Regulatory Approval

Vistra (VST) received FERC approval to acquire seven natural gas generation facilities from Lotus Infrastructure Partners, adding approximately 2,600 megawatts to its portfolio. The facilities, located across PJM, New England, New York, and California, will enhance Vistra’s power generation capabilities and grid reliability. The deal is expected to close by Q1 2026, pending standard conditions and NYPSC approval. Analysts see the acquisition as aligning with Vistra’s strategy to optimize its generation fleet and capitalize on natural gas demand. The acquired facilities represent modern, efficient natural gas assets, potentially positively impacting Vistra’s earnings.

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.

Gilead Sciences’ Yeytuo^® (lenacapavir), a twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, has received European Commission (EC) approval for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). This marks the first and only twice-yearly PrEP option available in the EU, plus Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. Backed by Phase 3 PURPOSE 1 and 2 trial data showing high efficacy, the EC decision follows FDA approval and WHO recommendations. This approval aims to address unmet needs in HIV prevention, particularly among vulnerable populations, and accelerate progress toward ending the HIV epidemic in Europe.

Elon Musk announced on X that Tesla may enable in-car gaming while driving within 3-6 months, pending regulatory approval. This follows a video of a Tesla owner playing Grand Theft Auto using Full Self-Driving (FSD). While presenting a potential revenue stream via subscriptions, the plan faces significant regulatory hurdles due to safety concerns and driver distraction, even with FSD engaged. Tesla emphasizes that drivers must remain vigilant and ready to take control despite FSD.