known as the "heat index," for "No Pain No Gain" has surpassed 24,000, with the series ranking No. 1 on both the real-time TV series list and the real-time trending search list on Tencent Video [1]. - The successful execution of this project helps strengthen Global Mofy's reputation and credibility within the industry, positioning the company as a reliable long-term partner for high-volume, high-quality digital content production [5].

Core Insights - Businesses are facing widening skills gaps and increasing hiring complexity as they enter 2026, with 62% of hiring managers reporting more pronounced skills gaps compared to the previous year [1][2] - Despite these challenges, 83% of managers are optimistic about their business outlook for 2026, with 60% planning to add permanent staff and 55% expecting to increase contract hiring [2][3] Skills Gaps and Hiring Plans - A significant percentage of hiring managers across key disciplines reported a lack of talent to complete priority projects, indicating widespread talent shortages [2][7] - More than half of managers plan to hire both permanent and contract professionals to address these skills gaps in 2026 [7] Impact of Generative AI - The rise of AI-generated applications is complicating the hiring process, with 65% of managers stating that hiring has become harder, and 58% finding it more difficult to identify qualified candidates [3][4] - Generative AI tools are leading to polished applications that may not accurately reflect candidates' real capabilities, making it challenging for employers to assess skills effectively [5][4] Employer Strategies - Organizations are adapting by utilizing a mix of permanent and contract hiring to close critical skills gaps and maintain agility in their operations [3][5] - Employers are increasingly relying on partners to rigorously evaluate talent, enhancing their ability to make confident hiring decisions [5]

Prof. Irwin commented: "Evogene is addressing core challenges in small-molecule discovery through a rigorous and data-driven computational approach. I am pleased to join the Scientific Advisory Board and support the continued advancement of ChemPass AIâ"¢, particularly in ligand discovery, virtual screening, and evidence-based decision-making." Appointments Strengthen Scientific Leadership and Support the Acceleration of ChemPass AIâ"¢ for Drug and Ag-Chemical Discovery REHOVOT, Israel, Feb. 9, 2026 /PRNews ...

Shares of mobile game advertising engine Applovin (NASDAQ: APP) plunged this week, falling 14.9% this week through Friday as of 3:15 p.m. EDT, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Applovin's stock fell on generalized fear over two new innovations in the mobile game world. Late last week, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) unveiled Project Genie, an AI-powered tool that allows users to create virtual worlds. Second, a new AI-based digital advertising start-up, CloudX, became generall ...