Proposed flat payment rates for 2027 by CMS intensify margin pressures on Medicare Advantage insurers like Clover Health, raising investor concerns about cost management and growth prospects in a tightening regulatory landscape.
With economic crosswinds buffeting regional markets, income-focused investors are increasingly looking to dividend-paying equities in Asia to anchor their portfolios. We examine three prominent names offering compelling yields.
Defense contractor L3Harris Technologies capped off a record 2025 with surging orders and a strategic pivot, announcing plans to take its high-growth Missile Solutions unit public in 2026 while securing a novel $1 billion investment from the Department of War to accelerate production.
Lockheed Martin capped a year of robust sales growth with a historic $194 billion order backlog, driven by soaring demand for its advanced defense systems. The aerospace giant announced plans for a significant 'step function' increase in capital investment for 2026 to ramp up production of missiles and next-generation capabilities.
Southwest Airlines capped off 2025 with record revenue and improved operations, positioning the carrier for what executives project will be a dramatic earnings acceleration next year, driven by new initiatives like assigned seating and a refined loyalty program.
Mastercard reported robust Q4 and full-year 2025 results, driven by double-digit revenue growth and surging value-added services. Executives expressed confidence for 2026, highlighting strategic wins, investments in digital assets like stablecoins, and a focus on 'agentic commerce,' even as they plan a restructuring affecting 4% of staff.
In a strategic overhaul, International Paper announced plans to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies focused on North America and EMEA markets, marking the next phase of its multi-year transformation.
Kirby Corporation (NYSE: KEX) reported record annual earnings for 2025, fueled by robust free cash flow and strategic capital returns. While Q4 faced seasonal pressures, management highlighted a late-quarter rebound in inland marine and surging demand in power generation, setting the stage for what they project as a year of steady financial performance in 2026.
Lazard Ltd. reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, driven by record financial advisory fees and a rebound in assets under management. Executives framed the performance as validation of the firm's long-term 'Lazard 2030' strategy, highlighting talent investments and a robust pipeline for future growth.
Shares of Meta Platforms soared Thursday, fueled by a significant price target upgrade from BofA Securities. The rally comes despite the company reporting a slight dip in full-year profit, as investors focus on strong revenue growth and the company's positioning in the artificial intelligence race.
South Korean regulators are forming a task force to propose stricter anti-money laundering rules for cryptocurrency transactions by 2026, potentially removing minimum thresholds for identity disclosure to mirror traditional finance oversight.
Tesla shares face pressure following mixed quarterly results, as surging software subscriptions and ambitious Robotaxi plans clash with declining automotive revenue and soaring capital expenditures.
As regional tensions weigh on major Gulf indices, a closer look reveals resilient investment opportunities among smaller, financially sound companies. From energy giants to niche manufacturers, these picks highlight value where many fear to tread.
Despite modest earnings growth, Thai Beverage (SGX:Y92) has seen its share price tumble 40% over five years, leaving long-term investors with a significant total return deficit. We examine the disconnect between fundamentals and market sentiment.
LendingClub Corp. (LC) shares tumbled sharply this week, extending losses for a third consecutive session after the company announced a shift to fair value accounting. The move, aimed at aligning revenue with credit costs, spooked investors despite the fintech firm reporting a 164% surge in annual net income.
Expedia Group has filed a WARN notice confirming 162 job cuts at its Seattle headquarters and among remote staff, marking the latest in a series of layoffs as the company accelerates its AI transformation amid intensifying industry competition.
Vizsla Silver Corp. (VZLA) shares tumbled sharply Thursday after reports that 10 of its employees were abducted from company housing in Mexico, forcing a temporary halt to operations and rattling investor confidence amid broader weakness in silver prices.
A disappointing full-year EBITDA performance from its crucial Macau operations triggered a sharp sell-off in Las Vegas Sands stock, underscoring the lingering challenges facing the gaming giant in the wake of China's regulatory crackdown.
Meta Platforms' staggering capital expenditure forecast for 2026, heavily weighted toward AI infrastructure, underscores the intensifying tech investment cycle. Specialized cloud provider CoreWeave emerges as a likely key beneficiary, its fortunes tied to the hyperscaler spending spree.
Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) kicked off fiscal 2026 with robust first-quarter results, exceeding its own revenue and earnings forecasts. The audio-visual technology leader credits strong deal timing and highlighted significant momentum in automotive, television, and mobile partnerships, including expanded ties with Qualcomm and major social media platforms.
