Core Insights - Ally Financial demonstrated solid operational performance in 2025, with expectations for continued growth into 2026, particularly in net interest margin and customer acquisition [5][6][12] Financial Performance - Retail auto credit losses were reported at 1.97%, with a flat expense structure and an increase in the CET1 ratio [1] - The net interest margin was around 350 basis points at year-end 2025, with expectations for a full-year margin of 360 to 370 basis points [6] - Ally's retail auto net charge-off guidance for 2026 is projected between 1.8% and 2.0%, with current trends indicating a midpoint expectation [9] Business Segments - The company focuses on three key operating businesses: Dealer Financial Services, insurance, and Corporate Finance, supported by a strong deposits franchise [4] - In Corporate Finance, Ally maintains a low average annualized loss rate of about 30 basis points since going public in 2014, while the asset base has grown [2] - Ally's insurance segment is expected to grow, although not linearly, due to various external factors impacting performance [10] Strategic Focus - Ally's strategic shift emphasizes strengthening core franchises and enhancing dealer relationships, which has led to record application flow and written premiums in insurance [3][4] - The company aims to leverage structural tailwinds for margin expansion, particularly through higher-yielding loans replacing lower-yielding securities [7] Customer and Deposit Growth - Ally has achieved 67 consecutive quarters of customer growth since its inception in 2009, indicating a strong customer acquisition strategy [1] - Deposit balances were flat in 2025, but the company anticipates that asset growth will typically lead to deposit growth in 2026, supported by alternative funding sources [12] Capital Management - Ally expects sufficient capital generation to support loan growth, dividends, and buybacks, with a goal of improving the CET1 ratio to the "nines over time" [13] - The company views buybacks as part of a balanced approach to capital management, considering valuation and strategic objectives [13]

Core Insights - The disconnect between social media portrayals of travel and the reality of financial struggles among young adults raises questions about how individuals manage to vacation while claiming to be broke [1] Group 1: Debt as a Factor - A predominant explanation for the ability to travel despite financial constraints is the reliance on debt, including credit cards and "buy now pay later" services [2] - Many individuals are funding vacations through maxed-out credit cards and high-interest loans, leading to a hidden financial burden [3] - Personal anecdotes reveal that some have taken significant loans, such as a $10,000 loan for a trip, indicating a trend of prioritizing travel over financial stability [2][3] Group 2: Prioritization of Travel - A smaller segment of individuals argues that vacations are a matter of personal priorities, with some budgeting specifically for travel despite living paycheck to paycheck [4] - The notion that travel is a non-negotiable expense for some individuals suggests a cultural shift in how young adults allocate their finances [4]

An internal union schism is possible, he explained, because “these younger, newer hires will complain, ‘Hey, I had a chance for a $150,000 payday bingo and the union screwed me out of it.’ ”“UPS is currently targeting a younger audience, which means instead of being those folks that would be in the union for another 20 or 30 years, they’re saying, ‘Here’s your money. Go away, and you can never work for UPS again.’ It’s kind of driving a wedge because unions want to grow the membership. They really don’t wan ...

Core Viewpoint - The fourth-quarter performance of U.S. small-cap equities showed modest gains, supported by a positive macroeconomic backdrop and attractive valuations, although the Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund underperformed the Russell 2000 Index [1]. Company Performance - Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACHC) was identified as a major performance detractor for the Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund, with its stock closing at $16.77 per share on February 13, 2026, reflecting a one-month return of 43.58% but a significant decline of 59.16% over the past twelve months [2][3]. - The company reported mixed third-quarter earnings results, beating estimates but subsequently reducing forward guidance, which led to a sell-off in its stock [3]. Market Position and Hedge Fund Interest - Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 40 hedge fund portfolios holding its shares at the end of the third quarter, a slight increase from 39 in the previous quarter [4]. - While the potential of Acadia Healthcare as an investment is acknowledged, the company is viewed as having less upside potential compared to certain AI stocks, which are considered to carry less downside risk [4].

Side gig income can be a great way to boost cash flow, pay down debt or build savings. But as a gig worker, you may be unaware that the money you make is fully taxable, the same as a regular paycheck. The problem is that unlike with income you earn from an employer, no taxes are automatically withheld. This means that unless you’re on top of things, you could be in for a nasty surprise at tax time, and that’s a situation you definitely want to avoid. With that in mind, here’s how side gig taxes really w ...

When one of the world's most successful activist investors starts buying, smart money pays attention. With roughly $80 billion in assets under management, Elliott Management has built its reputation on spotting undervalued opportunities and pushing for change. Now, the firm is betting big on The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEGY), according to a Reuters report. www.barchart.com The AI Picks-and-Shovels Play While everyone's chasing the next hot AI model, Elliott sees something different — the infrastru ...

The latest merry-go-round of executive changes at footwear firms has been centered around the critical chief financial officer position. Since the start of the new year, Caleres, Genesco, On and Designer Brands have all announced moves that will impact their operations in the year ahead. Some of the incumbent step-downs were due to the pursuit of a new job; in other cases, fresh initiatives dictated change. More from WWD At Shoe Carnival Inc., W. Kerry Jackson last September was named executive vice pre ...

Core Viewpoint - Amazon's stock has seen a significant decline following its fourth-quarter earnings report, trading approximately 23% below its all-time highs, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.8, nearing its lowest valuation in recent history [1]. Financial Performance - Amazon's revenue exceeded expectations in the fourth quarter, with notable growth in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) segment. However, the company's projected capital spending of $200 billion for 2026 raised concerns among investors, especially given that its operating cash flow for 2025 was $139.5 billion, reflecting a 17% increase from the previous year [2]. - There is a possibility that Amazon may report negative free cash flow in 2026, prompting conservative investors to withdraw [2]. Management Insights - AWS CEO Matt Garman reassured investors that the significant capital expenditure should not be a cause for concern, suggesting that they should be optimistic about the spending [3]. - Garman anticipates a capacity constraint for AWS for the next few years, indicating that demand will outstrip supply, which could lead to increased sales for Amazon [4]. Strategic Investment - If Garman's predictions hold true, the $200 billion investment could be beneficial for Amazon, and further investment may be warranted [5]. - Historical context shows that Amazon's previous investments in its e-commerce infrastructure, which initially reduced profitability, ultimately established a strong competitive advantage, with the e-commerce division reporting $35 billion in operating income last year, a 23% year-over-year increase [6]. - The AWS segment has also outperformed, generating $129 billion in revenue last year, an 18% increase, and $45 billion in operating income. If Garman's forecast is accurate, Amazon's investment in AI computing power could allow it to maintain pricing power in the market [7].

Vancouver, Canada-based lululemon athletica inc. (LULU) designs, distributes, and retails technical athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories for women and men under the lululemon brand. It is valued at a market cap of $20.7 billion. This apparel retail company has notably lagged behind the broader market over the past 52 weeks. Shares of LULU have declined 54.9% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has soared 11.8%. Moreover, on a YTD basis, the stock is down 15.1%, compared to ...

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC), headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, functions as an integrated downstream energy company. Valued at $61.1 billion by market cap, the company refines, supplies, markets, and transports petroleum products. Shares of refining giant have outperformed the broader market over the past year. MPC has gained 31.9% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 11.8%. In 2026, MPC stock is up 25%, surpassing the SPX’s marginal fall on a YTD basis. ...