Core Insights - Waters Corporation has launched next-generation 1 mm I.D. liquid chromatography (LC) columns featuring MaxPeak Premier Technology, which enhances sensitivity while reducing sample and solvent usage significantly [1][2] Group 1: Product Features - The new microflow LC columns reduce solvent consumption by up to 4 times compared to 2.1 mm I.D. columns, aiding laboratories in achieving sustainability goals and lowering operating costs [1] - These columns utilize up to 75% less sample than 2.1 mm I.D. columns, conserving valuable materials in fields like cell and gene therapy [1] - The sensitivity of the new columns is up to 2 times higher than that of stainless steel microflow columns, improving detection and quantitation limits across various applications [1] Group 2: Technological Advancements - The MaxPeak High Performance Surface (HPS) Technology minimizes nonspecific adsorption and enhances recovery for small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides [1] - The new columns provide sharper peaks, enhanced peak capacity, and reduced peak tailing, ensuring highly reproducible performance from the first injection [1] - Transitioning from 2.1 mm I.D. analytical-scale LC columns to these microflow formats allows for equivalent or improved sensitivity while using only one-quarter of the solvent and sample [1] Group 3: Market Impact - The introduction of these columns is expected to accelerate and simplify the development of life-changing therapies in high-throughput pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical laboratories [1] - The new product will be available globally starting February 17, 2026, with immediate shipment [1]

Market Overview - Equities are fractionally lower in extended trading hours following the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassing 50,000 for the first time ever on February 6, 2026 [3] - The pre-market update provides insights into market trends and IPO activities [2] Company Highlights - Shares of Once Upon a Farm, co-founded by actress Jennifer Garner, rose nearly 17% to $21.05 each in their trading debut [3] - American Eagle Outfitters is set to celebrate its brand with actress Sydney Sweeney ringing the opening bell at the NYSE [2][3] - Flotek Industries commemorates its leadership in sustainable chemistry and energy sector innovation during the closing bell [2] Economic Insights - ICE's February Mortgage Monitor Report reveals new refinance opportunities for borrowers and indicates that home affordability has reached a four-year high [3]

Core Viewpoint - Technip Energies has completed the acquisition of the Advanced Materials & Catalysts (AM&C) business from Ecovyst Inc., enhancing its capabilities in advanced catalysts and supporting its growth strategy in sustainable energy sectors [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition expands Technip Energies' portfolio, increasing recurring revenues and accelerating opportunities in sustainable fuels, circular chemistry, and carbon capture [2]. - The AM&C business will operate under its existing leadership and will be supported by dedicated R&D, manufacturing, and commercial teams across three facilities in the US and Europe, with 330 employees joining Technip Energies [3][4]. Group 2: Financial Impact - AM&C is expected to deliver immediate earnings and cash flow accretion, reinforcing Technip Energies' financial profile and unlocking new value-creation opportunities [4]. - The strong recurring revenue base and attractive margins of AM&C align with Technip Energies' disciplined capital allocation strategy for long-term value creation [5]. Group 3: Leadership Comments - The CEO of Technip Energies emphasized the importance of this transaction in evolving the company and creating an integrated offering that enhances efficiency and emissions performance for customers [5]. - The CEO of Ecovyst expressed confidence that Technip Energies will enhance product development and market reach for the AM&C business [5]. Group 4: Company Background - Technip Energies is a global technology and engineering powerhouse with leadership in LNG, hydrogen, ethylene, sustainable chemistry, and CO2 management, generating revenues of €6.9 billion in 2024 [6][7].

Company Overview - BASF Canada has appointed Marian Van Hoek as Managing Director, effective July 1, 2025 [1] - BASF Canada is a subsidiary of BASF SE, one of the leading chemical companies globally [1][4] - The company is headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, and employs over 1,100 people [4] Leadership Background - Marian Van Hoek joined BASF Canada in 2015 and has held several key positions, including Legal Counsel and General Counsel [2] - She was a member of the Canadian Leadership Team and the Canadian Executive Committee prior to her new role [2] Strategic Vision - Van Hoek expressed her commitment to enhancing BASF Canada's performance and delivering innovative, sustainable solutions [3] - The company aims to build on its established success in the Canadian market [3] Financial Performance - BASF Canada reported sales of $2.6 billion in 2024 [4] - BASF Group generated sales of €65.3 billion in 2024 [5] Corporate Mission - BASF's ambition is to be the preferred chemical company enabling customers' green transformation, combining economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility [5]

Core Insights - New Iridium has successfully raised $2.65 million in seed financing to support its sustainable chemical innovation efforts [1][5] - The funding will accelerate the development of a low-cost, low-carbon platform technology and the construction of an industrial pilot facility with a capacity of 50 metric tons per year [2][3] Company Overview - New Iridium is a Colorado-based company founded in 2020, focusing on sustainable chemical manufacturing through innovative technologies [7] - The company aims to produce bio-based acetic acid and ethyl acetate, which have recently received USDA BioPreferred® certification for 100% bio-based content [2][3] Technology and Production - The company's process utilizes domestically sourced bio-ethanol as a renewable feedstock, leveraging existing bioethanol infrastructure to produce sustainable chemicals [3][7] - New Iridium's technology is designed for low-cost and low-carbon operation, providing scalable pathways to decarbonize critical segments of the chemical industry [3][6] Market Position and Future Plans - The seed round was led by Radicle Growth, indicating strong ties to the U.S. corn and bio-ethanol industries, and highlights New Iridium's recognition in the Corn Value Chain Challenge [5][6] - The company is positioned to advance a pipeline of CO₂-derived building block chemicals, further establishing its role in sustainable chemical production [7]