Core Viewpoint - Apple is emerging as a safe haven for investors amid market volatility driven by artificial intelligence (AI), with its correlation to the Nasdaq 100 index dropping to a near 20-year low, providing a rare alternative for funds seeking to avoid AI uncertainties [1][3]. Group 1: Market Positioning - Apple's 40-day correlation with the Nasdaq 100 fell to 0.21 last week, the lowest since 2006, down from a high of 0.92 in May 2022, primarily due to its decision not to engage in the AI arms race, making it an outlier among tech stocks [1]. - The decoupling of Apple from the broader market occurs as investors oscillate between fears of unrecouped AI investments and concerns over various industries being disrupted by the same technology [1][6]. - Apple's unique position has garnered market favor, with analysts noting that its lack of correlation is beneficial in the current environment of heightened investor anxiety regarding potential disruptions [3]. Group 2: Performance and Trends - Apple outperformed the Nasdaq 100 index, rising 3.2% on a recent Tuesday while the index fell by 0.1%, marking the third instance this month where Apple exceeded the index's performance by at least 3 percentage points [4]. - Despite the defensive attributes, Apple faced challenges, including an 8% drop last week, the largest since April, attributed to concerns over delays in the upgrade of its Siri virtual assistant and rising memory chip prices [5]. Group 3: Investment Logic - The market's preference for Apple reflects a broader inclination towards hardware businesses amid AI uncertainties, as the company is set to host a product launch event soon, with investors betting on its hardware ecosystem for stable returns [6]. - The "hardware defense" logic suggests that Apple's revenue, based on physical product sales, is less susceptible to direct replacement by AI tools, contrasting with software and service companies facing direct threats from generative AI [6].

Nearly 20 years after the debut of its famous “Think Different” ad campaign, Apple continues to live up to the slogan. Increasingly, investors are noticing. The Cupertino, California-based company’s 40-day correlation to the Nasdaq 100 fell to just 0.21 last week (a correlation of 1 equates to perfect alignment), according to recent Bloomberg data, marking the starkest difference between the iPhone-maker and the tech-heavy index since 2006. It’s a trend that started early last year and looks likely to con ...

Core Viewpoint - Cognex is experiencing signs of improving demand across various end markets, but management remains cautious and seeks more data to confirm a sustainable upcycle in growth [4][5]. Financial Performance - Cognex reported $994 million in revenue for 2025, with a non-recurring commercial partnership contributing $10 million, leading to a baseline revenue of approximately $984 million without that contribution [1]. - The company anticipates returning to meaningful organic growth in 2025, projected at mid-single digits, following a flat 2024 and a challenging 2023 [3][5]. Market Sentiment - Customer sentiment is improving globally, supported by positive U.S. PMI data and a strong start in the semiconductor sector, although January and February are typically difficult months for interpretation due to seasonal factors [2]. - The logistics sector, accounting for about 26% of revenue, has shown strong gains but may moderate, while semiconductors and consumer electronics have exceeded expectations [4][7]. End-Market Analysis - Logistics has experienced eight consecutive quarters of double-digit growth, but future growth may moderate to mid-single to high single digits as automation of existing facilities becomes the focus [7]. - The semiconductor market is expected to grow due to underlying capacity expansion, with Cognex seeing faster-than-anticipated growth in 2024 and early signals of positive demand in 2025 [8]. - Consumer electronics have been a significant positive surprise in 2025, driven by supply-chain relocations and a device refresh cycle [14]. - The automotive sector remains a headwind, with declines in 2024 and 2025, but stabilization and small growth in North America have been noted [14]. Operational Insights - Cognex operates as a "very short cycle" business with limited backlog, making its performance highly dependent on broader market trends rather than a traditional order book [6]. - The company has raised its profitability framework to target 25%-31% through-the-cycle margins, supported by improved execution and cost-saving measures [10][11]. - Cost optimization opportunities are primarily identified in SG&A and R&D, with AI being deployed internally to enhance operations and reduce costs [12][13]. Gross Margin and Pricing - Recent declines in gross margin have been attributed to product mix changes, but stabilization is expected moving forward, with potential upside opportunities in 2026 [14][15].

Core Insights - Meta is expected to release the next version of its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses along with a smartwatch, codenamed Malibu 2, which may include fitness features similar to those of the Apple Watch or Fitbit [1][6] - The smartwatch is intended to work in conjunction with the smart glasses, enhancing the overall user experience [1][5] - Meta's neural band technology, which translates motor neuron signals into interface gestures, currently only controls the Ray-Ban Display glasses, but there are plans to expand its functionality [4][5] Group 1: Product Development - The smartwatch could serve as a better companion for the glasses, potentially acting as a viewfinder or controlling the on-glasses camera [8] - Meta's wearables team is likely exploring additional functionalities for the smartwatch beyond gesture recognition, including fitness tracking [6][8] - A partnership with Garmin is anticipated for the smartwatch, given Meta's existing collaboration with the company on fitness-related features [7] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Meta is not alone in the wearables market; Apple and Google are also developing their own smart glasses and related devices [3] - The upcoming Meta products are expected to be announced at the Connect developer conference, typically held in September [9] - The introduction of a neural-equipped smartwatch alongside the next-gen Ray-Ban Display glasses is seen as a strategic move to compete with Apple and Google in the wearables space [9]

Core Insights - Meta Platforms plans to release its first smartwatch, the "Malibu 2," later this year, featuring health tracking and a built-in Meta AI assistant [1] - The smartwatch project was previously shelved in 2022 due to spending cuts in the Reality Labs unit, but has been revived amid a growing interest in AI-driven wearables [1] - The company is also developing augmented reality and mixed-reality glasses, with shipments of AI smartglasses reaching nearly 6 million units last year [1] Company Developments - The "Malibu 2" smartwatch is set for release in 2026, marking a significant comeback for Meta in the wearables market [1] - Meta had previously explored smartwatch options five years ago, including versions with three cameras, but paused the project in 2022 [1] - The company is reassessing timelines for its augmented reality glasses to avoid customer confusion from launching multiple devices too quickly [1] Industry Trends - The revival of Meta's smartwatch project aligns with a broader trend of increasing demand for AI-integrated health and fitness gadgets [1] - AI smartglasses, powered by Meta's technology, have seen significant market growth, indicating a strong consumer interest in wearable technology [1] - The company has about four augmented reality and mixed-reality glasses in development, reflecting ongoing innovation in the wearables sector [1]

Warren Buffett portrait with Google and Amazon logos over financial newspaper background Key Points Berkshire Hathaway's latest 13F filing revealed interesting moves from Q4 2025, especially regarding AI hyperscalers. The company initiated a position in a top media company, pushing hard into the digital economy. While Berkshire sold a portion of its AAPL holdings, the Magnificent Seven stock remains its largest position. Interested in Berkshire Hathaway Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better. In ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of thorough testing and expert reviews in helping consumers navigate the complex tech product market [1][2][3] Group 1: Testing Methodology - The Reviews team employs a combination of objective measurements and real-world usage to evaluate tech products, ensuring that assessments reflect actual performance [3][15] - Testing methodologies are developed in-house and are consistent across different tech categories, focusing on hands-on use and clear criteria [7][15] - The team revisits and updates buying guides regularly to reflect the latest product releases and market changes, ensuring recommendations remain relevant [4][19] Group 2: Evaluation Criteria - Key elements evaluated in tech products include general performance, ease of setup, design quality, software experience, compatibility, and overall value [5][9] - Each product is compared against its competitors in the same category to assess its value proposition and performance [17][18] Group 3: Editorial Standards - The Reviews team maintains editorial independence, ensuring that recommendations are not influenced by brand payments or pre-publication reviews [6][7] - The team adheres to established journalistic standards focused on accuracy, fairness, and transparency in their reviews [7] Group 4: Product Categories - The team covers a wide range of tech products, including TVs, soundbars, headphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smartphones, evaluating each category based on specific parameters [8][10][11][12][13][14]

Core Insights - Garmin reported record fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, driven by strong demand across its diversified portfolio and improved operating leverage [4][3] - The company expects continued growth in 2026, with revenue guidance of approximately $7.9 billion, up about 9% year-over-year [19] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter revenue exceeded $2.1 billion, marking a 17% increase year-over-year, while full-year revenue reached $7.246 billion, up 15% [7][8] - Operating income for the fourth quarter was a record $614 million, up 19% year-over-year, with pro forma EPS of $2.79, up 16% [3][2] - Gross margin for the fourth quarter was 59.2%, with operating margin expanding 60 basis points to 28.9% [3] Segment Performance - Fitness segment revenue grew 42% in Q4 and 33% for the full year, driven by wearables, with operating income rising 50% to $726 million [2][10] - Marine revenue increased 10% to $1.18 billion, while aviation revenue rose 13% to $987 million, both segments showing strong margin performance [15][14] - Auto OEM segment remains loss-making with an operating loss of $49 million, but future growth is anticipated with new domain controller programs [16] Capital Returns - The board proposed a 17% increase in the annual dividend to $4.20 per share and authorized a $500 million share repurchase program [5][17] - Garmin ended the quarter with approximately $4.1 billion in cash and expects free cash flow of about $1.4 billion for 2026 [23] 2026 Outlook - Garmin anticipates operating income to exceed $2 billion for the first time in 2026, despite facing memory cost pressures and tariff-related challenges [19][20] - The company projects a gross margin of about 58.5% and an operating margin of approximately 25.5% for 2026 [19]

Core Viewpoint - Garmin Ltd. reported Q4 results that exceeded analysts' expectations, showcasing a double beat and providing aggressive guidance, which positively impacted its share price [1]. Financial Performance - The company achieved a double beat in its Q4 results, indicating that both revenue and earnings per share surpassed analyst forecasts [1]. Future Guidance - Garmin provided aggressive guidance for future performance, suggesting strong confidence in its growth trajectory [1].

Core Insights - Google has launched the Pixel 10a, an entry-level smartphone priced at $499, featuring new AI software capabilities and minor hardware updates [1] - The device is available for preorder with shipments starting on March 5, and it comes in four colors: Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian [1] Display and Battery - The Pixel 10a features a 6.3-inch Actua display that is 11% brighter than its predecessor, the Pixel 9a [2] - It offers faster charging and boasts over 30 hours of battery life, extending up to 120 hours with the "Extreme Battery Saver" mode [2] Camera Features - The smartphone is equipped with a 48MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide camera, which Google claims is the best camera on a phone under $500 [2] - New AI-powered camera features include "Auto Best Take," which captures multiple frames and selects the best one, and "Camera Coach," providing guidance on lighting and composition [4] Connectivity and Updates - For the first time in the A-series, the Pixel 10a includes Satellite SOS, allowing users to connect with emergency services without Wi-Fi or cellular service [5] - The device will receive seven years of software and security updates, consistent with recent Pixel models [5] Comparison with Competitors - The Pixel 10a's launch precedes Apple's upcoming entry-level iPhone 17e, which is expected to be priced at $599 [8] - The Pixel 10a does not include the "PixelSnap" magnetic Qi charging feature found in the higher-end Pixel 10 series [8] Additional Product Launch - Google is also introducing Pixel Buds 2a in two new colors, Berry and Fog, to complement the Pixel 10a [8]