ServiceNow Slump Highlights Software Stock Challenges in the Age of AI — Barrons.com

Investing.com -- Colombia’s central bank raised its interest rate by 100 basis points to 10.25% on Friday, marking the first increase since April 2023.

The decision, backed by a majority of the seven-member board, came as a surprise to market analysts who had largely expected a smaller adjustment.

In a recent poll of 26 analysts, most had predicted a 50 basis point increase, while only two had forecast no change at all. The actual increase was double what most market participants had anticipated.

The central bank cited uncertainty over public finances and intensifying inflationary pressures as key factors behind the larger-than-expected rate hike.

This represents the first upward adjustment to Colombia’s benchmark interest rate in nearly three years, signaling a shift in monetary policy direction for the South American nation.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Investing.com -- Moody’s Ratings has upgraded Hyundai Glovis Co., Ltd.’s issuer rating to A3 from Baa1 and changed the outlook to stable from positive, the ratings agency announced Friday.

The upgrade reflects Hyundai Glovis’ sustained improvement in profitability and low debt leverage, supported by conservative financial management, according to Mic Kang, a Moody’s Vice President and Senior Credit Officer.

Hyundai Glovis reported an operating margin improvement to 7.0% in 2025 from 6.2% in 2024. Moody’s expects this ratio to remain at similar levels over the next 12-18 months.

The company’s performance improvement is primarily driven by stronger results in its pure car and truck carriers business, benefiting from solid demand from automobile companies, a shift in fleet mix toward long-term chartered vessels, increasing revenue from non-captive clients, and higher freight rates for captive customers.

The company’s adjusted debt/EBITDA improved to approximately 1.4x in 2025 from 1.8x in 2024, driven by increased earnings and reduced debt. Moody’s projects this ratio will remain in the 1.4x-1.5x range over the next 12-18 months, supported by the company’s ability to generate free cash flow and its disciplined financial management.

Operating cash flow is expected to be sufficient to cover higher capital spending for fleet expansion and other investments, as well as shareholder returns. The company maintains a net cash position of around KRW0.5 trillion, which supports its A3 rating.

The A3 rating is underpinned by Hyundai Glovis’ operational stability, which reflects large captive demand from Hyundai Motor group affiliates, including Hyundai Motor Company (A3 stable) and Kia Corporation (A3 stable), and limited exposure to market risks.

Moody’s noted that Hyundai Glovis faces customer concentration in the cyclical auto industry and exposure to the capital-intensive and cyclical shipping business.

Regarding environmental, social, and governance factors, Hyundai Glovis faces environmental and social risks similar to its transport peers. The company’s prudent financial management offsets its exposure to potential regulatory scrutiny related to its organizational structure.

The stable outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that Hyundai Glovis will maintain steady profitability and low financial leverage over the next 12-18 months.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Investing.com -- KeyBanc Capital Markets has identified three standout performers in the medical technology sector, with LivaNova PLC leading the pack, followed by ICU Medical Inc and Steris PLC. These companies have received favorable ratings based on their market positioning and growth potential in specialized healthcare segments.

See how Wall Street analysts are valuing these stocks with InvestingPro’s full ratings, price targets, and earnings models -

LivaNova PLC tops the list with an Overweight rating and a price target of $81. The company operates through two main segments: Cardiopulmonary and Neuromodulation. In its Cardiopulmonary division, LivaNova specializes in Heart-Lung Machines (HLMs), oxygenators, and related accessories essential for cardiac surgeries. The Neuromodulation segment focuses on Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) technology, which offers treatments for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy and Depression. This dual focus positions LivaNova as a leader in both critical cardiac care and neurological treatment markets.

Stifel recently raised its price target on LivaNova to $70, citing strong growth in its Cardiopulmonary business. The company also announced that U.S. Medicare will significantly increase reimbursement rates for its VNS Therapy for epilepsy starting in 2026.

ICU Medical Inc ranks second with an Overweight rating and a price target of $175. The company manufactures and markets products crucial for infusion therapy, vascular access, oncology, and vital care applications. Its product portfolio includes infusion systems and consumables, IV solutions, and closed-system transfer devices designed to enhance patient safety. ICU Medical significantly expanded its market presence through the strategic acquisition of Smiths Medical in late 2021, strengthening its position in the medical device market.

In recent developments, ICU Medical reported third-quarter revenue and earnings that surpassed analyst expectations. Following the results, the company raised its full-year guidance for both EBITDA and adjusted EPS, and Piper Sandler increased its price target on the company to $172.

Steris PLC rounds out the top three with an Overweight rating and a price target of $291. The company provides a comprehensive range of sterilization and infection prevention solutions for healthcare facilities and life sciences companies. Steris offers capital equipment including sterilizers, washers, and operating room suite components, alongside consumables and specialized services such as outsourced sterilization and instrument repair. This diverse product and service mix creates multiple revenue streams across different healthcare segments.

Steris PLC announced second-quarter fiscal 2025 results, reporting an earnings per share that beat analyst forecasts, though revenue fell short of expectations. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.63 per share.

KeyBanc’s analysis highlights these three companies as particularly well-positioned within the competitive MedTech landscape, each addressing critical needs in healthcare delivery and patient safety with specialized technologies and services.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.