Packaging Corp

Business

Lockheed Martin Posts Record Backlog, Unveils Major Investment Push Amid Global Defense Demand Surge

Lockheed Martin capped a year of robust sales growth with a historic $194 billion order backlog, driven by soaring demand for its advanced defense systems. The aerospace giant announced plans for a significant 'step function' increase in capital investment for 2026 to ramp up production of missiles and next-generation capabilities.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Southwest Airlines Charts Aggressive Course After 'Year of Transformation,' Forecasts Earnings Surge in 2026

Southwest Airlines capped off 2025 with record revenue and improved operations, positioning the carrier for what executives project will be a dramatic earnings acceleration next year, driven by new initiatives like assigned seating and a refined loyalty program.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Lazard Posts Record Advisory Revenue in 2025, Citing Strategic Gains and Asset Management Turnaround

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.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Middle Eastern Small-Caps Defying Geopolitical Turbulence

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.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Expedia Announces Workforce Reduction Amid AI-Driven Restructuring

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.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Las Vegas Sands Shares Plunge 14% on Macau Weakness, Casting Shadow Over Recovery Hopes

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.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Microsoft Shares Tumble 10% as Investors Balk at Heavy AI Spending, OpenAI Exposure

Microsoft's stock faced its steepest single-day drop in months, closing down 10% despite posting strong quarterly earnings. The sell-off was driven by investor concerns over surging capital expenditures and the company's significant financial ties to OpenAI.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hexcel Eyes Sustained Aerospace Rebound After Challenging 2025, Outlines Growth Plan

Following a year hampered by supply chain issues and inventory adjustments, advanced materials maker Hexcel signals a turning point, forecasting stronger sales and profitability in 2026 as commercial aircraft production is poised for a multi-year upswing.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Equity Lifestyle Properties Posts Steady 2025 Growth, Eyes Continued Expansion in 2026 Amid RV Segment Volatility

Equity Lifestyle Properties (ELS) reported solid 2025 results with NOI and FFO growth, driven by its core manufactured housing communities. While forecasting further growth for 2026, management acknowledged ongoing fluctuations in its seasonal RV business and provided detailed guidance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Middle Eastern Equities Defying Geopolitical Gloom

While regional tensions weigh on Gulf bourses, a closer look reveals resilient companies with strong fundamentals poised for growth. We analyze three under-the-radar stocks from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Israel that are navigating the volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Microsoft's $625 Billion Backlog Signals AI Boom, But Investors Urged to Look Beyond the Headline

Microsoft's commercial contracted backlog more than doubled year-over-year to $625 billion, fueled by AI demand. However, a closer look reveals customer concentration risks, slower near-term revenue conversion, and soaring capital expenditures that temper the bullish narrative.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Atlas Copco Holds Dividend Steady Amid Earnings Dip, Signals Confidence with Extra Payout

The Swedish industrial giant reported lower sales and net income for 2025 but proposed maintaining its ordinary dividend and adding a special distribution, a move analysts interpret as a show of financial strength despite near-term headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Activist Investor Tsai Capital Bets on QXO's Consolidation Strategy in Fragmented Building Sector

Activist investment firm Tsai Capital has taken a stake in QXO, spotlighting the distributor's ambitious plan to consolidate the fragmented building products industry. The move comes as QXO's stock shows strong recent momentum despite longer-term headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Whirlpool's Credit Downgrade Casts Shadow Over Ambitious Product Revamp

S&P strips Whirlpool of its investment-grade rating, citing financial pressures, as the appliance giant books significant impairments while gearing up for a major 2026 product showcase.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

A. O. Smith Stock Surge Puts Valuation in Focus: Is There Still Room to Run?

Shares of water heater and boiler manufacturer A. O. Smith have gained significant momentum, closing recently at $73.17. This rally has analysts and investors re-examining the company's fundamentals to determine if the stock remains undervalued or if the market has already priced in its growth prospects.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Restaurant Chains Shutter Dozens of Locations Amid Bankruptcy Wave

A growing list of casual dining chains are turning to bankruptcy court and closing underperforming stores as heavy debt loads and shifting consumer habits take their toll. The latest casualty, FAT Brands, has moved to permanently close 32 locations and reject their leases.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Asian Markets Retreat as Wall Street's Wild Ride Casts a Shadow

Asian equities broadly declined on Friday, taking cues from a volatile U.S. session marked by a historic plunge in Microsoft shares. The sell-off extended to commodities, with oil and precious metals also losing ground.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Deckers Outdoor Soars on HOKA Momentum, UGG Resilience; Raises Full-Year Outlook

Fueled by record-breaking demand for its HOKA and UGG brands, Deckers Outdoor posts a robust Q3, beating expectations. The company credits disciplined full-price selling and strategic marketplace management for driving growth across all regions, leading to an upward revision of its fiscal 2026 guidance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

CNX Resources Charts Steady Course Through 2026, Eyes Long-Term Demand Over Short-Term Price Spikes

In its Q4 2025 earnings call, CNX Resources outlined a disciplined capital strategy for 2026, emphasizing operational resilience amid severe weather and providing updates on its deep Utica shale program, RNG initiatives, and hedging posture. Management signaled a focus on long-term infrastructure catalysts rather than chasing volatile spot gas prices.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Caterpillar Posts Record 2025 Results, Warns of Escalating Tariff Headwinds

Caterpillar Inc. capped off a historic 2025 with record sales and a soaring backlog, but executives signaled a cautious outlook for 2026 as escalating trade tariffs threaten to squeeze margins. The industrial giant's performance was buoyed by robust demand across construction, mining, and a surging data center power market.

Jan 30, 2026