Palmer Luckey made his fortune with VR headsets, founding Oculus as a teen. Now he's focused on the future of warfare, developing autonomous weapons powered by AI for the U.S. military and its allies. #news #tech #artificialintelligence "60 Minutes" is the most successful television broadcast in history. Offering hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, the broadcast began in 1968 and is still a hit, over 50 seasons later, regularly making Nielsen' ...

60 Minutes overtime. Do you see a world where machines are fighting our battles for us. Oh, absolutely.It's already happening. Our story this week is about Palmer Lucky. He is the billionaire founder of Androl, which makes autonomous weapons that are powered by artificial intelligence.To be clear, autonomous does not mean remote controlled. Once an autonomous weapon is programmed and given a task, it can use artificial intelligence for surveillance or to identify, select, and engage targets. No operator nee ...

Group 1 - Raytheon has been awarded a $580 million follow-on production contract from the U.S. Navy for the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band (NGJ-MB) system [1] - The NGJ-MB system is designed to enhance offensive electronic attack capabilities, protecting various military assets and ensuring naval aviators are better prepared against adversary threats [2] - The contract will involve production work in multiple locations including Forest, Mississippi; McKinney, Texas; El Segundo, California; and Andover, Massachusetts, with completion expected by 2028 [3] Group 2 - Raytheon is a leading provider of defense solutions, focusing on technologies in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, advanced sensors, and more [4] - RTX, the parent company of Raytheon, is the world's largest aerospace and defense company, with projected sales exceeding $80 billion in 2024 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Byrna Technologies Inc. is experiencing a rebound in its stock performance, with a 17% increase over the past month despite an 11% decline year to date, indicating potential for growth in the small-cap sector [1][2]. Growth and Expansion - Byrna has achieved significant brand visibility through a successful celebrity endorsement program and extensive media coverage, leading to a 57% year-over-year sales growth in Q1 of fiscal 2025, with net income rising from $17,000 to $1.7 million [2][5]. - The company is ramping up production, increasing launcher production by 33% to 24,000 units per month to meet market demand, and is preparing to launch a new Compact Launcher in mid-2025 [3][5]. - Byrna is expanding its retail presence and strengthening its footprint in Latin America through partnerships with law enforcement [4][5]. Strategic Initiatives - Byrna has collaborated with Mexico's Secretaría de Trabajo y Previsión Social to establish a federally certified training program for civilians to legally carry Byrna devices, enhancing its market reach [5]. - The company is shifting ammunition production domestically to improve product margins and is expected to drive growth through 2025 and beyond [5]. Financial Performance - Byrna's return on equity (ROE) stands at 16.96%, significantly outperforming the industry average of 5.51%, indicating effective management and strong profitability [8]. - The company's liquidity position is robust, with a current ratio of 4 compared to the industry's 1.76, providing financial flexibility for growth investments [9]. Earnings and Sales Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Byrna's fiscal 2025 earnings is 35 cents, reflecting a 12.9% year-over-year growth, with projected sales growth of 30.2% in fiscal 2025 and 17.5% in fiscal 2026 [11][16]. - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates further reinforce a positive outlook for the company [16]. Investment Potential - Byrna is positioned as a compelling growth investment due to its strong brand momentum, expanding market presence, and strategic initiatives [18][19]. - The company is well-prepared to capitalize on rising demand with plans for retail expansion, supply chain enhancement, and new product launches, making it an attractive option for investors seeking high growth potential [19].

5月16日，A股缩量调整，市场逾3000股飘红，全天成交1.09万亿元，较上一日缩量629亿。截至收盘， 沪指跌0.40%，深证成指跌0.07%，创业板指跌0.19%。 中国银河证券表示，5月中到6月中市场可能呈现震荡上行，但节奏上有所反复的态势。前期市场在政 策"组合拳"呵护下及外部环境改善预期下已经有所上涨。进入5月中旬后，虽然政策会持续发力，但仍 面临一些扰动如资金面波动和外部环境不确定性等因素。所以整体以震荡上行来消化前期涨幅和等待新 的催化因素为主。 盘面上，题材加速轮动，机器人产业链掀涨停潮，中超控股走出10天6板；高位股抱团加剧，中毅达再 度涨停，年内涨幅接近250%，成飞集成走出8连板；汽车产业链集体大涨，豪恩汽电、万安科技等多股 涨停；此外，医药、可控核聚变、飞行汽车、折叠屏、军工等板块盘中均有所表现。下跌方面，银行股 集体调整，近期强势的港口航运、出海概念等方向回调。 展望后市，华泰证券认为，市场短线或有震荡和反复，行情能否进入新的阶段关键还是要看市场的内生 动力。 热门板块 1、机器人产业链爆发 机器人产业链爆发涨停潮，中超控股走出10天6板，豪恩汽电、铭科精技、新坐标等多股涨停。 点评 ...

In times of market volatility, investors search for stability in their portfolios. Defense stocks can serve this need. If you are tired of watching high-growth stocks go up and down wildly and add stress to your life, you may want to transition some of your invested capital to defense-industry stocks that generate steadier returns with less volatility. Lockheed Martin (LMT -2.71%) is the perfect defense stock for you to buy right now. It has steady contracts with the U.S. and its allies around the world, an ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q1 2025 were $10.5 million, a 5% increase from $10 million in the prior year [20] - Product revenues were $9.2 million, essentially flat compared to $9 million in Q1 2024 [20] - Funded research and development revenues increased by 37% to $1.2 million from $900,000 in Q1 2024 [20] - The net loss for Q1 2025 was $3.1 million or $0.02 per share, compared to a net loss of $32.5 million or $0.27 per share in Q1 2024 [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cost of product revenues decreased to $7.6 million or 83% of net product revenues, down from $8.5 million or 95% in Q1 2024, attributed to improved manufacturing quality [21] - R&D expenses were $2.1 million, a slight increase from the previous year [21] - SG&A expenses decreased to $4.7 million from $7.2 million in Q1 2024, primarily due to a reduction in legal fees [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on defense as a primary market, with significant increases in global defense budgets due to rising geopolitical tensions [7][8] - The U.S. administration plans to spend $1 trillion on defense next year, with similar commitments from Europe, Japan, and Korea [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to achieve $75 million in revenue by 2027, with expected revenue for 2025 between $52 million and $55 million [10] - Strategic initiatives include the implementation of AI-assisted factory and process automation to improve manufacturing efficiencies [13] - The company is transitioning from being a microdisplay supplier to a trusted partner for leading defense firms, focusing on application-specific solutions [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth, citing a strong pipeline of opportunities and improvements in operations and manufacturing [16][24] - The company anticipates a stronger second half of 2025 compared to the first half, with expectations for increased orders and revenue [57] Other Important Information - The company announced approximately $28 million in new contract wins in Q1 2025, with a book-to-bill ratio of better than 2.8 to 1 [15] - The CR3 medical headset is entering full production, aimed at improving patient outcomes in surgical practices [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more detail on international opportunities? - Management highlighted Europe as a critical growth area, with significant spending and opportunities in the UK and Europe, followed by Korea and Japan [27][28] Question: What is the timeline for automation activities to impact gross margins? - Management expects new automation systems for quality control to be online by June, which should improve gross margins significantly [30][32] Question: Can you clarify revenue guidance for 2025? - Management indicated a conservative approach to guidance due to geopolitical trade issues but expects double-digit growth [36][38] Question: What progress has been made on Neuralink? - Management is working on a demonstrable neural display and expects to have updates in the near future [41][43] Question: What is the current quoting activity and order patterns? - Management noted improved order flow in Q2 after initial struggles in Q1, with several new orders expected soon [47][49]

Core Viewpoint - Metallus Inc. is under investigation for potential securities fraud and unlawful business practices following disappointing financial results for Q1 2025, which led to a significant drop in its stock price [1][3]. Financial Performance - Metallus reported non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.07 for Q1 2025, missing consensus estimates by $0.05 [3]. - The company's stock price fell by $1.48, or 11.31%, closing at $11.61 per share on May 9, 2025, following the earnings announcement [3]. Management Commentary - The CEO of Metallus indicated that the company experienced volatility in the defense supply chain during the first quarter, attributed to customer manufacturing start-up challenges [3].

Core Viewpoint - National Presto Industries, Inc. has experienced a significant decline in stock performance despite reporting strong earnings growth, particularly in its Defense segment, while facing challenges in consumer-facing segments due to tariffs and elevated material costs [1][5][6]. Financial Performance - The company reported first-quarter 2025 earnings per share of $1.07, up from 92 cents a year ago [2]. - Net sales reached $103.6 million, a 35.2% increase from $76.7 million in the prior-year period [2]. - Net earnings rose to $7.6 million, reflecting a 15.9% increase from $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 [2]. Segment Performance - The Defense segment saw sales surge by $25.9 million, or 47.1%, driven by increased backlog shipments [3]. - Operating earnings in the Defense segment climbed by $4.9 million or 58.6% [3]. - The Housewares/Small Appliance and Safety segments showed only nominal gains, with the Small Appliance business posting an operating loss due to unfavorable product mix and elevated material costs [4]. Management Insights - President Maryjo Cohen highlighted Defense growth as the main driver of overall performance, attributing it to increased shipments from backlog [5]. - Challenges in the Housewares segment were noted, particularly due to the impact of "Trump tariffs" set at 145% on certain imported goods, which significantly affected earnings [5]. - The company has paused new product announcements and purchasing activity in response to these challenges [5]. Cost Environment - Elevated material costs and punitive tariff rates have pressured margins, especially in the Housewares/Small Appliance segment [6]. - Tariff-related expenses were expensed immediately, further impacting profitability [6]. - The Safety segment continued to be a drag on overall profitability despite improved sales [6]. Portfolio Income - The company's portfolio earnings were described as "nominal" due to capital allocation needs in the Defense business [7]. - Increased inventory investments to support expanded Defense contracts limited funds available for interest or dividend-yielding instruments [7].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Orders increased by nearly 22% in the quarter, resulting in a record backlog of $932 million [15] - Sales rose by 6.6% in the quarter, with all three segments contributing to the growth [15] - Adjusted EBIT margins were at 18%, with incremental margins on sales growth at 56%, leading to adjusted earnings per share of $1.35, a 24% increase year-over-year [15][21] Business Segment Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Aerospace and Defense**: Orders were up 5% with nearly 8% sales growth, driven by commercial aerospace and Navy orders. Adjusted EBIT margins increased by 400 basis points, with EBIT dollars up 28% due to favorable pricing and mix [16][17] - **Utility Solutions Group**: Orders grew nearly 17%, with sales growth of 4%. Adjusted EBIT margins improved to 23%, up 290 basis points year-over-year [18] - **Test Business**: Orders surged by 75%, with sales up 9%. Margins improved to 12.4%, benefiting from volume leverage and price increases [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The aerospace and defense market is expected to continue growing despite macro uncertainties, with strong demand for commercial and defense aircraft [8] - The utility market is experiencing a favorable business cycle, driven by increased electricity demand and aging infrastructure [11] - The renewable energy market is recalibrating, but order activity is improving compared to the previous year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company completed a major acquisition of SMMP, rebranding it as ESCO Maritime Solutions, which is expected to enhance margins and growth [10] - The strategic planning process assessed end markets and strategies to achieve above-market growth [7] - The company remains focused on navigating macroeconomic challenges while leveraging its diverse business mix [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate economic challenges and highlighted strong operational performance [5][25] - The outlook for the aerospace and defense markets remains positive, with expectations for continued growth despite recent order moderation [8] - Management acknowledged potential impacts from tariffs but emphasized proactive measures to mitigate risks [34] Other Important Information - The company updated its earnings guidance for 2025, projecting adjusted earnings per share in the range of $5.85 to $6.15 [23] - The acquisition of ESCO Maritime Solutions is expected to contribute adjusted earnings per share of $0.20 to $0.30 for the remainder of the fiscal year [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on the sale of VACCO - Management indicated ongoing interest in the sale process, with a decision expected by May [28] Question: Performance of the underlying business - Management noted improvements in overall business performance, with stabilization observed compared to previous years [30] Question: Clarification on tariff impacts - The estimated tariff impact of $2 million to $4 million is a net figure, factoring in pricing adjustments and operational changes [34] Question: Cash generation from Maritime Solutions - Management expects strong cash flow benefits from the Maritime acquisition, with ongoing assessments as integration progresses [42] Question: Thoughts on shipbuilding budgets and orders - Management expressed confidence in the shipbuilding budget and order flow, particularly for Navy programs [45][76] Question: Insights on commercial aircraft orders - Management noted a moderation in commercial aircraft orders but remains optimistic about future demand normalization [72] Question: Pro forma capital structure and leverage profile - Management indicated a leverage ratio of just over 2.2 at closing, with expectations to reduce it below 2 as debt is paid down [81]