[music] So companies spend millions on AI tools for software engineering. But do we actually know how well these tools work in the enterprise or are these tools just all hype. To answer this and for the past two years, we've been researching the impact of AI on software engineering productivity.And our research is time series because we look at get historical data, meaning we can go back in time. And it's also cross-sectional because we cut across companies. And the way we use to measure most of the of the ...

Core Insights - The life insurance industry is focusing on redesigning and repricing products to maintain sales and profitability, with increased automation expected to drive premium growth and efficiency [1][5] - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut to 3.5%-3.75% poses challenges for life insurers as they invest premiums to meet guaranteed obligations [1][3] - The life insurance market is projected to grow, with gross written premiums expected to reach $1.34 trillion by 2025 and $2.5 trillion by 2026 [2][4] Industry Overview - The Zacks Life Insurance industry includes companies providing life insurance and retirement benefits, with a growing demand for protection products driven by an increasing number of baby boomers [2] - Economic growth is fostering confidence in the market, although rising mortality costs may impact profitability [2] Trends Impacting the Industry - Interest rates have been lowered, which may weigh on investment returns for life insurers, but could also relieve pressure on indexed universal life and whole life sales [3] - Product redesigning is leading to a shift away from long-duration term life insurance, with a focus on investment products that offer bundled covers [4] - The adoption of technology is increasing, with insurers leveraging digital platforms and AI to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs [5] Market Performance - The life insurance industry has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 and the Finance sector, with a year-to-date gain of 4.7% compared to 15% for the Finance sector and 18.6% for the S&P 500 [9] - The industry's current price-to-book (P/B) ratio is 1.89X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 8.51X and the Finance sector's 4.22X [11] Company Highlights - Jackson Financial (Zacks Rank 1) is expected to grow due to diversified product sales and a strong contribution from Registered Index-Linked Annuities [15][16] - F&G Annuities & Life (Zacks Rank 1) is evolving into a fee-based, higher-margin business, capitalizing on demographic trends and untapped market demand [20] - AIA Group (Zacks Rank 2) benefits from a strong agent force and a shareholder-friendly capital return program, with earnings expected to grow [25] - Manulife Financial (Zacks Rank 2) is well-positioned for growth due to its strong Asia business and investments in digital capabilities [28] - Lincoln National (Zacks Rank 2) is expected to benefit from a recovering Group Protection business and pricing discipline [32]

Well, I think that the the unproductive bubbles I would describe as financial fads. Portfolio insurance was one, subprime mortgages was another. Just, you know, financial activities that become fashionable, zoom into popularity, get overhyped and then recede.But then there are bubbles which are based on technological progress, starting with the steam engine, the railroad, the radio, the automobile, computers, internet, etc.. And these actually push society ahead and change it irreversibly. But in the proces ...

Core Insights - Freight Technologies, Inc. is advancing its transition towards a software- and AI-driven logistics model, enhancing automation and real-time intelligence across its solutions [2][5] - The company has improved its operating performance despite challenges such as elevated tariffs and cross-border uncertainties, focusing on product innovation and execution [2][5] - For the full year 2025, the company expects revenue between $12 million and $14 million, with an operating loss projected between $5.5 million and $6.5 million [5] Business Highlights - The AI Lab developed autonomous voice-agent capabilities for the Zayren platform, improving automation and accuracy [2] - Fleet Rocket's adoption is expanding, with more customers integrating the platform into their operations [2] - The company has established new tracking integrations to enhance real-time geolocation data for shippers and carriers across North America [7] Financial Highlights - In Q3 2025, the operating loss improved year-over-year by $0.4 million, from $1.7 million in Q3 2024 to $1.3 million in Q3 2025, driven by a higher-margin brokerage business and lower operating expenses [7] - Year-to-date operating loss improved by $1.2 million from $5.5 million in YTD 2024 to $4.3 million in YTD 2025 [7] - Revenue for Q3 2025 was $2.46 million, compared to $1.89 million in Q3 2024, while total costs and expenses increased from $3.59 million in Q3 2024 to $3.79 million in Q3 2025 [12] Cash Flow and Balance Sheet - As of September 30, 2025, the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $291,940, an increase from $204,032 at the end of 2024 [15] - Total assets increased to $12.20 million from $5.69 million at the end of 2024, reflecting improved working capital and capital structure management [15][16] - The company has strengthened its equity position and increased cash balances while lowering interest expenses [7]

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has reduced the benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.5-3.75%, marking a total reduction of 75 basis points in 2025 after a 1% cut in 2024, and will begin purchasing $40 billion in Treasury Bills [1] Group 1: Fintech Sector Performance - The fintech sector's performance is inversely related to interest rate movements, benefiting from a low-interest-rate environment which supports technological improvement and product innovation [2] - The expansion of mobile and broadband networks, along with advancements in AI and machine learning, positions fintech for significant growth, enhancing banking, payments, and investment solutions [3] Group 2: Recommended Fintech Stocks - Five mid-cap fintech stocks are recommended for investment: EVERTEC Inc. (EVTC), Enova International Inc. (ENVA), LendingClub Corp. (LC), OppFi Inc. (OPFI), and Bread Financial Holdings Inc. (BFH), all of which have favorable Zacks Ranks [4][9] - These stocks are expected to benefit from the Fed's rate cut, with improved earnings estimates for the upcoming year amid growing fintech demand [9] Group 3: Company-Specific Insights - **EVERTEC Inc. (EVTC)**: Engaged in transaction processing primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 5.3% and 4% respectively for next year [7][10] - **Enova International Inc. (ENVA)**: Provides online financial services with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 15.8% and 10.5% respectively for next year [11][12] - **LendingClub Corp. (LC)**: Offers an online marketplace for loans, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 13.2% and 35.7% respectively for next year [13] - **OppFi Inc. (OPFI)**: Provides a financial technology platform for consumer credit access, with expected revenue and earnings growth rates of 9.1% and 8.6% respectively for next year [14] - **Bread Financial Holdings Inc. (BFH)**: Focuses on personalized financial solutions, with expected revenue growth of 3.3% and a decline in earnings of -9.6% for next year [15][17]

5 Ways AI Will Transform The Manager Role In 2026The leaders who succeed in the coming year won't be machine learning experts. They'll be the ones who grasp how AI transforms human work and can guide their teams through that shift with clarity, empathy and humility.Here are five ways AI will transform the role of manager in 2026. https://t.co/IUlDKo0CKD ...

Agreement follows Sunnyside PPA announcement and further strengthens NextNRG’s pipeline of long-term, asset-backed contracted revenueMiami, FL, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextNRG, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered, today announced it has executed a 28-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Topanga Terrace Rehabilitation & Subacute Care Center, an assisted living and rehabilitation facility in Canoga Park, Califo ...

Core Insights - NetraMark Holdings Inc. has secured a new contract with a global biopharmaceutical company to provide analytics support for a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial, highlighting the company's growing influence in the pharmaceutical sector [1][2]. Group 1: Contract and Project Details - The new engagement is part of an existing master services agreement and represents a discrete project aimed at enhancing decision support in Phase 3 trials, showcasing the increasing interest in NetraAI technology [2][4]. - NetraMark will utilize its NetraAI platform to identify and characterize patient subpopulations, including responders and non-responders, which will aid in interpreting treatment response patterns and variability within the study population [3][4]. Group 2: Technology and Methodology - NetraAI is designed to separate small datasets into explainable and unexplainable subsets, which helps avoid overfitting and enhances the accuracy of insights derived from clinical trials [5][6]. - The technology's unique focus mechanisms allow for better segmentation of diseases and classification of patient responses, thereby increasing the likelihood of clinical trial success [5][6]. Group 3: Company Position and Future Outlook - The CEO of NetraMark emphasized the growing trust from biopharmaceutical companies in the value of explainable AI for high-stakes development programs, indicating a positive trajectory for the company's future engagements [4][7]. - This contract reinforces NetraMark's position in AI-powered clinical trial optimization and suggests potential for further growth as the company becomes integrated into standard operating procedures of biopharmaceutical firms [4][7].

Core Insights - Advantest Corporation has launched the T2000 AiR2X, a next-generation air-cooled test system designed to meet the increasing demand for compact and cost-efficient testers in high-mix, low-volume production environments [1][2] - The T2000 AiR2X offers double the test resources compared to its predecessor, the T2000 AiR, while maintaining low power and air-cooling requirements [1][2] - The new system is fully compatible with the existing T2000 test system, facilitating seamless migration from older models [1][2] Market Demand and Positioning - The T2000 AiR2X addresses the need for end-of-life support for legacy systems like the T6500 and T7700 series, as well as ongoing replacement needs for compact air-cooled testers [2] - With a significant number of air-cooled SoC test systems in operation globally, Advantest is well-positioned to meet sustained demand in this growing market [2] Product Features and Benefits - The T2000 AiR2X supports up to 12 measurement modules, including functional/SCAN tests and high-precision DC testing up to 320V, which enhances its versatility [3][4] - The system's multisite controller function significantly reduces test time during volume production, improving deployment efficiency [3] - Incorporating the T2000 RECT550 performance board, the T2000 AiR2X allows for a wide range of configurations and utilizes the same program environment as the T2000, streamlining platform migration and implementation [4] Initial Evaluations and Applications - Initial evaluations of the T2000 AiR2X confirm its broad application coverage across various sectors, including industrial MCUs, consumer ASICs, automotive battery-monitoring ICs, and power analog applications [5] - The system is set to enter general availability later this month, indicating a timely introduction to the market [5] Company Overview - Advantest Corporation is a leading manufacturer of automatic test and measurement equipment for semiconductor design and production, with applications in 5G communications, IoT, autonomous vehicles, and high-performance computing [6] - Founded in Tokyo in 1954, Advantest has a global presence and is committed to sustainable practices and social responsibility [6]

Oportun Financial Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Oportun Financial (Ticker: OPRT) - **Industry**: Financial Services, specifically focused on providing borrowing and saving solutions to low to moderate-income individuals - **Founded**: 2005 - **Key Metrics**: - Approximately 8 million loans originated - Over $21 billion in credit extended - 1.3 million members helped to build credit histories [2][3] Financial Performance - **Revenue Guidance for 2025**: Expected to generate $950-$955 million [3] - **Adjusted EBITDA**: Projected between $137-$143 million [3] - **GAAP Profitability**: Achieved for the last four consecutive quarters with $31 million in earnings [3] - **Q3 2025 Results**: - Total revenue: $239 million - Net income: $5.2 million - Adjusted net income: $19 million, with adjusted EPS of $0.39, up from $0.02 last year [18][22] - Originations: $512 million, up 7% year-over-year [18] - Operating expenses: $91 million, down 11% from the prior year [18] Product Offerings - **Unsecured Personal Loans**: Largest and most profitable segment, average loan size of $3,100, average term of 26 months, and weighted average APR of 35.8% [4][5] - **Secured Personal Loans**: Grew approximately 50% quarterly, now representing 8% of the portfolio, with an average loan size of $6,400 and weighted average APR of 34% [5][6] - **Set and Save Savings Product**: Rated highly by Bankrate and Forbes, helping members save an average of $1,800 annually [10][11] Underwriting and Risk Management - **Underwriting Model**: 100% centralized and automated using AI and machine learning, allowing for precise credit and fraud decisions [7][8] - **Credit Performance**: - 30-plus day delinquency rate at the higher end of expectations, leading to tightened credit [12][16] - Median gross income of approved borrowers: approximately $50,000 [14] - Losses on front book loans 700 basis points lower than back book loans [16] Strategic Priorities - **2025 Focus**: - Improving credit outcomes - Strengthening business economics - Identifying high-quality originations [11] - **Referral Program**: Grew 25% to $31 million in Q3, contributing to overall originations [12] Market Position and Outlook - **Target Market**: Low to moderate-income consumers, with a focus on those underserved by traditional credit providers [25] - **Addressable Market**: Expected to remain stable, with a higher number of individuals living paycheck to paycheck [25][26] - **Future Growth**: Anticipated growth through increased marketing efforts without loosening credit standards [26][27] Capital Structure and Liquidity - **Debt to Equity Ratio**: Reduced from 7.3 times to 7.1 times [19] - **Cash Position**: Total cash of $224 million, with $105 million unrestricted [21] - **Interest Expense**: Declined by $3 million sequentially, with ongoing efforts to reduce high-cost corporate debt [20][34] Conclusion - **Key Takeaways**: - Consistent GAAP profitability and improved financial performance - Strong focus on credit discipline and operational efficiency - Positive outlook for growth and shareholder value in 2025 and beyond [22][36]