Feb. 9 at 2:35 AM
$KR $NXST $NWG $XYZ $HIMS
TOP 5 WEEKEND STORIES:
1) Kroger (KR) is planning to hire Greg Foran, a former executive of Walmart (WMT), as its next CEO, Sarah Nassauer and Patrick Thomas of The Wall Street Journal reports, citing people familiar with the matter. The company intends to announce its choice as soon as Monday, the sources added.
2) On Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump wrote, "We need more competition against THE ENEMY, the Fake News National TV Networks. Letting Good Deals get done like Nexstar (NXST) - Tegna (TGNA) will help knock out the Fake News because there will be more competition, and at a higher and more sophisticated level. Those that are opposed don't fully understand how good the concept of this Deal is for them, but they will in the future. GET THAT DEAL DONE! PRESIDENT DJT."
3) NatWest (NWG) is close to a takeover of Evelyn Partners after beating Barclays (BCS) in a contested auction, with NatWest expected to pay
$3.7B in a deal that could be announced as soon as Monday, William Shaw and Swetha Gopinath of Bloomberg reports, citing people with knowledge of the matter.
4) Block (XYZ) has begun notifying hundreds of employees that their jobs may be eliminated as the company undergoes a broader business overhaul, Natasha Mascarenhas and Emily Mason of Bloomberg reports. Up to 10% of the company's workforce is at risk of being cut, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.
5) In a post on X, Hims & Hers (HIMS) wrote, "Since launching the compounded semaglutide pill on our platform, we've had constructive conversations with stakeholders across the industry. As a result, we have decided to stop offering access to this treatment. We remain committed to the millions of Americans who depend on us for access to safe, affordable, and personalized care."