Revenue bump: Lamar Advertising reported strong third-quarter 2026 results, with revenue increasing 6.6% to $624.5 million, net income rising 14.5% to $165 million and adjusted EBITDA growing 9.3% to $306.9 million. CEO Sean Reilly attributes the accelerating sales growth to increased demand from national customers, the company’s digital platform and political advertising spending. The company raised its 2026 AFFO per diluted share guidance to $8.87-$8.97 and projected full-year diluted earnings per share of $6.01-$6.04.
Soaring shipping costs: Small and midsize retailers are facing mounting pressure from rising shipping costs, driven largely by higher fuel prices, just as they enter the critical holiday shopping season. Higher expenses are squeezing profit margins, forcing business owners to consider raising shipping fees, charging for returns or increasing product prices, while making it harder to compete with larger retailers such as Amazon. Despite strong consumer demand and projected 4.2% holiday sales growth to $1.01 trillion, analysts warn that record shipping costs could push smaller retailers into financial distress early next year. CNBC has the full story.
Hiring surprise: U.S. employers added a stronger-than-expected 165,000 jobs last month, more than double economists’ forecasts, while the unemployment rate dipped to 4.1% and average hourly wages rose 0.4%. Hiring was strongest in professional and business services, healthcare and manufacturing, while hospitality employers cut jobs. The report highlights the economy’s resilience but also reinforces concerns about persistent inflation, potentially making the Federal Reserve more inclined to keep interest rates elevated. The Associated Press has the full story.
