Core Viewpoint - Verizon Communications has shown significant improvement in its financial performance, making it an attractive option for income investors, particularly due to its robust free cash flow growth, accelerating earnings, and an improving underlying business. Group 1: Financial Performance - Verizon's shares increased by 11.83% following its Q4 update, reflecting positive investor sentiment [2][3] - The company reported free cash flow of $20.1 billion for 2025, an increase from $19.8 billion in the previous year, with guidance projecting a further growth of at least 7% to $21.5 billion in 2026 [3][4] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be between $4.90 and $4.95 in 2026, indicating a year-over-year growth of 4% to 5% [5][6] Group 2: Business Improvement - Verizon's underlying business is showing noticeable improvement, with the highest quarterly postpaid phone net additions since 2019 [6][8] - Wireless services revenue rose by 1.1% to $21 billion in Q4, while wireless equipment revenue increased by 9.1% year over year to $8.2 billion [8] - The company has successfully reduced its net unsecured debt to $110.1 billion at the end of Q4 2025, down from $113.7 billion the previous year [8] Group 3: Strategic Moves - The acquisition of Frontier Communications, set to close on January 20, 2026, is viewed as a pivotal step in Verizon's turnaround strategy, significantly expanding its fiber footprint to over 30 million homes and businesses [9]

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, indicating a significant turnaround for the company driven by strategic initiatives under CEO Dan Schulman [1][2] Financial Performance - In 2025, Verizon's total operating revenue reached $138.2 billion, up from $134.8 billion in 2024, with consolidated net income of $17.6 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $50.0 billion [7] - For the fourth quarter of 2025, Verizon reported total operating revenue of $36.4 billion, with consolidated net income of $2.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $11.9 billion [7] - Earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 was $4.06, while adjusted EPS, excluding special items, was $4.71 [7][24] Customer Growth and Market Strategy - Verizon achieved over 1 million total net additions across mobility and broadband in the fourth quarter, the highest since 2019, including 616,000 postpaid phone net additions [6][7] - The acquisition of Frontier, completed on January 20, 2026, expanded Verizon's fiber footprint to over 30 million homes and businesses, enhancing its mobility and broadband convergence strategy [2][6] Future Outlook - For 2026, Verizon anticipates total retail postpaid phone net additions of 750,000 to 1 million, with mobility and broadband service revenue growth projected at 2.0% to 3.0% [16] - The company expects adjusted EPS to be between $4.90 and $4.95, representing a year-over-year growth of 4.0% to 5.0% [16] - Free cash flow is forecasted to exceed $21.5 billion, marking a growth of approximately 7.0% from 2025 [16][28]

Starbucks Stock Jumped on Strong Sales. Boosting Earnings Comes Next. - Barron'sSkip to Main ContentThis copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.# Starbucks Stock Jumped on Strong Sales. Boosting Earnings Comes Next.By [Evie Liu]ShareResize---ReprintsStarbucks plans to ...

V.F. (NYSE:VFC) Q3 2026 Earnings call January 28, 2026 08:00 AM ET Company ParticipantsAllegra Perry - VP of Investor RelationsBracken Darrell - CEOBrooke Roach - Managing Director of Equity ResearchJay Sole - Managing DirectorMichael Binetti - Senior Managing DirectorPaul Vogel - EVP and CFOTom Nikic - Managing DirectorTracy Kogan - VPConference Call ParticipantsAdrienne Yih - Managing Director of Consumer Discretionary AnalystJonathan Komp - Senior Research Analyst of Active LifestylesSimeon Siegel - Seni ...

This is CNBC's Morning Squawk newsletter. Subscribe here to receive future editions in your inbox.Happy Wednesday. When you work in journalism, there's a new surprising story each day. Yesterday, it was about what gold investors can learn from King Henry VIII's reign.S&P 500 futures are rising this morning after a winning day.Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day:1. Decisions, decisionsFederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks after a Federal Open Market Committee meeting ...

Core Insights - Del Taco is undergoing a transformation to improve its business performance after experiencing a 3.9% decline in same-store sales during the fiscal fourth quarter under previous ownership [3] - The company has appointed Ulyses Camacho as chief transformation officer and Noah Chillingworth as chief marketing officer to drive operational excellence and enhance brand strategy [5][8] Executive Appointments - Ulyses Camacho, with over 30 years of franchise restaurant experience, will oversee transformation initiatives at Del Taco while continuing his role as president and COO at Taco Cabana [4][5] - Noah Chillingworth, returning to Del Taco after serving as CMO at Farmer Boys Restaurants, will focus on marketing strategy, guest engagement, and digital platforms [6][8] Strategic Goals - The new executives are part of Yadav Enterprises' plan to enhance systemwide execution and operational excellence, positioning Del Taco for significant growth [8] - Camacho's role will include improving unit-level execution, optimizing cost structures, and modernizing systems and processes [5]

Core Viewpoint - Jack in the Box is implementing a closure plan for underperforming restaurants to reduce costs and enhance revenue, aiming to close between 150 and 200 locations by 2026, with 80 to 120 closures targeted by the end of this year [1][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported a net loss of $80.7 million for the fiscal year ending in September [3]. - Sales fell by 7.4% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, marking a year-over-year decline compared to the same quarter in 2024, and this represents the second consecutive quarter with a drop exceeding 7% [3][6]. - The total number of restaurant closures reached 72, which is still below the company's year-end target with only a week remaining [2]. Group 2: Strategic Actions - The company is focusing on three main areas: improving the balance sheet to enhance cash flow and reduce debt, closing underperforming restaurants to enable consistent net unit growth, and simplifying the business model to maximize shareholder returns [6]. - Jack in the Box has completed the sale of Del Taco to Yadav Enterprises for approximately $119 million as part of its turnaround strategy [6]. Group 3: Operational Overview - Jack in the Box operates around 2,200 restaurants across the U.S., primarily located in California, Texas, and Arizona [7].

Core Viewpoint - Jack in the Box is planning to close dozens of underperforming restaurants to cut costs and improve revenue, with a target of shutting down 150-200 locations by 2026, including 80-120 by the end of this year [1][4]. Group 1: Restaurant Closures - The company has already closed 12 locations in May, followed by 13 closures in August, and an additional 47 closures reported in November, bringing the total to 72 closures [1][4]. - The closures are part of a block closure program aimed at enhancing financial performance due to declining customer traffic and rising beef prices [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Jack in the Box reported a net loss of $80.7 million for the fiscal year ending in September, with a 7.4% decline in sales during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same quarter in 2024 [5]. - This marks the second consecutive quarter with a sales dip exceeding 7% [5]. Group 3: Strategic Focus - The CEO emphasized a simplified and asset-light business model to maximize shareholder returns, focusing on three main areas: improving the balance sheet, closing underperforming restaurants, and maintaining growth-oriented capital investments [7][8]. - The company aims for consistent net unit growth and competitive unit economics through these strategic actions [8]. Group 4: Recent Developments - Jack in the Box has completed the sale of Del Taco to Yadav Enterprises for approximately $119 million as part of its turnaround strategy [10]. - The company operates around 2,200 restaurants in the U.S., primarily located in California, Texas, and Arizona [10].

Core Viewpoint - Saks Global Enterprises is considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a last resort due to a looming debt payment exceeding $100 million at the end of the month [1] Group 1: Financial Situation - The company is exploring options to improve liquidity, including emergency financing and asset sales [2] - Recent discussions among Saks lenders have focused on assessing the company's cash needs and the possibility of a debtor-in-possession loan [2] - Saks raised billions from bond investors last year to finance a turnaround plan involving the acquisition of Neiman Marcus, which has instead increased its debt burden [3] Group 2: Debt Management - In June, Saks negotiated with creditors for additional funding as part of a debt restructuring, creating multiple tiers of bondholders with varying claims on assets [4] - Despite the restructuring, bondholder securities have significantly declined, indicating investor concerns about the turnaround strategy [4] Group 3: Business Strategy and Performance - The merger with Neiman Marcus aimed to create a luxury retail giant but resulted in over $1 billion in paper losses for bondholders by May [6] - Following the restructuring, Saks cut its full-year guidance due to declining sales linked to inventory management issues and delayed vendor payments [6] Group 4: Company Statements - A representative for Saks stated that the company is exploring all potential paths to secure a stable future and enhance customer experiences [5]

Core Insights - Starbucks has appointed Anand Varadarajan as the new Chief Technology Officer, effective January 19, following the departure of former CTO Deb Hall Lefevre during layoffs and a restructuring plan [1][2] - CEO Brian Niccol emphasized Varadarajan's expertise in creating reliable systems and operational excellence, indicating a focus on improving customer experience [2] - The company is undergoing a "Back to Starbucks" initiative aimed at revitalizing the brand and enhancing customer engagement, which has included significant layoffs and store closures [3] Financial Performance - Starbucks reported its first quarter of gains in comparable sales after a year and a half, with strong holiday sales despite ongoing labor strikes [4] - The company's shares have decreased by approximately 4.2% this year, trading at $88.33 [4] - Revenue trends are showing signs of improvement, although earnings are still impacted by labor and operational investments [5] Market Outlook - There is cautious optimism regarding potential tariff relief and progress in the company's China joint venture, contributing to a stabilizing market backdrop [5] - Growth is identified as the strongest category for Starbucks, while momentum and value are lagging [5] - Short and medium-term price trends for Starbucks stock are positive [5]