Einstein Bros. Bagels is betting big on breakfast.

The Colorado-based bagel chain announced plans last week to open more than 300 new bakeries across the U.S. by 2030, a major nationwide expansion aimed at capturing growing demand in the breakfast category.

The company, which describes itself as America’s largest retail bagel chain, currently operates more than 700 locations and plans to surpass 1,000 in the next four years.

“Americans have voted with their mornings, and the data is clear: Bagels are winning,” Jessica DePetro, CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels, said in a statement. “That momentum gives us tremendous confidence in our ability to bring Einstein Bros. to more communities, serve more guests and continue to define the future of the bagel category.”

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Einstein Bros. Bagels recently announced plans to open more than 300 new bakeries across the U.S. by 2030. (Einstein Bros. Bagels)

The expansion will be powered by Einstein Bros.’ new “Elevate the Morning” store prototype, which is designed to help the brand scale faster while prioritizing speed, freshness and the in-store experience, according to the company.

Einstein Bros. said the new design combines upgraded finishes, a neighborhood feel and an easier layout, with the fresh-baked case positioned at the front and center.

“We’ve spent years perfecting a highly scalable store model that delivers fresh, high-quality breakfast with the convenience today’s guests expect, and now we’re accelerating that model across the country,” DePetro added.

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The expansion will be powered by Einstein Bros.’ new “Elevate the Morning” store prototype. (Einstein Bros. Bagels)

The new bakeries will offer Einstein Bros.’ full menu, including fresh-baked bagels, egg sandwiches, handcrafted coffee, cold brew and catering options.

Einstein Bros. said the push comes as the U.S. bagel category reaches $5.8 billion in annual market value and grows at roughly 5% per year.

The chain currently bakes more than 150 million bagels annually.

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The chain currently bakes more than 150 million bagels annually. (Einstein Bros. Bagels)

The company said younger consumers are helping fuel that momentum. Among Einstein Bros. rewards members, customers under 35 drove a 22% year-over-year increase in store visits.

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“At Einstein Bros., we see bagels differently,” Jessica Serrano, chief marketing officer at Einstein Bros. Bagels, said in a statement. “Beyond breakfast, they’re a ritual and, for a growing generation of guests, a daily habit.”

Group that works with brewers and soft drink makers says it is on track for strong 2026

Bottling and packaging group Thomas Hardy has enjoyed a “record breaking year” with bosses predicting more growth this year.

The group, which is based at Burtonwood near Warrington and also has a base in Kendal, reported turnover of £27.5m for the year ending September 30, 2025 – up 39% on 2024. That helped drive pre-tax profits up 132%, from £1.8m to £4.1m.

In his statement to Thomas Hardy Holdings’ latest set of accounts filed at Companies House, managing director Chris Ward said: “This is the highest profit generated in a financial year for the group since incorporation in 1997. Overall packaged volumes were up 41% on 2024 and the directors forecast further growth in 2026.”

At its Burtonwood base, the group’s new canning line operated for its first full year, with what Mr Ward called “promising volume output”. Meanwhile, work on a warehouse extension at the Bold Lane site started later than expected but “should still offer its facilities to customers in the second half of 2026”.

Mr Ward said the group had also seen success with contract renewals. He said: “Two of the group’s existing customers renewed contracts during the year. 94% of forecast volumes for the next financial year are contracted beyond the next twelve months with a further 3% agreed in principle with contracts pending.”

He added: “The directors are in constant contact with all of the group’s customers and believe that demand will be in line with expectations over the next twelve months.”

The Thomas Hardy group was founded in 1997 by Peter Ward with the acquisition of businesses in Dorchester alongside Burtonwood brewery and Scottish Courage’s Kendal site.

Today the group’s 20-acre Burtonwood site includes two high-speed glass bottling lines and one high-speed canning line, meaning the site can fill up to 350m bottles and 225m cans per year. The group has invested £24.4m in the site over the past six years.

Its Kendal site includes a high-speed glass bottling line and other packaging machines for cartons, trays and shrink-wrapping. The plant has seen £5.9m of investment in the last six years. The group employs more than 120 people.

Mr Ward said: “The directors forecast that volumes in the coming year will continue to grow beyond the output achieved in 2025, with strong demand continuing to come from both bottling and canning customers.

“Operations in Burtonwood on the can line moved to a 24/7 continental shift pattern of working in October 2025 to take advantage of the increasing demand and this shift pattern is expected to run beyond the end of the next financial year.”

A federal judge refused to let Meta avoid trial on key claims in a lawsuit brought by state attorneys general alleging it designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children while allegedly withholding information about harms to minors from the public.

U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on Monday denied Meta’s bid for summary judgment on key claims based on deception, unfair practices and violations of the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.

The judge also found that the tech giant failed to comply with that law’s notice and parental consent requirements. Rogers granted summary judgment to the states on that issue.

Rogers determined there were material factual disputes over whether Meta’s social media platforms are addictive, whether the company falsely denied allegations that it designed them that way and whether it “partially” marketed the platforms towards children. The ruling does not decide whether Facebook or Instagram are addictive or caused the alleged harms; it means those issues may be considered by a jury.

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A federal judge refused to let Meta avoid trial on key claims in a lawsuit alleging it designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children. (Getty Images / Getty Images)

“The AGs present a reasonable interpretation of [Meta’s] statements that Facebook and Instagram are not designed in ways that cause teens to compulsively use the platforms to their detriment,” Rogers wrote.

“To the extent plaintiffs’ evidence shows that the platforms are in fact designed to do just that, a jury could reasonably find the statements were untrue to a reasonable person,” the judge added.

Meta said that it disagrees with the judge’s ruling.

“We strongly disagree with these allegations and are confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement to Fox Business.

“For over a decade, we’ve listened to parents, worked with experts and law enforcement, and conducted in-depth research to understand the issues that matter most. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and we’re always working to do better,” the spokesperson continued.

Meta said that it strongly disagrees with the judge’s ruling. ((Photo Illustration by Onur Dogman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta hailed the judge’s decision as a “critical win” in holding Meta accountable for contributing to a mental health crisis among children.

“Now we’ll continue our case and keep fighting to protect our kids online,” New York Attorney General Letitia James wrote on social media.

The states said research has shown that children’s use of Facebook and Instagram could lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, interference with education and daily life and self-harm such as suicide.

Meta had argued that the attorneys general lacked evidence showing it misled the public about its platforms’ alleged addictiveness, claiming that this was because social media addiction is not an established psychiatric condition, meaning claims that its platforms are not addictive could not be false.

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta hailed the judge’s decision as a “critical win” in holding Meta accountable. (Arda Kucukkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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The company also pushed back on accusations that it violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act because it marketed Facebook and Instagram to a wider audience and was not only directed at children under 13.

The court sided with Meta on some fronts, including recognizing that the company’s approach of suspending accounts that may belong to users under 13 does not confirm they are underage. The Meta spokesperson said the company intentionally errs on the side of caution regarding accounts suspected of belonging to someone under 13, adding that many may not end up being underage after all.

Rogers also oversees similar multidistrict litigation brought by more than 2,600 people, school districts and local governments accusing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok of addicting children.

A trial on claims brought by California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey against Meta is scheduled for August 18.

Reuters contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump reported more than $1 billion in cryptocurrency-related income in his latest annual financial disclosure, underscoring how digital assets have become a major part of his business portfolio.

The 2025 filing, released Tuesday by the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, spans more than 900 pages and covers the first year of Trump’s second non-consecutive term in the White House.

Trump reported more than $500 million from sales by World Liberty Financial, a crypto company co-founded by members of his family. 

The president also reported $635 million in royalties tied to what the disclosure described as “Celebration Coins,” which were reportedly connected to CIC Digital LLC, Trump’s meme coin business, according to Bloomberg.

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U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One to depart Reading Regional Airport on June 23, 2026, in Reading, Pennsylvania. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images / Getty Images)

The filing showed Trump’s real estate, golf and club holdings continued to generate substantial revenue. Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, brought in more than $77 million, according to the disclosure.

Trump also earned millions from branded merchandise, including sneakers, Bibles and watches. The watch deal alone brought in $4.7 million, according to the filing.

The disclosure also listed more than $86 million in legal settlements involving ABC, CBS, Meta, YouTube and X.

A visual representation of the digital cryptocurrency Bitcoin. President Donald Trump reported more than $1 billion in income tied to cryptocurrency ventures in his latest annual financial disclosure. (Chesnot/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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Trump’s net worth has climbed to $6 billion, up from $2.3 billion in 2024, according to Forbes.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed conflict-of-interest concerns in a statement to FOX Business and said that the administration’s crypto policies are aimed at promoting U.S. innovation and economic growth.

“Neither the President nor his family has ever engaged — or will ever engage — in conflicts of interest,” Kelly said. “President Trump proudly made the United States the crypto capital of the world through executive actions, supporting legislation like the GENIUS Act, and other commonsense policies to drive innovation and economic opportunity for all Americans.”

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U.S. President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, brought in more than $77 million. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images / Getty Images)

She also argued that criticism of the president’s business interests amounts to a “false narrative.”

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“All actions by President Trump and his administration are taken in the best interest of the American people – and any so-called ‘reporters’ pushing otherwise are recycling the same, tired, false narrative that Democrats and the legacy media have been pushing for a decade,” Kelly added.

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NEW YORK — Shares of AeroVironment Inc. jumped more than 21 percent Tuesday as the defense contractor reported record quarterly revenue and earnings, highlighting robust demand for its unmanned systems and autonomous technologies amid global security concerns.

The Simi Valley, California-based company saw its stock climb as much as 21.23 percent in morning trading to reach $168.51. The surge followed the release of fiscal fourth-quarter and full-year results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by strong performance in its Autonomous Systems segment and contributions from the BlueHalo acquisition.

AeroVironment reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of approximately $641.6 million, a substantial increase from the prior year. Adjusted earnings per share reached $1.84, surpassing analyst forecasts. For the full fiscal year, the company delivered nearly $2 billion in revenue, supported by a record $2.7 billion in bookings and a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4 times.

The Autonomous Systems division, which includes tactical loitering munitions and unmanned aircraft systems, accounted for a significant portion of revenue growth. This segment demonstrated margin expansion and operational efficiency following the integration of BlueHalo, which expanded AeroVironment’s capabilities in space, cyber and directed energy technologies.

Company executives pointed to a record funded backlog of $1.2 billion, providing visibility into future revenue streams. Strong global demand for defense solutions, particularly in contested environments, has positioned the company favorably as militaries worldwide seek advanced unmanned capabilities.

The results come as geopolitical tensions drive increased defense spending. AeroVironment’s products, including switchblade loitering munitions and other tactical systems, have seen heightened interest from U.S. allies and domestic forces. The company has been expanding manufacturing capacity to meet this demand.

Analysts have noted the strategic importance of the BlueHalo acquisition, completed earlier in the fiscal year. It has diversified AeroVironment’s portfolio beyond traditional unmanned aerial vehicles into broader defense electronics and autonomous systems. Integration efforts appear to be yielding positive results, with the combined entity achieving record EBITDA margins.

For the full fiscal year, AeroVironment achieved organic revenue growth of around 30 percent, excluding acquisition impacts. Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter more than doubled year-over-year, reaching $140.1 million with a 22 percent margin.

Investors appeared to focus on these operational achievements despite any conservative forward guidance. The stock’s sharp move reflects confidence in the company’s ability to convert its substantial backlog into sustained growth.

AeroVironment has evolved from a niche player in small unmanned aircraft to a broader provider of intelligent systems for defense and commercial applications. Its Switchblade systems gained prominence in recent conflicts, demonstrating the value of portable, precision strike capabilities.

The company continues to invest in research and development, particularly in autonomous technologies that reduce operator risk and enhance mission effectiveness. Partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and international customers have supported a growing pipeline of opportunities.

Market reaction to the earnings highlighted the premium placed on defense stocks with proven execution. AeroVironment’s shares had faced volatility in prior periods due to contract timing and integration costs, but Tuesday’s results alleviated some concerns.

Broader market context showed selective buying in aerospace and defense names. Increased global tensions and U.S. budget priorities have supported sector performance, though valuations remain a consideration for longer-term investors.

AeroVironment’s leadership has emphasized disciplined growth and operational excellence. Capacity expansions across product lines signal preparation for sustained demand. The company has also focused on improving margins through product mix optimization and efficiency gains.

Looking forward, analysts anticipate continued strength in key programs. Potential contracts in loitering munitions, counter-drone systems and autonomous platforms could further bolster results. However, execution risks around large-scale production and supply chain management remain factors to monitor.

The defense industry overall benefits from multi-year budget commitments, providing some insulation from short-term economic fluctuations. AeroVironment’s focus on tactical systems aligns with evolving battlefield requirements emphasizing speed, precision and reduced collateral damage.

Tuesday’s trading volume surged as retail and institutional investors reacted to the earnings. The move pushed the stock well above recent averages, though it remains below all-time highs reached in prior periods of heightened optimism.

Company officials have highlighted the strategic value of diversification. Beyond core defense applications, AeroVironment explores commercial uses for its technologies in areas such as infrastructure inspection and environmental monitoring.

Fiscal 2027 guidance will be closely watched when released. Management has previously signaled confidence in long-term growth drivers while acknowledging quarterly variability inherent in government contracting.

The strong results validate AeroVironment’s acquisition strategy and operational improvements. BlueHalo’s contribution has accelerated revenue scale and technological breadth, positioning the company as a more comprehensive provider in the unmanned and autonomous defense space.

Investors will continue evaluating the balance between growth opportunities and valuation metrics. AeroVironment trades at a premium reflecting its high-growth profile, but consistent execution could support further upside.

The defense sector’s resilience amid macroeconomic uncertainty has drawn capital. Companies with direct exposure to priority programs, like AeroVironment, have outperformed in recent trading periods.

As AeroVironment advances its manufacturing footprint and technology roadmap, the market will assess its ability to maintain momentum. Strong backlog and bookings provide a solid foundation, though conversion timing can fluctuate.

Tuesday’s significant share price increase underscores investor enthusiasm for the earnings beat and demand outlook. It marks a notable rebound for a company that has navigated integration challenges and market volatility.

AeroVironment’s story reflects broader trends in modern warfare and technology adoption. Unmanned systems are increasingly central to military strategies, creating sustained opportunities for specialized providers.

The company continues to hire talent and expand facilities to support growth. Such investments, while pressuring near-term margins, are viewed as essential for capturing market share in a competitive landscape.

Market participants will monitor upcoming defense budget developments and international sales for additional catalysts. AeroVironment’s international presence has grown, diversifying revenue beyond U.S. sources.

In summary, AeroVironment’s robust fiscal fourth-quarter performance and record metrics have reignited investor confidence, driving a sharp rally in its shares. The results highlight the company’s strengthened position in high-demand defense technologies.