Ten stocks soared higher on Friday, defying a wider market pessimism, as investors digested a flurry of strong earnings and upbeat outlooks, among other company-specific developments.Meanwhile, the Dow Jones led the drop among Wall Street’s three main indices, slashing 1.05 percent. The Nasdaq followed with a 0.92 percent loss, while the S&P 500 declined by 0.43 percent.Indices aside, this article focuses on the 10 top-performing companies on Friday alongside the reasons behind their gains.To come up with t ...

Core Viewpoint - AllianceBernstein Global High Income Fund, Inc. reported a decrease in total net assets and net investment income for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to the previous quarter and the same period last year [1]. Financial Performance - Total net assets as of December 31, 2025, were $985,227,126, down from $993,104,684 on September 30, 2025, and up from $978,431,163 on December 31, 2024 [1]. - The net asset value (NAV) per share was $11.43, a decrease from $11.52 in the previous quarter and an increase from $11.35 a year ago [1]. - Total net investment income for the period was $15,059,136, or $0.17 per share, compared to $31,772,437 ($0.20 per share) in the second quarter and $16,146,424 ($0.19 per share) in the same quarter last year [1]. - The total net realized and unrealized loss was $(1,784,553), or $(0.02) per share, contrasting with a gain of $9,886,429 ($0.11 per share) in the previous quarter and a loss of $(8,683,161) ($(0.10) per share) in the same quarter last year [1].

Key Takeaways CRI beat Q4 estimates with 7.6% sales growth, but shares slid on weak Q1 and 2026 EPS outlook.U.S. Retail, Wholesale and International sales rose, lifted by an extra week adding $37M.2026 EPS seen down low double to mid-teens as tariffs and costs pressure margins.Carter's, Inc. (CRI) reported fourth-quarter 2025 results, wherein the top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. While earnings declined from the year-ago quarter’s respective number, sales increased.Carter’s adjusted ea ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Copper production in 2025 reached 52.4 thousand tons, down 8% year-over-year due to processing stockpiles with higher precious metal content [5] - Silver production was 15.6 million ounces, a 1% increase from 15.5 million ounces in the previous year [6] - Gold production decreased by 18% year-on-year to 121,000 ounces, primarily due to lower output at Orcopampa and Tambomayo [6] - EBITDA for 2025 was $112 million, an 88% increase from $431.5 million in 2024 [6] - Net income for 2025 was $830 million, compared to $460 million in 2024, including $157.3 million from the sale of Chaupiloma [6] - The company ended the year with a cash position of $530 million and total debt of $710 million, resulting in a leverage ratio of 0.22 times [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates stable copper and silver production at El Brocal and Uchucchacua Yumpag, maintaining consistent output levels [8] - CapEx for 2025 is expected to be between $385 million and $415 million, with $200 million-$220 million allocated for sustaining CapEx [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company received $98 million in dividends from its stake in Cerro Verde after the quarter ended [7] - The board approved a dividend of $0.9904 per share, totaling $1.135 per share at ADS over the past 12 months [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - San Gabriel is expected to become the main gold-producing asset, playing a key role in the long-term growth strategy [8] - The company is focusing on exploration investments to reinforce reserves and resources while enhancing operational efficiency [13] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted a supportive environment for exploration investments and a strong cash flow generation [13] - The company is transitioning San Gabriel from project execution to ramp-up, aiming for stable production of 2,000 tons per day by the third quarter of 2026 [12] Other Important Information - The company produced its first gold bar at San Gabriel and received the initial operating permit [10] - The water license is expected in the coming weeks [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: CapEx increase and reasons behind it - Management explained that the increase in CapEx is primarily due to pending works related to earthworks and ramp-up of the San Gabriel project [15][16] Question: Lower production guidance for San Gabriel - Management indicated that the lower guidance is due to pending construction and permitting issues, as well as the need to improve ventilation systems [19][22] Question: Exploration and G&A guidance for 2026 - Management expects G&A for 2026 to be around $60 million-$70 million, with exploration budget increased to $90 million-$100 million [30][31] Question: Status of asset sales and Coimolache sulfides study - Management confirmed that they are analyzing the feasibility of selling certain mines and expect to provide updates on the Coimolache study in the first half of the year [34][61] Question: Dividend payment timeline - The dividend payment is expected in April, with $200 million in dividends from Cerro Verde anticipated throughout the year [67]

Core Insights - The current market situation is compared to the Titanic disaster, suggesting a calm surface with underlying risks that could lead to significant consequences [1] Group 1: Market Analysis - The portfolio manager emphasizes a combination of top-down macro analysis and bottom-up stock selection to identify mispriced opportunities [1] - Focus areas include earnings, technological disruption, policy shifts, and capital flows, which are critical for investment strategies [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The manager shares high-conviction ideas and contrarian views on both growth and value stocks, indicating a proactive approach to investment [1] - The article suggests that the manager has a beneficial long position in SPX and NDX, highlighting confidence in these indices [1]

Core Insights - The Baldwin Insurance Group reported revenue of $347.28 million for Q4 2025, a 5.3% year-over-year increase, with an EPS of $0.31 compared to $0.27 a year ago [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $354.34 million, resulting in a surprise of -1.99%, while the EPS exceeded expectations by 7.83% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Organic revenue growth was 3%, below the two-analyst average estimate of 4.2% [4] - Commissions and fees revenue was $344.58 million, compared to the average estimate of $351.21 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.5% [4] - Investment income was reported at $2.7 million, slightly below the estimated $2.71 million, marking a 15.4% decrease year-over-year [4] - Corporate and Other revenues were -$16.93 million, better than the estimated -$17.65 million, but showed an 18.9% decline from the previous year [4] - Underwriting, Capacity & Technology Solutions revenue was $129.5 million, compared to the estimate of $132.18 million, with a year-over-year increase of 10.9% [4] - Mainstreet Insurance Solutions revenue was $76.84 million, in line with the estimate of $76.83 million, reflecting a 6.9% year-over-year increase [4] - Insurance Advisory Solutions revenue was $157.87 million, below the average estimate of $164.49 million, showing a significant year-over-year decline of 68.6% [4] Stock Performance - Shares of The Baldwin Insurance Group have decreased by 25.8% over the past month, contrasting with a 0.6% increase in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3]

Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE:PEG) Q4 2025 Earnings call February 26, 2026 11:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsBill Appicelli - Executive DirectorCarlotta Chan - Director of Investor RelationsDan Cregg - EVP and CFOJulian Dumoulin-Smith - JefferiesMichael Sullivan - Director of Equity ResearchRalph M. LaRossa - President , Chair and CEOShahriar Pourreza - Managing Director and Head of North American Power, InfrastructureConference Call ParticipantsAnthony Crowdell - Managing Director and Senior AnalystJ ...

Kenosha, Wisconsin-based Snap-on Incorporated (SNA) manufactures and markets tools, equipment, diagnostics, and repair information and systems solutions for professional users worldwide. The company has a market capitalization of $20 billion and operates through Commercial & Industrial Group, Snap-on Tools Group, Repair Systems & Information Group, and Financial Services segments. The company's shares have outperformed the broader market over the past year and in 2026. SNA stock has surged 14% over the p ...

Core Viewpoint - Ferguson plc has experienced significant changes in institutional ownership, with some investors increasing their stakes while others have reduced theirs, indicating mixed sentiment in the market [2][3]. Group 1: Institutional Holdings - Armor Advisors L.L.C. reduced its stake in Ferguson by 59.7% in Q3, owning 15,386 shares after selling 22,750 shares, representing 1.9% of its holdings [2]. - Cornerstone Planning Group LLC increased its stake by 178.3% in Q3, now owning 128 shares valued at $31,000 after acquiring 82 additional shares [3]. - True Wealth Design LLC boosted its holdings by 145.3% in Q2, owning 130 shares valued at $28,000 after acquiring 77 shares [3]. - Quent Capital LLC purchased a new position worth approximately $43,000 in Q3 [3]. - Harbour Investments Inc. increased its holdings by 61.3% in Q2, now owning 242 shares valued at $53,000 [3]. - Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.98% of Ferguson's stock [3]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Ferguson reported quarterly earnings of $2.84 EPS, beating the consensus estimate of $2.77 by $0.07, with revenue of $8.17 billion, up 5.1% year-over-year [5]. - The company has a net margin of 6.28% and a return on equity of 35.73% [5]. Group 3: Stock Performance and Metrics - Ferguson's stock opened at $255.08, with a 1-year low of $146.00 and a high of $271.64 [4]. - The company has a market capitalization of $49.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.77, and a PEG ratio of 2.12 [4]. - The stock has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 1.01, and a current ratio of 1.88 [4]. Group 4: Dividend Information - Ferguson declared a quarterly dividend of $0.89 per share, with an annualized dividend of $3.56 and a yield of 1.4% [6][7]. - The payout ratio stands at 35.96% [6]. Group 5: Analyst Ratings - Analysts maintain a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" for Ferguson, with two analysts rating it as Strong Buy, eleven as Buy, and six as Hold [8]. - The consensus price target for Ferguson is $253.00, with Robert W. Baird raising the target price from $262.00 to $265.00 [8].

Core Viewpoint - Western Union's stock is experiencing bearish pressure due to mixed financial results, with earnings exceeding expectations but revenue falling short of consensus estimates [2][3]. Financial Performance - The company reported fourth-quarter earnings of 45 cents per share, surpassing analyst estimates of 43 cents and showing a 12.5% increase from 40 cents a year ago [2]. - Revenue for the fourth quarter was $1.008 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $1.045 billion and declining 4.73% year-over-year [2]. - Full-year revenue decreased by 4% on a reported basis and 2% on an adjusted basis, excluding Iraq [3]. Guidance and Projections - Western Union projects GAAP sales between $4.254 billion and $4.375 billion, and adjusted sales between $4.237 billion and $4.357 billion, which is above the consensus estimate of $4.120 billion [3]. - Adjusted EPS guidance is set at $1.75 to $1.85, aligning closely with expectations, while GAAP EPS guidance is below market forecasts [3]. Segment Performance - The company experienced mixed momentum across segments, with Consumer Services reporting a 15% growth and Branded Digital growing by 7% [4]. - However, the core Consumer Money Transfer (CMT) segment saw a revenue decline of 7% in the fourth quarter, with adjusted revenue falling by 9% [4]. - For the full year, Western Union generated $4.1 billion in revenue, down 4% on a reported basis, while adjusted EPS remained steady at $1.75 [4]. Shareholder Returns - The company returned $529 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks, alongside reporting $544 million in operating cash flow [5]. Analyst Ratings - Analysts have shown mixed sentiments towards Western Union, with Cantor Fitzgerald initiating coverage with an underweight rating and a $9.00 target [6]. - Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained a market perform rating but raised the target from $9.00 to $10.00 [6]. - UBS and Susquehanna also maintained neutral ratings, with UBS setting a target at $9.00 and Susquehanna increasing its target to $10.00 [7]. Stock Performance - At the time of publication, Western Union shares were down 6.04% at $8.87 [7].