Meta closing out 2025 with an 11th hour acquisition. Got a few of those in the tech space this week. The company announcing it is buying Manis, a startup founded in China that builds AI agents.Mackenzie Sagalas has more in today's tech check segment. Mac, and it's interesting to see Meta outperforming, too. >> Yeah, it is.Investors are bullish on this and part of that is the fact that it's a deal that speaks directly to the pressure pressure Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is facing to show returns on the company' ...

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty rallied in early trade on Wednesday (December 24, 2025), tracking a positive trend in global markets and consistent buying by domestic institutional investors.The 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 115.8 points to 85,640.64 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty went up by 40.7 points to 26,217.85.From the 30-Sensex firms, Bajaj Finance, NTPC, Trent, Bharat Electronics, Adani Ports and Eternal were among the gainers.However, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, HCL Tech and Sun Pharma ...

Market Performance - The Sensex increased by 56.76 points to 84,957.47, while the Nifty rose by 23.20 points to 25,982.70, indicating modest gains in the market despite foreign institutional investor selling and caution ahead of futures and options expiry [1] - The market breadth on the BSE showed 1,621 stocks advancing against 1,531 declining, with 159 unchanged, and a total of 3,311 stocks traded [4] Top Gainers and Losers - Bharat Electronics led the Nifty gainers with a rise of 1.71% to ₹410.70, followed by Dr Reddy's Laboratories at 1.58% to ₹1,245.60, and State Bank of India at 1.34% to ₹983.65 [2] - On the downside, Adani Enterprises fell 2.18% to ₹2,346.90, making it the worst performer, while Infosys declined 1.16% to ₹1,530.10 [3] Broader Indices - Broader indices outperformed benchmarks, with Nifty Midcap 100 rising 0.20% to 60,184.40 and Nifty Smallcap 100 gaining 0.11% to 17,715.05 [5] Foreign and Domestic Investment - Foreign institutional investors withdrew ₹18,013 crore from Indian equities in November, including ₹4,171 crore on Monday, while domestic institutional investors purchased ₹4,512 crore [6] - The Nifty's struggle to maintain above the 26,000 mark indicates an ongoing consolidation phase, with key support levels at 25,850–25,800 [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue of $2.812 billion for fiscal 2025, representing a 54% increase year-over-year, with 8.4% from organic growth and 45.6% from acquisitions [16][17] - Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025 was $423.7 million, a 92% increase compared to the previous year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15% [17][19] - Net income reached $101.8 million, up 48% from last year, while adjusted net income increased by 73% to $122 million [17][19] - The company ended fiscal 2025 with a record project backlog of $3 billion [5][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter revenue was $900 million, a 67% increase year-over-year, with 10.4% attributed to organic growth [16] - General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 7.1% from 8.1% in the previous year [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted strong public contract bidding across its eight states, expecting contract awards in FY 2026 to increase approximately 15% over FY 2025 [12][14] - The company highlighted the ongoing migration to the Sunbelt, which is driving demand for private construction projects [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has initiated a five-year strategic plan called Road 2030, aiming to double revenue to over $6 billion by 2030 and expand EBITDA margins to 17% [10] - The strategy includes focusing on acquisitions in the right markets with the right partners, particularly in the fragmented local market [26][58] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the growth driven by macro trends such as migration to the Sunbelt, reshoring of manufacturing, and increased infrastructure funding [11][12] - The company anticipates a strong construction season in the second half of FY 2026, contributing 58%-60% of annual revenue [21] Other Important Information - The company expects to convert 75%-85% of EBITDA to cash flow from operations in FY 2026 [19] - Capital expenditures for FY 2026 are projected to be in the range of $165 million-$185 million, with a focus on high-return growth initiatives [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Integration of recent acquisitions - Management discussed the smooth integration of acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit and involving employees in the process [26][28] Question: Impact of government shutdown - Management confirmed that the government shutdown did not significantly impact revenue or bidding due to the funding structure through the Highway Trust Fund [32] Question: Confidence in reauthorization bill - Management indicated that there is momentum for the reauthorization bill, with expectations for a vote by spring [40][42] Question: M&A strategy for 2026 - Management clarified that 2026 will focus on bolt-on acquisitions while also aiming to reduce leverage to approximately 2.5x by late 2026 [58] Question: Pricing and cost inflation - Management noted that inflation in 2025 was benign, with stable construction material costs and labor costs increasing at a typical rate of 3%-4% [61][63] Question: Private construction demand - Management reported consistent demand in private construction, particularly in the Sunbelt region, with a healthy backlog split between public and private projects [72]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Construction Partners reported a revenue of $2.812 billion for fiscal 2025, representing a 54% increase compared to the previous year, with 8.4% organic growth and 45.6% acquisitive growth [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025 was $423.7 million, a 92% increase year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 15% compared to 12.1% in fiscal 2024 [16] - Net income reached $101.8 million, up 48% from the previous year, while adjusted net income increased by 73% to $122 million [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 saw revenue of $900 million, a 67% increase year-over-year, with 10.4% of that being organic revenue growth [15] - General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 7.1% from 8.1% in the previous year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended fiscal 2025 with a record project backlog of $3 billion, covering approximately 80%-85% of the next 12 months' contract revenue [19] - The company expects contract awards in FY2026 to increase approximately 15% over FY2025, driven by strong public contract bidding across its operational states [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company has initiated a five-year strategic plan called Road 2030, aiming to double its revenue to over $6 billion by 2030, with a target of expanding EBITDA margins to 17% by the end of the period [9] - The growth strategy focuses on acquisitions in the Sunbelt region, leveraging the ongoing generational transition in the industry to identify potential acquisition targets [12][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted four macro trends driving growth: migration to the Sunbelt, reshoring of manufacturing, increased infrastructure funding, and a fragmented industry ripe for consolidation [10][11] - The company remains focused on attracting and retaining talent, emphasizing the importance of its workforce in driving business growth and shareholder value [14] Other Important Information - The company expects total capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 to be in the range of $165 million-$185 million, with a focus on high-return growth initiatives [18] - Cash flow from operations for fiscal 2025 was $291 million, up from $209 million in fiscal 2024, with expectations to convert 75%-85% of EBITDA to cash flow from operations in fiscal 2026 [17][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Integration of recent acquisitions and differences from five years ago - Management noted that the integration process has improved significantly, with a focus on cultural fit and involving employees from across the company in the integration teams [24][26] Question: Impact of government shutdown on business - Management confirmed that the government shutdown did not significantly impact revenue or bidding due to the funding structure through the Highway Trust Fund [30] Question: Confidence in reauthorization bill voting timeline - Management expressed optimism about the reauthorization bill, indicating that both chambers are working on it and aiming for a vote by spring [38] Question: Expected rollover M&A revenue and its impact on margins - Management projected that 2025 acquisitions would contribute approximately $240 million-$250 million in revenue, with a neutral impact on margins [40] Question: Pricing and inflation outlook for fiscal 2026 - Management indicated that inflation was benign in 2025, with stable construction material costs, and they expect to pass through any increased costs in their pricing [56][57] Question: Demand for private construction and data center projects - Management reported healthy demand for private construction, particularly in the Sunbelt, and confirmed participation in large data center projects [66][68]

Market Overview - The market is anticipating significant movement due to Nvidia's upcoming earnings announcement, with expectations of a 7% potential move either up or down [1][2] - Historical reactions to Nvidia's earnings have been mixed, with implied volatility decreasing but stock prices pulling back slightly [2][3] - The S&P 500 may be influenced by Nvidia's performance, although recent trading sessions have shown limited reaction to earnings announcements [3][4] Nvidia Insights - Key focus will be on Nvidia's data center numbers, especially after a previous miss in this area, which was attributed to supply chain bottlenecks [4][5] - If Nvidia faces similar issues this time, it could negatively impact the stock more significantly than before [5] Sector Sentiment - The market appears to be adopting a more defensive stance, as indicated by the performance of equal-weighted indices [6][7] - A rotation in market sectors is observed, with both defensive and risk-on sectors not being sold off entirely, which may provide a foundation for the S&P 500 [7][8] Economic Indicators - Credit default swaps for companies like Oracle are rising, indicating elevated equity volatility in the market [9] - Upcoming expirations of VIX options may reduce market volatility temporarily [10] Federal Reserve Nomination - The shortlist for the next Fed chair includes Kevin Hasset and Kevin Walsh, with Rick Reer still in contention [12][13] - The market is looking for a nominee who will maintain a balanced approach to rate cuts, avoiding aggressive policies [14][16] Constellation Energy Update - Constellation Energy shares are rising following the approval of a $1 billion loan to restart the Three Mile Island unit, which was shut down in 2019 [19][20] - The loan aims to revamp the facility to meet U.S. standards for power production, benefiting the utility sector [20][21] Lowe's Performance - Lowe's reported revenue of $20.81 billion, slightly above expectations, and adjusted earnings per share of $3.36, compared to the anticipated $2.97 [23][24] - The company lowered its profit guidance but increased revenue outlook, reflecting a cautious sentiment in the housing market due to higher interest rates [25][26][27]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry Focus**: The conference call primarily discusses the **airlines**, **tanker shipping**, and **logistics** sectors within the **Hong Kong/China Transportation** industry [1][2][3][72]. Airlines - **Bullish Outlook**: There is a bullish sentiment regarding airlines, driven by supply-side dynamics and recovery in business demand since May 2025, despite disruptions in June to August [2][7]. - **Investor Sentiment**: Investors are generally supportive of the recovery narrative, although some express concerns about the sustainability of peak-cycle earnings [7]. - **Valuation Concerns**: Chinese airlines are perceived as expensive based on EV multiples due to high debt levels, but they are cheaper compared to global peers in terms of market cap per fleet [7]. Tanker Shipping - **Cautious Optimism**: Investors are skeptical about the tanker shipping up-cycle, citing a long-standing narrative of supply tightness. However, recent restrictions on the 'dark fleet' and potential geopolitical developments (e.g., a Russia-Ukraine peace deal) could support a continued up-cycle [2][3]. - **Demand Dynamics**: The demand for legitimate tankers is expected to increase, which could positively impact the sector [2]. Logistics and Express Delivery - **Consolidation Challenges**: There are doubts about the feasibility of consolidation in the Chinese express delivery market due to past disappointments. However, leading players are gaining market share at the expense of smaller competitors [3]. - **Positive Sentiment for Key Players**: Investors are increasingly optimistic about **ZTO** and **YTO**, with expectations of strong profit growth for **J&T** in Southeast Asia, although valuation expansion may take time [3][10]. Financial Projections and Risks - **Valuation Methodology**: The report employs a DCF model with varying probabilities for different scenarios (25% bull, 65% base, 10% bear) for J&T, reflecting its strong growth momentum despite competition [10]. - **Key Assumptions**: The DCF for J&T assumes a WACC of 13.3% and a terminal growth rate of 3.5% [11]. For YTO, the assumptions include a WACC of 10.8% and a terminal growth rate of 2% [13]. - **Risks**: Potential risks include intensified price competition, regulatory challenges, and market share losses for smaller players [12][14][20]. Conclusion - The conference call highlights a cautiously optimistic outlook for the airlines and tanker shipping sectors, while the logistics industry faces consolidation challenges. Key players in the express delivery market are expected to perform well, but risks remain due to competition and regulatory environments.

Market Dynamics & Investment Thesis - Bitcoin's current consolidation phase mirrors TradFi IPO dynamics, where early investors realize gains after the asset's success [1] - Early BTC adopters are taking profits, transitioning ownership from concentrated holdings to a more distributed model without market crashes [1][2] - This transition, termed "The Great Rotation," involves a shift from a few thousand wallets controlling most of the supply to millions of investors via ETFs, institutions, and retail [2] - The increased distribution of ownership leads to reduced volatility as selling pressure is absorbed across time and venues [2] Bitcoin's Maturation - Bitcoin's consolidation is not due to a bear market or fear, but rather the market digesting its success and increased maturity [3] - Early holders are selling patiently while new institutional buyers accumulate BTC [3] - The exit of early holders is a bullish sign, indicating Bitcoin's scale where large exits no longer destabilize the market [4] - The longer Bitcoin consolidates, the more distributed and resilient it becomes, solidifying its position as a store of value [4]

Must read explanation why BTC lags gold and equities in a risk-on environment.It's no surprise that clarity comes from a TradFi guy, while CT is lost: What's happening to BTC HAS NEVER happened in crypto but happens often in TradFi world: the winning. An IPO moment.Early BTC believers are realizing gains after Bitcoin won.They mined, held through FUD, and now finally have exit liquidity without crashing the market.This is not panic selling but the natural transition from concentrated to distributed ownershi ...

Group 1: UBS Financial Performance - UBS reported a pre-tax profit increase of 47% year-over-year, reaching 2.8 billion [4][5] - Revenue also exceeded analyst expectations, with core results up nearly 20% when excluding one-off items [5] - The investment bank segment saw a 23% increase, indicating strong performance and market share gains [6] Group 2: GSK Financial Performance - GSK delivered strong Q3 results with sales of 3.4 billion pounds, driven by a 16% increase in specialty medicines [22][23] - The company upgraded its 2025 guidance, projecting turnover growth of 6-7%, up from a previous range of 3-5% [23][24] - Core operating profit growth guidance was also raised to 9-11%, previously 6-8% [23][24] Group 3: Market Trends and Federal Reserve - The AI trade is gaining momentum, contributing to record highs in Wall Street markets, particularly driven by Nvidia's recent deals [4][30] - Traders are anticipating a 25 basis point rate cut from the Federal Reserve, with a 99.9% probability priced in [30] - The Fed's decision-making is complicated by a lack of economic data due to the government shutdown, raising concerns about the labor market [31][38] Group 4: European Stock Market Integration - There are discussions about the potential for a single European stock exchange to enhance liquidity and capital access [42][43] - Euronext currently holds a significant market capitalization, approximately 6.2-6.5 trillion euros, compared to the London Stock Exchange's 3 trillion [46] - The fragmentation of liquidity in European markets is a concern, with calls for greater consolidation among exchanges [54][55]