The era of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is winding down, and SoFi (SOFI) CEO Anthony Noto says the results are essentially a wash — marked by a series of historic stumbles salvaged by a remarkably resilient US economy. "It's not always the path of how [to] get there, it's what the outcome is," Noto told Yahoo Finance, reflecting on a tenure rocked by unprecedented volatility and the COVID-19 pandemic. "People can poke holes on the margin about inflation and having to act sooner ... but [we've ...

Core Viewpoint - The confirmation of Kevin Warsh as a Federal Reserve chair raises questions about his stance on inflation and balance sheet policies, particularly in the context of a $35 trillion economy and the need for consensus among committee members [1][5][6]. Group 1: Kevin Warsh's Background and Challenges - Kevin Warsh has prior experience as a governor and understands the complexities of achieving consensus among independent thinkers within the Federal Reserve [2]. - He may need to adjust his views to align with the committee's majority, especially regarding interest rates and balance sheet policies [3][4]. Group 2: Balance Sheet Policy and Economic Context - Warsh has historically been critical of quantitative easing and may be less interventionist regarding balance sheet policies compared to other candidates [5]. - Any changes to balance sheet policy will require support from the New York Fed president and the committee, making his future actions uncertain [6]. Group 3: Current Economic Indicators - The current economic data shows strong GDP growth and signs of stabilization in the labor market, suggesting a pause in rate cuts may be sensible [10][11]. - There are indications that the labor market is not on a downward trajectory, with modest job growth and stabilized job postings [10]. Group 4: Inflation Concerns - There are concerns about inflation, particularly with fiscal expansions potentially leading to increased prices, especially in sectors like automotive [14]. - The path to achieving the Fed's 2% inflation target may take time, with risks leaning towards inflationary pressures due to fiscal policies [13][15].

Most people believe NFL players are set for life once they make it to the league, but that might not necessarily be the case. On this week's Financial Freestyle, host Ross Mac speaks with Justin Herron, former NFL player for the Patriots and Raiders. Herron breaks down the 36-week pay period, and how players maintain their finances during their unpaid offseason. He also discusses the importance of living within your means while working with teammates who make millions. To find out some of the best financial ...

SoFi Earnings Beat Estimates. The Fourth Quarter Was 'Exceptional,' Says CEO. - 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.# SoFi Posts Better-Than- Expected Earnings. The Fourth Quarter Was 'Exceptional,' Says CEO.By [Mackenzie Tatananni] ...

Core Insights - SoFi is offering new investors up to $1,000 in stock when they open and fund a self-directed investing account, aiming to eliminate the traditional costs associated with investing [1][4] - The platform allows investors to trade stocks and ETFs with zero commissions, making it more accessible for retail investors who prefer control over their investments [2][3] Group 1: Offer and Accessibility - The offer lowers the barrier for new investors by eliminating commissions and account minimums, encouraging more individuals to start investing [2][3] - SoFi's self-directed investing platform is designed for those who want to learn through active participation rather than passive observation [5][8] Group 2: Features of SoFi Active Investing - Members can trade stocks and ETFs with $0 commissions, buy fractional shares, and trade after hours, enhancing flexibility and accessibility [6] - The platform provides access to real-time market news, curated investing content, and community events, fostering a supportive investing environment [7] Group 3: Growth and Control - SoFi's platform is designed to grow with investors, allowing them to manage their portfolios actively and trade on their own schedules [8] - The platform also offers margin investing options and access to alternative investments, catering to a diverse range of investment strategies [6][7]

Core Insights - NerdWallet, Inc. (NRDS) is actively transforming its growth strategy by decreasing reliance on organic Google search and developing a more diversified and higher-value revenue model [1][5] Group 1: Business Strategy - A significant aspect of this transition is the expansion of performance marketing, which is attracting high-intent users and providing clearer return on investment [2] - NerdWallet is leveraging AI-driven referral channels, becoming the most cited source among peers in large language model (LLM) responses, which shows higher conversion rates compared to traditional organic search [3] - The company is enhancing its monetization profile through vertical integration in financial services, with acquisitions like Next Door Lending, resulting in approximately 2 times revenues per lead compared to traditional models [4] Group 2: Financial Performance - Over the past six months, NerdWallet's stock has increased by 15.3%, outperforming peers and the industry, which has seen a decline of 20.3% [6] - NerdWallet trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.02X, lower than the industry average of 21.04X, and compared to LendingClub and FUTU Holdings at 10.38X and 14.89X, respectively [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NerdWallet's earnings for 2025 and 2026 indicates year-over-year increases of 720% and 49.6%, respectively [11]

Core Insights - LPL Financial's (LPLA) fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $5.23 per share exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.82, reflecting a 23% year-over-year growth [1][8] - The company's total quarterly revenues reached $4.93 billion, a 40% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.81 billion [3][8] - Despite strong revenue growth, total quarterly expenses rose 43% year over year to $4.53 billion, contributing to a 2.2% decline in shares during after-market trading [3][8] Financial Performance - For 2025, adjusted earnings were $20.09 per share, significantly above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $19.67, marking a 22% year-over-year increase [2] - Net income for the fourth quarter was $300.7 million or $3.74 per share, up from $270.7 million or $3.59 per share in the prior-year quarter [2] - Total revenues for 2025 were $16.99 billion, a 37% increase year over year, also beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.80 billion [3] Asset Growth - As of December 31, 2025, total brokerage and advisory assets were $2,370.5 billion, reflecting a 36% year-over-year increase [4] - Total net new assets in the reported quarter amounted to $24.5 billion [4] - Client cash balances rose 11% year over year to $61 billion [4] Balance Sheet Strength - Total assets as of December 31, 2025, were $18.49 billion, a 3% increase sequentially [5] - Cash and cash equivalents totaled $2.83 billion, up from $2.59 billion in the third quarter [5] - Total stockholders' equity increased by 6% sequentially to $5.34 billion [5] Strategic Outlook - The company's recruiting efforts and strong advisor productivity are expected to continue supporting advisory revenues [6] - Strategic acquisitions and a robust balance sheet are anticipated to bolster financial performance [6] - However, rising expenses and uncertainties in capital markets may negatively impact commission revenues [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue for Q3 2026 was $581 million, an increase of $59 million or 11.3% from $522 million in the prior year quarter [15] - Consolidated gross margin as a percentage of net revenue decreased to 23.4% from 24.9% in the same period last year [16] - Net income was $44.1 million, down from $56.5 million in the same quarter of the prior year, with diluted earnings per share at $5.58 compared to $6.90 [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Factory-built housing segment net revenue was $558.5 million, up 11.5% from $500.9 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to the addition of American Homestar [15] - Financial services segment net revenue increased to $22.5 million, up 6.2% from $21.2 million in the prior year quarter, driven by higher insurance premium rates [16] - Gross profit in the factory-built housing segment decreased to 21.7% from 23.6% in the prior year quarter due to higher per unit costs [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Industry shipments slowed in October and November, down 13% from the calendar 2024 period, with Cavco's volume down about 4% compared to last year [5] - The Southeast region stabilized and saw higher volume in Q3 versus Q2, while most other regions experienced declining shipments [8] - Average selling price grew sequentially despite the volume drop-off, with single-section home prices roughly flat and multi-section pricing up [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating American Homestar, with estimated annual synergies above $10 million, half of which has been achieved [12] - Continued share repurchases during the quarter amounted to $44 million, with a healthy unrestricted cash balance of $225 million at the end of Q3 [14] - The company is optimistic about the spring selling season, with healthy leading indicators such as quotes and retail traffic [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the tone in operations and the market is optimistic, with discussions around affordable housing gaining traction [10] - The company is maintaining production rates and staffing levels to be well-positioned for potential increases in demand during the spring [28] - Management acknowledged challenges due to weather impacting operations but expressed confidence in the stability of backlogs [82] Other Important Information - SG&A expenses increased to $81.4 million, or 14% of net revenue, primarily due to the addition of American Homestar and higher compensation costs [17] - Interest income decreased to $3 million from $5.4 million in the prior year quarter due to lower cash balances after the acquisition [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: What caused the lower utilization and how should production be viewed for Q4? - Management indicated that the industry experienced a significant downtick in October and November, but production rates were maintained to prepare for potential increases in the spring [28][30] Question: Can you elaborate on gross margin impacts and acquisition accounting? - Management clarified that there was no impact on gross margins from the acquisition, with year-over-year declines attributed to increases in input costs [38][65] Question: What are the updated synergy targets from the American Homestar acquisition? - Management stated that annualized synergies are expected to reach $10 million, with approximately half already realized [99]

Key Takeaways Singapore offers stability and growth, making it a strong Asia allocation choice.STI rose 22% in 2025, up 5.7% this year, highlighting strong momentum.ETFs like EWS and ASEA give investors exposure to Singapore.A persistently fragile and unstable geopolitical landscape, marked by recurring trade tensions due to an unpredictable U.S. tariff policy and rising military and geopolitical flashpoints, has increased uncertainty around U.S. markets and pushed investors to seek broader global diversifi ...

SoFi Technologies (Nasdaq: SOFI)Â crossed the $1 billion quarterly revenue threshold for the first time in company history, delivering Q4 2025 results that beat estimates across the board while adding a record 1 million new members. ...