Blockonomi

TLDR

Sandisk (SNDK) stock has surged 166% in 2026 driven by AI data center demand for flash memory storage

Q2 fiscal 2026 revenue climbed 61% to $3 billion with earnings up more than 5x year-over-year

NAND flash supply shortage enables Sandisk to double enterprise SSD prices this quarter

Analysts forecast earnings growth from $2.99 per share in fiscal 2025 to $39.45 in fiscal 2026

High-bandwidth memory market expected to reach $100 billion by 2028, up from $35 billion in 2025

Sandisk stock has become one of 2026’s top performers with gains of 166% year-to-date. The flash memory manufacturer benefits from surging AI infrastructure investments that are creating unprecedented demand for storage solutions.

The company’s evolution parallels Nvidia’s trajectory during the early AI boom. Sandisk dominated consumer flash drives in the 2000s but has now pivoted to enterprise solid-state drives and NAND flash memory for data centers.

Explosive Revenue and Earnings Growth

Second-quarter fiscal 2026 results showcased the company’s momentum. Revenue reached $3 billion, up 61% year-over-year. Earnings jumped more than fivefold during the same period.

The performance reflects a severe supply shortage in the NAND flash industry. AI data centers require massive amounts of flash storage for training datasets and workloads. Generative AI smartphones and PCs also demand higher storage capacity.

Sandisk’s fabrication plants operate at full capacity. Yet demand continues to exceed supply. Hyperscalers are paying premium prices to secure additional storage capacity.

The company will reportedly double prices for enterprise 3D NAND solid-state drives in the current quarter. With 2026 NAND flash manufacturing capacity sold out, further price increases appear likely.

Management’s fiscal Q3 guidance calls for earnings of $13 per share at the midpoint. This compares to a loss of $0.30 per share in the year-ago quarter.

Market Opportunity and Valuation

The high-bandwidth memory market totaled $35 billion last year. Micron Technology projects 40% compound annual growth through 2028, reaching $100 billion.

Sandisk generated $9 billion in trailing twelve-month revenue. The company has substantial room to grow within the expanding AI memory market.

Competition includes Micron Technology, Samsung, and SK Hynix. However, Sandisk’s positioning in AI infrastructure provides first-mover advantages similar to Nvidia’s early GPU dominance.

The Magnificent Seven tech companies plan $680 billion in capital expenditures this year. While GPU purchases capture attention, downstream memory storage demand follows as AI workloads scale.

Analysts expect fiscal 2026 earnings of $39.45 per share, up from $2.99 in fiscal 2025. Fiscal 2027 estimates point to $73.69 per share.

The company delivered $7.55 per share in earnings during the first half of fiscal 2026. Consensus targets suggest $31.90 per share for the second half ending in June.

Pricing Power Continues

Sandisk trades at 15 times forward earnings. This represents a discount to the Nasdaq-100 index’s forward multiple of 24.7.

If the stock reaches 20 times earnings by year-end based on calendar 2026 earnings estimates of $70.07 per share, the price could hit $1,401. That implies potential upside of 158% from current levels.

The stock closed at $625.78 with a market cap of $92 billion. Trading volume reached 758,000 shares versus an average of 16 million.

Sandisk’s first-half fiscal 2026 performance demonstrates strong execution. Full manufacturing capacity and pricing power position the company for continued growth as AI infrastructure spending accelerates throughout 2026.

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TLDR

Michael Burry estimates Palantir’s fair value at $46 per share with a range between $21 and $146 based on fundamental analysis.

Burry holds put options on PLTR but is not shorting the stock directly, maintaining a bearish stance on current valuation levels.

Technical analysts project PLTR could fall below $100 with a potential target around $70 before finding sustainable support.

Burry’s critique focuses on valuation disconnect, arguing the stock trades on leadership perception rather than business fundamentals.

The analysis warns investors that Palantir’s AI-driven rally may not hold up under scrutiny of traditional financial metrics.

Michael Burry just delivered a harsh verdict on Palantir Technologies. The investor who famously predicted the 2008 housing collapse published a detailed analysis questioning the AI stock’s sky-high valuation.

His conclusion? Palantir might be worth just $46 per share. That’s a jarring figure for investors who’ve watched PLTR soar through 2024 and 2025 on artificial intelligence hype.

Burry didn’t stop at one number. He outlined a valuation range from $21 to $146, emphasizing these aren’t standard Wall Street price targets. They represent different scenarios based on the company’s actual business performance versus market expectations.

The critique comes at a crucial moment. Palantir has emerged as one of the hottest names in AI investing. Its data analytics platform and government contracts have attracted enormous investor interest. But Burry argues that enthusiasm has pushed the price far beyond what fundamentals support.

Burry Holds Put Options While Warning on Valuation

Burry revealed he’s positioned bearishly through put options rather than direct short selling. This gives him downside exposure with defined risk limits. It’s a calculated bet that the stock will decline from current levels.

His analysis goes beyond spreadsheets. Burry examined Palantir’s corporate culture and leadership dynamics. He contends the stock trades on CEO Alex Karp’s aura rather than financial reality. When market pressure arrives, he believes that type of valuation will collapse.

“I believe Palantir’s recent winning streak will not endure,” Burry wrote in his substack piece “Palantir’s New Clothes: Foundry, AIP & the Failure of Reason.” The article is forcing a reassessment across Wall Street.

Burry emphasized his critique isn’t personal. He’s analyzing the business, not attacking management. That matters because Palantir defenders often dismiss criticism as misunderstanding the company’s unique approach.

Technical Analysis Points to $70 Target

The bearish case gets support from technical analysis. Analyst Alex Dudov identifies PLTR in a corrective pattern with substantial downside risk ahead. The stock is testing the $100 level as a critical support zone.

Dudov’s research points to a potential target around $70 per share. That’s where institutional buyers might step in with conviction. Until then, the stock remains exposed to continued selling pressure.

The technical structure shows Palantir completing an impulsive rally before entering a multi-stage correction. This is typical behavior after strong advances. The market needs to discover where real demand exists at lower prices.

Traders should monitor the $100 threshold closely. A break below could accelerate movement toward the $70 zone. The stock is in price discovery mode, searching for a level that attracts sustained buying interest.

The valuation debate centers on one question: Can Palantir’s business fundamentals justify its current price? Burry’s $46 estimate considers revenue growth, margins, competition, and market opportunity. His wide range reflects uncertainty about future outcomes.

Even in optimistic scenarios, Burry sees limited support for current valuations. This creates tension for investors who bought the AI growth story. Do they hold through volatility or take profits and wait for better entry points?

Institutional investors appear willing to wait for lower prices before building positions. That lack of buying support at current levels maintains downward pressure on the stock.

Burry holds put options on PLTR while technical analysis suggests a potential decline to $70 per share.

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TLDR

Mesh Optical Technologies raised $50 million led by Thrive Capital to develop optical transceivers for data centers

The startup was founded by former SpaceX employees who worked on Starlink laser systems

Mesh plans to build the largest optical manufacturing facility outside Asia by 2027 to reduce dependence on China

The Data Center Optical Module Market is projected to grow from $4.3 billion in 2024 to $10.5 billion by 2033

Their first product Alpha C1 promises faster speeds, lower latency, and better power efficiency than current transceivers

Mesh Optical Technologies announced a $50 million funding round this week to manufacture optical transceivers for data centers. The Los Angeles-based startup came out of stealth mode with backing from Thrive Capital, Also Capital, and Banner VC.

Mesh Optical Technologies, a startup working on hardware used to move data at high speeds within data centers, raised a $50 million funding round led by Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital to scale manufacturing of the technology in the US https://t.co/4lfKoVF2fy

— Bloomberg (@business) February 17, 2026

The company was founded by three former SpaceX employees with experience in optical systems. Travis Brashears, the CEO, spent five years at SpaceX building laser systems for Starlink satellites. Cameron Ramos, the president, worked at SpaceX for over six years on software and control systems.

Serena Grown-Haeberli, the co-founder and product leader, also came from SpaceX. The team’s experience with satellite laser communications will help develop their data center technology. Their background provides expertise in moving data at high speeds using light.

Optical transceivers are small devices that send and receive data using light instead of electrical signals. These components allow machines in data centers to communicate quickly. The technology is crucial for training and running artificial intelligence models.

AI workloads require moving massive amounts of data between servers. Data centers use fiber-optic components to link servers with storage and networking systems. Faster data movement has become as important as processing power for AI development.

Manufacturing Plans Target US Production

Mesh plans to use the funding to build manufacturing operations in the United States. The company wants to create the largest optical manufacturing presence outside of Asia by 2027. Current supply chains for optical components are dominated by China and other Asian countries.

The startup’s first product is called Alpha C1. The device is designed to be faster and more power efficient than existing optical transceivers. Lower latency is another goal for the product.

Mesh has not disclosed its company valuation. The funding round attracted major investors who see potential in the optical transceiver market. Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital led the investment round.

Market Growth Driven by AI and Cloud Computing

The Data Center Optical Module Market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2024. Market projections estimate it will reach $10.5 billion by 2033. Growth is fueled by increased cloud computing and rising data traffic.

Nvidia has also invested in developing networking technology for data centers. The chip maker’s involvement shows how connectivity has become critical for AI infrastructure. Companies are focusing more on the systems that support AI rather than just chips alone.

Supply chain challenges continue to affect the optical component industry. Most manufacturing capacity remains in Asia. Companies that can produce these components domestically may gain advantages.

Mesh plans future applications beyond data centers. The company stated it wants to deploy optical technology in space. Deep space probes could use photons to transmit data across billions of miles.

The startup’s technology could help data centers reduce energy consumption. Power efficiency is becoming more important as AI workloads grow. Data centers need solutions that can handle increased demand without excessive power use.

Investors are watching how Mesh scales its manufacturing operations. The company must prove it can produce optical transceivers at competitive costs. Domestic production typically costs more than Asian manufacturing.

The optical transceiver market faces competition from established suppliers. New entrants must demonstrate technical advantages to win customers. Mesh’s team experience and funding position it to compete in this growing market.

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TLDR

Micron Technology is pouring $200 billion into U.S. chip manufacturing with factories in Boise ($50B), Syracuse ($100B), and Japan ($9.6B) to combat a severe AI-driven memory shortage.

Gross margins exploded from 18.5% in early 2024 to 56% last quarter, with 68% expected this quarter, nearing Nvidia’s premium 73% margins.

MU stock surged 44% year-to-date and over 500% since April 2024, trading around $414 with a market cap near half a trillion dollars.

The company meets only 50-66% of customer demand, forcing buyers to negotiate multi-year supply contracts as DRAM prices jumped 170% and DDR5 chips rose 500%.

High-bandwidth memory products including HBM4 and HBM3e are completely sold out through end of 2026, with shortages expected into 2027.

Micron Technology can’t expand fast enough to meet demand.

The memory chip giant is investing $200 billion across U.S. facilities as artificial intelligence systems create the worst supply shortage in over 40 years. MU stock climbed 44% year-to-date, trading around $414 per share with a market value approaching half a trillion dollars.

The Boise-based company is building two massive chip factories on its Idaho campus for $50 billion. Engineers detonate controlled explosions each afternoon to blast through bedrock. They’ve already used over 7 million pounds of dynamite preparing the site.

Each factory spans 600,000 square feet of clean room space. The first plant begins producing silicon wafers in mid-2027, with both facilities operational by late 2028.

Near Syracuse, Micron broke ground on a $100 billion complex representing New York’s largest private investment ever. The company also announced a $9.6 billion facility in Hiroshima, Japan.

Competitors are racing to add capacity too. SK Hynix revealed a $13 billion South Korean plant and $4 billion Indiana complex in January.

From Commodity to Strategic Bottleneck

The building frenzy stems from AI’s explosive memory requirements. Large language models need far more capacity than previous technology generations.

Processors from Nvidia, AMD, Google and Broadcom all require faster memory chips for training models and running inference. Companies like OpenAI, Oracle and Anthropic have announced data center projects worth trillions.

Scott Gatzemeier, leading Micron’s U.S. expansion, has worked at the company for 28 years. “I’ve never seen anything so disruptive as AI,” he said.

Memory shifted from commodity product to strategic asset virtually overnight. Micron realized it lacked adequate clean room capacity to satisfy demand.

The supply crunch triggered a gold rush for memory manufacturers. MU shares rose over 500% since April 2024.

Profit Margins Approach Nvidia Territory

Gross margins tell the transformation story. Micron’s margins stood at 18.5% in early 2024 when memory was still a low-margin commodity business.

They jumped to 56% last quarter. The company expects margins to hit 68% this quarter, approaching Nvidia’s premium 73% on flagship GPUs.

CFO Mark Murphy told investors Wednesday that Micron meets only half to two-thirds of demand for key customers. Buyers now seek multi-year contracts to guarantee supply and avoid price spikes.

“There is no easy or fast way to get that done,” Murphy said about adding capacity.

Taiwan’s Commercial Times reported DRAM contract prices surged over 170% in the past year. DDR5 chips saw even steeper increases.

Circular Technology, a Massachusetts data center hardware reseller, says DDR5 prices jumped nearly 500% since September. “We’re nowhere near the end of the shortage,” said Brad Gastwirth, the company’s research head. “I think it lasts through the end of 2026 and at least the first half of 2027.”

Sold Out Through 2026

Between August and October, major AI developers announced massive data center projects. Micron noticed high-bandwidth memory demand exploding.

Chief business officer Sumit Sadana said supplies of HBM4 and HBM3e chips are completely sold out through year-end. The company is already shipping HBM4 to customers with more shipments expected next quarter.

Early February saw MU stock briefly dip after research firm SemiAnalysis reported Micron’s HBM4 chips failed to secure spots in Nvidia’s Vera Rubin servers. The report suggested data transmission speed concerns.

Sadana called the reports inaccurate. Nvidia declined to comment on supplier relationships.

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TLDR

AMD stock declined 12% despite beating Q4 expectations with $5.4 billion data center revenue, up 39% year-over-year

New Helios rack-scale platform and MI450 chips launching Q3 2026 with OpenAI securing 6 gigawatts of GPU capacity

Epyc CPUs hit record sales as AI infrastructure demand grows, with Venice processors coming H2 2026

D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria assigns Neutral rating citing interconnect limitations and software ecosystem gaps versus Nvidia

Wall Street consensus remains Moderate Buy with $286.80 average target implying 38% upside potential

Advanced Micro Devices stock dropped 12% following its February 3 earnings release despite posting solid fourth-quarter 2025 numbers. The disconnect between results and market reaction highlights investor concerns about the company’s ability to capture meaningful AI market share.

Data center revenue reached $5.4 billion in Q4, representing 39% growth from the prior year. Instinct MI350 Series GPUs and Epyc CPU deployments drove the increase, with eight of the top ten AI companies now using AMD’s Instinct accelerators.

The company is pivoting from selling individual chips to complete infrastructure solutions. Its Helios rack-scale platform combines CPUs, GPUs, networking hardware, and software into turnkey AI systems centered on MI450 accelerators.

MI450 Launch and OpenAI Partnership

AMD expects MI450 revenue to start in the third quarter of 2026 with volume ramping in Q4. The majority of shipments will be full Helios systems rather than standalone chips.

OpenAI has committed to a multi-year, multi-generation partnership deploying up to 6 gigawatts of Instinct GPUs beginning with MI450 in the second half of 2026. Management indicated other customers are in discussions for similar large-scale commitments.

The Epyc CPU business achieved record quarterly sales powered by fifth-generation Turin and fourth-generation Genoa processors. Despite typical first-quarter seasonality, management projects sequential CPU revenue growth into Q1 2026.

CPUs are handling more AI workload responsibilities including orchestration, memory management, and data preprocessing. Cloud providers and enterprises are building out infrastructure to support AI applications, creating sustained Epyc demand.

Analyst Raises Performance Concerns

D.A. Davidson’s Gil Luria initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and $220 price target, expressing skepticism about AMD’s competitive position. Luria acknowledged strong single-node GPU specifications but questioned performance at scale across tens of thousands of chips.

The analyst suggested OpenAI ranks AMD behind Nvidia and potentially behind Broadcom ASICs and other alternatives. This positioning reflects real-world deployment challenges beyond paper specifications.

ROCm software platform improvements continue but face steep competition from Nvidia’s CUDA ecosystem. CUDA enjoys nearly two decades of developer tools, libraries, and familiarity that make it the default choice for AI development.

Luria identified a concerning dynamic where lower Instinct volumes result in reduced TSMC manufacturing priority compared to Nvidia, Apple, and hyperscaler programs. This creates supply uncertainty for buyers and limits ROCm development feedback, creating what the analyst calls a “negative flywheel.”

Wall Street Divided on Outlook

The broader analyst community maintains a more optimistic stance with 24 Buy ratings against 8 Hold ratings. The Moderate Buy consensus carries an average price target of $286.80, suggesting 38% upside from current levels.

AMD shares closed at $207.19 on February 13, 2026. The company holds a market capitalization of $338 billion.

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TLDR

Eli Lilly stockpiled $1.5 billion of Orforglipron weight-loss pill before expected April 2026 FDA approval

Strategy aims to prevent supply shortages that hurt Zepbound and Mounjaro launches in 2022

Novo Nordisk’s oral Wegovy reached 50,000 prescriptions by January after December 2025 approval

Orforglipron could hit $13 billion in annual sales by 2031 according to GlobalData forecasts

Company investing $27 billion in four new U.S. manufacturing facilities for weight-loss drugs

Eli Lilly disclosed $1.5 billion worth of pre-launch Orforglipron inventory in its 2025 annual report. The weight-loss pill awaits FDA approval expected in April 2026.

The massive stockpile represents a calculated move to avoid past mistakes. In 2022, Eli Lilly couldn’t meet demand for injectable drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro. Patients switched to compounded alternatives when they couldn’t find branded products.

Those shortages lasted until late 2024. They cost the company revenue and market share during a critical growth period.

The FDA fast-tracked Orforglipron’s review using a Commissioner’s National Priority Review Voucher. Eli Lilly plans a major marketing push this summer when shipments begin.

Chasing Novo Nordisk’s Early Lead

Novo Nordisk launched oral Wegovy in January 2026 after December 2025 FDA approval. The Danish company captured first-mover advantage in the oral weight-loss pill market.

By the end of January, oral Wegovy had 50,000 prescriptions. UBS analysts expect 400,000 prescriptions in Q1 2026.

Pills appeal to patients who avoid injections. Current options like Zepbound require weekly shots. The oral format removes needle anxiety from the treatment equation.

Eli Lilly started building Orforglipron inventory over a year ago. The company reported $550 million worth of the drug in February 2025.

GlobalData analyst Shehroz Mahmood called the stockpile “a decisive effort to avoid repeating the supply constraints that plagued its Mounjaro and Zepbound rollouts.”

Billion-Dollar Sales Projections

GlobalData projects Orforglipron could generate $13 billion in annual sales by 2031. That forecast assumes FDA approval and successful commercialization.

Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug portfolio drove 45% revenue growth in 2025. Mounjaro brought in $23 billion. Zepbound added $13.5 billion.

The company is building four new U.S. manufacturing facilities with $27 billion in investment. At least three will produce weight-loss therapies. Eli Lilly announced the fourth facility this month.

Orforglipron showed positive results in clinical trials. The once-daily pill fits into an industry shift toward more flexible obesity treatments.

Mahmood noted that while Novo Nordisk has early momentum, “it remains to be seen whether Eli Lilly can yet again take the spotlight, as it did in the competition for injectable therapies.”

The $1.5 billion Orforglipron stockpile makes up most of Eli Lilly’s total pre-launch inventory. The company expects huge global demand once the pill reaches pharmacy shelves this summer.

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TLDR

Apple stock currently trades under $270 following Q1 2026 revenue of $143.76 billion, up 15.7% year-over-year

iPhone 17 sales surged 23.4% as analysts raised earnings estimates for current quarter to $1.88 per share

Company posted 29.3% net income margin and exceeded analyst expectations for fourth straight quarter

Zacks assigns Buy rating despite P/E ratio of 33.1 raising valuation concerns among investors

Fiscal 2026 revenue projected at $461.12 billion with EPS estimates climbing 3.1% in past month

Apple (AAPL) stock sits below $270 after delivering another quarter of growth that topped Wall Street expectations. The question for investors: does the current price offer value or are shares fully priced?

The company reported Q1 2026 revenue of $143.76 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $137.81 billion by 4.32%. Revenue climbed 15.7% from the prior year period. Earnings per share reached $2.84, up from $2.40 a year earlier and 7.17% above analyst projections.

iPhone 17 sales powered the results. The product line saw revenue jump 23.4% year-over-year. This performance demonstrates continued consumer demand for Apple’s flagship device.

Profitability remains strong. The company posted a net income margin of 29.3% in the latest quarter. Gross margin came in at 47.33%. These figures reflect Apple’s pricing power and operational efficiency.

Wall Street Raises Forecasts

Analysts have been bumping up their estimates. The consensus forecast for the current quarter stands at $1.88 per share, representing 13.9% growth. This estimate increased 5.3% over the past 30 days.

Full fiscal 2026 earnings estimates now sit at $8.41 per share, up 12.7% from the prior year. That projection rose 3.1% in the last month. For fiscal 2027, analysts expect $9.29 in earnings per share.

Revenue forecasts also moved higher. The current quarter estimate of $108.88 billion implies 14.2% growth. Fiscal 2026 revenue projections reach $461.12 billion, up 10.8% year-over-year. Fiscal 2027 revenue is expected to hit $494.55 billion.

Apple has now beaten consensus earnings estimates for four consecutive quarters. The company also topped revenue expectations in each of those periods.

Valuation Debate Continues

The stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.1. Some market watchers question whether this multiple leaves room for upside. With an annualized profit base of $168 billion in Q1, maintaining double-digit earnings growth presents challenges.

Concerns exist around Apple’s artificial intelligence strategy. The company has taken a cautious approach compared to competitors. Delayed Siri updates haven’t helped sentiment.

Zacks Investment Research gives the stock a Value Style Score of F, indicating shares trade at a premium to peers. However, Zacks also assigns a Rank #2 Buy rating based on upward earnings estimate revisions.

Over the past month, Apple shares returned 0.1% while the S&P 500 declined 1.7%. The stock trades below its 52-week high of $288.62 but well above its low of $169.21.

The company’s market cap stands at $3.8 trillion. Current dividend yield is 0.41%. Average daily volume runs around 49 million shares.

Apple stock closed at $255.98 on February 13, 2026.

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TLDR

Rivian stock jumped 27% Friday after Q4 earnings beat and confirmation that the $45,000 R2 SUV launches in Q2 2026

The company forecasts 62,000-67,000 vehicle deliveries in 2026, up 53% from 2025’s 42,247 units, with R2 accounting for majority of growth

UBS upgraded shares from Sell to Neutral with $16 target, citing improved risk/reward despite execution concerns on production ramp

Rivian’s Volkswagen partnership generated $576 million in software revenue, helping narrow 2025 automotive losses to $432 million

Analyst warns limited upside remains as guidance assumes flat R1 volumes and near-flawless R2 execution in second half

Rivian shares rocketed higher Friday following a fourth-quarter earnings beat and detailed plans for its mass-market R2 SUV. The stock climbed approximately 27% in a single trading session.

The electric vehicle maker confirmed the R2 will launch in the second quarter of 2026. Priced just under $45,000, the SUV directly competes with Tesla’s Model Y and marks Rivian’s entry into the mainstream EV market.

Rivian R2 prototype review: “a chunky electric SUV with an unexpectedly strong handling game” https://t.co/LwbTBZDHk0 pic.twitter.com/A6VPvhov5J

— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) February 10, 2026

That price represents a steep discount from the company’s premium R1 vehicles, which start above $75,000. The strategy aims to capture a significantly larger customer base.

Rivian projects 2026 deliveries between 62,000 and 67,000 vehicles. That’s a 53% jump from the 42,247 units delivered in 2025. The forecast topped analyst consensus expectations of 64,130 vehicles.

CEO RJ Scaringe noted more than 68,000 R2 reservations came in within 24 hours of the 2024 announcement. Demand signals look promising on paper.

UBS Upgrades But Warns of Execution Risks

The earnings performance prompted UBS analyst Joseph Spak to upgrade Rivian from Sell to Neutral. He raised his price target from $15 to $16.

But Spak’s upgrade came with multiple caveats. He believes the near-term risk/reward has balanced out after the sharp rally rather than signaling strong conviction in upside potential.

The analyst highlighted several headwinds facing the company. He expects R1 demand could weaken as federal EV tax credits disappear and regulatory support fades. Some buyers may also delay purchases to wait for enhanced driver assistance features launching later this year.

Rivian’s 2026 guidance assumes R1 and commercial van volumes stay flat year-over-year. That means the entire growth story depends on R2 execution.

Spak noted the company needs roughly 45,000 deliveries in the second half of 2026. That requires a strong production ramp for a brand-new vehicle. He sees limited room for positive revisions given these assumptions.

Financial Performance Shows Improvement

Rivian continues burning cash though losses are narrowing. The company won’t reach positive EBITDA for several years.

The Volkswagen joint venture provided crucial support in 2025. It generated $576 million in software and services gross profit. That helped Rivian post overall gross profit of $144 million for the year.

The automotive segment alone lost $432 million in 2025. That’s a substantial improvement from the $1.2 billion loss in 2024.

Scaringe acknowledged supply chain challenges remain an obstacle. He said lessons learned from previous production issues will help with the R2 rollout.

Wall Street holds mixed views on the stock. Consensus sits at Hold with eight Buy ratings, eight Hold ratings, and four Sell recommendations. The average price target stands at $17.70.

Shares closed Friday above UBS’s new $16 target by roughly 10%. That leaves minimal upside in Spak’s model. He expects volatility to persist driven by sentiment around delivery updates and production milestones. The stock carries a beta of 1.77 and is down more than 10% year-to-date despite Friday’s rally.

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TLDR

Infosys partnered with Anthropic to develop custom AI agents for telecom, finance, manufacturing, and software development sectors

The collaboration integrates Anthropic’s Claude models with Infosys’ Topaz AI services to automate workflows and accelerate software delivery

Infosys stock jumped 3.9% in US premarket trading and closed 1.9% higher in Mumbai after the announcement

Software stocks have been struggling in 2026, with Microsoft down 17%, Oracle down 18%, and Palantir down 26% year-to-date

The partnership comes as India positions itself as an AI hub, with major tech CEOs attending the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi this week

Infosys stock climbed Tuesday after announcing a collaboration with Anthropic to build AI agents for regulated industries. The Indian IT company’s American depositary receipts gained 3.9% to $15.30 in premarket trading.

Mumbai-listed shares closed 1.9% higher at 1,391 rupees. The move bucked the broader tech selloff, with S&P 500 futures sliding 0.4%.

The partnership will integrate Anthropic’s Claude models, including Claude Code, with Infosys’ Topaz AI platform. The focus targets telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, and software development companies.

AI agents developed through this collaboration will handle multi-step tasks independently. These include processing claims, generating and testing code, and managing compliance reviews.

“Our collaboration with Anthropic marks a strategic leap toward advancing enterprise AI,” Infosys CEO Salil Parekh said in a press release. The companies plan to create custom AI agents tailored to specific industries and business functions.

Software Sector Under Pressure

The announcement comes as software stocks face mounting pressure from AI-powered coding tools. Microsoft stock has dropped 17% year-to-date in 2026.

Oracle is down 18% over the same period. Palantir Technologies has fallen 26% since January 1.

Infosys itself had suffered before Tuesday’s gains. The ADRs dropped 17% between January 1 and last Friday’s close.

India’s AI Ambitions

The partnership arrives as India pushes to become a major AI player. Top tech executives are gathering in New Delhi this week for the AI Impact Summit.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai will attend the event. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei are also on the guest list.

Meta Platforms’ chief AI officer rounds out the executive lineup. The summit highlights India’s growing role in the global AI race.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stressed the importance of industry expertise for AI deployment in regulated sectors. “Infosys has exactly that kind of expertise across important industries,” Amodei said.

The collaboration aims to help businesses automate complex workflows while meeting regulatory requirements. Companies can deploy these AI agents to speed up software delivery and reduce manual processing.

Infosys outperformed Indian IT peers Tuesday. The stock had lost 17% through Monday before the partnership announcement.

The deal positions Infosys to capitalize on enterprise AI demand while addressing concerns about AI disruption in the software sector. The company will leverage its decades of experience in regulated industries to build specialized AI solutions.

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TLDR

eToro reported record 2025 results with net contribution of $868 million (up 10% YoY) and GAAP net income of $216 million while beating Q4 earnings estimates at $0.71 per share versus $0.64 expected

Assets under administration grew to $18.5 billion and funded accounts reached 3.81 million as the company expanded its multi-asset trading platform

The company launched AI analyst “Tori” and expanded trading access with broader 24/5 and emerging 24/7 market capabilities plus an expanded crypto and derivatives lineup

Management reported strong January 2026 momentum with sharp increases in total trades and money transfers alongside steady growth in interest-earning assets

Wall Street analysts maintain bullish sentiment with 4 buy ratings, median price target of $55 versus current levels, though technical indicators show downside momentum

eToro posted Q4 2025 earnings of $0.71 per share on February 17, beating analyst estimates of $0.64 by $0.07. Revenue came in at $226.8 million, topping expectations of $222.3 million by $4.5 million.

#eToro$ETOR, Q4-25.

Results:
Adj. EPS: $0.71
Revenue: $3.87B
Net Income: $68.7M
Assets Under Administration rose to $18.5B and funded accounts grew to 3.81M, highlighting platform expansion despite lower crypto activity. pic.twitter.com/t3N2i0scE7

— EarningsTime (@Earnings_Time) February 17, 2026

For the full year 2025, the trading platform reported record net contribution of $868 million, up 10% from the prior year. GAAP net income reached $216 million as the company completed its transition to a public company and advanced its financial super-app strategy.

The quarterly results showed mixed performance with higher net income despite softer contribution and EBITDA in Q4. Assets under administration climbed to $18.5 billion while funded accounts grew to 3.81 million, demonstrating platform expansion even as crypto activity cooled.

Management highlighted robust January 2026 key performance indicators. Total trades and money transfers jumped sharply at the start of the new year. Interest-earning assets and funded accounts continued their steady climb, validating the company’s multi-asset approach.

Platform Expansion and AI Integration

eToro rolled out several product enhancements during 2025. The company expanded market access with broader 24/5 trading hours and emerging 24/7 capabilities. The crypto and derivatives lineup grew to meet customer demand.

The launch of “Tori,” an AI-powered analyst tool, marked a key milestone in the platform’s evolution. eToro is also preparing an app store ecosystem to complement its trading services. These moves position the company at the intersection of traditional finance, artificial intelligence, and blockchain infrastructure.

The firm announced a larger share repurchase program as part of capital allocation strategy. This followed a year of balance sheet strengthening alongside record profitability.

Analyst Outlook and Market Position

Wall Street maintains a positive stance on eToro stock. Four analysts issued buy or outperform ratings in recent months with no sell recommendations. The median price target sits at $55, well above recent trading levels.

Goldman Sachs, Compass Point, Mizuho, and Canaccord Genuity all rate the stock as a buy. Price targets from individual analysts range from $47 to $60, with Dan Dolev from Mizuho at the high end and Christopher Allen from Citigroup at the lower bound.

Institutional activity shows mixed sentiment. Susquehanna International Group added 1.77 million shares in Q3 2025 for $73.2 million. Harel Insurance added 1.23 million shares in Q4 for $43.1 million. Arrowstreet Capital picked up 906,000 shares for $31.8 million.

On the flip side, GQG Partners liquidated its entire 842,500 share position valued at $29.6 million. Goldman Sachs reduced holdings by 86.9%, selling 578,700 shares worth $20.3 million. Overall, 84 institutions added positions while 91 decreased stakes in their most recent filings.

The stock currently trades with a market cap of $2.3 billion and average daily volume of 1.34 million shares. eToro gained 2.69% following the earnings release.

The post eToro (ETOR) Stock Beats Q4 Earnings as AI Trading Platform Drives Record 2025 Growth appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Metaplanet posted a $619 million net loss in fiscal 2025 due to a $665.8 million valuation loss on its bitcoin holdings despite strong operational performance

The company increased bitcoin holdings to 35,102 BTC from 1,762 BTC, making it Japan’s largest corporate holder and fourth-largest globally

Revenue jumped 738% to $58 million while operating profit surged 1,695% to $41 million, with bitcoin operations driving 95% of total revenue

Unrealized losses hit $1.35 billion with average BTC purchase price at $107,716 versus current trading price of $68,821

Shares declined 28.63% year-to-date as the company forecasts 79.7% revenue growth for fiscal 2026

Metaplanet reported a net loss of 95 billion yen ($619 million) for fiscal year 2025. The Tokyo-based bitcoin treasury company swung from net income of 4.44 billion yen ($28.9 million) in the previous year.

A 102.2 billion yen ($665.8 million) valuation loss on bitcoin holdings drove the decline. The company classifies this as a non-operating expense with no cash flow impact.

Revenue climbed 738% to 8.91 billion yen ($58 million) from 1.06 billion yen the prior year. Operating profit jumped 1,695% to 6.29 billion yen ($41 million) from 350 million yen.

LATEST: Metaplanet reported a $619 million net loss in Q4, driven by unrealized losses on its Bitcoin, though its revenue surged 738% to $58 million as its holdings climbed to 35,102 BTC. pic.twitter.com/pYy9VkV4Bo

— CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) February 16, 2026

Bitcoin-related operations generated 8.47 billion yen ($55.2 million) in revenue. Premium income from bitcoin option transactions accounted for most of this growth.

Massive Bitcoin Accumulation Strategy

The company ended 2025 with 35,102 BTC, up 1,892% from 1,762 BTC at the close of 2024. This surpassed its fiscal 2025 target of 30,000 bitcoin.

The holdings represent approximately 0.16% of total bitcoin supply. Metaplanet ranks as the fourth-largest public corporate holder globally and the largest in Japan.

The firm raised 517.2 billion yen ($3.37 billion) cumulatively through 2025 to fund acquisitions. This included 21.25 billion yen ($138 million) from Class B perpetual preferred shares issued in December.

Metaplanet targets 210,000 BTC long-term, representing 1% of total bitcoin supply. This remains well below Strategy’s 714,644 BTC valued at approximately $49.6 billion.

Valuation Pressure Intensifies

The company’s average acquisition cost sits at $107,716 per BTC. With bitcoin trading at $68,821, Metaplanet faces roughly $1.35 billion in unrealized losses.

These paper losses could reverse if bitcoin rebounds. The company emphasized its balance sheet strength, noting liabilities and preferred stock would remain covered even with an 86% bitcoin price drop.

As of December 31, liabilities totaled 46.7 billion yen ($304.2 million) and net assets reached 458.5 billion yen ($2.99 billion). Bitcoin holdings were valued at 481.5 billion yen ($3.1 billion). The equity ratio stands at 90.7%.

The shareholder base expanded from 47,200 to around 216,500 during 2025. Total assets rose from 30.3 billion yen ($197.89 million) to 505.3 billion yen ($3.30 billion).

Shares dropped 28.63% year-to-date, tracking bitcoin’s price movements closely. MicroStrategy faces similar pressure with unrealized losses exceeding $5.33 billion.

For fiscal 2026, Metaplanet forecasts revenue of 16 billion yen ($104 million) and operating profit of 11.4 billion yen ($74.3 million). This represents 79.7% and 81.3% growth respectively. The company won’t forecast net income due to bitcoin volatility.

The post Metaplanet Stock Slides as Bitcoin Strategy Drives Heavy Losses appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

European regulators launch formal privacy investigation into X’s Grok AI chatbot for generating deepfake images without consent

Irish Data Protection Commission leads probe into potential GDPR violations involving sexualized AI-generated content of adults and children

Grok sparked controversy after creating revealing images of real people using artificial intelligence editing tools

X faces multiple investigations across Europe including separate Digital Services Act probe and inquiries in France and UK

Irish regulator will examine X’s data protection practices and compliance with EU privacy regulations

The Irish Data Protection Commission has initiated a formal European Union investigation into Elon Musk’s X platform. The probe targets the Grok AI chatbot over concerns about nonconsensual deepfake image generation.

BREAKING: Ireland’s data watchdog has opened an investigation into X over explicit images generated and shared using Grok.

This is a targeted attack on Elon Musk and an attack on free speech under the guise of content moderation. pic.twitter.com/d1CYZ6kAl9

— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) February 17, 2026

The investigation was officially announced Tuesday after X received notification on Monday. Ireland’s data watchdog will examine whether the social media company violated the General Data Protection Regulation. X’s European headquarters in Dublin places the Irish regulator in charge of EU-wide enforcement.

The inquiry focuses on Grok’s ability to create intimate and sexualized images of real individuals. These AI-generated deepfakes include images of both adults and children. Users could prompt Grok to digitally alter photos by adding transparent clothing or removing garments entirely.

Media reports first highlighted the issue several weeks ago. The Data Protection Commission began engaging with X immediately after these initial reports surfaced. However, authorities decided formal investigation was necessary after X’s response proved inadequate.

Grok AI Capabilities Raise Privacy Concerns

Grok uses artificial intelligence to generate and edit images based on user prompts. The chatbot is built by Musk’s company xAI and integrated directly into X. All interactions with Grok and its generated content remain publicly visible on the platform.

Last month, researchers discovered that Grok would fulfill requests to create revealing images of real people. Some of these AI-generated images appeared to feature minors. The discovery triggered immediate backlash from child safety advocates and privacy experts.

X implemented certain restrictions on Grok following the controversy. The company has not disclosed specific details about these limitations. European authorities concluded the changes were insufficient to address privacy violations.

Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle confirmed the regulator’s ongoing engagement with X. The formal investigation will examine multiple aspects of GDPR compliance. These include data processing principles, lawfulness of processing, and data protection by design requirements.

Multiple European Investigations Target X Platform

The Irish privacy probe represents one of several regulatory actions against X. The European Commission opened a separate investigation under the Digital Services Act last month. That inquiry examines X’s efforts to prevent illegal content distribution including child sexual abuse material.

French prosecutors escalated their scrutiny earlier this month. Authorities raided X’s Paris office and summoned Musk for questioning. The French investigation runs parallel to the Irish-led privacy probe.

British regulators have also launched their own inquiries despite the UK leaving the European Union. Both data privacy and media regulators in Britain are examining Grok’s image generation capabilities. These investigations operate independently from the EU probes.

GDPR violations carry substantial financial penalties. Companies can face fines up to 4% of global annual revenue or €20 million, whichever amount is higher. The Irish regulator coordinates enforcement across all EU member states for companies headquartered in Ireland.

X has not responded to multiple requests for comment about the investigations. The company faces mounting pressure from regulators across Europe. Irish media regulator Coimisiún na Meán will participate in the Digital Services Act investigation due to X’s Dublin location.

The post X Platform Under Investigation as Grok AI Creates Deepfake Images of Children appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Claude chatbot reached No. 7 on U.S. App Store after Anthropic’s Super Bowl commercial, up from No. 41 before the game

Daily active users increased 11% and site visits rose 6.5% following the ad that criticized ChatGPT’s introduction of advertisements

U.S. downloads jumped 32% to 148,000 in the three days after the Super Bowl compared to the previous three-day period

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called Anthropic’s commercial “deceptive” and “clearly dishonest” on social media

Anthropic just closed a $30 billion funding round at a $380 billion valuation, more than double its September 2025 valuation

Anthropic’s Claude chatbot achieved its highest App Store ranking following a Super Bowl advertisement that criticized competitor OpenAI. The AI assistant jumped from No. 41 to No. 7 on the U.S. App Store in the days after the game. This marks Claude’s best performance since launching on iOS in May 2024.

OpenAI's dominance is crumbling. This week alone, Gemini surpassed ChatGPT in daily conversations for the first time ever, and Anthropic's DAU jumped 11% after their Super Bowl ad. Notably, Anthropic's ad went viral precisely because it mocked OpenAI for introducing ads into AI.… pic.twitter.com/ejrrYT0Px2

— M (@MissMi1973) February 14, 2026

The Super Bowl commercial focused on positioning Claude as an ad-free alternative to ChatGPT. Anthropic’s campaign highlighted OpenAI’s recent decision to introduce advertisements into its chatbot. The message reached 125 million U.S. viewers during the big game.

Data from BNP Paribas shows Claude delivered the strongest performance among AI companies advertising during the Super Bowl. Daily active users grew 11% in the period following the game. Site visits increased 6.5% during the same timeframe.

ChatGPT saw a 2.7% increase in daily active users after its Super Bowl ad. Google Gemini added 1.4% to its user base. Meta also ran AI-focused commercials during the broadcast.

Download Numbers Show Strong Response

Appfigures tracking data reveals Claude’s U.S. downloads on iOS and Android reached 148,000 from Sunday through Tuesday after the Super Bowl. This represents a 32% increase compared to the 112,000 downloads during the previous Thursday through Saturday period. Daily average installs climbed from 37,400 to 49,200.

Global downloads for Claude also increased 15% during the week following the Super Bowl. The growth appears connected to both the advertising campaign and Anthropic’s recent release of its Opus 4.6 model. This performance contrasts sharply with Claude’s initial iOS launch, which generated only 157,000 global installs in the first week and peaked at No. 55 in U.S. rankings.

Public Rivalry Between AI Companies Intensifies

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded publicly to Anthropic’s Super Bowl campaign on social media platform X. He described the commercials as “deceptive” and “clearly dishonest.” The exchange marks a shift from the previously quiet competition between the two AI companies.

Both organizations are competing for enterprise customers and top engineering talent. They’re also raising unprecedented amounts of private capital. Anthropic completed a $30 billion funding round this week at a $380 billion post-money valuation.

This valuation more than doubles what Anthropic was worth during its September 2025 fundraising. OpenAI maintains the lead in total capital raised with last year’s record-breaking private tech funding round. The company is currently negotiating what could become a $100 billion funding round.

Both Anthropic and OpenAI are expected to pursue IPOs later in 2026. Executives from each company have become more vocal in recent weeks about their competitors’ business practices. The Super Bowl advertising battle represents the most public phase of their rivalry yet.

Claude’s user base remains smaller than ChatGPT and Google Gemini despite the recent growth. The App Store ranking improvement and download surge indicate early momentum from Anthropic’s consumer marketing strategy and its positioning as an ad-free AI assistant alternative.

The post Claude AI Jumps to No. 7 App Store as Anthropic Blasts OpenAI ChatGPT Ads appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Spain’s government has ordered criminal investigations into X, Meta, and TikTok over AI-generated child sexual abuse material on their platforms

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez directed prosecutors to examine potential crimes related to creation and distribution of AI child pornography

Ireland opened a separate investigation into xAI’s Grok chatbot for processing personal data and generating harmful sexualized content

The probes are part of wider European regulatory crackdown on big tech companies over platform safety and content moderation

Spain previously proposed banning social media for users under 16 as part of child protection initiatives

Spain has initiated criminal investigations against three major social media platforms for allegedly distributing AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Tuesday that prosecutors will investigate X, Meta, and TikTok for their alleged role in spreading this illegal content.

Spanish govt orders ⁠prosecutors ⁠to ​investigate social media platforms ⁠X, Meta ‌and ​TikTok for ⁠allegedly ⁠spreading AI-generated child ⁠sexual ⁠abuse ‌material, Prime ⁠Minister Pedro Sanchez says in social media ​post pic.twitter.com/uDpCDXfIaj

— TRT World Now (@TRTWorldNow) February 17, 2026

The Spanish government directed prosecutors to examine potential crimes committed through the creation and dissemination of child pornography using AI technology. Sanchez emphasized that the state cannot tolerate these activities. He declared that the impunity of tech giants must end.

“These platforms are undermining the mental health, dignity, and rights of our children,” Sanchez wrote on X. The three companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the investigation. The probe marks Spain’s latest effort to hold technology companies accountable for content on their platforms.

Europe Intensifies Tech Platform Regulation

The Spanish investigation comes during a period of increased European regulatory action against big tech firms. Authorities across the continent have targeted companies for various practices. These include anti-competitive behavior in digital advertising and deliberately addictive social media features.

Spain is not the only country examining AI-generated explicit content. Multiple governments have launched investigations into sexually explicit material created by xAI’s Grok chatbot. Countries have imposed bans and demanded new safeguards to prevent illegal content generation.

Ireland’s Data Protection Commission opened a formal investigation into Grok on Tuesday. The probe will examine the chatbot’s processing of personal data. It will also investigate Grok’s capacity to produce harmful sexualized images and videos, including depictions of children.

Earlier this month, Sanchez unveiled several measures to protect children online. The proposals include prohibiting social media access for users under 16 years old. These initiatives represent part of a comprehensive government strategy to combat online abuse.

Tech Companies Face Multiple European Investigations

French authorities raided X’s offices earlier this month as part of a separate investigation. Prosecutors ordered Elon Musk to answer questions as European regulators increase scrutiny of the platform. The French action demonstrates the coordinated nature of European enforcement efforts.

Spain’s parliament began investigating Meta in November for potential privacy violations. The probe examines how Facebook and Instagram manage user data. This investigation adds to mounting regulatory challenges facing major tech companies operating in Europe.

The Spanish government’s directive to prosecutors represents another escalation in Europe’s approach to regulating technology platforms. Authorities continue examining how social media companies moderate content and safeguard vulnerable users. The investigation into AI-generated child abuse material opens a new chapter in these enforcement actions.

None of the three platforms named in the Spanish investigation have issued statements regarding the allegations. The companies face growing pressure to implement stronger content moderation systems and AI safety controls across their platforms.

The post Spain Launches Criminal Probe Into X, Meta, and TikTok Over AI Child Abuse Content appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Elon Musk’s SpaceX and xAI join Pentagon’s competition for autonomous drone technology

Six-month contest offers $100 million to develop voice-command drone systems

Competition launched January 2026, requires technology to control multiple drones simultaneously

Musk signed 2015 letter opposing autonomous weapons before entering this contest

SpaceX merged with xAI before planned IPO and competition announcement

SpaceX and its subsidiary xAI are competing in a Defense Department contest focused on autonomous drone systems. The program seeks voice-controlled technology capable of managing multiple drones at once.

BREAKING: SpaceX and xAI Enter Pentagon’s $100M Autonomous Drone Swarm Contest

>voice-controlled AI directing drone swarms across air and sea

Six-month competition to build AI that translates voice commands into drone swarm instructions.

>pentagon official: AI “will… pic.twitter.com/1vieBImWQT

— NIK (@ns123abc) February 16, 2026

The Pentagon introduced the $100 million competition in January 2026. Several companies received invitations to participate in the classified program.

Sources familiar with the contest confirmed SpaceX’s involvement. The Defense Innovation Unit has not publicly commented on the competition details.

The six-month challenge requires participants to build systems that convert spoken words into drone commands. These systems must operate multiple unmanned aircraft simultaneously through voice control.

SpaceX completed its purchase of xAI before joining the competition. The acquisition combined Musk’s aerospace company with his artificial intelligence venture.

The deal closed ahead of SpaceX’s planned stock market debut in 2026. SpaceX operates from Texas and maintains existing defense contracts.

Defense Department Accelerates Drone Programs

The Defense Secretary announced plans last year to expand drone capabilities. The strategy focuses on cutting red tape and boosting American drone production.

Military planners want faster deployment of unmanned aircraft technology. The approach aims to reduce development timelines for new drone systems.

Security officials are working to improve drone defense measures. Concerns have increased about unauthorized drones near airports and public gatherings.

The FIFA World Cup and America250 celebrations take place this summer. Authorities want enhanced drone security ready before these events begin.

Musk’s Changing Position on Military AI

Musk joined other technology experts in signing a 2015 open letter about autonomous weapons. The document called for international restrictions on AI-powered military systems.

The letter opposed creating automated tools designed for combat. Signers expressed worry about artificial intelligence in warfare applications.

SpaceX’s entry into the drone contest represents a departure from that stance. The company has maintained defense relationships for multiple years.

xAI was already a SpaceX subsidiary before the formal merger. The consolidation unified the companies under one corporate umbrella.

AI Firms Secure Pentagon Funding

Four major AI companies won Defense Department contracts in 2025. OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI each received agreements worth up to $200 million.

These contracts support AI integration across military operations. The Pentagon wants to scale advanced AI tools throughout its departments.

The agreements cover various artificial intelligence applications. Contract specifics remain confidential under defense procurement rules.

The drone competition runs separately from these existing contracts. Winners will receive portions of the $100 million prize pool.

Competition Technical Requirements

Participants must develop swarming technology for the contest. Systems need to process natural language and coordinate multiple drones.

The technology must interpret voice commands accurately. It then executes those instructions across a fleet of unmanned aircraft.

Companies have six months to build working prototypes. Evaluation methods and judging criteria have not been released publicly.

The competition aims to advance military drone capabilities through commercial innovation. Selected companies are developing their systems under strict confidentiality agreements.

The post Elon Musk’s SpaceX Enters Pentagon’s $100 Million Drone Technology Race appeared first on Blockonomi.

As cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow beyond trading and into everyday services, more digital platforms are beginning to integrate crypto payments into practical, real-world use cases. One of the latest examples is the launch of a new crypto-powered eSIM purchasing service by BuyNumber.io, allowing users to buy mobile data plans with digital assets and activate them within minutes.

The service has recently been introduced by BuyNumber.io, a platform previously known for providing privacy-focused virtual phone numbers. With this expansion, the company is adding international eSIM data coverage to its product range, making mobile-data connectivity accessible in more than 180 countries through cryptocurrency payments.

Why eSIM Is Becoming More Relevant

eSIM (embedded SIM) technology is gradually replacing the need for physical SIM cards. Unlike traditional SIM cards that require users to visit a store, wait for shipping, or manually swap small plastic chips inside their devices, an eSIM is fully digital. The mobile data plan is delivered electronically and installed directly on a compatible smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

After completing a purchase, users typically receive a QR code. By scanning this code from their device settings, the data profile is downloaded and activated. The entire process often takes only a few minutes.

This approach is particularly useful for:

International travelers who want data access immediately after landing

Remote workers who frequently change location

Users who prefer not to rely on local telecom registration processes

Crypto users who prefer paying with digital currencies rather than traditional banking methods

eSIM with Crypto Payments and No KYC

One of the more notable aspects of this new service of BuyNumber.io is that it allows users to complete purchases using cryptocurrency without going through standard identity verification procedures commonly required by telecom providers.

While traditional SIM registrations in many countries involve ID checks and paperwork, digital eSIM distribution through online platforms simplifies the process significantly. For crypto-native users, this aligns with the broader appeal of decentralized payments and privacy-focused services.

How to Buy an eSIM Through BuyNumber.io

The process is designed to be straightforward:

Visit the eSIM section on BuyNumber.io

Select a country, region, or global data plan

Choose the preferred data package and validity period

Complete the payment using supported cryptocurrencies

Receive a QR code and activation details instantly

Once scanned, the data plan becomes active according to the selected package terms.

Expanding the Role of Crypto in Everyday Services

The introduction of crypto-purchased eSIM plans reflects a broader trend: cryptocurrency is increasingly being used for functional services beyond exchanges and digital assets. Travel connectivity, online tools, hosting services, and telecom products are gradually becoming part of this ecosystem.

As mobile usage continues to grow and international mobility becomes more common, digital-first solutions like eSIM — combined with alternative payment methods — may become less of a niche offering and more of a standard option.

The post BuyNumber.io Launches Crypto-Powered eSIM Service appeared first on Blockonomi.

Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)

Rizz Network Inc. (“Rizz” or the “Company”), the issuer of RZTO, today announced that Nimbus Capital  has entered into a strategic investment commitment in RZTO, marking what industry observers describe as one of the most widely anticipated ecosystem investments of 2026.

The transaction reflects increasing institutional confidence in blockchain networks with real-world utility, and highlights RZTO’s deep integration within Rizz Wireless, a leading rewards-driven Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in the United States that combines telecom infrastructure with blockchain, AI, and decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) principles.

Under the investment framework, Nimbus Capital will support the long-term growth of the RZTO ecosystem through a structured acquisition and participation strategy aligned with user adoption milestones, ecosystem expansion, and the continued operational scale-up of Rizz Wireless. The investment is designed to reinforce liquidity, accelerate ecosystem development, and support sustained token demand driven by everyday consumer usage.

RZTO is built on the Solana blockchain, leveraging its high-speed, low-latency architecture to enable real-time settlement of rewards at scale. The platform further incorporates AI-driven analytics to optimize reward distribution, user engagement, and network efficiency, ensuring a seamless experience for millions of micro-transactions generated by telecom usage.

Founded by Ganpatsingh Rajput and Harveer Singh, RZTO was envisioned as a practical application of blockchain technology, moving beyond speculative use cases into AI-enabled, real-life utility. The project aligns closely with DePIN concepts, where decentralized infrastructure, user participation, and tokenized incentives converge to support scalable, real-world networks such as telecom.

“We welcome this strategic commitment in the current market scenario,” said Ganpatsingh Rajput, along with Harveer Singh. “RZTO was designed from day one to combine blockchain, AI, and real-world infrastructure. This investment validates our belief that utility-driven DePIN models represent the next evolution of Web3.”

Within Rizz Wireless, RZTO serves as a core utility asset, powering customer rewards, engagement incentives, and merchant redemptions. Through RZTO, customers can access over 400+ across major national and local brands, enjoying rewards in real time for everyday mobile usage on the Rizzentials platform of Rizz Wireless.

Rizz Wireless is currently the only telecom company that rewards customers for talking, texting, and even unused mobile data, transforming traditional telecom activity into a value-generating experience backed by blockchain settlement and AI-driven optimization.

“We are excited to welcome Nimbus Capital into the RZTO ecosystem,” said Ganpatsingh Rajput, Founder and CEO of Rizz Wireless. “Their participation strengthens our mission to build an AI-enabled, DePIN-aligned telecom network and we look forward to strong, sustainable growth together.”

Nimbus Capital highlighted RZTO’s clear utility, Solana-based real-time settlement, AI-driven engagement model, and DePIN-aligned infrastructure as key drivers behind its investment commitment.

“RZTO represents a new class of blockchain projects, one that bridges real-world telecom infrastructure with AI and DePIN at scale,” said Robert Baker, Managing Partner at Nimbus Capital. “By combining AI, DePIN principles, and an active consumer telecom platform, RZTO delivers tangible utility and revenue from day one. We are partnering closely with the team to provide not only growth capital, but also strategic market support, liquidity planning, and access to our global network as they scale.”

The Company expects the strategic relationship to accelerate merchant partnerships, expand AI-powered reward programs, and further strengthen RZTO’s position as a leading real-world DePIN blockchain project throughout 2026 and beyond.

About Rizz Network Inc.

Rizz Network Inc. is a SVG based technology and blockchain infrastructure company focused on building AI-enabled, DePIN-aligned real-world utility for digital assets. Its flagship token, RZTO, built on the Solana blockchain, powers rewards, engagement, and real-time settlement across the Rizz ecosystem, including Rizz Wireless, a leading U.S.-based rewards-driven MVNO.

About Nimbus Capital

Nimbus Capital is a private alternative investment group specializing in cross-border transactions across blockchain technologies and digital asset partnerships. Backed by In On Capital, a boutique wealth management firm with more than $1.4 billion in AUM, Nimbus provides liquidity and structured financing solutions to high-growth companies worldwide. The firm is committed to advancing the global digital economy through strategic investments in tokenization, blockchain infrastructure, and transformative Web3 technologies.

Website: nimbuscapital.io
X: @Nimbus_Capital_
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/nimbuscapitalfund

About Rizz Wireless

Rizz Wireless is a U.S.-based Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) redefining mobile connectivity through a rewards-first, AI-enhanced, blockchain-powered model. By rewarding customers for calls, texts, and unused data through RZTO, Rizz Wireless bridges telecom infrastructure with DePIN economics.

Contact Name : Rizz Network Inc.

Business Email : info@rzto.io

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding AI integration, DePIN alignment, ecosystem growth, and market adoption. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially.

The post Rizz Network Lands $5M Capital Commitment from Nimbus Capital to Drive Next-Generation AI-DePIN Rizz Wireless Rollout appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

Crypto scammers have targeted Trezor and Ledger users with fraudulent letters aimed at stealing recovery phrases.

The fake letters include QR codes that lead users to phishing websites designed to steal sensitive wallet information.

Cybersecurity expert Dmitry Smilyanets was among the first to report the phishing scam involving Trezor.

Ledger and Trezor never ask users to share recovery phrases through emails, physical mail, or websites.

These phishing attempts are part of ongoing scams exploiting data breaches from 2020 and 2024.

Users of cryptocurrency hardware wallets, including Ledger and Trezor, have again reported receiving fraudulent letters aimed at stealing their recovery seed phrases. These scams have been ongoing for several years, fueled by leaks from major data breaches. The latest wave of attacks, targeting wallet owners, involves fake letters with QR codes that lead victims to phishing websites.

Scammers Use Holograms and Fake Letters to Lure Victims

Cybersecurity expert Dmitry Smilyanets was among the first to report the latest scam, receiving a letter from Trezor on February 13. The letter, which warns users to complete an “Authentication Check” by February 15, contains a fake hologram and a QR code. Smilyanets shared that the QR code leads to a fraudulent website that mimics official Trezor and Ledger setup pages.

The letter claims to be signed by Matěj Žák, who is actually the CEO of Trezor, but the letter falsely attributes this to Ledger. The scam urges users to act quickly, creating a sense of urgency that often leads to poor decisions. This type of social engineering tactic is common in phishing attacks designed to steal sensitive information.

Ledger Users Targeted with Similar Phishing Tactics

This scam isn’t new for Ledger users. In October of 2022, a Ledger user reported receiving a similar letter, which instructed them to complete a “Transaction Check” process. Like the Trezor phishing attempt, the letter included a QR code that led victims to a fraudulent site designed to steal wallet recovery phrases.

Legitimate hardware wallet providers like Ledger and Trezor never ask users to share their recovery phrases via email, phone, or physical mail. Both companies have repeatedly warned users against entering sensitive information on suspicious websites or following unsolicited communication. Despite these warnings, phishing scams continue to adapt and evolve, successfully tricking some users into revealing their private details.

Phishing Websites Harvest Recovery Phrases for Theft

Upon scanning the malicious QR code, users are directed to a fake site where they are prompted to enter their wallet recovery phrases. Once entered, the recovery phrase is transmitted to the attackers, who can then steal the user’s funds. The scam’s clever design tricks even experienced users into entering critical information.

Legitimate wallets never request recovery phrases over the internet or through any communication channels outside of the user’s direct control. The rise of these scams highlights the importance of vigilance among cryptocurrency users, particularly during times of heightened anxiety such as market downturns.

These phishing attempts are part of a broader trend, with data breaches from 2020 and 2024 leading to the exposure of customer information. Trezor’s January 2024 breach, which leaked nearly 66,000 customer details, illustrates the ongoing challenges users face in protecting their assets. Despite security measures, opportunistic attacks are frequent and sophisticated, making it more important than ever to remain cautious and informed.

Scammers Continue to Exploit User Vulnerabilities

Cybersecurity experts have warned that scammers will likely continue to exploit vulnerabilities in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Deddy Lavid, CEO of cybersecurity firm Cyvers, explained that scams tend to evolve, especially in times of market instability. While scams may slow in times of low market speculation, fear-based tactics, such as fake compliance alerts, become more effective.

Crypto hardware wallet users are encouraged to report any suspicious communications immediately and verify the authenticity of any requests they receive. Both Ledger and Trezor have detailed security guidelines on their websites to help users recognize potential scams.

The post Trezor, Ledger Users Face New Phishing Attacks via Fake Mail appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

Paxos says regulated stablecoins must meet strict reserve and capital standards to operate in the U.S. market. 

Stablecoins function as payment rails and settlement infrastructure, not as direct replacements for bank deposits. 

Global corporations are now using stablecoins to move millions of dollars in minutes instead of days across borders. 

Banks that issue or custody stablecoins can turn a perceived competitive threat into an entirely new revenue stream.

 

The old stablecoin playbook doesn’t apply anymore, and banks are beginning to take notice. The introduction of the GENIUS Act by the U.S. Congress has pushed financial institutions to reconsider long-held assumptions about stablecoins.

What was once dismissed as a crypto-trader tool has grown into a multi-trillion-dollar market. Banks that continue operating on outdated beliefs risk falling behind fintechs and blockchain-native competitors. The regulatory and commercial landscape has fundamentally shifted.

Outdated Assumptions About Regulation and Risk No Longer Hold

For years, banks treated stablecoins as unregulated, high-risk instruments sitting outside traditional finance. That view no longer reflects reality.

Jurisdictions including Singapore, the European Union, and the United States have established clear frameworks for stablecoin issuance and custody.

The GENIUS Act adds further structure, making regulated stablecoins the only viable path forward in the U.S. market.

Regulated issuers like Paxos already operate under strict reserve management standards and capital requirements. Consumer protections are built into these frameworks, reducing institutional risk considerably.

Banks can now engage with stablecoins knowing that legal guardrails are firmly in place. The compliance infrastructure that once seemed absent is now well established.

The old playbook also treated stablecoins as threats to financial stability. That assumption, too, has aged poorly. Paxos stated that “well-regulated stablecoins actually enhance financial stability by increasing transparency, speed and efficiency.”

On-chain stablecoin transactions are publicly auditable in real time, offering transparency that traditional interbank transfers cannot match.

Paxos further noted that “reserves held in short-term Treasuries are safer than many bank assets.” Banks clinging to outdated risk narratives are working from an incomplete picture.

Global regulatory bodies are aligning on oversight standards at a steady pace. Updating that picture is now a strategic necessity, not just an operational preference.

Banks That Rewrite the Playbook Stand to Gain the Most

The old stablecoin playbook also cast stablecoins as deposit killers threatening bank lending capacity. Paxos pushed back on that directly, stating that “stablecoins serve as rails for payments, settlement and capital efficiency in ways that deposit accounts cannot.”

Banks can issue or custody stablecoins themselves, turning a perceived competitive threat into a growth product. Just as electronic payments once seemed disruptive, stablecoins can expand balance sheets when embraced strategically.

Stablecoins now power cross-border remittances, tokenized asset settlement, and on-chain capital markets at scale. Global corporations are moving millions of dollars in minutes rather than days using stablecoin infrastructure.

Paxos confirmed that “asset managers use them as cash legs for tokenized assets and broker-dealers are leveraging them to create new revenue streams.”

These are not theoretical use cases — they are active, high-volume applications already reshaping global finance.

Paxos was direct in its assessment, saying that “financial institutions that deny this reality are ignoring the signals of market transformation.”

Banks that update their thinking can unlock faster settlement, improved liquidity management, and entirely new client offerings.

The old narrative that stablecoins were only for crypto exchanges has been overtaken by market reality. Those that don’t adapt may find competitors have already claimed that ground.

Paxos summed up the broader shift clearly: “Stablecoins are not a threat to banking — they are an evolution of money that can make banks more competitive.” The window to rewrite the playbook remains open, but it continues to narrow.

Banks that move now can help shape how stablecoins integrate with traditional financial infrastructure. Those that wait may find the terms of that integration have already been set by others.

The post The Old Stablecoin Playbook Doesn’t Apply Anymore: Here’s What Banks Need to Know Now appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

TRM Labs found that 48% of newly launched darknet markets in 2025 accept only Monero as payment. 

Nearly 14–15% of reachable Monero network peers displayed non-standard peer-to-peer protocol behavior. 

Ransomware actors prefer XMR, yet most real-world ransom payments are still completed in Bitcoin. 

Monero’s on-chain cryptography remains intact, but network-layer dynamics may affect privacy assumptions.

 

Monero continues to maintain stable on-chain transaction activity despite growing regulatory pressure. TRM Labs released new research showing that XMR usage has remained above pre-2022 levels.

Even after major exchanges removed the privacy coin, demand has not dropped. The findings also reveal unusual peer-to-peer network behavior affecting roughly 14 to 15 percent of observable nodes.

Darknet Markets and Ransomware Drive Persistent Demand

Monero’s appeal in high-risk environments has grown considerably over the past few years. Nearly 48 percent of newly launched darknet markets in 2025 support XMR exclusively.

That figure marks a sharp rise compared to earlier years when Bitcoin remained the dominant option. Western-facing markets are leading this shift, partly due to improved tracing capabilities on transparent blockchains.

Ransomware groups still express a clear preference for receiving payments in Monero. However, most actual ransom settlements continue to occur in Bitcoin due to liquidity advantages.

Bitcoin remains easier to acquire and convert at scale, even though it is more traceable. That gap between preference and practice reflects a real tension between privacy and usability.

TRM Labs addressed this directly, stating, “Most ransomware payments still occur in BTC—liquidity matters.” The firm also noted that “48% of new darknet markets in 2025 are XMR-only,” indicating a measurable structural shift in how high-risk actors choose to operate.

Despite exchange delistings and enforcement pressure, XMR activity on Monero remains above pre-2022 levels.

Key findings from our latest research:

48% of new darknet markets in 2025 are XMR-only
Most ransomware payments still occur in BTC — liquidity matters
14–15% of… pic.twitter.com/BYPJMrLaJN

— TRM Labs (@trmlabs) February 16, 2026

Monero’s thinner market structure also contributes to higher price volatility. Over the past 30 days, XMR showed realized volatility roughly 2.5 times that of Bitcoin.

Despite fewer on-ramps and reduced exchange support, on-chain Monero usage has not contracted meaningfully. This pattern points to a user base that actively seeks privacy rather than casual retail participation.

Users accept higher friction and fewer options to preserve anonymity. That behavior keeps Monero relevant even as other assets become more transparent.

Network-Layer Behavior Introduces New Investigative Considerations

TRM Labs also collaborated with academic researchers to study Monero’s peer-to-peer network behavior. Around 14 to 15 percent of reachable peers showed non-standard behavior compared to protocol expectations.

These deviations included irregular handshake patterns, unusual message timing, and atypical peer list composition. The behavior persisted across multiple observation periods, suggesting systematic rather than random causes.

Infrastructure concentration emerged as a recurring pattern within the non-standard peer data. A small number of hosting environments accounted for a disproportionately large share of these peers.

TRM Labs noted that “14–15% of Monero peers show non-standard network behavior,” adding that “network-layer dynamics can influence real-world privacy assumptions.” That visibility can matter even when cryptographic protections remain fully intact.

TRM emphasized that these findings do not reflect a failure of Monero’s cryptography. The on-chain privacy features, including ring signatures and stealth addresses, remain technically sound.

As TRM Labs put it, “Monero’s cryptography remains strong,” yet the firm cautioned that peer-to-peer behavior can introduce structural visibility affecting theoretical anonymity models. Real-world conditions can introduce observable structure that affects certain investigative threat models.

The research does not assign intent or identify specific operators behind the non-standard nodes. It instead describes behavioral patterns that deviate from standard client implementations.

Those patterns, combined with growing XMR-only market adoption, give investigators new structural data points to consider. Monero remains a distinct challenge, but its network layer now draws greater scrutiny.

The post Monero Activity Holds Steady Despite Exchange Delistings, TRM Labs Reports appeared first on Blockonomi.