When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price.

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price.

Intel Corporation remains a Hold as recent stock price gains are not justified by fundamentals or near-term prospects. I trimmed again. Q4 2025 performance exceeded guidance, but revenue and gross margins declined year-over-year, and INTC annual revenue fell versus 2024. INTC management's Q1 2026 guidance is modest, with EPS expected at $0 and gross margin shrinking to 34.5%, reflecting acute internal supply constraints.

Southern First Bancshares (SFST) remains a Buy, supported by robust Q4 2025 results and a favorable regional economic backdrop. SFST delivered $1.21 EPS in Q4, outpacing estimates, and achieved 94.8% full-year EPS growth, driven by revenue gains and cost control. The stock trades at 1.31x tangible book value, well below recent peer M&A multiples, highlighting significant potential upside in a buyout scenario.

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 23, 2026 / Those new to SMX (NASDAQ:SMX) may be focused primarily on its impressive 2025 rally. That's fine from an investor perspective.

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman is notifying Ardent Health, Inc. (NYSE: ARDT) investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against the company and certain of its executives following the company's disastrous Q3 2025 financial results. Hagens Berman is investigating the alleged claims that Ardent misled investors about its revenue recognition systems and the adequacy of its professional liability reserves.

Investors need to pay close attention to PLNT stock based on the movements in the options market lately.

This is a developing story.

If you worked for decades, there's a good chance you'll be eligible for Social Security benefits once you retire.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In DeFi Technologies To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

The iShares National Muni Bond ETF is the largest muni bond ETF in the market. Muni bonds are some of the lowest-yielding bonds in the market, before tax. After-tax yields are quite a bit higher, but don't seem terribly competitive versus peers.

Evaluate the expected performance of IBM (IBM) for the quarter ended December 2025, looking beyond the conventional Wall Street top-and-bottom-line estimates and examining some of its key metrics for better insight.

Looking beyond Wall Street's top-and-bottom-line estimate forecasts for Danaher (DHR), delve into some of its key metrics to gain a deeper insight into the company's potential performance for the quarter ended December 2025.

Evaluate the expected performance of ADP (ADP) for the quarter ended December 2025, looking beyond the conventional Wall Street top-and-bottom-line estimates and examining some of its key metrics for better insight.

BRO's Q4 2025 results are likely to reflect net new and renewal business, improved investment income, growth in premium volume, and higher organic revenues.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Significant Losses In Beta Bionics To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

McCormick & Company, Incorporated remains a leader in spices and seasonings, with resilient volumes and strong cash flow despite recent share price weakness. Q4 sales rose 3% year over year, driven by consumer volume and pricing, while margin pressure from commodity inflation and tariffs persists. MKC trades at a premium valuation—P/E of 21.8x and EV/EBITDA of 15.4x—despite headwinds, but forward revenue and EBIT growth outpace sector averages.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In BellRing To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options