Geopolitical and Technological Shifts - The world is moving away from American unipolarity, with China emerging as a near-peer or potentially stronger adversary [1] - A revolution in artificial intelligence (AI) technology is underway, poised to transform all aspects of life, especially defense and military, within 5 to 10 years [2][3] - The integration of AI in defense raises policy questions about maintaining human oversight, particularly as adversaries may not prioritize it [4][5] Palantir's Strategy and Growth - Palantir aims to secure future contracts by leveraging its presence and investments in the UK [6] - The UK is considered a prime location outside the US and China for engineering talent needed to develop Palantir's software [6] - Palantir views the UK as a potential epicenter for defense and military technology development [6] - Palantir has 1 thousand people in London, its second-largest office globally, and plans to significantly expand its UK presence over the next 5 years [7] - The UK is seen as a key military power in Europe, a pillar of NATO, and a potential bridge to the rest of the continent, acting as a security guarantor [7][8]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is a significant investment theme, driving substantial inflows into thematic exchange-traded funds (ETFs) but carries inherent volatility risks [1][3][9] - Thematic ETFs can experience rapid gains and losses, with the Nasdaq showing signs of vulnerability recently [1][9] Thematic ETF Performance - Nearly 400 thematic ETFs exist, with top performers seeing over 150% gains year-to-date, while some have declined by 10% [2][3] - AI-focused ETFs have attracted almost $20 billion in inflows this year, with $15 billion specifically in ETFs with "AI" in their names [4][5] Notable Thematic ETFs - The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has approximately $7 billion in assets, with $3 billion in net flows this year, featuring top holdings like Advanced Micro Devices and Tesla [5] - The Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ) has around $3 billion in assets, with key holdings including Nvidia and Intuitive Surgical [5] Market Trends and Risks - Thematic ETFs require more research due to performance variability; for instance, AI-focused ETFs show a performance spread of 60% this year [6] - The ETF market has seen record launches, with over 4,300 U.S. listed ETFs now exceeding the number of individual stocks [7] Momentum and Investment Strategy - Some themes may lose momentum as companies mature and become part of broader indexes, leading to outflows from certain ETFs [8] - Thematic investing can be beneficial for investors who understand the associated risks and can handle short-term volatility [9][10] Top Disruptive Tech ETFs - First Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity (CIBR): $11.5 billion assets, 20% YTD performance [11] - iShares AI Innovation and Technology (BAI): $7.6 billion assets, 30.5% YTD performance [11] - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ): $7.2 billion assets, 33.6% YTD performance [11] - Roundhill Generative AI & Technology (CHAT): $1.1 billion assets, 55% YTD performance [12]

This Veterans Day, venture firm J2 is announcing a $250 million fund. J2 invests in companies at the intersection of consumer and defense technology. And joining us right now is J2's co-founder and managing partner, Alex Harstre.Alex happens to be a veteran himself. And Alex, on this Veterans Day, first of all, thank you for your service. I thought maybe you could just remind folks um what it is that you've done.You started actually as a healthc care consultant and then a venture capitalist, but you took a ...

Core Points - Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced the retirement of William J. (Bill) Lynn as Chairman and CEO after 14 years, with John Baylouny appointed as the new President & CEO effective January 1, 2026 [1][4] - Frances (Fran) Fragos Townsend has been elected as the new Chair of the Board of Directors, also effective January 1, 2026 [1][4] Company Leadership Transition - Bill Lynn has transformed Leonardo DRS into a technology-driven organization, focusing on advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion technologies [2][3] - Under Lynn's leadership, the company achieved significant contract wins, including propulsion content for the Columbia Class submarine and counter-UAS positions, contributing to durable growth [2] - John Baylouny, with over 35 years of experience at Leonardo DRS, has served as COO since late 2018 and is expected to ensure a seamless leadership transition [4][5] Board of Directors - Fran Townsend has been a Board director since 2009 and has extensive experience in both private and public sectors, including roles in the Department of Justice and as Assistant to President George W. Bush [6] - Townsend's deep understanding of the company and its strategic journey positions her well for the role of Board Chair [3][6] Company Overview - Leonardo DRS specializes in developing transformative defense technologies and delivering innovative solutions for U.S. national security customers and allies [7] - The company focuses on high-performance, multi-domain capabilities across next-generation advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion [7]

Core Insights - Dominari Securities LLC has raised over $1.4 billion in capital markets activity year-to-date to support American companies in key innovation sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense technology, financial infrastructure, and next-generation computing [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Dominari Holdings Inc. operates through its subsidiaries in wealth management, investment banking, sales and trading, and asset management, aiming to enhance shareholder value through organic growth and opportunities in sectors like AI and Data Centers [5]. - The mission of Dominari Securities LLC is to create wealth for stakeholders by capitalizing on emerging trends in financial services and identifying early-stage opportunities expected to yield high returns [6]. Group 2: Investment Focus - The capital raised by Dominari includes direct investments, structured special purpose vehicles (SPVs), private placements in publicly traded equity (PIPE) transactions, and private placements [2]. - Investments are focused on sectors that reflect American ingenuity and entrepreneurship, including aerospace and defense, artificial intelligence, financial infrastructure, and logistics [4][7]. Group 3: Leadership Statements - Kyle Wool, President of Dominari Holdings, emphasized the importance of American innovation and the role of investors in supporting domestic technologies [2]. - Anthony Hayes, CEO of Dominari Holdings, expressed pride in backing innovators that contribute to the competitiveness and prosperity of the United States [4].

When you hear breaking news that once again, perhaps the relationship between U.S. and China is unfolding. What does that mean for you in terms of the velocity at which you need to allocate money to the start ups are willing to strengthen national defense. Well, thank you both for having me here.There are a couple of different things that we think about when when breaking news like like that comes up. I think one of the critical timelines that we've seen the Department of War really highlight is this 2027 t ...

WITH WAR FIGHTERS THIS. YEAR WE'RE REALLY MOVING INTO THIS MODE OF REALLY PRODUCING. ED: FOR GIVE ME.WE HAVE BREAKING NEWS. PRESIDENT TRUMP IS SAYING HE WAS DUE TO MEET CHINA'S PRESIDENT XI IN TWO WEEKS' TIME. HE NOW SAYS HE SEES NO REASON TO DO SO.THE TEAM IS GOING TO PUT HEADLINES UP ON THE SCREEN. A SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF NEWS BECAUSE PART OF WHAT WE WANTED TO DISCUSS TODAY WAS CHINA. THE PRESIDENT SAYING THAT HE'S CALCULATING INCREASED TARIFFS ON CHINESE PRODUCTS.AND BEAR WITH US. WE ARE SEEING THIS QUITE ...

Defense Industry - The German army plans to collaborate with local defense startup Tytan Technologies [1] - The collaboration aims to develop a defense system against drone attacks [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, total revenue increased by 29% to $7.1 million compared to $5.5 million in Q3 2024 [24] - Gross profit rose to $4.8 million from $4.0 million, with a consolidated gross margin of 68.3%, down from 73.9% in the previous year [25][26] - Operating income slightly decreased to $1.38 million from $1.39 million, resulting in an operating margin of 19.5% compared to 25.4% in Q3 2024 [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The marine technology business generated $4.0 million in revenue, a 30.7% increase from $3.0 million in Q3 2024, accounting for 56.4% of total revenue [24][25] - The marine engineering business saw a revenue decline of 33.2%, down to $1.6 million from $2.4 million in Q3 2024 [24][26] - The newly acquired Precision Acoustics Ltd contributed 20.6% to net revenue, generating $1.5 million [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hardware sales in the marine technology business increased by 103.6% to $2.7 million, while rental asset utilization was low, impacting gross profit margins [8][26] - Revenue from the Echoscope accounted for 57.7% of marine technology revenue, while DAVD contributed 42.3% [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing market share in the defense sector for underwater imaging sensors, particularly with the Echoscope and DAVD technologies [5][6] - The launch of the NanoGen series sonars aims to address the growing demand for smaller underwater vehicles and enhance situational awareness [12][13] - The company is pursuing an M&A strategy to build a pipeline of complementary technologies, particularly in the defense sector [32][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the global policy environment but expressed confidence in the growth strategy and progress made in key milestones [4][31] - The company is optimistic about achieving $4 million in DAVD-related revenue for the fiscal year, a significant increase from $1.2 million the previous year [37][46] Other Important Information - The company has $26.2 million in cash and cash equivalents with no debt, reflecting a $3.7 million increase since October 2024 [28] - The marine engineering business is reliant on defense program funding, which has been delayed, affecting contract awards [9][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Feedback on Echoscope Type Nano Gen series - Management received positive feedback regarding the reduced size and weight of the new Echoscope, which allows for integration into smaller platforms [34][35] Question: Changes in DAVD revenue target - The company expects to achieve $4 million in DAVD revenue, up from a previous target of $4.5 million, reflecting significant growth from last year's $1.2 million [36][37] Question: Exposure to China and supply chain concerns - The company has minimal exposure to China, with most components sourced from Europe, and has faced challenges in exporting to China due to government restrictions [40][41] Question: Echoscope as a revenue driver - Echoscope remains a key revenue driver, with recent sales growth attributed to hardware sales, although rental revenues have decreased due to shifts in funding for offshore renewables [42][43][44] Question: Thoughts on stock buyback program - Management indicated that stock buyback decisions are for the board to consider, focusing currently on M&A opportunities [48][50]

Core Insights - AeroVironment, Inc. reported fiscal first-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, driven by the acquisition of BlueHalo, despite incurring significant acquisition-related expenses leading to a quarterly loss [1][3] Financial Performance - The company posted adjusted earnings of $0.32 per share, slightly above the expected $0.31, with revenue reaching $454.7 million, marking a 140% year-over-year increase and surpassing the consensus of $442.12 million [2] - BlueHalo contributed $235.2 million in revenue, while legacy operations experienced a 16% growth to $219.5 million [2] Backlog and Bookings - AeroVironment reported a record quarterly backlog of $1.1 billion and $399 million in bookings [3] Net Loss - The company recorded a net loss of $67.4 million, or $1.44 per share, compared to a net income of $21.2 million, or $0.75 per share, from the previous year, primarily due to $79.7 million in intangible amortization and other non-cash accounting charges related to the BlueHalo acquisition [3] Future Guidance - The company reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, projecting revenue between $1.9 billion and $2.0 billion and adjusted earnings of $3.60 to $3.70 per share, both above consensus estimates [4]