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RESTON, Va., Sept. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — V2X Inc., (NYSE: VVX), has been awarded a position on the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Cooperative Threat Reduction Integrating Contract IV (CTRIC IV). V2X is one of six recipients selected for this indefinite-deliver, indefinite-quantity contract, which carries a ceiling value of $3.5 billion over a five-year base period with five additional option years.

CTRIC IV supports the Department of Defense’s global Cooperative Threat Reduction program, which aims to reduce threats posed by weapons of mass destruction and related materials. Under this contract, V2X will execute current and future work to provide comprehensive support to counter and eliminate chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats worldwide.

“This award underscores our proven ability to support high-consequence missions on a global scale,” said Jeremy C. Wensinger, President and Chief Executive Officer of V2X. “With our global footprint and strong operational capabilities, we are well-equipped to deliver innovative solutions in support of DTRA’s mission, wherever they are needed. We’re honored to be selected for the CTRIC follow-on contract, which reflects our track record of success. We look forward to building on this momentum and expanding our impact through this opportunity.”

The CTRIC IV contract expands V2X’s presence in critical global threat reduction efforts and reinforces its role as a trusted partner in domestic and international defense initiatives.

About V2X
V2X builds innovative solutions that integrate physical and digital environments by aligning people, actions, and technology. V2X is embedded in all elements of a critical mission’s lifecycle to enhance readiness, optimize resource management, and boost security. The company provides innovation spanning national security, defense, civilian, and international markets. With a global team of approximately 16,000 professionals, V2X enables mission success by injecting AI and machine learning capabilities to meet today’s toughest challenges across all operational domains.

Investor Contact
Mike Smith, CFA
Vice President, Treasury, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
IR@goV2X.com
719-637-5773

Media Contact
Angelica Spanos Deoudes
Director, Corporate Communications
Angelica.Deoudes@goV2X.com
571-338-5195

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SOURCE V2X, Inc.

Gold surged past $3,700 an ounce for the first time in history on Tuesday, as investors doubled down on expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates this week and possibly keep easing into 2026.

The rally reflects a powerful mix of falling Treasury yields, political pressure on the Fed, and growing concerns that government debt is no longer a safe haven. The U.S. dollar dropped to its weakest level in more than 10 weeks, further boosting gold’s appeal.

Markets have already priced in a rate cut at this week’s Fed meeting, but the real focus is on the central bank’s quarterly economic projections and Chair Jerome Powell’s comments in the post-decision press conference. A series of weak labor market reports and stable inflation readings have strengthened the case for further cuts this year. Since gold does not pay interest, lower rates typically increase its attractiveness compared to bonds.

The political backdrop is also fueling the rally. President Donald Trump has openly pressured the Fed to move faster on monetary easing and has pushed to remove Governor Lisa Cook. Meanwhile, Stephen Miran, a senior economic advisor in the administration, is expected to join the central bank as soon as Tuesday. These developments have reinforced market expectations that monetary policy will stay accommodative in the months ahead.

So far this year, gold has climbed more than 40%, outperforming major assets like the S&P 500. The metal recently surpassed its inflation-adjusted peak from 1980, cementing its status as the safe-haven asset of choice during a time of uncertainty. Central bank buying and strong inflows into exchange-traded funds have added fuel to the rally.

Analysts warn that the move may only be the beginning. Goldman Sachs has suggested that if just 1% of privately held U.S. Treasuries were reallocated into gold, prices could surge toward $5,000 an ounce. For investors wary of ballooning government debt in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, gold has become the natural alternative.

Other precious metals have also seen movement: silver rose to its highest price in 14 years, while platinum and palladium slipped.

With gold setting fresh records and momentum accelerating, markets are now watching whether the Fed’s tone confirms what traders already believe: that a new era of monetary easing has begun. If so, the path toward even higher levels of gold could already be set.

For more context on why investors are shifting away from government debt and piling into gold, read our in-depth analysis from last week here.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has officially crossed the $3 trillion market capitalization threshold, becoming the fourth U.S. company to reach the milestone. Shares jumped more than 4% on Monday, propelling the tech giant into an elite group alongside Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia.

The rally marks a historic moment for the company, which debuted on the stock market a little over 20 years ago and restructured as Alphabet a decade ago. This latest achievement comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, and intense competition in the tech sector.

Alphabet’s surge in September was fueled in large part by a favorable antitrust ruling. While a federal district court had previously found that Google held an illegal monopoly in search and advertising, the U.S. Department of Justice had pushed for harsher penalties, including a potential divestiture of the Chrome browser.

Judge Amit Mehta, however, stopped short of imposing the most severe remedies. That decision was viewed positively by investors, eliminating fears of a major breakup and giving Alphabet shares room to climb to record highs.

The judgment was celebrated not only by Wall Street but also drew national attention, with President Donald Trump publicly congratulating the company and calling it “a very good day.”

Alphabet’s $3 trillion valuation underscores its dominant role in the digital economy. The company has continued to grow despite facing challenges from emerging players in artificial intelligence, such as OpenAI and Perplexity, while also navigating increasing scrutiny from regulators in the U.S. and Europe.

CEO Sundar Pichai, who took over leadership of Alphabet in 2019, has steered the company through rapid industry change, balancing its core dominance in search and digital advertising with heavy investments in AI, cloud computing, and next-generation consumer technologies.

Alphabet’s shares are up more than 30% this year, more than double the Nasdaq’s 15% gain over the same period. The milestone reinforces its status as one of the most influential companies in the world, with billions of users relying on its products daily.

Alphabet’s achievement comes in a year when tech has dominated global markets. Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft have all benefited from AI-driven growth, hardware innovation, and strong investor appetite for large-cap technology stocks. Alphabet’s entry into the $3 trillion club signals continued investor confidence that the company will remain at the center of technological transformation in the decade ahead.

With its valuation now cementing it as one of the world’s most valuable firms, Alphabet faces the dual challenge of maintaining growth while navigating ongoing regulatory battles and increasing competition. For investors, the latest milestone highlights both the resilience of Alphabet’s business model and its ability to adapt to a rapidly changing technology landscape.

California Resources Corporation (NYSE: CRC) and Berry Corporation (NASDAQ: BRY) announced today that they will merge in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $717 million, including Berry’s net debt. The deal, unanimously approved by both companies’ boards, is set to create a more efficient, financially robust leader in California’s energy sector.

Under the agreement, Berry shareholders will receive 0.0718 shares of CRC common stock for each Berry share owned, representing a 15% premium based on the companies’ closing stock prices on September 12, 2025. Once completed, CRC shareholders will own roughly 94% of the combined company, while Berry investors will hold about 6%.

The merger values the combined entity at more than $6 billion and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. CRC’s executive management team will lead the unified company from its headquarters in Long Beach, California.

CRC President and CEO Francisco Leon emphasized that the merger strengthens the company’s portfolio by adding high-quality, oil-weighted reserves, while positioning it to generate higher free cash flow. The combined company expects to produce approximately 161,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (81% oil) based on second-quarter 2025 figures and hold nearly 652 million barrels of proved reserves.

Berry brings with it not only valuable oil and gas assets in California and Utah but also ownership of C&J Well Services, an oilfield services subsidiary. This unit is expected to enhance CRC’s operational efficiency, support well maintenance, and help mitigate future cost pressures.

The deal is priced at about 2.9x enterprise value to 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDAX and is expected to be immediately accretive to free cash flow and net cash from operations. CRC anticipates generating annual synergies of $80–90 million within 12 months of closing, with half of those savings expected to be realized in the first six months.

Both companies stressed that the transaction maintains financial strength, with the combined entity projected to carry less than 1.0x leverage. Approximately 70% of expected second-half 2025 oil production will be hedged at a Brent floor price of $68 per barrel, providing a layer of stability amid commodity market volatility.

Beyond California, Berry’s large position in Utah’s Uinta Basin — about 100,000 net acres — adds strategic optionality and development potential for CRC. Four recently drilled horizontal wells in the basin are already producing significant volumes, with peak output expected in the coming weeks.

Berry’s Board Chair Renée Hornbaker highlighted that the merger strengthens both companies’ ability to deliver reliable, affordable energy to California while creating long-term shareholder value.

The transaction underscores a trend of consolidation within the energy sector as companies look to scale up, cut costs, and position themselves for a changing regulatory and market environment.

Friday, September 05, 2025

For more than 45 years, 1-800-Flowers.com has offered truly original floral arrangements, plants and unique gifts to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, everyday occasions, and seasonal holidays, and to deliver comfort during times of grief. Backed by a caring team obsessed with service, 1-800-Flowers.com provides customers thoughtful ways to express themselves and connect with the most important people in their lives. 1-800-Flowers.com is part of the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. family of brands. Shares in 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, ticker symbol: FLWS.

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

Jacob Mutchler, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Weak Q4 results. Fiscal Q4 revenues declined 6.7% to $336.6 million, roughly in line with our $338.0 million estimate. Adj. EBITDA loss of $24.2 million was larger than our loss estimate of $20.5 million. The quarter benefited by the Easter shift from Q3 a year earlier into Q4 this year. Gross margins declined 290 basis points from the year earlier quarter, in part, due to a highly promotional sales environment. 

Reimagining its business. Management indicated that it is seeking an omnichannel approach to target customers, including opening storefronts, and broadening its reach beyond its own e-commerce sites. The company plans to lower its operating costs beyond the earlier announced $40 million in annualized costs, of which $17 million of annualized costs reductions were achieved in Q4. 

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U.S. stocks slipped on Friday as investors locked in profits heading into the long weekend, but the pullback wasn’t enough to erase August’s gains. The S&P 500 retreated 0.7% after notching a fresh record earlier in the week, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 1.2% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 123 points, or 0.3%.

Despite the losses, August remains another winning month for equities. The Dow is tracking a roughly 3% gain, the S&P 500 is up nearly 2%, and the Nasdaq has advanced more than 1%. That would mark the fourth consecutive month of gains for the broad market index, underscoring investor resilience even as inflation data and policy uncertainty remain in focus.

A key driver of Friday’s caution was the latest reading of the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) rose 2.9% year-over-year in July, matching expectations but accelerating from the prior month. The increase, the highest since February, highlighted ongoing price pressures just as the Fed prepares for its September policy meeting.

While inflation remains sticky, market consensus still points to a rate cut next month. Analysts note that the Fed is increasingly balancing inflation concerns against signs of cooling in the labor market. For now, many strategists believe the central bank will move forward with a cut, although the pace and magnitude of easing remain open questions.

Friday’s weakness also came against the backdrop of strong recent performance, leading some to view the decline as simple profit-taking. The S&P 500 had just closed above the 6,500 level for the first time, and investors often trim positions after fresh highs ahead of holiday weekends.

Earnings season added another layer to the cautious mood. Nvidia, which recently reported 56% revenue growth and reaffirmed its position at the center of the AI trade, slid 3% as traders digested headlines about China’s Alibaba developing a more advanced chip. The update raised questions about long-term competition and underscored the geopolitical risks surrounding U.S. technology exports.

Elsewhere, tariff worries resurfaced after Caterpillar warned of a potential $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion hit this year from new U.S. trade measures. Retailer Gap also flagged pressure on profits, highlighting how trade policy remains a headwind for corporate America.

Looking ahead, September looms as a potential test for the rally. Historically, the month has been the weakest for stocks, with the S&P 500 averaging a 0.7% decline since 1950, according to The Stock Trader’s Almanac. Bespoke Investment Group notes that the index has posted especially lackluster September performances over the past decade.

Still, momentum heading into the new month suggests investors are willing to look past near-term headwinds. With inflation cooling gradually, the Fed leaning toward easing, and earnings broadly holding up, the market may find support even as seasonal trends turn less favorable.

Fresh inflation data released Friday, August 29, 2025, showed that prices ticked higher in July but remained in line with forecasts, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve will move forward with an interest rate cut in September.

The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, showed that core prices—excluding food and energy—rose 2.9% year-over-year, the highest since February and up from 2.8% in June. On a monthly basis, core PCE climbed 0.3%. The headline index increased 2.6% annually and 0.2% month-over-month.

While inflation is still running above the Fed’s 2% target, the pace was anticipated by markets, easing fears of a policy shift. Energy costs declined 2.7% from a year earlier, while food prices rose just 1.9%. Services remained the main driver of inflation, advancing 3.6% compared with a modest 0.5% increase in goods.

Despite higher prices, consumer activity remained resilient. Personal spending grew 0.5% in July, matching forecasts, while personal income rose 0.4%. The strength in household demand suggests that U.S. consumers continue to support the economy even as tariffs and price pressures persist.

The figures indicate that recent tariff measures imposed by President Donald Trump, including a 10% baseline levy on imports and reciprocal duties on key trading partners, are filtering through the economy but not yet significantly curbing demand.

While inflation remains slightly elevated, policymakers have shifted their focus to the labor market. Payroll data for July revealed slower job creation and downward revisions to previous months, raising concerns that employment growth may be softening more sharply than anticipated. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted last week that both labor supply and demand are cooling, increasing the risk of higher unemployment.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller reiterated his support for a 25-basis-point cut in September, noting that downside labor risks outweigh modest inflation pressures. He added that he would consider a larger move if August employment data, due September 5, shows further weakening.

Markets continue to price in a strong likelihood of a September 17 rate cut, with traders expecting a quarter-point reduction. Analysts suggest that unless upcoming inflation releases—such as the Producer Price Index (PPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) in mid-September—surprise sharply to the upside, policymakers will move ahead with easing.

Equities remained under pressure following the release, with the S&P 500 down around 0.7% in midday trading. Treasury yields held firm, reflecting expectations for lower borrowing costs in the months ahead.

For investors, the Fed’s path suggests a supportive environment for equities, particularly small- and mid-cap firms that benefit most from lower financing costs. Fixed income markets may also find support as yields adjust lower. Meanwhile, commodities such as gold are likely to retain a bid, with lower rates reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.

The bottom line: while inflation remains above target, the Fed appears set to prioritize employment risks, keeping September’s policy meeting squarely on track for a rate cut.

The U.S. government’s surprise move to take a nearly 10% stake in Intel has raised fresh questions about whether similar investments could be directed toward defense contractors. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick signaled this week that defense remains a central area of discussion, citing its deep ties to government funding and its strategic importance to national security.

The comments sent shares of major defense primes such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman higher, underscoring how sensitive the sector is to policy developments. But beyond the established giants, investors are now weighing whether small-cap defense firms could become the next beneficiaries of heightened federal interest.

Unlike the household names of the defense world, many smaller contractors play critical yet less visible roles in the military supply chain. These firms often specialize in advanced components, niche technologies, cybersecurity solutions, or unmanned systems. With Washington openly considering how to finance munitions acquisitions and strengthen industrial capacity, smaller players could find themselves on stronger footing.

For small-cap stocks, the potential upside comes from two angles. First, government scrutiny of prime contractors could create opportunities for subcontractors to capture a greater share of defense budgets. If policy shifts encourage more competition in procurement, companies developing next-generation drones, satellite systems, or precision components could see contracts flow their way. Second, direct or indirect investment by the U.S. could help shore up balance sheets and provide access to growth capital that is often scarce in the sector.

The Intel deal also signals a broader shift in Washington’s approach to industrial policy. By taking an equity stake rather than simply providing subsidies, the government aligned its financial interests with a major company’s success. If similar mechanisms are applied in defense, even at smaller scales, it could transform the risk–reward profile for publicly traded small-cap contractors. Investors would be betting not just on execution, but on the implicit backing of federal policy.

Still, risks remain. The defense sector is highly regulated, and the prospect of deeper government involvement raises questions about oversight and shareholder rights. The Intel deal gave the U.S. no board seat or governance role, but uncertainty lingers over how similar arrangements might play out in defense. Additionally, defense budgets are subject to political cycles, making small-cap firms vulnerable to swings in appropriations and shifting strategic priorities.

Market reaction to Lutnick’s remarks illustrates how policy talk alone can move stocks, but investors should be cautious about reading too much into early signals. Large primes like Lockheed Martin remain deeply entrenched as key suppliers, and any structural changes would take time to ripple through the industry. For smaller contractors, however, the current environment could present a rare window of opportunity.

If the government follows through on exploring new financing models for defense, small-cap stocks could benefit disproportionately, gaining visibility, liquidity, and growth momentum. For investors willing to tolerate the volatility, Lutnick’s comments may have opened the door to a new chapter in defense-sector investing—one where the biggest opportunities lie not only with the giants, but with the up-and-coming firms that keep the supply chain moving.

Crescent Energy Company (NYSE: CRGY) has struck a $3.1 billion all-stock deal to acquire Vital Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTLE), positioning the combined business as one of the top 10 independent oil and gas producers in the United States. The merger, unanimously approved by both companies’ boards, will establish a scaled operator with a strategy anchored in free cash flow generation, disciplined capital allocation, and shareholder returns.

The agreement values Vital at a modest premium, with its shareholders receiving 1.9062 shares of Crescent Class A common stock for each Vital share. Upon closing, Crescent shareholders will own roughly 77% of the combined entity, while Vital investors will hold about 23%. The deal, inclusive of Vital’s net debt, represents a significant consolidation move in the energy sector, with closing targeted by year-end 2025 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The transaction is framed as accretive across all major financial metrics, with Crescent projecting $90 million to $100 million in annual synergies right out of the gate. The company also sees room for additional efficiencies as operations are integrated. The deal strengthens Crescent’s already formidable position in the Eagle Ford, Permian, and Uinta basins, giving it more than a decade of high-quality drilling inventory and greater flexibility in capital deployment.

Management emphasized that the acquisition fits squarely within Crescent’s long-standing strategy: acquiring assets at attractive valuations, running them with lower activity levels, and emphasizing free cash flow and sustainable shareholder returns. The merger will also advance Crescent’s goal of sharpening its balance sheet, supported by a $1 billion pipeline of planned non-core asset sales.

The combined company is expected to become the largest U.S. liquids-weighted producer without an investment-grade rating, but Crescent’s leadership underscored its line of sight toward achieving that milestone in the coming years. With the expanded scale and diversified asset base, executives believe the business will be better positioned to weather commodity cycles while maintaining peer-leading dividends.

For Vital, the deal represents both recognition of its progress and an opportunity to accelerate growth. By merging into Crescent’s platform, Vital gains access to broader capital allocation flexibility and a proven framework for free cash flow optimization. The addition of Vital’s resources is anticipated to further strengthen Crescent’s ability to generate stable returns even as the energy sector faces volatility in prices and regulatory pressures.

Governance of the new company will reflect the integration, with Crescent expanding its board to 12 members, including two directors from Vital. John Goff will remain Crescent’s non-executive chairman, and David Rockecharlie will continue as chief executive officer. Headquarters will stay in Houston, reinforcing Crescent’s position as a central player in the U.S. energy heartland.

With U.S. oil and gas companies under increasing pressure to deliver efficiency and capital discipline, this merger highlights the ongoing consolidation trend across the sector. By combining two mid-cap operators into a top-tier independent, Crescent is betting that scale, synergies, and a relentless focus on free cash flow will be the winning formula for long-term shareholder value.

Markets are experiencing a rare moment in financial history. Nearly every major benchmark or asset class is sitting at record levels — from the Dow Jones and Nasdaq to gold, Bitcoin, housing values, rents, IPOs, and merger activity. Even the U.S. national debt has climbed to historic highs. The only notable exception is the Russell 2000 small-cap index, which has lagged behind its larger-cap peers.

This convergence of highs across so many areas raises critical questions: Is this sustainable, and where should investors look next?

At the heart of the rally is anticipation. Inflation has eased enough for Wall Street to believe the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates in the coming months. Markets tend to price in expectations before policy changes occur, which explains why equities, real estate, and digital assets have surged despite borrowing costs still being elevated.

Corporate strength is also contributing. Tech giants continue to deliver outsized earnings, fueling growth in the Nasdaq, while strong balance sheets across industries are powering mergers and acquisitions at a record pace. Investors aren’t just chasing momentum; they’re betting on resilient fundamentals.

Interestingly, the surge is not limited to risk assets. Gold and Bitcoin, often viewed as hedges against uncertainty, have also reached record highs. That signals investors are not fully comfortable with the backdrop of ballooning U.S. debt, currency volatility, and geopolitical tensions.

In short, markets are climbing on optimism — but they’re also hedging.

The biggest challenge is valuation. Equities trading at record levels are vulnerable if earnings slow or if rate cuts fail to materialize. Housing markets, while supported by supply shortages, remain stretched on affordability. IPOs and M&A often peak late in a cycle, suggesting companies may be capitalizing on favorable conditions before they shift.

The Federal Reserve is the wild card. If policymakers cut rates in September as many expect, small-cap stocks — represented by the Russell 2000 — could see sharp gains. These companies are more sensitive to borrowing costs and have lagged during the tightening cycle. Conversely, if the Fed holds rates steady or signals fewer cuts, markets could face a correction.

Where Investors Should Look

Given the uncertainty, balance is essential. Investors might consider:

• Small Caps (Russell 2000): The one major index not at record highs, offering upside potential if rates decline.
• Defensive Dividend Stocks: Companies with consistent cash flow in healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities provide resilience.
• Gold and Bitcoin: Effective hedges amid debt concerns and potential dollar weakness.
• Global Diversification: International markets, many of which trade at lower valuations, offer opportunity.
• Cash and Treasuries: With attractive short-term yields, keeping dry powder for potential volatility makes sense.

Markets are in uncharted territory, with nearly everything at record highs. Optimism about rate cuts and earnings strength is driving the surge, but stretched valuations and policy uncertainty suggest caution. Investors who balance growth exposure with hedges and defensive positions may be best positioned for what comes next.