Business Efficiency

Business

Schneider National Navigates Tough Q4 as Freight Demand Falters, Eyes Supply-Driven Recovery

Schneider National's Q4 2025 earnings fell short of expectations, pressured by a sharp late-year drop in freight demand and severe weather. While acknowledging near-term challenges, executives pointed to early signs of market normalization and detailed strategic cost actions aimed at positioning the carrier for an eventual upcycle.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Southside Bancshares Navigates Higher Rates, Posts Q4 Profit Rebound Amid Strategic Portfolio Shift

Southside Bancshares (SBSI) reported a significant rebound in fourth-quarter earnings, driven by strategic repositioning of its securities portfolio and lower funding costs. While loan growth remained modest, executives outlined a cautious outlook for near-term margin improvement and detailed plans for technology investments and selective M&A in competitive Texas markets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Sherwin-Williams Navigates 'Softer for Longer' Market to Post Strong Q4, Eyes Modest 2026 Growth

Despite a persistently muted demand environment, Sherwin-Williams reported robust fourth-quarter earnings, driven by cost discipline and strategic acquisitions. The paint giant forecasts low-to-mid single-digit sales growth for 2026 while reinstating employee benefits, signaling cautious optimism amid ongoing economic headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Freedom Capital Trims Li Auto Target Amid Intensifying China EV Price War

Freedom Capital Markets has lowered its price target for Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI) from $34 to $25, citing a mixed quarterly performance and a challenging outlook as China's electric vehicle sector grapples with a fierce price war and softening demand.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

BofA Doubles Down on Hesai Group, Boosts Price Target on Lidar Leadership and Regulatory Tailwinds

Bank of America Securities has reaffirmed its Buy rating on Hesai Group (HSAI), raising its price target to $32, citing the lidar maker's technological milestones, strategic partnership with NVIDIA, and favorable regulatory developments for autonomous driving.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Macquarie Trims XPeng Target, Citing Subsidy Cuts and 'Transition Year' Challenges

Investment bank Macquarie has lowered its price target for Chinese EV maker XPeng, pointing to reduced government subsidies and a complex path to profitability as the company expands its model lineup.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Atour Emerges as a Premium Contender in China's Hotel Wars, Says CLSA

Brokerage firm CLSA initiates coverage on Atour Lifestyle Holdings with an 'Outperform' rating and a $49 price target, highlighting its unique brand ecosystem and asset-light model as key differentiators in a competitive market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Macquarie Upgrades NIO to Outperform on Strong Q4 Sales, Battery Service Adoption

Investment bank Macquarie has raised its rating on NIO Inc. (NYSE:NIO) from Neutral to Outperform, citing better-than-expected fourth-quarter delivery figures and the growing success of its battery subscription model. The firm also increased its price target to $6.10.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Regulatory Headwinds Cloud Outlook for PDD Holdings Amid Broader China Internet Crackdown

While Morgan Stanley maintains an Overweight rating on PDD Holdings, the firm has removed the e-commerce giant from its Top Picks list, citing heightened regulatory scrutiny and a slower-than-expected consumer recovery in China.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Stifel Initiates Coverage on Sportradar with Buy Rating, Sees Opportunity in Sports Betting's 'Rational Duopoly'

Analysts at Stifel have initiated coverage on sports data giant Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD) with a Buy rating and a $28 price target, citing its dominant market position and favorable industry dynamics as online sports betting consolidates.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

UBS Sees Stabilization for Globant in 2026, Raises Price Target Amid Mixed Outlook

UBS has increased its price target for digital transformation leader Globant to $75, forecasting a period of stabilized, if modest, growth for the IT services sector next year despite near-term revenue headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Argenx's Vyvgart Surges Past Sales Forecasts, Fueling Optimism for Autoimmune Portfolio

Biotech firm Argenx SE sees its flagship drug Vyvgart outperform sales expectations in myasthenia gravis and CIDP treatments, with analysts pointing to sustained growth and regulatory momentum as key drivers.

Jan 30, 2026

World

France Blocks Eutelsat's Ground Antenna Sale, Citing Strategic Sovereignty Concerns

The French government has intervened to stop satellite operator Eutelsat from selling its ground antenna assets, framing the move as a defense of European strategic autonomy against rivals like SpaceX's Starlink.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Landlords' Tax Return Deadline Looms: A Guide to Navigating Reliefs and Avoiding Penalties

With key self-assessment deadlines approaching, property investors must navigate a changed landscape of tax reliefs and allowable expenses to minimise their liabilities. Experts urge early preparation to avoid costly surprises.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Retirement Tax Trap: How Frozen Allowances and Rising Pensions Are Forcing More Retirees into Self-Assessment

A growing number of pensioners are being drawn into the self-assessment tax system as frozen thresholds clash with rising state pension payments. This guide explains who needs to file, key deadlines, and strategies to protect your retirement income.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Navigating the Maze: A Self-Employed Guide to Tax and National Insurance as Digital Overhaul Looms

With the annual self-assessment deadline a perennial source of stress for freelancers and sole traders, this guide breaks down the essentials of income tax and National Insurance. The landscape is set for a significant shift with the incoming Making Tax Digital regime, making this a crucial year to get to grips with the current rules.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The £100k Tax Cliff Edge: How Britain's Stealth Tax Hits High Earners and What They Can Do

A quirk in the UK tax system means those earning between £100,000 and £125,140 face an effective 60% marginal tax rate, while also losing crucial childcare benefits. We examine the growing trap and the financial planning strategies to navigate it.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The End of an Era? UK Retailers Rethink the Future of Free Returns

The long-standing pillar of UK e-commerce—free and unlimited returns—is facing a fundamental overhaul as soaring costs and changing consumer habits force retailers to adopt more targeted and sustainable policies.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ResMed Posts Strong Q2 Growth, Eyes GLP-1 Tailwind and AI-Driven Innovation

ResMed reports robust revenue and margin expansion in its fiscal Q2 2026, driven by strong device and mask sales. Management highlights strategic investments in AI-powered patient tools and views GLP-1 medications as a potential catalyst for future demand.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Robert Half Sees Green Shoots in Q4, But Recovery Remains Fragile Amid Year-Over-Year Declines

Robert Half International reports a pivotal return to sequential revenue growth in Q4 2025, signaling a potential turning point after a prolonged slump. However, the staffing giant continues to grapple with significant year-over-year declines, highlighting an uneven recovery path for the broader professional labor market.

Jan 30, 2026