Despite a global footprint exceeding 41,000 locations, Starbucks leadership sees a long runway for growth, with plans to potentially double its store count in the U.S. and internationally by the end of the decade.
As U.S. markets shrug off economic headwinds to start February 2026 on a strong note, a closer look reveals compelling opportunities beyond major indices. We analyze three small-cap companies—spanning banking, sustainable packaging, and insurance—that are navigating the shifting landscape with distinct strategies and growth potential.
The energy startup, founded by Michael Dell's son, seeks city incentives for a major manufacturing facility, planning to significantly expand its Austin workforce while transitioning from a temporary home in the former Statesman building.
Fox Corporation's second-quarter revenue climbed to $5.18 billion, surpassing analyst forecasts, fueled by strength in cable programming and a resilient advertising market despite a dip in political ad spending.
As major indexes flirt with record highs, investors are turning to dividend-paying stocks for income and ballast. We examine three companies offering yields up to 4.8% and a history of reliable payouts.
At Davos, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei painted a stark picture of AI's economic impact: GDP could surge 5-10% while unemployment hits 10%, a historically rare and socially disruptive combination demanding urgent policy attention.
Cocoa futures tumbled this week, with prices hitting multi-year lows, as forecasts of robust global supplies collide with persistent consumer resistance to high chocolate prices. Analysts point to a significant market surplus ahead.
Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE: YUM) edged past Wall Street forecasts for its fourth quarter, fueled by robust same-store sales at Taco Bell and record KFC expansion. While revenue climbed 6% to $2.51 billion, the market reaction was muted as investors weigh the fast-food giant's growth trajectory against a challenging consumer environment.
Electronic Arts saw a 38% surge in quarterly net bookings to $3.05 billion, fueled by its flagship shooter 'Battlefield 6.' However, net income declined, highlighting the cost pressures facing the gaming giant as it navigates a landmark $55 billion privatization deal.
Super Micro Computer's shares surged over 13% after the company posted second-quarter results that handily beat analyst estimates and provided robust guidance, fueled by unrelenting demand for its AI-optimized server and infrastructure solutions.
Chipotle Mexican Grill surpassed quarterly earnings and revenue estimates, yet revealed a continued decline in customer visits and forecast stagnant same-store sales growth for the coming year, highlighting ongoing challenges in the competitive fast-casual sector.
Facing a sales slowdown, Chipotle announces a spring relaunch of its loyalty program aimed at boosting in-store engagement, supported by AI-driven personalization and new kitchen equipment to streamline operations.
A major Popeyes franchise operator based in Miami has closed 17 underperforming restaurants across Florida and Georgia as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, aiming to cut over $1 million in annual costs.
Shares in Futura Medical PLC jumped as much as 10% after the company upgraded its 2025 revenue forecast to £1.7 million and reported a robust year-end cash balance, extending its financial runway into late 2026.
Shares in Tertiary Minerals PLC jumped over 40% after the explorer reported significant high-grade silver and copper intercepts from its Mushima North project in Zambia, expanding the known mineralized footprint and boosting prospects for a maiden resource estimate by 2026.
Elon Musk consolidates his space and artificial intelligence ventures, creating a vertically-integrated tech giant valued at $1.25 trillion. The merger aims to overcome Earth-bound data center limitations by launching computing infrastructure into orbit, while also drawing scrutiny over xAI's regulatory challenges and financial pressures.
Black Hills Corporation (NYSE: BKH), a resilient U.S. utility serving 1.35 million customers, is drawing investor attention with its 55-year dividend growth streak and a strategic $4.7 billion capital plan focused on infrastructure and clean energy. As the company navigates rising demand and energy transition, analysts debate its potential as a defensive growth play.
Wael Sawan's proposed £19m pay package reflects investor approval of Shell's strategic pivot away from renewables towards oil and gas, placing him among the UK's highest-paid executives.
Amid market volatility, Chubb Limited emerges as a compelling study in defensive growth. With a 31-year dividend growth streak, robust Q4 earnings, and strategic global expansion, analysts are scrutinizing whether this insurance behemoth is poised for a sustained rally.
Advanced talks between Ford and China's Geely could see the automaker use the U.S. company's Spanish facility for local EV production, a strategic move to navigate the EU's new trade landscape.
