Category: Uncategorized

Sapiens International Corporation N.V., a global provider of SaaS-based software for the insurance industry, has agreed to be acquired by private equity giant Advent in a $2.5 billion all-cash deal. The agreement values Sapiens at $43.50 per share, a 64% premium over its undisturbed closing price of $26.52 on August 8, 2025.

Under the terms of the transaction, existing shareholder Formula Systems will retain a minority stake, continuing its long-standing involvement with the company. Once the deal closes, Sapiens’ shares will be delisted, and the company will operate as a privately held entity.

The acquisition is designed to accelerate Sapiens’ expansion in the global insurance technology market. Advent’s investment will focus on strengthening the company’s SaaS capabilities, advancing artificial intelligence tools, and broadening its reach into new geographies. Both firms expect the partnership to enhance Sapiens’ ability to deliver modern, scalable solutions to insurers navigating an increasingly digital and competitive environment.

Founded in 1982, Sapiens serves over 600 customers in more than 30 countries, offering core software for life, pension, annuities, property and casualty insurance, as well as reinsurance and compliance systems. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in cloud-based platforms and AI-driven analytics, positioning itself as a partner for carriers undergoing large-scale digital transformation.

Advent, which manages more than $94 billion in assets and has completed over 430 investments worldwide, sees the insurance technology sector as a high-growth area ripe for modernization. By leveraging its global network, operational expertise, and capital resources, Advent aims to accelerate Sapiens’ product innovation and improve the speed at which insurers can deploy next-generation solutions.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by Sapiens’ board of directors following a review by a special committee. Advent has secured both debt and equity financing to fund the acquisition, including a $1.3 billion equity commitment. Completion remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, with closing expected in late 2025 or early 2026.

Financial advisors to the deal include William Blair for Sapiens and Citi for Advent. Legal counsel is being provided by Latham & Watkins LLP and Meitar Law Offices for Sapiens, and by Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Herzog Fox Neeman for Advent.

Sapiens will not host its scheduled second-quarter earnings call, but plans to release its Q2 2025 results via press release later today.

If completed, the acquisition will mark a significant step in the ongoing consolidation of the insurance technology market, giving Sapiens the flexibility and resources of private ownership while positioning it for faster innovation in a rapidly evolving sector.

Research News and Market Data on SKYX

August 12, 2025 16:05 ET | Source: SKYX Platforms Corp.

Company reports $15.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, as compared to $12.3 million as of March 31, 2025. SKYX Continues to Leverage its Cash Position Through its E-Commerce Platform of 60 Websites among Other Methods Including Support from Strategic Investors and Insiders

SKYX Revenues Increased for 6 Comparable Quarters from Q1 2024 Through Q2 2025 with $19M in Q1/24, 21.4M in Q2/24, $22.2M in Q3/24, $23.7M in Q4/24, $20.1M in Q1/25, and $23.1M in Q2/25

Gross Profit Improvement by 23% to $7 million in the Second Quarter of 2025 Sequentially from the First Quarter of 2025

Net cash used in Operating Activities for the Second Quarter ending June 30, 2025, Decreased Sequentially by 54% to $2.0 Million Compared to $4.3 Million in the First Quarter of 2025

Major SKYX Collaboration with a Miami $3 Billion Mix-Use Urban, Smart Home City Project; SKYX is Expected to Supply Over 500,000 Units of its Advanced Smart Home Plug & Play Platform Technologies for the Entire Smart City Project

SKYX’s Technologies Provide Additional Opportunities for Future Recurring Revenues Through Interchangeability, Upgrades, Monitoring and Subscriptions, Among Others

SKYX’s Safety Code Standardization Team is Continuing to Progress and is Receiving Significant Support from a New Prominent Leader with its Government Safety Organization Process for Safety Mandatory Standardization in Homes and Buildings of Its Ceiling Outlet/Receptacle Technology

Company Expects Its Products to Be in 40,000 Units/Homes by The End of Q3 2025 in the U.S and Canada Through Retail and Pro Segments

MIAMI, Aug. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SKYX Platforms Corp. (NASDAQ: SKYX) (d/b/a SKYX Technologies) (the “Company” or “SKYX”), a highly disruptive platform technology company with over 100 pending and issued patents globally and over 60 lighting and home décor websites, with a mission to make homes and buildings become safe and smart as the new standard, today reported its financial and operational results for the Second quarter ended June 30, 2025.

Second Quarter 2025 Highlights and Recent Events

• Generated record Second quarter 2025 revenues of $23.1 million compared to $20.1 million for the first quarter of 2025.
• As of June 30, 2025, Company reported $15.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, as compared to $12.3 million as of March 31, 2025.
• As common with companies such as ours when sales are converted into cash rapidly, often referred to as the “Dell Working Capital Model”, the Company leverages its trades payable to finance its operations, to enhance its cash position and to lower its cost of capital.
• Management believes it has sufficient cash to achieve its goals including being cash flow positive in 2025.
• Net cash used in operating activities for the Second quarter ending June 30, 2025, decreased sequentially by 54% to $2.0 million compared to $4.3 million in the First quarter of 2025.
• The gross profit for the Second quarter ending June 30, 2025, increased sequentially by 23% to $7.0 million, compared to the First quarter ending March 31, 2025.
• The gross margin for the Second quarter ending June 30, 2025, increased sequentially by 7% to 30.3%, compared to the First quarter ending March 31, 2025.
• Entered into a major collaboration with a $3 billion mixed-use smart city development in the Little River District in the heart of Miami. SKYX has financial backing from U.S. and Global manufacturers to support its massive product deployment.
• SKYX is expected to deliver over 500,000 units of its advanced and plug & play smart home technologies addressing the 5,700 residential units, 350,000 square feet of retail and commercial space and a new $35 million Tri-Rail station.
• Announced demand surge towards the launch of its new disruptive patented all-in-one smart turbo heater and ceiling fan. This highly innovative product – integrating a ceiling fan with a built-in heater – is designed to address a massive market opportunity for all four seasons. The combined ceiling fan and portable heater category is a multi-billion-dollar market, with tens of millions of units sold annually in the U.S. alone.
• Announced a U.S. and global sales and marketing collaboration agreement with Parrot Uncle, a world leading ceiling fan and home décor manufacturer selling millions of fans globally with SKYX and Parrot Uncle jointly marketing SKYX’s disruptive technologies and products in the U.S. and to global markets including its patented all-in-one smart turbo heater & ceiling fan.
• Granted 8 newly issued U.S. and global patents with now over 100 patents and pending applications with 45 issued patents. Each of Company’s 100 patents and pending application is based on three major factors: 1. Safety, 2. Massive Addressable Market, and 3. Global Applications.
• Through the Second quarter of 2025, SKYX has secured additional equity, mainly through preferred stock with no warrants as part of a broader financing round totaling approximately $15 million to date, led by The Shaner Group, owner, and developer of more than 70 hotels worldwide.
• The $15 million broader round included substantial participation from company insiders, including SKYX President Steve Schmidt and Co-CEOs Lenny Sokolow and John Campi, underscoring their continued confidence in SKYX’s strategic vision and growth trajectory.
• Net loss per share decreased by $0.01 to $0.08 per share in the Second quarter of 2025 compared to $0.09 in the first quarter of 2025. Adjusted EBITDA loss per share, a non-GAAP measure, decreased to $0.02 per share in the Second quarter of 2025, as compared to $0.04 per share, in the First quarter of 2025.

 Market Acceptance and Recent Events:

• SKYX is continuing to grow its market penetration in the U.S. and Canada to both retail and pro segments through its e-commerce platform of 60 websites among other channels as described below.
• Collaborating with Home Depot for its advanced and smart plug & play products for both retail and professional segments. Company is in the process of growing its product assortment in Home Depot to offer a variety of its advanced plug & play smart products including ceiling fans, heater fans, light fixtures, EXIT signs, Emergency lights, ceiling outlet receptacles, recessed lights, downlights indoor and outdoor wall lights, retrofit kits, among others.
• Collaborating with Wayfair for Its Advanced and Smart Plug & Play Products for both retail and professional segments. SKYX’s product offering will include a variety of its advanced and Smart Plug & Play products including Retrofit Kits, Smart Light Fixtures, Smart Ceiling Fans, Ceiling Outlet Receptacles, Recessed Lights and more.
• Collaborating with U.S. and world leading lighting companies including Kichler Quoizel, European leading company, EGLO, and world lighting manufacturer Ruee.
• Collaborating with a new Miami $3 billion smart urban city. Expected to deploy over 500,000 units of its advanced smart plug & play products.
• Collaborated with Cavco Homes, a leading U.S. prefabricated home manufacturer, for integrating our advanced and smart plug & play technologies into Cavco’s high-end premium homes shown at the builder show. Cavco is a public company that has sold nearly one million homes and continues to deliver close to 20,000 annually.
• Three luxury developments by Forte Developments, including an 80-story high-rise in Miami’s Brickell District and projects in Clearwater Beach and Jupiter, Florida, will feature SKYX’s technology. More than 12,000 smart plug & play products, including ceiling outlets, lighting, fans, and emergency fixtures, will be supplied across 400+ units. A 1,000-unit mixed-use development by Jeremiah Baron Companies will incorporate smart plug & play technologies, with 140 units receiving initial product supply. This product rollout will include ceiling outlets, lighting, fans, and emergency fixtures, with deliveries continuing throughout construction.
• A strategic partnership with JIT Electrical Supply, a leading builder supplier, will expand SKYX’s footprint in electrical, lighting, and ceiling fan markets. JIT, which has supplied over 100,000 U.S. homes, will distribute SKYX’s lighting solutions, ceiling fans, recessed lights, emergency lights, exit signs, and indoor/outdoor wall lights beginning early 2025.
• Huey Long, former Amazon E-Commerce Director and executive at Walmart and Ashley Furniture, has joined as head of SKYX’s e-commerce platform. He will collaborate with the existing team to expand market penetration across 60 lighting and home décor websites and other key e-commerce channels in the U.S. and Canada.
• SKYX’s technologies provide opportunities for recurring revenues through interchangeability, upgrades, monitoring, and subscriptions. Company is focused on the “Razor & Blades” model and its product range includes its advanced ceiling electrical outlet (Razor) and its advance and smart home plug & play products (Blades) including its advance and smart home plug & play platform products, lighting, recessed lights, down lights, EXIT signs, emergency lights, ceiling fans, chandeliers/pendants, holiday/kids/themes lights, indoor/outdoor wall lights among other. Company’s plug & play technology enables an installation of lighting, fans, and smart home products in high-rise buildings and hotels within days rather than months.
  

Safety Standardization Mandatory Code / Insurance Specification and Recommendation

• SKYX’s code team, led by industry veterans Mark Earley, former head of the National Electrical Code (NEC), and Eric Jacobson, former President, and CEO of the American Lighting Association (ALA). Company’s safety Code Standardization team believes it will achieve assistance from additional safety organizations with its code mandatory safety standardization efforts based on the product’s significant safety aspects. Mr. Earley and Mr. Jacobson were instrumental in numerous code and safety changes in both the electrical and lighting industries. Both strongly believe that, considering the Company’s standardization progress including its product specification approval voting for by ANSI / NEMA (American National Standardization Institute / National Electrical Manufacturers Association) and being voted into 10 segments in the NEC Code Book, it has met the necessary safety conditions for becoming a ceiling safety standardization requirement for homes and buildings.
• Insurance Companies. Company strongly believes its products can save insurance companies many billions of dollars annually by reducing fires, ladder falls, and electrocutions among other things. Management expects that once it completes an entire range and variations of its safe advanced plug & play products it will start being recommended by insurance companies.
• SKYX – GE (General Electric) Global licensing agreement. To accommodate SKYX’s its code standardization and licensing strategy the Company has signed a 5-year global licensing agreement with GE to license its advanced and smart home platform technologies.
  

Select Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Revenue in the Second quarter of 2025 increased 15% and 8% to $23.1 million, including E-commerce sales as well as smart and standard plug and play products, as compared to $20.1 million and $21.4 million in the First quarter of 2025 and the Second quarter of 2024, respectively.

Net cash used in operating activities for the Second quarter ending June 30, 2025, decreased sequentially by 54% to $2.0 million compared to $4.3 million in the First quarter of 2025.

The gross profit for the Second quarter ending June 30, 2025, increased sequentially by 23% to $7.0 million, compared to the First quarter ending March 31, 2025.

The gross margin for the Second quarter ending June 30, 2025, increased sequentially by 7% to 30.3%, compared to the First quarter ending March 31, 2025.

Reported $15.7 million in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, as of June 30, 2025, as compared to $12.3 million as of March 31, 2025. As common with companies such as ours when their sales are converted into cash rapidly, often referred to as the “Dell Working Capital Model”, we leverage our trades payable to finance our operations to enhance our cash position and lower our cost of capital.

Through the Second Quarter of 2025, we secured additional equity, mainly through preferred stock investment with no warrants as part of broader financing round totaling approximately $15 million to date, led by The Shaner Group, owner and developer of more than 70 hotels worldwide as well as SKYX’s President Steve Schmidt and Co-CEOs Lenny Sokolow and John Campi, underscoring their continued confidence in SKYX’s strategic vision and growth trajectory.

For the Second quarter of 2025 Adjusted EBITDA loss, which is the loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, as adjusted for share-based payments, a non-GAAP measure, decreased to $2.6 million, or $0.02 per share, as compared to $3.6 million, or $0.04 per share, in the First quarter of 2025.

The Company’s financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, will be filed with the SEC and are available on the Company’s investor relations website. https://ir.skyplug.com/sec-filings/

Management Commentary

Company’s Management, Board members, and Senior Advisors include former CEO’s and executives from Fortune 100 companies including Nielsen, Microsoft, Disney, GE, Home Depot, Office Depot, Chrysler, among others.

The Company generated record Second quarter 2025 revenues of $23.1 million as compared to $21.4 million for the Second quarter of 2024.

We are encouraged by our path to the builder/commercial segments, large online and brick-and-mortar retail partners as well as our future potential to realize incremental licensing, subscription, and AI/data aggregation revenues.

Furthermore, our e-commerce website platform with 60 websites enhances the acceleration of marketing, distribution channels, collaborations, licensing, and sales to both professional and retail segments. Our websites include banners, videos, and educational materials regarding the simplicity, cost savings, timesaving, and lifesaving aspects of the Company’s patented technologies.

We believe we have accelerated our pace of sales with a robust gross margin profile, notably managing the cash burn of SKYX. Our e-commerce platform with over 60 websites is expected to continue providing additional cash flow to the Company.

Video link of SKYX’s Technologies: Link to video

About SKYX Platforms Corp.

As electricity is a standard in every home and building, our mission is to make homes and buildings become safe-advanced and smart as the new standard. SKYX has a series of highly disruptive advanced-safe-smart platform technologies, with over 100 U.S. and global patents and patent pending applications. Additionally, the Company owns over 60 lighting and home decor websites for both retail and commercial segments. Our technologies place an emphasis on high quality and ease of use, while significantly enhancing both safety and lifestyle in homes and buildings. We believe that our products are a necessity in every room in both homes and other buildings in the U.S. and globally. For more information, please visit our website at https://skyplug.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this press release are not based on historical facts, but are forward-looking statements. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “evaluate,” “forecast,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “objective,” “ongoing,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target” “view,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. These statements reflect the Company’s reasonable judgment with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which have outcomes difficult to predict and may be outside our control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include statements relating to the Company’s ability to successfully launch, commercialize, develop additional features and achieve market acceptance of its products and technologies and integrate its products and technologies with First-party platforms or technologies; the Company’s efforts and ability to drive the adoption of its products and technologies as a standard feature, including their use in homes, hotels, offices and cruise ships; the Company’s ability to capture market share; the Company’s estimates of its potential addressable market and demand for its products and technologies; the Company’s ability to raise additional capital to support its operations as needed, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s ability to execute on any sales and licensing or other strategic opportunities; the possibility that any of the Company’s products will become National Electrical Code (NEC)-code or otherwise code mandatory in any jurisdiction, or that any of the Company’s current or future products or technologies will be adopted by any state, country, or municipality, within any specific timeframe or at all; risks arising from mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and other collaborations; the Company’s ability to attract and retain key executives and qualified personnel; guidance provided by management, which may differ from the Company’s actual operating results; the potential impact of unstable market and economic conditions, including recent measures adopted by the federal government, on the Company’s business, financial condition, and stock price; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. There can be no assurance as to any of the foregoing matters. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by U.S. federal securities laws.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management considers earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, as adjusted, an important indicator in evaluating the Company’s business on a consistent basis across various periods. Due to the significance of non-recurring items, EBITDA, as adjusted, enables management to monitor and evaluate the business on a consistent basis. The Company uses EBITDA, as adjusted, as a primary measure, among others, to analyze and evaluate financial and strategic planning decisions regarding future operating investments and potential acquisitions. The Company believes that EBITDA, as adjusted, eliminates items that are not part of the Company’s core operations, such as interest expense and amortization expense associated with intangible assets, or items that do not involve a cash outlay, such as share-based payments and non-recurring items, such as transaction costs. EBITDA, as adjusted, should be considered in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, pre-tax income (loss), net income (loss) and cash flows used in operating activities. This non-GAAP financial measure excludes significant expenses that are required by GAAP to be recorded in the Company’s financial statements and is subject to inherent limitations. Investors should review the reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the comparable GAAP financial measure. Investors should not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate the Company’s business. 

Investor Relations Contact:

Jeff Ramson
PCG Advisory
jramson@pcgadvisory.com

Key Points: – Figma’s IPO surged 242%, pushing its market cap near $55B. – AI-powered tools, 46% revenue growth, and strong margins fuel investor demand. – CEO Dylan Field retains control and eyes future expansion, including M&A.

Figma Inc. stunned Wall Street on Thursday with a meteoric debut on the New York Stock Exchange, soaring 242% above its IPO price and closing in on a $55 billion valuation. The design software company raised $1.2 billion in its offering, marking one of the most explosive IPO launches in recent tech history.

Shares opened at $33 but quickly surged to over $112 before being halted twice for volatility. Demand was extraordinary—the IPO was more than 40 times oversubscribed, with many institutional investors receiving no allocation. The excitement vaulted Figma’s valuation well past the $20 billion figure from its canceled merger with Adobe in 2023, which had been derailed by regulatory scrutiny.

Founded in 2012 by Dylan Field and Evan Wallace, Figma has revolutionized web-based design tools, offering real-time collaboration across browsers. Over time, the platform has evolved beyond interface design to support development workflows, workplace collaboration, and, more recently, AI-driven prototyping. Its latest tool, Figma Make, turns user prompts into functioning design prototypes using artificial intelligence.

The IPO included 12.47 million shares sold by the company, while major early investors like Index Ventures and Greylock Partners offloaded 24.46 million shares. Based on the last trading price before halts, Figma’s fully diluted valuation—including employee stock options—exceeds $65 billion.

CEO Dylan Field, who controls over 74% of the company’s voting power through Class B shares, now holds a stake worth nearly $4.9 billion. His recently awarded 10-year “moon-shot” compensation package begins to vest only if the stock maintains a 60-day average above $60. At current prices, he’s well on his way to surpassing even the highest $130 performance hurdle.

Figma’s first-quarter performance was impressive, with 46% year-over-year revenue growth and a net income of $44.9 million on $228 million in revenue. Despite a full-year net loss of $732 million in 2024—largely due to increased R&D and expansion efforts—its 92% gross margin puts it ahead of many of its SaaS peers, giving it ample runway for aggressive growth.

With its public debut, Figma signals a revival in the IPO market, becoming the first major U.S. software company to go public since SailPoint in early 2025. Its successful auction-style order-taking process and investor enthusiasm are seen as green lights for other venture-backed tech firms contemplating IPOs this year.

As Figma eyes expansion, Field says M&A is on the table—but only if the team and culture align. “We’re just getting started,” he noted, emphasizing that public listing is not the end goal but a launchpad for broader ambitions.

The company now trades under the ticker symbol FIG on the NYSE. With demand red-hot and the AI design space heating up, Figma’s future appears as sharply defined as the interfaces it helps bring to life.

Key Points: – Microsoft surpasses $4 trillion in market cap after strong earnings and $75B Azure revenue. – Azure’s 34% growth highlights Microsoft’s central role in cloud and AI. – Tech rally continues as Nvidia, Meta, and Microsoft drive markets to new highs.

Microsoft has officially joined Nvidia in the exclusive $4 trillion market cap club, marking a historic milestone for the software giant and underlining the tech sector’s relentless momentum in 2025. Shares surged over 5% following a robust earnings report, which included impressive revenue growth and a major new disclosure: Azure, Microsoft’s cloud platform, generated more than $75 billion in annual revenue—a 34% jump year-over-year.

This leap not only reflects the growing dominance of cloud computing, but also Microsoft’s deepening foothold in artificial intelligence. Azure has become the backbone for countless AI tools and large language models developed by Microsoft, OpenAI, and other industry titans. It’s the first time Microsoft has reported Azure’s revenue in dollar terms, a move that underscores confidence in its scale and transparency.

Microsoft now joins Nvidia, which crossed the $4 trillion threshold earlier this month, as the top two performers on the tech leaderboard. The rise of both companies has displaced Apple from its long-standing top spot. Apple currently holds a market cap around $3.2 trillion, weighed down by concerns that it’s lagging in AI innovation—a stark contrast to the explosive growth seen at Microsoft and Nvidia.

The earnings report revealed Microsoft’s fastest revenue growth in over three years, up 18%, fueled largely by AI-integrated services across its ecosystem—from Azure to Copilot. This momentum helped push the Nasdaq and S&P 500 to fresh record highs, with Microsoft and Meta among the day’s biggest gainers.

Investor confidence in Microsoft is also riding high as the broader AI boom reshapes the market. Microsoft’s strategic investments and partnerships in generative AI, including its alliance with OpenAI, continue to pay dividends. The company is widely seen as a foundational player in AI infrastructure, not just through its software, but via the massive cloud computing power needed to support this new wave of intelligence-driven applications.

Meanwhile, Nvidia remains the biggest hardware beneficiary of the AI surge. Its GPUs power the vast majority of AI models and cloud-based inference engines, including those used by Microsoft. The synergy between the two companies has made them central pillars of this new technological era, where compute power and software intelligence go hand-in-hand.

The broader tech rally was also fueled by Meta, which saw its shares jump over 11% on strong earnings and guidance. The “Magnificent Seven” mega-cap tech firms continue to dominate market headlines and investor portfolios, with Microsoft and Nvidia at the forefront of this reshaping.

Looking ahead, Microsoft’s strong positioning in AI, continued cloud growth, and investor optimism could drive further gains. With tech still attracting the bulk of growth capital, and AI becoming more embedded in daily life and business, Microsoft’s $4 trillion valuation may just be the beginning of a new market era.

Wall Street’s confidence is building again as key analysts revise their year-end forecasts sharply upward, signaling optimism in equity markets. One of the most bullish views yet comes with a new S&P 500 target of 7,100 by the end of 2025—a level that would reflect a third consecutive year of 20%+ gains for the benchmark index. Driving this aggressive projection is fading concern over global trade tensions, recently stabilized by new tariff frameworks between the U.S. and the European Union. The return of corporate earnings strength and improved guidance across industries is further fueling the outlook.

Yet while risk appetite appears to be returning in equities, investor behavior in the commodities space tells a different story. Gold continues to hover above $3,000 per ounce, holding ground well above its average 2024 levels and confirming its role as a key hedge in the current economic climate. A recent Reuters poll of market professionals projects an average price of $3,220 for gold this year, with expectations pushing as high as $4,000 by the end of 2026 if fiscal uncertainty deepens.

The persistent strength in gold suggests investors are hedging more than just interest rate risk. Geopolitical instability, mounting national debt, and global currency diversification strategies—particularly among central banks—are reinforcing gold’s long-term value. Countries like China continue to add to their gold reserves, while confidence in the U.S. dollar as the dominant reserve currency faces renewed scrutiny.

Silver has joined the precious metals rally too, outperforming gold so far in 2025 with gains over 30% and flirting with the $40 mark for the first time in over a decade. Like gold, silver’s surge is being driven by both investor demand and fears surrounding fiscal policy, trade disruption, and central bank behavior. Analysts now project silver could reach an average of $38 per ounce next year, with spot market tightness and ETF inflows providing strong momentum—though some warn of short-term vulnerability if demand slows.

This complex environment raises questions for investors. On one hand, equity markets are being buoyed by stronger-than-expected earnings, renewed consumer activity, and stabilization of global trade policies. On the other, the rush into safe-haven assets like gold and silver—alongside inflationary pressures and ballooning deficits—suggests a current of caution running beneath the surface.

The S&P 500’s rally may reflect optimism about earnings growth and reduced short-term economic friction, but the ongoing strength in precious metals reminds us that deeper, unresolved risks remain. The juxtaposition of record equity prices and record gold prices illustrates a bifurcated sentiment: a market reaching for growth while bracing for the fallout of long-term fiscal imbalances.

As the second half of 2025 unfolds, both the bullish momentum in equities and the elevated levels of gold and silver will be closely watched. Whether this unusual alignment signals resilience or the calm before a shift in sentiment remains to be seen.

President Trump on Friday put the likelihood of a trade agreement with the European Union at “50-50,” casting a shadow over negotiations that had shown signs of momentum in recent weeks. With an August 1 deadline looming, both sides had expressed optimism that a deal could be reached, but Trump’s remarks suggest growing skepticism — or a last-minute negotiating tactic. The European Commission’s president is set to meet Trump this weekend at his golf course in Scotland in what may be a final push to secure an agreement.

Simultaneously, complications are surfacing in a newly announced trade deal with Japan. Just days after Trump unveiled the $550 billion Japanese investment and a baseline 15% tariff on Japanese imports, reports indicate that Tokyo and Washington are already at odds over how profits will be shared. Japan is seeking a structure tied to its sizable capital contribution, while U.S. negotiators insist on retaining as much as 90% of profits, citing regulatory, tax, and infrastructure advantages offered to foreign investors. The discord raises questions about whether this marquee deal can remain intact — or if it’s the first crack in what could become a patchwork of volatile trade relationships.

Trump’s comments come as the administration prepares to issue formal letters to over 200 nations, outlining revised tariff schedules that will reportedly range from 15% to 50% depending on the nature of each bilateral relationship. The President indicated that more punitive tariffs are likely for nations that have either resisted new trade talks or failed to reach favorable terms, singling out Canada as a continued source of frustration. He suggested a 35% tariff could be imposed on Canadian imports not protected under the USMCA agreement, reigniting tensions with one of America’s largest trading partners.

Elsewhere, new details emerged about recent U.S. deals with the Philippines and Indonesia. Both countries will see their exports to the U.S. hit with a 19% tariff, adding to the growing list of nations now operating under a Trump-era trade framework defined by high tariffs and deal-by-deal arrangements. Meanwhile, China remains in the mix, with Trump noting that the two sides now have the “confines of a deal” in place ahead of upcoming talks. Whether those talks produce meaningful outcomes or simply delay further escalation remains to be seen.

Taken together, this flurry of trade activity signals a significant reshaping of global commerce under Trump’s second term. With tariffs now functioning not only as economic tools but also as political levers, the landscape for investors is shifting rapidly. Industries tied to global supply chains — particularly those reliant on imports — could face tighter margins, delayed deliveries, and strategic realignment. On the flip side, the push for domestic manufacturing and reshoring may boost middle-market industrials, infrastructure firms, and logistics providers.

While the tone of Trump’s trade doctrine remains combative, the opportunities for agile investors are growing clearer. As countries jockey for favorable terms and multinationals rethink their sourcing strategies, small and mid-cap companies operating domestically could be among the biggest beneficiaries. Whether these deals hold or fall apart, one thing is certain: the age of blanket trade agreements is giving way to a more fragmented, transactional world economy — and that’s a game middle-market investors should be watching closely.

Key Points: – June home sales dropped 2.7% from May as mortgage rates remained near 7%. – Inventory rose nearly 16% year-over-year, yet prices hit a record $435,300. – High-end homes are driving sales growth while first-time buyers remain sidelined

The U.S. housing market continues to send mixed signals. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales for June fell 2.7% month-over-month to an annualized rate of 3.93 million units, surprising analysts who expected a much smaller decline. But despite softening demand, prices are still climbing — reaching a record-high median of $435,300.

For middle-market investors, this data presents both a challenge and a strategic opportunity.

Mortgage rates are the elephant in the room. At 6.77%, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has hovered near cycle highs since spring, discouraging both first-time buyers and move-up homeowners from entering the market. The result? Stagnant sales volumes and longer time on market — now averaging 27 days versus 22 this time last year.

And yet, home prices continue to rise. June marked the 24th straight month of year-over-year price increases, driven by a long-standing shortage in housing supply and resilient demand at the high end of the market.

The supply situation has improved modestly, with 1.53 million homes on the market — up nearly 16% from a year ago — but remains well below the level needed for a balanced market. With a current supply of just 4.7 months, the market still leans in favor of sellers, particularly in premium segments.

Sales of homes over $1 million rose 14%, while those priced under $100,000 dropped 5%. Homes between $100,000 and $250,000 were up 5%, suggesting some traction in mid-tier affordability brackets, though far from historical norms. First-time buyers accounted for just 30% of sales, well below the typical 40% share, underscoring affordability pressures in a high-rate environment.

So, what does this mean for investors focused on small- and mid-cap real estate opportunities?

It may be time to double down on targeted real estate plays — not just in residential development, but also in rental housing, home improvement suppliers, and regional banks with exposure to housing markets. Companies servicing the higher end of the housing spectrum, or those innovating around affordability, are poised to benefit as buyers adjust expectations and capital flows to where inventory and demand align.

Furthermore, the rise in cash transactions (29% of sales) suggests that liquidity remains strong in certain market segments, and that investors are still finding value — despite rate headwinds.

In a market where fundamentals are diverging, middle market investors should be looking beyond national headlines and focusing on regional trends, builder sentiment, and small-cap housing companies with healthy balance sheets and smart positioning.

While rising prices may be discouraging to homebuyers, they’re a reminder that the housing shortage is far from solved — and the companies working to close that gap could deliver long-term upside.

Key Points: – Opendoor shares surge nearly 95% as retail traders rally behind turnaround potential. – Market buzz fueled by comparisons to Carvana’s 100x rebound. – Rebound renews optimism for small-cap proptech firms navigating post-crisis recovery.

Shares of Opendoor Technologies (Nasdaq: OPEN) have soared nearly 95% in Monday trading, extending a jaw-dropping run that saw the online home-buying platform triple in value last week. The catalyst? A mix of bullish small-cap speculation, retail investor momentum, and echoes of past high-profile recoveries.

The sudden surge began after EMJ Capital’s Eric Jackson revealed his firm had taken a position in Opendoor, citing the potential for a “100-bagger” return — a term used to describe stocks with the potential to return 100 times the original investment. Jackson compared Opendoor’s situation to that of Carvana (CVNA), which went from the brink of collapse in 2023 to becoming one of the market’s biggest comeback stories.

Opendoor, once a darling of the real estate tech boom, had lost nearly 98% of its market cap since peaking at nearly $36 per share in early 2021. It had been teetering on the edge of delisting from the Nasdaq after trading below $1 for over 30 days this year. In a bid to remain listed, the company proposed a reverse stock split in June to artificially lift its share price — but that plan may now be unnecessary.

As of Monday, Opendoor shares had closed above $1 for four consecutive sessions, and were trading above $4 by midday — a potential lifeline to retain its Nasdaq listing and buy time for a true turnaround. This rally, although speculative in nature, brings fresh attention to the broader small-cap property technology (proptech) space.

The momentum gained steam in familiar territory: Reddit’s WallStreetBets community. Traders shared screenshots of their Opendoor positions and praised the stock’s volatility, pushing it deeper into meme stock status. While much of the price action has been driven by speculative enthusiasm, the fundamental hope lies in the company’s expected move into positive EBITDA territory in the coming earnings cycle — which could signal a shift from survival to sustainable growth.

For investors in the small and micro-cap space, Opendoor’s rebound offers a powerful reminder of the volatility — and opportunity — inherent in post-crisis tech sectors. As housing markets stabilize and interest rates gradually ease, companies that can operate leaner and show clear paths to profitability are regaining investor confidence.

This momentum has also put a spotlight on similar small-cap proptech and real estate platforms that are undervalued but show operational potential. While it’s unlikely most will see meme-like surges, Opendoor’s rally highlights a window of opportunity for middle-market investors to identify turnaround plays before institutions catch on.

Whether this rally marks a sustainable turnaround or a speculative detour, one thing is clear: the market is watching, and the appetite for underdog small caps is alive and well.

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

Jul 16, 2025, 07:00 ET

CALGARY, AB, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company“) announces that Obsidian Energy Ltd. (“Obsidian“) has provided the Company notice of a non-binding agreement between Obsidian and a third party in respect of the sale of all 9,139,784 common shares (“Common Shares“) in the capital of InPlay currently held by Obsidian (the “Third Party Offer“).

InPlay understands that the proposed price per Common Share under the Third Party Offer is in excess of the closing price of the Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of July 15, 2025. The sale of any Common Shares by Obsidian to the third party remains subject to numerous terms and conditions, including, without limitation, execution of a definitive agreement and the approval of the Company pursuant to its investor rights agreement with Obsidian. While negotiations are continuing, there is no assurance that any binding agreement will be entered into in the future or that any transaction will be completed. 

As a result of the Third Party Offer, Obsidian announced today that it will not launch its previously announced exchange offer to purchase up to approximately $10 million of its common shares for consideration consisting of Common Shares.  

InPlay does not intend to issue any further public updates regarding this matter unless the situation warrants or as may be required by applicable securities laws or stock exchange rules.

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

For further information please contact: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632; Kevin Leonard, Vice President, Business & Corporate Development, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 893-6804