Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report
Championship leaders Leeds United have explored the conditions of a potential deal for Real Salt Lake's MLS Young Player of the Year Diego Luna. The 21-year-old attacker, who can operate from the left flank or as a No.10, scored nine goals and registered eight assists in 36 appearances in all competitions this season. Luna has previously attracted interest from Belgium, Italy, Holland and Spain but his stock is now higher than ever following an eye-catching MLS campaign in which he recorded the best numbers of his young career. Leeds have been keeping a watchful eye over his development and have been tracking the progress of 'Moon Boy' for many months, according to sources. While no deal is thought to be imminent at this stage, the Whites are understood to have shown the strongest interest to date, however, face competition from a number of European clubs for the starlet's signature. Luna's current contract with Real Salt Lake runs until December 2026 and does not contain a release clause. His estimated market value earlier this summer was in the region of $4million (£3m) but has since risen, due to his fine performances. In recent years, the prodigy made visits to the likes of Anderlecht and Vitoria S.C. in Portugal in anticipation that he would eventually seal a career-changing switch across the Atlantic. The skilful playmaker, who has been capped once by the USMNT, made headlines after he declined an 'alternate spot' in the United States squad for the Paris Olympics in July. Luna is believed to have felt aggrieved that he was not named in the squad and was instead invited to be listed as a reserve in the event of a withdrawal. Since then, Luna has told ESPN that he remains open to the prospect of potentially switching international allegiances to Mexico, who he qualifies to represent through his parents. He played 77 minutes for the USMNT senior side in January during a 1-0 friendly defeat to Slovenia, prior to Mauricio Pochettino's appointment. Real Salt Lake owner David Blitzer is also a general partner at Crystal Palace , a limited partner at FC Augsburg and also owns Spanish club AD Alcorcon, Belgian outfit Beveren and Danish side Brondby - so is well-connected in Europe. In August, RSL sold Colombian winger Carlos Andres Gomez to Stade Rennes in France for a reported initial fee of £8.3m and the MLS could use those figures as a yardstick during future negotiations. Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Israeli airstrikes hit a Yemen airport as a jet with hundreds onboard was landing, UN official saysLincoln National ( NYSE:LNC – Free Report ) had its price target raised by TD Cowen from $34.00 to $37.00 in a report issued on Wednesday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the financial services provider’s stock. A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on Lincoln National from $28.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Thursday, October 10th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on Lincoln National from $30.00 to $29.00 and set an “equal weight” rating for the company in a report on Monday, August 19th. Barclays increased their price objective on Lincoln National from $35.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a report on Tuesday, October 8th. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on Lincoln National from $37.00 to $34.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com raised Lincoln National from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Lincoln National currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $33.25. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on LNC Lincoln National Stock Up 0.3 % Lincoln National ( NYSE:LNC – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $2.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.64 by $0.42. The company had revenue of $4.11 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.61 billion. Lincoln National had a return on equity of 18.15% and a net margin of 2.51%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.23 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Lincoln National will post 6.53 EPS for the current year. Lincoln National Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 10th will be given a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 10th. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.06%. Lincoln National’s payout ratio is 128.57%. Insider Activity In other news, EVP John Christopher Kennedy sold 2,863 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $36.00, for a total transaction of $103,068.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 99,644 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,587,184. This trade represents a 2.79 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . Insiders own 0.54% of the company’s stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lincoln National Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Whittier Trust Co. increased its stake in shares of Lincoln National by 106.7% during the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 835 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 431 shares during the period. Adirondack Trust Co. bought a new position in shares of Lincoln National during the second quarter worth approximately $31,000. Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in shares of Lincoln National by 535.5% during the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,074 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 905 shares during the period. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its stake in shares of Lincoln National by 95.3% during the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 1,086 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 530 shares during the period. Finally, Eastern Bank bought a new position in Lincoln National during the 3rd quarter worth $40,000. Institutional investors own 72.81% of the company’s stock. About Lincoln National ( Get Free Report ) Lincoln National Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates multiple insurance and retirement businesses in the United States. It operates in four segments: Life Insurance, Annuities, Group Protection, and Retirement Plan Services. The Life Insurance segment provides life insurance products, including term insurance, universal life insurance (UL), indexed universal life insurance, variable universal life insurance (VUL), linked-benefit UL and VUL products, and critical illness and long-term care riders. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lincoln National Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lincoln National and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Doughty scores 17 in Indiana State's 83-80 win against Iona
Omolabake Fasogbon Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc said it has achieved another milestone with the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recognising an additional N75 billion in its capital raise. The approval represents the final leg of the capital injection that was achieved through a private placement in September 2024, the bank explained in a statement yesterday. Building on the private placement’s success, Sterling launched a Rights Issue in October 2024, structured to provide existing shareholders the exclusive opportunity to deepen their stakes in the company and share in its growth story. The rights issue received significant interest and participation, highlighting the confidence and trust the company has cultivated among its shareholders over the years. Regulatory approval for the process is currently underway, marking another significant step in the recapitalisation journey. “The public is eagerly awaiting Sterling’s Public Offer, which will present an exciting opportunity for individuals to invest in the company. It is anticipated that the recapitalisation process will be completed with a Public Offer early next year, allowing wider participation from the public and further strengthening its commitment to shared value creation,” the bank noted. Group Chief Executive, Yemi Odubiyi, in a statement, described the capital injection and the approval as a validation of the company’s strategic direction and operational excellence. “This milestone reflects the confidence of regulators and stakeholders in our vision to redefine financial services in Nigeria and beyond. Our enhanced capital base empowers us to pursue transformative opportunities, deliver sustainable value to all stakeholders and drive impact across critical sectors of the Nigerian economy,” he stated. Odubiyi emphasised the company’s evolution from its origins as a merchant bank to its current status as a diversified financial holdings company. Powered by cutting-edge technology and a flexible operational model, the company has consistently demonstrated its ability to navigate market difficulties and seize growth opportunities. Reflecting on Sterling’s accomplishments, Odubiyi acknowledged the instrumental role of stakeholders, including regulators, investors, and customers. “We are grateful for the unwavering support and trust in our strategy, which has been pivotal to our journey. This recapitalisation strengthens our ability to unlock new opportunities, create value, and drive economic growth,” he added. The capital boost follows a year marked by robust financial performance and significant strategic achievements for Sterling. As at the last week in December 2024, Sterling witnessed a 19 percent surge in stock price, contributing to a remarkable three-year growth of 287.42 percent. In the first half of 2024, the company recorded a 51 percent increase in profit before tax compared to the same period in 2023 and achieved a 20 percent growth in total assets. These results demonstrate Sterling’s resilience and ability to deliver superior outcomes despite the complexities of Nigeria’s economic landscape, marked by high inflation and currency volatility. “As Sterling looks ahead, its focus remains firmly on innovation, sustainability, and value creation. With a fortified capital structure, the company is well-positioned to execute its ambitious growth plans, deepen its impact across critical sectors, and set new benchmarks for excellence in Nigeria’s financial services industry. This latest milestone marks a transformative chapter for Sterling Financial Holdings Company Plc as it continues to redefine the future of financial services in Nigeria and beyond,” it added.Shumate also contributed five rebounds for the Cowboys (5-4). Quadir Copeland added 20 points while shooting 7 of 8 from the field and 6 for 6 from the line while they also had nine rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals. Sincere Parker had 16 points and went 7 of 11 from the field. The Yellow Jackets were led by Deonte Jackson, who posted 21 points, five assists and seven steals. Walker Blaine added 14 points and four assists for LeTourneau. Caedmon Liebengood also had 14 points. McNeese visits Mississippi State in its next matchup on December 14. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their baby