BURLESON, Texas — Shares of Sadot Group Inc. surged nearly 90 percent in midday trading Monday, extending a period of extreme volatility as investors responded to the company’s ongoing balance-sheet restructuring and early commercial activity on its artificial-intelligence-powered commodity trading platform.

Sadot stock traded at $24.98 as of 11:49 a.m. EDT, up $11.80 or 89.53 percent, according to market data. The sharp advance came on elevated volume and followed a series of recent sessions in which the shares posted large percentage gains and intraday swings, reflecting the low share count that resulted from a reverse stock split earlier this year.

The company, which describes itself as a global provider of agri-food and commodity supply chain solutions, has been transitioning from a traditional, capital-intensive trading model toward a technology-focused platform. Central to that shift are the TradeOS and TradeIQ systems, which Sadot has integrated into its operations following acquisitions completed in recent months.

In its second-quarter results reported earlier this month, Sadot said the TradeOS platform processed its first commercial transactions in July, generating approximately $1 million in preliminary gross revenue. The company noted that the platform has been deployed across its trading desks and that it has begun onboarding counterparties.

“Our priority since the June closing has been to put TradeOS to work inside our trading operations, and the platform is now deployed across our desks and processed its first commercial transactions in July,” Chief Executive Haggai Ravid said in the earnings release. “At the same time, we remain focused on strengthening our balance sheet, resolving outstanding obligations and satisfying the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq Capital Market. We have significant work ahead of us on each of those fronts.”

Financial results for the quarter ended June 30 underscored the scale of the operational reset. Revenue was reported at zero, compared with $246.6 million in the year-earlier period, reflecting the divestiture of certain businesses and a sharp reduction in traditional commodity trading activity. The company recorded net income of $35.2 million, or $109.16 per diluted share, driven primarily by a gain related to deconsolidation rather than ongoing operations. Adjusted EBITDA showed a loss of $3.3 million. Cash and cash equivalents stood at approximately $0.1 million at quarter-end.

Alongside the technology pivot, Sadot has been working to reduce debt. In a series of transactions in August, the company settled the remaining February debentures, extinguishing roughly $1.08 million in obligations through the issuance of shares priced at $8 each. One recent filing detailed the retirement of about $543,478 in principal in exchange for 67,936 shares. Earlier settlements in July and August similarly converted debt and claims into equity without cash outlays, simplifying the capital structure while increasing the share count.

The low float that followed a 1-for-20 reverse split in late May has amplified price movements. With fewer shares available, relatively modest buying interest has produced outsized percentage gains and rapid reversals. Trading volume has frequently run into the millions of shares on days of large moves.

Sadot has also taken steps to address Nasdaq listing requirements. In early August the exchange determined that the company had regained compliance with a key equity standard on a conditional basis, contingent on demonstrating continued compliance in a subsequent periodic report. Management has pointed to potential financing facilities, including convertible notes and an equity purchase arrangement totaling up to $200 million in capacity, as tools that could support further balance-sheet work and growth, subject to approvals and conditions.

Earlier in the summer the company completed the acquisition of Anira Consulting, also known as Tradewell, in a transaction valued at about $12 million that added commodity trading capabilities and technology. It also acquired intellectual property assets related to TradeIQ for roughly $6 million, combining software models and data with the TradeOS risk-management platform. These moves form the foundation of what management describes as a shift to a platform company designed to operate with a lower fixed-cost base.

In a July statement outlining the strategic direction, Ravid said: “We are closing the chapter on the legacy, capital- and headcount-intensive model of commodity trading, and opening a new one. With TradeOS and TradeIQ, we are building a platform company — one designed to operate with a fraction of the fixed cost base of a traditional trading business, while extending our reach through technology rather than physical footprint. This is a new start for Sadot.”

The stock’s recent performance has been characterized by sharp intraday ranges. On several sessions in mid-to-late August the shares climbed more than 50 percent before giving back a portion of the gains by the close. Monday’s nearly 90 percent advance fits that pattern of high-volatility trading driven by news flow around debt reduction, platform commercialization and the constrained float.

Investors face a mixed picture. The company has eliminated certain near-term debt obligations and generated initial revenue on its new platform, while advancing toward Nasdaq compliance. At the same time, core operating revenue remains limited following the restructuring, cash balances are low, and equity issuances at prices well below recent trading levels introduce dilution. Future financing arrangements, if utilized, could further expand the share count.

Sadot continues to position itself as an AI-enabled participant in commodity markets, aiming to leverage technology for trading, risk management and counterparty engagement rather than relying primarily on traditional physical infrastructure and headcount. The pace at which TradeOS and related tools scale commercial activity will be a central factor in assessing the sustainability of the current valuation.

Market participants are also monitoring the company’s ability to convert its strategic repositioning into consistent operating results. The second-quarter figures illustrated both the impact of the business model change and the non-operating nature of the reported profit. Subsequent quarters will provide additional data on whether platform-generated revenue grows meaningfully and whether balance-sheet improvements translate into greater financial flexibility.

Monday’s rally underscores the sensitivity of Sadot shares to incremental developments in its restructuring and technology efforts. With a reduced float and active speculative interest, the stock has demonstrated the capacity for large percentage moves in either direction. How the company executes on platform adoption, debt management and listing requirements in the coming months is likely to determine whether the recent gains prove durable or remain part of a high-volatility transition period.

The broader context for commodity trading firms includes ongoing interest in digital tools that can improve efficiency and expand reach. Sadot’s pivot places it among companies seeking to apply artificial intelligence to traditional markets. Success will depend on customer adoption, competitive positioning and the ability to generate sustainable margins from the new model while managing the costs and dilution associated with the transformation.

COMMERCE, CALIF. — Revolution Foods, a school meal provider, has acquired Ardella’s, Carson, Calif. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Founded in 1975, Ardella’s is a manufacturer of frozen pizzas, burritos and other center-of-plate foods for schools and other organizations including senior meal programs.

“Bringing Ardella’s to the table enables us to offer more culturally relevant dishes that students are excited about, because healthy meals only make a difference when kids actually eat them,” said George Blanco, chief executive officer of Revolution Foods.

Ardella’s operates a manufacturing facility in Carson that processes individually quick frozen foods.

“For more than 50 years, our family has been crafting foods that kids and families enjoy, without cutting corners on quality,” said Hap Frank, co-founder of Ardella’s. “Passing the baton to Revolution Foods allows our recipes, our people, everything we’ve built, to reach even more schools and communities.”

Revolution Foods also owns Balance Foods, a manufacturer of cereal and snacks. 

Three theme parks will be built near Paris as part of a €6bn (£5.13bn) deal agreed between France and Saudi Arabia.

The new development is expected to include a manga-themed park, inspired by the popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball Z.

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the move as on a scale not seen “since Disneyland Paris”, and added “you know my interest for manga”.

An opening date for the parks – which will be built near Cergy-Pontoise – has not set by the Élysée Palace, but they will open in stages and construction is expected to take years.

The project was given the green light during a two-day state visit to France by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

It stemmed from a previous discussion between Macron and bin Salman about their shared passion for Japanese comics, “in particular Dragon Ball Z,” advisers to the president told reporters on Monday.

Business expansion in Indonesia triggers new regulatory, licensing, and compliance requirements affecting operations, licensing, workforce, and timelines, necessitating careful regulatory and commercial planning for growth.

Business Expansion and Regulatory Obligations in Indonesia

Expanding a business in Indonesia often introduces new regulatory requirements that were not necessary during initial market entry. Growth in activities, locations, employee numbers, cross-border transactions, or ownership structures can trigger additional compliance duties. For foreign investors, it’s essential to conduct both commercial and regulatory assessments to ensure smooth expansion.

Importance of KBLI Classifications and OSS System

Indonesia’s Online Single Submission (OSS) system links business activities to specific KBLI classifications, which determine licensing and sector-specific obligations. If a company diversifies into activities outside its registered KBLI codes, it may need to update registrations and obtain new approvals before proceeding. This ensures all activities remain compliant with national regulations.

Impact of Expansion on Investment Planning and Operations

Business growth decisions influence broader investment considerations, especially under Indonesia’s risk-based licensing framework. Entering new sectors may require re-evaluating licensing requirements and regulatory approvals. Additionally, location-based obligations such as construction and licensing can affect timelines, while workforce expansion increases statutory duties and compliance needs, demanding strategic regulatory planning alongside commercial growth.

Google is reportedly moving forward with shifting all manufacturing of its Pixel devices outside of China starting in 2027.

The tech giant has previously made its Pixel phones, watches and earbuds in China – though that’s set to change next year, with Google informing suppliers that the production of those devices will move out of the country into Vietnam and India, according to a report from last week by Nikkei Asia.

The report cited a source who told the outlet that Google will be better-positioned to move production out of China than tech rival Apple because Pixel devices aren’t sold directly in the Chinese market, while it’s also a relatively small base of smartphone users.

Nikkei Asia previously reported in January that Google was planning to develop and manufacture Pixel 11 devices in Vietnam exclusively, with the process requiring investment in testing equipment as well as tooling machines. According to the latest report, the success of that process prompted Google to expand production for other Pixel devices in Vietnam.

CHINA NARROWS AMERICA’S AI LEAD AS HUAWEI EXPANDS ITS GLOBAL TECH FOOTPRINT, FORMER US OFFICIAL WARNS

Google is reportedly shifting production of its Pixel devices out of China into Vietnam and India. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Google also reportedly told suppliers that it intends to increase shipments of Pixel phones by 8% to 10% this year after the company shipped 12 million Pixel phones a year ago.

The production boost comes against the backdrop of Google’s push to promote consumer usage of its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

If Google proceeds with the move, it would follow Samsung in moving smartphone production out of China. Samsung’s production shifted out of China in a process that took over a year and concluded in 2019 with most of its manufacturing moving to Vietnam and India.

GOOGLE LAUNCHES GLOBAL STUDY OF MILLIONS OF AI CHATS TO UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE USE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

The ongoing shortage of memory chips caused by the AI buildout of data centers and cloud services is affecting companies across the tech sector.

Google has reportedly looked to address that issue by combining orders for phone memory chips with those for its AI and cloud businesses.

MODERNA CEO WARNS CHINA IS INVESTING HEAVILY IN MRNA AS BEIJING CHALLENGES US IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Google Pixel 11 Pro smartphone is displayed during the “Made by Google” product launch event in New York City on Aug. 12, 2026.  (Timothy A. Clary / AFP via Getty Images)

By doing so, the company is able to enhance its negotiating position with major suppliers of memory chips, potentially leading to improved terms for its memory chip purchases across its business lines.

FOX Business reached out to Google for comment.

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WASHINGTON — The US Food and Drug Administration is reviewing three petitions, all dealing with natural sources of color for foods and beverages, according to the Aug. 20 Federal Register. The colors are gardenia blue and safflower as well as the use of acetone as a solvent in the manufacture of carrot oil.

The petitions, if approved, would increase options for natural sources of color, which are needed in the FDA’s plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food and beverage supply.

The Gardenia Blue Interest Group filed its petition Aug. 4, proposing the FDA expand the use of gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods and beverages and lower the specification for arsenic in gardenia blue. The FDA in July approved the use of gardenia blue in certain foods and beverages, including sports beverages, ready-to-drink teas and candy.

The proposed expanded uses in the petition include alcoholic mixed drinks, carbonated drinks, processed breakfast cereals, ice cream and frozen dairy desserts, flavored milk, both flavored and unflavored yogurt, and snack foods.

GNT USA, LLC, Dallas, NC, issued its color additive petition on July 20, which the company had announced previously.

GNT proposed that the FDA amend its color additive regulations to provide for the use of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as a color additive in various items, including tortilla wraps, beverages, colored-extruded breakfast cereals, chewing gum, candy and flavored yogurt.

The Washington-based International Association of Color Manufacturers on Aug. 3 filed its petition about acetone. The petition also proposed that the FDA add heavy metal limits and secondary names for carrot oil. In beta-carotene colors, carrot oil is the liquid or solid portion of the mixture or the mixture itself, according to the association.

1. FROM MY DESK

The heirs to one of America’s biggest liquor fortunes are in the middle of

an intense family drama. Profits at Brown-Forman are shrinking, and shares in the spirits company have lost 60% of their value over five years. People are drinking less of its flagship Jack Daniel’s whiskey, the CEO is leaving, and a crosstown rival has made a $15 billion hostile takeover bid. Laura Cooper takes us inside the rift among some family members who have controlled the company for more than 150 years.

And bourbon country isn’t the only place where things are getting heated. Tensions are rising in retirement communities thanks to baby boomers smoking more pot. Seniors are among the fastest-growing demographics for marijuana use, and their neighbors are fuming.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced a new round of secondary sanctions Monday aimed at countries that continue to do business with Iran, a move by the Trump administration to exact “economic asphyxiation” on Tehran.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the launch of Operation Economic Outcast, an effort to sever the financial lifeline that sustains Iran’s regime, which the United States has accused of using illicit revenues to fund global terrorism.

“Iran now faces a very clear choice, with only two paths before them: complete global isolation and a subsistence economy, or a path back to normalcy with an opportunity to rejoin the global economy,” Bessent said during a news conference.

TRUMP’S IRAN CRACKDOWN ‘SUFFOCATING’ REGIME AS OIL WELLS COULD SHUT WITHIN DAYS, BESSENT SAYS

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast on Monday, an effort by the Trump administration to pressure nations into severing economic ties with Iran. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The aggressive strategy, labeled as an “Economic D-Day,” targets critical industries such as Iran’s digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping in an effort to eliminate the revenue streams that fund international terrorism, Bessent said. The Trump administration will implement secondary sanctions to pressure nations into severing ties with Tehran, while simultaneously blacklisting nearly 60 people, businesses and vessels involved in illicit trade.

President Donald Trump was speaking with several world leaders, asking them for unspecified assistance in helping to tighten the economic rope around Iran, Bessent said.

“We are following his calls up with visits and calls from the State Department and from the U.S. Treasury, telling the leaders, the countries and the entities exactly what we expect and the timelines,” he said. “I would expect that very quickly. If they do not respond, then you will see the ramifications of their actions.”

Iran flag in rubble and debris in Tehran. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)

The secondary sanctions will not be implemented right away, Bessent said, describing his announcement as a “warning shot” to nations thinking of doing business with Iran.

“We are giving everyone the opportunity to remedy bad behavior,” he said. “Why would I want to blow up the global financial system? We believe that it is important to level set and give people a cure, period. But they should know that that will move very quickly and that we are serious.”

“Treasury has mapped every node, every facilitator and every network that Iran has used to smuggle oil and evade sanctions. Beginning today, the actions of Treasury and other agencies will tighten the noose and block every potential source of revenue that funds the IRGC and the evil Iranian regime,” he added.

TRUMP CLAIMS IRAN ‘STARVING FOR CASH,’ ‘COLLAPSING FINANCIALLY’ AFTER EXTENDING CEASEFIRE

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said roughly $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency assets has been seized by the U.S. Treasury Department. (Getty Images)

Iran has faced U.S. sanctions for decades, which have been aimed at curtailing a range of sectors in Tehran’s economy, including its oil revenues, as well as its ability to acquire weapons and other military equipment and cutting off funding for business enterprises controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Reuters previously reported.

In May, Bessent announced that the U.S. had seized roughly $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency assets.

Last week, Trump threatened “unprecedented” economic consequences for any nation assisting Iran, which he likened to an “economic D-Day.”

“I am also announcing that ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences,” he wrote on Truth Social at the time.

“Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies — It all needs to stop NOW,” he continued. “You know who you are. This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY, and we need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat. These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide.”

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Bessent warned nations doing business with Tehran, noting that no one is above the reach of U.S. sanctions.

“No nation should expect to enjoy the rewards of our system while helping those who seek to destroy it,” he said. “It is now a time for world leaders to make a decision between prosperity and isolation, peace and terror, America and Iran. The campaign we begin today will gather force with every day that follows, and it will not end until this regime stands alone.”