BETHLEHEM, Pa., Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OraSure Technologies, Inc. (“OraSure” and “OTI”) (NASDAQ: OSUR), a leader in point-of-need and home diagnostic tests and sample management solutions, today confirmed that Altai Capital (“Altai”) has notified the Company of its intent to nominate two candidates, including the fund’s founder, Rishi Bajaj, to stand for election to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) at its 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Company issued the following statemen ...

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a new share-repurchase program of up to $10 billion of the company's outstanding common stock. The authorization is effective immediately and does not have an expiration date. This authorization replaces the prior share-repurchase program, which had approximately $1.5 billion in common stock repurchases remaining, and reflects Truist's ongoing commitment to deli ...

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independent Bank Corporation (NASDAQ: IBCP), the holding company of Independent Bank, a Michigan-based community bank, announced that its Board of Directors authorized a 2026 share repurchase plan on December 16, 2025. Under the terms of the 2026 share repurchase plan, the Company is authorized to buy back up to 1,100,000 shares, representing approximately 5% of its common stock. The 2026 share repurchase plan is authorized to last through December 31, ...

HAMPTON, N.H., Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) (the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a $350 million accelerated share repurchase agreement (the "ASR Agreement") with Citibank, N.A. (the "Bank"). The Company will acquire shares under the ASR Agreement as part of its $500 million share repurchase authorization previously announced on June 13, 2024 (the "2024 Share Repurchase Program"). As of December 15, 2025, before giving effect to the ASR Agreement, approx ...

About Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a leading global vacation company that offers vacation ownership, exchange, rental and resort and property management, along with related businesses, products, and services. The Company has 120 vacation ownership resorts and approximately 700,000 owner families in a diverse portfolio that includes some of the most iconic vacation ownership brands. The Company also operates an exchange network and membership programs c ...

Core Points - Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.80 per share, payable on or around January 7, 2026, to stockholders of record as of December 24, 2025 [1] - The Board of Directors extended the Company's share repurchase authorization through December 31, 2026 [1] Share Repurchase Program - Share repurchases may occur through various methods including open-market purchases and privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and amount depending on market conditions and other factors [2] - The Company is authorized to adopt plans under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the share repurchase program, which can be modified by the Board at any time [2] Company Overview - Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a leading global vacation company with 120 vacation ownership resorts and approximately 700,000 owner families [3] - The Company operates an exchange network and membership programs with over 3,200 affiliated resorts in more than 90 countries and territories [3] - It maintains exclusive relationships with Marriott International, Inc. and an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation for the development and marketing of vacation ownership products [3]

Core Viewpoint - SkyWest, Inc. (SKYW) is experiencing positive momentum due to increases in flying contract rates, fleet modernization efforts, and shareholder-friendly initiatives, leading to upward revisions in earnings estimates for 2025 [1][4]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2025 earnings is $2.26 per share, with a full-year estimate of $10.28, reflecting a 3.32% increase from previous estimates [2]. - SkyWest's revenues from flying agreements, which account for 96.1% of total revenue, grew by 16.5% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2025 [5]. - The airline carried 12.3% more passengers and saw a 16.2% increase in departures year-over-year during the same period [5]. Fleet Modernization - SkyWest is modernizing its fleet through agreements with major airlines such as United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines, with plans to acquire 16 E175 aircraft from Embraer by 2028 [6][7]. - As of September 30, 2025, SkyWest had no E175 aircraft deliveries in Q3 2025, aligning with prior expectations [6]. Deferred Revenues and Financial Health - As of September 30, 2025, SkyWest reported cumulative deferred revenues of $269.40 million under its flying contracts [5][8]. - The company ended Q3 2025 with cash and marketable securities totaling $753.35 million, significantly higher than its current debt of $519.51 million, indicating strong financial health [9]. Shareholder Initiatives - SkyWest has increased its share repurchase plan by $250 million, repurchasing 244,000 shares for $26.6 million in Q3 2025, with $240 million remaining under the current program [12]. - These buybacks are expected to enhance earnings per share and reflect management's confidence in the stock's intrinsic value [12]. Valuation - SkyWest is trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 1.61X, compared to the industry average of 2.98X, indicating an attractive valuation [13]. - The company holds a Value Score of A, suggesting strong investment potential [13]. Investment Recommendation - Given the favorable valuation, increasing flying contracts, fleet modernization, and shareholder initiatives, it is suggested that investors consider adding SKYW stock to their portfolios for potential healthy returns [16].

Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corp. is experiencing record revenue in 2025 due to strong demand for energy drinks, making it one of the best-performing S&P 500 stocks over the last 30 years [1][10][12] Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, Monster Beverage reported earnings of $0.56, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.48, with net sales increasing 16.8% to a record $2.2 billion from $1.88 billion a year ago [3][10] - The Monster Energy Drinks segment saw net sales rise 17.7% to $2.03 billion from $1.72 billion in the prior year's quarter [4] - The Strategic Brands segment's net sales increased 15.9% to $130.5 million from $112.6 million a year ago [4] - The Other segment's net sales rose 14.4% to $6.8 million from $5.9 million a year ago, while the Alcohol Brands segment experienced a decline of 17% to $33 million from $39.8 million [5] Growth Drivers - The Monster Energy Ultra drinks significantly contributed to growth, with net sales outside the U.S. rising 23.3%, accounting for about 43% of total net sales, up from 40% in the previous year [6] - A new product launch, FLRT, aimed at female consumers, is scheduled for late Q1 2026 [7] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts have raised earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026, with the Zacks Consensus for 2025 increasing to $1.98 from $1.91, indicating a growth of 22.2% compared to $1.62 in 2024 [8][10] - For 2026, nine estimates were raised in the last 60 days, reflecting positive sentiment [9] Market Performance - Year-to-date, Monster Beverage's stock is up 39.7%, outperforming the S&P 500 ETF, which is up 17.6% [15] - The company has a forward P/E ratio of 37, indicating it is considered expensive, but it is viewed as a growth story [15] Shareholder Actions - Monster Beverage has initiated a $500 million share repurchase program, although it does not pay dividends [15]

Core Points - Yum China Holdings, Inc. has increased its share repurchase authorization by US$1 billion, bringing the total to US$5.4 billion [1] - Since 2017, the company has repurchased approximately 97.7 million shares for US$4.2 billion, leaving a remaining authorization of approximately US$1.2 billion [1] Company Overview - Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China, operating over 17,000 restaurants across more than 2,500 cities [4] - The company manages six brands, including KFC and Pizza Hut, which are leaders in the quick-service and casual dining sectors, respectively [4] - Yum China has a partnership with Lavazza to develop a coffee concept and offers various cuisines through brands like Little Sheep and Taco Bell [4] - The company boasts a digitalized supply chain with a robust logistics network and in-house supply chain management system [4] - Yum China aims to be the world's most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry and is a Fortune 500 company [4]

Core Insights - AutoZone, Inc. reported net sales of $4.6 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, marking an 8.2% increase compared to the same period in fiscal 2025 [1] - Same store sales increased by 5.5% overall, with domestic sales up 4.8% and international sales up 11.2% [1][25] - The company opened 53 net new stores globally during the quarter, contributing to a total of 7,710 stores as of November 22, 2025 [6][7] Financial Performance - Gross profit margin decreased to 51.0%, down 203 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to a non-cash LIFO impact [2] - Operating profit fell by 6.8% to $784.2 million, while net income decreased to $530.8 million from $564.9 million in the prior year [3] - Diluted earnings per share were $31.04, down from $32.52 in the same quarter last year [3] Share Repurchase and Capital Allocation - AutoZone repurchased 108 thousand shares at an average price of $3,999, totaling $431.1 million, with $1.7 billion remaining under its share repurchase authorization [4] - The company’s inventory increased by 13.9% year-over-year, driven by growth initiatives and inflation [5] Store Expansion and Operations - The company opened 39 new stores in the U.S., 12 in Mexico, and 2 in Brazil during the quarter [7] - As of the end of the quarter, the company had 6,666 stores in the U.S., 895 in Mexico, and 149 in Brazil [7] Sales and Inventory Metrics - Sales per average store increased to $602, up from $570 in the previous year, while sales per average square foot rose to $89 from $85 [24] - Total inventory as of November 22, 2025, was $7.1 billion, with inventory per store at $927 [26]