Latest news with #Seligman
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund's Comment on Bloom Energy (BE)
Columbia Threadneedle Investments, an investment management company, released its 'Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund' first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. During the first period, the U.S. equity market declined and underperformed compared to its global developed-market counterparts. The fund's Institutional Class shares returned -12.71% in the quarter, compared to –11.93% return for the MSCI World Information Technology Index-Net. In addition, you can check the fund's top 5 holdings for its best picks for 2025. In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund highlighted stocks such as Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE). Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) engages in the design, manufacture and installation of solid-oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power generation. The one-month return of Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) was 18.20%, and its shares gained 65.64% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On June 25, 2025, Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) stock closed at $21.60 per share, with a market capitalization of $5.016 billion. Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund stated the following regarding Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) in its Q1 2025 investor letter: "The fund held an off-benchmark position in Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE), which manufactures solid oxide fuel cells that produce electricity and provide an alternative, non-traditional source of energy. Our investment thesis on Bloom is that its technology offers a solution to the electricity shortage that overhangs new AI data-center construction in the U.S. and around the world. Bloom's fuel cells plug into a natural gas line that fits on a data center's campus without taking up much real estate, and the company can ramp up power delivery quicker than other energy providers. Bloom's stock price bounced back after moving lower following the DeepSeek announcement. A concern was that if companies could develop AI models that use fewer chips and therefore less energy, the need for more energy to power data centers could wind down. Despite Bloom's stock price bouncing back in February, the stock ultimately moved lower during the quarter due to volatility at the end of March, in line with the majority of the equity market." A bird's eye view of a power generation platform with a power plant in the background. Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 44 hedge fund portfolios held Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) at the end of the first quarter, which was 42 in the previous quarter. In the first quarter of 2025, Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) generated revenue of $326 million, reflecting a 39% year-over-year increase. While we acknowledge the potential of Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is as promising as NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the undervalued AI stock set for massive gains. In another article, we covered Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) and shared the list of best hydrogen and fuel cell stocks to buy according to analysts. Columbia Seligman Global Technology Fund commented on Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) in the previous quarter. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. While we acknowledge the potential of BE as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Montreal Gazette
04-06-2025
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Dunlevy: Mile End summer won't be the same without Marché des possibles
By Montreal Gazette Contrary to the implied promise of its name, Mile End's Marché des possibles will not be possible this summer. Since 2014, the weekly outdoor gathering had brought together artists, music acts, local craftspeople, businesses and residents in an array of otherwise desolate lots in and around Entrepôt 77 on the neighbourhood's northern tip. But on Monday, POP Montreal announced on social media, 'with a heavy heart,' that the event would not return this year because of a lack of funding. 'It's not a good feeling,' said POP Montreal director Dan Seligman, noting Marché des possibles 'provides a space and opportunity for a lot of up-and-coming musicians and community groups. 'It was a really collaborative project. We did some programming, but most of the programming was done through different community organizations and up-and-coming promoters. We had all kinds of stuff, from dance performances to markets to punk rock shows, DJs. It was fun. It's a great space. People loved it.' POP Montreal obtained funding and provided the infrastructure for the laid-back and much-loved event, including sound equipment, tents, tables, storage facilities, bar and portable toilets, as well as staffing and security. With no permanent structures to rely on, much of the setup had to be taken down each night. All of that costs money, which POP Montreal secured through various sources. The budget for Marché des possibles is separate from POP's annual festival activities, and this year everything dried up. 'We had a grant through (the Department of Canadian Heritage) for the last three editions,' Seligman explained. 'That allowed us a decent amount of money to produce the event. We got a bit of money from the Plateau Mont-Royal and had a couple of sponsors.' The heritage department funding, however, was for new projects. The POP team had applied for it again by attempting to find novel initiatives and ways to present Marché des possibles, but the application was turned down. 'We were holding off to hear about that before making any decisions, but the other sources of funding just weren't there,' Seligman said. 'And without that grant, it was just too hard to pull off. There was not enough money to make it happen on our end. 'For the first few years, we did it, but it was much more DIY (do it yourself); we did get a bit of money, but it was much looser and more of an investment on our part.' Over the past half decade, POP Montreal began investing more in Marché des possibles and paying the artists involved, leading to increased costs and funding needs. 'To go back to having a free stage without paying anyone didn't make sense,' Seligman said. Marie Plourde's jaw dropped when she learned of Marché des possibles' cancellation last Thursday. The Projet Montréal councillor for Mile End had the original idea for the event back in 2013, when she contacted Seligman to make it happen. 'It's my baby,' she said. The concept came to her after the birth of her daughter, as she was seeking options for outings she could bring her kid to in the neighbourhood. 'I'm from a thriving cultural universe,' said the former MusiquePlus VJ and media personality. 'I felt cut off from that world, because I had my baby and couldn't bring her. I said, 'Man, how can it be we don't have a family-friendly cultural and community event in Montreal, in the spirit of the Brooklyn Night Market?'' Plourde is determined to help bring Marché des possibles back in some shape or form. On Monday morning, she sent a letter to Heritage Minister Steven Guilbeault to see what could be done. 'I hope to obtain an answer as to whether there's still a way to do something this summer, if not, next summer,' she said. If not, she will look into possibilities for creating smaller events from the Plateau Mont-Royal's cultural budget. Either way, she vowed, 'for sure this is not the end of Marché des possibles.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Attorney David Seligman joins 2026 race for Colorado attorney general
Attorney David Seligman is running for Colorado attorney general in 2026. (Courtesy of David Seligman) Worker and consumer rights attorney David Seligman, executive director of the Denver-based progressive legal nonprofit Towards Justice, will join the 2026 race to be Colorado's next attorney general. Seligman, a Democrat, told Newsline Colorado voters need to know that he is 'new to politics, but I'm not new to this work.' He said he's spent his entire career 'fighting for regular people' in Colorado and across the country, and the role of attorney general is an extension of that work. 'I've seen how there are two sets of laws in this country — one for the rich and powerful and one for everybody else, and right now those problems are more acute than ever,' Seligman told Newsline. 'We're seeing the Trump administration and his billionaire backers dismantle the parts of the federal government that are really essential to protecting workers and consumers and small businesses and the environment, and now more than ever we need state AGs that not only are going to fill in the void left by the federal government, but that are going to fight for a better world.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Towards Justice represented a Colorado grocery store worker in a lawsuit against Kroger and Albertsons alleging the companies illegally colluded by entering into a 'no poach' agreement amid a 2022 strike against King Soopers. Seligman's organization also represented UCHealth patients who alleged a third-party collections vendor's lawsuits against patients of the hospital violated state law. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is term-limited and announced he will run for Colorado governor in 2026. The Democrat joined a growing number of legal challenges to Trump administration policies. Seligman said Weiser has done 'a terrific job of fighting back against the abuses of the Trump administration,' but he thinks 'we need to double down even more' to protect the rights of Colorado consumers and workers. He said the office of attorney general 'can be put back on the side of regular people' and 'make people's lives better' while also challenging actions from the Trump administration. Early supporters for Seligman's campaign include some of the Colorado Legislature's most progressive members. Supporters include Colorado state Sens. Julie Gonzales and Mike Weissman, House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, House Majority Whip Elizabeth Valesco, Denver City Council member Sarah Parady, and state Reps. Meg Froelich, Lorena Garcia, Javier Mabrey, Emily Sirota, Steven Woodrow and Yara Zokaie, according to the campaign. 'Our campaign will be based on renewed hope that we can and will hold powerful, corrupt interests accountable and make them play by the same rules as the rest of us, so that regular people have a fighting chance to achieve the American dream we all seek,' Seligman said in a statement announcing his run. The attorney general heads the Colorado Department of Law and oversees enforcement of consumer protection and antitrust laws, defends state laws in legal challenges, and advocates for law enforcement and community safety. Other Democrats running for attorney general include Secretary of State Jena Griswold, Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty and former speaker of the Colorado House of Representatives Crisanta Duran. Conner Peddington is the only Republican candidate to file paperwork in the race so far. Primary elections to decide party nominees for state offices will be held in June 2026. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Case For Terminal Optimism In An Unpredictable World
Flight is for optimists. getty Running a company is a full-contact sport, and even the victor rarely leaves the arena unbruised. No era has underscored that reality more than the mid-2020s, when the world seems intent on lobbing one curveball at us after another. Whether it's emerging from a global pandemic, confronting supply chain chaos or grappling with the ramifications of a trade war, leaders are on the hook for finding ways to maintain profitability and morale while the ground constantly shifts beneath their feet. It's been over a decade since Nassim Nicholas Taleb taught us the importance of embracing anti-fragility and acknowledging that Black Swans are much more common than we think. But while many corporate leaders can talk the theory of anti-fragility, only a select cohort truly embody a posture that not only survives but actually thrives during crises. One unifying trait that they share is strategic optimism: a decidedly positive outlook that helps them cut through the noise, isolate what matters, and steer their organizations forward even when others around them see no path forward. Mind you, this form of optimism isn't about slapping a smiley face on dire circumstances and forging ahead. Rather, optimism, when properly deployed, blends realism with a genuine refusal to get lost in negativity, much of which is unwarranted even in the worst of scenarios. By framing adversity as solvable puzzles rather than insurmountable barriers, these leaders encourage their teams to stay creative, strategic, and adaptive where others have long since given up. Psychologist Martin Seligman, known for his work on learned helplessness and positive psychology, has shown that people who frame events optimistically are more likely to persist in challenging tasks, bounce back from setbacks, and remain solution-focused. The type of optimism experts such as Seligman argue for isn't mere cheerleading. His kind of optimism weaves in concepts of self-worth, resilience and a sense of confidence from the world of positive psychology which remains criminally underexplored in the mainstream. In corporate circles, Lorraine Wiseman, PhD, a 7-time past CEO and executive coach, believes that a leadership style rooted in optimism can shift an entire company's emotional tone. 'Leaders who communicate an affirming vision, and truly believe it, give their teams permission to do the same,' Wiseman says. 'That doesn't mean ignoring risks or sugarcoating reality by the way. It just means that you approach problems with a mindset of, 'We can handle this if we keep our wits about us', and often that is more than enough to steer the ship to calmer waters,' she adds. This mindset stands in stark contrast to learned helplessness, a phenomenon coined by Seligman in which individuals come to believe that no matter what they do, outcomes won't change. At the heart of learned helplessness is the inability to adjust to a changing context because past negative experiences hold us back from seeing the world for what it truly is. Where learned helplessness is the surrender of agency, terminal optimism is its reclamation: It declares that there's always something you can influence, some next step that can make a meaningful difference. 'Strategic optimism is about getting all the data, naming the risks, and then saying, 'We can navigate these.' If you see a real hazard, say, a shortage of skilled talent or tariffs that threaten your entire business model, you don't deny it. But you also don't let it paralyze you,' Wiseman explains. The difference between blind optimism and strategic optimism is the underlying anchoring in reality of the latter. There's no sense in banging one's head on a wall longer than necessary, and knowing when to give up or pivot is another trait that sets successful CEOs apart from the rest. However, when a leader refuses to give up on an idea simply because the market has shifted or the timing is off knowing that a brighter day is statistically guaranteed to arrive, that is where real magic can start to happen. Tariffs, trade wars, and the complexities of a global economy that is suddenly more brittle than it was just a few months ago can rattle even the most composed executives. Here is where strategic optimism helps leaders remain steadfast, focusing on what they can control, instead of being consumed by that which they cannot. Jack Griffin, Chairman and CEO of Atlas® World Group, exemplifies this approach. In fact, Griffin calls himself a 'terminal optimist,' and when he says it, it's more than a catchphrase; it's how he and the company have found success. Atlas® World Group, with a decentralized model of agent-owned fleets and over 500 trucks out on the road at any given time, stands at the volatile intersection of shipping, real estate, and corporate relocation. Market shifts can be brutal, especially in times of economic turbulence, and the fate of the revenue curve is often in the hands of animal spirits guiding the markets. Yet Jack insists that optimism is crucial for guiding a large workforce through volatile periods: 'We're so tied to real estate and relocation,' Griffin begins. 'When interest rates spike or construction slows, it can directly curb our revenue. But I remind my team: 'Markets are cyclical. Let's keep doing the fundamentals right, because the upturn is coming, and when it comes we'll be ready.'' He points to tariffs and supply chain constraints that have affected everything from container costs to raw materials as one reason why his terminal case of optimism helps keep the company geared towards success. 'We see these challenges as surmountable even when others don't. If we obsess over them, we stop innovating and retreat. If we focus on solutions, like forging new partnerships, adjusting routes, or even advocating for regulatory changes, we maintain a sense of forward momentum and are ready to grow the moment the market turns our way again,' Griffin continues. Seeing a case of terminal optimism in action paints a striking contrast to leaders who adopt a defensive stance in uncertain times. Griffin sees optimism not as denial but as a filter that separates what matters from what's merely alarming headlines. He also believes that if you make optimism a corporate value, your workforce remains engaged even when the news cycle is dire: 'I tell my people: 'We don't control interest rates, we don't control foreign policy. But we do control our service quality, our brand reputation, and how we adapt. That's enough to make a big difference.'' For some companies, uncertainty goes much deeper than stock prices or international trade, all the way to the literal state of the planet. Rahua Beauty is an example of a company that has built its entire business model around a sense of optimism that together we can actually make change happen. Co-founded by Anna Ayers and Fabian Lliguin, two activists who see their business of natural hair and skin products as inextricably linked to the health of the Amazon rainforest, Rahua Beauty's origin story is one steeped in strategic optimism. 'We started Rahua Beauty because we saw firsthand the threats facing the Amazon, but also the power of Indigenous-led conservation,' says Ayers. 'Protecting the rainforest isn't just about environmentalism, it's about cultural preservation and supporting the people who have been the best stewards of this land for centuries. Our business exists to fuel that protection in a way that is both ethical and scalable.' The company's business model depends on responsibly sourcing ingredients from the rainforest, funneling a portion of profits directly into conservation efforts. To date, Rahua Beauty has used these proceeds to protect over 1.6 million acres of Amazon rainforest, ensuring Indigenous Achuar communities in Ecuador retain control of their land in addition to which they fund community-driven initiatives. Ayers' and co-founder Lliguin's ethos is a wonderful example of strategic optimism at work, optimism that acknowledges that deforestation, climate change, and social injustices are colossal problems and from that acknowledgment decides to act. 'This work isn't just about preventing destruction, it's about actively strengthening the communities at the heart of the rainforest,' says Lliguin. 'We've seen how direct investment in Indigenous leadership leads to lasting impact. When we fund education, training, and infrastructure, we're not just conserving land, we're ensuring that the next generation has the resources to protect it long into the future.' Their efforts are clearly paying off. By showing tangible progress in forest conservation, Rahua has built a community on customer loyalty among eco-conscious consumers who are as invested in impact as they are in product quality. The commitment Rahua's perennial optimism has engendered in it's clients isn't lost on the current CEO, Farah Azmi either. 'For 16 years, Rahua has been leading the way in true sustainability, not just as a concept, but as real impact,' says Azmi. 'This next chapter is a natural evolution of that work. From scaling our investment in Indigenous-led conservation to the education of the power of nature in haircare, we're not following industry trends - we're continuing to set them. The future of beauty isn't just about sustainability as a concept, but as a measurable, lasting impact, and we're excited to share our mission with an even broader audience going forward. In a world sometimes described as 'on fire,' a brand that marries optimism with action stands out, and that truly is good for business. 'We can't just say we're optimistic about saving the rainforest. We have to prove we're making a real difference,' Ayers points out. 'Optimism is not us just ignoring data, it's us using it to fuel hope, and if we can also do good business while at it all the better.' If tariffs and deforestation weren't enough, executives in 2025 also face an onslaught of technological threats, from cyberattacks to AI-driven fraud. Many leaders understand the threats ahead, but fewer have the optimism and clarity to keep teams calm amid digital chaos. Amidst the rapidly evolving threat-vector-landscape, Matthew DeChant, CEO of Security Counsel, advises businesses on how to build human-centric information security programs with strategic optimism embedded deep within the approach. He sees an overabundance of threat vectors aimed at people as the 'new normal,' requiring a pragmatic yet hopeful mindset. 'It's easy to feel alarmed when you constantly read in the news about people, and by extension their organizations, being compromised,' DeChant says. 'But I remind my clients: you can either fixate on the panic, or invest that energy into a structured, resilient strategy that acknowledges the threats and our limitations, then make small improvements each day until you're in much better shape. The second path is far more productive,' he adds. DeChant believes that optimism often stems from the simple fact of knowing you have a plan, even if the plan might change or prove grossly underprepared. That's why he steers Security Counsel's clients to focus heavily on tabletop exercises, mentorship, cross-departmental communication, and agile methods that are geared towards preparing for the worst, while building for the best case scenario ahead. 'What we're really doing here is managing organizational behavior change regarding information security and privacy. When that's done well first, the technical solutions will fall into place in a straightforward way,' he explains. 'We help companies develop their internal capability to respond so that they can face uncertainty with calm, clarity and confidence. Once an organization sees they can address a mock cyber breach calmly and systematically, and at all levels…technical folks mitigating the attack, executives handling media inquiries and angry customers, and the board of directors able to offer helpful & timely advice…they stop dreading the real thing,' Matthew adds. While the cybersecurity realm can breed a cynical 'it's only a matter of time' mentality, DeChant insists a balanced optimism is both practical and good for morale: 'An optimist does not assume that they won't be hacked. Instead, they know they can handle it when it happens.' When discussing strategic optimism, he draws parallels to the Netherlands' dykes against floods, emphasizing proactive planning over panic. 'The difference between drowning and managing the crisis is preparation. If you build your 'dykes' early, there's no need to dread every new storm. Having the right level of vigilance while continuing to iterate your program and trusting your methods…that's what strategic optimism is about,' DeChant concludes. So, what unites a psychologist researching learned helplessness, the CEO of a moving and transportation group, the co-founders of a rainforest-powered beauty brand, and a cybersecurity expert? Based on the above, one answer is a collectively affirmative stance toward adversity. Strategic optimism, done right, is neither Pollyannaish nor irresponsible. It's an active choice to see challenges as catalysts for adaptation rather than existential threats. Ultimately, strategic optimism is both an attitude and a discipline. Leaders who adopt it acknowledge the storm clouds yet trust in their capacity to navigate around them or, if needed, wait them out. Perhaps it's fitting to give the last word to Jack Griffin, the terminal optimist himself, who sums it up beautifully: 'Optimism doesn't mean ignoring the risk. It means I believe we can overcome it, and that belief often makes all the difference.'
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vote for The Arizona Republic's High School Athletes of the Week poll, Feb. 3-8
Here are this week's nominees for The Arizona Republic's boy's and girl's high school athletes of the week, sponsored by Diamond Kitchen & Bath. Nominees are based on performances in AIA-sanctioned sports. Vote for the top selection in each of our polls below (print readers can find the polls with this story at Voting will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and winners will be announced the next day on and in The Arizona Republic on Friday. Submit a weekly nominee at Here are this week's nominees, followed by poll (scroll down on poll to vote): Morgan Bair, Cave Creek Cactus Shadows, soccer, So.: Scored four goals and recorded two assists as the Falcons beat Scottsdale Saguaro and Tempe Marcos de Niza by a combined score of 10-1. Haylee 'Tiki' Huttenhow, Surprise Paradise Honors, soccer, Sr.: Scored four goals and recorded two assists as the Panthers beat Phoenix Moon Valley and Phoenix Thunderbird by a combined score of 17-0. Audrey Neill, Joseph City, basketball, Jr.: Averaged 15.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game as the Wildcats went 4-0, beating Williams twice, Seligman and Heber Mogollon, winning the 1A Central Tournament. (If having difficulty voting, click here). Anthony Contreras, Tolleson Union, soccer, Jr.: Scored three goals and recorded one assist as the Wolverines beat Surprise Valley Vista and Avondale West Point by a combined score of 12-2. Shukuru Charone, Tucson Palo Verde Magnet, soccer, Sr.: Scored two goals and recorded one assist as the Titans beat Tucson Pusch Ridge Christian Academy 4-2 on Tuesday. Montae Walker, Seligman, basketball, Sr.: Scored 47 points, shooting 18 of 35 from the field, in a 96-61 win over Grand Canyon on Tuesday, including hitting 9 of 13 three-pointers. (If having difficulty voting, click here). This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote: The Republic's HS Athletes of the Week, Feb. 3-8
