I’m told that institutional money is quietly executing one of the most significant cross-sector reallocations of the year as we head deeper into Q3 2026. Rather than chasing pure-play AI, funds are picking up fundamentally restructuring stories across med-tech, critical minerals, and consumer goods. Here is everything you need to know about this week's major movers.

Medtronic (MDT.US)

Medtronic has been outperforming its medical device peers recently. The company just delivered a blowout Q1 FY27, with revenue hitting USD 9.75B, up 13.7%. According to people familiar with the matter, the internal excitement isn't just about the top-line beat, but the explosive 88% growth in its cardiac ablation business. Furthermore, a strategic tie-up with Cornerstone Robotics is expected to drastically expand its global footprint in robot-assisted surgery later this year.

The Estée Lauder Companies (EL.US)

After a prolonged slump, Estée Lauder is showing signs of a steady rebound. The cosmetics giant wrapped up its FY26 with USD 15B in net sales. I’ve learned that the ongoing Profit Recovery and Growth Plan (PRGP) is driving a significant internal overhaul. With key executives like the global brand president of La Mer stepping down, expect more sweeping leadership changes before the next earnings call.

Hesai Group (HESAY.US)

Lidar maker Hesai continues to secure major auto contracts despite recent market volatility. Following a 22% YoY revenue jump in Q2 2026, the company recently locked in a 1 million-unit order from another top-tier European OEM. This builds on its confirmed status as the strategic supplier for Mercedes-Benz's L3 autonomous models and a massive USD 40M US robotaxi deal.

Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC.US)

Lithium Americas is racing toward a late 2027 production target for its massive Thacker Pass project. The company just fortified its balance sheet with a USD 175M financing round in August. People familiar with the project's timeline indicate that this cash injection is exclusively geared toward the impending peak construction phase, cementing its pivotal role in the North American battery supply chain.

Verastem (VSTM.US)

Verastem has rallied sharply in 2026, fueled by an astounding 1,074% surge in Q2 product revenue to USD 25.1M. The real catalyst, however, arrived in early September when the company posted positive updates from its RAMP 205 study targeting pancreatic cancer, leaving the door open to further accelerated regulatory discussions.

Also

• ProQR Therapeutics (PRQR.US): Bolstered by its partnership with Eli Lilly, Q2 2026 revenue jumped 120%, significantly shrinking its net loss.
• Wetouch Technology (WETO.US): Reported 1H FY26 revenue of USD 30.3M. I’m told the firm is aggressively pushing into smart manufacturing via a new robotics pact with Canop.
• Sidus Space (SIDU.US): With new CFO Alan Khalili taking the reins, the company is pivoting hard toward commercialization. Q2 net losses narrowed by 15%.
• NioCorp Developments (NB.US): An updated 2026 feasibility study pegs the Elk Creek project's pre-tax NPV at a staggering USD 4.1B. A recent supply MOU with defense giant Lockheed Martin only adds to the momentum.
• Barnes Group (B.US): The company is midway through a massive transformation into an aerospace-centric player, reaffirming its long-term target to reduce leverage to 2.5x by 2025.

This article does not constitute investment advice.