The stock market’s three-day winning streak was in jeopardy early on Thursday.
The S&P 500 was down 0.2%. The Dow was off 163 points, or 0.3%. The Nasdaq Composite was down 0.1%. The S&P and Dow had risen in the prior three sessions.
Only 163 S&P 500 stocks were positive. The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF was off 0.4%.
As the global online language learning market surges toward projected growth of hundreds of billions by the 2030s, two pioneering marketplaces — Preply and iTalki — remain dominant choices for learners seeking personalized, one-on-one instruction via video.
Preply
Preply, the Ukrainian-founded edtech unicorn that hit $1.2 billion valuation in January 2026 after a $150 million Series D round, emphasizes AI-enhanced tools and structured progress tracking. iTalki, the longer-established Hong Kong-based platform launched in 2006, prioritizes vast tutor variety, pay-per-lesson flexibility and a massive user base exceeding 10 million learners.
Both connect students with private tutors for conversational practice, exam prep, business skills and more across dozens of languages. Yet differences in pricing models, tutor vetting, features and corporate offerings make one potentially better suited depending on learner goals, budget and commitment level.
Here are the key points of comparison between Preply and iTalki based on the latest 2026 data, user feedback and platform updates.
Company Background and ScalePreply, founded in 2012 in Kyiv and now headquartered in Brookline, Massachusetts, boasts over 100,000 tutors teaching more than 90 languages to learners in 180 countries. It became EBITDA profitable and achieved unicorn status in early 2026 with backing from WestCap, Horizon Capital and others. iTalki, operating since 2006, connects over 10 million learners with more than 30,000 teachers and community tutors across 150+ languages — including many niche and endangered ones. It has raised modest funding (around $3 million historically) and focuses on organic growth without recent major rounds.
Tutor Network and Quality ControlPreply maintains a network exceeding 100,000 experienced tutors, with structured onboarding, training and AI-assisted matching based on learning style, goals and availability. Tutors often build long-term student relationships for consistent progress. iTalki divides tutors into “Professional Teachers” (requiring credentials like TEFL/certification) and “Community Tutors” (native speakers for casual conversation). This yields greater variety but more variability in quality, as users frequently note on forums.
Pricing and Payment Models Both operate as marketplaces where tutors set rates, typically ranging from $10–$80+ per hour. Preply often features higher average rates and uses a subscription-like package system for bulk purchases, with platform fees of 18–33% (decreasing with volume) plus 100% commission on trial lessons. Learners pay upfront for packages. iTalki offers pure pay-per-lesson flexibility with a flat 15% commission, no subscriptions required, and discounted trial lessons. Many users prefer iTalki for occasional or low-commitment study, though Preply’s model suits dedicated learners planning regular sessions.
Lesson Features and ToolsPreply integrates AI-powered tools for lesson planning, progress tracking, feedback and personalized recommendations, claiming users achieve up to 3x faster fluency gains in studies. It provides built-in materials, satisfaction guarantees and easy rescheduling. iTalki focuses on straightforward video lessons with optional classroom recordings (updated AI features in 2026 policies) but offers fewer integrated progress tools. Users praise its simplicity for casual practice, though tracking relies more on tutor initiative.
Corporate and B2B Offerings Preply Business serves over 1,000 companies with centralized dashboards, reporting, onboarding and custom programs tailored to team upskilling — a key differentiator in 2026 comparisons. iTalki lacks dedicated enterprise features, making it less ideal for structured corporate training despite individual use by professionals.
User Experience and Satisfaction Preply earns high marks (often 4.8+ on app stores) for matching algorithms, progress data and tutor consistency, with 300,000+ five-star reviews. Learners report strong results in 12-week studies. iTalki users value tutor diversity and no-commitment booking but cite occasional quality variance and platform interface datedness in 2026 Reddit discussions.
Trial Lessons and Getting Started Both platforms offer discounted or trial first lessons (often 30 minutes) to test tutors. Preply includes satisfaction guarantees with refunds or rematches if unsatisfied. iTalki emphasizes easy browsing of teacher profiles, videos and reviews for quick selection.
Strengths for Different Learner TypesPreply suits motivated learners seeking structured, measurable progress — ideal for exam prep (TOEFL, IELTS), business English or long-term fluency goals. Its AI enhancements and corporate tools appeal to serious users. iTalki excels for casual conversation practice, niche languages, flexible scheduling and budget-conscious learners who prefer one-off sessions or exploring multiple tutors.
Tutor Perspective and Earnings Tutors report higher potential earnings and more consistent bookings on Preply in some 2026 Reddit threads, though with steeper initial commissions. iTalki offers lower fees and more control over rates, attracting those preferring independence but sometimes lower volume.
Market Position and Future OutlookPreply leads in innovation with AI-human hybrid approaches and rapid scaling post-unicorn funding, positioning it for continued dominance in personalized edtech. iTalki maintains strength through sheer scale, legacy and flexibility in a competitive field including Cambly, Lingoda and others. Both platforms updated policies in early 2026 to address AI recording features amid privacy concerns.
Neither platform universally outperforms the other — choice depends on priorities. Dedicated learners favoring structure and tech aids often lean toward Preply, while those wanting maximum variety and minimal commitment gravitate to iTalki. As AI continues reshaping education, both are adapting to deliver more effective, accessible language mastery in 2026 and beyond.
Gold prices rebounded above $4,900 as investors bought the dip following a two-day slide in thin trading conditions due to the Lunar New Year holiday across Asia.
New York futures rose 0.8% to $4,945.60 a troy ounce in early trading. “In the near term, expectations around rate cuts remain key, as lower borrowing costs would support non-yielding assets like gold,” Soojin Kim from MUFG said.
“Longer term, major banks continue to expect renewed gains, citing persistent geopolitical tensions, concerns about the Fed’s independence, and investor diversification away from sovereign bonds and currencies.”
HOCHTIEF Aktiengesellschaft (HOCFF) Q4 2025 Earnings Call February 19, 2026 10:30 AM EST
Company Participants
Mike Pinkney – Head of Corporate Strategy Juan Cases – Chairman of the Executive Board
Conference Call Participants
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Graham Hunt – Jefferies LLC, Research Division Marcin Wojtal – BofA Securities, Research Division Dario Maglione – BNP Paribas, Research Division Luis Prieto – Kepler Cheuvreux, Research Division
Presentation
Operator
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Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the HOCHTIEF Full Year 2025 Results Conference Call. I’m Morris, the chorus call operator. [Operator Instructions] The conference is being recorded. [Operator Instructions] The conference must not be recorded for publication or broadcast.
At this time, it’s my pleasure to hand over to Mike Pinkney. Please go ahead, sir.
Mike Pinkney Head of Corporate Strategy
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Thanks, operator. Good afternoon, everyone, and thanks for joining the HOCHTIEF Full Year Results Call for 2025. I’m Mike Pinkney, Head of Capital Markets Strategy, and I’m here with our CEO, Juan Santamaria; and our CFO, Christa Andresky; as well as the Head of IR, Tobias Loskamp and other colleagues from the senior management team of HOCHTIEF.
We’re looking forward to your questions, but to start with our CEO is going to run us through the details of another very strong set of numbers and provide you with an update on the group strategy.
Juan, all yours.
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Juan Cases Chairman of the Executive Board
Thank you, Mike and team, and welcome to everyone joining us for this results call. I’m delighted to present to you HOCHTIEF’s results for 2025 a year in which we achieved an outstanding operational and financial performance as well as major advances in our strategic delivery.
Let’s kick off with the numbers and then I’ll give you an update on the important progress we’re making with our growth strategy. HOCHTIEF’s operational net profit increased by 26% to
Parallels.com, the official site of Parallels International GmbH, serves as the hub for one of the world’s leading virtualization and remote access software providers. Best known for Parallels Desktop — the top-rated solution for running Windows on Mac — the company continues to innovate in 2026, with its latest Parallels Desktop 26 release optimized for macOS Tahoe and featuring enhanced enterprise tools.
10 Fun Facts About Parallels
Owned by Alludo (formerly Corel), Parallels empowers millions of users to bridge operating systems seamlessly, whether for personal productivity, development, gaming or large-scale IT deployments. Recent surveys from the company highlight shifting priorities in hybrid cloud and end-user computing, with 94% of IT leaders expressing concerns over vendor lock-in amid AI adoption.
Here are 10 essential facts about Parallels.com and its ecosystem, drawing on the latest developments as of February 2026.
Company Origins and Ownership Founded in 1999 by Serg Bell, Parallels International GmbH is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. It specializes in virtualization software for macOS, enabling users to run Windows, Linux and other OSes on Apple hardware. The company became a subsidiary of Corel (now rebranded as Alludo) after a 2015 acquisition. Alludo positions Parallels as part of its portfolio of productivity and graphics tools, serving over 2.5 million paying customers globally.
Core Product: Parallels Desktop for Mac Parallels Desktop remains the flagship offering, allowing seamless integration of Windows apps alongside macOS without rebooting. Features include Coherence Mode (Windows apps appear native on Mac), shared folders, clipboard sharing and high-performance graphics. It supports Apple silicon Macs natively, making it the Microsoft-authorized solution for Windows 11 on M-series chips.
Latest Version: Parallels Desktop 26 Released in August 2025 and updated through February 2026 (version 26.2.2 build 57373), Parallels Desktop 26 aligns versioning with Apple’s macOS scheme. It delivers full compatibility with macOS Tahoe 26 as both host and guest OS, accurate disk space visibility in Windows VMs to prevent crashes, refreshed icons and adherence to Apple’s tightened background process rules. Enterprise editions introduce Declarative Deployment for Microsoft golden images, Intune enrollment and centralized management via the Parallels Management Portal.
Performance and Compatibility Highlights The 2026 updates ensure smooth support for Windows 11 25H2, improved stability on Apple silicon and better handling of large installations. Users benefit from preserved Coherence Mode, USB device enhancements in macOS VMs and SOC 2 Type II compliance for security. Recent patches address stability, security and Linux compatibility issues like Parallels Tools with Debian 13.
Enterprise and Business FocusParallels offers dedicated Business and Enterprise editions with IT management tools, including Jamf script support for VM updates, SSO activation in Single Application Mode and policy enforcement for shared resources, USB access and network modes. These features cater to organizations deploying virtual machines at scale while maintaining security compliance.
Broader Portfolio Beyond Desktop Parallels.com hosts solutions like Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server) — recently updated to version 21.0 with hybrid cloud management, enhanced security and platform reliability — for virtual desktops and app delivery. Other products include Parallels Toolbox for file security and utilities, Parallels Client for mobile access to RAS environments, and cloud-based options for browser or online Windows VMs.
Market Leadership and Recognition Parallels frequently ranks as a top virtual machine provider, especially for Mac users needing Windows access. In 2024, it was named a Major Player in IDC MarketScapes for virtual client computing. The company’s 2026 Cloud Survey revealed key trends: organizations prioritizing flexibility in end-user computing amid AI integration, with many resetting strategies to avoid lock-in.
User Base and Applications Millions rely on Parallels for development (running Windows tools on Mac), gaming (3D titles via DirectX/OpenGL support), testing multiple OSes and professional workflows. It excels in scenarios like running legacy Windows software, accessing Microsoft-exclusive apps or creating isolated environments for security. Educational and public sector users leverage it for cross-platform learning and remote access.
Recent Research and Industry Insights Parallels’ February 2026 survey of over 500 IT professionals found widespread concern about vendor lock-in in cloud and AI-driven environments. The data informs webinars and reports on VDI, SaaS and hybrid IT trends, positioning Parallels as a thought leader advocating multi-cloud and flexible strategies. Blogs on parallels.com regularly cover topics like the best VMs for 2026 and online Windows options.
Future Outlook and Accessibility With ongoing updates — including AI-ready features from prior versions evolving into enterprise-grade tools — Parallels continues prioritizing performance, security and ease of use. The website offers free trials, detailed knowledge bases, press releases and direct downloads. As macOS and Windows evolve, Parallels Desktop remains essential for users unwilling to abandon one ecosystem for another.
Parallels.com stands as a gateway to versatile computing in a multi-OS world. Whether for individual Mac owners running Windows side-by-side or enterprises managing hybrid fleets, the platform delivers reliable, high-performance virtualization backed by continuous innovation.
Canadian filmmaker James Cameron poses during a photocall for the opening of the exhibition entitled ‘The Art of James Cameron’ at the Cinematheque Francaise in Paris on April 3, 2024.
Stephane De Sakutin | AFP | Getty Images
Legendary “Titanic” director James Cameron is likening the theatrical experience to a “sinking ship” if Netflix acquires Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio.
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Cameron penned a letter to Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, last week, which was obtained by CNBC, in which he argues Netflix’s proposed acquisition of WBD’s studio and streaming assets could lead to massive job losses in Hollywood, fundamentally alter the theatrical landscape in the U.S. and negatively impact one of America’s largest export sectors.
Lee chairs the Senate subcommittee on antitrust, competitive policy and consumer rights, which met in early February to discuss the potential impact of the Netflix-Warner Bros. transaction. Cameron sent his letter in the days following the hearing, during which Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and WBD executive Bruce Campbell testified.
“I believe strongly that the proposed sale of Warner Brothers Discovery to Netflix will be disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business that I have dedicated my life’s work to,” Cameron wrote to Lee. “Of course, my films all play in the downstream video markets as well, but my first love is the cinema.”
Cameron has been vocal in his opposition to the proposed tie-up, and his concerns echo those of the broader filmmaking industry, which generally sees combinations of movie studios resulting in fewer releases and less work. Cameron’s letter to Lee, which has not been previously reported, escalates his concerns to the lawmakers who could potentially stand in the way of Netflix completing its acquisition.
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In particular, critics have raised alarm about bringing together two of the top global streaming services – Netflix with 325 million global subscribers and WBD’s HBO Max with 128 million as of Sept. 30. Lawmakers have already questioned how a merger of those services would impact consumers and prices.
“We have received outreach from actors, directors, and other interested parties about the proposed Netflix and Warner Brothers merger, and I share many of their concerns,” Lee said in a statement. “I look forward to holding a follow-up hearing to further address these issues.”
In response to a request for comment, a Netflix representative pointed to Netflix’s written testimony and Sarandos’ comments during the hearing earlier this month.
In its written testimony, Netflix outlined its investments in the film and TV production industry and its impact on the overall U.S. economy, including $20 billion in planned film and TV spend in 2026, a majority of which it said will be spent in America.
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“With this deal, we’re going to increase, not reduce, production investments going forward, supported by a stronger combined business and balance sheet,” Netflix said, noting its production facilities, such as in New Mexico and an upcoming New Jersey-based studio.
Since the deal’s announcement, Netflix’s top brass has consistently voiced their belief that the deal would not only win regulatory approval, but would be good for the media industry.
During a recent earnings call, Sarandos called the deal “pro-consumer … pro-innovation, pro-worker.”
He has said on multiple occasions that the addition of WBD’s studio would preserve jobs — even as layoffs roil the media ecosystem — and has said the assets would bring new businesses under Netflix’s umbrella.
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“We’re going to need those teams, these folks that have extensive experience and expertise. We want them to stay on and run those business,” Sarandos said. “So we’re expanding content creation, not collapsing it in this transaction.”
In addition to concerns specific to filmmakers and across the theater industry, the proposed Netflix-WBD transaction has awakened other regulatory questions.
In particular, critics have raised alarm about bringing together two of the top global streaming services – Netflix with 325 million global subscribers and WBD’s HBO Max with 128 million as of Sept. 30. Lawmakers have already questioned how a merger of those services would impact consumers and prices.
Paramount Skydance has leveraged some of the same arguments in its attempt to unseat Netflix and buy the entirety of WBD through a hostile tender offer.
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Sarandos and co-CEO Greg Peters have argued competition for viewers includes various platforms – from traditional TV to streaming services to social media platforms like YouTube – making Netflix a small part of the ecosystem.
Theatrical shifts
Cameron, who has pioneered the creation of new filming technologies during his decades-long career, including 3D production systems, advanced visual effects and high-frame-rate display, noted that theatrical exhibition has been a critical part of his “creative vision.”
He also highlighted previous comments by Sarandos calling movie theaters “an outdated concept” and an “outmoded idea,” in addition to comments telling investors that “driving folks to a theater is just not our business.”
“The business model of Netflix is directly at odds with the theatrical film production and exhibition business, which employs hundreds of thousands of Americans,” Cameron wrote. “It is therefore directly at odds with the business model of the Warner Brothers movie division, one of the few remaining major movie studios.”
Cameron noted that WBD releases around 15 theatrical films a year, volume that movie theater operators rely on at a time when production has shrunk and consumer habits have shifted.
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He also suggested that the merger would “remove consumer choice by reducing the number of feature motion pictures that are made” as well as “restrict the choices of film-makers looking for studios to invest in their projects, which will in turn reduce jobs.”
Cameron touched on recent trade policy shifts by the Trump administration that have sought to protect U.S. exports. President Donald Trump has more than once floated the idea of tariffs to protect Hollywood.
“The US may no longer lead in auto or steel manufacturing, but it is still the world leader in movies,” Cameron said. Under a Netflix-WBD merger, “That will change for the worse.”
Cameron also questioned whether Netflix would honor verbal commitments its executives have made around future theatrical releases, including how long they would play in theaters and how many theaters they would play in.
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In its written testimony from earlier this month, Netflix said it plans to put Warner Bros. films in theaters with 45-day windows and would continue to employ these employees, since “we don’t have those kinds of workers at Netflix today.”
“We are not acquiring these amazing assets to shut them down, but to build them up,” according to the testimony.
Still, Cameron questioned whether those commitments would hold.
“Their pledge to support theatrical releases (a business fundamentally at odds with their core business model) is likely to evaporate in a few years,” he said.
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“Once they own a major movie studio, that is irrevocable,” he added. “That ship has sailed (as I like to say, mindful that I directed ‘Titanic.’ I am very familiar not only with ships that sail, but also those that sink. And the theatrical experience of movies could become a sinking ship.)”
Johnson & Johnson executive vice president and CFO Joseph Wolk discusses the companys performance and President Donald Trumps healthcare agenda on The Claman Countdown.
Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in a next-generation manufacturing facility that will produce advanced cell therapy technologies.
The facility will be located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and Johnson & Johnson said the move will expand its U.S. manufacturing capacity along with its pipeline of transformational medicines for cancer, immune-mediated and neurological diseases.
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Johnson & Johnson added that the facility will have cutting-edge manufacturing processes and support over 500 skilled biomanufacturing jobs once its fully operational, as well as over 4,000 construction jobs during its construction.
“For 140 years, Johnson & Johnson has been a leading innovator in American healthcare, and we are honored to continue advancing that legacy in Pennsylvania,” said Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquin Duato.
Johnson & Johnson announced plans to invest $1 billion in a new gene therapy manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania. (Cristina Arias/Cover/Getty Images)
“By uniting scientific excellence with state-of-the-art manufacturing and strategic investment, and by working collaboratively with our communities, we are delivering for patients and creating significant opportunities for workers and families,” Duato added.
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The $1 billion investment in the new cell therapy manufacturing facility comes as part of the company’s previously announced plan to invest $55 billion in manufacturing, research and development, and technology in the U.S. through early 2029.
Johnson & Johnson noted that the facility will deepen its presence in Pennsylvania, which it said has an economic impact of about $10 billion annually.
The company has 10 facilities covering over 2 million square feet in the Keystone State. Johnson & Johnson has manufacturing, research, distribution and office operations in Pennsylvania.
Johnson & Johnson’s investment is part of a previously announced $55 billion commitment. (Courtesy of Johnson & Johnson)
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, said that the announcement shows the state is a “powerhouse for innovation and manufacturing in the life sciences” and added that the Johnson & Johnson announcement shows that companies “know we’ve got the strategy, the workforce, and the speed they need to succeed.”
“Pennsylvania leads in life sciences and advanced manufacturing because we consistently deliver what companies like Johnson & Johnson need to succeed: a skilled workforce, premier research institutions, and proven manufacturing strength,” said Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa. “This $1 billion-plus investment in a new Lower Gwynedd facility is a testament to that leadership and will produce life-changing treatments for patients, along with new and good jobs for our Commonwealth.”
“Pennsylvania is a leader in healthcare innovation with some of the very best health care workers. Proud to see this more than $1 billion investment into Montgomery County and our Commonwealth,” saidSen. John Fetterman, D-Pa. “Bringing new jobs, advanced manufacturing, and life-saving medicine to and for our communities is always something to celebrate.”
