UBS Group AG provides financial advice and solutions to private, institutional, and corporate clients worldwide. It operates through four divisions: Global Wealth Management, Personal & Corporate Banking, Asset Management, and Investment Bank. The Global Wealth Management division offers investment advice and solutions, and lending solutions. This segment also provides estate and wealth planning, investing, corporate and banking, and investment management, as well as mortgage, securities-based, and structured lending solutions. The Personal & Corporate Banking division provides personal banking products and services, such as deposits, cards, and online and mobile banking, as well as lending, investments, and retirement services; and corporate and institutional solutions, including equity and debt capital markets, syndicated and structured credit, private placements, leasing, traditional financing, trade and export finance, and global custody solutions, as well as transaction banking solutions for payment and cash management. The Asset Management division offers equities, fixed income, hedge funds, real estate and private markets, indexed and alternative beta strategies, asset allocation and currency investment strategies, customized multi-asset solutions, advisory and fiduciary services, and multi-manager hedge fund solutions and advisory services. The Investment Bank division advises clients on strategic business opportunities and helps them raise capital to fund their activities; enables its clients to buy, sell, and finance securities on capital markets and to manage their risks and liquidity; distribute, trade, finance, and clear cash equities and equity-linked products; and offers clients differentiated content on major financial markets and securities. The company was formerly known as UBS AG and changed its name to UBS Group AG in December 2014. UBS Group AG was founded in 1862 and is based in Zurich, Switzerland.

UBS Group AG Registered

Key Points
Rivian received two analyst downgrades this week.
Opinions about which direction Rivian stock is headed vary.
Rivian stock has the potential to climb higher in 2026 and in the years beyond.
It hasn't been a very encouraging start to the new year for Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) stock. Before this week began, shares of the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer had dipped by more than 2%. The downward trend in Rivian's stock price is continuing this week as investors wrestle with analysts' bearish outlooks.
According to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, Rivian shares are down 11.2% from the end of last Friday's trading session through today's market close.
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Analysts are turning a cold shoulder to Rivian stock this week
Beginning the week on an inauspicious note, Rivian stock received a downgrade to underperform from peer perform (essentially a neutral outlook) from Wolfe Research on Monday, as well as a bearish price target of $16. According to thefly.com, Wolfe Research based its downgrade and lower price target on the fact that Rivian continues to report losses on an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) basis, as well as concerns about reduced EV demand at the time of the company's launch of its R2 model.
Based on Rivian's shares closing at $19.22 on Friday, Wolfe Research's price target implies an almost 17% downside.
Revealing a similarly pessimistic view, UBS downgraded Rivian stock to sell from neutral. Although it raised its price target to $15 from $13, it still implies Rivian stock is bound to slip from its current level.
Has the time passed for parking Rivian stock in your portfolio?
While bearish views on Rivian stock may be disconcerting for potential investors, it's important to recognize that not all analysts are down on the stock right now. On Jan. 8, for example, Piper Sandler hiked its price target to $20 from $14.
While opinions are split about where Rivian stock is headed, there's certainly the potential for Rivian stock to accelerate higher -- not only in 2026 but in the years ahead. It's therefore important for investors to do their due diligence before deciding where to buy Rivian stock.
Should you buy stock in Rivian Automotive right now?
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Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Investors Are Pumping the Brakes on Rivian Stock This Week

Key Points
Some analysts are now recommending investors sell Rivian stock.
Rivian's autonomous driving technology is in its early stages.
R2 sales need to impress this year.
Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: RIVN) stock took a hit today after a second Wall Street analyst advised selling shares of the electric vehicle (EV) maker this week. Shares reacted by dropping nearly 10% at the day's low.
As of 3:21 p.m. ET, Rivian stock remained lower by 7.9%.
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Expectations too high
Investors have high hopes for Rivian in 2026. As it began production of its next-generation R2 SUV and recently highlighted plans for autonomous driving software, shares soared nearly 50% last year. Today, for the second time this week, a Wall Street analyst has downgraded the stock to a "sell" rating, however.
Last month, the EV maker highlighted plans to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) technology and autonomous driving software. At its Autonomy and AI event on Dec. 11, CEO R.J. Scaringe unveiled the company's inaugural in-house Rivian autonomy processor. Today, however, UBS analyst Joseph Spak said he believes expectations for that technology, as well as sales of its next-generation R2 SUV, are already too high.
Spak lowered his rating on the shares from "neutral" to "sell" with a price target of $15 per share, according to reports. Earlier this week, analysts at Wolfe Research similarly downgraded the stock, noting that any benefits from its self-driving technology are unlikely to materialize until late 2026. That firm's price target is $16 per share.
With fewer near-term AI-related catalysts and high expectations for initial R2 sales, Wall Street seems to think Rivian stock has gotten ahead of itself. Investors interested in holding the stock should recognize that it is a long-term story, but 2026 will play a significant role in how the story unfolds.
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Before you buy stock in Rivian Automotive, consider this:
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Howard Smith has positions in Rivian Automotive. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Did Rivian Stock Plunge Today?

Citigroup Inc. C is preparing to cut about 1,000 jobs this week, according to Bloomberg News, published on MSN News. The move aligns with a broader restructuring plan announced in January 2024 that targets nearly 20,000 job cuts, or about 8% of the global workforce, by 2026.
Since CEO Jane Fraser took charge in 2021, Citigroup has focused on simplifying its governance structure by eliminating various management layers. Pursuant to this, the company changed its operating model and the leadership structure. The bank has already reduced its headcount by more than 10,000 employees so far, reflecting steady progress toward its cost-reduction goals.
Beyond workforce reductions, Citigroup is accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity and improve operational efficiency. At the same time, the bank is streamlining its global footprint by exiting consumer banking operations across 14 markets in Asia and EMEA and has since completed exits in nine countries. These initiatives are expected to free up capital and enable Citigroup to focus on higher-return core businesses, particularly wealth management operations in key global hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the UAE, and London.
Citigroup’s latest round of job cuts reflects a deliberate shift toward a leaner, more technology-driven operating model aimed at improving efficiency and long-term profitability. The company expects its transformation initiatives to generate annualized run-rate savings of $2–2.5 billion by 2026. Management also anticipates revenues to grow at a 4–5% compound annual rate through 2026.
Job Reduction Move by Other Financial Firms
Similar to C, several large financial institutions, including Wells Fargo WFC and UBS Group AG UBS, are pursuing workforce reductions as part of broader efficiency initiatives.
Wells Fargo has signaled that its workforce could shrink further in 2026 as part of a broader push to improve efficiency and expand the use of AI across its operations. At the Goldman Sachs 2025 conference held in December, CEO Charlie Scharf indicated that the bank is preparing for additional staff reductions heading into next year. Wells Fargo plans to roll out AI gradually over the next year and continue expanding its use beyond 2026, with AI-enabled efficiencies expected to support operational improvements over time.
Meanwhile, UBS Group AG is preparing to cut up to 10,000 jobs globally by 2027, according to a Business Today news article published on MSN, as the bank continues to integrate Credit Suisse. Since completing the acquisition in 2023, UBS Group AG has already eliminated around 15,000 roles, largely stemming from overlapping functions created by the merger. Going forward, workforce reductions could accelerate depending on the pace and progress of the Credit Suisse integration, as UBS works to remove redundancies and streamline its combined operations.
C’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Shares of Citigroup have gained 33.6% over the past six months compared with the industry’s growth of 17.5%.
Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, C trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.56X, below the industry’s average of 15.26X.
Price-to-Earnings F12M
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for C’s 2025 and 2026 earnings implies year-over-year rallies of 30.3% and 30.5%, respectively. The estimate for 2025 has been revised downward over the past week, while the estimate for 2026 has been revised upward during the same period.
Estimates Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Currently, C carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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UBS Group AG (UBS) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Citigroup to Axe 1,000 Jobs This Week: A Push for Efficiency?

(RTTNews) - UBS Group AG's (UBS) chief executive officer Sergio Ermotti is planning to step down in April 2027, according to a Financial Times report.
However, the report noted that Ermotti could potentially return as the Swiss multinational investment bank's chair in the future.
People familiar with the matter told the agency that the company's asset management chief Aleksandar Ivanovic is one of the executives most likely to become the new CEO.
Notably, UBS's wealth management co-heads Iqbal Khan and Robert Karofsky, as well as chief operating officer Bea Martin are the other contenders for the position, the people added.
In the pre-market hours, UBS is trading at $47.79, down 0.18 percent on the New York Stock Exchange.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

UBS Group CEO Sergio Ermotti Reportedly To Step Down In April 2027

Key Points
The S&P 500 has suffered an average intra-year decline of 18% during midterm election years, and volatility may be heighted in 2026 because of President Trump's tariffs.
The S&P 500 currently trades at 22.2 times forward earnings, a rich valuation seen during just two periods in the past: the dot-com bubble and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The median forecast among 19 Wall Street investment banks and research organizations puts the S&P 500 at 7,600 by the end of 2026, implying 11% upside from its current level.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) has advanced 92% since the current bull market began in October 2022, and the benchmark index has posted double-digit returns in each of the past three years. However, the stock market will need to overcome three major headwinds to extend that streak in 2026.
Here's what investors should know.
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The stock market will battle three major headwinds in 2026
First, midterm election years are usually difficult for investors. The political party that holds the presidency tends to lose seats in Congress, creating policy uncertainty. In turn, the S&P 500 has suffered an average peak-to-trough decline of 18% during midterm election years. In other words, history says the index will fall 18% from its high at some point in 2026.
Second, the economy is struggling to adapt to President Trump's tariffs. The labor market has weakened substantially; unemployment recently hit a four-year high and jobs growth has dropped to its slowest pace in more than a decade, excluding the pandemic. Also, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index recorded its lowest annual average in history last year (data goes back to 1952).
Third, the S&P 500 currently trades at 22.2 times forward earnings, an expensive valuation that (excluding the current situation) has been seen during just two other periods in history. The index topped 22 times forward earnings during the dot-com bubble and the Covid-19 pandemic, and both situations ultimately ended in a sharp decline.
Wall Street thinks the S&P 500 will have a strong year in 2026
Despite the headwinds mentioned, most Wall Street analysts are optimistic about the stock market's potential returns in 2026. The chart below shows year-end targets for the S&P 500 set by different investment banks and research organizations. It also shows the implied upside (or downside) versus the index's current level of 6,858.
Wall Street Firm
S&P 500 Target Price (2026)
Upside (Downside)
Oppenheimer
8,100
18%
Deutsche Bank
8,000
17%
Morgan Stanley
7,800
14%
Seaport Research
7,800
14%
Evercore
7,750
13%
RBC Capital
7,750
13%
Citigroup
7,700
12%
Fundstrat
7,700
12%
Yardeni Research
7,700
12%
Goldman Sachs
7,600
11%
HSBC
7,500
9%
Jefferies Financial Group
7,500
9%
JPMorgan Chase
7,500
9%
UBS
7,500
9%
Wells Fargo
7,500
9%
Barclays
7,400
8%
BMO Capital
7,400
8%
CFRA
7,400
8%
Bank of America
7,100
4%
Median
7,600
11%
As shown, among 19 Wall Street firms, the median year-end target puts the S&P 500 at 7,600 in 2026, implying 11% upside from its current level of 6,858. That is slightly better than the average return of 9% annually (excluding dividends) during the past 40 years.
In general, Wall Street analysts are optimistic because they expect S&P 500 earnings growth to accelerate as companies continue to spend heavily on artificial intelligence (AI). Also, while Federal Reserve officials only signaled one interest rate cut in 2026 at the FOMC meeting in December, the market (and many analysts) think two interest rate cuts is more likely because of the weakening jobs market.
Consider these comments:
Darrell Cronk at Wells Fargo writes, "In 2026, we expect to see artificial intelligence develop further from a concentrated technology phenomenon into a broad-based economic growth catalyst."
Lisa Shalett at Morgan Stanley writes, "A resilient economy and strong corporate earnings are likely to drive continued equity gains in 2026."
Dubravko Lakos-Bujas at JPMorgan writes, "2026 should be another strong year for AI stocks, with capex likely to surpass expectations." He also believes the S&P 500 could top 8,000 if the Fed cuts rates more than twice.
Marc Nachmann at Goldman Sachs writes, "Analysts have underestimated AI capex every quarter for the past two years, suggesting a continued upside risk to the broader AI trade's durability."
As a caveat, Wall Street has a poor track record when it comes to predicting the future movements of the S&P 500. In fact, the return implied by the median year-end forecast missed the mark by 18 percentage points between 2020 and 2024, according to data from Goldman Sachs.
Here's the big picture: Wall Street is optimistic about 2026, particularly where AI stocks are concerned, but investors should not take gains for granted. The S&P 500 typically struggles during midterm election years, and the market is arguably predisposed to volatility this year because of elevated valuations and the uncertainty created by President Trump's tariffs.
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HSBC Holdings is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Citigroup is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Wells Fargo is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Trevor Jennewine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Evercore, Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase, and Jefferies Financial Group. The Motley Fool recommends Barclays Plc and HSBC Holdings. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Will the Stock Market Soar Again in 2026? Wall Street Has a Clear Answer for Investors.

UBS Group AG UBS is planning to implement a new round of job cuts starting in mid-January 2026, according to a Yahoo Finance news report citing Bloomberg. The planned job cuts are part of ongoing workforce reductions tied to the integration of Credit Suisse (“CS”), acquired in 2023. The move will be followed by another phase of redundancies expected next year, coinciding with the bank’s intention of switching off the computer systems purchased during the takeover of CS.
UBS is entering the final year of its integration of Credit Suisse. The CS merger increased the UBS workforce to nearly 120,000 overnight. Since then, the company has already eliminated approximately 15,000 positions, mainly from overlapping roles created by the merger. It is expected that many of the job cuts will occur over several years, with some achieved through early retirement or by not replacing employees who leave. The bank also intends to reassign staff whose roles are impacted by the changes.
At present, UBS is undertaking a significant IT migration for Credit Suisse clients, with the overall integration scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The bank has already migrated more than 90% of Credit Suisse’s Wealth Management accounts in Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan. It has also transferred more than two-thirds of all Credit Suisse client accounts booked in Switzerland as of October 2025. The overall integration is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with additional workforce adjustments expected after the core IT transition is finalized.
Importantly, these planned reductions reflect a strategic pivot from integration to optimization rather than any deterioration in UBS’s underlying business. As parallel systems are consolidated and operational complexity is reduced, the bank requires fewer resources to run its infrastructure. This streamlining is designed to improve execution speed, strengthen internal controls, and free up capital and talent for higher-return areas.
Ultimately, UBS’s approach underscores management’s emphasis on cost discipline and long-term profitability. By aligning its workforce with a simplified operating model, the bank aims to realize up to $13 billion in cost savings by the end of 2026, positioning UBS Group for a more efficient, focused and sustainable growth phase beyond the CS integration.
Similar Move by Other Financial Firms
In June 2025, BlackRock, Inc. BLK announced plans to cut 300 jobs, affecting more than 1% of its workforce. This marked the company’s second reduction this year, following a January cut of approximately 200 positions aimed at realigning resources with the firm’s strategic priorities. Since 2023, BlackRock’s employee count has grown by more than 14% after acquiring Global Infrastructure Partners in October 2024 and Preqin Ltd. in March 2025.
The workforce reductions aim to streamline operations and optimize resources, supporting BlackRock’s efforts to improve profitability and integrate its recent acquisitions.
In the same month, Citigroup Inc. C announced that it would reduce approximately 3,500 jobs at its Shanghai and Dalian technology centers by the fourth quarter of 2025, following a $136-million U.S. regulatory fine tied to data management issues. The reductions are part of Citigroup’s broader global overhaul, which includes 20,000 workforce cuts by 2026, aiming to simplify governance, reduce management layers and improve operational efficiency, with expected annualized savings of $2-2.5 billion.
The move aligns with ongoing efforts to focus on core businesses, including the exit from consumer banking operations in 14 international markets, freeing capital for higher-return segments like wealth management and investment banking.
UBS’ Zacks Rank & Price Performance
Over the past year, UBS shares have gained 52% compared with the industry’s growth of 57.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Currently, the company sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
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Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
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UBS Workforce Reduction: Turning Integration Synergies Into Efficiency

Citigroup, Inc. C has received notable regulatory relief after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) removed the July 2024 amendment to the bank’s 2020 consent order. This original consent order was focused on longstanding deficiencies in risk management, data governance, internal controls and compliance. The 2024 amendment required Citigroup to submit a formal resource review process to prove it had enough staffing, systems and governance in place to fix long-standing control issues.
The OCC said the amendment was removed because it was no longer needed for the bank's safety, soundness or compliance with laws and regulations, signaling tangible progress in the areas the amendment targeted. While the broader 2020 consent order remains in place, the removal of the amendment eliminates an incremental reporting and governance burden that had consumed management attention and operational resources. With this requirement lifted, Citigroup can advance its transformation plan without the extra regulatory procedure, allowing management to remain focused on strengthening internal controls, improving data quality and completing key system upgrades.
The regulatory easing aligns with Citigroup’s broader strategy to modernize its technology and control data. The firm has outlined plans to reduce reliance on external IT contractors while expanding internal technology headcount, strengthening in-house governance and execution capabilities. At the same time, it continues to invest in automation across booking, trading and risk reporting, reducing manual processes that historically contributed to control weaknesses.
Reinforcing this momentum, a Reuters article published on MSN reported that the Federal Reserve has closed long-standing supervisory notices related to Citigroup’s risk management and data governance shortcomings. This milestone removes a significant overhang that previously constrained strategic flexibility and followed hundreds of millions of dollars in regulatory penalties.
Taken together, these actions signal growing regulatory confidence in C’s ability to execute its remediation and transformation plans. With regulatory easing, the company is better positioned to accelerate its growth and efficiency initiatives. Management emphasized that transformation remains the top priority, noting that Citigroup continues to commit the necessary resources to modernize its technology and strengthen its risk and control environment. With most programs now at or near the target state, the bank is beginning to realize the benefits of more standardized, automated, and digitized controls.
Litigations Faced by Other Finance Firms
In December 2025, a Bloomberg article published on Reuters reported that HSBC Holdings PLC HSBC was expected to pay about $300 million to settle allegations related to the French “Cum-Cum” tax scandal. The settlement would close a criminal probe into HSBC’s alleged dividend-arbitrage trades and resolve related civil tax claims, without an admission of guilt.
Authorities estimate the disputed transactions deprived the French government of approximately €4.5 billion in tax revenues. HSBC’s resolution mirrors prior actions taken by Crédit Agricole and aligns with the bank’s provisions recorded earlier in 2025, reflecting its effort to address legacy compliance matters and mitigate potential operational risks.
In September 2025, UBS Group AG UBS agreed to settle a long-running French tax case concerning its cross-border business activities between 2004 and 2012. The bank will pay €730 million ($862.7 million) in fines and €105 million ($124.1 million) in civil damages to the French state.
The settlement follows years of appeals after a 2019 trial court found UBS guilty of illicit client solicitation and laundering the proceeds of tax fraud. UBS contested the ruling, citing insufficient evidence and jurisdictional issues. The resolution reflects UBS’ strategy to address legacy matters while minimizing ongoing operational and financial risks.
C's Zacks Rank & Price Performance
Shares of Citigroup have gained 44.7% in the past six months compared with the industry’s rise of 21.7%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Currently, the company carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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OCC Lifts Oversight on Citigroup: Catalyst for Transformation Drive?

Thursday, December 18, 2025
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) and Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK), as well as two micro-cap stocks The Monarch Cement Co. (MCEM) and Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CPIX). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
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The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.
You can read today's AWS here >>> CPI, Jobless Claims in Very Agreeable Ranges
Today's Featured Research Reports
Shares of NVIDIA have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry over the past year (+30.9% vs. +28.9%). The company is benefiting from the strong growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance accelerated computing. The growing demand for generative AI and large language models using graphics processing units (GPUs) based on NVIDIA’s Hopper and Blackwell architectures is aiding data center revenues.
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Netflix’s shares have gained +5% over the past year against the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry’s gain of +16.2%. The company is benefiting from its growing subscriber base, thanks to a robust localized and foreign-language content portfolio and healthy engagement levels with about two hours of viewing per member per day, indicating strong member retention.
NFLX's advertising tier now accounts for more than 55% of new sign-ups in available markets. NFLX has set an ambitious target to double its revenues by 2030 and reach a $1 trillion market capitalization, supported by a diversified content strategy, including international programming, live events, and gaming initiatives.
NFLX raised its full-year free cash flow forecast to $9 billion from $8-8.5 billion. For the fourth-quarter, Netflix projects $11.96 billion in revenue with 16.7% growth and a 23.9% operating margin, featuring major releases including Stranger Things' final season and NFL Christmas games.
(You can read the full research report on Netflix here >>>)
Shares of Merck have gained +3.4% over the past year against the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry’s gain of +16.7%. The company’s blockbuster drug, Keytruda, and new products have been driving sales. With label expansion into new indications, particularly earlier-stage launches, Keytruda is expected to see continued growth. Animal health is also contributing to growth.
Merck has been making meaningful pipeline progress across areas like oncology, vaccines and infectious diseases. Moreover, it is actively pursuing M&A deals to enhance its pipeline and diversify away from Keytruda.
However, rising competitive and generic pressure on some drugs and persistent challenges for Gardasil in China remain overhangs. There are concerns about Merck’s ability to successfully navigate the Keytruda loss of exclusivity period and potential competition for the drug.
(You can read the full research report on Merck here >>>)
Monarch Cement’s shares have gained +5.9% over the past year against the Zacks Building Products - Concrete and Aggregates industry’s gain of +18.5%. This microcap company with a market capitalization of $805.78 million offers a compelling income-plus-stability profile, anchored by strong balance sheet discipline, margin leadership and capital flexibility. Monarch Cement’s significantly increased dividends and buybacks in 2025 while maintaining $56.8 million in cash and no long-term debt.
Retained earnings and equity continue to grow, enabling $25.5 million in self-funded capex. The Cement segment delivers dominant profitability, generating more than 94% of operating income with a 46% gross margin, reinforced by ongoing investment in long-life assets and a vertically integrated plant with >50 years of reserves.
A capital-efficient JV provides steady earnings without full volatility, while timely asset monetization and a diversified equity portfolio enhance cash flow and earnings quality. Strong working capital and seasonality-aligned liquidity further support dividends, reinvestment and downside resilience.
(You can read the full research report on Monarch Cement here >>>)
Shares of Cumberland Pharmaceuticals have outperformed the Zacks Medical - Drugs industry over the past year (+67.7% vs. +4.4%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $58.18 million offers a differentiated specialty pharma investment anchored by a scalable commercial platform and disciplined acquisition strategy.
Cumberland Pharmaceuticals’ established hospital, GI, and oncology sales infrastructure enables efficient integration of under-promoted, FDA-approved brands, supporting operating leverage and accretive growth. The Talicia partnership adds de-risked, long-duration revenue, combining existing sales momentum with patent and exclusivity protection through 2042 at modest capital commitment.
Longer term, ifetroban provides meaningful upside, with positive Phase II data in Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy and multiple ongoing Phase II programs that reduce binary pipeline risk. Approximately $53 million in NOLs enhance future cash flow conversion, while partner-led international launches offer low-cost growth optionality.
(You can read the full research report on Cumberland Pharmaceuticals here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include UBS Group AG (UBS), Medtronic plc (MDT) and Southern Copper Corp. (SCCO).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
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Medtronic (MDT) Gains in Market Share, MedSurg Growth Robust
The Zacks analyst is impressed that despite the macro-economic issues, Medtronic is reporting market share gains across its core businesses lines. MedSurg global expansion remains strong.
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The Zacks analyst believes Southern Copper is poised well to gain from its industry-leading copper reserves and expansion actions. However, higher labor costs will hurt margins.
Fee-based Earnings, Rising Natural Gas Demand Aid Energy Transfer (ET)
Per to the Zacks analyst, ET's performance is expected to be driven by its high share of earnings from fee-based contracts and its exposure to rising demand for natural gas.
Aggregates Business Aids Vulcan (VMC) Amid Residential Weakness
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BCE's Growth Story Hinges on Buyout Synergies, Bell Media Struggles
Per the Zacks analyst, Ziply Fiber acquisition boosts BCE's U.S. fiber reach, while a $1.5 billion AI portfolio powers enterprise growth. Weak advertising and subscriber revenues hurt Bell Media.
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Per the Zacks analyst, Assurant is set to grow on solid Global Lifestyle and Global Lifestyle segments, which will drive improvement in earned premiums and fees. However, high costs remain a concern.
Investments and Key Acquisitions Aid National Fuel Gas (NFG)
Per the Zacks analyst, National Fuel Gas expands through strategic acquisitions. Its disciplined capital investments to enhance natural gas and oil operations is boosting total production.
New Upgrades
Inorganic Growth and Cost Reduction Supports UBS Group AG (UBS)
Per the Zacks analyst, UBS Group's expanded operations through strategic partnerships and acquisitions reflects strong inorganic growth. Cost reduction initiatives further strengthen its financials.
Expeditors (EXPD) Continues to Gain From E-commerce Growth
Per the Zacks Analyst, e-commerce demand strength acts as a tailwind for growth of companies like Expeditors. Expeditors' strong financial position supports its growth-by-acquisition strategy.
Vista Energy (VISTA) Banks on Newly Completed Oil Wells
The Zacks analyst favors Vista Energy as its newly completed oil and gas wells are producing above expectations and are set to strengthen the company's overall performance.
New Downgrades
Lower Volumes, Higher Expenses Hurt Silgan's (SLGN) Margins
Per the Zacks analyst, lower volume will impact Silgan's top-line. Higher interest expenses are also concerning for the company.
Lower Volumes Weigh on TreeHouse Foods' (THS) Top Line
Per the Zacks analyst, TreeHouse Foods is impacted by macroeconomic consumption trends, driving an 11.6% year-over-year decline in volume and mix in the third quarter of 2025.
Sluggishness in China Commerce Business Ails Alibaba (BABA)
Per the Zacks analyst, Alibaba is suffering from weakening China Commerce business due to sluggish growth in online physical goods GMV at Taobao and Tmall marketplaces, and pandemic-led uncertainties.
Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double"
Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Top Research Reports for NVIDIA, Netflix & Merck

Key Points
An analyst raised his price target on the shares by almost 38%.
He was extremely encouraged by a recent acquisition.
A robust price target increase from an analyst tracking clothing conglomerate Gildan Activewear (NYSE: GIL) put lots of energy into the stock on Tuesday. Taking a cue from that move, investors pushed into the stock, propelling it to a nearly 6% price gain on the day.
More in store
The analyst behind the move was UBS's Jay Sole. Before the market open, he raised his Gildan price target nearly 38% to $110 per share, from his previous level of $80. He also maintained his buy recommendation on the stock.
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Sole's new take on Gildan is based largely on the company's recent acquisition of peer apparel company Hanesbrands, which is chiefly known for its undergarments. In the analyst's view, owning the new asset gives Gildan a scope it couldn't achieve purely by itself. Among other benefits, Hanesbrands's retail presence should help lift the visibility of Gildan's offerings.
Another benefit of the acquisition is the potential sell-off of Hanesbrands's Australia business. Sole believes the proceeds from such a divestment could be used to reduce Gildan's debt, and perhaps consider reinstating share buybacks.
Lending a hand
The Hanesbrands deal, which closed at the beginning of December, has brought a highly complementary and synergistic asset into the Gildan fold. I agree with the UBS pundit that Hanesbrands has the power to increase its new owner's presence on store shelves, thereby improving its overall fundamentals. I'd be a buy on Gildan stock too.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why Gildan Activewear Stock Triumphed on Tuesday

(RTTNews) - Swiss banking major UBS Group AG (UBS) announced Monday that Mike Dargan, Group Chief Operations and Technology Officer, has decided to step down from his role at the end of December to pursue an opportunity outside of the company.
Chris Gelvin will act as interim Head Group Technology, in addition to his current role of Chief Operating Officer, Group Technology, until the appointment of a permanent successor.
The company noted that the Group Technology function will report into Beatriz Martin, who takes up her new role as Group Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2026.
According to the firm, adding Group Technology to the Group COO portfolio is expected to support smooth end-to-end operations, and prioritize initiatives related to technology and artificial intelligence. It will also ensure a smooth completion of the remaining technology integration process.
Group CEO Sergio Ermotti said, "Mike has been instrumental in positioning our technology as a driver of business growth and resilience and progressing the firm's strategic shift towards AI and digitization. I would like to thank Mike for his significant contributions to UBS and wish him all the best for this future. I also congratulate Bea on her expanded responsibilities and thank her for her ongoing leadership."
On the Swiss stock exchange, UBS Group shares closed Monday's regular trading at 34.16 Swiss francs, down 0.50%.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

UBS Group AG Registered

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