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Ford: Better Value Than You’d Think (NYSE:F)

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Ford: Better Value Than You'd Think (NYSE:F)

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I am interested in a lot of technology and AI stocks like Google, Nvidia, AMD, Tesla and Amazon.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of F, GM either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Thousands queue as beauty store arrives on island of Ireland

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Thousands queue as beauty store arrives on island of Ireland

Almost 2,000 people joined the queue for the opening of a new store in Belfast this morning.

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Aeris lobs $214m bid for Peel Mining

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Aeris lobs $214m bid for Peel Mining

Brisbane-based Aeris Resources has filed documents to acquire Peel Mining in a bid valued at $214 million.

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Spirit Airlines Plans Aircraft Auction Amid Bankruptcy Proceedings

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Spirit Airlines is moving forward with plans to auction 20 of its Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft as part of its ongoing bankruptcy restructuring.

The ultra-low-cost carrier filed for Chapter 11 protection for the second time in a year in August 2025, citing financial pressures and a need to realign its fleet with its updated commercial strategy.

In a court filing submitted Wednesday in New York, Spirit Aviation Holdings asked a US bankruptcy judge to approve bidding procedures for the sale.

The airline said shrinking its fleet would help lower maintenance, storage, and operating costs, while allowing the sale proceeds to pay down debt tied to the aircraft.

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According to Reuters, CSDS Asset Management, an aviation asset manager, has emerged as the first bidder. The firm has offered approximately $533.5 million for the 20 planes.

If the court approves the auction process, Spirit will solicit competing offers starting at about $554 million. The auction and sale are scheduled for April.

Spirit Airlines Moves to Auction 20 Jets

A Spirit spokesperson emphasized the importance of the sale in stabilizing the airline’s finances, saying, “Selling these aircraft is critical to matching our fleet size with our redesigned commercial and network plan. It will help reduce costs while supporting our long-term recovery strategy.”

The airline has faced a challenging year, filing for bankruptcy twice amid rising operating costs and an evolving competitive landscape, ET reported.

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By reducing its fleet, Spirit hopes to streamline operations and ensure that resources are focused on profitable routes.

The court filing notes that the sale proceeds will primarily be used to repay debt linked to the aircraft.

Judge approval of the bidding procedures would allow Spirit to move forward with soliciting higher bids and completing the auction, potentially improving the airline’s balance sheet and financial flexibility during bankruptcy.

Analysts say Spirit’s move could help it remain competitive among ultra-low-cost carriers while addressing its debt obligations.

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Originally published on vcpost.com

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What Capitol City Residential Health Care Learned from Preventable Crises

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What Capitol City Residential Health Care Learned from Preventable Crises

Capitol City Residential Health Care operates at the practical edge of community-based behavioral support. The organization works with individuals who have complex developmental and behavioral needs and require stable residential care in community settings.

The organization’s work grew out of a simple observation. Most behavioral crises do not start with danger. They start with missed signals. A routine that no longer fits. A plan that stopped matching daily life. Capitol City Residential Health Care built its model around preventing those failures before they escalate.

Over time, the organization developed a reputation for working with higher-acuity individuals who are often considered difficult to place. Instead of relying on reactive interventions, the team focused on systems. Staffing consistency. Regular plan reviews. Clear routines. Early warning signs. Calm, predictable responses.

Their approach is grounded in operations rather than theory. Person-centred planning is treated as a living process, not a document. Plans are reviewed frequently and updated after any escalation. Small adjustments are tested and measured. What works stays. What does not is removed.

Capitol City Residential Health Care also places strong emphasis on staff stability. The organization reduced unnecessary paperwork and invested in practical training that helps teams recognise stress early and respond consistently.

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Today, Capitol City Residential Health Care is recognized as a steady operator in a demanding sector. Its work demonstrates how prevention-first systems can reduce emergency interventions, improve daily stability, and support long-term community placements without relying on crisis-driven care.

A Conversation with Capitol City Residential Health Care

How did Capitol City Residential Health Care begin its work in community-based care?

The organization started with a narrow focus. Supporting individuals who struggled in traditional placements. Many had frequent behavioral escalations. Emergency calls were common. The early work showed that most crises followed patterns. They were not sudden events.

What did you notice first when working with higher-acuity individuals?

We noticed that behavior changed before it escalated. Sleep shifted. Routines broke. Staff responses varied. Plans stayed the same even when life changed. That mismatch caused stress.

How did that shape your operating model?

It pushed us toward prevention. We stopped asking how to manage crises and started asking how to stop them from forming. That changed everything. We focused on plan reviews, consistency, and early action.

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Person-centred planning is central to your work. How do you define it?

It is not paperwork. It is a process. It means learning how someone experiences their day. What calms them. What overwhelms them. How they show stress. The plan changes when the person changes.

How often are plans reviewed in practice?

At least monthly. Always after an escalation. Waiting three or six months does not work. By then the damage is done.

Can you share an example of a small change that made a big difference?

One individual escalated every evening. Staff assumed the issue was the activity. A review showed dinner happened during a noisy shift change. We moved the handover. The escalation stopped within days.

What role does staff consistency play in outcomes?

It is critical. High turnover leads to missed signals. Familiar staff know when something feels off. We prioritise stable assignments whenever possible.

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How do you train staff to support prevention?

Training is short and practical. How to slow speech. How to pause before responding. How to offer choice. We practise real scenarios, not theory.

Choice comes up often in your approach. Why does it matter?

Choice reduces power struggles. Two clear options lower stress. One demand raises resistance. We see this daily.

How do you measure success internally?

We track emergency calls, but we also track calm days. Early interventions. Plan updates. Fewer crises matter more than busy responses.

Have you ever declined placements?

Yes. If staffing ratios cannot meet the need, or if the environment cannot be stabilized safely, we decline. Safety comes first.

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How has the organization evolved over time?

We became more structured. Early work relied on experience. Now we rely on systems. Systems scale better.

What challenges has the sector faced recently?

Staff burnout. Rising acuity. More noise and disruption in community settings. Those pressures make prevention even more important.

What keeps your work grounded?

Frontline feedback. Daily notes. Patterns. Reports matter, but behaviour tells the story first.

How would you describe your role in the wider industry?

We focus on showing that prevention works. Not as a theory, but as daily practice.

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Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham say Government must help hospitality and pubs on tax

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Angela Rayner called for relief on business rates and minimum wage pressures, while Andy Burnham says the tax system needs to adapt for hospitality venues

Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham, pictured here in 2021

Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham, pictured here in 2021, are seen as future leadership contenders(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Two high-profile figures who could potentially challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership have criticised the government’s tax system for placing significant strain on hospitality businesses, particularly pubs.

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Angela Rayner acknowledged that the increase to the minimum wage has created difficulties for hospitality firms, and called on the government to “start relieving” pressure on the sector, as reported by City AM.

Speaking at a night-time economy conference, Starmer’s former deputy PM said: “I talked about the challenges of business rates, the challenges of VAT, the challenges, yes, of the minimum wage going up, and the living wage and the cost of energy.

“We’ve got to start looking at the intersectionality of all these challenges and start relieving some of them.”

After facing considerable criticism from the pub sector over punishing business rates, Rachel Reeves unveiled a £300m support package. However, the assistance excludes restaurants, hotels and retail businesses.

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Rayner continued: “So we’ve talked about a review of business rates. We’ve got to put rocket boosters up what we promised at the election and start delivering.”

Meanwhile, Andy Burnham – whose attempt to return to Westminster was blocked by Labour – has argued that the UK’s tax regime needs to be adapted for the hospitality industry. The Mayor of Manchester said: “We need a planning and tax regime that recognises that value added to the UK economy. And I’m including the music industry in this and live venues.

“I know pubs have got their business rates exemption but it should be broader than that, I think it should be all hospitality venues because you want that mixed economy as well. It’s not one version of the night time economy.”

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith lambasted Rayner’s remarks, blaming the former deputy PM for the creation of the “Unemployment Rights Bill” in a post on X.

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The senior Tory commented: “Today Angela Rayner has finally recognised the cumulative impact this Government’s anti-business policies have had on the economy.

“But these words ring hollow given she was the principal architect of the job-destroying (Un)Employment Rights Bill.

“Only the Conservatives have the team, the plan and the leadership to reverse the job-destroying elements of the Employment Rights Bill and get Britain working again.”

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Spirit Airlines sells planes, calls back furloughed flight attendants

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Spirit Airlines sells planes, calls back furloughed flight attendants

A Spirit Airlines plane is at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, on Dec. 29, 2025.

Reginald Mathalone | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Spirit Airlines, trying to emerge from its second bankruptcy in less than a year, has sold another 20 of its Airbus planes and is bringing flight attendants back from furlough.

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The sale of the 20 aircraft, most of which are not in service, comes as Spirit is attempting to stabilize after years of financial struggles that have executives fighting to keep the carrier alive.

“At this time, natural attrition and voluntary actions are providing flexibility needed to right-size our staffing levels for both Pilots and Flight attendants,” Spirit COO John Bendoraitis said in a note to employees Wednesday night.

The sales brings Spirit’s fleet to 94 aircraft, and is “consistent with our plan to focus on our strongest routes and the most efficient fleet,” Bendoraitis said. The aircraft will be phased out starting in April, he said.

Deal talks with investment firm Castlelake and fellow budget carrier Frontier Airlines haven’t yielded an agreement that would give Spirit a path forward, though the airline could forge a plan on its own

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The Dania Beach, Fla.-based carrier is also calling 500 flight attendants back from furlough, just as it gears up for spring break travel season.

“Fixing this airline is a shared effort,” Bendoraitis said. “There’s a lot in this moment that crews can’t control, but we do need you to continue giving us the foundation for a strong operation.”

Spirit has slashed its network and fleet and furloughed more than 1,300 flight attendants and hundreds of pilots to save cash.

“This is good news for 500 Flight Attendants and their families and critical to those of us on the line that have faced a grueling operation over the last two months,” the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, their union said in a message to members Wednesday. “The company’s goal in recalling Flight Attendants is to ease some of the operational issues since the furloughs.”

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Infosys ADRs plunge over 7%, Wipro down 5% as tech turbulence deepens on Wall Street

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Infosys ADRs plunge over 7%, Wipro down 5% as tech turbulence deepens on Wall Street
Infosys’ American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) slumped more than 7% on Thursday, touching an intraday low of $14.59 in early trade, while Wipro’s ADRs fell 5.4% to $2.26. The sharp decline follows a steep sell-off in IT stocks on Indian exchanges, with weakness spilling over to Wall Street.

The broader US tech rout added to the pressure, as the Nasdaq Composite dropped over 300 points, or more than 1%. Around 11:11 AM ET (9:43 PM IST), the Nasdaq was trading at 22,764.90. The S&P 500 was down 0.6% at 6,902.80, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 249.27 points, or 0.50%, to 49,872.10.

Cisco tanked 11% while heavyweights including Apple, Nvidia and IBM were down up to 6% around this time.

Earlier today, Indian benchmark indices ended with sharp cuts dragged by tech stocks. The Nifty IT index settled 5.5% lower with all 10 stocks slipping into the red.

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Panic selling swept through India’s technology sector today with the combined market capitalisation IT stocks eroding by Rs 1.3 lakh crore. Persistent fears of AI-led disruption in the sector and compounded by stronger-than-expected US jobs data that dimmed hopes of near-term interest rate cuts triggered the fall.


Nifty IT is the worst performing index, plunging 21% over the past 12 months.
Vinod Nair, Head of Research Geojit Investments said today’s decline in Indian IT stocks was driven by stronger-than-expected US employment data, with a marginal decline in the unemployment rate, which has reduced expectations of an early rate cut by the US Federal Reserve. This pressure was further compounded by ongoing concerns around AI-led disruption in the sector, he said.On the AI-related fears, Nair said that AI is creating a structural shift in Indian IT services by reducing timelines and automating tasks, putting pressure on the traditional headcount-based outsourcing model.

“Layoffs are likely in routine-heavy areas as fewer people will be needed to deliver the same outcomes. Even ERP implementation, as highlighted by Palantir’s recent focus, is now vulnerable to AI disruption. Clients are shifting toward outcome-based pricing. In the coming quarters, AI adoption could create headwinds for deal wins, potentially impacting topline, making close monitoring of deal flow essential to assess its real impact,” he warned.

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Key Differences & Which Agreement You Need

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Marriage is a romance, but legally, it is also a financial partnership. While no one anticipates separation, a prenuptial agreement acts as a crucial roadmap to protect your assets and save you stress down the line.

But if you have already exchanged vows, is it too late? Absolutely not.

Whether you are engaged or celebrating an anniversary, you can still secure your future. In this guide, we break down the critical differences between a prenup and a postnuptial agreement, analyze the costs, and help you decide which legal document is right for your relationship.

What is a Prenuptial Agreement?

A prenuptial agreement (commonly called a prenup) is a written contract created by two people before they are married. It lists all of the property each person owns (as well as any debts) and specifies what each person’s property rights will be after the marriage.

Think of it as financial insurance. You hope you never need to use it, but it offers peace of mind knowing it is there.

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Who Needs a Prenup?

Contrary to popular belief, prenups aren’t just for the ultra-wealthy. You might benefit from one if:

  • You own a business or real estate.
  • You have children from a previous relationship.
  • One partner has significantly more debt than the other.
  • You anticipate a large inheritance.

Key Benefits:

  1. Asset Protection: Keeps separate property (like family heirlooms) distinct from marital assets.
  2. Debt Protection: Protects one spouse from the other’s pre-existing debt.
  3. Clarity: Reduces conflict during a divorce by pre-determining spousal support and division of assets.

Note:Note: A prenuptial agreement UK context differs slightly from the US. In the US, prenups are generally legally binding. In the UK, they are not strictly legally binding but are given “decisive weight” by courts if they are fair and procedural guidelines were followed. For more insights on evolving legal standards and business protections, staying informed on current case law is essential.

What is a Postnuptial Agreement?

A postnuptial agreement is functionally similar to a prenup, but it is signed after the couple is already married.

Why would a happily married couple want a contract? Often, a “postnup” is triggered by a change in financial circumstances or relationship dynamics. It allows couples to update their financial understanding without dissolving the marriage.

Common Triggers for a Postnup

  • Inheritance: One spouse receives a large inheritance and wants to keep it separate.
  • Business Growth: A spouse starts a business during the marriage and wants to ensure it remains their asset.
  • Reconciliation: Following a period of separation or infidelity, a postnup can be used to rebuild trust by securing financial terms.

Prenup vs Postnup: Key Differences at a Glance

While both documents serve to clarify financial rights, their validity and reception in court can differ.

Feature Prenuptial Agreement Postnuptial Agreement
Timing Signed before marriage. Signed during marriage.
Legal Scrutiny Generally easier to enforce. Often faces higher scrutiny by courts.
Fiduciary Duty Partners are not yet spouses (less fiduciary duty). Spouses have a fiduciary duty to each other (higher standard of fairness).
Primary Goal Asset protection entering the marriage. Updating financial terms or asset protection during marriage.

The “Fiduciary” Factor

The biggest legal distinction often lies in the relationship status. When you sign a prenuptial agreement, you are not yet married. When you sign a postnup, you are spouses. In family law, spouses have a “fiduciary duty” to one another meaning they must act in each other’s best interest.

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Because of this, courts often look at postnups with a more skeptical eye to ensure one spouse didn’t pressure or “unduly influence” the other into signing away their rights.

The Cost Factor: Prenuptial Agreement Cost vs Postnup

Money is often a taboo topic, but understanding the prenuptial agreement cost is essential for budgeting.

How Much Does a Prenup Cost?

The cost varies significantly based on location and complexity. And you can also have Free Prenup Consultation by Wenup.co.uk

  • Average Range: £1,000 to £10,000 per couple.
  • Why the variance? If you have complex assets (businesses, offshore accounts), lawyers need more hours to draft the terms.
  • Two Lawyers Rule: For a prenup to be valid, both parties usually need their own independent legal representation. This means you are paying two attorney fees.

Is a Postnup More Expensive?

Often, yes. Because postnups require higher scrutiny and involve unravelling assets that may have already commingled (mixed together) during the marriage, the legal fees can be higher than a standard prenup.

Alternatives: Cohabitation and Relationship Agreements

Not everyone chooses to get married, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect your interests.

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Cohabitation Agreement

If you live with a partner but aren’t married, the law generally treats you as strangers financially (unless you are in a common-law jurisdiction). A cohabitation agreement outlines who owns what, how bills are shared, and what happens to the house if you break up. This is vital for unmarried couples buying property together.

Relationship Agreement

Sometimes called a “lifestyle clause,” a relationship agreement focuses less on assets and more on expectations. These can cover anything from how often in-laws visit to division of household chores. While these are rarely legally binding in court, they can be excellent tools for communication.

Templates vs Lawyers: Can You DIY?

In the age of the internet, it is tempting to search for a prenuptial agreement template or a prenuptial agreement sample and write it yourself.

Is this a good idea? Generally, no.

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While a template can give you an idea of what the document looks like, relying on a generic form for a binding legal contract is risky.

  • State/Country Laws: A template found online may follow California law while you live in London or New York.
  • Omitted Assets: A DIY form might miss critical clauses regarding future income or retirement benefits.
  • Duress Claims: If a lawyer didn’t review it, a judge is more likely to throw it out during a divorce, rendering the document useless.

The Hybrid Approach: You can save money by using a prenuptial agreement sample to discuss terms with your partner before visiting a lawyer. This reduces the billable hours spent negotiating in the attorney’s office.

5 Steps to Creating a Fair Agreement:

Whether you choose a prenup or a postnup, the process for creating a valid agreement is similar.

  1. Full Financial Disclosure: You must list everything. Hiding assets is the fastest way to get an agreement voided in court.
  2. Start Early: Do not present a prenup the week before the wedding. This looks like coercion (duress). Ideally, sign it 30–60 days before the big day.
  3. Independent Counsel: Each partner must have their own lawyer.
  4. Fairness: The agreement cannot be “unconscionable” (grossly unfair) to one party.
  5. Sign and Notarize: Ensure all formalities are met according to local laws.

Conclusion:

Deciding between these agreements comes down to timing. If you are engaged, a prenuptial agreement is the gold standard for asset protection and establishing clear financial expectations. It is generally cheaper and stronger in court than the alternatives.

If you are already married, the door isn’t closed. A postnuptial agreement is a powerful tool to reset your financial boundaries and protect new assets or inheritances.

Marriage is a partnership, and like any successful partnership, it requires a clear operating agreement. Don’t view these documents as an anticipation of divorce, but as a foundation for a transparent, secure, and honest relationship.

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Are you ready to secure your financial future? Start by gathering your financial documents and having an open, honest conversation with your partner today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you write your own prenuptial agreement?

Technically, yes, you can draft your own agreement using a template. However, for it to be legally binding and hold up in court, it is highly recommended that both parties have it reviewed by separate attorneys. Self-written agreements are frequently overturned due to errors or lack of legal formalities.

Does a prenup override state law?

Yes, in most cases, a valid prenuptial agreement overrides the default state or country divorce laws regarding property division and spousal support. However, it cannot override laws regarding child custody or child support, which are determined based on the “best interests of the child” at the time of divorce.

Is a postnuptial agreement legally binding in the UK?

A postnuptial agreement (like a prenup) is not automatically legally binding in the UK in the same strict sense as a commercial contract. However, UK family courts increasingly uphold them if they are freely entered into, both parties had legal advice, and the terms are fair.

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What voids a prenuptial agreement?

Common reasons a prenup is declared void include:

  • Fraud: One party hid assets.
  • Duress: One party was pressured to sign (e.g., presented with the paper hours before the wedding).
  • No Legal Representation: One party did not have a lawyer.
  • Unconscionability: The agreement leaves one spouse destitute while the other remains wealthy.

What is the difference between a cohabitation agreement and a prenup?

A prenuptial agreement is for couples planning to get married and becomes effective upon marriage. A cohabitation agreement is for unmarried couples living together and handles the division of shared assets if they separate, but it does not carry the same marital legal weight.

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Bill Ackman bets big on Meta with $2B investment stake

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Bill Ackman bets big on Meta with $2B investment stake

Billionaire investor and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman is making a big gamble on the future of Mark Zuckerberg and his Meta platforms.

Ackman has allegedly committed an estimated $2 billion to Meta, representing a sizable 10% of Pershing Square’s total portfolio, The Wall Street Journal reported. The move is a public backing of Zuckerberg’s pivot from the “Metaverse” to superintelligence, with Meta as the beneficiary of AI integration.

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Pershing Square started buying Meta last November at an average price of $625 per share. Today, Meta stock trades near $670, netting Ackman an early gain.

MARK ZUCKERBERG BECOMES LATEST CALIFORNIA BILLIONAIRE TO RELOCATE TO FLORIDA AMID TAX CONCERNS

While Ackman’s investment shows a bullish stance, Meta’s balance sheet has some market experts nervous. Meta’s “Reality Labs” has lost $83 billion since 2020, and the company cut 1,500, or 10%, of Reality Labs’ workforce last month.

Split image of Bill Ackman and Mark Zuckerberg

Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square has invested a fresh $2 billion into Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta. (Getty Images)

Meta is shifting focus away from its virtual reality endeavors to AI-powered smart glasses, which Zuckerberg believes will be the “main way we integrate superintelligence into daily life.”

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Neither Pershing Square nor Meta immediately returned Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The Facebook and Instagram parent company is also entering a period of unprecedented capital expenditure to build data centers and talent pools needed for artificial intelligence. Meta’s fourth quarter and full-year 2025 report, released last month, shows the company expects to spend $115 billion to $135 billion in 2026, primarily on front-loading artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Meta stock has declined over the past several months and remains lower year over year, according to market data, amid investor concerns that its artificial intelligence spending may be too aggressive. But in Pershing Square’s investor presentation, Ackman called the stock “deeply discounted.”

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Ackman isn’t just betting on Meta, but rather positioning himself as a major stakeholder in America’s future tech economy. Pershing Square has an additional $2 billion stake in Uber and a $1.3 billion stake in Amazon.

Pershing Square also announced Wednesday that it was entirely exiting its position in Hilton, signaling another move away from traditional hospitality toward high-growth technology.

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(VIDEO) 10 Things You Must Know About Nick Baumgartner

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Nick Baumgartner

Nick Baumgartner, the resilient American snowboard cross athlete known as the “#BlueCollarOlympian,” has defied expectations throughout his remarkable career. From a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to Olympic glory at age 40, his story captivates with perseverance, late-blooming success and a grounded approach to elite sports.

Nick Baumgartner
Nick Baumgartner

Here are 10 essential things to know about Nick Baumgartner:

  1. Humble beginnings in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Born Dec. 17, 1981, in Iron River, Michigan, Baumgartner grew up in a rugged, working-class environment far from traditional winter sports powerhouses. He learned to snowboard at age 15 using plastic boards on local sledding hills before progressing to Ski Brule, a modest family resort nearby. A three-sport high school standout at West Iron County High School—he won a state wrestling championship in 2000, excelled in hurdles for track and played football—he briefly attended Northern Michigan University before dropping out after one semester to chase professional snowboarding.
  2. Multi-talented athlete before snowboarding dominance Baumgartner’s early athletic prowess extended beyond the slopes. His state wrestling title and All-State honors in track highlighted raw power and speed. He has described snowboard cross as the ideal blend of football’s contact and snowboarding’s freedom, a sport that channeled his competitive drive. He also ventured into off-road racing, earning Rookie of the Year in the Stock Truck division in 2011 and advancing to Pro Light trucks in 2012.
  3. Olympic veteran with five Games under his belt Baumgartner made his Olympic debut at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games and returned for Sochi 2014, PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022 and Milano Cortina 2026—becoming a five-time Olympian. At 44 during the 2026 Games, he remains the oldest snowboarder in U.S. Olympic history and aimed to extend his record as the oldest snowboarding medalist.
  4. Breakthrough Olympic gold at age 40 After years of near-misses—including a heartbreaking fourth-place finish in the men’s snowboard cross at PyeongChang 2018—Baumgartner claimed his first Olympic medal in Beijing 2022. Partnering with Lindsey Jacobellis, he won gold in the inaugural mixed team snowboard cross event. The victory made him the oldest Olympic snowboarding medalist ever and provided redemption after a disappointing individual run where a small mistake ended his medal hopes early.
  5. X Games success fueled his rise Baumgartner earned Winter X Games medals before his Olympic breakthrough, securing gold in 2011 and silver in 2012 in snowboard cross. These podiums on one of snowboarding’s biggest stages established him as a top contender and showcased his ability to handle high-pressure, head-to-head racing formats.
  6. The “#BlueCollarOlympian” moniker reflects his real-world grind When not competing or training, Baumgartner pours concrete for a living in his hometown, embracing his working-class roots. He proudly calls himself the “#BlueCollarOlympian,” a label that resonates with fans and underscores his grounded personality. This dual life—Olympic athlete by winter, concrete worker by necessity—sets him apart in a sport often associated with sponsorship wealth.
  7. Family man with a son and a memoir Baumgartner has one son, Landon, who has been a source of motivation throughout his career. In April 2024, he released his memoir, Gold from Iron, chronicling his journey from Iron River’s small-town challenges to Beijing’s Olympic podium. The book details perseverance, family support and lessons from setbacks.
  8. Embracing fear and age as advantages At 44, Baumgartner admits he isn’t fearless—he wakes up with aches like any middle-aged person—but he channels fear into focus. He shifted training from heavy power lifts to fast-twitch and flexibility work to minimize injury risk. He views his longevity as proof that dedication trumps youth, often saying he’s “making up for time lost at the front end” by staying competitive later than most.
  9. Strong World Cup and world championship record Beyond Olympics and X Games, Baumgartner amassed numerous FIS Snowboard World Cup podiums and two world championship medals. He finished fifth in men’s snowboard cross at the 2025 World Championships, showing he remained a contender heading into Milano Cortina 2026.
  10. Continued pursuit of excellence in 2026 In his fifth Olympics at Milano Cortina 2026, Baumgartner finished seventh overall in men’s snowboard cross after a photo-finish elimination from the big final by just 0.08 seconds, placing third in the small final. Despite no individual medal, his participation reinforced his status as an inspiration for defying age barriers in elite sports.

Nick Baumgartner’s career embodies resilience and the idea that greatness can arrive later in life. From Upper Peninsula hills to Olympic gold, he proves determination, adaptability and a blue-collar work ethic can overcome any odds. As one of snowboarding’s most enduring figures, his legacy continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.

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