MILWAUKEE — Sensient Technologies Corp. shares skyrocketed more than 15% in morning trading Friday, climbing to around $114.75 after the specialty ingredients maker posted a strong first-quarter 2026 earnings beat, highlighted by robust growth in its natural colors business and upbeat commentary on full-year momentum.

The stock (NYSE: SXT) opened sharply higher and held strong gains on April 24, with trading volume well above average. The move reflects investor enthusiasm for Sensient’s execution on its strategic shift toward higher-margin natural ingredients, particularly colors used in food and beverages amid growing consumer demand for clean-label products.

Sensient reported first-quarter revenue of $435.83 million, beating analyst expectations of about $411.39 million. Non-GAAP earnings per share reached $1.04, significantly topping consensus estimates around $0.80 to $0.83. The results marked a solid rebound from the previous quarter’s miss and demonstrated improving profitability despite ongoing cost pressures.

CEO Paul Manning highlighted strength across segments, with particular emphasis on the Color Group. “We continue to see accelerating conversion to natural colors, and our capacity expansion projects are progressing well,” he said during the earnings call. The company’s $250 million investment in natural color production capacity is beginning to yield returns as food and beverage manufacturers shift away from synthetic alternatives.

The Flavor & Fragrances segment also contributed positively, benefiting from pricing actions and volume recovery in key markets. Operating income growth outpaced revenue, signaling improved efficiency and margin expansion that impressed investors.

Sensient reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting mid-single to double-digit local currency revenue growth and adjusted EPS in the range of $3.60 to $3.80. Management expressed confidence in sustained momentum from natural color trends and operational improvements.

Wall Street responded positively. Several analysts raised price targets following the report, with consensus moving toward $118–$125. The strong beat helped alleviate concerns lingering from the Q4 2025 miss and validated the company’s long-term strategy in premium, natural ingredients.

Sensient Technologies, a global leader in colors, flavors and fragrances used in food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and personal care, has positioned itself as a key beneficiary of the clean-label movement. Consumer preference for natural ingredients has driven steady demand, and the company’s investments in capacity and innovation are paying off.

The surge marks a significant rebound from earlier 2026 levels, pushing shares toward multi-year highs. Year-to-date performance had been choppy amid broader market volatility, but Friday’s reaction underscores renewed investor confidence in Sensient’s growth trajectory.

Financially, the company maintains a solid balance sheet with manageable debt levels. It recently declared a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share, payable June 1, reinforcing its commitment to returning capital to shareholders while funding growth initiatives.

Challenges remain. Input cost inflation, currency fluctuations and competitive pressures in certain markets continue to require careful management. However, pricing discipline and operational efficiencies helped offset these headwinds in the first quarter.

Analysts view Sensient as well-positioned for sustained mid-single-digit growth. The natural colors expansion project, expected to add meaningful capacity over the next few years, should support further market share gains as regulatory and consumer trends favor cleaner formulations.

For investors, Friday’s move highlights the market’s reward for earnings surprises in the specialty chemicals space. While valuation multiples have expanded, many see justification given the company’s defensive characteristics, consistent dividend and exposure to secular consumer trends.

As trading continued Friday morning, SXT shares consolidated some gains but remained sharply higher. The reaction stands out in an otherwise mixed market session, drawing attention to smaller-cap names delivering strong results amid broader economic uncertainty.

Looking ahead, Sensient will focus on executing its capacity expansions and capitalizing on natural ingredient demand. The second half of 2026 will be critical as new production lines come online and the company navigates any potential softening in consumer spending.

The impressive intraday surge caps a positive earnings season chapter for Sensient and reinforces its reputation as a reliable performer in the ingredients space. With a strong balance sheet, strategic investments and favorable industry tailwinds, the company appears poised for continued progress through the remainder of the year.

This refers to your edit ‘India needs new banks’ (ET, Mar 4). Financial inclusion and financial literacy will be the paramount objective while implementing reforms along with UID project to protect the interests of poor. Modern banking system has lost apersonal touch. Even citizens from semi-urban areas are reluctant to use ATMs. NextGen banking may fail in rural areas. It’s true we need more banks and innovative way of thinking, competition will drive away inefficient players.

ET has also suggested the perfect solution to the problem in the same edition, ‘Before they compete, let banks consolidate’. Narasimhan panel too has suggested to have less number of banks with more branches at the national level. The author has pointed out that of 9,000 private bank branches, just 1,138 are located in rural areas. This means they are not keen to go rural.

Shishir Sindekar,

Nasik, March 4

SAN ANTONIO — Victor Wembanyama remains in the NBA’s concussion protocol and is listed as questionable for Friday’s Game 3 against the Portland Trail Blazers, though the Spurs phenom traveled with the team to Portland as he continues progressing through league-mandated steps following a scary head injury in Game 2.

The 22-year-old Defensive Player of the Year suffered the concussion in Tuesday’s 106-103 loss when he was fouled by Jrue Holiday, tripped while driving to the basket and fell hard, hitting his jaw and face on the court. He appeared dazed, left the game early in the second quarter and did not return as the series evened at 1-1. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson confirmed the diagnosis immediately after the game.

Wembanyama reported to the Spurs’ practice facility Wednesday for light cardio work without worsening symptoms and returned Thursday for further evaluation. He was cleared to travel with the team for Games 3 and 4 this weekend in Portland, a positive development that signals stabilization. However, he cannot engage in unrestricted basketball activity until he completes multiple cognitive, neurological and exertion tests under medical supervision.

NBA concussion protocol requires a minimum 48-hour period before full participation can be considered, along with a graduated return-to-play process monitored by team doctors and league specialists. The median absence for concussions in the NBA is approximately seven to nine days, though some players recover faster and others take longer to ensure full safety.

Coach Mitch Johnson described Wembanyama as “progressing” on Thursday but stopped short of confirming availability for Game 3. “We’ll see how he feels and continue to follow the protocol,” Johnson said. The team is preparing as if he may not play, leaning on its young core including De’Aaron Fox, Keldon Johnson and Stephon Castle to compete on the road.

Wembanyama’s absence was noticeable in Game 2. He had dominated Game 1 with a franchise playoff debut record of 35 points, showcasing the length, shot-blocking and perimeter skills that make him a generational talent. Without him, Portland exploited interior gaps and rallied late behind Scoot Henderson’s strong performance.

Medical experts emphasize caution with young stars. A second concussion in quick succession carries amplified risks, and studies show elevated chance of musculoskeletal injuries in the 90 days following a head injury. The Spurs, known for conservative player management, are prioritizing long-term health over short-term playoff urgency.

Game 3 tips off Friday night at Moda Center in Portland. Even if Wembanyama is cleared, many insiders view participation as unlikely given the timeline and the organization’s approach. A return for Game 4 on Sunday or Game 5 back in San Antonio appears more realistic if symptoms continue to improve.

The series backdrop adds pressure. The Spurs earned the No. 2 seed in the West and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2019 largely thanks to Wembanyama’s meteoric rise. His playoff debut already created franchise lore, but the injury tests San Antonio’s depth and resilience in what many viewed as a winnable first-round matchup.

Portland senses an opening. With home-court energy and experience, the Trail Blazers will look to capitalize on the Spurs’ temporary vulnerability. A win in Game 3 could shift momentum dramatically toward an upset.

Fan reaction has been overwhelmingly supportive, with calls for caution dominating social media. Supporters emphasize protecting the franchise cornerstone over rushing him back. The organization has echoed that sentiment, stressing that Wembanyama’s long-term health remains the priority.

Wembanyama has shown eagerness throughout the process, reporting to the facility daily and pushing to travel. His competitive drive is well-documented, but medical staff hold final say. Further evaluations in Portland will determine the next steps in his recovery.

Broader NBA concussion management has evolved with greater emphasis on safety. The league’s protocol includes baseline testing, independent neurological oversight and a step-by-step return process. Teams increasingly err on the side of caution with young stars, understanding the risks of repeated head trauma.

For the Spurs, navigating the series without their best player tests coaching ingenuity and depth. Home-court advantage from the regular season provides a cushion, but extending the series without Wembanyama would strain resources ahead of a potential second-round matchup.

As Game 3 approaches, pregame updates will provide the latest clarity. Whether Wembanyama suits up or watches from the sideline, his presence looms large over the series. The basketball world watches closely as the Spurs push forward in what promises to be a memorable postseason.

Wembanyama’s rapid ascent since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2023 has captivated fans globally. This early playoff injury tests both his resilience and the Spurs’ ability to compete at the highest level without their transcendent talent. For now, cautious optimism prevails as the organization balances competitiveness with care for its cornerstone.

TORONTO — POET Technologies Inc. shares surged more than 30% in midday trading Friday, climbing to around $15.33 as investors piled into the photonics innovator amid accelerating AI-driven demand for its optical interconnect technology and positive updates on financing and strategic positioning.

The stock (NASDAQ: POET) opened sharply higher and sustained strong gains on April 24, with trading volume exploding well above average. The dramatic move extends a powerful rally that has seen shares more than double in recent weeks, driven by growing excitement around POET’s role in solving critical data transfer challenges in next-generation AI systems.

POET Technologies develops photonic integrated circuits and optical engines designed to move data at dramatically higher speeds and lower power consumption than traditional copper-based solutions. Its technology is particularly relevant for AI infrastructure, where hyperscale data centers require ultra-fast, energy-efficient optical connections between chips and servers.

Recent catalysts have fueled the surge. The company has secured significant orders linked to major players, including connections through Marvell Technology following its acquisition of Celestial AI. POET’s chief financial officer Thomas Mika confirmed progress on these fronts in recent interviews, noting strong customer validation and production ramps.

POET also raised substantial capital recently — more than $225 million in Q4 2025 plus an additional $150 million in early 2026 — building a robust war chest of approximately $430 million. This financial strength positions the company to scale manufacturing and pursue commercial opportunities aggressively.

The company is advancing plans to redomicile its headquarters to the United States, a move intended to simplify tax structures for American investors and mitigate Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) concerns raised in a recent short-seller report. POET’s management responded forcefully to the report, providing clarity on QEF elections and calling many allegations a “nothing burger.”

Analysts and retail investors have embraced the AI optics narrative. POET’s hybrid integrated photonics platform aims to address the “laser problem” in AI hardware by enabling more efficient light-based data transmission. As AI models grow larger and data center power demands escalate, optical solutions like POET’s are gaining traction as a potential differentiator.

The stock’s momentum has been amplified by heavy options activity, with call volumes far outpacing puts in recent sessions. This speculative fervor echoes earlier meme-like runs but is increasingly underpinned by tangible business progress, including design wins and partnerships in the optical communications space.

POET reported its Q4 2025 results in early April, showing a narrower net loss and progress on commercialization. While revenue remains modest as the company transitions from development to execution, management expressed confidence in scaling production and securing additional hyperscaler customers.

Challenges persist. POET is still pre-revenue at meaningful scale, faces execution risks in ramping manufacturing, and operates in a highly competitive sector dominated by larger players. Short-seller scrutiny highlighted governance and tax issues, though the company’s proactive responses appear to have reassured many investors.

Wall Street coverage remains limited but generally constructive on the long-term opportunity. Price targets vary widely, reflecting the speculative nature of the stock, but recent momentum has pushed sentiment higher. The company’s market capitalization has grown rapidly but remains modest relative to the potential addressable market in AI infrastructure.

For investors, POET represents a high-risk, high-reward bet on the optical revolution in AI. Supporters point to the technology’s differentiation, strong balance sheet and timing with massive data center buildouts. Skeptics caution about dilution risks, execution hurdles and the company’s history of volatility.

As trading continued Friday afternoon, POET shares held most of their gains amid elevated volume. The surge stands out even in a broader semiconductor rally, highlighting investor appetite for pure-play AI infrastructure stories.

Looking ahead, key milestones include production ramps, additional customer announcements and progress on the U.S. redomicile. The company’s next earnings report in May will be closely watched for updates on commercialization timelines and cash utilization.

POET Technologies’ rapid rise underscores the market’s fascination with innovative solutions to AI’s physical constraints. Whether the company can translate technological promise into sustained commercial success remains the central question, but Friday’s move shows investors are increasingly willing to bet on that potential.

Bertina Engelbrecht
CEO & Executive Director

Good afternoon. Thank you for joining the webcast of our Interim Results for the 6 months ended 28th February 2026. I’m Bertina Engelbrecht, Chief Executive Officer of the Clicks Group. I am joined by Gordon Traill, our Chief Financial Officer, who is in a completely different time zone. Gordon and I will take you through the presentation of our interim results, and we’ll respond to any questions you may have after the conclusion of our presentation.

This slide sets out the outline of our presentation. I will, as usual, kick off with a review of our performance of the past 6 months. Gordon will then present an overview of the financial results. I will walk you through the trading performances of our operating business units, starting with Clicks, followed by UPD. And I will then close with the outlook for the group.

Please feel free to submit any questions you may have via the webcast platform during or after the conclusion of our presentation. Sue Hemp will read out your questions to which Gordon and I will respond.

I will now take you through the review of the period. It has been a tough 6 months. Despite some interest rate relief and signs of a slow recovery in the economic environment, trading conditions remain constrained, especially for middle-income households. Competition intensified as new players entered the market. Traditional players extended into health and beauty categories, giving rise to heightened levels of promotions aimed at capturing a greater share of the consumer’s wallet.

CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple is closing in on its long-awaited entry into the foldable smartphone market, with the latest rumors pointing to a September 2026 launch for the iPhone Fold alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models and a revolutionary crease-free design that could set a new standard for the category.

After years of speculation and multiple delays, credible reports now suggest Apple’s first foldable device is firmly on track for a fall 2026 debut. Trial production has reportedly begun at Foxconn, with mass production potentially starting as early as July, putting the device on a timeline similar to previous Pro models. While some earlier concerns about manufacturing snags had raised questions about a possible slip into 2027, recent updates from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and Chinese leakers indicate the project remains on schedule.

The device, widely referred to in leaks as the iPhone Fold (though Apple is unlikely to use that exact name), is expected to feature a book-style folding mechanism rather than a clamshell flip design. When closed, it will sport a compact approximately 5.5-inch outer display, making it one of Apple’s smallest modern iPhones. When unfolded, it opens into a tablet-like 7.8-inch inner screen with a wider 4:3 aspect ratio reminiscent of the iPad mini.

One of the most exciting rumored features is Apple’s aggressive approach to the infamous foldable crease. Multiple sources claim the iPhone Fold will feature a nearly invisible or dramatically reduced crease — potentially as shallow as 0.15mm — thanks to advanced hinge technology using liquid metal alloys and specialized display layers. This would represent a significant leap over current competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series.

Design leaks and alleged dummy models shared by reliable sources in recent weeks show a sleek, premium build with a titanium frame for durability and strength at thin dimensions. The device is expected to measure roughly 9.5mm thick when folded and an ultra-slim 4.5mm when opened. Apple is reportedly prioritizing a premium feel, with potential color options in black and white and a focus on minimal bezels.

Camera expectations are more conservative than current iPhone Pro models. Rumors point to a dual 48-megapixel rear setup and dual front cameras (one for each display orientation), with some reports suggesting an under-display selfie camera on the inner screen. Face ID may be replaced by a side-mounted Touch ID button to help maintain the slim profile.

Power and performance details remain sparse but promising. The iPhone Fold is tipped to feature Apple’s A20 Pro chip built on a 2nm process, paired with up to 12GB of RAM. Battery capacity rumors range from 5,088mAh to as high as 5,800mAh — potentially the largest ever in an iPhone — to support the dual displays and power-hungry multitasking features expected in a future iOS version optimized for foldables.

Pricing speculation centers around a premium positioning. Analysts expect the iPhone Fold to start at $2,000 or higher, significantly above even the iPhone 18 Pro Max. This ultra-premium tag could limit initial volumes but would boost Apple’s average selling price and help justify the heavy investment in foldable technology.

The software experience will be critical. iOS 27 is expected to bring enhanced multitasking, split-screen capabilities, and app continuity features tailored for the larger inner display. Developers are already preparing for the new form factor, though full optimization may take time after launch.

Supply chain reports indicate Samsung Display is providing the foldable panels, with trial production underway. Any last-minute issues could still push shipments into October or December, following a September announcement alongside the standard iPhone 18 lineup. Apple has used staggered release strategies before, such as with the original iPhone X.

The foldable iPhone represents a major evolution for Apple after more than a decade dominating the traditional slab smartphone market. It would directly challenge Samsung’s dominance in foldables while opening new use cases for productivity, media consumption and creative work on iOS. Success could expand Apple’s addressable market significantly, though high pricing and the learning curve for foldable usage remain potential hurdles.

Industry observers are watching closely as Apple’s entry could validate and accelerate the entire foldable category. Competitors are already ramping up their own efforts in anticipation. For consumers, the iPhone Fold could finally deliver the seamless blend of phone and mini-tablet that many have been waiting for.

As development continues through the summer, more concrete details and potentially official teaser imagery could emerge. For now, the latest rumors paint an exciting picture of Apple’s most ambitious iPhone yet — one that could redefine the company’s flagship lineup for years to come. Whether the crease-free promise holds up in real-world use will be one of the biggest questions when the device finally arrives.