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Tuesday, 28 July 2026

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Brown-Forman board says Sazerac unsolicited proposal not actionable

Brown-Forman board says Sazerac unsolicited proposal not actionable
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Baker Hughes (Nasdaq: BKR) reported second-quarter 2026 orders of $10.5 billion, up 29% sequentially and 49% year-over-year, with Industrial & Energy Technology (IET) orders at a record $7.1 billion. Revenue was $6.7 billion, up 2% sequentially and down 2% year-over-year, mainly due to prior PSI and SPC dispositions.

Net income attributable to Baker Hughes was $681 million, with GAAP diluted EPS of $0.68. Adjusted net income was $640 million and adjusted diluted EPS $0.64. Adjusted EBITDA reached $1,231 million. Operating cash flow was $1,345 million and free cash flow $1,109 million. RPO rose to $40.1 billion, including record IET RPO of $37.1 billion. The company closed the all-cash acquisition of Chart and agreed to sell Waygate Technologies for approximately $1.45 billion, while raising full-year IET order guidance and its 2026–2028 Horizon 2 IET orders outlook to more than $45 billion, according to Baker Hughes.

  • Total orders $10.5 billion, up 29% sequentially and 49% year-over-year
  • Record IET orders $7.1 billion and IET RPO $37.1 billion
  • Adjusted net income $640 million, up 12% sequentially and 3% year-over-year
  • Adjusted EBITDA $1,231 million, up 6% sequentially and 2% year-over-year
  • Free cash flow $1,109 million versus $210 million and $239 million in prior periods (F variance)
  • Closed all-cash acquisition of Chart and agreed Waygate sale for about $1.45 billion
  • Revenue $6.7 billion, down 2% year-over-year, mainly from PSI and SPC dispositions
  • GAAP net income $681 million, down 27% sequentially and 3% year-over-year
  • GAAP diluted EPS $0.68, down from $0.93 sequentially and $0.71 year-over-year
  • Inflation, lower volume, and business mix partly offset productivity and price benefits

Outlook Therapeutics (Nasdaq: OTLK) announced U.S. FDA approval of LYTENAVA™ (bevacizumab-vikg) as the first and only FDA-approved ophthalmic bevacizumab for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) in the United States. The ophthalmic formulation is developed specifically for intravitreal use in the eye and is supported by clinical evidence, validated manufacturing, approved labeling, and ongoing FDA oversight.

According to Outlook Therapeutics, the company anticipates 12 years of Reference Product Exclusivity under the BPCIA and is executing a U.S. commercial launch targeting the approximately $8.5 billion anti-VEGF retina market. LYTENAVA is expected to be available to eligible U.S. patients before year-end, with reimbursement and patient-assistance programs to support access. The product already holds marketing authorizations in the EU and UK for wet AMD.

  • First FDA-approved ophthalmic bevacizumab for wet AMD in U.S.
  • Anticipated 12 years of Reference Product Exclusivity under BPCIA
  • Targets estimated U.S. anti-VEGF retina market of about $8.5 billion annually
  • Planned U.S. availability of LYTENAVA™ for eligible patients before year-end
  • Existing EU and UK marketing authorizations for wet AMD expand geographic reach
  • Contraindicated in patients with ocular/periocular infections, active intraocular inflammation, or hypersensitivity to bevacizumab products
  • Warnings for risks including endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, intraocular pressure increases, and potential arterial thromboembolic events
  • Most common adverse reactions ≥1% include conjunctival hemorrhage (4%), eye pain (2%), vitreous floaters (2%)

Everbright Digital Holding Limited (NASDAQ: EDHL) has priced a public offering of 4,293,000 ordinary shares at $1.88 per share, for expected gross proceeds of approximately $8.07 million before fees and expenses. WestPark Capital is the sole placement agent, and the offering is expected to close on or about July 28, 2026, subject to customary conditions.

According to the company, net proceeds will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. The shares are offered under an effective Form F-1 registration statement (File No. 333-297089), with distribution solely by prospectus available from WestPark Capital or via the SEC website.

  • $8.07 million expected gross proceeds to strengthen liquidity
  • Equity sale of 4,293,000 shares at $1.88 per share priced
  • Registered offering under effective Form F-1 declared effective July 23, 2026
  • None.

RxSight (NASDAQ: RXST) reported that on July 24, 2026 it granted inducement equity awards to new President and CEO Aziz Mottiwala in connection with his employment. The awards include stock options for 571,286 shares at an exercise price of $5.19 and RSUs covering 2,312,138 shares.

The options vest 25% on the one-year anniversary of July 24, 2026, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over the following three years. The RSUs vest 20% on each of the first two anniversaries and 60% on the third anniversary. The grants were made under the 2026 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

  • 571,286 stock options granted at $5.19, equal to grant-date closing price
  • Time-based vesting over four years for options supports long-term leadership retention
  • RSU grant covering 2,312,138 shares vests over three years, aligning CEO with shareholder value
  • Awards made under 2026 Inducement Equity Incentive Plan in compliance with Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4)
  • Large equity awards of over 2.8 million shares represent significant share-based compensation over time

Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share on its Class A common stock. The dividend is payable on August 17, 2026, to shareholders of record as of August 7, 2026. According to Baker Hughes, the dividend is expected to be funded from cash generated from operations.

  • Quarterly dividend declared at $0.23 per Class A share
  • Dividend payment date set for August 17, 2026
  • Shareholder record date set for August 7, 2026
  • Dividend expected to be funded from cash generated from operations
  • None.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced that subsidiary Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has agreed a US$16.0 billion lease-and-lease-back partnership over its entire domestic and export crude oil pipeline network with a consortium led by Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR. A new Kuwaiti-incorporated joint venture will lease usage rights to 13 pipelines totaling about 320 km for 20.5 years, and grant KOC exclusive operational and maintenance rights in return for a volume-based tariff.

KOC will hold a 51% stake in the JV, while the consortium will own 49% on equal terms. The structure preserves KOC’s full ownership and operational control and imposes no restrictions on Kuwait’s production or refining volumes. The transaction is expected to generate US$7.85 billion of upfront proceeds for KOC at closing, supporting KPC’s capital expenditure and its target of crude oil production capacity of 4 million barrels per day by 2035. According to KPC, this is Kuwait’s largest energy infrastructure partnership and the largest foreign direct investment in the country’s history, and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

  • US$16.0 billion long-term lease-and-lease-back pipeline JV signed
  • JV expected to generate upfront proceeds of US$7.85 billion for KOC
  • KOC retains 51% JV stake and full operational control of pipelines
  • Consortium of Blackstone, Brookfield and KKR holds 49% on equal terms
  • Largest foreign direct investment in Kuwait’s history by committed value
  • 20.5-year volume-based tariff provides long-duration capital framework
  • Transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals

Brown-Forman (NYSE: BFA, BFB) announced that its Board of Directors has received an unsolicited proposal from Sazerac to acquire Brown-Forman and has determined that the proposal is not actionable. In reaching this conclusion, the Board considered the view of Wolf Pen Branch, LP, a group of Brown family members who represent the majority of Brown-Forman Class A shares.

Wolf Pen Branch, LP stated that it is confident in the company’s strength and competitive position and believes Brown-Forman is well-positioned to deliver long-term value, concluding that Sazerac’s proposal does not align with its vision. Chairman Marshall B. Farrer reiterated the Board’s confidence in Brown-Forman’s long-term growth and its focus on executing its strategic plan.

  • Majority Class A family shareholders back independence via Wolf Pen Branch, LP statement
  • Board reiterates long-term growth focus and commitment to executing strategic plan
  • Unsolicited Sazerac acquisition proposal deemed not actionable by Brown-Forman’s Board

ELEKTROS (OTC PINK: ELEK) outlined ongoing evaluations of strategic initiatives to support its long-term growth in the electric vehicle market. The company is exploring opportunities to enhance its lithium supply strategy and develop future EV charging infrastructure, with any actions remaining subject to definitive agreements, financing, regulatory approvals, and customary conditions.

According to Elektros, management is seeking relationships with U.S.-based lithium refineries that could process about five to ten containers of hard-rock lithium per month to strengthen domestic supply-chain capabilities. The company is also reviewing potential sites for roughly 10 to 15 branded high-speed charging stations, including a candidate location at a large parking facility next to a pizzeria. Elektros believes pairing convenient amenities with reliable charging may improve the customer experience and support disciplined, shareholder-focused growth over time.

  • None.
  • None.

American Rebel Holdings (OTC PINK: AREB) is expanding national visibility for American Rebel Light Beer at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways from July 24–26, 2026. The brand is primary sponsor of Leah Pruett’s American Rebel Light Top Fuel Dragster and a secondary sponsor on defending 2025 Seattle Funny Car champion Matt Hagan’s Dodge//SRT Hellcat, both fielded by Tony Stewart Racing.

According to the company, FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and FOX will provide national TV coverage of qualifying and final eliminations, delivering millions of impressions. American Rebel frames this NHRA activation as part of a broader strategy to build “America’s Patriotic Brand” and support distribution, retailer engagement, and long-term brand recognition for American Rebel Light Beer through motorsports and live events.

  • None.
  • None.