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.
With economic crosswinds buffeting regional markets, income-focused investors are increasingly looking to dividend-paying equities in Asia to anchor their portfolios. We examine three prominent names offering compelling yields.
Buoyed by a banner 2025 and surging consumer appetite for ocean voyages, Royal Caribbean Group forecasts double-digit profit growth for 2026, signaling a full-throttle recovery for the cruise industry.
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.
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.
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.
South Korean regulators are forming a task force to propose stricter anti-money laundering rules for cryptocurrency transactions by 2026, potentially removing minimum thresholds for identity disclosure to mirror traditional finance oversight.
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.
Tesla shares face pressure following mixed quarterly results, as surging software subscriptions and ambitious Robotaxi plans clash with declining automotive revenue and soaring capital expenditures.
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.
SAP SE's stock plunged to a yearly low following a cautious sector outlook from JPMorgan, which highlighted AI's potential to disrupt traditional SaaS business models, despite the company reporting robust annual earnings.
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.
Eagle Materials (NYSE: EXP) posted resilient fiscal Q3 2026 results, with revenue reaching $556 million and EPS at $3.22. While wallboard sales softened, robust growth in cement and aggregates, fueled by infrastructure spending, highlights a strategic pivot. The company also outlined operational efficiency drives and a fortified balance sheet.
Despite a challenging housing market, Five Point Holdings (NYSE:FPH) reported record annual net income for 2025, driven by strategic land sales and the integration of its Hearthstone platform. The company navigated economic uncertainty with disciplined pricing and secured major entitlement approvals to fuel its long-term pipeline.
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.
DXC Technology's latest earnings reveal a company in transition, betting big on 'AI-native' products to offset declines in its legacy IT services. While revenue dipped, improved bookings and a strong cash position signal cautious optimism for its strategic pivot.
