The report card is finally in for Australia’s major companies and the profit results are better than expected.Particularly notable was BHP’s monster profit and those of the four big banks, which all managed to beat market expectations.The result with just a few stragglers left to report is that the ASX 200 added 23.3 points or 0.3% to 9,168.60 points on Friday, with that record close pumping up the index by an impressive 3.7% for the month of February.Consumer stocks one weak pointThere were a few areas of ...

Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv British Airways owner IAG beats annual profit estimates February 27, 20267:09 AM UTCUpdated ago By Reuters A scale model of an aircraft with British Airways livery is seen at the British Airways headquarters and IAG head office in Harmondsworth, London, Britain, March 13, 2025. REUTERS/Toby... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more Feb 26 (Reuters) - British Airways owner IAG (ICAG ...

Core Insights - Pearson reported a sales increase of 4% to £3,577 million in 2025, with adjusted operating profit rising 6% to £614 million, reflecting strong performance across various segments [1][4][5] - The company is confident in achieving mid-single digit sales growth for 2026 and beyond, supported by strategic partnerships and advancements in AI technology [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Statutory operating profit decreased by 6% to £507 million due to adverse currency movements and a one-off impairment of legacy product development assets [1][4] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 4% to 64.5p, with free cash flow rising by 8% to £527 million, resulting in a free cash flow conversion of 125% [1][4][5] - The company completed a £350 million share buyback in 2025, reducing the share count by 5%, and announced a further £350 million buyback in January 2026 [1][2][3] Segment Performance - Assessment & Qualifications segment saw a 4% increase in underlying sales, driven by new contracts and pricing strategies, with adjusted operating profit increasing by 1% [4][5] - Virtual Learning sales grew by 8% on an underlying basis, with a strong performance in the second half of the year, supported by a 13% increase in enrolments for the 2025/26 academic year [4][5] - Higher Education sales increased by 2%, with US Higher Education up 3% due to enrolment growth and pricing in core Courseware [4][5] Strategic Initiatives - Pearson advanced its enterprise strategy by securing eight partnerships with industry-leading firms, including a new partnership with Salesforce [1][2] - The company is focusing on the application of innovative technologies, particularly AI, to enhance learning outcomes and operational efficiencies [1][2][3] - Significant progress was made in expanding into the Early Careers space and enhancing career-readiness solutions for learners transitioning from education to the workforce [2][3] Outlook - For 2026, Pearson expects underlying sales growth to be mid-single digit, with adjusted operating profit projected between £640 million and £685 million [3][4] - The company anticipates stronger growth in Virtual Learning and Higher Education segments, driven by continued product innovation and market expansion [3][4][5] - The effective tax rate on adjusted profit before tax is expected to be around 25% for 2026 [3][4]

Core Viewpoint - Pearson has appointed Simon Robson as the new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding Sally Johnson, who is leaving to take a role at a large privately owned business. The company is optimistic about achieving mid-single digit underlying sales growth in 2026 [1]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Simon Robson will officially join Pearson on March 30, 2026, and will take over as Group CFO and Executive Director on May 8, 2026, following a coordinated transition with Sally Johnson [1]. - Sally Johnson has been with Pearson for nearly 26 years, serving as CFO for the past six years, and has significantly contributed to the company's financial performance and transformation [1]. Group 2: Simon Robson's Background - Simon Robson has extensive financial leadership experience from Sky, where he held various senior finance and strategy roles, including Group CFO since June 2020 [1]. - He holds a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Sheffield and is a chartered certified accountant [1]. Group 3: Company Outlook - Pearson enters 2026 with confidence in delivering mid-single digit underlying sales growth, supported by the medium-term outlook shared in their full-year results [1]. - The company emphasizes its commitment to creating enriching learning experiences and serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content and assessments [1].

Delek US Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:DK) will release earnings for the fourth quarter before the opening bell on Friday, Feb. 27.Analysts expect the Brentwood, Tennessee-based company to report quarterly loss at 19 cents per share. That's up from $2.54 per share in the year-ago period. The consensus estimate for Delek US Holdings' quarterly revenue is $2.55 billion (it reported $2.37 billion last year), according to Benzinga Pro.On Feb. 18, Delek US Holdings announced a quarterly dividend of 25.5 cents per share.S ...

Group 1 - Delek US Holdings, Inc. is set to release its fourth-quarter earnings on February 27, with analysts predicting a loss of 19 cents per share, a significant decline from a profit of $2.54 per share in the same quarter last year [1] - The consensus estimate for quarterly revenue is $2.55 billion, an increase from $2.37 billion reported in the previous year [1] - The company announced a quarterly dividend of 25.5 cents per share on February 18 [1] Group 2 - Shares of Delek US Holdings increased by 8.5%, closing at $36.38 on Thursday [2] - Analysts' ratings and insights on Delek US Holdings can be accessed on the Analyst Stock Ratings page, allowing users to sort by various criteria [2]

Core Viewpoint - Nvidia is compared to the 1849 gold rush, where it is seen as a provider of essential tools (picks and shovels) for the AI industry, indicating a strong market position despite concerns about future profitability in the broader ecosystem [3][4]. Nvidia's Market Position - Nvidia remains the largest position for the firm, with significant demand exceeding supply, indicating a robust market presence [5]. - The company is currently the only one making substantial profits in the AI sector, while others are still figuring out their profitability [6]. Investment Strategy - The firm has been actively managing its Nvidia holdings, adding to positions during downturns and trimming during periods of growth, reflecting a dynamic investment approach [5]. - There is a belief that Nvidia's stock will continue to rise as more companies in the AI ecosystem begin to generate profits [6]. Broader AI Ecosystem - The conversation around AI should extend beyond just chip manufacturers like Nvidia to include other sectors such as data centers, power generation, and HVAC systems, indicating a need for a diversified investment approach [7][8]. - Comfort Systems is highlighted as a significant holding, suggesting that the firm is looking beyond Nvidia to capture growth in the broader AI-related infrastructure [7]. Market Concerns - There are lingering issues such as tariff confusion and geopolitical tensions that could impact market dynamics, but these are not currently hindering investment decisions [9][10]. - The firm is monitoring oil prices and geopolitical developments, particularly in relation to Iran and Russia, as these factors could influence market conditions [10]. Additional Investment Opportunities - Fast Retailing, known for its Uniqlo brand, is identified as a strong growth opportunity, particularly in the Japanese market, which is often overlooked by US-centric investors [12][13]. - EQT is noted as a leading natural gas producer in the US, emphasizing the importance of natural gas as a key energy source moving forward [14].

Core Viewpoint - District Metals Corp. has contracted Expert Geophysics Surveys Inc. to conduct a Mobile MagnetoTellurics System survey over additional mineral licenses in its Alum Shale Properties in Sweden, aiming to identify further mineralized targets [1][2]. Group 1: Survey Details - The MobileMT survey will cover approximately 2,253 line kilometers with a line spacing of 400 meters and tie lines spaced 4,000 meters, focusing on recently approved mineral license applications [2]. - The survey is scheduled to begin in late June or early July 2026, contingent on permitting, contractor availability, and weather conditions [3]. - Data from the survey will be processed and integrated with existing geological, geochemical, and geophysical datasets to optimize target identification [3]. Group 2: Mineral Resource Insights - The survey aims to identify the shallowest and thickest parts of mineralized Alum Shale, which contains significant graphite and sulphides, enhancing its potential as a superconductor [4]. - A previous MobileMT survey in 2025 successfully identified large-scale conductive anomalies correlating with the Viken Energy Metals Deposit, confirming the presence of additional mineralized Alum Shale targets [5]. - The Viken Deposit is noted for containing the largest undeveloped Mineral Resource Estimate of uranium globally, along with substantial estimates of vanadium, potash, molybdenum, nickel, copper, and zinc [6][13]. Group 3: Leadership and Strategic Changes - Mr. Jeremy Veszi will conclude his role as Vice President of Project Development effective February 28, 2026, due to external consulting commitments [8]. - The company will shift from an executive leadership model to a team-based advisory approach while continuing to engage Veszi Professional Consulting Inc. for multidisciplinary support [9]. - The focus remains on advancing the Viken Project through disciplined technical work programs supported by internal leadership and specialized external advisors [9].

Software stocks have been crushed but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel.Nvidia's (NVDA 5.55%) highly anticipated fourth-quarter earnings report wasn't enough to lift its own stock, but it did give a boost elsewhere. Software stocks rallied on the report due in part to comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and as Nvidia's update set off a rotation in the tech sector on Thursday from chip stocks to software-as-a-service stocks (SaaS).Software stocks have been pummeled this year on fears that AI ...

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