NEW YORK — Shares of Autoliv Inc. surged almost 10 percent Friday as the world’s largest maker of automotive airbags and seatbelts reported first-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by robust demand in Asia and better-than-anticipated operational performance despite softer global vehicle production.

At 11:37 a.m. EDT, Autoliv stock (NYSE: ALV) traded at $122.46, up 9.99 percent or $11.12 from Thursday’s close. The sharp gain came on elevated volume following the company’s pre-market release of Q1 2026 financial results and a subsequent conference call with investors.

Autoliv reported net sales of $2.753 billion for the quarter ended March 31, up 6.8 percent from $2.578 billion a year earlier. Organic sales growth was a modest 0.8 percent, yet that figure comfortably outperformed the estimated 3.4 percent decline in global light vehicle production. Currency effects and regional mix provided additional support, with particularly strong contributions from Asia.

Adjusted operating income came in at $245 million, producing an adjusted operating margin of 8.9 percent. While the margin narrowed from 9.9 percent in the prior-year period, it significantly beat analysts’ consensus forecast around 8 percent. Adjusted earnings per share reached $2.05, topping expectations of roughly $1.91 to $1.96.

CEO Mikael Bratt highlighted the outperformance in his prepared remarks. “The first quarter turned out better than we had anticipated, with strong sales in March,” Bratt said. “Our operational performance exceeded our expectations, with solid productivity improvements, partly supported by reduced call-off volatility.”

Growth was led by Asia, where sales to Chinese original equipment manufacturers rose nearly 30 percent thanks to recent vehicle launches and improved market share with local players. India delivered even more impressive outperformance, contributing heavily to regional gains on the back of higher safety content per vehicle in a rapidly expanding market.

The results provided relief to investors who had grown cautious after Autoliv’s more tempered full-year guidance issued in January. The company maintained its 2026 outlook for roughly flat organic sales growth and an adjusted operating margin in the 10.5 percent to 11.0 percent range. Bratt expressed confidence that the strong start positions the company well to meet those targets.

Autoliv benefits from its position as the dominant supplier of passive safety systems, including airbags, seatbelts and steering wheels. The company estimates its products help save more than 30,000 lives annually worldwide. Demand for advanced safety features continues to rise even as overall vehicle production faces headwinds from economic uncertainty, high interest rates and shifting consumer preferences toward electric vehicles.

Analysts reacted positively to the beat. Bank of America recently initiated coverage with a Buy rating and $140 price target, while several firms maintained or reiterated positive views. The consensus price target sits around $130 to $134, implying additional upside from current levels. TD Cowen adjusted its target slightly lower but kept a Buy recommendation.

The stock’s reaction Friday reflected not only the earnings surprise but also relief that margin pressure proved less severe than feared. Foreign exchange headwinds, lower research and development reimbursements from customers, and the prior-year divestiture of assets in Russia had weighed on comparisons. Yet underlying productivity gains and favorable regional mix helped offset those factors.

Cash flow showed temporary weakness, with operating cash flow at negative $76 million and free operating cash flow at negative $159 million. Management attributed the shortfall primarily to working capital changes tied to the strong March sales surge. The balance sheet remains solid, with net debt at $1.773 billion and a leverage ratio of 1.3 times, well within investment-grade territory.

Autoliv also paid a quarterly dividend of $0.87 per share during the period, continuing its commitment to returning capital to shareholders. The stock currently yields around 3 percent.

Looking ahead, the company continues to invest in innovation. Recent highlights include the launch of the first commercially ready airbag system designed specifically for motorcycles and commuter scooters, developed in partnership with Yamaha Motor and RS Taichi. The move expands Autoliv’s safety technology beyond traditional passenger vehicles into two-wheeled mobility, a segment with growing global demand.

Broader industry challenges persist. Global light vehicle production remains under pressure, with overcapacity concerns in China and shifting incentives affecting demand. Autoliv has successfully offset some of these pressures through content growth — higher safety system value per vehicle — and geographic diversification.

European and North American operations showed more mixed results, with organic sales roughly in line or slightly below local production trends. The Americas region underperformed by about 4.5 percentage points, partly due to customer mix.

Investors appeared to focus on the positive Asia momentum and the company’s ability to deliver despite a tough environment. The stock had traded in a range between roughly $85 and $130 over the past 52 weeks before today’s breakout.

Wall Street’s overall stance remains constructive. Most analysts rate the shares a Moderate Buy, citing Autoliv’s technological leadership, strong balance sheet and essential role in vehicle safety. Potential tailwinds include stricter global safety regulations and the increasing adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems that often incorporate passive safety components.

Risks include prolonged weakness in vehicle production, raw material cost inflation, currency volatility and potential supply-chain disruptions from geopolitical tensions. The company noted limited direct impact from recent Middle East hostilities in the first quarter but said it continues monitoring developments.

Autoliv employs approximately 70,000 people and operates manufacturing facilities in more than 25 countries. Its products are found in vehicles from nearly every major automaker worldwide.

As trading progressed Friday, the rally showed signs of broadening participation. The move helped lift other auto supplier names amid generally positive market sentiment driven by easing oil prices and ceasefire developments in the Middle East.

For long-term investors, Autoliv offers exposure to the secular trend toward safer vehicles while providing a healthy dividend. The company’s ability to grow content per vehicle has historically helped it outperform underlying production volumes.

Whether today’s surge marks the start of sustained momentum will depend on execution in coming quarters and any updates to full-year guidance. For now, the first-quarter beat has restored some confidence and highlighted the resilience of Autoliv’s core safety business even in a challenging automotive environment.

The results underscore why Autoliv remains a critical player in the global auto supply chain. As vehicles become more advanced and safety standards continue to tighten, demand for its life-saving technologies appears well-supported despite cyclical pressures in production.

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Elon Musk turned heads Friday when he suggested that the federal government paying citizens a “universal high income” is the best way to combat AI-related job losses.

“Universal HIGH INCOME via checks issued by the Federal government is the best way to deal with unemployment caused by AI,” Musk said in a post on his own X platform shortly after midnight Friday morning.

The proposal, which is still pinned to the top of his X account, rebuffed the idea that such payments would be inflationary.

“AI/robotics will produce goods & services far in excess of the increase in the money supply, so there will not be inflation,” he wrote.

ANDREW YANG WILL GIVE AWAY $1K PER MONTH TO 20 AMERICANS TO PROMOTE UBI

CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, South African-Canadian-US businessman Elon Musk speaks during the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos on Jan. 22, 2026. (Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images)

Many economists, however, disagreed.

“He is so wrong on this,” wrote Sanjeev Sanyal, the former top economic advisor to India’s Minister of Finance.

“AI will certainly cause dislocation, but like all technology it will also create new jobs and opportunities in the medium term. AI and robots will also not produce goods and services in excess of money or demand that there will be no inflation,” he wrote on X.

“Elon Musk’s universal high income will bankrupt any government that attempts it,” he concluded.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends the memorial service for political activist Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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Another skeptic, Pratyush Rai, the co-founder and CEO of Merlin AI, concurred.

“The basic math on UHI (Universal High Income) doesn’t add up. If everyone gets a high income check, everyone’s competing for the same houses, land, schools, lifestyle,” he posted on X.

Some, however, are more hopeful that the plan could have merit.

Former Democratic presidential hopeful Andrew Yang chimed in with tepid support. Yang, who popularized a similar idea of Universal Basic Income (UBI) during his 2020 campaign, tweeted: “It’s clear that AI will wind up funding universal income. Let’s make that happen ASAP.”

Andrew Yang participates in the “From Government to Corporations: The Urgent Need for AAPI Leadership” panel during the TAAF Heritage Month Summit at The Glasshouse on May 5, 2023, in New York City. (JP Yim/Getty Images for The Asian American Foundation)

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Universal high income (UHI) is a significant leap from Yang’s UBI. While UBI serves to support a person’s basic needs while continuing to work, many who promote UHI preach a departure from the need to work entirely.

With exactly 54 days remaining until the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City, soccer fans worldwide are counting down to “D-Day” — the historic kickoff of the largest tournament ever staged, as betting markets continue to crown Spain the frontrunner to claim glory in the expanded 48-team event.

The term “D-Day” has taken on new meaning in the soccer community, signaling the decisive launch of the World Cup on Thursday, June 11, when host Mexico faces South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. From that moment, 104 matches will unfold across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, culminating in the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Current countdown clocks show 54 days left as of Saturday, April 18, with the tournament just under two months away. That tight window leaves national teams scrambling to finalize squads, integrate club stars returning from European seasons and fine-tune tactics in a series of high-stakes friendlies scheduled for May and early June.

Spain leads the pack as the betting favorite at roughly +450 odds, reflecting their dominant run since winning Euro 2024. La Roja’s youthful squad, featuring breakout star Lamine Yamal, midfield maestro Rodri and a fluid possession style, has impressed analysts with its balance of creativity and defensive solidity. Many experts believe this generation is poised to deliver Spain’s second World Cup title.

Close behind sits France at around +550. The reigning FIFA No. 1-ranked side boasts an embarrassment of riches, headlined by Kylian Mbappé in his prime. Despite a pragmatic approach under coach Didier Deschamps, France’s star power and proven record of reaching recent World Cup finals make them perennial contenders. Depth across the pitch gives Les Bleus the tools to overcome any obstacle in the grueling knockout stages.

England follows at approximately +650, carrying renewed hope under new manager Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions possess one of their most talented rosters in decades, packed with Premier League standouts. Ending 60 years of hurt since their lone 1966 triumph remains the ultimate prize, and many believe this squad has the maturity to go all the way.

Reigning champions Argentina sit at +850. Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, could feature in what might be his final World Cup. The Albiceleste have successfully transitioned around younger talents like Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, maintaining their Copa América edge while blending experience with vitality.

Brazil, also priced near +850, hopes new coach Carlo Ancelotti can harness the explosive potential of attackers such as Vinícius Júnior. The five-time winners have shown flashes of brilliance but need consistency to reclaim their status as favorites.

Other teams in the conversation include Portugal at +1100, Germany at +1400 and the Netherlands. Dark horses such as Colombia, Morocco and even Norway — powered by Erling Haaland — could spring surprises in the expanded format.

The 48-team structure introduces 12 groups of four, with the top two from each advancing alongside the eight best third-place teams, creating a 32-team knockout phase. This setup increases the number of matches and the potential for Cinderella stories, while also testing squad depth amid long travel distances and varying North American climates — from desert heat in western venues to cooler evenings in Canada.

Host nations will lean on home advantage. The United States, priced around +6500 in some markets, benefits from passionate domestic support and familiarity with stadiums. Mexico opens the tournament and traditionally performs strongly on home soil, while Canada aims to make an impact in front of its own fans despite longer odds.

Qualification concluded dramatically in March, with notable absentees including four-time champions Italy, who failed to reach the finals for a third consecutive cycle. The expanded field has welcomed fresh faces and revived rivalries, heightening anticipation as the 54-day countdown ticks down.

Injuries and form will dominate headlines in the coming weeks. Key players recovering from club campaigns must peak at the right moment, while coaches finalize 26-man squads amid intense competition for places. Friendly matches will serve as dress rehearsals, offering clues about tactical setups and team chemistry.

Tactical evolution continues to favor high-intensity pressing, rapid transitions and excellence on set pieces. Teams with technically proficient defenders comfortable building from the back hold an edge, as does squad rotation to manage fixture congestion and travel fatigue.

Off-field preparations are advancing rapidly. Organizers have highlighted sustainability initiatives, enhanced fan experiences and improved infrastructure linking venues. Record crowds and a global television audience in the billions are expected, amplifying the tournament’s cultural and economic footprint across the three host countries.

For neutral fans, the 2026 edition promises compelling matchups between established powers and emerging nations from Asia, Africa and CONCACAF. The expanded format gives more teams a realistic path to the later stages, potentially producing memorable underdog runs.

As the 54 days to D-Day dwindle, questions loom large. Can Spain translate current supremacy into silverware? Will France’s generational talent finally secure another star? Might Messi script a fairytale farewell with Argentina, or could Brazil rediscover its magic under Ancelotti?

England’s talented squad, Germany’s rebuilding project and the hosts’ home-soil boost add further layers of intrigue. No outcome is guaranteed in a tournament where a single moment — a brilliant goal, a heroic save or a controversial decision — can alter destinies.

The road from June 11 at Estadio Azteca to the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium will test endurance, skill and nerve like never before. With 54 days left, teams are sharpening their preparations, fans are booking travel and the soccer world is buzzing with excitement.

Whatever unfolds, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to deliver unforgettable drama, uniting millions across continents in celebration of the beautiful game. The countdown continues — only 54 days remain until D-Day dawns in Mexico City and soccer’s greatest stage lights up North America.

A Kansas-based restaurant group with several steak and seafood locations in Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Colorado, Virginia, Nebraska and Iowa, has filed for bankruptcy.

801 Restaurant Group LLC filed for Chapter 11 reorganization last Friday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Kansas, the company confirmed to Fox Business.

The business owns several companies that operate restaurants as 801 Chophouse, 801 Fish and 801 Local.

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“The companies that own and operate the restaurants are not in bankruptcy, and there are no plans or need for them to file bankruptcy,” 810 Restaurant Group said in a press release. 

“The individual restaurant companies operating successfully are not impacted by the 801 Restaurant Group’s Chapter 11 filing.”

An 801 Chophouse in Kansas City, Mo.  (Google Maps / Google Maps)

The company added that it became necessary to restructure because of guarantees it made to other companies it owns, including 801 Fish in downtown Denver and 801 On Nicollet in Minneapolis, which have both closed.

“The purpose of the Chapter 11 is to restructure these and other obligations for which 801 Restaurant Group has liability,” the release said.

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An 801 Chophouse in Omaha (Google Maps / Google Maps)

The court filing shows liabilities totaling roughly $18.7 million, according to documents obtained by Fox Business.

The company said the filing is “not expected to have any impact on the remaining locations,” which will operate normally during their restructuring.

An 801 Chophouse in Minneapolis (Google Maps / Google Maps)

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The restaurants that remain open include 801 Chophouses in Denver, Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, Leawood, St. Louis, Minneapolis and Tysons Corner in the Washington, D.C., area, and 801 Fish in St. Louis.

The Des Moines restaurant was the original 801 Chophouse location, which opened in 1993.