Financial Analysis

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

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

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

Morgan Stanley Bullish on Full Truck Alliance, Sees 30%+ Transaction Revenue Surge by 2026

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.

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 Takes Cautious Stance on Genius Sports, Citing 'Picks & Shovels' Edge in Booming Betting Market

Analyst firm Stifel has initiated coverage on sports data giant Genius Sports with a Hold rating, praising its foundational role in the online betting ecosystem but flagging a balanced risk-reward at current levels.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

RBC Lifts Price Target on Ascendis Pharma, Backs Growth Trajectory Through 2026

RBC Capital has reaffirmed its confidence in Ascendis Pharma, raising its price target following the company's ambitious 2026 strategic goals, which hinge on sustained momentum for its lead therapy and significant long-term revenue targets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Truist Bullish on Amer Sports, Forecasts EPS Above $2.50 by 2030 on Strong Growth Strategy

Truist Securities has raised its price target for Amer Sports (NYSE: AS), citing the company's clear long-term roadmap and 'durable growth levers' across its portfolio of iconic sports brands. The firm sees a realistic path to earnings per share exceeding $2.50 by fiscal 2030.

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

World

Private Equity and Sovereign Wealth Funds Profit from UK's Special Educational Needs Crisis

As demand for specialist education soars, private investors—from Abu Dhabi to private equity firms—are capitalizing on a strained system, drawing criticism for extracting profits from vulnerable children and cash-strapped councils.

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

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

PulteGroup Navigates Market Volatility to Post Strong 2025, Eyes Growth Amid Elevated Incentives

Despite facing what its CEO called "highly variable" housing demand in 2025, PulteGroup reported another year of robust revenue and earnings, driven by its diversified buyer mix and strength in the active-adult segment. While Q4 profitability softened, the homebuilder is betting on strategic land investments and a resilient spring selling season to fuel its 2026 outlook.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust Posts Strong Q4 on Securitization Surge, Navigates Production Headwinds

PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT) closed 2025 with robust earnings, driven by a dramatic expansion in its private-label securitization business. While this growth fueled returns, the company's correspondent lending segment faced pressure, and faster mortgage prepayments impacted servicing rights income.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Parker-Hannifin Soars on Record Q2, Raises Outlook Amid Filtration Group Deal Progress

Parker-Hannifin posts record-breaking Q2 fiscal 2026 results, fueled by robust organic growth and margin expansion, particularly in aerospace. The industrial giant raises full-year guidance and details strategic progress on its planned acquisition of Filtration Group Corporation.

Jan 30, 2026