In between the thrill of the bouts on fight night, you may notice a new partner listed on the canvas of a UFC octagon: FRE Nicotine Pouches. 

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, FRE became the “official nicotine pouch partner” of UFC and the rest of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (TKO) affiliated properties, including Zuffa Boxing, PBR (Professional Bull Riding), and UFC BJJ, as well as IMG-owned World’s Strongest Man and Formula Drift. 

FRE has been quietly building a sports portfolio that reaches those performance-obsessed audiences across the country, but the announcement of the partnership with TKO last month was a landmark title sponsorship. 

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TKO Group Holdings, Inc. and FRE Pouches, a consumer product from Turning Point Brands, partnered to become UFC’s “official nicotine pouch.” (FRE Nicotine Pouches / Fox News)

UFC became the first major U.S. sports property to have an “official nicotine pouch” partner, making this a deal that changes the landscape of a category that will have an estimated $50 billion market by 2033. 

Summer Frein, chief revenue officer at Turning Point Brands, the branded consumer products company that markets and distributes products, including alternative smoking accessories, spoke with Fox Business about how FRE wanted to get into sports. And TKO’s properties, especially UFC, made too much sense.  

“Obviously, first and foremost, we wanted to pick something that aligns with our brand, and our tagline is ‘Own Your Edge.’ When you think about people who own their edge, sports immediately come to mind. And when you think about TKO — I said this to someone last week — where the hell do you own your edge more than knocking someone out in an octagon,” Frein said in a recent interview. 

UFC, BUD LIGHT TEAM UP TO MAKE ALREADY HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SUMMER OF FIGHTS THAT MUCH BETTER: ‘A FAN DELIGHT’

“The consumers who are at the events overlap with our consumer base very directly, both from an adult nicotine consumer perspective, but just the characteristics of them. What they believe in, what they embody (has) a lot of overlap with us as well in terms of being competitive, performance-driven and that sort of thing.”

The UFC has an audience that is over 90% adults, 21 years or older, making it an ideal platform for responsible marketing of adult consumer products like nicotine pouches. But, from an athlete’s perspective, research into how nicotine could enhance sports performance has been abundant. 

Smokeless tobacco has been widely used by athletes to enhance performance, with nicotine serving as a central nervous system stimulant among other anatomic effects. And while nicotine had a bad reputation due to its correlation with tobacco-based products like cigarettes, the stimulant wasn’t the cause of toxic health consequences. Of course, it remains an addictive chemical.

The growth of the global nicotine pouch market reached roughly $4.3 billion in 2025, and it’s only going to surge from there. FRE has moved fast to establish itself before it fully matures, and a deal like this with TKO proves that. 

FRE Nicotine Pouches became the “official nicotine pouch” of different TKO Group Holdings, Inc. properties, including UFC and Zuffa Boxing. (FRE Nicotine Pouches / Fox News)

“We started off with PBR last year. We rolled into some NASCAR and ARCA Series racing, and all of those foundational elements gave us the confidence that we were heading in the right direction. Sports made a lot of sense for us,” Frein added. 

“I think [TKO was] also looking for partners and consumers that had overlap, so we were building upon each other there. The consumers expect that. You have seen UFC consumers and fans at events. They ride for that brand. So, if they partner with brands that don’t make sense, I don’t think those fans will be quiet about that. I think our brand made a lot of sense for that reason, too.”

Frein pointed out how FRE sets itself apart for its consumers with its variety of flavors, and, more importantly, nicotine strengths. FRE pouches go from three milligrams up to 15, a strength not many competitors have in their product. No matter where a consumer may be on a nicotine pouch journey, FRE prides itself on that variety to help provide consumers with how they wish to have the product. 

“Consumers told us they use nicotine and use these pouches, in particular, in their life for a variety of reasons. One is to transition off of products they don’t want to use anymore, different nicotine products they don’t want to use anymore. They feel like this is a better option for them – more discreet, less judgment, that sort of thing. Then, we hear them say what you’re saying. They use it for moments of their day that they find to be helpful to them,” Frein explained. 

FRE has also listened to its customers when it comes to the pouch itself. The pouches feature a pre-primed moisture technology pouch that Frein says consumers “prefer.” Their variety also goes into the pouch count, offering 20-count tins or 100-count “Mega Packs.”

And as Frein mentioned, FRE’s push into sports goes beyond its work with TKO. It recently partnered with 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan’s auto racing company, and driver Riley Herbst for select NASCAR Cup Series races. It also signed as the “official nicotine sponsor” for Taylor Reimer Racing across four ARCA Menards Series events in 2026. 

FRE Nicotine Pouches branding on a 23XI Racing NASCAR vehicle for the NASCAR Cup Series. (FRE Nicotine Pouches / Fox News)

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As tobacco-less nicotine products have been reframed from a legacy habit to a deliberate, performance-based choice, FRE has made a calculated bet on sports, and partnering with TKO makes the future exciting from a business perspective.  

“I think what the partnership with TKO and NASCAR and Taylor Reimer in the ARCA Series has done for us is open people’s minds,” Frein said. 

“Open doors, given us credibility as a brand and as an industry that we can make it work. We’re going to have a seat at the table. We’re going to market effectively and responsibly, frankly. So, I imagine that, just given the prior piece of the conversations around athletes and them thinking differently and having this a part of their lives, it will open doors to other avenues.”

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NEW YORK — As investors weigh opportunities in the technology sector midway through 2026, Intel Corp. and International Business Machines Corp. present contrasting profiles that highlight different paths to potential returns in an AI-driven market.

Intel shares have delivered strong gains year-to-date, trading near $114.68 after a significant recovery fueled by AI optimism and foundry progress. IBM, meanwhile, hovers around $297-$325, offering stability through its hybrid cloud and software businesses alongside emerging quantum computing initiatives.

Analysts and comparison tools generally favor IBM for long-term reliability, while Intel appeals to those seeking higher-risk, higher-reward exposure to semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure.

Intel’s Turnaround Story

Intel has shown remarkable resilience in 2026 after years of challenges. The company reported improved first-quarter results and made strides with its 18A manufacturing process node, attracting partnerships and external foundry interest. Shares have surged on optimism around Panther Lake and Nova Lake processors, as well as Gaudi AI accelerators gaining traction.

However, the foundry business continues to report operating losses, and Intel faces intense competition from TSMC, Samsung and AMD. Analyst consensus for Intel remains a Hold, with an average price target around $83-$100, suggesting limited near-term upside from current levels despite recent momentum.

The company’s success hinges on executing its roadmap, improving yields and securing major external customers for its foundry services. A $5 billion investment from NVIDIA and collaborations with Google provide validation, but execution risks remain high.

IBM’s Steady Transformation

IBM presents a more mature investment case centered on hybrid cloud, enterprise AI and quantum computing. The company has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, with software and consulting segments benefiting from AI demand. Free cash flow remains robust, supporting dividends and strategic investments.

Analysts assign IBM a Buy rating with price targets clustering near $292-$299, though recent rallies have pushed shares higher. Barclays initiated coverage with an overweight rating and $350 target, citing stable growth and quantum optionality.

IBM’s $10 billion-plus commitment to quantum computing over five years, combined with government support, positions it for long-term leadership in that emerging field. Its Red Hat acquisition continues delivering synergies in hybrid cloud solutions.

Key Comparison Factors

Valuation and Financials: IBM trades at a premium on forward earnings but offers greater stability and a reliable dividend. Intel appears cheaper on some metrics but carries higher volatility due to manufacturing challenges and cyclical semiconductor exposure.

Growth Drivers: Intel bets heavily on AI chip demand and foundry leadership, with potential for significant market share recovery. IBM focuses on enterprise software modernization, hybrid cloud adoption and quantum advantages, providing more predictable revenue streams.

Risk Profile: Intel faces execution risks around process technology and competition. IBM contends with slower growth in legacy segments but benefits from diversified operations and strong cash generation.

Analyst Sentiment: Most tools and comparisons rate IBM as the stronger long-term buy. Intel earns more mixed views, with some analysts highlighting valuation concerns despite recent operational wins.

Broader Market Context

Both companies operate in an environment shaped by massive AI infrastructure spending. Hyperscalers continue expanding data centers, creating opportunities for chips, software and services. However, macroeconomic factors including interest rates, geopolitical tensions and potential slowdowns in tech capital expenditure could impact both stocks.

Intel’s recovery aligns with a broader semiconductor rebound, while IBM benefits from enterprise digital transformation trends. Quantum computing remains a speculative but potentially transformative area for IBM.

Investment Considerations for 2026

For conservative investors seeking stability and dividends, IBM offers a compelling profile with proven cash flow and strategic positioning in hybrid cloud and quantum. Those comfortable with higher volatility and semiconductor cyclicality may prefer Intel for its potential upside if foundry and AI chip ambitions materialize.

Diversification remains key. Many portfolios include exposure to both companies or broader tech ETFs to balance risks. Long-term horizons favor companies with strong balance sheets and clear technology roadmaps.

Neither stock represents a guaranteed winner. Intel’s path requires flawless execution on manufacturing goals, while IBM must continue demonstrating growth in software and AI services amid rapid industry evolution.

Outlook and Risks

The remainder of 2026 will test both companies. Intel must deliver on processor launches and foundry customer wins. IBM needs to sustain momentum in cloud and quantum while managing any legacy business headwinds.

Potential risks include intensified competition, supply chain disruptions, regulatory scrutiny on AI and broader market corrections. Positive catalysts could emerge from major contract wins, technological breakthroughs or favorable macroeconomic shifts.

Ultimately, the choice depends on individual risk tolerance, investment horizon and portfolio allocation. IBM appears favored for steady, lower-volatility returns, while Intel offers asymmetric upside potential for those bullish on its recovery narrative.

As always, investors should conduct thorough due diligence and consider consulting financial advisors before making decisions. Market conditions can change rapidly, and past performance does not guarantee future results.

NEW YORK — Relay Therapeutics Inc. shares climbed more than 20% in morning trading Tuesday, reaching $17.12 as investors responded to ongoing buzz around the company’s precision oncology pipeline at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago.

The clinical-stage biotechnology company, focused on small molecule therapies for cancer and genetic diseases, has seen renewed interest in its lead candidate zovegalisib (RLY-2608), a mutant-selective PI3Kα inhibitor. The stock’s sharp move comes amid broader sector enthusiasm for oncology advancements showcased at the May 29-June 2 gathering.

Zovegalisib continues to generate attention following earlier data readouts demonstrating clinically meaningful progression-free survival in PIK3CA-mutated, HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. The program holds FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation, signaling regulatory recognition of its potential.

Clinical Progress on Zovegalisib

Updated interim results from the Phase 1/2 ReDiscover trial previously showed a median progression-free survival of 11.0 months in second-line patients treated with zovegalisib plus fulvestrant. Objective response rates reached 39% overall in patients with measurable disease, with consistent efficacy observed across kinase and non-kinase PIK3CA mutations.

These findings, initially highlighted at prior scientific meetings, underscore zovegalisib’s differentiated profile compared to non-selective PI3K inhibitors, which have faced challenges with toxicity such as hyperglycemia. The ongoing Phase 3 ReDiscover-2 trial evaluates the combination in CDK4/6-experienced patients.

At ASCO 2026, Relay’s presence contributes to the narrative of advancing targeted therapies in areas with significant unmet need. Approximately 40% of HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer patients harbor PIK3CA mutations, often facing limited options after CDK4/6 inhibitor progression.

Pipeline Expansion and Additional Data

Beyond breast cancer, Relay has advanced zovegalisib into PIK3CA-driven vascular anomalies. Initial Phase 2 ReInspire trial results presented earlier highlighted encouraging safety and efficacy signals in this rare disease setting.

The company’s Dynamo platform, which integrates computational and experimental approaches to target protein motion, underpins its discovery efforts. This technology aims to address previously intractable targets through allosteric modulation.

Relay also maintains a broader pipeline, including earlier-stage programs in oncology and genetic diseases, though zovegalisib remains the primary value driver.

Financial Position Strengthened

Relay reported $642.1 million in cash, cash equivalents and investments as of March 31, 2026, up from $554.5 million at year-end 2025. The increase followed net proceeds from at-the-market offerings. A subsequent May public offering added approximately $296.8 million in net proceeds.

Management has stated that current resources provide runway into 2029, supporting continued clinical execution. First-quarter 2026 revenue was $3.0 million, primarily from a licensing agreement, with a net loss of $73.3 million.

Analyst and Market Sentiment

Wall Street maintains a generally positive stance on Relay, with consensus price targets around $21-$23. Ratings lean toward buy, reflecting optimism around zovegalisib’s potential in a large addressable market.

The stock’s recent volatility aligns with typical biotech patterns tied to clinical catalysts. Tuesday’s volume spike reflects heightened investor interest amid ASCO presentations across the oncology sector.

Challenges and Competitive Landscape

The PI3Kα space remains competitive, with other agents like capivasertib approved in similar settings. Relay’s mutant-selective approach seeks to offer improved tolerability while maintaining efficacy, a key differentiator if Phase 3 data confirm earlier signals.

Risks include clinical execution, regulatory outcomes, manufacturing scalability and broader biotech funding dynamics. Any data readouts showing efficacy compression or unexpected toxicities could pressure the stock.

Broader Industry Context

ASCO 2026 has featured multiple advances in targeted therapies and combination approaches for lung cancer, sarcoma and other malignancies. Positive momentum across oncology names has supported sector sentiment despite macroeconomic uncertainties.

Relay’s strategy positions it at the intersection of precision medicine and computational drug design. Success with zovegalisib could validate the platform and open opportunities for additional programs.

Investment Considerations

At current levels near $17, Relay trades with elevated expectations for its lead asset. The company’s cash position provides flexibility for business development or accelerated development timelines. However, as a pre-commercial entity, it carries typical biotech risks including binary clinical outcomes.

Financial advisors recommend careful position sizing given volatility. Diversification across the sector and attention to upcoming milestones, including potential conference updates and Phase 3 progress, remain important.

Management will participate in upcoming investor conferences, including the Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference on June 3 and Goldman Sachs on June 8, providing further opportunities to discuss strategy.

Outlook

Relay Therapeutics enters the second half of 2026 with key data catalysts and a strengthened balance sheet. Whether Tuesday’s gains hold will depend on sustained positive sentiment from ASCO, execution on the zovegalisib program and broader market conditions.

The company’s focus on transforming drug discovery through motion-based insights offers a compelling long-term narrative. As clinical programs mature, Relay could emerge as a significant player in precision oncology if it delivers on its pipeline promise.

FREMONT, Calif. — Shares of Aehr Test Systems Inc. jumped more than 16% in morning trading Tuesday, climbing to $109.36 as investors continued to reward the semiconductor test equipment maker’s strong positioning in the artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure markets.

The stock opened higher and extended gains on elevated volume, reflecting ongoing enthusiasm for companies tied to AI chip production and reliability testing. Aehr’s FOX and Sonoma systems, used for wafer-level and packaged-part burn-in, have become critical tools for hyperscale customers validating high-power AI processors.

As of 10:32 a.m. EDT, Aehr shares had risen $15.74, or 16.81%, on the Nasdaq. The move pushed the company’s market capitalization above $3 billion, continuing a remarkable run that has seen the stock more than quadruple year-to-date.

Record Orders Fuel Optimism

The latest surge builds on momentum from April, when Aehr announced a record $41 million production order from its lead hyperscale AI customer for package-level burn-in of custom AI processor ASICs. That deal helped drive second-half fiscal 2026 bookings above $92 million, surpassing the company’s raised guidance range of $60 million to $80 million.

Deliveries from the order are scheduled to begin in fiscal 2027, which starts later this month. The transaction underscored Aehr’s deepening relationships with major cloud providers racing to expand AI capabilities.

In its fiscal third quarter ended February 2026, Aehr reported $37.2 million in bookings, achieving a book-to-bill ratio exceeding 3.5 times. While revenue came in at $10.3 million and the company posted a net loss, executives highlighted strong demand for both wafer-level and packaged-part solutions tied to AI and data center applications.

CEO Gayn Erickson noted the momentum in AI processor qualification and production burn-in. The company has also secured new customers in silicon photonics for data center optical interconnects, expanding its addressable market.

Conference Appearance Adds Visibility

Aehr’s leadership is scheduled to present at the William Blair 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference in Chicago on Tuesday afternoon. President and CEO Gayn Erickson and CFO Chris Siu are expected to discuss the company’s growth strategy and meet with institutional investors.

Such investor events often catalyze trading activity for small-cap technology names, particularly those with compelling secular tailwinds like AI infrastructure. Analysts have generally maintained bullish outlooks despite quarterly revenue variability, citing Aehr’s differentiated technology and expanding backlog.

Market Context and Challenges

Aehr operates in a niche but increasingly vital segment of the semiconductor supply chain. Its burn-in systems help manufacturers identify defects and ensure reliability before chips enter high-stakes AI data centers, where downtime carries enormous costs.

The company’s fiscal 2026 has been marked by volatility. Shares soared more than 144% in April alone following the record order and earlier silicon photonics wins. However, the company also completed a $60 million at-the-market equity offering, which some investors viewed as prudent capital raising to support growth but others saw as dilutive.

Insider selling has occurred at elevated prices, consistent with executives locking in gains after substantial appreciation. Still, institutional interest remains robust as AI spending forecasts continue climbing.

Broader semiconductor equipment peers have shown mixed performance, but names directly linked to AI accelerators and advanced packaging have commanded premiums. Aehr’s 52-week range spans from roughly $9.45 to $112, illustrating both the opportunity and volatility inherent in the sector.

Outlook and Strategic Position

Aehr has guided for fiscal 2026 revenue on the high end of $45 million to $50 million, with a return to non-GAAP profitability expected in the fourth quarter. Management sees multi-year growth driven by AI processor test and burn-in demand.

The company’s effective backlog, including post-quarter bookings, reached record levels, providing visibility into fiscal 2027. Follow-on orders for Sonoma ultra-high-power systems from existing AI customers further validate the platform’s adoption.

Analysts have raised price targets in recent months. Lake Street increased its target to $56 from $50, while Craig-Hallum upgraded the stock to Buy with a $68 target, citing improving business momentum.

Risks Remain

Despite the upside, challenges persist. Revenue has fluctuated due to the timing of large system shipments, and the company continues to invest in growth amid a competitive landscape. Macroeconomic uncertainty, potential slowdowns in AI capital expenditure, or shifts in customer spending could impact results.

Aehr’s small size relative to larger equipment giants also means thinner liquidity and higher beta to market swings. The stock’s rapid appreciation has raised valuation questions, though supporters argue the AI opportunity justifies current multiples given the backlog and technology edge.

Broader AI Infrastructure Theme

Aehr’s performance reflects the massive investment flowing into AI data centers. Hyperscalers and semiconductor designers are prioritizing rigorous testing to ensure chips meet demanding performance and reliability standards for large language models and inference workloads.

Silicon photonics, where Aehr recently added a major networking customer, represents another growth vector as data centers seek higher-bandwidth, lower-power optical connections.

As fiscal 2027 begins, Aehr appears well-positioned to capitalize on these trends. Tuesday’s trading suggests investors are betting the recent order momentum will translate into accelerating revenue and earnings in coming quarters.

Market participants will watch the William Blair presentation for any incremental color on customer pipeline, new product developments, or updated fiscal guidance. With the semiconductor test market evolving rapidly alongside AI advancements, Aehr’s specialized solutions could remain in high demand.

Areas in Yorkshire and Cheshire are identified as green energy hotspots, as well as existing locations in the North East and Humber

The drive to net zero is supporting 225,000 jobs in the North and adding more than £20bn to the economy, a new report says – with some unexpected ‘hotspots’ of activity being identified.

The annual report on the green economy from CBI Economics says the North East has the highest proportion of firms in England involved in the net zero economy, while the green sector in the Humber contributes the highest percentage of its GDP anywhere in England.

But it has also identified West and North Yorkshire, and the area around Cheshire, Warrington and North Wales as ‘hotspots’, both of which have green sectors worth more than £1bn. The Yorkshire area is highlighted for a range of energy projects, while Cheshire is benefiting from hydrogen projects around Ellesmere Port and Middlewich.

The report, which was commissioned by the independent Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, says that renewable jobs are better paid than others, with an average salary of £43,142. But it warns that a breakdown in political consensus on net zero – with parties like Reform and the Conservatives signalling they would reverse or slow down current investments in green technology – risks putting the sector’s growth in jeopardy.

Louise Hellem, CBI chief economist, said: “This report makes clear the sustained scale of the opportunity in the UK’s net zero economy. It shows that clean power and decarbonisation are no longer future ambitions; they are already a significant and growing part of the UK’s industrial base. At a time when the UK must strengthen energy security and drive growth, the net zero economy is becoming central to the country’s competitiveness.”

Peter Chalkley, director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “Reaching net zero emissions is scientifically the only way to bring the climate back into balance and stop climate change but it’s now become a major part of the UK economy. Thousands of small businesses across the UK are the unsung heroes of this net zero economy, installing solar panels, manufacturing parts for electric cars and in doing so creating greater energy independence for the UK, shielding us from the oil and gas price crises of recent times.”

The report has been backed by Darren Davidson, the Newcastle-born UK vice president for Siemens Energy. He said: “We welcome the findings of this report because they underline something those of us in the industry can already see clearly: the energy transition is not only essential for the UK’s future, it’s already creating skilled jobs, driving investment and revitalising communities right across the country.

“In my view, there has never been a more exciting time to work in the energy sector. We are transforming how Britain powers homes, businesses and industry, and that means creating long-term opportunities for people with the skills, ambition and commitment to build a cleaner, more secure energy system.”