-- BNP Paribas on Monday initiated food producer Cranswick (CWK.L) with a neutral rating and a price target of 56.40 pounds sterling.
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Automatic Data Processing (ADP) is expected to post a modest beat, with the company reiterating its fiscal 2026 guidance, when it reports its fiscal Q3 results on Wednesday, RBC Capital Markets said in a research note.RBC is modeling fiscal Q3 total revenue growth of 5.6% year-on-year to $5.86 billion, compared with consensus of 5.4% growth to $5.85 billion. Quarterly earnings per share are expected to be $3.36, versus the consensus estimate of $3.29, RBC said in the preview emailed on Tuesday.Automatic Data Processing should continue to see tailwinds from broad-based strength in Employer Service bookings across international, US enterprise, and compliance businesses, RBC said.Pays per Control is expected to remain stable near 0% to 1%, slightly beating the flattish outlook, while retention should decline about 20 basis points, consistent with the mid-point of the company's fiscal 2026 guidance, according to RBC.RBC maintained its sector perform rating with a price target of $290 on Automatic Data Processing.Price: $200.12, Change: $+2.89, Percent Change: +1.47%
Willdan Group (WLDN) stands to benefit from accelerating grid-modernization spending and rising data-center demand, suggesting the recent pullback in the stock was excessive, Wedbush Securities said Tuesday in a report.The company is positioned to capture increased US infrastructure investment as policymakers prioritize grid capacity and reliability amid shortages in transformers and transmission equipment, the report said.Willdan's work in substations, switchgear and power-systems engineering is also expected to see stronger demand as AI-driven data-center buildouts expand, the report said. The company's 2025 acquisition of APG added deeper expertise in substation design and construction management, strengthening its commercial-sector capabilities, Wedbush said.Despite near-term pressure from the expiration of the 179D energy-efficiency tax incentive, Willdan's longer-term outlook remains supported by expectations for double-digit EBITDA growth and a strengthening pipeline of project demand, the report said.Wedbush maintained its outperform rating on Willdan stock with a price target of $145.Price: $70.48, Change: $+3.57, Percent Change: +5.33%
The United Arab Emirates will leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on Friday, in a move that Rystad Energy said makes the cartel "structurally weaker."The UAE has been a member of OPEC for more than five decades.Its decision enhances the "flexibility to respond to market dynamics while continuing to contribute to stability in a measured and responsible manner," according to an article by state-owned Emirates News Agency. That article was also shared by UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei on social media platform X.The oil market has faced broad supply disruptions tied to the US-Israel war with Iran. The conflict paused following a ceasefire between the US and Iran and later between Israel and Lebanon."This decision reflects the UAE's long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, including accelerated investment in domestic energy production," according to the Emirates News Agency article.The UAE is one of the few OPEC members, including Saudi Arabia, that have spare capacity, Rystad Energy said in a note. OPEC uses a production quota system to stabilize global oil markets."Its departure therefore removes one of the core pillars underpinning OPEC's ability to manage the market," Rystad Head of Geopolitical Analysis Jorge Leon wrote.With the UAE walking away, Saudi Arabia will have to undertake more of the heavy lifting on price stability, Leon said."While near-term effects may be muted given ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and broader geopolitical uncertainty, the longer-term implications are more consequential," Leon said. "A structurally weaker OPEC, with less spare capacity concentrated within the group, will find it increasingly difficult to calibrate supply and stabilize prices."Brent crude was 2.4% higher at $110.82 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 3.3% to $99.56.