Swvl stock soars after securing $5.5 million UAE contract

Investing.com -- Fusemachines Inc. (NASDAQ:FUSE) stock surged 65.2% in premarket trading Monday after announcing a strategic partnership with ModulAIre, an IBM Platinum Partner, to deliver enterprise AI solutions to IBM-based environments.

The collaboration will integrate Fusemachines’ AI Studio into ModulAIre’s AI and data portfolio, enabling enterprises to design, build, deploy, and manage AI solutions more efficiently while leveraging IBM infrastructure. The partnership aims to help organizations transition from AI experimentation to production-ready, governed, and scalable AI systems.

Initially, the partnership will focus on industry-specific AI use cases where ModulAIre has extensive experience delivering solutions on IBM infrastructure. The companies will target high-impact challenges including operational efficiency, intelligent automation, predictive insights, and decision intelligence.

"Enterprises are looking for AI solutions that are production-ready and deliver measurable impact," said Sameer Maskey, CEO and Founder of Fusemachines. "With ModulAIre’s deep expertise in IBM technologies, we are offering unified, enterprise-grade AI solutions that are scalable, secure, and seamlessly integrated into IBM environments."

Fusemachines’ AI Studio is an end-to-end enterprise AI platform that accelerates the full AI lifecycle from data preparation to governance. ModulAIre specializes in delivering AI-enabled solutions across industries using IBM technologies, including IBM Cloud, Watson, and IBM’s data and integration platforms.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Investing.com -- Hain Celestial (NASDAQ:HAIN) shares rose approximately 12% to $1.36 in premarket trading Monday after the organic and natural products maker announced plans to sell its North American snacks business.

The company will sell the division to Snackruptors, a Canadian family-owned snacks manufacturer, for $115 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close by February 28.

Hain Celestial said the sale will allow it to focus on core categories and more profitable markets. Going forward, the company’s North American categories will include tea, yogurt, baby and kids products, and meal-preparation offerings.

"Proceeds from the transaction will be used to reduce debt, strengthening the company’s financial position and leverage profile," said CEO Alison Lewis.

The sale comes after Hain Celestial stock fell nearly 83% in 2025.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Investing.com -- Polestar Automotive Holding UK Plc A (NASDAQ:PSNY) stock rose 4.1% in premarket trading Monday following the announcement of a $400 million equity investment from two major financial institutions.

The Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer secured the funding from Feathertop Funding Limited, a special purpose vehicle consolidated to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, with each institution contributing $200 million. The transaction is expected to close by February 5, 2026, with no regulatory approvals required.

Under the agreement, both financial institutions have entered into put option arrangements with a Geely Sweden Holdings AB subsidiary, providing them with a potential exit path in three years with certain returns. The terms mirror Polestar’s previous equity financing arrangements announced in December 2025.

The investment price was set at $19.34 per Class A ADS, matching the December equity financing price. Following the transaction’s completion, neither financial institution will own more than 10% of Polestar’s outstanding equity, and they face no restrictions on selling their acquired shares beyond applicable securities laws.

"Following the new equity financing and the funding announcements in December, and with the support of Geely Holding, we continue to make progress on enhancing our liquidity position and strengthening our balance sheet," said Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO. "With a record year of retail sales behind us, we are fully focused on creating a stronger Polestar."

BofA Securities acted as Polestar’s exclusive financial advisor for the transaction.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Investing.com --BTIG upgraded McDonald’s to Buy from Neutral, saying changes to the company’s value strategy are driving steadier traffic growth and setting up a stronger sales and earnings recovery. Shares of the company are up 1.12% in Monday premarket trading.  

The firm said recent conversations with franchisees point to consistent gains in guest counts after McDonald’s increased discounts on Extra Value Meals and expanded $5 and $8 meal bundles.

Such moves are changing consumer perception back toward value leadership, following two years of pressure on traffic.

Fourth-quarter trends were strong, though January sales were disrupted by severe winter weather in parts of the U.S.

Snow and ice storms forced some restaurants to close early or shut for several days, weighing on same-store sales and traffic by several hundred basis points. BTIG said the underlying demand trend remained healthy and expects sales to recover as weather normalizes.

Macro tailwinds should also support demand, especially among lower-income consumers. Expectations for larger tax refunds in 2026 and reduced taxes on tips and overtime, should benefit quick-service restaurants that skew toward that customer base. BTIG analysts expect those factors to begin supporting comparable sales from February.

New product launches are potential catalysts, says BTIG. Franchisees indicated strong results from CosMc’s beverage tests in Denver and the upper Midwest, with a national rollout expected in the first half of 2026.

BTIG said the beverage platform could become a mid-single-digit same-store sales driver and improve margins. The firm also said McDonald’s is preparing to launch the Big Arch burger, a premium product previously tested internationally, in the U.S. as early as March.

BTIG said the combination of stronger traffic, a clearer value message and new menu platforms could deliver McDonald’s most meaningful earnings growth since 2023. It set a $360 price target, reflecting confidence in improving fundamentals despite recent volatility.

Investing.com -- InMode Ltd. (NASDAQ:INMD) stock rose 2.5% in Monday’s premarket trading after the company confirmed it is evaluating potential strategic alternatives.

The medical technology provider stated it has established a committee of independent directors to oversee the review process. This committee has retained independent legal and financial advisors to evaluate proposals, including any involving third parties or management affiliates.

The announcement comes amid market speculation, including reports about a non-binding proposal from Steel Partners Holdings L.P. to acquire 51% of InMode’s outstanding shares, as well as recent statements attributed to the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

InMode emphasized that there is no guarantee the review will result in any transaction or strategic outcome. The company also indicated it does not intend to comment further on the ongoing process unless required by law or regulation.

The Israel-based company, which specializes in developing and manufacturing devices using radio frequency technology for medical procedures, has not provided details about the timeline or specific options being considered in its strategic review.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Investing.com -- Northfield Bancorp Inc (NASDAQ:NFBK) stock surged 11.9% in premarket trading Monday after the company announced it will be acquired by Columbia Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLBK) in a deal valued at approximately $597 million.

The merger agreement, unanimously approved by both companies’ boards of directors, will create the third largest regional bank headquartered in New Jersey, with pro forma total assets of $18 billion based on financial data as of December 31, 2025.

Under the terms of the agreement, Northfield shareholders will receive either shares of Columbia’s newly formed holding company common stock or cash. The exchange ratio will be determined by an independent valuation, with shareholders receiving either 1.425 to 1.465 shares of the new holding company’s stock or $14.25 to $14.65 in cash per Northfield share, depending on the final valuation. Cash consideration is limited to 30% of outstanding Northfield shares.

Simultaneously with the merger, Columbia announced plans for a "second-step" conversion, transitioning from its current mutual holding company structure to a fully public stock holding company organization. Columbia will offer shares at $10.00 each, with depositors having first priority subscription rights.

"Northfield has built an excellent deposit franchise with a conservative credit culture, which makes it an ideal fit with Columbia and provides great opportunities for future growth," said Thomas J. Kemly, President and CEO of Columbia.

Following the merger, Kemly will continue as President and CEO of the combined entity, while Northfield’s Chairman, President and CEO Steven M. Klein will become Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

The transaction, expected to close early in the third quarter of 2026, is subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder votes from both companies. Columbia anticipates the merger will be 50% accretive to its 2027 earnings per share.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.