Group 1 - TotalEnergies EP Nigeria has signed a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Vaaris to sell its 10% non-operated interest in the Renaissance JV licenses in Nigeria [1][5] - The Renaissance JV consists of 18 licenses in the Niger Delta, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd holding 55%, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd 30%, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria 10%, and Agip Energy and Natural Resources Nigeria 5% [2] - The agreement's closing is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals [2] Group 2 - TotalEnergies has been operating in Nigeria for over 60 years, employing more than 1,800 people and producing 209,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024 [2] - The company operates an extensive distribution network in Nigeria, including approximately 540 service stations, and is committed to socio-economic development and collaboration with local communities [2] - The sale includes TotalEnergies EP Nigeria's 10% interest in 15 licenses producing mainly oil, which represented about 16,000 barrels equivalent per day in 2025, and 10% interest in three gas-producing licenses while retaining full economic interest in these licenses [5]

Core Insights - Banqup Group SA is in advanced negotiations to sell all shares in its operational Baltic companies to Fitek Oü, with a target completion date by the end of February 2026, pending approval from competition authorities in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania [1][5]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The proposed transaction involves an enterprise value of €9.5 million, subject to adjustments based on the net financial cash/debt position as of December 31, 2025 [5]. - The transaction is expected to enhance Banqup's focus on core digital services and optimize its print operations [3][5]. - A partnership agreement is also being negotiated, allowing Fitek to become an authorized reseller of Banqup's digital product suite in the Baltic States [5]. Group 2: Financial Performance - The Baltic companies generate an annual EBITDA of €1.3 million, with a product suite that includes €0.3 million in Digital Banqup revenue, €4.0 million in digital legacy revenue, and €10.0 million from print-related services [5]. - The transaction proceeds are anticipated to strengthen Banqup's balance sheet and working capital position [5]. Group 3: Strategic Focus - The divestment reflects Banqup's strategic focus on growing its core digital services in key European markets [3]. - The acquisition by Fitek is expected to enhance capabilities in digital business solutions and improve service offerings in the Baltic region [3].

Group 1: BP and Castrol Stake Sale - BP is selling a 65% stake in its lubricant unit Castrol to Stonepeak, valuing the unit at $10.1 billion [3] - BP will retain a 35% minority stake, while the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board will contribute up to $1.05 billion for an indirect stake [3] - Initial discussions for the sale began in November 2025 as part of BP's $20 billion divestment strategy, with early valuations around $8 billion [4] Group 2: S&P Index Changes - UiPath will replace Synovus Financial in the S&P MidCap 400, effective January 2, 2026, due to Synovus's acquisition by Pinnacle Financial Partners [4] - Versant Media Group will replace Brandywine Realty Trust in the S&P SmallCap 600, effective January 6, 2026, following its spin-off from Comcast [5] Group 3: Waymo's Software Update and Response to Power Outage - Waymo plans to update its software across its fleet and improve emergency response protocols after a power outage in San Francisco affected its vehicles [5][6] - The blackout caused several Waymo vehicles to become immobilized, contributing to traffic congestion in the city [8] - Waymo has trained over 25,000 first responders globally on how to interact with its autonomous vehicles [7]

Core Viewpoint - BP has agreed to divest a majority stake in its Castrol lubricants business to Stonepeak for a $10 billion enterprise value, generating approximately $6 billion in proceeds to accelerate debt reduction and streamline its downstream portfolio [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The deal values Castrol at an implied 8.6x EV/LTM EBITDA, with Stonepeak acquiring a 65% stake and BP retaining 35% [2]. - The sale will provide BP with around $6 billion in net proceeds, including $800 million in accelerated dividend pre-payments linked to BP's retained stake [3]. - The transaction simplifies BP's downstream operations and supports its strategy of focusing on integrated businesses with higher returns [3]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - This divestment is part of BP's broader strategy to tighten its balance sheet, optimize its portfolio, and enhance cash generation, having completed or announced over half of its $20 billion divestment program with cumulative proceeds of approximately $11 billion [4]. - Castrol remains a well-recognized lubricant brand with significant market positions across automotive, industrial, and marine sectors, allowing BP to retain exposure to its growth trajectory through the new joint venture [4][5]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Stonepeak plans to support Castrol's expansion while BP maintains minority participation, with Castrol having posted nine consecutive quarters of year-over-year earnings growth [5]. - Regulatory approvals for the transaction are expected to be completed by the end of 2026, after which BP will account for its retained stake under the equity method [6].

India is poised to seek bids for its $7.1 billion majority stake in IDBI Bank, a key step in its long-running effort to privatize the previously-distressed lender and accelerate a divestment push https://t.co/q3CepAQAT4 ...

Core Insights - Barrick Mining Corporation has completed the divestment of Hemlo Gold Mine in Canada to Carcetti Capital Corp. for a total consideration of up to $1.09 billion, marking the end of a successful chapter at Hemlo [1][9] - The consideration includes $875 million in cash, $50 million in Hemlo Mining Corp. shares, and a tiered cash payment structure linked to gold prices, potentially reaching up to $165 million starting January 2027 for five years [1][2] Company Strategy - Hemlo was Barrick's last operating mine in Canada, and its closure allows the company to focus on upcoming opportunities through early-stage projects and exploration targets in the region [2] - Barrick has been divesting non-core assets to sharpen its focus on Tier 1 assets, having previously sold the Alturas Project in Chile and its 50% interest in the Donlin Gold Project in Alaska [3][9] - The proceeds from these non-core asset sales will support Barrick's capital allocation strategy, aimed at reinforcing its balance sheet and financing key growth initiatives [5][9] Market Performance - Barrick's shares have increased by 173.2% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's rise of 138.9%, driven by a rally in gold prices [8] - The company is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 12.84, which is approximately 4.3% lower than the industry average of 13.42 [10] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Barrick's earnings in 2025 and 2026 indicates a year-over-year increase of 78.6% and 47.2%, respectively, with EPS estimates trending higher over the past 60 days [11]

Core Insights - Wolters Kluwer has completed the divestment of its Finance, Risk and Regulatory Reporting (FRR) unit to Regnology group, marking a strategic shift in its business focus [1]. Company Overview - Wolters Kluwer reported annual revenues of €5.9 billion for 2024, serving customers in over 180 countries and maintaining operations in more than 40 countries [2]. - The company employs approximately 21,900 people worldwide and is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands [2]. - Wolters Kluwer is listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and is included in major indices such as AEX, Euro Stoxx 50, and Euronext 100 [3].

Core Insights - Yum! Brands is a global leader in the fast-food industry, operating well-known chains like KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, with a strong market presence and innovative strategies [1] - The company is recognized for its solid fundamentals, with KFC and Taco Bell performing well, helping to counter inflation and maintain stable revenue growth [2] - Despite its strengths, Yum! Brands appears overvalued, trading above historical price-to-earnings averages, which may deter value investors [3] Financial Performance - Yum! Brands has a market capitalization of approximately $41.1 billion, indicating significant size in the industry [4] - The stock has shown a trading range between a high of $163.30 and a low of $122.13 over the past year, with today's trading volume at 1,942,644 shares, reflecting active investor interest [4] - The company benefits from solid cash flow and effective debt management, which are crucial for financial health [2] Strategic Considerations - Yum! Brands is considering divesting Pizza Hut, which could improve margins and liquidity, thereby enhancing shareholder value [2] - Chris O'Cull from Stifel Nicolaus set a price target of $160 for Yum! Brands, suggesting an 8.09% potential upside from its current price of $148.03 [1] Market Trends - The stock's current price of $148.03 reflects a decrease of 0.66% today, with a trading range between $148.02 and $149.72, indicating early signs of bearish trends that could limit upside potential [3]

Core Viewpoint - BP is actively negotiating with Stonepeak for the sale of its Castrol lubricants unit, which is a significant move towards achieving its $20 billion divestment target [1] Company Summary - The sale of the Castrol lubricants unit represents a major step for BP in its strategy to divest assets [1] - The divestment goal set by BP is $20 billion, indicating a substantial restructuring effort within the company [1] Industry Summary - The potential sale highlights ongoing trends in the energy sector where companies are focusing on divestments to streamline operations and improve financial health [1]

RT Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs)The future of Palestine belongs to the Palestinians.Intl law says it.The ICJ reaffirmed it.Now:States must cut ties with Apartheid Israel.Companies > divest.Universities > disengage.Citizens > stop buying its products/services.Alternatives exist.Justice means freedom. https://t.co/gWLjyW8Y5R ...