5 Things To Know: February 9, 2026
Watch on YouTube ↗  |  February 09, 2026 at 12:03 UTC  |  1:24  |  CNBC
Speakers
Bloomberg Anchor — Host/News Anchor

Summary

  • President Trump has reversed his stance on the Nexstar/Tegna merger, endorsing the $6.2 billion deal and sending Tegna shares higher.
  • Novo Nordisk shares are rallying while Hims & Hers plummets after Hims agreed to pull its copycat weight loss pill off the market due to legal pressure.
  • Fintech firm Block is reportedly planning to cut 10% of its workforce to streamline operations.
  • Kroger is looking to appoint former Walmart U.S. CEO Greg Foran as its new permanent leader.
Trade Ideas
Ticker Direction Speaker Thesis Time
SQ
WATCH Bloomberg reports that fintech company Block may lay off up to 10% of its workforce. While layoffs can signal growth concerns, markets often view them constructively as a cost-cutting measure that improves margins and profitability in the near term. Report from Bloomberg sources. Potential impact on product innovation or morale. 1:09
NVO
LONG Hims & Hers announced it will pull its compounded (copycat) weight loss pill off the market following threats of legal action from Novo Nordisk and the FDA. This is a "winner takes all" dynamic. Novo Nordisk successfully defended its intellectual property, removing a cheaper competitor from the shelf. Conversely, Hims & Hers loses a major growth driver and revenue stream, leading to a repricing of the stock. Novo Nordisk is up 6.7%; Hims & Hers is down 15%. Further regulatory scrutiny on drug pricing for Novo; Hims finding alternative revenue streams. 0:47
LONG President Trump has officially endorsed Nexstar Media's proposed $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna. The President had previously opposed the deal due to consolidation concerns. His reversal signals that regulatory hurdles are likely clearing, significantly increasing the probability of the merger closing. Tegna shares are trading up 4.8% on the news. Unforeseen regulatory blocks despite the endorsement. 0:33
KR
WATCH Kroger is reportedly planning to hire Greg Foran, the former CEO of Walmart U.S., as its next chief executive. Kroger has been searching for permanent leadership. Hiring a high-profile executive with direct experience running Kroger's biggest competitor (Walmart) is viewed as a strong strategic move to improve operations and competitiveness. Reports of the hiring decision. Execution risk during the leadership transition. 1:14