Markets

BetterInvesting Magazine will feature Vertiv Holdings Co. as its “Stock to Study” in December 2025, providing investors with an in-depth analysis of the company’s fundamentals, including sales trends, earnings, profit margins, and ROE. The report aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of Vertiv’s financial health and market position within the growing digital infrastructure sector. The same issue will also include a fundamental review of CVS Health Corp. BetterInvesting is a non-profit dedicated to investment education.

SharkNinja, in partnership with MassChallenge, is launching the SharkNinja Innovation Challenge to support STEM innovators and early-career entrepreneurs. The nationwide competition invites university students and young individuals (18-24) to submit applications by October 24th in categories like consumer problem-solving, sustainability, and universal design. Finalists will receive mentorship, resources for prototyping, and IP counsel. Winners will get cash prizes and mentorship to accelerate growth, with a live pitch finale in early 2026. This initiative falls under SharkNinja’s “Innovation for Impact” program.

Target is partnering with Netflix for a “Stranger Things” retail experience, launching over 150 themed items in October. Target aims to be the ultimate destination for fans of the show’s final season with a dedicated in-store and online shopping space, immersive experiences, and a nostalgia-driven marketing campaign. The collection includes exclusive items from Funko, Mattel and others. Target is also creating a 1987-themed store to bring the fictional world of Hawkins, Indiana to life.

Upstream Bio (UPB) presented data at the European Respiratory Society Congress showcasing verekitug’s mechanism of action. Verekitug prevents TSLP binding by occupying receptor sites and outcompetes TSLP even with preformed receptor complexes. This supports its potential for treating TSLP-driven respiratory diseases. Phase 2 data in CRSwNP showed significant improvements. A Phase 2 readout in severe asthma is expected in Q1 2026. Verekitug’s high affinity and inhibition of the TSLP receptor could lead to less frequent dosing than current therapies.

Ericsson will publish its Q3 2025 financial results on October 14, 2025, at approximately 7:00 AM CEST. The report will be available on the investor relations website. A live webcast hosted by CEO Börje Ekholm and CFO Lars Sandström will follow at 9:00 AM CEST to discuss the results and address questions. Investors and analysts will focus on Ericsson’s 5G market share, supply chain impact, new revenue streams, and cost-cutting initiatives in the context of the evolving telecommunications landscape. The webcast will be available on-demand.

Primerica’s Household Budget Index™ (HBI™) indicates increasing financial strain on middle-income families. The August reading shows a 0.1% monthly and 0.8% yearly rise, reflecting a 3.3% inflation rate tailored to middle-income spending, exceeding the overall CPI. Rising costs of essential goods (food, utilities, gasoline, insurance, healthcare) are outpacing wage growth, disproportionately affecting this demographic. Primerica emphasizes the HBI™’s importance for informed policymaking to address the economic challenges faced by over 55% of the U.S. population. The HBI™ utilizes data from various government sources.

Edgewater Wireless (TSXV: YFI, OTC: KPIFF) reported Q1 FY2026 results, highlighting progress in Spectrum Slicing™ technology and securing $921,000 in non-dilutive funding. Key achievements include showcasing Spectrum Slicing, completing RF front-end packaging, and prototyping an AI subsystem. The company extended the maturity of convertible debentures to 2027 for enhanced financial flexibility. A net loss of $359,956 was reported with a working capital deficiency. Focus remains on commercializing Spectrum Slicing through silicon/IP licensing and securing partnerships, while addressing challenges in a competitive market.

Bio-Rad Laboratories announced the death of its co-founder and Director Emeritus, Alice N. Schwartz, on September 25, 2025, at age 99. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad grew from a specialty chemicals provider into a leading life science and clinical diagnostics company, driven by Schwartz’s technological contributions, including a pivotal thyroid function test kit. Her business acumen fostered innovation and scientific curiosity. Bio-Rad, with approximately 7,500 employees and $2.6 billion in revenue in 2024, continues to focus on innovative products for research and healthcare.

Sandstorm Gold’s acquisition by Royal Gold has secured key regulatory approvals, pending shareholder and court approvals, and Nasdaq listing. The deal, expected to close early Q4 2025, aims to diversify Royal Gold’s portfolio and enhance growth. Analysts foresee potential synergies from combining Royal Gold’s infrastructure with Sandstorm’s royalty portfolio, leading to cost efficiencies and greater financial capacity. Sandstorm shareholders are urged to vote on the arrangement by October 7, 2025, with online voting encouraged due to potential postal disruptions. Sandstorm holds interests across 40 operating mines and has approximately 230 royalties.

Progress Software (PRGS) announced strong Q3 2025 results, exceeding expectations with 40% revenue growth to $250 million and a 47% increase in Annualized Recurring Revenue (ARR) to $849 million. Non-GAAP diluted EPS rose 19% to $1.50. The company raised its full-year guidance and highlighted the successful integration of ShareFile. Progress is investing in AI, including agentic RAG technology. The Board increased the share repurchase authorization by $200 million. The company expects continued revenue and earnings growth.