Upstate New York Economy

Business

Stryker Caps Strong 2025 with Record Robotics Growth, Eyes Further Expansion Amid Tariff Headwinds

The medical technology giant reported double-digit organic sales growth and robust profitability for 2025, driven by record installations of its Mako surgical robots. While projecting continued strength for 2026, management acknowledged incremental tariff pressures but expressed confidence in the company's ability to sustain margin expansion.

Jan 30, 2026

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

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

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

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 Initiates Coverage on Sportradar with Buy Rating, Sees Opportunity in Sports Betting's 'Rational Duopoly'

Analysts at Stifel have initiated coverage on sports data giant Sportradar Group AG (NASDAQ: SRAD) with a Buy rating and a $28 price target, citing its dominant market position and favorable industry dynamics as online sports betting consolidates.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

UBS Sees Stabilization for Globant in 2026, Raises Price Target Amid Mixed Outlook

UBS has increased its price target for digital transformation leader Globant to $75, forecasting a period of stabilized, if modest, growth for the IT services sector next year despite near-term revenue headwinds.

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

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

Asia's Insurance Gap: A $64 Billion Climate Risk to Global Supply Chains

Despite bearing the brunt of costly natural disasters, Asia-Pacific remains the world's least insured region, with a staggering $64 billion protection shortfall in 2024 alone, threatening economic stability and vulnerable communities.

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