Markets

Lam Research inaugurated a new $65 million R&D facility in Tualatin, Oregon, expanding its “Silicon Forest” presence. The 120,000-square-foot building will house up to 700 employees, boosting the company’s development of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This investment reflects Lam’s commitment to the growing semiconductor market, particularly in AI-related technologies like SABRE® 3D and VECTOR® TEOS 3D. The expansion strengthens Lam’s position as a key supplier of fabrication equipment and reinforces Oregon’s role in semiconductor innovation.

On Nov 21, 2025, Critical Metals Corp (CRML) acquired 40 kg of 99.96% ultra-high-purity copper powder from a European family office via a $20M all-share deal, issuing 2 million shares at $10 each, a 40% premium. The G7/EU-origin stockpile targets defense, aerospace, energy, and semiconductor customers, securing a traceable supply chain. The material is valued at $1,500–$2,500 per gram. The transaction provides CRML with access to a scarce material but dilutes shareholder equity through the share issuance.

Biglari Capital Corp. criticizes the re-election of Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss-Masino, citing a declining stock price and her lack of credibility with retail shareholders, who largely voted against her. Biglari Capital questions the voting behavior of index funds, suggesting a disconnect between their governance departments’ actions and the economic interests of individual investors. They advocate for reforms to align index fund voting with retail investor sentiment, arguing the CEO’s continued leadership is detrimental to Cracker Barrel’s performance and value.

Quanta Services (PWR) executives, CEO Duke Austin and CFO Jayshree Desai, will participate in the UBS Global Industrials and Transportation Conference on December 2, 2025. They will meet with investors and engage in a fireside chat at 10:30 a.m. ET, webcast live on Quanta’s investor relations website. Quanta, a leading infrastructure solutions provider, serves utilities, renewable energy, and other sectors. Analysts cite growth opportunities in renewable energy and communications but note potential challenges from supply chain issues and labor shortages.

Youdao (DAO) reported its fifth consecutive profitable quarter in Q3 2025, driven by its “AI-Native” strategy. Net revenue reached RMB 1.6 billion, with a nearly 150% year-over-year growth in operating profit for the first three quarters. Advertising revenue surged to RMB 0.74 billion, becoming the largest revenue source, fueled by AI-powered creative generation and campaign optimization tools. Youdao’s overseas business grew over 100% year-over-year, supported by Youdao Ads’ integrated AI solutions for influencer marketing, exemplified by the “Where Winds Meet” campaign. The company aims for operating cash-flow breakeven annually.

The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, supported by MetLife Foundation’s $9 million initial contribution, is accepting applications from K-12 education-focused non-profits until December 31, 2025. The Fund aims to improve education and sports access globally, targeting over 200 communities. Approximately 150 organizations will receive grants ($50,000-$250,000) to serve 500-10,000 individuals. The initiative emphasizes scalability, sustainability, and impact measurement. This is aligned with a broader trend of corporate investment in education and social mobility.

Sign up for a free account to access premium features and a personalized experience. Upon successful registration, a confirmation email is sent; please check your inbox (and spam folder) to complete the process. Account creation errors may occur; retry or contact support. Existing users can log in.

Caesars Entertainment and Monmouth Park celebrated the grand opening of a new Caesars Sportsbook at Monmouth Park in New Jersey on November 20, 2025. The 16,000-square-foot venue features indoor and outdoor sports viewing, self-service betting kiosks, a bar, a VIP section, and a Shake Shack. This builds on Monmouth Park’s history, as it was the first location in New Jersey to accept legal in-person sports wagers. The Caesars Sportsbook app is also available for online betting. Caesars emphasizes responsible gaming, offering various resources and enforcing a 21+ gaming policy.

Bread Financial (BFH) priced an underwritten offering of depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, with a $25 liquidation preference. The offering is expected to close on November 25, 2025, and generate approximately $72.6 million in net proceeds. BFH intends to use the funds for general corporate purposes, including potential contributions to Comenity Capital Bank and share repurchases and will seek NYSE listing for the depositary shares.

Extra Space Storage Inc. (EXR) declared a fourth-quarter 2025 dividend of $1.62 per share on its common stock, payable December 31, 2025, to shareholders of record on December 15, 2025. As of September 30, 2025, Extra Space Storage, a leading self-storage REIT, owned or operated 4,238 properties comprising approximately 2.9 million units and 326.9 million square feet of rentable space. The company is the largest operator in the U.S. self-storage market, offering varied storage solutions across the United States.