Investor Ross Gerber of the investment firm Gerber Kawasaki has warned Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) investors of the potential ramifications of stock-based employee compensation, drawing parallels with Meta Platforms Inc.'s (NASDAQ:META) share buybacks. A Real Cost The investor took to the social media platform X on Monday, warning Tesla shareholders that stock compensation was a real cost for companies. "Tesla shareholders should pay attention to this regarding meta," he said, then shared a quote from an ar ...

Marc Benioff, chief executive officer of Salesforce Inc., during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026.Salesforce shares slipped 3% in extended trading on Wednesday after the customer service software maker reported healthy results and boosted its long-range revenue goal, although its fiscal 2027 revenue view trailed Wall Street projections.Here's how the company did in comparison with LSEG consensus:Earnings per share: $3.81 adjusted vs. $3.04 expectedRevenue: $11. ...

Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) is anticipated to show an increase in revenues but a decline in earnings for the fourth quarter of 2025, with revenues expected to reach $102.9 billion, reflecting an 8.4% year-over-year growth, while earnings per share are projected at $5.19, indicating a 22.9% decrease from the previous year [1][2][7]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BRK.B's fourth-quarter revenues is $102.9 billion, marking an 8.4% increase from the prior year [1]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is $5.19 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days, suggesting a year-over-year decline of 22.9% [2]. Earnings Surprise History - Berkshire Hathaway has a mixed earnings surprise history, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 19.18% [3]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for BRK.B, as it lacks the necessary combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a favorable Zacks Rank [4][5]. Factors Influencing Q4 Results - The insurance operations are expected to benefit from improved pricing, strong policy retention, and higher average auto premiums, while underwriting profitability may have been supported by a mild catastrophe environment [6][7]. - GEICO is likely to report gains from increased policies, higher premiums, and improved operating efficiencies [8]. - The railroad subsidiary, BNSF, may face challenges from an unfavorable business mix but could see support from higher unit volumes and reduced operating expenses [9]. - The utilities and energy segment is expected to perform strongly due to increased contributions from natural gas pipelines [9]. - The Service and Retail divisions are likely to benefit from a strengthening economic backdrop, contributing to revenue growth and margin expansion [10]. Valuation and Performance - BRK.B's stock has outperformed the industry but underperformed compared to the sector and the S&P 500 in Q4 2025 [11]. - The stock is trading at a price-to-book value of 1.55X, which is lower than the industry's 1.48X, indicating attractive valuation compared to other insurers [12]. Business Model and Financial Stability - The insurance operations are a core component of Berkshire's business model, accounting for approximately one-quarter of total revenues and serving as a key growth engine [12]. - The insurance float has increased from around $114 billion in 2017 to $176 billion by Q3 2025, providing a low-cost capital source for investments [17]. - Berkshire's strong financial position supports steady share repurchases, contributing to long-term shareholder value [18]. Investment Considerations - Berkshire Hathaway's diversified business model offers stability and potential growth, particularly in its insurance segment, which is expected to benefit from solid results at GEICO and higher interest income [19]. - However, factors such as premium valuation, unfavorable return on capital, and expected earnings decline suggest caution for investors considering BRK.B stock at this time [20].

Core Viewpoint - HCA Healthcare, Inc. is a leading U.S. healthcare provider with a market capitalization of $120.82 billion, focusing on high-quality patient care and innovative treatments [1] Stock Performance - HCA's stock has increased by 67.8% over the past 52 weeks and is up 15.7% year-to-date (YTD), although it is down 2.3% from its 52-week high of $552.90 reached on February 12 [2] - The stock has outperformed the broader S&P 500 Index, which gained 11.8% over the past 52 weeks but is down marginally YTD, and the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV), which increased by 7.7% over the same period [3] Financial Results - HCA reported a 6.7% year-over-year (YOY) revenue increase to $19.51 billion for the fourth quarter, with an adjusted EPS of $8.01, up 28.8% YOY, exceeding Wall Street expectations [4] - For the current quarter, analysts expect HCA's EPS to rise by 11.2% YOY to $7.17, with projections of $30.20 for fiscal 2026 (up 7.1%) and $33.35 for fiscal 2027 (up 10.4%) [5] Analyst Ratings - Among 25 Wall Street analysts, the consensus rating for HCA's stock is a "Moderate Buy," consisting of 14 "Strong Buy" ratings, one "Moderate Buy," nine "Holds," and one "Strong Sell," indicating a slight decrease in bullish sentiment compared to three months ago [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Precision Drilling reported adjusted EBITDA of $126 million for Q4 2025, compared to $121 million in Q4 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase [4] - The company recorded a net loss of $42 million in Q4 2025, which included non-cash charges of $67 million for decommissioning drilling rigs and $17 million for drill pipe, while net income would have been positive $42 million without these charges [5] - The net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio improved to 1.2 times, with a reduction in debt by CAD 101 million during the year [2][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Canada, drilling activity averaged 66 active rigs, an increase of 1 rig from Q4 2024, with daily operating margins reported at CAD 14,132, down from CAD 14,559 in Q4 2024 [5] - In the U.S., the average active rig count was 37, an increase of three rigs from the prior year, with daily operating margins of $8,754, slightly up from $8,700 in Q3 2025 [6] - The CMP segment reported adjusted EBITDA of CAD 17 million, up from CAD 16 million in the prior year, driven by increased well servicing demand in Canada [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Internationally, Precision averaged seven active rigs, down from eight in the prior year, with international day rates averaging $53,505, an 8% increase from the previous year [6][7] - The Canadian market outlook remains solid, supported by commodity prices and increased LNG and crude takeaway capacity, while the U.S. market is expected to remain flat with pockets of growth [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive revenue growth and deepen customer relationships, focusing on performance and efficiency to differentiate itself in the market [15][19] - Precision is investing in rig upgrades and digital technologies to enhance operational performance and customer service [18] - The company is exploring international growth opportunities, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Argentina to provide idle rigs and digital technology [21][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the Canadian market's medium to long-term outlook, despite short-term volatility due to weather and commodity prices [20] - The U.S. market is expected to remain flat, but there are opportunities for modest growth driven by performance differentiation [20] - The company plans to continue its focus on financial discipline and shareholder returns, with a target to increase free cash flow allocated to shareholders up to 50% [12][60] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures for 2025 were CAD 263 million, with CAD 156 million for sustaining and infrastructure and CAD 107 million for upgrades [9] - The company expects to incur $2 million in one-time charges related to rig reactivations in Q1 2026 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Context around the rig demobilization in Kuwait - Precision has six rigs in Kuwait, with four active and two idle, looking for opportunities to reactivate the idle rigs [25][26] Question: Potential upside in the U.S. rig count - Management indicated that growth opportunities in the U.S. are driven by performance and efficiency, with active discussions in multiple basins [31][32] Question: Guidance on U.S. margins for Q1 - The guidance for U.S. margins is $8,000-$9,000 per day, with mixed pricing trends across operating segments [38][39] Question: Details on the MOU in Argentina - The MOU aims to explore opportunities in Argentina with an established partner, focusing on performance and technology [42][43] Question: Impact of customer changes on Canadian demand - Management noted no significant change in demand despite individual customer adjustments, with strong activity levels in the Canadian market [50][51] Question: Rig upgrade capital allocation - A portion of the $63 million earmarked for upgrades is committed, with opportunities identified in Canada and the U.S. [62][64]

Core Insights - Marriott International, Inc. is a leading global hospitality company with a diverse portfolio of hotels and resorts, competing against major players like Hilton and Hyatt [1] - The company has a price target of $343 set by Mizuho Securities, indicating a potential downside from its current trading price of $359.35 [5] Financial Performance - Marriott's guidance for 2026 is optimistic, driven by strong global brand performance and an expanding loyalty program, particularly in the luxury segment [2][5] - The company expects earnings per share (EPS) growth of 13% to 15% for 2026, supported by its asset-light business model and aggressive share buybacks [3][5] - Current stock price reflects an increase of 8.50% or $28.14, with a market capitalization of approximately $96.43 billion [4] Market Dynamics - U.S. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) growth faces challenges due to weaker spending by middle- and lower-income consumers, while international markets, especially China, are experiencing accelerating growth [2] - Marriott's shares are trading at a high valuation of 30 times forward earnings, which may raise concerns among some investors [3]

BP halts buybacks while Barclays plans to return £15 billion to shareholders through 2028 -- get briefed ahead of your morning calls with The London Rush https://t.co/awNKtSS0Mg ...

Core Viewpoint - Altria Group is transitioning towards smoke-free products while maintaining a strong dividend yield and strategic business moves, supported by FDA approvals and acquisitions [1][6]. Financial Performance - Altria reported stable fundamentals with modest growth in earnings per share (EPS) in the fourth quarter, utilizing pricing power to offset volume declines [3]. - The company has a robust dividend yield of nearly 7%, reflecting its commitment to shareholder value through frequent share buybacks and a disciplined approach to leverage [3][4]. Market Position - Altria's market capitalization is approximately $109.79 billion, indicating its significant presence in the tobacco industry [4]. - The stock price is currently $65.40, with a slight increase of 0.01, or about 1.53%, and has a 52-week range of $52.40 to $68.60 [5]. Analyst Ratings - Citigroup maintains a Neutral rating for Altria, raising its price target from $57 to $65, indicating a positive outlook for the stock's future performance [2][6].

Group 1: AutoZone's Success - AutoZone has increased its earnings per share by 21 times since 2005, with its share price rising 42 times during the same period [6][8] - The company effectively utilized its steady cash flow for share buybacks, averaging 120% of its annual income allocated to this purpose [7][8] - AutoZone bought back 80% of its outstanding shares in 2005, leading to significant growth in earnings and share price [8] Group 2: UK Market Dynamics - The UK market is characterized by persistently low valuations due to slow adoption of global best practices in capital allocation by publicly listed companies [2][3] - Many UK companies prioritize dividends over share buybacks, which can be more effective in enhancing shareholder value, especially in a high-yield environment [3][4] - UK active fund managers have experienced nine consecutive years of outflows, making dividends a crucial lifeline for managing these outflows [4] Group 3: Potential for Change in the UK - The UK equity market is seen as being in a slow liquidation state, but such environments can present exceptional long-term investment opportunities [5] - There is a parallel with Japan, where outdated governance practices led to low valuations, but recent activist engagements have spurred share buybacks and market revival [11][12] - The UK is undergoing changes in governance and capital allocation practices, with recent activist cases leading to board resignations and shifts in management focus [13][14] Group 4: Future Investment Opportunities - A new UK-listed company has been identified as a potential investment opportunity, with plans to return substantial capital to shareholders and a transition to a capital-light model [18][21] - This company has lost 50% of its value from its peak but could trade at 3 times earnings if recovery unfolds as expected [21] - The timing of the investment opportunity is critical, with meaningful catalysts expected in March/April 2026 that could lead to a significant stock recovery [19]

Core Insights - The decline in oil prices over the past year has negatively impacted the earnings of major oil companies, with prices around $60 per barrel compared to $100 in 2022 and $80 in 2023 and 2024, indicating that shareholder returns may not be sustainable going forward [1] Group 1: Impact on European Oil Majors - European oil firms may announce cuts to their share buybacks in response to lower oil prices [2] - Analysts predict that European majors could reduce buybacks by 10% to 25% due to sustained low oil prices [6] - Companies like BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, Equinor, and Eni are expected to report lower earnings for the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, influenced by low liquids prices and reduced chemicals margins [7] Group 2: Comparison with U.S. Peers - U.S. supermajors, such as ExxonMobil and Chevron, have maintained their share repurchase programs and reiterated buyback plans through 2026 under reasonable market conditions [3] - Unlike European firms, U.S. companies have not shifted their focus away from oil production, maintaining high-margin assets [4] Group 3: Strategic Adjustments - European majors are currently adjusting their strategies to focus back on oil and gas while reducing investments in renewables [4] - TotalEnergies has indicated plans to lower buybacks for the fourth quarter of 2025 and for 2026, aligning with hydrocarbon prices and refining margins [8]