Assurant announced a 31% increase in mobile trade-in value in the first quarter of 2026, reaching $1.63 billion, marking it the most active quarter on record for device trade-ins. The report highlights that better condition devices yield significantly higher trade-in values, playing a crucial role as smartphone prices rise. This positive news follows a dividend announcement and upgrades from Morgan Stanley, Truist Securities, and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, reflecting strong analyst confidence in Assurant's growth and operational capabilities.

Amgen Inc. has terminated its lobbying relationship with Washington Advocacy Group, a move driven by the evolving landscape of healthcare regulations and the Inflation Reduction Act's impact on drug pricing. Despite ending this specific lobbying engagement, Amgen, a biotechnology giant with significant federal contracts and a robust product pipeline, will continue to require experienced healthcare advocacy due to ongoing regulatory pressures and its position in the pharmaceutical industry. The company, which recently acquired Horizon Therapeutics, faces challenges related to CMS negotiations, biosimilar competition, and patent protections.

Oddo BHF Asset Management Sas significantly increased its stake in Republic Services, Inc. by 22.3% in the fourth quarter, bringing its total holdings to 54,702 shares valued at approximately $11.6 million. The article also highlights mixed insider transactions, with a major shareholder buying a large block of shares while a director sold a smaller amount, and notes that Republic Services exceeded quarterly earnings expectations and declared a dividend.

HP unveiled new AI-powered communication and collaboration solutions at InfoComm 2026, aiming to transform hybrid work environments. The innovations include integrating HP Poly Lens and WXP Collaboration into the HP Workforce Experience Platform for unified IT management, future-proof video conferencing with HP Poly Studio Room Compute and VideoOS 5.1, and immersive audio with the HP Poly Focus 6 Series Bluetooth headsets. These solutions focus on simplifying deployment, improving visibility for IT, and enhancing productivity for employees.

Myriad360 has been named HPE Networking Partner of the Year 2026, recognized for its engineering investment, strategic collaboration with HPE, and expertise in modern networking, cybersecurity, and AI. This award follows Myriad360's acquisition of Advizex Technologies, expanding its global technology platform across various critical IT domains. The recognition highlights Myriad360's role in helping clients achieve business outcomes through secure, AI-ready technology environments.

Demand for large U.S. industrial properties over 500,000 square feet has led to a decrease in vacancy rates over the past few quarters, driven by large logistics occupiers returning to the market and build-to-suit properties. In contrast, newer, mid-sized, and smaller warehouses, especially those built within the last five years, are experiencing higher vacancy rates, reaching levels not seen since 2006 for new logistics properties. Lease terms have also condensed from seven years to five, reflecting increased supply chain volatility and a preference for greater flexibility among tenants.

HP unveiled a new AI-powered collaboration lineup at InfoComm 2026, integrating hardware and software under its Workforce Experience Platform to offer a unified management solution for IT teams. Key introductions include new headsets, conference room computers with Intel’s third-generation Core Ultra processors, and an updated video operating system with AI features. The initiative aims to simplify deployment and management of collaborative solutions, moving towards more collective, unified work management.

Campbell's has launched its first-ever gluten-free condensed chicken noodle soup, partnering with Banza to incorporate protein-packed chickpea penne pasta. This new product aims to provide the classic chicken noodle taste to consumers seeking gluten-free options. The soup is currently available on Amazon and will soon be rolled out to national retailers, with a special discount for Prime members on Prime Day.

Oddo BHF Asset Management Sas significantly increased its stake in Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) by 53.5% in the fourth quarter, now owning 39,539 shares valued at approximately $9.54 million. This comes as Lowe's reported better-than-expected quarterly results, raising its full-year EPS guidance and increasing its quarterly dividend. Analysts currently rate Lowe's as a "Moderate Buy" with an average price target of $264.57.

Waypoint Trading Solutions is expanding its European exchange footprint by deploying services in Equinix MD6 in Madrid, ahead of BME's planned migration of its matching engines to this data center in Q2 2027. This move will enhance managed hosting and ultra-low latency Layer 1 exchange connectivity to BME Exchange, providing direct access to Spanish equities and derivatives markets for trading firms and market data vendors. This development complements Waypoint's existing colocation services across major European financial hubs and reinforces its commitment to providing robust financial market infrastructure.