NEW YORK — Shares of Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc. (NYSE: BW) surged more than 23% in morning trading Monday to $17.95, extending a remarkable rally as investors rewarded the industrial company’s growing role in powering artificial intelligence data centers and its strong first-quarter performance.

The move comes one day after the company reported first-quarter 2026 results that showed significant backlog growth, new contract wins, and raised full-year guidance, reinforcing its transformation into a key player in the energy infrastructure needed for hyperscale AI facilities.

Q1 earnings beat expectations

Babcock & Wilcox reported first-quarter revenue of $214.4 million, up 44% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA of $16.1 million — a 296% increase. The company highlighted a massive $2.4 billion power generation project for AI data centers and more than $21 million in new fuel-switching technology awards.

Management raised its 2026 adjusted EBITDA guidance to $80–$100 million, citing strong demand for behind-the-meter power solutions tailored to AI factory campuses. The company’s backlog reached $2.7 billion, while its total pipeline exceeded $14 billion.

Major AI power project drives momentum

The biggest catalyst remains Babcock & Wilcox’s $2.4 billion design-build contract with Base Electron to supply 1.2 gigawatts of natural gas-fired power generation capacity for Applied Digital’s AI data centers. The project includes four 300-MW boiler and steam turbine systems, with potential for an additional 1.2 GW.

This positions the century-old boiler and power plant specialist at the center of the AI energy boom, where massive computing clusters require reliable, high-capacity power sources that the strained electrical grid often cannot provide quickly enough.

Analyst and market reaction

Several Wall Street firms have raised price targets on BW in recent weeks, with some bullish voices now calling for $25 or higher. The stock has delivered extraordinary returns, up more than 4,400% over the past year from deeply depressed levels, though it remains volatile.

Monday’s surge came on elevated volume, with traders rotating into industrial names tied to AI infrastructure. Despite the massive run-up, some analysts argue the valuation still offers upside if the company successfully executes on its expanding backlog.

Company transformation story

Babcock & Wilcox has undergone a significant strategic shift, moving from traditional boiler services toward high-growth areas including renewable energy, fuel switching, and now large-scale power generation for data centers. The company has completed more than 150 boiler conversions and continues winning new fuel-switching awards amid baseload power demand.

CEO Kenneth Young has emphasized the company’s ability to deliver turnkey solutions for the energy transition while capitalizing on AI-driven electricity needs. The firm’s parts and services segment also continues performing strongly.

Risks and legal overhang

The rapid rise has not been without controversy. Class action lawsuits allege misleading statements regarding the $2.4 billion contract and potential conflicts of interest. Investors with losses between November 2025 and March 2026 have until June 15 to seek lead plaintiff status.

Like many small-cap industrial names, BW remains sensitive to execution risks, project delays, and broader economic conditions. However, current momentum appears driven by tangible contract wins and improving financial metrics.

Broader AI infrastructure theme

Babcock & Wilcox joins a growing list of companies benefiting from the enormous power requirements of AI training and inference. Data centers are projected to consume a dramatically larger share of U.S. electricity in coming years, creating opportunities for companies capable of delivering reliable generation capacity quickly.

What investors should watch

Key upcoming catalysts include progress updates on the $2.4 billion project, additional contract wins, and the Q2 earnings report. Continued strength in the parts and services business and successful execution on fuel-switching projects will also be closely monitored.

Monday’s sharp gain reflects growing Wall Street conviction that Babcock & Wilcox is well-positioned in one of the decade’s most powerful secular trends. While volatility remains high, the company’s pivot toward AI power infrastructure has clearly captured investor imagination.

As trading continues, BW stands out as one of the more compelling industrial turnaround stories of 2026 — a legacy power equipment maker reborn as an essential player in the artificial intelligence revolution.

President Trump rejected the ludicrous Iranian conditions for an end to the war as totally unacceptable. Here’s what he said earlier today: “After reading that piece of garbage they sent us. I didn’t even finish reading it.” He added: “I’m not going to waste my time reading it.” It’s basically the same nonsense they were throwing at him a month ago. A permanent end to the war. Lift the blockade. Give them control over the Strait of Hormuz. Give them money. 

No discussion of ending nuclear capabilities or handing over their enriched uranium. Or stopping their missile production. Or ending their state-sponsorship of terror and financing terror proxies. In other words, they’re not serious. Of course not: in 47 years they’ve never been serious.

And that’s why Mr. Trump’s war against Iran along with our ally Israel, is so important and so courageous. One Iranian spokesman says the American conditions amounted to a surrender by Iran. Right. My only disagreement is that it should be an unconditional surrender.

Not only stopping Iran’s radical Islamist crusade against civilization, but also restoring freedom to the vast majority of Persian Iranians who do not favor the crazy inhumane, Nazi-like Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps regime. Yet restoring freedom to Israel and the rest of the Middle East, including of course our Gulf allies, and really restoring freedom and prosperity worldwide.

Mr. Trump is in fact doing a great service, literally to the entire world outside of the murderers in Iran. Some 42,000 people have been killed so far this year. Is that not inhumane? Does that not require overthrowing that regime?

I hope we all remember nearly 25 years ago, the Al Qaeda attack on the World Trade Center. The whole country then rallied around American patriotism and security. The radical IRGC is a different breed of Islamic extremism, but it’s the same hatred of America, hatred of Israel, hatred of Western culture, and hatred of civilized people around the world.

It’s why the apparent Democratic party opposition to the Iran war is unfathomable to me. Perhaps it’s because the Democrats have become the anti-Israel party, but that too is unfathomable to me. In any case, Mr. Trump will undoubtedly be taking additional actions against Iran. He has mentioned Project Freedom plus, and in all likelihood there will be substantial combat operations.

For my part, I believe it’s essential that America take total control of the entire Arabian Gulf, Hormuz included. While keeping the successful blockade on Iran which is squeezing down the already collapsing Iranian economy. And perhaps if we give the civilian population some strong help, now is the time they will overthrow the most gruesome government since the Nazis of nearly 100 years ago and perhaps the worst regime of any time in history.

Operator

Good day. My name is Desiree and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to monday.com’s First Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Earnings Conference Call.

I would like to turn the call over to monday.com’s Vice President of Investor Relations. Mr. Byron Stephen. Please go ahead.

Byron Stephen
Director of Investor Relations

Hello, everyone, and thank you for joining us on today’s conference call to discuss the financial results for monday.com’s First quarter Fiscal Year 2026.

Joining me today are Roy Mann and Eran Zinman co-CEO’s of monday.com; Eliran Glazer, monday.com’s CFO; and Casey George, monday.com’s CRO. We released our results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 earlier today. You can find our quarterly shareholder letter, along with the investor presentation and a replay of today’s webcast under the News and Events section of our IR website at ir.monday.com.

Certain statements made on the call today will be forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s best judgment based on currently available information. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to

In the dynamic landscape of retail, staying ahead of competitors requires more than just intuition and market experience.

The proliferation of digital data and evolving consumer expectations have made it essential for retailers to adopt technology-driven strategies. Among these, advanced price monitoring tools have emerged as pivotal instruments for maintaining competitive pricing and driving profitability.

The Evolving Role of Price Monitoring in Modern Retail

Traditionally, price adjustments and discount management were often based on periodic market reports and manual checks. However, the rapid shift towards e-commerce and omnichannel sales strategies has substantially accelerated market movements. This transforming environment demands a more agile approach to pricing. Retailers now need real-time insights into competitor pricing trends, inventory dynamics, and market demand fluctuations. Implementing a price monitoring tool early in the pricing decision process allows businesses to adapt quickly, refine their strategies, and ultimately gain an edge over competitors.

How Data-Driven Pricing Enhances Retailer Agility

Modern price monitoring systems operate by gathering extensive market data from a variety of sources, including online listings, competitor websites, and customer feedback channels. This vast pool of information enables retailers to analyze trends and market sentiment with a level of precision that manual methods simply cannot match. With reliable, up-to-date data, pricing strategies can be recalibrated in near real-time to reflect changes in consumer demand or competitor activities.

The sophisticated analytical capabilities embedded in these systems not only identify discrepancies in pricing but also highlight opportunities for adjusting margins based on purchasing patterns and seasonal trends. By adopting these tools, businesses can optimize their pricing structure, balance stock levels, and improve overall customer satisfaction. The integration of comprehensive market data into pricing decisions means that retailers can now forecast trends more accurately and manage risks more effectively.

Retail Price Tracking: An Essential Component of Market Strategy

Retail price tracking is much more than simply monitoring competitor prices. It provides insight into the broader competitive landscape, including factors such as product availability, promotional strategies, and consumer sentiment. In a market characterized by rapid innovation and intense competition, this level of detail becomes invaluable.

For instance, when a rival adjusts their prices in response to supply chain disruptions or changes in consumer behavior, a robust price monitoring system will capture these deviations almost immediately. This capability allows retailers to mirror market moves when necessary or differentiate their offerings by providing additional value through superior customer service or enhanced product features. The ability to track retail prices in real time also fosters a culture of proactive strategy adjustment rather than reactive crisis management.

Integrating Dynamic Pricing Strategies for Long-Term Advantage

Dynamic pricing, where prices are constantly optimized based on market conditions, has become a cornerstone of modern retail management. Strategies authorized by reliable data empower businesses to operate with greater flexibility. Instead of being caught off guard by sudden market changes, companies employing these strategies can quickly pivot their models to capture emerging opportunities and mitigate potential losses.

When a retailer leverages an integrated price monitoring solution, they can correlate external market trends with internal data such as historical sales and customer behavior. This synthesis of insights not only prompts timely adjustments but also encourages a holistic approach to pricing that encompasses various customer segments and geographical regions. Over time, such a data-centric pricing philosophy can translate into sustained competitive advantage and increased market share.

Case Studies: Real-World Impact of Effective Price Monitoring

The benefits of price monitoring tools are well documented in numerous industry case studies. In one instance, a mid-sized retail chain was able to identify and address unwarranted price discrepancies across its network of stores. By employing a system that continuously tracked competitor pricing data and adjusted its own prices in real time, the retailer not only improved its profit margins but also strengthened its brand promise of offering both quality and value.

Another compelling example comes from the e-commerce sector, where businesses that regularly adjust their prices in response to real-time market insights have seen significantly improved conversion rates and reduced instances of lost sales. In a market where consumers are increasingly driven by online research and instant price comparisons, ensuring that products are competitively priced can be the difference between securing a sale or watching a potential customer turn to a competitor.

Sustainable Growth Through Intelligent Pricing Solutions

As market conditions become more unpredictable, retailers are compelled to embrace innovations that not only streamline operations but also contribute to long-term growth. Price monitoring tools represent a critical piece in the broader puzzle of business intelligence. By providing transparency in pricing and supply chain dynamics, these tools empower businesses to make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals.

Furthermore, such monitoring systems are fundamental in developing effective marketing campaigns and promotional strategies. When retailers have access to precise retail price tracking data, they are better positioned to design targeted discount campaigns, seasonal promotions, or even loyalty programs that resonate with evolving consumer trends. This kind of data-informed approach helps ensure that promotional activities are both competitive and customer-centric.

Conclusion: Embracing Technology for Competitive Resilience

The modern retail landscape demands agility, foresight, and a proactive approach to pricing strategy. As digital disruption transforms consumer expectations and escalates competition, information-driven tools like sophisticated price monitoring systems become indispensable assets. By integrating these advanced technologies into their operational framework, retailers can maintain a competitive edge and drive sustainable growth.

Ultimately, the move towards data-centric pricing is not just a reaction to current market pressures but a strategic investment in the future. Retailers who harness the power of dynamic, real-time data will be best equipped to navigate market volatility, respond to competitive pressure, and capitalize on emerging growth opportunities. This trend underscores the importance of evolving from traditional pricing methods to solutions that empower businesses with actionable insights for long-term success.

The state of Texas announced a lawsuit against streaming giant Netflix on Monday, accusing the company of spying on children and other consumers by collecting their data without consent and designing the platform to be addictive.

Texas claims that Netflix has falsely represented to consumers that it didn’t collect or share user data while it actually tracked and sold viewers’ habits and preferences to commercial data brokers and advertising technology companies.

The lawsuit, filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, claims that “Netflix’s endgame is simple and lucrative: get children and families glued to the screen, harvest their data while they are stuck there, and then monetize the data for a handsome profit.”

The state of Texas announced a lawsuit against streaming giant Netflix on Monday. (Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“When you watch Netflix, Netflix watched you,” Texas added in the lawsuit.

NETFLIX CO-FOUNDER REED HASTINGS TO STEP DOWN, DEPARTURE IS ‘SPOOKING INVESTORS’

The complaint quotes comments made by former CEO Reed Hastings who said in 2020, while he was still leading the streaming company, that “we don’t collect anything,” amid questions over Big Tech companies’ data collection practices.

Netflix was also accused of quietly using “dark patterns” to keep users watching on its platform, such as an autoplay feature that starts a new show after a different show ends.

NETFLIX RAISES SUBSCRIPTION PRICES ACROSS ALL PLANS

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed the lawsuit. (Cheney Orr/Reuters)

Paxton said in a press release that Netflix “has built a surveillance program designed to illegally collect and profit from Texans’ personal data without their consent, and my office will do everything in our power to stop it.”

The attorney general said he’s charging Netflix under the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act and seeks to require Netflix to stop the unlawful collection and disclosure of user data, require Netflix to disable autoplay by default on kid’s profiles, and to secure injunctive relief and civil penalties.

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FOX Business reached out to Netflix for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.

FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is introducing legislation to suspend the federal gas tax, Fox News has learned.

The move comes just hours after President Donald Trump confirmed he supports taking the measure, which would require an act of Congress. Gas prices spiked to over $4.52 this weekend as the conflict with Iran continues, according to AAA.

Hawley’s Gas Tax Suspension Act would pause both the 18.4 cent gas tax and the 24.4 cent diesel tax for 90 days upon passage. The bill would also allow Trump to extend the suspension for an additional 90 days if he determines it is necessary.

“President Trump has proposed to suspend the federal gas tax and he’s exactly right,” Hawley told Fox News Digital in a statement. “American workers and families deserve immediate relief and this legislation will do just that.”

WHITE HOUSE SAYS OIL PRICE SPIKE IS TEMPORARY AS TRUMP PUSHES ENERGY DOMINANCE AMID IRAN WAR

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., has introduced legislation that would temporarily suspend the federal gas tax. (Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images)

Trump told CBS News on Monday morning that suspending the tax is a “great idea.”

“We’re going to take off the gas tax for a period of time, and when gas goes down, we’ll let it phase back in,” Trump told CBS.

GAS SURGE TIED TO IRAN CONFLICT HITS SWING STATES, TESTING TRUMP’S LOW-PRICE PITCH

A sign displays fuel prices at a Shell gas station in downtown San Diego on May 4, 2026. (Ariana Drehsler/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday the Trump administration was open to suspending the tax, though he framed the potential suspension as part of a broader effort by the administration to respond to higher energy costs.

“We are working every day to offset this rise in prices because of a critical conflict in Iran to drive prices down and we’re open to all such ideas,” Wright said.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven a rise in gas prices across the globe. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images)

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Several states, including Georgia, Indiana and Utah, have temporarily suspended state gas taxes to provide relief to drivers. Other members of Congress have also proposed plans to pause the federal gas tax.

Read the full Gas Tax Suspension Act below: (App users click here)

LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic will miss his ninth consecutive game when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday night, continuing his recovery from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain that has sidelined him since early April.

The Lakers officially listed Doncic as out on their injury report released Monday afternoon, with no change in status from previous games. The Slovenian superstar has been progressing in his rehabilitation — recently beginning running — but remains well short of full basketball activity as the team fights to avoid a sweep.

Eight-week timeline looms large

Doncic suffered the injury on April 2 against these same Thunder. The initial MRI projected an eight-week recovery window, placing a potential return around early June. At five weeks post-injury, he has begun running but has not progressed to on-court contact, 5-on-5 work or game-speed drills.

In his most detailed public update last week, Doncic acknowledged the conservative timeline. “The doctor said eight weeks at the beginning of the first MRI,” he told reporters. “I’m just going day by day, and I feel better every day.” He has traveled to Europe for specialized treatment but has not accelerated the process beyond medical guidance.

Lakers desperate without their star

Without Doncic, the Lakers have leaned heavily on LeBron James and a supporting cast that includes Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell. The team has shown flashes of competitiveness but has been unable to match Oklahoma City’s depth, athleticism and defensive versatility. The Thunder lead the series 3-0 heading into Monday’s must-win game at Crypto.com Arena.

Coach JJ Redick has emphasized adjustments and next-man-up mentality, but the absence of Doncic’s scoring gravity, playmaking and size has been glaring. James has logged heavy minutes, but the offensive ceiling without the 30-point, 8-assist threat has proven difficult to reach consistently.

Medical and long-term outlook

Medical experts note that Grade 2 hamstring strains carry significant re-injury risk if rushed. The Lakers are taking a measured approach, prioritizing Doncic’s long-term health over a desperate playoff push. Even if the Lakers extend the series, a return in the Western Conference finals would require rapid progression in the coming days.

Doncic has dealt with lower-body soft-tissue issues in recent seasons. This latest strain, described as more severe than previous ones, has tested both his patience and the organization’s contingency planning.

Thunder capitalize on Lakers’ vulnerabilities

Oklahoma City has exploited the mismatch effectively. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder’s deep roster have dominated transition play and the glass, building double-digit leads in each of the first three games. Coach Mark Daigneault’s team enters Game 4 with a chance to sweep and advance to the Western Conference finals.

The Thunder have shown championship poise, maintaining focus despite the Lakers’ home-court energy. Their length and switching defense have neutralized much of Los Angeles’ half-court offense in Doncic’s absence.

Fan frustration and broader implications

Lakers fans have expressed a mix of disappointment and realism on social media. Many hoped for a miracle return, but the eight-week timeline and medical updates have tempered expectations. The organization’s investment in pairing James with Doncic faces its first major test, with questions about roster construction and future flexibility likely to intensify if the series ends quickly.

A sweep would mark another early postseason exit and intensify scrutiny on front-office decisions. General manager Rob Pelinka faces difficult choices this offseason regardless of the outcome, particularly around supporting cast construction and managing aging stars.

Path forward for Doncic and Lakers

For Doncic, the focus remains steady rehabilitation. If the original timeline holds, he could target late May for basketball activities, potentially aligning with a hypothetical Conference Finals appearance. Any earlier return would require pain-free running, strength testing and medical clearance.

The Lakers, meanwhile, must find answers quickly. Monday night’s Game 4 represents more than survival — it is a chance to salvage pride, extend the series and buy time for potential reinforcements. Whether they can force the Thunder into a longer battle without their star remains to be seen.

As Crypto.com Arena prepares for what could be a pivotal home game, the spotlight remains on Doncic’s recovery timeline and the Lakers’ ability to compete shorthanded. The hamstring injury has tested the franchise’s depth and resilience at the worst possible moment, leaving fans hoping for a miracle in a season defined by high expectations.

Game 4 tips off at 10:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video. While Doncic watches from the sideline, the Lakers will attempt to defy the odds and keep their season alive against a Thunder team playing with championship momentum.

The CEO of Saudi Arabia’s state-owned oil company is warning that the energy sector will take time to recover from the Iran war’s impact on supply as oil output was slashed due to the ongoing disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser said on an earnings call Monday that the global energy market has lost about 1 billion barrels of oil supply during the crisis, though efforts to reroute shipments to avoid using the Strait of Hormuz and releases from countries’ strategic petroleum reserves have eased some of the supply issues.

“The energy supply shock that began in the first quarter is the largest the world has ever experienced,” Nasser said.

He said that the world is now losing about 100 million barrels of oil supply per week as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed to tanker traffic. If the disruption continues for several more weeks, Aramco thinks that oil markets may not normalize until 2027.

CHEVRON CEO SAYS ECONOMIES ‘ARE GOING TO HAVE TO SLOW’ AS STRAIT OF HORMUZ CLOSURE DISRUPTS OIL SUPPLY

Global oil supplies have contracted due to the Iran war’s impact on the supply chain. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

“Reopening routes is not the same as normalizing a market that has been deprived of about 1 billion barrels of oil,” Nasser said, adding that years of underinvestment compounded the strain caused by the conflict on global oil inventory.

“Recent events have clearly demonstrated the vital contribution of oil and gas to energy security and the global economy and are a stark reminder that reliable energy supply is critical,” he added.

AMERICANS LEAN ON CREDIT CARDS AND BUY NOW, PAY LATER AS GAS PRICES EAT BIGGER SHARE OF INCOME

Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser, center, said the global energy market has lost about 1 billion barrels of oil due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The conflict prompted Aramco to ramp up the use of its pipeline that transits the Arabian Peninsula from east to west and negates the need for oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply passed through before the war began.

“Our East-West pipeline, which reached its maximum capacity of 7 million barrels of oil per day, has proven itself to be a critical supply artery, helping to mitigate the impact of a global energy shock and providing relief to customers affected by shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz,” Nasser said on the call.

GAS PRICES SURGE PAST $4.50 NATIONALLY AS IRAN TENSIONS PRESSURE DRIVERS

Oil tankers have come under attack from Iran while in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp drop in shipments through the choke point. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images)

Of the 7 million barrels per day the pipeline handles, about 2 million go to oil refineries located on Saudi Arabia’s western coast, while the remaining 5 million barrels per day are available for exports.

Nasser said that Aramco is considering ways to expand its export capacity at Yanbu, the terminal on the Red Sea that serves as the pipeline’s destination.

Saudi Arabia cut oil output by 2 million barrels per day after Iran threatened shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which effectively closed the vital choke point. 

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Reuters contributed to this report.