Core Insights - Companies are increasingly considering "peanut butter raises," which are uniform wage increases across the organization, rather than merit-based raises for 2026 [1][7] - A significant portion of organizations, 44%, are planning or considering this approach to salary increases [1][7] Pay Strategies - Understanding employer pay strategies is crucial for employees to set realistic career expectations [2] - In 2025, Starbucks implemented peanut butter raises, providing a 2% increase to North American corporate employees instead of merit-based raises [2] Merit-Based Raises - Despite the trend towards peanut butter raises, nearly half (48%) of organizations still plan to increase pay based on performance [4] - The median base pay raise is expected to remain at 3.5% in 2026, consistent with the previous year [4] Job Switching and Salary Growth - Job switchers experienced a median wage growth of 4.1% as of December 2025, only slightly higher than those who remained in their roles [5] - Smaller companies (1 to 99 employees) are planning average raises of 4%, while larger organizations (5,000 to 9,999 employees) plan to give 3% raises [6] Industry-Specific Trends - Industries such as construction and technology are offering larger raises, with increases of 5% and 4% respectively, due to the demand for specialized skills [7]

Core Insights - The company reported a pro forma adjusted EBITDA of $3.1 million for Q3 2025, a significant increase from $600,000 in the same quarter last year, indicating improved operational performance post-merger [1] - The net loss for the quarter was $1.8 million or $0.54 per share, compared to a net loss of $800,000 or $0.28 per share in Q3 2024, although adjusted net income per share on a non-GAAP basis was positive at $0.02, up from a loss of $0.13 per share [2] - Revenue for Q3 2025 reached $48 million, reflecting a 30% increase year-over-year, driven by the inclusion of Star Operating Companies [3] Financial Performance - Total cash, including restricted cash, was reported at $18.5 million at the end of the quarter [1] - Adjusted EBITDA for the Business Services segment was flat at $1.7 million, while revenue was $37 million, slightly up from $36.9 million in the prior year [6][7] - Building Solutions segment revenue totaled $9.6 million with a gross profit of $1.7 million, and on a pro forma basis, revenue was $21.4 million, up from $13.7 million in Q3 2024 [10] Strategic Developments - The company completed its acquisition of Star Operating Companies on August 22, 2025, and rebranded from Hudson Global to Star Equity Holdings [4] - The Business Services segment demonstrated resilience in a challenging macroeconomic environment, maintaining profitability and slight gross profit increases [5] - The company is focused on a land-and-expand strategy, securing approximately $39.8 million in gross profit from renewals and extensions at existing clients [7][8] Market Position and Future Outlook - The company aims to drive sustainable growth through investments in new technologies and a commitment to operational excellence [8] - The Building Solutions segment is capitalizing on a rebound in commercial construction demand, with a solid backlog of $20 million in committed orders [11] - The Energy Services segment reported revenue of $1.3 million, with pro forma revenue increasing to $3.7 million, indicating strong performance despite sector slowdowns [12] Shareholder Value Initiatives - The company repurchased about 8% of its outstanding shares during Q3, reflecting confidence in its intrinsic value [14] - A new $3 million share repurchase program has been authorized by the Board of Directors, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing shareholder value [14] - The company is evaluating acquisition opportunities that align with its diversified holding company model, focusing on scalable cash-generating businesses [15]

Construction of eight custom spec homes to commence in Q2 2026 Lantana, Fla., Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JFB Construction Holdings (Nasdaq: JFB), a real estate development and construction company focused on hospitality, commercial, industrial, and residential property development, today announced that it has been awarded a contract of approximately $11 million for the construction of eight individual custom spec homes in Jupiter, Florida. “The contract is for the custom build of eight spec homes of ...

Core Viewpoint - The city of Lanzhou is implementing multiple measures to enhance the scale and capability of its headquarters economy, aiming for high-quality urban economic development and the establishment of a modern industrial system [1][2]. Policy Support - In April 2024, Lanzhou issued the "Implementation Opinions on Accelerating the Development of Headquarters Economy," encouraging existing headquarters enterprises to strengthen and grow, while attracting multinational corporations and industry leaders to establish headquarters in the city [2]. - The "Three-Year Action Plan for High-Quality Development of Headquarters Economy (2024-2026)" was introduced in December 2024, focusing on cultivating and attracting headquarters enterprises with an emphasis on high-end, digital, and international development [2]. Progress and Achievements - As of now, 103 headquarters enterprises have been recognized, with 72 in 2024 and 31 in 2025, surpassing the targets set in the three-year action plan [3]. - The city has implemented talent support policies, providing 3.39 million yuan in housing guarantees and talent rewards for 69 high-level talents in headquarters enterprises [3]. Challenges and Future Plans - Despite the positive momentum, there are challenges such as a low proportion of high-tech enterprises and the need to optimize recognition standards [4]. - The city plans to enhance the structure of recognized headquarters enterprises, aiming to attract over 10 new headquarters and cultivate more than 15 local enterprises with resource advantages by 2026 [4]. Expansion Strategies - Lanzhou aims to expand the scale of headquarters enterprises by establishing cultivation plans for potential enterprises and attracting industry leaders that align with the city's advanced manufacturing clusters [5]. - The city will revise and improve policies related to the headquarters economy, streamline recognition processes, and provide ongoing support to enhance the overall scale and capability of the headquarters economy [5].

Cairo -Mubasher: The general assembly meeting of Orascom Construction approved the full acquisition of a wholly owned subsidiary of OCI N.V. (OCI). The subsidiary will be demerged and will hold all of OCI’s material assets and liabilities, according to a bourse filing. The transaction will be executed through the issuance of new Orascom Construction shares at a ratio of 0.46 share per OCI share. Each new share will have a nominal value of $1 and carry an issuance premium of $12.79. Meanwhile, these new shar ...

Market Overview - Stocks are mixed as the market approaches the closing bell, with the Dow down approximately 300 points or 0.6% for the week, while the Nasdaq Composite shows gains of about 0.33% [2][3] - The Russell 2000 index, representing small-cap stocks, is down the most at 1.74%, indicating increased volatility in this segment [3] - The bond market is relatively stable, with the 10-year Treasury yield remaining close to break-even and the 30-year yield down one basis point to 4.84% [5] Commodity and Sector Performance - Energy commodities, including natural gas and crude oil, are up by 0.9%, driven by weather-related factors [5] - Precious metals are experiencing significant price movements, with silver reaching $100 per ounce and gold nearing $5,000 per ounce [6] - Financials are leading the downside, with a decline of about 1.3%, while industrials, utilities, and healthcare sectors are also in the red [6] Company-Specific Insights - Intel reported earnings of $0.15 per share, beating expectations of $0.08, marking an 88% increase, but disappointed on guidance due to supply constraints [10] - The company is facing challenges in ramping up production to meet seasonal demand, which could impact its performance in the near term [10][80] - Intel's stock is trading at approximately 82 times forward earnings, indicating a potentially high valuation despite recent performance [12] IPO and Industry Developments - Equipment Share, a company in the construction sector, raised $747 million in its IPO and is targeting a valuation above $6 billion [42] - The company aims to expand its operations from 340 to 700 locations by 2030, leveraging its technology to improve efficiency in the $11 trillion construction industry [45][47] - The construction industry is facing productivity challenges, with significant investments needed to modernize operations and integrate technology [51] Geopolitical and Economic Factors - Recent geopolitical tensions, including tariff threats from President Trump, have influenced market volatility, with retail investors showing resilience compared to institutional investors [17][19] - The upcoming expiration of the federal government's continuing resolution and midterm elections are potential catalysts for further market volatility [23][25] - Central banks' actions regarding gold purchases and their implications for trade relations are also areas of concern for investors [76][78]

Hello and welcome to market domination overtime stocks closing the day mixed here. The NASDAQ edging higher while the Dow firmly lower. Our very own Jared Blickery standing by with the headlines.Jared, thank you Josh. And we can see that on the Wi-Fi Interactive here. The Dow down to uh just holding 49,000 down about 285 points or half a percent as you said.Thought we'd take a look at the weekl long tally. Only four days in this week. Had to uh be reminded of that.But the Dow down half a percent over these ...

This is Market Catalyst. I'm Julie Hyman. We are 30 minutes into the US trading day. [music] Let's get to the three market catalysts we're watching this hour. First up, Intel shares are plunging as its outlook disappoints. [music] We'll bring you the analyst take on Wall Street and whether the dip is a buying opportunity. Plus, we could we go live to the NASDAQ to speak [music] to the CEO of Equipment Share as that company goes public. And we'll bring you the biggest takeaways [music] from President Trump's ...

Core Insights - Mechanic's liens serve to protect payments for contractors and workers in the construction industry, allowing lienholders to enforce claims against properties if debts are unpaid [1][3] - The historical context of mechanic's liens dates back to 1791, established by Thomas Jefferson, highlighting their long-standing role in construction payment disputes [2] - The construction industry faces significant payment delays, with subcontractors often waiting an average of 74 days for reimbursement, leading to a reliance on mechanic's liens as a primary remedy [9][11] Mechanic's Liens and Homeowner Impact - Homeowners can become inadvertently involved in payment disputes when subcontractors place liens on their properties, even after they have paid contractors in full [5][6] - A specific case illustrates this issue, where a homeowner, Tiffany Velez, faced a lien on her home after paying nearly $43,000 to a contractor, due to claims that the contractor had not fully compensated the subcontractor [4][5][7] - The emotional and financial stress on homeowners can be severe, with potential consequences including damage to credit scores, difficulties in refinancing, and even foreclosure [5][11] Industry Challenges - The construction industry is experiencing financial stress due to tighter credit, rising interest rates, and increased material costs, leading to a contraction in the market [10] - Many contractors and subcontractors are facing delayed or withheld payments, exacerbating the reliance on mechanic's liens for securing payment [11] Recommendations for Homeowners - Homeowners are advised to hire licensed and reputable contractors, ensuring all agreements are documented to protect against potential disputes [14][15] - It is recommended to request preliminary notices from subcontractors and to consider using joint checks to ensure all parties are compensated [16][17] - In the event of a lien dispute, homeowners should gather all payment records and seek legal representation due to the complexity of lien laws [18]

Core Point - MT Højgaard Holding's business unit MT Højgaard Denmark and PensionDanmark secured a Public Private Partnership contract valued at approximately DKK 2.6 billion for the financing, design, establishment, and operation of accommodation buildings for the Danish Defence [1] Group 1 - The contract was awarded on December 2, 2025, and the final agreement was entered into after the voluntary standstill period [1] - The project involves the construction and operation of accommodation buildings specifically for the Danish Defence [1]