Group 1 - Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) is collaborating with ExpectAI to leverage AI for enhancing profitability in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through sustainability insights, with testing of the Una platform set to begin in early 2026 [1][2] - The Una platform aims to provide specialized energy-efficiency recommendations, an adaptive carbon profile, and connections to verified funding partners to facilitate implementation for businesses [2] - Barclays is assessing the platform's potential to create value for UK-based businesses by converting sustainability opportunities into measurable improvements in cost efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness [2] Group 2 - Kepler Capital reaffirmed a Buy rating on Barclays PLC with a price target of 460 GBp, while UBS maintained a Buy rating with a price target of 515 GBp [3] - Citi updated its rating on Barclays, raising the price target to 440 GBp from 415 GBp while keeping a Neutral rating on the shares [3] Group 3 - Barclays PLC is a bank holding company headquartered in London, providing a range of services including credit cards, retail banking, wealth management, and corporate and investment banking [4] - The company's operations are segmented into Barclays UK, Barclays UK Corporate Bank, Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, Barclays Investment Bank, Barclays US Consumer Bank, and Head Office [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses seven affordable stocks with strong earnings growth potential for 2026, highlighting the importance of macroeconomic factors and market dynamics in shaping investment strategies for the upcoming year [2][4][5]. Economic Outlook - Jeremy Siegel, a finance professor, indicates potential challenges in January 2026, including Supreme Court decisions on tariffs and a possible government shutdown, but remains optimistic about the overall market outlook for the year [2]. - Tony Pasquariello from Goldman Sachs emphasizes favorable conditions for risk-taking, with expected S&P earnings growth of 12% in 2026 following an 11% increase in 2025, suggesting a bullish market trend [4]. Stock Selection Methodology - The article outlines a methodology for selecting undervalued stocks with a forward P/E below 15 and strong earnings growth expectations for 2026, based on hedge fund sentiment data [7][8]. Company Highlights Barclays PLC (NYSE:BCS) - Barclays PLC shows a year-over-year EPS diluted growth of 45.84% and a forward EPS growth of 28.17%, with a forward P/E of 11.12 and 28 hedge fund holders [10]. - The company is collaborating with ExpectAI to enhance profitability for SMEs through AI-driven sustainability insights, with testing of the platform set to begin in early 2026 [10][11]. - Barclays received multiple buy ratings from firms like Kepler Capital and UBS, with price targets set at p460.00 and p515 respectively [12]. LATAM Airlines Group S.A. (NYSE:LTM) - LATAM Airlines Group reports a year-over-year EPS diluted growth of 60.40% and a forward EPS growth of 30.69%, with a forward P/E of 11.38 and 30 hedge fund holders [14]. - The company transported 7.4 million passengers in November 2025, reflecting a 4.9% year-over-year growth, and expanded its capacity by 4.6% [14][15]. - Goldman Sachs raised the price target for LATAM Airlines to $58.50, indicating potential for a 14% dividend yield in 2026 [17].