Investment & Finance - Bill Gates held a massive short position against Tesla, approximately 1% of Tesla's total shares [1] - The short position might have cost Bill Gates over $10 billion [1] Company & Sustainability - Tesla is having the biggest impact on sustainability [1]

Webinar: impact of #ESMA guidelines on the use of #ESG or #sustainability-related terms in fund name🗓️ 20 January at 10.00 (CET)⏰ Register by 19 January at 12:00 (CET)https://t.co/fV3ofE18Si https://t.co/WKWOmQ0EhO ...

The food system is one of the world’s biggest energy users, and one firm says sustainable microgrids can ease rising costs and strengthen reliability. https://t.co/IeiA5JPqsB ...

The food system is one of the world’s biggest energy users, and one firm says sustainable microgrids can ease rising costs and strengthen reliability. https://t.co/IeiA5JPqsB ...

While environmental groups have decried the EU’s move to dismantle some of its key sustainability and ESG regulation, the new focus on competitiveness has been cheered by business. https://t.co/SDz0jjUTaL ...

RT Bloomberg New Economy (@BBGNewEconomy)"Over 30% of the corporate bond market has the sustainability link to it." Chair of the Board, DNB Bank ASA Olaug Svarva on providing businesses with capital to support their sustainability goals.⏯️https://t.co/J5lCJT9OZp https://t.co/LNcyPv8OO7 ...

RT Bloomberg New Economy (@BBGNewEconomy)"There is backlash but the companies they are really adjusting and have [sustainability] high on their agenda."Chair of the Board, DNB Bank ASA Olaug Svarva at #BloombergNewEconomy.⏯️https://t.co/J5lCJTamOX https://t.co/T4pECbfAbb ...

Core Insights - Jacobs Solutions Inc. is a global technical professional services firm with a market cap of approximately $18.1 billion, providing services in engineering, architecture, construction, consulting, and scientific fields across various sectors [1] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, Jacobs Solutions' shares have increased by 7.4%, underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which rose by 12.3% [2] - Year-to-date, the stock has gained 12.8%, slightly outperforming the benchmark's 12.5% increase [2] - In the industrials sector, Jacobs Solutions has also lagged behind the S&P 500 Industrial Sector SPDR, which saw a 7.9% rise over the past year and a 13.7% increase year-to-date [3] Strategic Focus and Growth Plan - The company is gaining traction in 2025 due to a bullish investor sentiment stemming from its strategic focus [4] - Jacobs Solutions has introduced a multi-year "Challenge Accepted" growth plan, targeting high-growth markets such as water & environment, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and critical infrastructure [4] - Analysts forecast a 14.6% annual growth in EPS for fiscal 2025, projecting it to reach $6.05 on a diluted basis [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus rating among 15 analysts covering Jacobs Solutions stands at "Moderate Buy," consisting of eight "Strong Buy" ratings, two "Moderate Buys," and five "Hold" recommendations [6] - This rating configuration is slightly less bullish compared to the previous month, which had nine "Strong Buy" ratings [7] - KeyBanc recently raised its price target for Jacobs Solutions from $157 to $170, maintaining an "Overweight" rating due to the company's strong momentum and strategic positioning in key infrastructure markets [7]

Core Viewpoint - The regulator believes that Adnoc's proposal to share Covestro's sustainability patents with certain competitors will alleviate concerns regarding the impact on the EU's internal market [1] Group 1 - Adnoc's offer is seen as a measure to balance competitive dynamics within the EU [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In fiscal year 2025, the company achieved record adjusted earnings per share of $7.25, a 3% increase year-over-year [13] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $804 million, up 3% year-over-year, with a margin of 22% [14] - The company generated operating cash flow of $665 million and free cash flow of $391 million [17] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio remained at 1.2x, with liquidity of $1.5 billion [15][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Reinforcement materials EBIT decreased by 5% year-over-year, while performance chemicals EBIT increased by 18% [13] - In the fourth quarter, EBIT for reinforcement materials decreased by $4 million due to a 5% decline in volumes [28] - Performance chemicals saw a decrease in EBIT by $2 million in the fourth quarter, primarily due to lower volumes in Europe [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Volumes in the Americas were down 7%, while Asia-Pacific volumes decreased by 6%, but Europe saw a 5% increase [28] - The company expects light vehicle auto production in North America and Europe to decline for a third consecutive year [33] - The demand for conductive carbons is projected to grow at approximately 8% through the end of the decade [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic growth areas such as battery materials and has entered into an agreement to acquire Bridgestone's reinforcing carbon plants in Mexico [19] - The company aims to maintain a balanced capital allocation framework, prioritizing asset maintenance, growth investments, and returning capital to shareholders [17] - Sustainability remains a core focus, with the company receiving a Platinum rating from EcoVadis for the fifth consecutive year [22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management highlighted a turbulent macroeconomic and geopolitical environment impacting demand, particularly in automotive and construction sectors [13][32] - For fiscal year 2026, adjusted earnings per share is expected to be between $6 and $7, reflecting uncertainty in demand and pricing pressures [34] - The management remains optimistic about growth in targeted applications despite challenges in traditional markets [37] Other Important Information - The company paid $96 million in dividends in fiscal year 2025, reflecting a 5% increase [18] - Share repurchases totaled $168 million, reducing the outstanding share count by 3% [18] - The company is transitioning its investor relations leadership, with Robert Rist stepping into the role of Vice President of Investor Relations [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are you seeing any volatility in your rubber-black operating rates regionally? - The company indicated that operating rates are largely stable, influenced by elevated tire imports impacting demand [46][47] Question: Are you being impacted at all by Dow's silicone rationalization efforts in Europe? - The company is in discussions with Dow regarding their siloxanes plant closure and its impact on their fume silica plant operations [48] Question: How much do you expect 2026 tire contract prices to be down? - The company has completed roughly 25% of its contracts, which is behind last year's pace, and is facing challenges in projecting demand expectations [51][53] Question: Could you elaborate on the performance chemicals guidance for this year? - The company expects certain applications in automotive and construction to improve over time, while targeted growth areas like battery materials are anticipated to perform well [55]