Matrix Service Realigns Leadership Amid CFO Transition Plans

Matrix IT (TASE: MTRX) will buy 80% of Laor Energy for NIS 73 million to expand its defense offering. The deal includes options on the remaining shares and is subject to Competition Authority approval, financed from Matrix’s own resources. Laor Energy reported 2025 revenue of NIS 98.1 million (+13%), operating profit of NIS 15.5 million (+71.4%), and net profit of NIS 11.9 million (+46%).

U.S. health authorities are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican jalapeño peppers. The CDC and FDA say 345 people are ill across 27 states, with 36 hospitalizations and no deaths. The supplier, Coast Citrus Distributors, recalled peppers sent to restaurants including Chipotle and QDOBA. Chipotle removed jalapeños from some outlets and shares fell over 8% on Aug. 4.

Realty Income (NYSE: O) says it began investing in data centers in late 2023 via a build-to-suit JV with Digital Realty, buying an 80% stake in an up to 48 MW facility. It also formed a hyperscale JV with Cloud Capital, targeting up to $1.4B investment for a 45% stake. Realty Income raised 2024 AFFO guidance to $4.44-$4.45/share and investment outlook to $10B.

Bloomberg reported the US Army plans to buy at least $400 million of AeroVironment counter-drone laser systems, citing a person familiar with the deal. The order would include dozens of LOCUST units that use AI to detect and track small to medium drones and then engage them with a high-energy laser. AeroVironment’s stock rose about 8% on Friday.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) said it won a $397 million U.S. Space Force contract to develop, launch, and operate multiple Flatellites for the SB-AMTI program. Flatellites are slimmer, stackable satellites intended to increase deployments per launch and integrate with Rocket Lab’s Neutron rocket. The article cites analyst forecasts for revenue rising from $602M (2025) to $1.7B (2028).

Diversified Energy (LSE:DEC, NYSE:DEC) said it will shift from acquisition-led growth to drilling its own wells, launching a one-rig operated development programme in Oklahoma in 2H, spending $35m to $50m. It expects drilling to materially affect 2027 production. Q2 adjusted EBITDA fell 14% to $240m; guidance calls for $960m-$1.01b adjusted earnings and ~$440m free cash flow.