Key Takeaways
- Anthropic is in advanced discussions to acquire AI infrastructure startup Decart AI for approximately $6 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date ahead of a potential IPO.
- Lightspeed Venture Partners is launching a $600 million secondary transaction, codenamed "Project Mercury," to extend its holdings in OpenAI and Anthropic while providing liquidity to existing investors.
- The Australian government has committed a A$2.5 billion ($1.8 billion) bailout package for Rio Tinto (RIO) to ensure the continued operation of the country’s largest aluminium smelter.
- TD Cowen and Jefferies issued aggressive price target hikes for Brinker International (EAT) and Liquidia Corporation (LQDA), signaling strong conviction in casual dining and biotech growth.
Anthropic Pursues Strategic $6 Billion Infrastructure Play
AI heavyweight Anthropic is reportedly in talks to acquire Decart AI, a startup specializing in AI infrastructure and chip optimization, for roughly $6 billion. The deal is designed to bolster Anthropic's internal performance organization, helping the company’s Claude models run more efficiently as it scales to meet surging enterprise demand.
If finalized, the acquisition would represent a significant shift for Anthropic, which has historically focused on organic growth. Decart AI, which recently raised $300 million in a round led by Nvidia (NVDA), provides technology that can reduce the costs of training large-scale models, a critical advantage as Anthropic prepares for a highly anticipated initial public offering.
Lightspeed’s "Project Mercury" Targets AI Secondary Market
Lightspeed Venture Partners is seeking to raise $600 million through a secondary transaction known as Project Mercury. The firm plans to move stakes in OpenAI, Verkada, and Rippling into a continuation vehicle led by Coller Capital, with UBS Group AG (UBS) acting as an advisor.
This move allows Lightspeed to extend its holding period for these high-growth assets while offering cash-out options for limited partners. The transaction also includes a fresh commitment to Anthropic, further consolidating Lightspeed’s position as a primary backer of the leading generative AI developers.
Rio Tinto Secures $1.8 Billion Australian Smelter Bailout
The Australian government has stepped in with a A$2.5 billion ($1.8 billion) support package for Rio Tinto (RIO) to keep the Boyne Island aluminium smelter operational. The bailout is aimed at protecting thousands of industrial jobs and maintaining Australia’s position in the global metals supply chain amid rising energy costs.
In a related development in the commodities sector, the Financial Times reports that prospectors are increasingly betting on a metals-crypto fusion. New digital tokens linked to physical reserves of gold, copper, and uranium are gaining traction as investors seek blockchain-based transparency for traditional hard assets.
Analysts Bullish on Brinker and Liquidia Following Earnings
TD Cowen raised its price target on Brinker International (EAT) to $270 from $210, maintaining a "Buy" rating. The upgrade follows a strong fiscal fourth-quarter report where the parent of Chili’s projected fiscal 2027 earnings per share between $12.60 and $13.40, significantly outpacing market expectations.
Meanwhile, Jefferies nearly doubled its target for Liquidia Corporation (LQDA), moving it to $115 from $60. The biopharmaceutical firm recently reported that its lead product, YUTREPIA, is nearing a 30% share of the inhaled prostacyclin market, with management targeting over $1 billion in net revenue by 2027.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.