Exclusive: Activist Irenic builds stake in Ralliant, pushes for cost cuts | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]Adam Katz, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Irenic Capital Management, speaks during 13D Monitor's Active-Passive Investor Summit in New York City, U.S., October 21, 2025.... [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab] Read more- Companies- Summary- Shareholders worry about company's forecast costs- Meg ...

BP is halting share buybacks and raising its target for cost cuts as pressure mounts on the UK energy giant https://t.co/5chub8rZn3 ...

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is recognized as one of the best oil and gas stocks to buy, with a recent price target increase from $105 to $112 by Roth Capital following the company's Q4 results [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Guidance - ConocoPhillips reported that it missed Wall Street estimates for Q4 profit due to weaker crude prices [3]. - The company has issued unchanged capital expenditure guidance for 2026, estimating around $12 billion in capital expenditures and adjusted operating costs of $10.2 billion [2]. - The CEO emphasized a focus on achieving a $1 billion reduction in capital and operating costs in 2026, building on over $1 billion in synergies captured from the acquisition of Marathon Oil [4]. Group 2: Cost-Cutting Initiatives - ConocoPhillips is progressing on its $1 billion cost-cutting program, which is part of a broader restructuring effort that includes a planned workforce reduction of 20% to 25% [2][5]. - The company aims to return 45% of its cash from operations to shareholders, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns [4].

Core Insights - Canopy Growth Corporation reported mixed results for Q3, with revenue exceeding estimates and a narrower loss, although per-share results fell short of expectations [2][3] Financial Performance - Net revenue for the quarter was C$74.5 million, roughly unchanged from the previous year and above the C$70.5 million consensus estimate [3] - The company reported a loss of C$0.18 per share, an improvement of approximately 84% year-over-year, but higher than the expected loss of C$0.08 per share [3] - Net loss narrowed by 49% year-over-year, while adjusted EBITDA loss decreased by 17%, attributed to stronger sales execution and reduced SG&A expenses [4] Revenue Breakdown - Cannabis net revenue increased by 4% to C$52 million [4] - Canadian medical cannabis revenue rose by 15% to C$23 million, driven by growth in insured patients and larger order sizes [4] - Canadian adult-use revenue increased by 8% to C$23 million, supported by growth in infused pre-rolls and new all-in-one vape products [4] - International cannabis revenue declined by 31% year-over-year due to supply chain challenges in Europe, but increased by 22% sequentially as shipments improved [5] Cost Management - Consolidated gross margin decreased to 29% from 32% a year ago, reflecting lower international cannabis sales and changes in product mix [6] - Selling, general, and administrative expenses fell on an adjusted basis due to headcount reductions and lower third-party costs [6] - The company achieved C$29 million in annualized cost savings since March 2025 and continues to seek additional efficiencies [6] Strategic Developments - The acquisition of MTL Cannabis is on track to close in the current quarter, expected to strengthen the company's global cannabis platform [7] - CEO Luc Mongeau noted that the third quarter reflects improving fundamentals and a more focused operating model, particularly in Canada [7] - Following the report, shares of Canopy Growth increased by 1.9% [8]

Core Viewpoint - Equinor's fourth-quarter earnings have decreased due to lower oil and gas prices, prompting the company to target a 10% reduction in operating costs and to cut back on capital expenditure [1] Financial Performance - The company reported a decline in fourth-quarter earnings as a result of weaker oil and gas prices [1] Cost Management - Equinor is aiming for a 10% reduction in operating costs for the current year [1] Capital Expenditure - The company plans to reduce its capital expenditure in response to the challenging market conditions [1]

Core Viewpoint - Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (BRBS) has shown a return to profitability in Q4 2025, despite a sequential decline in earnings, and is positioned for growth in the upcoming year following the termination of a regulatory consent order [2][6]. Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, BRBS reported net income of $4.2 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2 million, or $0.03 per share, in Q4 2024, indicating a year-over-year improvement [2]. - Net interest income for the quarter was $18.1 million, down from $19.1 million in Q4 2024, reflecting lower average interest-earning asset balances [2]. - Noninterest income was $2.7 million, largely unchanged from $2.8 million a year earlier, while noninterest expense decreased by 34% to $16.9 million from $25.6 million in the prior-year quarter [3]. - For the full year, BRBS posted net income of $10.7 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $15.4 million, or $0.31 per share, in 2024 [3]. Asset Quality and Capital Position - Nonperforming loans decreased to $23.8 million, representing 0.98% of total assets as of Dec. 31, 2025, down from $28.6 million, or 1.14%, at the end of the prior quarter [4]. - Total assets decreased to $2.43 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025, from $2.74 billion a year earlier, primarily due to reductions in loans and brokered deposits [5]. - Capital ratios remained strong, with a tangible common equity ratio of 13.2%, despite declines from the prior quarter due to dividend payments and share repurchases [5]. Management Insights - Management described 2025 as a "breakthrough year," highlighting the termination of a regulatory consent order in November 2025, which is expected to lower borrowing costs and provide greater flexibility for capital decisions [6]. - The company reduced headcount by over 30% from year-end 2024 to year-end 2025, transitioning towards a more traditional community banking model [6]. Influencing Factors - The quarterly results were affected by non-recurring items, including a $1.5 million pre-tax recovery of credit losses and $0.4 million of pre-tax income related to the sale of mortgage servicing rights [7]. - The net interest margin declined to 3.04% from 2.80% in Q4 2024, and sequentially from 3.60% in Q3 2025, partly due to the absence of loan fee income [8]. Future Outlook - While BRBS did not provide formal financial guidance, management anticipates mid-single-digit balance sheet growth and positive momentum entering the new year, supported by an improving loan pipeline [10]. Other Developments - During the quarter, BRBS paid a special cash dividend of $0.25 per share, totaling approximately $29.1 million, and continued its share repurchase program, buying back 802,735 common shares for $3.4 million [11]. - Earlier in 2025, BRBS completed the sale of its mortgage division, contributing to the decline in noninterest income from mortgage-related activities [12].

Group 1: Economic Outlook and Challenges - CEOs of major UK companies anticipate a new wave of challenges in 2026, influenced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves' tax-raising budget and economic conditions [1] - Key concerns include trust issues related to artificial intelligence, increased cyberattacks, and the need for cost-cutting measures [1][2] - The hospitality sector is particularly vulnerable, with rising employer taxes posing risks to survival and potential job losses [6][16] Group 2: Industry-Specific Insights - The asset management sector emphasizes the need for the UK to invest in itself to attract foreign capital and improve productivity through AI [2] - Telecommunications companies expect AI to significantly enhance customer experience, with a focus on balancing technology with personalized human care [10] - The gambling industry faces challenges from higher taxes but remains optimistic about potential benefits from the 2026 FIFA World Cup [16][17] Group 3: Cybersecurity and Resilience - Cybersecurity remains a critical concern, with predictions of increased cybercriminal activity following past attacks on major companies [2][15] - Businesses are urged to shift from a panic mindset to one of resilience, recognizing cybersecurity as a board-level imperative [15] Group 4: Mining and Commodities - The mining sector anticipates a continued rise in precious metals prices due to supply shortages and demand for safe-haven assets [18] - Companies in this sector are focusing on cost reduction to maximize profit margins amid favorable price conditions [19] Group 5: Housing Market - The housing sector is expected to see ongoing momentum in planning reforms, but challenges such as regulatory burdens and deposit barriers for first-time buyers remain [21]

Core Insights - UPS has experienced significant changes in recent months, with its shares facing pressure due to increased competition in the Air Freight and Logistics sector and challenges with USPS [1] Company Overview - UPS is a prominent player in the Industrials sector, particularly in Air Freight and Logistics, which has seen rising competition impacting its stock performance [1] Market Dynamics - The company has been under pressure for years, indicating a challenging market environment that includes competition and operational difficulties [1]

Core Insights - Nutrien Ltd.'s shares have increased by 40.5% year-to-date, outperforming the industry's 14.8% gain and the S&P 500's 18.3% rise [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - Nutrien's stock performance has been driven by strong fertilizer demand, particularly for potash, nitrogen, and phosphate, supported by expectations of robust crop production and limited new supply [5][8]. - The company has raised its 2025 potash sales outlook to approximately 14-14.5 million tons due to healthy demand from key markets such as North America, Brazil, and Southeast Asia [6][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Nutrien reported significant EBITDA growth in Q3 2025, driven by higher sales volumes and stronger pricing across all segments, reflecting improved operational leverage and cost-control initiatives [9]. - The company achieved margin expansion and a notable increase in free cash flow, allowing for over $1 billion in capital returns to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks in the first nine months of the year [10]. Group 3: Operational Efficiency - Nutrien is focused on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing production costs, with a target of achieving about $200 million in total cost reductions in 2025, currently ahead of schedule [11].

Core Viewpoint - Simon Trott plans to reduce capital expenditures to less than $10 billion starting in 2028, down from the expected $11 billion for 2025 [1] Summary by Category - **Capital Expenditures** - Expected capital expenditures will decrease to less than $10 billion from 2028 [1] - The current expectation for capital expenditures in 2025 is $11 billion [1]