AI, Energy and Industrial Deals Drive Market Moves

AI Product Push Reshapes Software and Travel Platforms

Several technology and services companies highlighted new AI-driven offerings aimed at deepening customer engagement and reinforcing core businesses. DocuSign introduced AI-powered eSignature features focused on contract summarization and drafting assistance within its existing workflow. Management and external analysis framed these tools as central to how frequently customers rely on the platform and how embedded it becomes in contract processes, at a time when the stock trades well below some valuation estimates after multi‑year share price declines.

Expedia Group described artificial intelligence as its “third chapter” after internet and mobile, and said it is progressing toward acquiring Tiqets, a tours-and-activities platform. The company is using AI to support personalized trip planning and integration of higher-margin experiences across its ecosystem. Despite recent short-term share price weakness, longer-term returns remain strong, and some valuation models indicate the stock is trading at a discount to estimated fair value.

In design and collaboration software, Figma’s shares have fallen 10.4% amid a broader software selloff and concern about AI-driven disruption of design tools. Commentary noted that investors are weighing Figma’s browser-based, collaborative platform and embedded AI capabilities against a high price-to-sales multiple, ongoing losses and governance questions, with the upcoming earnings release seen as a key catalyst for clarifying its role in an AI-heavy software landscape.

Chipmakers and Hardware: AI PCs, Smart Devices and Valuation

Advanced Micro Devices and GIGABYTE announced an expanded partnership to bring AMD’s Ryzen AI processors and 3D V‑Cache technology to more gaming laptops, creator devices, motherboards and OLED monitors. The collaboration targets the growing AI PC segment and deeper system-level integration of on-device AI features, reinforcing AMD’s positioning in high‑performance and gaming markets. AMD shares have more than doubled over the past year, with some external assessments still flagging them as undervalued versus analyst targets.

Smart eyewear developer Chamelo used the MIDO exhibition in Milan to debut Lion City, its first prescription‑ready smart frame made from Italian acetate, combining tint‑adjusting lenses and integrated Bluetooth audio. The company also detailed additional lifestyle releases built on its Aura platform, including color‑changing eyewear and open‑ear audio models. These products extend smart functionality into fashion-forward formats aimed at everyday use, work and travel.

Lenovo’s recent share price weakness has drawn renewed attention to its valuation, with one discounted cash flow model suggesting the stock trades at a substantial discount to intrinsic value while market-based multiples remain below sector averages. Analysis emphasized that Lenovo’s role in PCs, infrastructure and services continues to be reassessed against shifting demand for personal computers and longer-term infrastructure and solutions exposure.

Banks, Payments and Data Platforms Lean Into Tech and Deals

JPMorgan Chase is contending with a high‑profile US$5 billion lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump over alleged politically motivated account closures, while simultaneously agreeing to acquire UK pensions technology firm WealthOS. The lawsuit has put client risk and account closure policies under scrutiny, whereas the WealthOS deal fits JPMorgan’s push into retirement and pensions technology. Observers linked these developments to broader themes of regulatory risk and expansion into fee‑based, digital platforms.

Mastercard said it will reduce its global workforce by 4% and launched Mastercard Agent Suite, an AI‑driven offering focused on agentic commerce. The company also extended a key credit partnership with Capital One. External valuation work suggests Mastercard shares trade below some estimated fair values and analyst targets, with investors watching how cost actions and AI investments affect margins and growth across its payments and services businesses.

FactSet announced a multiyear collaboration with Barclays to power advanced analytics solutions for institutional clients, integrating FactSet’s data and technology into Barclays’ workflows. The agreement adds another large bank to FactSet’s enterprise partner roster and is seen as further embedding its analytics and workflow tools in front‑office and risk functions that might otherwise rely on rival platforms.

Energy, Infrastructure and Industrial Names Announce Major Projects

In India, AG&P Industrial and Pragati Infra Solutions signed a memorandum of understanding for a 50‑50 joint venture to build what they describe as the country’s first advanced modular EPC and fabrication manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. The planned heavy modular fabrication and erection yard represents a proposed investment of US$100 million and is expected to be completed by 2027. The facility will focus on modular EPC infrastructure and localized manufacturing for oil and gas, LNG and energy transition sectors.

Halliburton launched the Next‑Generation Energy Accelerators Joint Lab in Singapore with A*STAR and the support of the Singapore Economic Development Board. The S$35 million hub is intended to integrate research, engineering, prototyping and testing to accelerate commercialization of well‑completion technologies and low‑carbon applications. The initiative is positioned alongside Halliburton’s traditional oilfield services as the company pursues higher‑margin, technology‑enabled offerings tied to automation and energy transition themes.

Targa Resources highlighted a strong start to 2026 after closing a US$1.25 billion cash acquisition of Stakeholder Midstream LLC and announcing a 6% increase in its quarterly dividend to US$1.00 per share, its 19th consecutive annual increase. Management signaled a further planned rise to US$1.25 per share in the first quarter of 2026, subject to board approval, while emphasizing that the acquired Permian Basin gathering and processing assets should enhance its midstream footprint.

Cash Returns, Restructurings and Strategic Portfolio Shifts

Waste Management reported record expansion in operating EBITDA margin and projected nearly 27% growth in free cash flow for 2025, alongside a 14.5% dividend increase and authorization of a new US$3 billion share repurchase program. The company also highlighted investments in renewable natural gas and recycling automation, with some valuation models indicating the shares trade below estimated fair value despite elevated debt levels flagged as a risk.

Hershey said net sales rose 6.5% year over year to US$3.18 billion in the third quarter of 2025, with a 6.2% organic, currency‑neutral increase, while full‑year net income grew 26% to US$736.8 million. The company is shifting strategic emphasis from pricing toward a 20% increase in marketing spend, a major creative refresh and new product innovation, including spicy fruit chews under Jolly Rancher. Management is also benefiting from lower cocoa prices after recent declines, and will provide updated guidance with its forthcoming results.

Gentherm outlined a tax‑free Reverse Morris Trust transaction to combine with Modine’s Performance Technologies business in a deal valued at about US$1 billion. The merged company will focus on mission‑critical thermal management, with Gentherm targeting approximately US$25 million in annual cost synergies by 2028 and a synergy‑adjusted EBITDA margin of roughly 13%, with a stated path to the mid‑teens. The transaction will shift Gentherm’s mix further toward commercial vehicles, heavy‑duty equipment and power generation.