Category: Tech

Adobe’s $1.9B Acquisition of Semrush Signals a Major Power Shift in Brand Visibility for the Agentic AI Era

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Adobe’s latest acquisition marks one of the most significant moves yet in the evolution of how brands manage visibility, discoverability, and customer engagement in an AI-driven world. On November 19, 2025, Adobe announced a definitive agreement to acquire Semrush Holdings, Inc. in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $1.9 billion, or $12.00 per share. The acquisition unites Adobe’s expansive customer experience and content orchestration tools with Semrush’s deep capabilities in search engine optimization (SEO) and the rapidly emerging field of generative engine optimization (GEO).

Adobe has been at the forefront of enabling enterprises to reimagine their customer experience workflows through agentic AI—AI that can plan, initiate, and optimize tasks autonomously. Tools such as Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), Adobe Analytics, and the newly introduced Adobe Brand Concierge reflect the company’s commitment to helping brands create, manage, and deliver content at scale. These products support a content supply chain that aligns with the needs of enterprises navigating new customer interfaces powered by large language models (LLMs).

Semrush’s inclusion strengthens Adobe’s position dramatically. As brands increasingly confront the challenge of remaining visible across traditional search engines and emerging AI-driven discovery channels, Semrush provides a powerful layer of intelligence and optimization. The company is widely known for its decade-long leadership in SEO analytics and has recently become a leading force in GEO—an emerging discipline focused on helping brands remain discoverable within AI-powered platforms, from LLMs to generative search engines.

The acquisition comes at a time when consumer behavior is rapidly shifting. With more customers receiving answers, recommendations, and purchase guidance from platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini, brand visibility is no longer confined to search engine rankings or owned channels. It now includes how a brand appears within LLM outputs, conversational AI systems, and algorithm-driven summaries. Organizations that fail to adapt to these dynamics risk losing relevance across key digital touchpoints.

Semrush brings enterprise-grade capabilities and impressive momentum to Adobe’s ecosystem. Its generative marketing tools are already being used by major brands, and the company recently reported 33% year-over-year Annual Recurring Revenue growth in its enterprise segment. This traction reflects a growing need among marketers who now rely on SEO and GEO teams to drive visibility strategies in generative environments.

Together, Adobe and Semrush will offer marketers a unified solution that spans the entire spectrum of brand exposure—owned websites, search engines, LLM responses, and the broader web. By integrating Semrush’s data intelligence into Adobe’s customer experience tools, the combined platform is designed to give organizations a holistic, real-time understanding of how their brand appears and performs across both traditional and AI-driven discovery channels.

This acquisition positions Adobe to become a central player in helping enterprises navigate the next phase of AI-enabled marketing. As AI continues reshaping how consumers gather information, evaluate options, and make buying decisions, Adobe’s expanded ecosystem aims to ensure that brands remain both discoverable and competitive in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Google Launches Gemini 3, Accelerating Its AI-First Strategy in Search and Enterprise

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Google’s launch of Gemini 3 marks a major milestone in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape. As competition intensifies among leading AI developers, Google is positioning this new model as a turning point—one that strengthens its hold on the search market while expanding deeper into enterprise applications. Unlike previous releases, Gemini 3 became part of Google’s profit-driven ecosystem immediately, reflecting the company’s shift toward deploying AI technologies that generate revenue from day one.

The model arrives less than a year after its predecessor, showing Google’s determination to accelerate innovation cycles. While AI benchmarks and leaderboard rankings still matter, the broader market has become more focused on practical use cases that drive growth. Investors have increasingly evaluated companies not on technical capabilities alone, but on how effectively those capabilities translate into profitable products. In this respect, Gemini 3 enters the market at a critical time. Alphabet’s stock performance throughout the year has been influenced heavily by its success in monetizing AI tools within its cloud business, and the new model is expected to strengthen that trend.

One of the biggest shifts comes from Google embedding Gemini 3 directly into its search engine at launch. Historically, new AI models took weeks or months to integrate into search, but the company is taking a more aggressive approach. Paying users of Google’s premium AI plan now gain access to enhanced capabilities in AI Mode, a feature designed to handle complex queries with computer-generated responses instead of traditional website listings. This move reflects Google’s ongoing effort to redefine search as an AI-first experience, even as it raises concerns among content publishers who depend on organic traffic.

Gemini 3 also brings a series of upgrades in reasoning, coding, and task execution, allowing Google to introduce new functions stretching across its consumer and enterprise user base. One of the most notable additions is Gemini Agent, a feature built to handle multi-step tasks. It can manage workflow-related actions such as organizing emails or coordinating travel, pushing Google closer to its long-term vision of a universal AI assistant. The redesigned Gemini app supports this direction as well, offering interactive and visually rich responses that resemble entire web pages rather than simple text answers.

On the enterprise side, Google unveiled Antigravity, a development platform that enables AI agents to plan and carry out software tasks autonomously. This tool aims to shift how companies build software by reducing manual intervention and speeding up development cycles. As organizations explore ways to streamline operations with AI, products like Antigravity could play a significant role in reshaping development teams and workflows.

Gemini 3’s release highlights a broader trend in the AI industry: the transition from experimental technology to integrated, revenue-producing systems. With competitors like Anthropic, Meta, and OpenAI also pushing rapid updates, the pressure to deliver commercially useful products has never been higher. By launching its new model directly into core products and expanding its suite of AI-powered features, Google is making a clear statement that the next stage of AI growth depends on adoption at scale. Gemini 3 represents not just a model upgrade, but a restructuring of how Google delivers value in a market where speed, utility, and profitability increasingly define leadership.

Release – Codere Online Appoints Marcus Arildsson as Chief Financial Officer

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

11/17/2025

    Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, November 17, 2025 – (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) Codere Online (Nasdaq: CDRO / CDROW, the “Company”), a leading online gaming operator in Spain and Latin America, today announced that Marcus Arildsson has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective today. Mr. Arildsson will succeed Oscar Iglesias, who, as part of the previously announced transition, will assist with an orderly handover and is expected to join the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to the approval of shareholders at an Extraordinary General Meeting scheduled for December 1st.

    Mr. Arildsson is a senior finance executive with over 25 years of international experience across investment banking, equity markets and corporate finance.

    He began his career at Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch in London, executing over €9 billion in cross-border M&A, IPO, and equity-linked transactions. He later spent 12 years at Arcano Partners in Madrid, advising corporates and financial sponsors on more than €5 billion in M&A, debt and equity transactions.

    He has since held CFO and executive committee roles at Millenium Hospitality Real Estate, a listed REIT with a €700 million portfolio, Sonae Sierra and Ladorian, a retail media technology company.

    Mr. Arildsson holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BBA from James Madison University. He is fluent in English, Spanish and Swedish.

    “I’m thrilled to join Codere Online, a company that has demonstrated outstanding execution and discipline since becoming public. Its success reflects a strong team and clear vision and I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of that journey” said Mr. Arildsson.

    “Marcus is a seasoned financial executive whose leadership and experience will be invaluable as we continue executing our plan” said Aviv Sher, Chief Executive Officer. “We also thank Oscar for his many contributions and for ensuring a seamless transition; we look forward to his continued involvement at the Board level.”

    “On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Marcus to Codere Online,” said Gonzaga Higuero, Chairman of the Board. “His extensive experience in corporate finance and investment banking, combined with his international background, make him an exceptional addition to our leadership team.”

    About Codere Online
    Codere Online refers, collectively, to Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries. Codere Online launched in 2014 as part of the renowned casino operator Codere Group. Codere Online offers online sports betting and online casino through its state-of-the art website and mobile applications. Codere currently operates in its core markets of Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Panama and Argentina. Codere Online’s online business is complemented by Codere Group’s physical presence in Spain and throughout Latin America, forming the foundation of the leading omnichannel gaming and casino presence.

    About Codere Group
    Codere Group is a multinational group devoted to entertainment and leisure. It is a leading player in the private gaming industry, with four decades of experience and with presence in seven countries in Europe (Spain and Italy) and Latin America (Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay).

    Contacts:

    Investors and Media
    Guillermo Lancha
    Director, Investor Relations and Communications
    Guillermo.Lancha@codere.com
    (+34) 628 928 152

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this document may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Codere Online”) or Codere Online’s or its management team’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this document may include, for example, statements about Codere Online’s financial performance and, in particular, the potential evolution and distribution of its net gaming revenue; any prospective and illustrative financial information; and changes in Codere Online’s strategy, future operations and target addressable market, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans.

    These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this document and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Codere Online’s or its management team’s views as of any subsequent date, and Codere Online does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

    As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, Codere Online’s actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Codere Online does not presently know or that Codere Online currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include (i) changes in applicable laws or regulations, including online gaming, privacy, data use and data protection rules and regulations as well as consumers’ heightened expectations regarding proper safeguarding of their personal information, (ii) the impacts and ongoing uncertainties created by regulatory restrictions, changes in perceptions of the gaming industry, changes in policies and increased competition, and geopolitical events such as war, (iii) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations and identify and realize additional opportunities, (iv) the risk of downturns and the possibility of rapid change in the highly competitive industry in which Codere Online operates, (v) the risk that Codere Online and its current and future collaborators are unable to successfully develop and commercialize Codere Online’s services, or experience significant delays in doing so, (vi) the risk that Codere Online may never achieve or sustain profitability, (vii) the risk that Codere Online will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, (viii) the risk that Codere Online experiences difficulties in managing its growth and expanding operations, (ix) the risk that third-party providers, including the Codere Group, are not able to fully and timely meet their obligations, (x) the risk that the online gaming operations will not provide the expected benefits due to, among other things, the inability to obtain or maintain online gaming licenses in the anticipated time frame or at all, (xi) the risk that Codere Online is unable to secure or protect its intellectual property, and (xii) the possibility that Codere Online may be adversely affected by other political, economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Additional information concerning certain of these and other risk factors is contained in Codere Online’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning Codere Online or other matters and attributable to Codere Online or any person acting on their behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above.

    Source: Codere Online Luxembourg, S.A.

    Berkshire’s Rare Tech Move Sends Alphabet Stock to All-Time High

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    Alphabet shares surged to a record high on Monday, climbing nearly 6% after Berkshire Hathaway disclosed a new multibillion-dollar stake in the Google parent company. The purchase, totaling 17.85 million shares valued at approximately $4.9 billion, marks one of Berkshire’s final large investments under Warren Buffett’s leadership — and a notable shift for a conglomerate traditionally cautious about high-growth tech stocks.

    Berkshire’s move represents a major endorsement of Alphabet’s expanding artificial intelligence strategy during a period of heightened scrutiny across the tech sector. While many investors have begun questioning whether the rapid rise of AI-driven valuations is sustainable, Berkshire’s investment signals confidence in Alphabet’s fundamentals and its long-term ability to capitalize on AI innovation.

    The investment also stands out given Berkshire’s historic stance on technology. Although Apple remains Berkshire’s largest holding, Buffett has long viewed it as more of a consumer products company than a pure tech play. A direct investment in Alphabet, however, reflects a meaningful step toward embracing companies at the center of the AI revolution. Market strategists point out that the move aligns with value-investing principles, given Alphabet’s comparatively attractive valuation relative to other AI frontrunners.

    Investor sentiment around tech has become more cautious in recent months. Business leaders and market analysts have warned that the AI boom — powered by heavy data-center spending and ambitious product pipelines — could be creating inflated expectations. The Roundhill Magnificent 7 ETF, which tracks top tech names such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and Alphabet, has been mostly flat since September after significantly outperforming the broader market earlier in the year.

    Despite the broader slowdown, Alphabet has stood out as one of the strongest performers among the “Magnificent Seven” stocks. Shares have surged nearly 14% in the current quarter and are up 46% year-to-date, making it the group’s top performer. Analysts attribute this strength to Alphabet’s accelerating AI investments, robust cloud division growth, and its ability to leverage its massive advertising business to fund further innovation.

    Alphabet also trades at a relative discount compared to its peers, with shares valued at roughly 25 times forward earnings estimates. Microsoft trades at 29 times, while Nvidia approaches 30 — making Alphabet an appealing option for an investor focused on balancing growth potential with valuation discipline.

    CFRA analysts highlight that Berkshire’s investment validates Alphabet’s strategic direction, particularly around Google Cloud and the expanding Gemini AI ecosystem. Recent earnings revealed that AI-powered tools and infrastructure investments are helping transform Google Cloud into a major growth engine, reversing its earlier status as a distant third player in the cloud market.

    The move also reflects a bit of unfinished business for Buffett, who has previously acknowledged regretting missing the chance to invest in Google early on. With Berkshire preparing for leadership transition as Greg Abel is set to assume the CEO role at the end of 2025, the investment may represent a final major pivot toward companies leading the next technological era.

    Alphabet’s rally could add roughly $180 billion in market value if gains hold. And with Berkshire’s reputation for long-term conviction, the investment has quickly captured the attention of both institutional and retail investors — offering a strong signal of confidence amid an increasingly cautious tech landscape.

    Bitcoin Slides Below $93,000 as Four-Year Cycle Fears Reignite Market Uncertainty

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    Bitcoin began the week under heavy pressure, slipping below $93,000 on Monday and deepening a pullback that has now erased roughly 25% from October’s all-time high above $126,000. The sharp decline is forcing investors to reassess whether the recent weakness is merely a corrective pause—or the early stages of the crypto market’s historically familiar four-year cycle downturn.

    The latest slide follows last month’s massive liquidation event, when roughly $19 billion in leveraged long positions were wiped out. That flush triggered a wave of forced selling and marked a turning point after months of aggressive bullish positioning. Long-term holders have also taken profits into strength, adding to downward pressure.

    This correction arrives at a time that closely overlaps with Bitcoin’s typical post-halving peak window. Historically, new cycle highs occur between 400 and 600 days after the halving event. With the latest halving taking place in April 2024, Bitcoin is now within the same timeframe that preceded major tops in past cycles. This pattern has fueled what analysts describe as a “self-fulfilling prophecy”—investors expect weakness based on the timing alone, and their behavior creates selling pressure that brings it to life.

    Still, several research groups argue that this drawdown does not resemble the steep 60–70% collapses seen during prior cycle peaks. Analysts point to structural differences in today’s market, including far deeper institutional participation and the rapid growth of Bitcoin ETFs. Large asset managers have continued adding exposure even as prices fall, a sign of what they describe as “higher-quality and more consistent ownership.”

    Supportive regulatory developments may also help cushion the decline. The Trump administration’s pro-Bitcoin stance, along with ongoing progress on the Clarity Act in Congress, is widely viewed as a net positive for long-term market maturation. Some analysts believe this framework is helping shift Bitcoin closer to a mainstream institutional asset class, with corrections becoming less extreme than in past cycles.

    MicroStrategy continues to reinforce that thesis. The company revealed another significant purchase on Monday—8,178 additional Bitcoin at an average price of $102,171 each, totaling $835 million. The firm’s steady accumulation, even during periods of weakness, remains a confidence anchor for parts of the market.

    But short-term risks remain elevated. Research firm 10X noted that new buyer momentum stalled around October 10, leaving the market vulnerable as macro conditions deteriorate. A more hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve has pressured risk assets broadly, tightening financial conditions and raising the threshold for speculative flows into crypto.

    Analysts have flagged $93,000 as a critical support zone. A decisive breakdown could spark another wave of liquidations, adding volatility to an already fragile environment. Some believe Bitcoin could retest support near the $80,000 level—last seen shortly after the U.S. election—before finding a durable bottom.

    Even so, many long-term investors view the current weakness as a potential entry point rather than the start of a prolonged bear cycle. With institutional adoption rising and ETF inflows broadening the asset’s investor base, the coming weeks will determine whether Bitcoin stabilizes—or whether the deeper mechanics of the four-year cycle will reassert themselves.

    Bitcoin Depot (BTM) – Solid Q3 Execution Amid Rising Regulatory Headwinds

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


    Friday, November 14, 2025

    Patrick McCann, CFA, Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

    Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Equity Research Analyst, Digital, Media & Technology , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

    Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    Q3 results exceed expectations. Bitcoin Depot reported Q3 revenue of $162.5 million and adj. EBITDA of $16.1 million, both above our estimates of $146.5 million and $11.0 million, respectively. Results reflected strong kiosk expansion, higher transaction volumes, and improved margins.

    Expansion momentum builds. Bitcoin Depot continues to advance its growth strategy through expanded retail partnerships and international initiatives. The company has deployed more than 260 kiosks in Australia over the past year and recently commenced operations in Hong Kong, strengthening its global footprint. These achievements, alongside the acquisition of National Bitcoin ATM, have further solidified its position as North America’s largest Bitcoin ATM operator.


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    *Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

    Anthropic to Invest $50 Billion in U.S. AI Infrastructure, Beginning with Texas and New York Data Centers

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    Anthropic, one of the fastest-growing artificial intelligence firms in the world, has announced an ambitious $50 billion plan to expand its U.S. infrastructure footprint through a series of advanced data centers starting in Texas and New York. The project, developed in partnership with AI cloud platform Fluidstack, positions the company as a major force in the domestic AI buildout race.

    The initiative will fund the creation of custom-designed facilities built specifically to handle Anthropic’s rapidly scaling AI models and enterprise workloads. The company said the first sites will go live in 2026 and are expected to generate 800 permanent jobs and more than 2,000 construction roles across both states.

    By building its own network of high-performance data centers, Anthropic aims to ensure greater control over compute availability, energy efficiency, and long-term scalability — key components in the race to dominate AI infrastructure. The decision also aligns with growing policy pressure from Washington to keep cutting-edge AI capacity within U.S. borders, protecting national interests and technological sovereignty.

    This investment underscores Anthropic’s aggressive growth trajectory and signals that the company is willing to match, if not challenge, industry leader OpenAI’s spending spree. OpenAI has already committed more than $1.4 trillion in long-term infrastructure investments through partnerships with Nvidia, Oracle, Broadcom, Microsoft, and Google.

    Anthropic’s partnership with Fluidstack — known for supplying GPU clusters to major AI players like Meta, Midjourney, and Mistral — reflects a strategic effort to move fast. Fluidstack’s expertise in scaling GPU infrastructure at record speed and efficiency gives Anthropic a distinct operational advantage as competition for compute power intensifies.

    The company’s enterprise business has surged dramatically over the past year, serving more than 300,000 organizations. The number of enterprise accounts generating over $100,000 annually has nearly increased sevenfold, with projections showing Anthropic could reach profitability by 2028. By comparison, OpenAI is still expected to report multi-billion-dollar operating losses through that same period.

    Beyond Texas and New York, Anthropic’s infrastructure expansion already includes a massive $11 billion data center campus in Indiana, developed with Amazon. The facility is operational, providing Anthropic with one of the largest AI-focused compute environments in the U.S. The company has also expanded its long-term compute partnership with Google, with additional commitments valued in the tens of billions.

    Industry observers say Anthropic’s move could reshape the competitive landscape of AI infrastructure, helping to diversify the market beyond the dominance of hyperscale cloud providers. However, the scale of AI-related construction and energy use is prompting questions about sustainability and grid capacity — particularly as multiple firms rush to deploy gigawatt-scale facilities across the country.

    With a $50 billion budget and an expanding nationwide footprint, Anthropic is betting big on the idea that the next wave of AI breakthroughs will depend not just on smarter algorithms, but on physical infrastructure capable of powering them at scale.

    SoftBank Sells $5.8 Billion Nvidia Stake to Fuel Expanding AI Ambitions

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    SoftBank Group Corp. has sold its entire stake in Nvidia Corp. for $5.83 billion, marking another major move by founder Masayoshi Son to fund his growing ambitions in artificial intelligence. The sale underscores SoftBank’s shift toward becoming a central player in the AI ecosystem—one that spans data centers, chip design, robotics, and advanced cloud infrastructure.

    The decision to sell Nvidia shares comes as global investors question whether massive AI spending—expected to exceed $1 trillion by companies like Meta Platforms and Alphabet—will produce long-term profits. Despite this uncertainty, Son continues to double down on AI, redirecting proceeds into projects such as Stargate, a mega data center venture being developed in collaboration with OpenAI and Oracle Corp.

    SoftBank’s U.S.-listed shares rose more than 7% following the announcement, while Nvidia’s stock slipped over 3% during trading on Tuesday. The move illustrates the shifting balance of investor sentiment as capital flows from established AI leaders toward emerging infrastructure and hardware bets.

    According to SoftBank executives, the Nvidia sale was not due to concerns about the chipmaker but rather a strategic move to free up capital. Chief Financial Officer Yoshimitsu Goto emphasized that the proceeds will be used to finance new AI initiatives, though he declined to comment on whether the sector is currently in a bubble.

    This is not the first time SoftBank has exited Nvidia. The company sold its previous stake in 2019, only to re-enter the stock in 2020—just before Nvidia’s meteoric rise fueled by the AI boom. By March 2025, SoftBank had quietly accumulated a $3 billion position in Nvidia, which has since surged by more than $2 trillion in market value amid the global AI frenzy.

    The timing of the sale proved highly profitable for SoftBank. The company recently reported a ¥2.5 trillion ($16.2 billion) net income for its fiscal second quarter, driven by its holdings in OpenAI, Arm Holdings, and other AI-focused firms. Analysts expect SoftBank to post its strongest annual profit since 2020, with the Nvidia sale adding significant liquidity to support its ongoing expansion.

    Son’s AI roadmap is ambitious. In addition to the Stargate data center network, SoftBank is pursuing a $1 trillion AI manufacturing hub in Arizona, potential collaborations with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), and the acquisition of Ampere Computing LLC for $6.5 billion. The company has also agreed to purchase ABB Ltd.’s robotics division for $5.4 billion—moves that signal a vertically integrated AI empire in the making.

    SoftBank’s financial strategy has been equally bold. It recently expanded its margin loan backed by Arm shares to $20 billion, secured an $8.5 billion bridge loan for its OpenAI investment, and committed the full $22.5 billion originally pledged to the AI startup.

    The Japanese conglomerate’s stock has surged nearly 78% over the past quarter, its best performance in two decades. The company also announced a 4-for-1 stock split effective January 1, 2026, aimed at making its shares more accessible to retail investors.

    As Son pushes deeper into the AI frontier, SoftBank’s latest divestment highlights both opportunity and risk. While the Nvidia exit frees billions for new ventures, it also removes exposure to one of the most successful AI chipmakers of the decade. Still, for Masayoshi Son, the message is clear: SoftBank’s future lies not in following AI’s leaders, but in building the infrastructure that powers them.

    Rumble to Acquire Northern Data in Major AI Infrastructure Expansion

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    Rumble Inc. announced plans to acquire Northern Data AG, a European leader in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure, marking a transformative moment for the company’s growing cloud division. The agreement represents a bold step in Rumble’s “Freedom-First” vision—an initiative centered on building technology that prioritizes privacy, independence, and resilience over centralized control.

    Under the terms of the deal, Rumble will launch a voluntary public exchange offer to Northern Data shareholders, granting them newly issued Rumble shares in return. Once completed, the transaction will give Rumble access to one of Europe’s largest GPU fleets—approximately 22,000 Nvidia units, including the latest H100 and H200 chips—and a globally distributed network of data centers. This infusion of infrastructure will allow Rumble to expand its cloud services dramatically while strengthening its foothold in the global AI ecosystem.

    The acquisition also accelerates Rumble’s international growth strategy, extending its reach beyond North America into major European markets such as Germany, Sweden, Norway, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Northern Data’s energy-efficient data centers and liquid-cooled GPU technology will provide Rumble with a strong foundation to compete in high-performance computing and AI training at scale.

    A major backer of the deal is Tether, which made a $775 million strategic investment in Rumble earlier this year. Tether’s continued involvement underscores the growing alignment between decentralized finance and digital infrastructure, and the company is expected to serve as a key customer following the transaction’s completion. Together, Rumble, Northern Data, and Tether aim to form a vertically integrated AI ecosystem designed to challenge the dominance of established technology giants.

    In addition to its infrastructure assets, Northern Data brings expertise in managing complex compute operations and optimizing power efficiency—critical advantages as demand for GPU-based AI processing surges worldwide. The company’s Maysville, Georgia facility alone is expected to deliver up to 180 megawatts of capacity once complete, contributing significantly to Rumble’s total data center output.

    Beyond scaling capacity, Rumble expects the acquisition to fuel innovation across its video, creator, and advertising businesses. Access to advanced AI hardware will accelerate the company’s efforts to integrate machine learning into content delivery, recommendation systems, and advertising solutions. The move also supports Rumble’s broader ambition to develop complementary services such as AI chatbots, cloud productivity tools, and financial applications under the Rumble Wallet brand.

    The exchange offer is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Northern Data shareholders will own roughly 30% of the combined company after the transaction, reflecting the strategic significance of the merger. Once finalized, Northern Data plans to delist its shares, with no separate offer required since it is not traded on a regulated market.

    For Rumble, the acquisition represents far more than an infrastructure upgrade—it signals an intent to redefine how technology infrastructure is built and governed. By merging AI computing power, distributed data networks, and financial independence, the company aims to create a sustainable foundation for a new era of digital freedom.

    Information Services Group (III) – AI Powered Momentum

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


    Tuesday, November 04, 2025

    ISG (Information Services Group) (Nasdaq: III) is a leading global technology research and advisory firm. A trusted business partner to more than 700 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is committed to helping corporations, public sector organizations, and service and technology providers achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm specializes in digital transformation services, including automation, cloud and data analytics; sourcing advisory; managed governance and risk services; network carrier services; strategy and operations design; change management; market intelligence and technology research and analysis. Founded in 2006, and based in Stamford, Conn., ISG employs more than 1,300 digital-ready professionals operating in more than 20 countries—a global team known for its innovative thinking, market influence, deep industry and technology expertise, and world-class research and analytical capabilities based on the industry’s most comprehensive marketplace data. For additional information, visit www.ISG-One.com

    Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

    Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    3Q25. Operating performance in 3Q25 exceeded expectations. Revenue came in at $62.4 million, up 1.8% y-o-y and up 8.8% excluding divested operations. Adjusted EBITDA grew 19% to $8.4 million and adjusted EBITDA margin expanded nearly 200 basis points to 13.5%, again ex divested ops. ISG reported GAAP net income of 3.1 million, or EPS of $0.03/sh, compared to $1.1 million, or EPS of $0.02/sh, last year. Adjusted EPS was $0.09 versus $0.05 last year.

    AI and Recurring Revenue. Management noted revenue derived from AI-related activities accounted for some $20 million of overall revenue in the quarter. Recurring revenue was $28 million, up 9% year-over-year, representing 45% of overall revenue. We expect both AI-related revenue and overall recurring revenue to increase going forward. 


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    Netflix Plans 10-for-1 Stock Split, Aiming to Broaden Employee Ownership and Investor Access

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    Netflix is moving ahead with a 10-for-1 stock split, a decision aimed at making its shares more affordable for employees and smaller investors. The split, which will take effect on November 17, will reduce the price of each share to roughly one-tenth of its current value while increasing the total number of shares outstanding.

    Shares of Netflix closed at $1,089 on Thursday. If the stock split were applied today, each share would trade around $110. The company said the move is designed to bring the price into a range that is more accessible for employees who participate in its stock option program—a strategy often used to encourage greater employee ownership and long-term alignment with company performance.

    The announcement sparked a brief rally, with shares climbing as much as 3% before moderating after reports surfaced that Netflix may be exploring a potential bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. The stock still ended the session higher, reflecting renewed investor enthusiasm around the company’s confidence in its financial strength and long-term growth trajectory.

    Although a stock split doesn’t alter a company’s overall market value, it can have important psychological and practical effects. By lowering the per-share price, a company makes its stock more approachable for retail investors and employees who might otherwise be deterred by a four-figure share price. Increased liquidity and trading volume often follow, which can narrow bid-ask spreads and potentially boost short-term demand.

    Historically, stock splits have sometimes been associated with outperformance in the months after they are announced. Analysts attribute this to improved accessibility, stronger market sentiment, and a perception of management confidence. For Netflix, which has gained over 100,000% since its 2002 IPO, the move underscores how far the company has come—from a DVD-by-mail service to one of the world’s dominant entertainment platforms.

    This marks Netflix’s third stock split since going public. The company last executed a 7-for-1 split in 2015, when shares traded above $700, and a 2-for-1 split in 2004. Both prior splits were followed by periods of sustained growth as Netflix expanded internationally and transitioned into original content production.

    For employees, the latest split could make stock-based compensation more meaningful by lowering the strike price of future options. For retail investors, particularly those who invest through fractional-free brokerage platforms, the lower per-share price could make Netflix stock more psychologically appealing.

    While large-cap firms like Netflix don’t face the same challenges as smaller companies, the move highlights a trend that could influence tech valuations more broadly. When industry leaders adjust pricing structures to make shares more attainable, it can encourage greater participation across the market—something smaller tech firms may also consider as they seek to attract investors and retain talent.

    Netflix’s split will officially take effect mid-November, after which the stock will trade on a split-adjusted basis. For investors, the change offers no direct increase in value, but it may represent a renewed vote of confidence in the company’s long-term story—and a reminder that accessibility, perception, and participation all play key roles in market momentum.

    Meta’s Massive Bond Sale Could Fuel a Ripple Effect for Small-Cap Tech Stocks

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    Meta Platforms’ latest move to raise at least $25 billion in investment-grade bonds is more than just another mega-cap financing headline — it’s a signal that the next wave of growth in artificial intelligence and data infrastructure could trickle down to smaller tech players.

    The offering — one of the largest U.S. corporate bond sales of 2025 — comes on the heels of Meta’s plan to ramp up spending on AI-driven products and infrastructure. With borrowing costs dropping as the Federal Reserve continues to cut rates, major tech firms are taking advantage of lower yields to finance a new round of capital expansion.

    For small-cap technology companies, this could open the door to opportunity. The enormous amount of capital being deployed by hyperscalers like Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet is creating a massive demand chain that extends far beyond Silicon Valley’s biggest names. Startups and smaller public firms involved in semiconductors, networking, data management, cooling systems, and cloud security are all potential beneficiaries as AI infrastructure scales up.

    Meta’s $25 billion raise isn’t just about internal growth — it underscores a larger credit market trend that smaller firms can ride. With liquidity returning to corporate debt markets and investor appetite for yield still strong, smaller companies may find more favorable conditions to raise their own capital or secure partnerships with the giants driving AI expansion.

    The implications are especially important for small-cap investors who have been cautious during a year of volatility. As large companies expand their data centers and AI capacity, many subcontractors and niche solution providers that feed into those ecosystems could see accelerated revenue growth. This includes firms building energy-efficient chips, AI integration tools, and hardware required to sustain hyperscale computing.

    However, it’s not all upside. The aggressive pace of AI investment also raises the bar for innovation and speed. Smaller companies that fail to keep up with the capital intensity or technological demands of the space could struggle to compete. In addition, the market’s current enthusiasm for AI spending could make it harder for smaller firms to attract attention unless they’re directly tied to the sector’s most critical supply chains.

    Still, Meta’s massive bond sale highlights how the AI arms race is influencing not just the tech giants but the broader investment landscape. For investors looking at small-cap stocks, the key is to identify which companies are poised to plug into the infrastructure boom — and which could be left behind as the giants keep scaling up.

    As AI investment accelerates into 2026, this wave of corporate spending could prove to be a lifeline for small-cap tech companies, offering them both funding momentum and the potential for strategic partnerships with industry leaders.

    Nvidia Becomes World’s First $5 Trillion Company, Fueling Broader AI Sector Momentum

    Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

    Nvidia has officially become the first company in history to surpass a $5 trillion market capitalization, cementing its dominance in the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution and signaling a powerful shift in the global technology landscape. The company’s rise — powered by record demand for AI hardware and deep partnerships across industries — is sending ripple effects through the broader tech market, particularly among smaller players looking to capture their share of AI-driven growth.

    The milestone, achieved after a 3.4% surge in Nvidia’s stock on Wednesday, underscores investor conviction in AI as a defining megatrend of the decade. Nvidia’s flagship GTC event amplified that momentum, featuring new collaborations across supercomputing, robotics, self-driving technology, pharmaceuticals, and 6G telecom infrastructure. These partnerships — spanning names like Uber, Palantir, Eli Lilly, and Oracle — showcase how deeply Nvidia’s technology is embedded in nearly every major industry.

    But beyond the headline number, Nvidia’s success story holds significant implications for small-cap investors. As Nvidia scales its AI infrastructure globally, it creates massive downstream demand for smaller companies involved in the supply chain — from semiconductor component suppliers and circuit board manufacturers to cooling system specialists, data center builders, and power management innovators. Many of these firms trade in the small-cap space, where growth potential often accelerates once industry giants expand their spending.

    For example, Nvidia’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy to build seven new supercomputers — including one powered by 10,000 Blackwell GPUs — will require a vast ecosystem of supporting technologies. Companies producing advanced materials, thermal management solutions, or even power delivery systems are poised to benefit as AI hardware capacity scales. This trickle-down effect is giving smaller, often under-the-radar players new relevance as key enablers of the AI revolution.

    Recent comments from President Trump ahead of his meeting with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang added further fuel to the rally, hinting at possible approval for new chip exports to China. While Nvidia itself stands to gain directly from a reopened Chinese market, many smaller semiconductor and logistics firms could see indirect benefits through increased trade volume and component demand.

    At the same time, Nvidia’s rise to a $5 trillion valuation also highlights the widening gap between mega-cap leaders and emerging competitors. This dynamic often drives investors to seek opportunities among smaller, more agile firms that can innovate faster or serve niche markets overlooked by giants. Small-cap semiconductor developers, specialized software providers, and manufacturing partners could all capture new contracts as AI adoption accelerates across industries.

    For small-cap investors, Nvidia’s historic milestone isn’t just a headline — it’s a signal. The company’s continued dominance validates AI’s long-term growth story, but it also points to a new wave of opportunity in the ecosystem surrounding it. Companies supplying energy-efficient chips, precision cooling systems, or automation technologies could become the next big winners as global demand for AI infrastructure scales beyond what even Nvidia can deliver alone.

    As AI reshapes industries from finance to manufacturing, the small-cap space may once again become the breeding ground for the next generation of tech leaders — powered, in part, by the unprecedented rise of Nvidia.