Amidst a complex backdrop of economic crosscurrents and geopolitical tensions, a select group of small-cap companies across Asia are demonstrating remarkable resilience and growth potential. We analyze three standout names from Singapore and China that are navigating the volatility with strong fundamentals.
Shares of Liberty Energy (LBRT) surged over 16% to an all-time peak as CEO Ron Gusek's aggressive growth roadmap, targeting a tripling of power demand, overshadowed a sharp decline in annual profits.
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.
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.
Despite a challenging year marked by oil price volatility and softer demand for completion services, Liberty Energy (LBRT) closed 2025 with a resilient Q4 performance. The company is aggressively scaling its distributed power solutions business, targeting 3 GW of projects by 2029, even as it manages pricing pressures in its core fracking operations.
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 Brookdale Senior Living (BKD) rallied sharply, reaching their highest level since 2016, fueled by a significant price target increase from RBC Capital and optimistic preliminary earnings guidance for 2025.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the end of production for the flagship Model S and Model X during the Q4 earnings call, marking a pivotal shift towards autonomous vehicle fleets and humanoid robot manufacturing.
Blackstone Inc. is weighing a sale of Interplex's information and communications technology business, with early-stage talks suggesting a valuation exceeding $1 billion, sources familiar with the matter said.
Carnival Corporation & PLC saw its stock price climb sharply Thursday, buoyed by robust earnings from rival Royal Caribbean and the company's own announcement of a planned corporate unification and dividend payment.
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.
Shares of electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation tumbled sharply Thursday as the market reacted to the company's announcement of a major new fundraising effort, raising concerns over potential shareholder dilution.
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.
Despite reporting a near-doubling of annual net income and raising its 2026 outlook, electronics manufacturer Celestica saw its shares drop sharply Thursday as the market judged its stellar results to be already reflected in the price.
