Official figures reveal a sharp 26% increase in the annual cost of public sector pensions, now reaching £39bn, with taxpayers covering the bulk of the expense as employer contribution rates rise.
After a brutal 2025, fast-casual restaurant stocks are rallying sharply in early 2026. Analysts debate whether this marks a genuine recovery or a temporary bounce, as consumers pivot towards grocery and convenience store meals, forcing a reckoning on value and quality.
With hyperscalers projected to pour $500 billion into AI infrastructure by 2026, investors are looking beyond headline chipmakers to the essential, yet often overlooked, backbone providers of the AI revolution.
Corebridge Financial (CRBG) has launched a novel index annuity linked to the Invesco New Economy Index, offering exposure to tech themes and Bitcoin. The move comes as analysts debate whether the company's current share price fully reflects its growth potential amid mixed recent performance.
The utility giant Southern Company has declared its latest quarterly dividend, preserving one of corporate America's most remarkable records of shareholder returns. As markets fluctuate, the company's steady income stream and undervalued stock price are drawing renewed attention from long-term investors.
Microsoft posts record cloud and AI-driven revenue for Q2, fueled by new partnerships and its custom AI chip. However, a significant surge in capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and a slight deceleration in Azure growth triggered the stock's worst single-day drop since 2020, testing investor resolve on the long-term payoff.
A fresh round of analyst price target adjustments for European asset manager Amundi (ENXTPA:AMUN) is prompting investors to recalibrate their expectations, placing renewed scrutiny on the firm's growth trajectory in a challenging macroeconomic climate.
Shares of the building products manufacturer have retreated from recent highs, presenting investors with a valuation puzzle. While a key cash flow model suggests the stock is undervalued, its premium P/E ratio tells a more cautious story. We break down the conflicting signals.
Standex International Corporation reported robust fiscal second-quarter results, with revenue climbing to $221.32 million and net income reaching $2.12 million. The company raised its quarterly dividend by 6.3% and issued an upbeat forecast for the third quarter, reinforcing confidence in its strategic shift toward high-value engineered products.
Cardinal Energy Ltd. (TSX:CJ) has successfully upsized its bought deal financing to CA$95.15 million, capitalizing on robust investor appetite. The proceeds are earmarked to accelerate development of its key Reford 2 thermal oil project and strengthen its balance sheet, even as its valuation metrics present a complex picture for investors.
Amidst broader market volatility, a closer look reveals compelling opportunities in the UK's penny stock arena. We analyze three companies—Accesso Technology, ActiveOps, and Zotefoams—that combine niche market strength with evolving financial narratives for the discerning investor.
United Rentals reported strong Q4 results, driven by data center and power sector demand, and issued 2026 guidance forecasting continued revenue growth. Management highlighted a robust project pipeline while navigating margin pressures.
Thermo Fisher Scientific reported a strong finish to 2025, with Q4 results exceeding expectations. While navigating currency volatility and tariffs, the life sciences giant highlighted growth in core biopharma sectors, strategic acquisitions like Clario, and a solid 2026 outlook.
Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT) reported robust Q4 2025 results, driven by exceptional commercial HVAC demand and a record $7.8 billion backlog. While proactive inventory adjustments pressured residential margins, executives project 12-14% adjusted EPS growth for 2026, fueled by strategic acquisitions and sustained commercial strength.
The medical technology giant reported double-digit organic sales growth and robust profitability for 2025, driven by record installations of its Mako surgical robots. While projecting continued strength for 2026, management acknowledged incremental tariff pressures but expressed confidence in the company's ability to sustain margin expansion.
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.
Despite a mixed analyst outlook, Morgan Stanley projects robust growth for Full Truck Alliance's core commission business, even as overall revenue faces headwinds. The digital freight platform's long-term strategy is gaining favor.
Goldman Sachs has upgraded BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) from Neutral to Buy, raising its price target to $142. The firm highlights the company's pivotal role in next-generation cancer treatments, including immuno-oncology and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), as a major catalyst for future growth.
Despite a recent 6.8% pullback, AUTO1 Group SE (ETR:AG1) has delivered a staggering 239% return to its shareholders over the past three years, highlighting the potential rewards of holding through market volatility. We examine the underlying business trends and investor sentiment behind the numbers.
As the FTSE indices reel from weak Chinese trade data, a screen of undervalued UK equities reveals potential opportunities. We examine three companies trading significantly below their estimated cash flow value.
