America turns 250 this year. Laird & Co., a family-run distillery in Colts Neck, N.J., can beat that—easily.

The roots of the business go all the way back to 1698, when founder William Laird began making and selling spirits; it became a formal business entity in 1780, in the midst of the Revolution. George Washington, according to family lore, enjoyed its signature Laird’s Applejack brandy.

Today, the company has expanded and diversified, and become the leading seller of American apple brandy in the U.S. and abroad. But it still makes its signature product with the same recipe, using the same methods. And it is still run by Lairds.

On some level, the arc of the Lairds’ business mirrors the arc of the country: from a colonial, farm-based economy to a national market stitched together by rail, through the shock of Prohibition and the mobilization of war, and into a modern era of reinvention and consolidation. The specifics change—laws, technologies, tastes—but the underlying challenge remains the same: how to survive in a country that is constantly remaking itself.

Tehran also demanded compensation for war damage, emphasised its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and called on the United States to end its naval blockade, ‌guarantee no further attacks, lift sanctions ⁠and remove ⁠a ban on Iranian oil sales.

Within hours, Trump dismissed Tehran’s offer in a social media post.

“I don’t like it — TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, without giving further detail. The U.S. had proposed an end to fighting before starting talks on more ​contentious issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme.

Tehran responded on Monday by defending its stance.

“Our demand is legitimate: demanding an end to the war, lifting the (U.S.) blockade and piracy, and releasing Iranian assets that have been unjustly ​frozen in banks due to U.S. pressure,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said.

NEW YORK — Navitas Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ: NVTS) shares skyrocketed more than 25% in morning trading Monday, reaching $22.79 as investors poured into the gallium nitride and silicon carbide power chip specialist amid booming demand for high-efficiency solutions in artificial intelligence data centers.

The semiconductor company, which specializes in next-generation GaNFast and GeneSiC power semiconductors, has emerged as one of the clearest pure-play beneficiaries of the AI infrastructure buildout. Monday’s surge pushed the stock well above recent trading ranges on heavy volume, reflecting renewed enthusiasm for companies enabling faster, cooler and more efficient power conversion in hyperscale data centers.

Q1 results fuel optimism

Navitas reported first-quarter 2026 results on May 5 that showed sequential revenue growth of 18% to $8.59 million, beating analyst expectations. The company highlighted a meaningful shift toward high-power markets, including AI data centers, grid infrastructure, and industrial electrification. Gross margins also expanded as the product mix improved.

CEO Chris Allexandre emphasized the company’s successful pivot away from lower-margin mobile markets toward higher-value AI and energy applications. Navitas guided for Q2 revenue between $10.0 million and $10.5 million, with continued margin expansion driven by its growing design-win pipeline now exceeding $2.4 billion.

AI power revolution drives momentum

The core catalyst for Navitas has been its leadership in gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) technologies. These materials allow for significantly more efficient power conversion than traditional silicon, reducing energy loss and heat generation — critical advantages as AI training clusters consume enormous amounts of electricity.

At NVIDIA’s GTC 2026 conference in March, Navitas showcased an innovative 800V-to-6V GaNFast power delivery board designed specifically for NVIDIA’s MGX platform. The demonstration underscored Navitas’ growing integration into next-generation AI infrastructure, sparking investor excitement about multi-year design wins with major hyperscalers.

Analysts note that AI data centers require unprecedented levels of power density and efficiency. Navitas’ solutions address exactly these challenges, positioning the company at the intersection of two of the most powerful secular trends in technology: artificial intelligence and energy efficiency.

Short squeeze and technical breakout

Monday’s explosive move also carried elements of a short squeeze. Navitas had been heavily shorted earlier in the year by investors skeptical of its transition strategy. As positive momentum built on strong guidance and product momentum, shorts were forced to cover, accelerating the upward spiral.

Technically, the stock has broken out of a multi-month consolidation pattern on significantly elevated volume, with analysts raising price targets in recent weeks. Some bullish voices now see potential for $30+ if execution continues and AI spending remains robust.

Company transformation story

Navitas has undergone a significant strategic shift over the past 18 months. Once heavily focused on consumer mobile charging, the company has successfully repositioned itself toward high-power applications. This “Navitas 2.0” strategy appears to be paying off as revenue from AI and industrial markets grows rapidly.

Recent governance enhancements, including the appointment of experienced independent directors, have also helped boost investor confidence. The company maintains a strong balance sheet and continues investing in R&D to maintain its technology edge.

Risks and valuation debate

Despite the enthusiasm, some analysts caution that the stock’s rapid rise leaves it vulnerable to pullbacks. Memory and power semiconductor stocks are historically cyclical, and any slowdown in AI capital expenditure could pressure results. At current levels, Navitas trades at premium multiples that assume continued hyper-growth.

However, many growth investors argue the valuation is justified given the massive addressable market and Navitas’ early-mover advantage in GaN and SiC for AI. The company’s expanding design-win pipeline provides some visibility into future revenue.

Broader semiconductor AI theme

Navitas’ surge fits into a larger narrative of AI infrastructure winners. Companies enabling efficient power delivery are increasingly seen as critical picks-and-shovels plays in the AI gold rush. Navitas joins peers benefiting from hyperscaler spending on data center expansion and next-generation computing.

What investors should watch

Going forward, key catalysts for Navitas include:

• Q2 earnings in early August
• Progress on major design wins converting to revenue
• Updates from hyperscaler customers
• Potential new product announcements at industry events

Monday’s dramatic move highlights how quickly sentiment can shift in the semiconductor sector when a company demonstrates clear momentum in a high-growth area like AI power electronics.

As trading continues, Navitas Semiconductor stands out as one of the most compelling — and volatile — stories in the 2026 semiconductor landscape. Whether the rally sustains depends on continued execution, but for now, investors are rewarding the company’s successful pivot to the heart of the AI revolution.

NEW YORK — Shares of Innodata Inc. (NASDAQ: INOD) exploded higher Monday, rising more than 25% in morning trading to $106.72 as investors continued to pile into the AI data engineering and generative AI services company following its blockbuster first-quarter results and sharply raised 2026 outlook.

The surge extends the extraordinary momentum the stock has seen since its earnings release on May 7, when it more than doubled in a single session. Monday’s move pushed Innodata’s year-to-date gains well over 300%, turning the once-obscure data services firm into one of the hottest AI-related plays on Wall Street.

Record Q1 results ignite rally

Innodata reported first-quarter revenue of $90.1 million, a 54% increase from the prior year and well ahead of consensus estimates. Adjusted EBITDA soared to $25.0 million, crushing expectations by 139%, while adjusted gross margin expanded to 47%. Net income nearly doubled to $14.9 million, or $0.42 per diluted share.

CEO Jack Abuhoff highlighted strong execution across the company’s AI-focused businesses, particularly in data annotation, model training support, and evaluation services for large language models. The results reflect accelerating demand from Big Tech clients building next-generation AI systems.

Major Big Tech engagement disclosed

Perhaps most exciting for investors was the announcement of new engagements with an unnamed leading Big Tech company expected to generate approximately $51 million in revenue this year alone. Management noted this customer went from zero contribution last year to potentially the company’s second-largest client in 2026.

Innodata also introduced a new Evaluation and Observability Platform for agentic AI systems, further expanding its offerings in the rapidly growing space of autonomous AI agents.

Guidance raised significantly

Buoyed by strong visibility, Innodata raised its full-year 2026 revenue growth guidance to approximately 40% or more, up from the previous target of 35% or more. The upbeat outlook reinforced investor conviction that the company is well-positioned in the AI value chain.

Why the market is excited

Innodata provides essential data engineering services that power generative AI development, including high-quality training data, annotation, model evaluation, and synthetic data generation. As hyperscalers and AI leaders race to scale their models, demand for these specialized services has surged.

The company’s pivot toward higher-value AI solutions has dramatically improved margins and revenue visibility. Analysts see Innodata as a “picks and shovels” play in the AI gold rush — essential infrastructure that benefits regardless of which large language model ultimately dominates.

Short squeeze adds fuel

Heavy short interest earlier in the year created conditions for a classic short squeeze. As positive news flowed and the stock broke key technical levels, shorts were forced to cover, accelerating the upward move. Trading volume on Friday and Monday has been exceptionally heavy.

Valuation and risks remain

Despite the euphoria, some caution is warranted. At current levels, Innodata trades at premium multiples that assume continued hyper-growth. The stock remains volatile, and any slowdown in AI spending or delays in major contracts could trigger a sharp pullback.

However, many growth investors argue the valuation is justified given the massive addressable market and Innodata’s expanding pipeline. The company’s recent performance suggests it is successfully executing its transformation into a high-growth AI services leader.

Broader AI data services theme

Innodata’s surge fits into a larger wave of enthusiasm for companies enabling AI development. As model training and deployment scale dramatically, specialized data services have become critical bottlenecks. Innodata joins a select group of public companies directly monetizing this trend.

What’s next for Innodata

Investors will watch closely for Q2 results in early August and any updates on the major Big Tech engagements. Continued execution on margins and new customer wins could support further upside, while any signs of slowing AI investment would likely pressure the stock.

Monday’s dramatic move underscores how quickly sentiment can shift in the AI sector when a company delivers tangible results. For Innodata, the combination of record earnings, raised guidance, and major new contracts has transformed it from a niche player into one of 2026’s standout AI stories.

As trading continues, all eyes remain on whether this momentum can be sustained or if profit-taking will eventually cool the red-hot rally. For now, investors are rewarding Innodata’s successful bet on the generative AI revolution.

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

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

Q1 earnings beat expectations

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

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

Major AI power project drives momentum

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

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

Analyst and market reaction

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

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

Company transformation story

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

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

Risks and legal overhang

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

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

Broader AI infrastructure theme

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

What investors should watch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Evolving Role of Price Monitoring in Modern Retail

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

How Data-Driven Pricing Enhances Retailer Agility

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

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

Retail Price Tracking: An Essential Component of Market Strategy

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

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

Integrating Dynamic Pricing Strategies for Long-Term Advantage

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

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

Case Studies: Real-World Impact of Effective Price Monitoring

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

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

Sustainable Growth Through Intelligent Pricing Solutions

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

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

Conclusion: Embracing Technology for Competitive Resilience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NETFLIX RAISES SUBSCRIPTION PRICES ACROSS ALL PLANS

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

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

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

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FOX Business reached out to Netflix for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.