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  • CPP Investments to Acquire Indirect Minority Stake in Castrol

    CPP Investments to Acquire Indirect Minority Stake in Castrol

    Partnering with Stonepeak in a US$10.1 billion transaction to support Castrol’s next phase of growth

    Toronto, CANADA (December 24, 2025) – Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), today announced an agreement to acquire an indirect non-controlling interest in Castrol, a global leader in lubricants, alongside Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. Stonepeak is acquiring a majority controlling interest in Castrol from BP p.l.c. (“bp”) (NYSE: BP) (LON: BP). The transaction values Castrol at an enterprise value of approximately US$10.1 billion. CPP Investments will invest up to US$1.05 billion in support of the transaction.

    Castrol is one of the largest lubricants providers globally and serves consumer automotive customers, as well as commercial and industrial end markets. As an embedded part of the large and diversified global finished lubricants market, Castrol works closely with its customers and consumers to develop and supply highly engineered lubricants for specific applications. Castrol manufactures and markets engine oils, industrial fluids, and greases through approximately 20 blending plants and more than 100 third-party facilities and warehouses worldwide across 150 countries. Applications have included servicing the first jet airline, the Concorde, space missions for over 60 years, and many professional auto and bike racing teams, establishing Castrol’s historic and trusted brand identity. Castrol’s products are recognized globally for their high performance, premium quality, and use of cutting-edge technology, and are supported by a global workforce of thousands of skilled professionals.

    “Castrol is a high‑quality, global business at the heart of the energy and industrial economy. Its cutting-edge innovations and premium brand position it well for a growing role in emerging applications, from electric vehicles to data centres,” said Bill Rogers, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Energies, CPP Investments. “Our investment alongside Stonepeak aligns with our strategy of backing businesses that are essential to the energy system. We believe Castrol’s strong market position and diversified growth opportunities will deliver attractive risk‑adjusted returns for the CPP Fund.”

    “Lubricants are a mission-critical product, which are essential to the safe and efficient functioning of virtually every vehicle, machine, and industrial process in the world,” said Anthony Borreca, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy at Stonepeak. “Castrol’s 126-year heritage has created a leading market position, an iconic brand, and a portfolio of differentiated products that deliver meaningful value to its customers. We are excited to work alongside Castrol’s talented employees, coupled with bp’s continued guidance as a minority interest holder, as we support the business’s continued growth.”

    The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

    In addition to the announcement today, an announcement in respect of a mandatory tender offer (“MTO”) to the public shareholders of Castrol India Limited, in accordance with the Indian takeover code was published by UBS Securities India Private Limited as manager in respect of the MTO. The MTO will be proceeded with only upon completion of the Castrol transaction. The relevant details have been included in the Public Announcement on the Securities and Exchange Board of India website.

    About CPP Investments

    Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments™) is a professional investment management organization that manages the Canada Pension Plan Fund in the best interest of the more than 22 million contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build diversified portfolios of assets, we make investments around the world in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure, fixed income and alternative strategies including in partnership with funds. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York City, San Francisco, São Paulo and Sydney, CPP Investments is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm’s length from governments. At September 30, 2025, the Fund totalled C$777.5 billion. For more information, please visit www.cppinvestments.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or on X @CPPInvestments.

    Partnering with Stonepeak in a US$10.1 billion transaction to support Castrol’s next phase of growth Toronto, CANADA (December 24, 2025) – Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), today announced an agreement to acquire an indirect non-controlling interest in Castrol, a global leader in lubricants, alongside Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. Stonepeak is acquiring a majority controlling interest in Castrol from BP p.l.c. (“bp”) (NYSE: BP) (LON: BP). The transaction values Castrol at an enterprise value of approximately US$10.1 billion. CPP Investments will invest up to US$1.05 billion in support of the transaction. Castrol is one of the largest lubricants providers globally and serves consumer automotive customers, as well as commercial and industrial end markets. As an embedded part of the large and diversified global finished lubricants market, Castrol works closely with its customers and consumers to develop and supply highly engineered lubricants for specific applications. Castrol manufactures and markets engine oils, industrial fluids, and greases through approximately 20 blending plants and more than 100 third-party facilities and warehouses worldwide across 150 countries. Applications have included servicing the first jet airline, the Concorde, space missions for over 60 years, and many professional auto and bike racing teams, establishing Castrol’s historic and trusted brand identity. Castrol’s products are recognized globally for their high performance, premium quality, and use of cutting-edge technology, and are supported by a global workforce of thousands of skilled professionals. “Castrol is a high‑quality, global business at the heart of the energy and industrial economy. Its cutting-edge innovations and premium brand position it well for a growing role in emerging applications, from electric vehicles to data centres,” said Bill Rogers, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Energies, CPP Investments. “Our investment alongside Stonepeak aligns with our strategy of backing businesses that are essential to the energy system. We believe Castrol’s strong market position and diversified growth opportunities will deliver attractive risk‑adjusted returns for the CPP Fund.” “Lubricants are a mission-critical product, which are essential to the safe and efficient functioning of virtually every vehicle, machine, and industrial process in the world,” said Anthony Borreca, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy at Stonepeak. “Castrol’s 126-year heritage has created a leading market position, an iconic brand, and a portfolio of differentiated products that deliver meaningful value to its customers. We are excited to work alongside Castrol’s talented employees, coupled with bp’s continued guidance as a minority interest holder, as we support the business’s continued growth.” The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. In addition to the announcement today, an announcement in respect of a mandatory tender offer (“MTO”) to the public shareholders of Castrol India Limited, in accordance with the Indian takeover code was published by UBS Securities India Private Limited as manager in respect of the MTO. The MTO will be proceeded with only upon completion of the Castrol transaction. The relevant details have been included in the Public Announcement on the Securities and Exchange Board of India website. About CPP Investments Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments™) is a professional investment management organization that manages the Canada Pension Plan Fund in the best interest of the more than 22 million contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build diversified portfolios of assets, we make investments around the world in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure, fixed income and alternative strategies including in partnership with funds. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York City, San Francisco, São Paulo and Sydney, CPP Investments is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm’s length from governments. At September 30, 2025, the Fund totalled C$777.5 billion. For more information, please visit www.cppinvestments.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or on X @CPPInvestments.

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  • Zelensky hails ‘new ideas’ on peace after talk with US envoys

    Zelensky hails ‘new ideas’ on peace after talk with US envoys

    Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has given a positive assessment of a conversation he had with US envoys on how to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

    Zelensky said Thursday’s call with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, which lasted nearky an hour,…

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  • Researchers create world's smallest programmable, autonomous robots – Tech Xplore

    1. Researchers create world’s smallest programmable, autonomous robots  Tech Xplore
    2. Tiny robots that can think, move, and even heal themselves: These programmable machines are smaller than a …  Bhaskar English
    3. Researchers Develop World’s First…

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  • FCC stays Quetta’s LG elections

    FCC stays Quetta’s LG elections

    .


    ISLAMABAD:

    The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has issued a stay order…

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  • Wolverines to Close 2025 with Fan Appreciation Night against McNeese

    Wolverines to Close 2025 with Fan Appreciation Night against McNeese

    Promotions

    • Fan Appreciation

    ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The second-ranked University of Michigan men’s basketball team (11-0) will close the 2025 calendar year on Monday (Dec. 29), hosting McNeese (10-2) for Fan Appreciation Night at Crisler…

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  • Broncos promote G Calvin Throckmorton and TE Marcedes Lewis to active roster, elevate ILB Levelle Bailey and WR Michael Bandy for ‘Thursday Night Football’ vs. Chiefs

    Broncos promote G Calvin Throckmorton and TE Marcedes Lewis to active roster, elevate ILB Levelle Bailey and WR Michael Bandy for ‘Thursday Night Football’ vs. Chiefs

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Broncos have made a series of transactions ahead of “Thursday Night Football.”

    Denver promoted guard Calvin Throckmorton and tight end Marcedes Lewis from the practice squad to the active roster, the team…

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  • Early Return to Competition After vNOTES Ovarian Cystectomy in a Professional Athlete: A Case Report

    Early Return to Competition After vNOTES Ovarian Cystectomy in a Professional Athlete: A Case Report

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  • Woolworths fuses classic Mudcake into new hero Hot Cross Bun

     

    26 December 2025: Woolworths is serving up its Hot Cross Bun range from Boxing Day. This year’s lineup will be led by the brand-new, deliciously indulgent Mudcake Hot Cross Bun – a fusion of two customer favourites, hitting stores in January 2026.

    The new Mudcake flavour will join an already iconic bench of returning award-winners, including the fan-favourite Cinnabon Hot Cross Bun, which is back after its hugely popular debut earlier this year and securing the prestigious title of Product of the Year.

    To round out the season’s sweet surprises, customers can get ready for a final drop at the end of January with the new limited-edition Woolworths Hot Cross Buns filled with Caramel, inspired by Caramello®.

    Donald Keith, Woolworths Hot Cross Bun Expert and Bakery Merchandise Manager, said: “Hot Cross Bun season is all about fun and innovation, and our team enjoys bringing these exciting, limited-edition flavours to our customers each year.

    “With proven fan favourites like Cinnabon and Caramelised Biscuit back on the shelves, we knew we had to add another iconic flavour to the mix. The Mudcake Hot Cross Buns are a rich, chocolatey treat that are the perfect example of taking a customer favourite and turning it into a seasonal smash.

    “While we love the trending flavours, we are also proud that our award-winning Traditional Fruit Buns remain the most popular pick throughout the season, alongside our Gluten Free and Fruit Free range, ensuring we genuinely have something delicious for every single customer.”

    This year’s range will include: 

    Limited edition:

    • Mudcake Hot Cross Buns – Inspired by the iconic Woolworths Mudcake with a delicious chocolate filling (arriving 7 January 2026)

    • Cinnabon Hot Cross Buns – Returning after a hugely successful debut, these cinnamon infused buns are filled with cream-cheese style filling (arriving 26 December 2025) – $5.50

    • Caramelised Biscuit Hot Cross Buns – Made with delicious caramelised biscuit spread (arriving 26 December 2025) – $5.50

    • Woolworths Hot Cross Buns filled with Caramel, inspired by Caramello® – Chocolate buns with a gooey caramel filling and Cadbury milk chocolate chips (arriving 28 January 2026)

    Here for the whole season:

    • Woolworths Traditional Hot Cross Buns – available in a range of sizes (6 pack $4.50)

    • Woolworths Hot Cross Buns made with Cadbury® milk chocolate chips – 6 pack ($4.50)

    • Woolworths Fruitless Hot Cross Buns – 6 pack ($4.50)

    • Woolworths Brioche Fruit Hot Cross Bun – 4 pack ($4)

    • Woolworths Hot Cross Brioche Buns made with Cadbury® milk chocolate chips – 4 pack $4)

    • Woolworths Hot Cross Buns made with Cadbury® Caramilk® chips – 4 pack ($5.50)

    • Woolworths Indulgent Apple & Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns – 4 pack ($4.50)

    • Woolworths Free From Gluten Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns – 4 pack ($4.50)

    • Woolworths Free From Gluten Chocolate Hot Cross Buns – 4 pack ($5.50)

    • Woolworths Free From Gluten Apple Cinnamon Hot Cross Buns – 4 pack ($5.50)

    ENDS

    Images are available here

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  • 5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Texans in Week 17

    5 Final Thoughts Ahead of Chargers-Texans in Week 17

    The Chargers are set for their regular-season home finale against the Houston Texans. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. (PT) from SoFi Stadium.

    The Chargers-Texans betting line shows the Bolts are slight favorites on Saturday.

    Here are…

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  • Assessing Valuation After Strong Multi‑Year Share Price Gains

    Assessing Valuation After Strong Multi‑Year Share Price Gains

    YONEX (TSE:7906) has quietly turned into a strong long term winner, with the stock up roughly 54% over the past year and nearly tripling investors’ money over the past 3 years.

    See our latest analysis for YONEX.

    The latest 1 day share price return of 2.97 percent, to ¥3,290, suggests buyers are stepping back in after a 30 day share price pullback. Momentum also appears broadly positive given the 1 year total shareholder return above 50 percent.

    If YONEX has you rethinking growth potential, this could be a good moment to scan the market for other stories using our screener for fast growing stocks with high insider ownership.

    Yet with earnings still growing at a double digit clip, an intrinsic value estimate suggesting roughly 25 percent upside, and shares trading just below analyst targets, is YONEX a mispriced compounder, or is the market already assuming years of strong growth?

    On a trailing price to earnings basis, YONEX trades at 24.4 times earnings, which screens as expensive against both its peers and its own fair ratio.

    The price to earnings multiple compares the current share price to per share earnings. It is a quick way to gauge how much investors are paying for each unit of profit in a consumer durables name like YONEX.

    In YONEX’s case, investors are paying a substantial premium, with the current 24.4 times earnings multiple sitting well above the estimated fair price to earnings level of 17.8 times that our models suggest could be a more sustainable anchor point over time.

    The same pattern shows up in peer comparisons. YONEX’s 24.4 times earnings valuation stands markedly above both the broader JP Leisure industry average of 13.8 times and a narrower peer set at 12.5 times. This underscores how aggressively the market is pricing in future growth.

    Explore the SWS fair ratio for YONEX

    Result: Price-to-Earnings of 24.4x (OVERVALUED)

    However, investors still face risks, including potential multiple compression if growth slows and sensitivity to any downturn in discretionary consumer spending on sports equipment.

    Find out about the key risks to this YONEX narrative.

    While the current 24.4 times earnings multiple looks stretched, our DCF model points the other way, with YONEX trading about 24 percent below an estimated fair value of roughly ¥4,353. In plain terms, are investors overpaying on earnings or underestimating long term cash flows?

    Look into how the SWS DCF model arrives at its fair value.

    7906 Discounted Cash Flow as at Dec 2025

    Simply Wall St performs a discounted cash flow (DCF) on every stock in the world every day (check out YONEX for example). We show the entire calculation in full. You can track the result in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted when this changes, or use our stock screener to discover 901 undervalued stocks based on their cash flows. If you save a screener we even alert you when new companies match – so you never miss a potential opportunity.

    If you see the story differently or want to dig into the numbers yourself, you can build a personalized view in just minutes: Do it your way.

    A good starting point is our analysis highlighting 3 key rewards investors are optimistic about regarding YONEX.

    Do not stop at one opportunity. Use the Simply Wall Street Screener to uncover data backed ideas that others will only notice once prices have already moved.

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

    Companies discussed in this article include 7906.T.

    Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

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