A Wharton graduate who started out pressure-washing homes with his dad in upstate New York has raised $40 million in venture capital to streamline the operations of mom-and-pop businesses with artificial intelligence.

George Eliadis built Probook, an AI operating system, with the needs of electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians in mind. He said people running these types of businesses often find it difficult to efficiently dispatch their workers to the dozens of jobs they receive, which means they end up missing out on potential revenue.

“I started Probook to solve a problem in my own business,” Eliadis, 24, wrote on his company’s website. “I grew up pressure washing in upstate New York with my dad. Six summers in the truck. I spent two to three hours of my day driving between jobs. I’d be up on a ladder washing a house and miss calls because I couldn’t hear my phone ringing.”

After demonstrating his platform could boost profits for shops all around the country, Probook was able to raise a $34 million Series A led by Andreessen Horowitz and a $6 million seed led by Sequoia Capital, Fortune first reported.

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An HVAC technician is servicing an air conditioning unit located beside a modern home.  (Welcomia/ iStock Getty Images Plus / iStock)

Eliadis said that home service businesses have been sold many AI tools over the last three years that operate without input from one another and only create more headaches.

“The problem isn’t AI. It’s that AI sat on top of a fragmented system. That’s what got us here,” Eliadis wrote on the company website. “The next decade will…will be won by the platform that runs the customer experience end to end, where AI does the bulk of the work and your team manages the exceptions. Not five tools and three vendors. One platform that runs it all.”

Eliadis claims to have built a single platform capable of managing everything from answering calls, cleaning up job data, sending updates to customers.

An Indiana-based repair service with 14 locations and 260 technicians across the Midwest booked 2,873 jobs in their first month on Probook with zero human intervention, according to the company.

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A plumber fixes a sink in a house. (Fotografixx / Getty Images)

After using Probook for eight months, a similar business in Kansas was able to boost its revenue by 10% per job with a 40% smaller team, the company said.

Probook is also selling directly to private equity firms that are rolling up home service businesses and looking to maximize margins through automation.

From the customer perspective, Sequoia Capital described Probook as an easier, faster way to book repairs for your home.

“Your water heater goes out, and you call a local plumbing company that runs on the platform. Probook’s AI picks up immediately, already knowing each technician’s experience, availability and distance from your home, along with their close rates and ticket sizes. It assigns the right tech to the job, alerts them, and keeps you in the loop with an ETA,” Konstantine Buhler, a partner at Sequoia, wrote in a recent blog post.

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An electrician works on electrical wiring system installation in new home (stock photo). (Welcomia / iStock Getty Images Plus / iStock)

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The only thing Eliadis hasn’t figured out how to deal with going forward is ServiceTitan, the $6.3 billion publicly-traded behemoth that operates in exactly the same field as Probook.

ServiceTitan has its own AI scheduling product, and for now, Probook is listed as a ServiceTitan partner, according to Fortune. This means the two firms work together and don’t necessarily compete.

However, the leaders at Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital believe in Eliadis because he has worked in the trades before, while also having the mindset of a Silicon Valley founder.

“Most founders building for the trades have never worked in them. George has,” Buhler told Fortune.

NEW YORK — Chevron Corp. shares posted modest gains Tuesday as the integrated energy company continued advancing production targets and forging partnerships in the power sector amid relatively stable oil market conditions.

The stock traded at $175.98, up 0.51 percent or 90 cents, in morning activity on the New York Stock Exchange. The increase reflected ongoing investor interest in Chevron’s operational momentum and long-term positioning in traditional and emerging energy areas.

Chevron reported first-quarter 2026 earnings of $2.2 billion, or $1.11 per diluted share. Adjusted earnings reached $2.8 billion. Worldwide production increased 15 percent, with U.S. output up 24 percent, demonstrating strong execution across key assets.

The company returned $6 billion to shareholders during the quarter through dividends and share repurchases. This marked the 16th consecutive quarter exceeding $5 billion in returns, underscoring commitment to capital discipline and shareholder value.

Chairman and CEO Mike Wirth emphasized the company’s strengths. “The world needs what we provide, and Chevron has never been better positioned to deliver it,” he stated in recent communications with investors.

Chevron’s portfolio spans upstream exploration and production, downstream refining and marketing, and emerging lower-carbon initiatives. Major assets include operations in the Permian Basin, Gulf of Mexico, and international projects in Kazakhstan and Guyana.

Key Developments and Partnerships

Chevron recently signed a 20-year power agreement with Microsoft to supply electricity for data centers in Texas. The deal highlights growing energy demand from artificial intelligence infrastructure and positions Chevron as a reliable provider in the power sector.

The company maintains 2026 guidance for 7 to 10 percent production growth. Organic capital spending targets range between $18 billion and $19 billion. Cost reduction initiatives aim for $3 billion to $4 billion in savings by year-end.

The Hess Corp. acquisition, completed earlier, enhances Chevron’s position in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. This world-class asset contributes to production growth and long-term cash flow visibility. Integration efforts continue progressing.

Chevron focuses on capital efficiency and returns. The company prioritizes high-return projects while maintaining financial flexibility. Strong free cash flow generation supports both growth investments and shareholder distributions.

Market Environment and Industry Dynamics

Oil prices have shown volatility influenced by geopolitical developments and demand signals. Chevron benefits from a diversified portfolio that provides resilience across commodity cycles. U.S. production growth helps offset international variables.

The energy transition presents both challenges and opportunities. Chevron invests in lower-carbon solutions while maintaining focus on core hydrocarbon operations to meet current energy needs. The company targets responsible development with attention to emissions reduction.

Regulatory and policy landscapes evolve. Chevron engages with stakeholders on issues ranging from permitting to international trade. The company’s global presence requires navigating diverse operating environments.

Analysts maintain generally positive views. Consensus ratings lean toward Buy, with price targets suggesting upside potential. Projections highlight production growth, cost management, and cash flow durability as key strengths.

Financial Position and Shareholder Returns

Chevron maintains a robust balance sheet. Strong cash generation and disciplined spending provide flexibility. The company has increased its dividend for decades, offering an attractive yield for income-focused investors.

Share repurchases supplement dividends in returning capital. The program reflects confidence in intrinsic value and long-term prospects. Management balances returns with investment needs.

Valuation metrics reflect Chevron’s scale and cash flow profile. The stock trades at multiples consistent with integrated energy peers. Forward earnings and cash flow yields appeal to value-oriented investors.

Risks include commodity price swings, geopolitical events, and execution on major projects. Chevron’s diversified operations and experienced management team help address these factors.

Outlook and Strategic Priorities

Chevron targets sustained production growth and operational excellence. The company advances projects in core basins while exploring new frontiers. Technology and innovation support efficiency gains.

Lower-carbon investments include renewable fuels and carbon capture. These initiatives complement traditional businesses and position Chevron for an evolving energy landscape. The company maintains a pragmatic approach balancing current needs with future trends.

Second-quarter results will provide further insight into operational performance. Management will update on production trends, project progress, and capital allocation plans. Investors will watch for signals on returns and growth trajectory.

With shares showing modest gains, Chevron continues demonstrating resilience in dynamic energy markets. The company’s strategic focus, strong asset base, and commitment to shareholder returns support its position as a leading integrated energy company.

Campaigners opposing Gatwick Airport expansion have lost two High Court challenges against the government but have said they will consider an appeal.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander approved a £2.2bn plan in September to move Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 metres north, allowing a two-runway operation.

The anti-noise group Cagne and campaigner Peter Barclay told a hearing in January the scheme was unlawful, claiming the government had not properly assessed climate impact.

Ruling earlier, Mr Justice Mould dismissed both bids, concluding the scheme would not “materially impact” the government’s ability to meet net zero targets – a decision London Gatwick called a “victory for common sense”.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and the airport’s owner, Gatwick Airport Limited, had defended the challenge, with lawyers for the site claiming it was “unarguable”.

The scheme is expected to increase Gatwick’s capacity from about 280,000 flights a year currently, to 389,000 by the late 2030s.

Travel journalist Simon Calder said the expansion of Gatwick Airport was “the first meaningful airport expansion in decades“.

“Certainly for the economy of the Gatwick area, and for travellers in south east England, this is nothing but an overwhelming positive,” he added.

It replaces what was a smaller car park at Mermaid Quay

A new park car at the waterfront Mermaid Quay scheme in Cardiff Bay has opened following a multi-million-pound investment by Schroders Capital.

The new facility which took over a year to deliver, provides 679 park spaces with provision for 70 bikes. It is double the capacity than Mermaid Quay’s former car park on the same site.

The new car park, with eight floors – two more than the previous structure – was built by Goldbeck Construction and features ticketless parking technology using automatic number plate recognition and cashless payment systems, helping to improve traffic flow.

A new public artwork, coordinated by Studio Response and created by artist Aidan Myers with support from Phil Cheater, has been installed adjacent to the car park. Inspired by botanical scenery.

Mermaid Quay, which attracts millions of visitors each year, provides 150,000 sq ft of waterfront development, that includes restaurants and retail outlets.

Centre manager Mark Lemon said: “We are delighted to see the new car park open and ready to welcome visitors ahead of what promises to be a very busy summer season in Cardiff Bay.

“Mermaid Quay attracts millions of visitors every year and this investment will make it easier than ever for people to visit and enjoy everything the area has to offer.

“What is particularly pleasing is that the development is about much more than parking. The landscaping, biodiversity enhancements and public artwork all help create a more attractive and welcoming environment for visitors and local residents alike, reflecting the ongoing investment being made in Cardiff Bay as a destination.”

With improved parking capacity and enhanced visitor facilities now in place, Mermaid Quay is well positioned to welcome even more visitors to Cardiff Bay this summer and beyond.”

Coca-Cola shares rose 0.74% to $80.14 on Tuesday, trading near the middle of the stock’s 52-week range as investors continue weighing the beverage giant’s steady operational performance against a significant ongoing tax dispute and a potential overseas public listing for one of its key bottling operations.

A Year of Modest, Steady Gains

Coca-Cola stock has had a solid 2026 so far. Coca-Cola is up 11% in 2026, reflecting the kind of consistent, if unspectacular, performance long associated with the company’s stock among defensive, dividend-focused investors. Over the past 52 weeks, Coca-Cola has traded between $65.35 and $84.04, placing Tuesday’s price comfortably within that range but still below the stock’s recent highs.

A High Valuation Relative to Growth

Despite the stock’s steady performance, some analysts have flagged Coca-Cola’s current valuation as expensive relative to its underlying growth rate. KO trades at 23.8 times forward earnings and 20.9 times forward EV/EBITDA. That is not cheap for a company expected to grow revenue only 2.7% annually through 2028. The market is paying a premium because Coca-Cola has durable brands, global distribution, and pricing power that help earnings hold up through different economic cycles.

That premium pricing has prompted some caution about the stock’s near-term return potential. Still, the valuation points to limited annualized return potential. A 4.5% expected annual return is not especially compelling unless an investor prioritizes stability, dividends, and lower volatility.

Strong Underlying Profitability

Despite the valuation concerns, Coca-Cola’s actual business performance remains highly profitable by almost any measure. The business remains highly profitable, with a last-twelve-months gross margin of 61.6% and an EBIT margin of 31.3%. In simple terms, Coca-Cola keeps a large share of each sale after product costs, and it converts a strong portion of revenue into operating profit.

2025 Results and 2026 Guidance

The company’s recently completed fiscal year showed continued, if modest, top-line growth alongside a notably more ambitious profit outlook for the year ahead. Coca-Cola reported 2025 revenue of $47.9 billion, up 2%, while organic revenue grew 5%. Management said the year showed “resilience and momentum.” The company also gave a steady 2026 outlook, with Coca-Cola expecting 4% to 5% organic revenue growth and 7% to 8% comparable EPS growth — guidance that supports the stock’s premium valuation, given that earnings growth is expected to outpace sales growth.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Leading Product Growth

Among the company’s specific product lines, its sugar-free flagship has continued to outpace the broader portfolio. Coca-Cola Zero Sugar remains a key product driver. The brand grew 14% for the full year in 2025, reflecting how lower-sugar products help Coca-Cola adapt as consumer tastes continue shifting away from traditional full-sugar sodas.

A Long Streak of Dividend Increases

Capital returns also support the stock’s appeal among income-focused investors. Coca-Cola paid $8.8 billion in dividends in 2025 and has increased its dividend for 63 straight years. With a dividend yield in the 2.6% to 2.8% range and a payout ratio above 80% by some measures, dividend stability remains central to the investment case for many longtime shareholders.

A Significant Tax Dispute With the IRS

Beyond its operational performance, Coca-Cola continues navigating a major and unresolved legal matter that could carry substantial financial implications. Coca-Cola is engaged in a critical legal battle with the IRS over a $20 billion tax dispute that could reshape transfer pricing rules. The company continues to focus on balanced revenue growth through pricing strategies while maintaining liquidity to support its dividend amid this ongoing litigation.

A Possible India IPO

Separately, Coca-Cola has also been exploring strategic options for one of its key emerging-market operations. Coca-Cola has been exploring a potential public listing in India for Hindustan Coca-Cola, according to Bloomberg reporting, a move that would give the beverage giant additional exposure to capital markets in one of its fastest-growing geographic regions.

A Supply Chain Disruption Tied to the Iran Conflict

The company has also faced some emerging-market supply constraints linked to the broader Middle East conflict that dominated headlines earlier this year. Reuters reported Diet Coke shortages in India after the aluminum can supply was disrupted by the Iran conflict. That is not the main driver of KO’s global valuation, but it highlights input costs and supply-chain risk in emerging markets.

Wall Street’s Bullish Lean

Despite the valuation concerns and ongoing legal overhang, the broader analyst community has remained largely positive on the stock in recent weeks. According to 15 analysts, Coca-Cola has a Buy consensus rating, with Wall Street setting a price target around $86.13. Several individual analyst actions have reinforced that bullish tilt, including a price target raised to $89 from $85 at Barclays and a reiterated Buy rating from Bank of America Securities.

Not every new initiation has been uniformly bullish, however. Bernstein started coverage of Coca-Cola at Market Perform, citing its view on the company’s Latin America exposure — a more neutral stance than the broader consensus, reflecting some genuine disagreement among analysts about the stock’s near-term upside.

A Wide Moat, According to Morningstar

Independent equity research firm Morningstar has continued to emphasize Coca-Cola’s durable competitive advantages as the core of its long-term investment case. Coca-Cola deserves a wide moat rating. Its brand intangibles and the scale benefits from a massive global system should reinforce its competitive standing in nonalcoholic beverages and drive excess returns for more than 20 years. Coke can leverage strong bottler relationships in underpenetrated emerging markets to drive volume growth with classic recipes as well as new products tailored to local tastes, though secular headwinds in carbonated soft drink demand in developed markets remain a challenge to the company’s long-term growth outlook.

A Massive Global Brand Portfolio

Coca-Cola’s scale advantage stems in large part from the sheer breadth of its product lineup across categories. Founded in 1886, Atlanta-headquartered Coca-Cola is the world’s largest nonalcoholic beverage company, with a strong portfolio of 200 brands covering key categories including carbonated soft drinks, water, sports, energy, juice, and coffee, including names such as Sprite, Fanta, Dasani, Powerade, Costa, and BODYARMOR, among many others.

A Significant International Revenue Base

That global brand footprint translates into a substantial reliance on international markets for overall revenue. Coca-Cola generates around 60% of its total revenue overseas, with sizable contributions from emerging economies in Latin America and Asia-Pacific — underscoring why developments like the potential Hindustan Coca-Cola IPO and the India can-supply disruption carry meaningful weight in the company’s broader financial picture.

With Coca-Cola’s $20 billion IRS tax dispute still unresolved and the company continuing to weigh a potential public listing for its Indian bottling operations, investors will be watching closely for any developments on either front in the coming months. Given the stock’s currently premium valuation relative to its modest projected revenue growth, Coca-Cola’s near-term trajectory will likely continue to hinge on whether the company’s 2026 guidance of 4% to 5% organic revenue growth and stronger earnings growth materializes as management has projected, along with how the ongoing tax litigation ultimately resolves.

Operator

Good day, and welcome to the iAccess Alpha Virtual Best Ideas Summer Investment Conference 2026. Our next presenting company is GrowGeneration Corp. [Operator Instructions] I’d now like to turn the floor over to today’s host, Darren Lampert, Chairman, Co-Founder and CEO of GrowGeneration Corp. Please go ahead.

Darren Lampert
Co-Founder, CEO & Chairperson of the Board

Thank you so much, and good morning, everybody. It’s a jury day outside, a jury day on Wall Street. And certainly, I hope I can bring some light to your morning. I look forward to the presentation. And hopefully, I bring you guys another stock that you can invest in because I certainly believe the story is just resonating right now, and I think it’s just a perfect time within the cannabis industry. So I’m going to get going and certainly, we would love to take some questions at the end of the presentation.

Our next slide, what you’re going to see is our forward-looking statement, take 10 seconds and look through it. It’s customary and just read through it quickly, and we’re going to move on to the next slide.

Guys, the GrowGen story. What is it? Where are we right now? I think in order to really understand the story, we need to go back to 2014, where our mission statement back in 2014 was to become the largest retailer of hydroponic equipment in the world to service the cannabis industry that was pretty much just getting started in 2014.

You saw adult-use legalization in Colorado on 420 and that was kind of the mantra for us. What we saw