3M has launched "The Next Gear," a new interactive digital platform designed to provide customers and vendors with access to its technological expertise for the automotive industry. The platform showcases 3M's solutions for building lighter, smarter, and more efficient vehicles across the entire automotive lifecycle, including specific technologies for electric and connected vehicles. Additionally, 3M continues its commitment to developing future manufacturing leaders through its Manufacturing & Academic Partnerships (MAP) program and significant investments in manufacturing facilities.

SmartHarvest Portfolios LLC has acquired 2,333 shares of Costco Wholesale Corporation, valued at approximately $2.0 million, making it their 21st largest holding. This comes as institutional ownership of Costco remains strong, with several large investors increasing their stakes, bringing total institutional ownership to 68.48%. Despite a slight miss on EPS, Costco reported revenues exceeding consensus estimates and raised its quarterly dividend.

Wells Fargo has appointed Leila Tooley as its new Gulf Coast market executive in Tampa Bay. Tooley will be navigating competition from fintechs and nonbanks in her new role. The article also mentions the upcoming 2027 BusinessWoman of the Year award nominations.

Great Lakes Advisors LLC reduced its stake in Lowe's Companies, Inc. by 0.9% in the fourth quarter, selling 4,770 shares and holding 503,880 shares valued at $121.5 million. Other institutional investors showed mixed activity, with some increasing their positions. Lowe's itself reported strong Q1 earnings, increased its dividend, and received a "Moderate Buy" rating from analysts with an average target price of $264.57.

Mattson Financial Services LLC recently acquired a new position in The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) during the fourth quarter, purchasing 12,486 shares valued at approximately $1.92 million. This investment comes as TJX demonstrates strong financial performance, exceeding analyst earnings estimates with $1.19 EPS and 9.2% revenue growth for the quarter, and announcing a quarterly dividend of $0.48 per share. Despite some insider selling, analysts maintain a "Buy" rating for TJX, citing positive sentiment regarding its growth profile and market share gains.

Emerson Electric raised its full-year earnings guidance and reported strong quarterly results, highlighting robust demand in its automation solutions business and the positive impact of recent portfolio changes. The company's strategy is to focus on higher-margin automation and software assets, reducing exposure to more cyclical businesses. This makes Emerson Electric an interesting opportunity for US investors looking to gain exposure to industrial automation and infrastructure themes.

Andra AP fonden increased its stake in Salesforce Inc. by 35.0% during the fourth quarter, purchasing 24,887 additional shares, bringing its total holdings to 96,032 shares valued at $25.44 million. Other institutional investors also made new investments in Salesforce, while company insiders like Director David Blair Kirk and Laura Alber acquired shares. Salesforce's latest quarterly earnings beat analyst estimates, and the company announced a stock repurchase program worth $25 billion and a quarterly dividend of $0.44.

Aviva PLC recently decreased its stake in Salesforce Inc. by 4.3% in the fourth quarter, now holding 804,324 shares valued at over $213 million. Despite this, institutional investors and hedge funds own a significant 80.43% of Salesforce's stock, while corporate insiders have also been buying shares. Salesforce is actively repurchasing its own stock and has announced a quarterly dividend amidst fluctuating stock performance and mixed analyst sentiment regarding its AI initiatives and overall valuation.

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM), a key S&P 500 aerospace and industrial supplier, is drawing attention due to its strong long-term performance, highlighted by recent S&P 500 data. Without new earnings or ratings news, the focus is on the stock's proven track record for patient investors and its role as a stable industrial player within global supply chains, contrasting with more volatile early-stage ventures. The article emphasizes the benefits of a buy-and-hold approach for quality industrial stocks like Howmet, noting its inclusion in institutional portfolios and resilience due to multi-year contracts.

Alps Advisors Inc. reduced its stake in Targa Resources, Inc. by 8.0% during the fourth quarter, now holding 132,323 shares valued at $24.41 million. Despite this reduction, several other institutional investors increased their holdings in Targa Resources, and the company recently increased its quarterly dividend. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating for the stock with an average target price of $269.21.