HR Consulting

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

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

Goldman Sachs Upgrades BioNTech to Buy, Citing Oncology Pipeline as Key Growth Driver

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.

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

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

Business

On Holding: A 2026 Growth Story Backed by Analysts Despite Price Target Adjustments

Despite a recent price target cut by KeyBanc, On Holding AG (NYSE: ONON) remains a top growth pick for 2026, with Goldman Sachs upgrading the stock to Buy. Analysts highlight the brand's global momentum and product strength as key drivers.

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

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

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

World

Exclusive: China Grants Conditional Nod for DeepSeek to Procure Nvidia's H200 AI Chips

Chinese regulators have conditionally approved leading AI startup DeepSeek to purchase Nvidia's advanced H200 artificial intelligence chips, sources tell Reuters, as Beijing navigates competing pressures to advance its tech sector while managing geopolitical tensions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

China Approves Sciwind's Diabetes Drug Xianyida, Intensifying GLP-1 Market Competition

Sciwind Biosciences secures Chinese approval for its GLP-1 agonist Xianyida, entering a crowded but high-stakes diabetes treatment market dominated by global giants, as the country grapples with the world's largest diabetic population.

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