HFS Research vs Melius Research

HFS Research Reinvents the Provider Evaluation with SaS Stars–the First Ratings Scored Entirely by Enterprise Clients

HFS Research has launched SaS Stars, a new provider evaluation ratings system scored entirely by enterprise clients, announced on September 30, 2026.

Suplari Launches Data Assistant for Procurement Data

Suplari announced Data Assistant, an AI agent that automates the full lifecycle of procurement data ingestion and transformation. The agent accepts multiple file formats (Excel, CSV, Word, PDF, zip), identifies content and destination, corrects data faults without human escalation, monitors connectors for data drift, and repairs connectors when source systems change. Suplari positions the product to address persistent pipeline fragility that blocks procurement AI programs, citing research that poor data quality is a major barrier to scaling procurement AI. The company emphasizes traceability by recording every run, transformation and automatic fix.

• Suplari announced the launch of Suplari Data Assistant, an AI agent for procurement data ingestion and transformation.
• Data Assistant accepts Excel, CSV, Word, PDF and zip archives and can ingest data via direct upload, API, or Suplari connectors.
• The agent automatically corrects many data faults without escalating to a person and remediates connector breaks by monitoring for data drift and structural changes.

Apple's iPhone Duo Shows Strong Preorder Demand, Boosts Growth Outlook

Apple's first foldable device, the iPhone Duo, is showing extremely strong early demand following its preorder launch, validating Jim Cramer's bullish prediction. Morgan Stanley reports record global preorder lead times, with the earliest delivery dates for some models more than three months out, the longest in the last 10 years. This demand is seen as a key catalyst for Apple's growth, with Melius Research estimating over 15 million units could be sold in fiscal 2027, generating roughly $40 billion in revenue. The analyst notes that the strong Duo demand may also help iPhone 18 sales. Apple's stock has surpassed a $5 trillion market cap for the first time, and the company is expected to report earnings on November 2.

• Apple's iPhone Duo preorders started Friday, with strong demand indicated by long shipping delays.
• Morgan Stanley reported the global 14-week average preorder lead time is a record, the longest of any iPhone model in 10 years.
• Melius Research estimates Apple could sell at least 15 million Duo units in fiscal 2027, generating about $40 billion in revenue.

Intel could hit $200 per share in two years, says Melius analyst

Melius Research analyst Ben Reitzes has set a buy rating on Intel with a $165 price target, implying about 70% upside from the previous close, but sees the stock reaching as high as $200 per share within two years. Reitzes bases his bullish outlook on potential foundry agreements with Apple, Tesla, and another hyperscaler, and strong server CPU pricing and AI PC mix that could drive product earnings above $4. He also notes a Reuters report that Intel is considering a deal to help SK Hynix manufacture memory chips in the U.S., potentially leasing part of its Ohio facility. Intel shares have gained roughly 300% over the past 12 months, and the stock was up more than 4% on the day. The analyst's view contrasts with consensus, as only 15 of 50 analysts rate it a buy.

• Melius Research has a buy rating on Intel with a $165 price target, implying ~70% upside.
• Analyst Ben Reitzes sees Intel trading as high as $200 per share in the next two years.
• Intel could rally on foundry agreements with Apple, Tesla, and another hyperscaler, per analyst.