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What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.82% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) Headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Equinor ASA is an integrated energy company, with operations across 30 countries. The company is the largest supplier of pipeline gas to Europe. Equinor is also a leading seller of crude oil. The company has expanded upstream operations outside conventional offshore resources to shale oil and gas plays. At 2025-end, the company had estimated proved reserves of 5,183 million barrels of oil equivalent (Boe), compared with 5,571 million Boe at 2024-end. The reserve replacement ratio was 48% in 2025.
EQNR is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 8.24; value investors should take notice.
Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.67 to $5.60 per share. EQNR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +10.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, EQNR should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways Equinor will skip Troll C's second electric compressor to avoid up to 21 months of production disruption.EQNR expects the revised plan to make 2.3 billion cubic meters of extra gas available to Europe in 2027-28.Troll electrification cuts annual CO2 emissions by 330,000 tons and frees 26 MW of reserved power capacity.
Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) and its partners have decided to complete the Troll West Electrification (“TWEL”) project without installing a second electric export compressor on the Troll C platform.
The revised plan prioritizes uninterrupted gas deliveries from the Norwegian continental shelf while retaining substantial emissions reductions already achieved. The move highlights Equinor's focus on production reliability, capital discipline and value creation.
Troll C Production Takes Priority for EquinorThe original plan, approved in 2021, included another electric export compressor at Troll C. However, installing the equipment required extensive modifications and reduced output for up to 21 months.
The partners have opted to avoid the disruption, particularly as Troll has operated at maximum capacity throughout the year since 2023. Preserving existing compression capacity is increasingly important to the field's operating performance.
Additional Gas Supply Supports EQNRThe revised approach is expected to make approximately 2.3 billion standard cubic meters of additional natural gas available to Europe during 2027 and 2028. The volume represents roughly two years of consumption for one million European households.
Maintaining uninterrupted gas supplies enhances EQNR's revenue opportunities and reinforces its position in the European energy market.
Emissions Savings Remain Significant for EquinorTWEL has reduced annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the Troll area by approximately 330,000 tons. This represents about 75% of the 440,000 tons of annual reductions envisioned in the original development plan.
Troll B and Troll C underwent partial electrification in 2024, building on Troll A's use of shore-based power since 1996. The improvements strengthen the field's lower-emissions production profile without prolonged production downtime.
EQNR Avoids a Short-Lived InvestmentThe additional compressor was expected to be needed only until the mid-2030s, while Troll C is projected to operate until around 2050. Dropping the installation supports Equinor’s more efficient capital allocation.
The decision frees up about 26 megawatts (MW) of reserved power capacity at Kollsnes for other uses.
Equinor's Troll Decision Benefits Other Energy PlayersThe decision to maintain stable gas production at Troll also benefits its partners, Shell plc (SHEL - Free Report) , TotalEnergies SE (TTE - Free Report) , ConocoPhillips (COP - Free Report) and Petoro AS. SHEL, TTE, COP and Petoro hold approximately 8.19%, 3.69%, 1.64% and 55.93% interests, respectively, in the field.
Like Equinor, Shell, TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips rely on efficient upstream operations and favorable commodity prices to support earnings and cash generation. Preserving Troll's production capacity helps protect their exposure to Norwegian gas supplies while avoiding prolonged operational disruptions.
Although SHEL, TTE and COP stand to benefit from stable production and sustained European gas demand, fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices remain important factors influencing their profitability.
What the Decision Means for InvestorsEQNR's decision reflects its commitment to maximizing value from existing assets while maintaining reliable energy supplies to Europe. Sustained gas production and lower emissions strengthen Troll's long-term operating profile.
The advantages support Equinor's investment appeal, although future returns remain linked to market conditions.
Please see below information about transactions made under the buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR) for shares to be used in the share-based incentive programmes for employees and management.
Date on which the buy-back programme was announced: 4 February 2026.
The duration of the buy-back programme: 13 February 2026 to 15 January 2027.
Size of the buy-back programme: The total purchase amount under the programme is NOK 1,971,000,000 and the maximum shares to be acquired is 19,600,000 shares, of which up to 7,920,000 shares can be acquired in the period from 13 February 2026 to 15 May 2026, and up to 11,680,000 shares can be acquired in the period from 15 May 2026 to 15 January 2027.
On 15 October 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 389,058 own shares at the Oslo Stock Exchange at an average price of NOK 429.2415 per share.
Aggregated overview of transactions per day:
DateAggregated volume (number of shares)Weighted average share price (NOK) Total transaction value (NOK) 15 October 2026389,058429.2415166,999,840Previously disclosed buy-backs under the programme (accumulated)3,778,442344.81071,302,847,119Total buy-backs under the programme4,167,500352.69271,469,846,959 Following the completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 23,077,317 own shares, corresponding to 0.97% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares purchased under the previous buy-back programme for the share-based incentive programmes for employees, and shares purchased under Equinor’s disclosed buy-back programmes which will be used to reduce the issued share capital of the company.
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: A detailed overview of all transactions made under the buy-back programme that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
Please see below information about transactions made under the third tranche of the 2026 share buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR, CEUX:EQNRO, TQEX:EQNRO).
Date on which the buy-back tranche was announced: 22 July 2026.
The duration of the buy-back tranche: 23 July to no later than 26 October 2026.
Further information on the tranche can be found in the stock market announcement on its commencement dated 22 July 2026, available here: https://newsweb.oslobors.no/message/678529
From 12 October to 16 October 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 540,275 own shares at an average price of NOK 425.4849 per share.
Overview of transactions:
DateTrading venueAggregated daily volume (number of shares)Daily weighted average share price (NOK)Total daily transaction value (NOK) 12 OctoberOSE137,775418.322457,634,368.66 CEUX TQEX 13 OctoberOSE137,500420.993457,886,592.50 CEUX TQEX 14 OctoberOSE132,000431.516956,960,230.80 CEUX TQEX 15 OctoberOSE CEUX TQEX 16 OctoberOSE133,000431.561557,397,679.50 CEUX TQEX Total for the periodOSE540,275425.4849229,878,871.46 CEUX TQEX Previously disclosed buy-backs under the trancheOSE7,697,832396.52413,052,375,860.73CEUX TQEX Total7,697,832396.52413,052,375,860.73 Total buy-backs under the tranche (accumulated)OSE8,238,107398.42343,282,254,732.19CEUX TQEX Total8,238,107398.42343,282,254,732.19 Following completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 23,077,317 own shares, corresponding to 0.97% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares under Equinor’s share savings programme (excluding shares under Equinor’s share savings programme, Equinor owns a total of 11,773,082 own shares, corresponding to 0.49% of the share capital).
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: An overview of all transactions made under the buy-back tranche that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
Equinor ASA maintains major strategic importance in Europe's energy landscape, reinforced by portfolio adjustments, new discoveries, and elevated commodity prices. Recent asset sales, project discoveries, and expanded LNG ambitions support EQNR's cash flow and long-term positioning, despite rising project costs. Valuation analysis indicates EQNR is fairly priced at current levels compared to its intrinsic value estimate, with recent catalysts already reflected in the stock.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of EQNR either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Equinor (EQNR.OL) is abandoning plans to install a second electric export compressor on its Troll C platform in the North Sea, preventing a drop in output from Europe's largest natural gas field in 2027 and 2028, the Norwegian company said.
Installing the second compressor would have required an extensive modification period, resulting in reduced production from Troll C for up to 21 months
Decision makes around 2.3 billion standard cubic metres of additional gas available to the European market in 2027 and 2028, Equinor said
"This corresponds to approximately two years of gas consumption for around one million European households"
But by not installing the compressor, CO2 emissions from the field will be higher than if the installation took place as planned in 2021
The original installation plan called for compensating a loss of gas output by increasing production from Troll A, but the field is now producing at maximum capacity throughout the year and is thus unable to do so
Key Takeaways EQNR signs a five-year deal with Eneco to supply 9 TWh of Norwegian natural gas annually to the Netherlands.The agreement, effective Oct. 1, 2026, marks the third gas supply deal between Equinor and Eneco this year.Equinor's gas has a lower lifecycle emissions footprint than the Dutch grid average, with tracking enabled.
Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) , a Norwegian integrated energy company, has signed a five-year agreement with the Dutch energy firm Eneco for the supply of natural gas. This marks the third supply agreement between the two companies this year. Per the terms of the agreement, EQNR will deliver about 9 terawatt-hours (TWh) of natural gas per year, which is equivalent to nearly 0.9 billion cubic meters (bcm), from the Norwegian Continental Shelf (“NCS”) to the power grid in the Netherlands.
The natural gas supplies associated with this contract began on Oct. 1, 2026. However, the financial details of the deal have not been disclosed yet. The agreement between Equinor and Eneco also includes a provision to track the environmental attributes and greenhouse gas emissions of the Norwegian natural gas being supplied. The agreement stated that Eneco can track its origin and monitor the greenhouse gas emissions generated, using a digital platform operated by Attributes SA. Equinor highlighted that the natural gas supplied under this agreement has an 11.8% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas footprint than the Dutch grid average.
The deal highlights Equinor’s importance in the European gas market. EQNR is a leading supplier of piped gas to Europe, playing a critical role in the region’s energy security. For Eneco, the deal will allow it to provide a reliable natural gas supply from the NCS to residents in the Netherlands, while taking into account its upstream emissions footprint.
EQNR’s Zacks Rank & Other Key PicksEQNR currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Some other top-ranked stocks from the energy sector are PBF Energy (PBF - Free Report) , Valero Energy (VLO - Free Report) and Galp Energia SGPS SA (GLPEY - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.
PBF Energy has a geographically diverse refining network with large-scale processing capacity and a highly complex refining system. It operates six refineries, including Delaware City Refinery, Paulsboro Refinery, Toledo Refinery, Chalmette Refinery, Torrance Refinery and Martinez Refinery, with a combined throughput capacity of 1 million barrels per day and the ability to process a wide range of feedstocks. The diversified refining footprint provides the company exposure to several regional refining markets, supporting higher margins.
Valero Energy is a leading refining player with a robust network of 14 refineries and a combined high-complexity throughput capacity of 3 million barrels per day, which distinguishes it from other independent refiners. VLO’s refineries have a combined Nelson Complexity Index of 11.5, which implies that the refineries can process a wide variety of feedstocks, convert them into higher-value products and shift product yields according to market conditions.
Galp Energia is a Portuguese energy company engaged in exploration and production activities. The company’s oil exploration efforts have yielded positive results, particularly with the Mopane discovery in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia. This discovery allows Galp to diversify its global presence with the potential to become a significant oil producer in the region. It refines and markets oil products and gas, as well as engages in marketing and sales activities.
For those looking to find strong Oils-Energy stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) is a stock that can certainly grab the attention of many investors, but do its recent returns compare favorably to the sector as a whole? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Oils-Energy sector should help us answer this question.
Equinor is a member of the Oils-Energy sector. This group includes 254 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #2. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups.
The Zacks Rank is a proven model that highlights a variety of stocks with the right characteristics to outperform the market over the next one to three months. The system emphasizes earnings estimate revisions and favors companies with improving earnings outlooks. Equinor is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).
Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for EQNR's full-year earnings has moved 18.8% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.
Our latest available data shows that EQNR has returned about 90.5% since the start of the calendar year. In comparison, Oils-Energy companies have returned an average of 41%. As we can see, Equinor is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.
Galp Energia SGPS SA (GLPEY - Free Report) is another Oils-Energy stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year. Since the beginning of the year, the stock has returned 49.6%.
In Galp Energia SGPS SA's case, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year increased 39.8% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Looking more specifically, Equinor belongs to the Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry, a group that includes 15 individual stocks and currently sits at #5 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 159.4% so far this year, so EQNR is slightly underperforming its industry in this area. Galp Energia SGPS SA is also part of the same industry.
Equinor and Galp Energia SGPS SA could continue their solid performance, so investors interested in Oils-Energy stocks should continue to pay close attention to these stocks.
Norway's Equinor (EQNR.OL) said on Tuesday it had signed an agreement to deliver natural gas to Dutch energy company Eneco for five years.
The deal covers around 9 terawatt hours of natural gas per year, corresponding to around 0.9 billion cubic metres, which will be delivered to the Dutch gas grid
Deliveries started on October 1, Equinor said in a statement
The parties did not disclose the commercial terms
Equinor said it was the third long-term agreement it had signed with Eneco this year
Equinor will also transfer verified environmental attributes to Eneco showing a greenhouse gas footprint that is 11.8% lower than the average for the Dutch grid
Please see below information about transactions made under the third tranche of the 2026 share buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR, CEUX:EQNRO, TQEX:EQNRO).
Date on which the buy-back tranche was announced: 22 July 2026.
The duration of the buy-back tranche: 23 July to no later than 26 October 2026.
Further information on the tranche can be found in the stock market announcement on its commencement dated 22 July 2026, available here: https://newsweb.oslobors.no/message/678529
From 5 October to 9 October 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 708,444 own shares at an average price of NOK 408.3895 per share.
Overview of transactions:
DateTrading venueAggregated daily volume (number of shares)Daily weighted average share price (NOK)Total daily transaction value (NOK) 5 OctoberOSE145,000405.788758,839,361.50 CEUX TQEX 6 OctoberOSE143,000405.902458,044,043.20 CEUX TQEX 7 OctoberOSE141,944406.977157,767,957.48 CEUX TQEX 8 OctoberOSE139,500410.622057,281,769.00 CEUX TQEX 9 OctoberOSE139,000412.862957,387,943.10 CEUX TQEX Total for the periodOSE708,444408.3895289,321,074.28 CEUX TQEX Previously disclosed buy-backs under the tranche OSE6,989,388395.32142,763,054,786.45CEUX TQEX Total6,989,388395.32142,763,054,786.45 Total buy-backs under the tranche (accumulated)OSE7,697,832396.52413,052,375,860.73CEUX TQEX Total7,697,832396.52413,052,375,860.73
Following completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 22,332,567 own shares, corresponding to 0.93% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares under Equinor’s share savings programme (excluding shares under Equinor’s share savings programme, Equinor owns a total of 11,232,807 own shares, corresponding to 0.47% of the share capital).
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: An overview of all transactions made under the buy-back tranche that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
Key Takeaways Shell is acquiring a 30% interest from EQNR in Bay du Nord, expanding its Canadian offshore presence.Bay du Nord holds over 400 million barrels of recoverable resources, with first oil anticipated in 2031.The C$14 billion project targets an early 2027 investment decision, subject to approvals and return criteria.
Shell plc (SHEL - Free Report) is expanding its presence in Canada’s offshore energy sector through an agreement to acquire a 30% non-operated interest in the proposed Bay du Nord oil project from Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) . The transaction offers Shell exposure to an established resource base with potential for long-term growth, aligning with its disciplined approach to portfolio development and capital allocation. The deal also reinforces Shell’s position in Canada, where it already has significant natural gas, LNG and downstream operations.
Bay du Nord Deal Offers Long-Term Growth PotentialLocated in the Flemish Pass Basin, approximately 500 kilometers offshore Newfoundland and Labrador, Bay du Nord is a proposed deepwater oil development with substantial resource potential. Shell views the transaction as an attractive entry point, with expected returns above its investment hurdle rate.
The initial development phase includes the Bay du Nord and Cambriol discoveries, with estimated recoverable resources exceeding 400 million barrels of oil. The project also offers potential for future subsea tiebacks from nearby discoveries, including Cappahayden, Harpoon and Baccalieu. These opportunities could provide additional avenues for growth as the broader basin is developed.
Phased Development Supports Project FlexibilityBay du Nord is planned as a phased subsea development connected to a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel. The project is designed for a gross production capacity of 160,000-175,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with first oil anticipated in 2031.
The estimated investment required for the development is approximately C$14 billion. Equinor will retain a 70% interest and continue as the project operator, while Shell will participate as a non-operating partner. The partnership structure allows Shell to gain exposure to the project's potential without taking the lead operating role.
Investment Decision Remains a Key MilestoneBay du Nord remains in the pre-final investment decision (FID) stage, with an investment decision targeted for early 2027. The project is progressing through front-end engineering and design, with ongoing efforts focused on capital efficiency, execution planning and strengthening its overall development framework.
Any final commitment will depend on market conditions, regulatory approvals and the companies’ internal investment processes. Shell has also emphasized that the project must meet its investment criteria and compete for capital against other opportunities across its portfolio.
Canadian Operations Strengthen Shell’s Strategic PositionThe acquisition adds to Shell’s broader Canadian investments, following its acquisition of ARC Resources and the approval of Phase 2 expansion at LNG Canada, in which Shell holds a 40% interest. Its Canadian portfolio also includes natural gas assets in British Columbia and Alberta, along with refining and fuel retail operations.
Bay du Nord could complement these existing businesses by adding exposure to a large offshore oil resource with long-term development potential. However, the project's benefits will depend on its ability to progress through regulatory and investment milestones and deliver attractive returns.
Overall, the proposed acquisition represents another step in Shell’s efforts to build a competitive energy portfolio. By securing a minority interest in Bay du Nord while leaving operational leadership with Equinor, Shell gains access to a potentially significant offshore resource while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation. The upcoming investment decision will be crucial in determining the project’s path toward development and its eventual contribution to Shell’s Canadian operations.
SHEL and EQNR’s Zacks Rank & Other Key PicksBoth SHEL and EQNR are currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Investors interested in the energy sector may consider some other top-ranked stocks like APA Corporation (APA - Free Report) and Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Houston, TX-based APA Corp is engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for APA’s 2026 earnings indicates 56.2% year-over-year growth.
Calgary-based Canadian Natural Resources Limited is one of the largest independent energy companies in Canada engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CNQ’s 2026 earnings indicates 59.5% year-over-year growth.
Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, October 12:
NN, Inc. (NNBR - Free Report) : This precision components manufacturing company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 15.4% over the last 60 days.
NN's shares gained 15.5% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 4.8%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A.
Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) : This energy company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 11.4% over the last 60 days.
Equinor’s shares gained 20.2% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 4.9%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A.
IMAX Corporation (IMAX - Free Report) : This entertainment technology platform company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10% over the last 60 days.
IMAX's shares gained 32.5% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s decline shares of 4.9%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A.
See the full list of top ranked stocks here
Learn more about the Momentum score and how it is calculated here.
Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, October 12:
Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) : This energy company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 11.4% the last 60 days.
This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 2.9%, compared with the industry average of 1.4%.
Jabil Inc. (JBL - Free Report) : This engineering and manufacturing solutions company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.2% the last 60 days.
This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 0.1%, compared with the industry average of 0.0%.
Diageo plc (DEO - Free Report) : This alcoholic beverages company has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 5.2% in the last 60 days.
This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 1.8%, compared with the industry average of 0.0%.
See the full list of top ranked stocks here.
Find more top income stocks with some of our great premium screens.
Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong value characteristics for investors to consider today, October 12:
Mercury General Corporation (MCY - Free Report) : This personal auto insurance company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing by 11.5% over the last 60 days.
Mercury General Corp has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 7.75 compared with 61.20 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Scoreof A.
Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) : This energy company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing by 11.5% over the last 60 days.
Equinor has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 7.84 compared with 11.70 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A.
Woodside Energy Group Ltd (WDS - Free Report) : This oil and gas exploration and production company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings increasing 5.8% over the last 60 days.
Woodside Energy Group has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.28 compared with 22.70 for the S&P. The company possesses a Value Score of A.
See the full list of top ranked stocks here.
Learn more about the Value score and how it is calculated here.
Here are five stocks added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List today:
Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) : This energy company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 11.4% over the last 60 days.
NN, Inc. (NNBR - Free Report) : This precision components manufacturing company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 15.4% over the last 60 days.
IMAX Corporation (IMAX - Free Report) : This entertainment technology platform company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10% over the last 60 days.
Mercury General Corporation (MCY - Free Report) : This personal auto insurance company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 11.5% over the last 60 days.
Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST - Free Report) : This retail company has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 12.2% over the last 60 days.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways Equinor discovers natural gas at Gullfaks South, potentially strengthening its resource base on the NCS.EQNR estimates the discovery holds 3.3-10.3M barrels of recoverable oil equivalent.Equinor's sidetrack well discovery may extend Gullfaks' productive life and support 2026 output growth. Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) , along with its partners, has made a natural gas discovery at the Gullfaks South field. The field is located approximately 190 kilometers northwest of Bergen, Norway. The exploration well, 34/10-D-4 BH, was drilled as a sidetrack, alongside an existing production well. A sidetrack well involves drilling a wellbore from an existing well rather than drilling an entirely new well. This helps the company reduce costs and shorten timelines associated with exploratory drilling.
The discovery is anticipated to accelerate Equinor’s production growth from the Norwegian Continental Shelf (“NCS”). EQNR, the Norwegian integrated energy company, noted that the gas discovery may contain 0.5-1.6 million standard cubic meters of recoverable oil equivalent. This equates to 3.3-10.3 million barrels of oil equivalent. The company has a strong operating history in the NCS and is developing tie-back projects to increase production from the region. Notably, EQNR expects oil and gas production to grow 3% in 2026.
An Equinor spokesperson highlighted that making hydrocarbon discoveries through this cost-effective exploration effort is a positive development for the company. The additional volumes from the discovery could help extend the productive life of the Gullfaks field. The discovery lies within the existing Gullfaks production license. EQNR is the operator of the Gullfaks field, with a 51% stake. Its partners in the field include Petoro and OMV.
EQNR’s Zacks Rank & Other Key PicksEquinor currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Some other top-ranked stocks from the energy sector are PBF Energy (PBF - Free Report) , Valero Energy (VLO - Free Report) and Galp Energia SGPS SA (GLPEY - Free Report) . PBF Energy and Valero sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Galp Energia carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.
PBF Energy has a geographically diverse refining network with large-scale processing capacity and a highly complex refining system. It operates six refineries, including Delaware City Refinery, Paulsboro Refinery, Toledo Refinery, Chalmette Refinery, Torrance Refinery and Martinez Refinery, with a combined throughput capacity of 1 million barrels per day and the ability to process a wide range of feedstocks. The diversified refining footprint provides the company exposure to several regional refining markets, supporting higher margins.
Valero Energy is a leading refining player with a robust network of 14 refineries and a combined high-complexity throughput capacity of 3 million barrels per day, which distinguishes it from other independent refiners. VLO’s refineries have a combined Nelson Complexity Index of 11.5, which implies that the refineries can process a wide variety of feedstocks, convert them into higher-value products and shift product yields according to market conditions.
Galp Energia is a Portuguese energy company engaged in exploration and production activities. The company’s oil exploration efforts have yielded positive results, particularly with the Mopane discovery in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia. This discovery allows Galp to diversify its global presence with the potential to become a significant oil producer in the region. It refines and markets oil products and gas, as well as engages in marketing and sales activities.
EQNR's 75.7% stock rally, rising Norwegian production, strong European gas demand and attractive valuation make a compelling case for owning the stock.
The logo of Equinor is set up at the entrance of a building at Western Europe's largest liquefied natural gas plant Hammerfest LNG in Hammerfest, Norway, March 14, 2024. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesCOPENHAGEN, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Norway's Equinor (EQNR.OL), opens new tab said on Thursday it has discovered gas at the Gullfaks South field in the North Sea, some 190 kilometres (118 miles) northwest of Bergen.
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Between 0.5 million and 1.6 million standard cubic metres of recoverable oil equivalents have been discovered, Equinor said in a statement
This corresponds to between 3.3 million and 10.3 million barrels of oil equivalent
"These will be profitable barrels that can help maintain activity and production on the Gullfaks field," Equinor said in a statement
Equinor operates the field and holds a 51% stake, while Petoro holds 30% and OMV Norge the remaining 19%
Adds details on size of discovery, quote, ownership in paragraphs 2-5
Reporting by Louise Rasmussen, editing by Terje Solsvik
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
On October 07, 2026, Equinor ASA EQNR shares fell 3.3% to a current price of $41.61, within a 52-week range of $22.26 to $45.84. This decline comes as analysts assess the company's valuation amidst fluctuating market conditions.
GF Value™ verdict indicates that EQNR is currently 18.2% overvalued, with a fair value estimate of $35.20.With a GF Score™ of 72/100, the stock is rated as above average, suggesting relatively strong fundamentals.Notably, there have been no insider transactions in the past 12 months, which could indicate a lack of confidence among insiders regarding the stock's current price.Is EQNR Overvalued or Undervalued?Equinor ASA EQNR is currently trading at $41.61, which is significantly above its GF Value™ estimate of $35.20. This indicates that the stock is 18.2% overvalued, suggesting a lack of margin of safety for potential investors. The GF Valuation label classifies EQNR as modestly overvalued, which implies that while the company has strong fundamentals, its current market price may not reflect its intrinsic value.
Investors should be cautious as this overvaluation could pose risks if the stock price corrects in the future. The GF Value™ is derived from a combination of historical trading multiples, business growth patterns, and future performance projections, making it a reliable tool for assessing intrinsic value. Thus, the current pricing could limit upside potential and increase downside risk if market conditions shift unfavorably.
How Does EQNR's Valuation Compare to Its History?MetricCurrentHistoricalP/E (TTM)11.3x8.0xForward P/E9.4xN/AEquinor's current P/E (TTM) of 11.3x is 42% above its 5-year median P/E of 8.0x, indicating that the stock is trading at a higher valuation compared to its historical averages. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the view that EQNR is overvalued at this price point. Investors might want to consider this historical context when evaluating potential entry points.
What Does EQNR's GF Score™ Tell Us?The GF Score™ measures a company's overall financial health, growth potential, profitability, valuation, and momentum. With a score of 72/100, Equinor demonstrates above-average performance, particularly in profitability and financial strength.
MetricRatingGF Score™72Financial Strength7/10Profitability8/10Growth5/10Valuation5/10Momentum2/10EQNR's strongest area lies in profitability, scoring 8/10, which indicates solid earnings and efficient operations. However, its momentum rank of 2/10 suggests that the stock may not be experiencing favorable price trends at this time. Overall, while Equinor shows robust fundamentals, the weaker momentum could further support the notion that the stock is overvalued.
What Are Gurus and Insiders Doing with EQNR?Currently, 7 gurus hold positions in EQNR, with 2 adding to their holdings and 6 trimming their positions in recent quarters. This mixed activity among seasoned investors suggests a cautious sentiment towards the stock. The presence of multiple gurus maintaining their stakes indicates a level of confidence, yet the trimming actions may reflect concerns regarding the stock's current valuation.
Additionally, the absence of insider transactions over the past 12 months could suggest that company executives are not taking any action to buy or sell shares, which might imply they are either satisfied with current valuations or uncertain about future performance. Such patterns can be telling for potential investors considering the stock's prospects.
What This Means for InvestorsBased on the assessment of GF Value™, EQNR is currently considered overvalued at $41.61 compared to its fair value estimate of $35.20. While the company possesses strong fundamentals and a solid profitability ranking, the high valuation and weak momentum could pose risks for potential investors. It is crucial to monitor both market conditions and insider activity moving forward in order to make informed decisions. For additional insights, you can visit the Equinor ASA EQNR stock page and explore the GF Value™ page for further details.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is EQNR's GF Score™?
EQNR has a GF Score™ of 72/100, indicating above-average performance in terms of financial health and growth potential.
Is EQNR overvalued or undervalued?
EQNR is currently overvalued, with a GF Value™ estimate of $35.20 compared to its market price of $41.61.
What is EQNR's P/E ratio?
The P/E TTM for EQNR is 11.3x, which is significantly above its historical 5-year median P/E of 8.0x.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Disclosures I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.
The logo of Equinor is set up at the entrance of a building at Western Europe's largest liquefied natural gas plant Hammerfest LNG in Hammerfest, Norway, March 14, 2024. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
CompaniesOSLO, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Equinor's (EQNR.OL), opens new tab downstream division, which includes energy trading, will report a third-quarter result that exceeds the company's guidance of $400 million, the Norwegian energy group said on Wednesday.
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Unusually strong European refining margins
Optimisation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading also contributes positively to the result
Full third-quarter results are due to be presented on October 28
Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Anna Ringstrom
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Please see below information about transactions made under the third tranche of the 2026 share buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR, CEUX:EQNRO, TQEX:EQNRO).
Date on which the buy-back tranche was announced: 22 July 2026.
The duration of the buy-back tranche: 23 July to no later than 26 October 2026.
Further information on the tranche can be found in the stock market announcement on its commencement dated 22 July 2026, available here: https://newsweb.oslobors.no/message/678529
From 28 September to 2 October 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 720,335 own shares at an average price of NOK 399.9378 per share.
Overview of transactions:
DateTrading venueAggregated daily volume (number of shares)Daily weighted average share price (NOK)Total daily transaction value (NOK) 28 SeptemberOSE136,000408.046255,494,283.20 CEUX TQEX 29 SeptemberOSE144,612397.539257,488,938.79 CEUX TQEX 30 SeptemberOSE147,846395.692658,501,568.14 CEUX TQEX 1 OctoberOSE147,500396.699158,513,117.25 CEUX TQEX 2 OctoberOSE144,377402.358558,091,313.15 CEUX TQEX Total for the periodOSE720,335399.9378288,089,220.53 CEUX TQEX Previously disclosed buy-backs under the tranche OSE6,269,053394.79102,474,965,565.91CEUX TQEX Total6,269,053394.79102,474,965,565.91 Total buy-backs under the tranche (accumulated)OSE6,989,388395.32142,763,054,786.45CEUX TQEX Total6,989,388395.32142,763,054,786.45
Following completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 21,624,123 own shares, corresponding to 0.90% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares under Equinor’s share savings programme (excluding shares under Equinor’s share savings programme, Equinor owns a total of 10,524,363 own shares, corresponding to 0.44% of the share capital).
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: An overview of all transactions made under the buy-back tranche that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the "long context," investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.
While many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, this can be very tough to define. There is a lot of debate surrounding which metrics are the best to focus on and which are poor quality indicators of future performance. The Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.
Below, we take a look at Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) , which currently has a Momentum Style Score of A. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.
It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Equinor currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.
You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>
Set to Beat the Market? In order to see if EQNR is a promising momentum pick, let's examine some Momentum Style elements to see if this oil and gas company holds up.
Looking at a stock's short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.
For EQNR, shares are up 0.88% over the past week while the Zacks Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry is up 3.45% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 1.12% compares favorably with the industry's 3.3% performance as well.
While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. Over the past quarter, shares of Equinor have risen 25.47%, and are up 71.96% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 2.73% and 15.47%, respectively.
Investors should also take note of EQNR's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. Right now EQNR is averaging 3,693,099 shares for the last 20 days..
Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score also takes into account trends in estimate revisions, in addition to price changes. Please note that estimate revision trends remain at the core of Zacks Rank as well. A nice path here can help show promise, and we have recently been seeing that with EQNR.
Over the past two months, 4 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost EQNR's consensus estimate, increasing from $4.93 to $5.45 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 4 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.
Bottom LineGiven these factors, it shouldn't be surprising that EQNR is a #2 (Buy) stock and boasts a Momentum Score of A. If you're looking for a fresh pick that's set to soar in the near-term, make sure to keep Equinor on your short list.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.86% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) Headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Equinor ASA is an integrated energy company, with operations across 30 countries. The company is the largest supplier of pipeline gas to Europe. Equinor is also a leading seller of crude oil. The company has expanded upstream operations outside conventional offshore resources to shale oil and gas plays. At 2025-end, the company had estimated proved reserves of 5,183 million barrels of oil equivalent (Boe), compared with 5,571 million Boe at 2024-end. The reserve replacement ratio was 48% in 2025.
EQNR is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Oils-Energy stock. EQNR has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 1.1% over the past four weeks.
Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.52 to $5.45 per share. EQNR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +10.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, EQNR should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways Equinor's production growth from Johan Castberg, Eirin, Symra and Bacalhau boosts its upstream exposure.EQNR's roughly $50-per-barrel breakeven after dividends provides room for cash generation if oil prices fall.Equinor is likely to benefit from Brent averaging around $90 per barrel in the second half of 2026. Brent crude prices remain elevated as Middle East supply disruptions and falling global inventories continue to tighten the oil market. With disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz restricting regional energy exports, the supply backdrop remains supportive of crude prices. Per Oilprice.com, Brent crude prices are trading above $100 per barrel, creating a favorable operating environment for upstream producers. Against this backdrop, Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) , which operates mainly on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, stands to benefit as its expanding production base increases exposure to stronger crude realizations.
EQNR’s upstream portfolio is supported by production growth from assets such as Johan Castberg, Eirin, Symra and Bacalhau. Higher production volumes, combined with elevated Brent prices, are likely to strengthen cash generation and improve returns from the company’s exploration and production operations. Equinor has already demonstrated its ability to capture value from higher prices, with both E&P Norway and E&P International benefiting from a stronger production and pricing environment.
The favorable crude-price environment is expected to persist through the remainder of 2026, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration in its short-term energy outlook forecasting Brent to average around $90 per barrel in the second half of the year. EQNR’s low breakeven after a dividend of about $50 per barrel supports strong cash generation even if Brent eventually retreats from current elevated levels. Thus, a combination of firm near-term Brent crude prices, rising production and disciplined costs is likely to support further upside for EQNR’s upstream operations while strengthening resilience when oil prices normalize.
Elevated Brent Price Boosts SHEL & TTE’s Upstream OutlookTwo other energy majors that stand to benefit from elevated Brent crude prices are Shell plc (SHEL - Free Report) and TotalEnergies SE (TTE - Free Report) .
Shell has a large upstream portfolio spanning regions such as Brazil, the North Sea, Nigeria and the Gulf of America, and its second-quarter 2026 upstream adjusted earnings rose as higher realized prices provided an earnings lift. SHEL’s realized liquids price increased to $89 per barrel in the second quarter from $72 in the first quarter, highlighting the direct benefit of stronger crude pricing on its upstream business.
TotalEnergies has broad upstream exposure outside the United States, with operations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South America and Asia. Management noted that higher oil prices more than offset production losses tied to Middle East disruptions, while an $8-per-barrel increase in Brent was enough to offset the expected 2026 cash-flow impact from affected assets in Iraq, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. With Brent remaining elevated, TTE is well-positioned to generate stronger upstream cash flows from its geographically diversified portfolio, particularly from growth projects outside the Middle East.
EQNR’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesEquinor's shares have gained 67.7% over the past year compared with the industry’s 115.7% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, EQNR trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise-value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 2.2X. This is below the broader industry average of 5.94X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EQNR's 2026 earnings has seen upward revisions over the past seven days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
EQNR currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways Dollar General saw broker ratings rise 3.2% as fiscal 2027 earnings are expected to grow 15.9%.Bristol-Myers saw a 3.2% broker rating increase, with 2026 earnings projected to rise 12.4%.Equinor posted a 10.5% broker rating upgrade as 2026 earnings are expected to soar 120.7%. U.S. equities have remained firmly positive so far this year despite elevated Treasury yields, oil above $100, sticky inflation, tariff uncertainty and narrow market breadth. September’s Federal Reserve rate hike tightened financial conditions, though weaker jobs data has since reduced expectations for another near-term hike. Resilient earnings and renewed AI-led tech strength have kept major indexes near record highs despite macroeconomic risks and volatility.
Amid this backdrop, choosing the right stock can become difficult. One way to simplify this task is to follow brokers’ recommendations. Stocks like Dollar General Corporation (DG - Free Report) , Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY - Free Report) and Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) are worth betting on.
Broker recommendations are usually supported by extensive research, including management discussions, regulatory filings, earnings calls, channel checks and industry analysis. This helps analysts assess a company’s fundamentals alongside macro trends, sector conditions, competitive positioning and peer performance.
A broker rating upgrade typically reflects a more favorable outlook, often driven by developments not yet fully captured in consensus estimates or valuation. It may therefore signal improving earnings expectations, valuation perceptions or investor sentiment.
Still, broker rating upgrades should not be viewed in isolation. They are most useful when evaluated alongside fundamentals, earnings trends and valuation, forming part of a broader and disciplined investment framework.
Selecting the Winning StrategyWe have a screening strategy that may help you identify potential winners.
Broker Rating Upgrades (Four Weeks) of 1% or More: The screen selects stocks that have witnessed broker rating upgrades of 1% or more over the past four weeks.
Current Price Greater Than $5: The stocks must trade above $5.
Average 20-Day Volume Greater Than 100,000: A large trading volume guarantees that the stock is easily tradable.
Zacks Rank Equal to #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy): Despite good or bad market conditions, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2 have a proven record of success. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
VGM Score of A or B: Our research shows that stocks with a VGM Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2, offer the best upside potential.
3 Stocks With Upgraded Broker Ratings to InvestGoodlettsville, TN-based Dollar General is one of the largest discount retailers in the United States. DG’s merchandise includes national brands from leading manufacturers and private brand offerings that are priced at discounts to many comparable national brands.
DG’s fiscal 2027 earnings are expected to grow 15.9% year over year. Dollar General, which currently sports a Zacks Rank #1, has witnessed a 3.2% upward revision in broker ratings over the past four weeks.
Bristol-Myers, based in New Jersey, is one of the leading global specialty biopharmaceutical companies focused on developing treatments targeting severe diseases. BMY offers products for oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular and neuroscience indications.
Bristol-Myers’ 2026 earnings are projected to increase 12.4% year over year. BMY, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, has seen a 3.2% increase in broker ratings over the past four weeks.
Headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Equinor ASA is an integrated energy company, with operations across 30 countries and the largest supplier of pipeline gas to Europe. EQNR is a leading seller of crude oil.
EQNR’s 2026 earnings are expected to soar 120.7% year over year. Equinor ASA, which currently carries a Zacks Rank #2, has witnessed a 10.5% upward revision in broker ratings over the past four weeks.
Key Takeaways Northern Lights will transport and store up to 200,000 metric tons of CO2 annually for resundskraft.CO2 from Helsingborg will move by truck and ship to permanent storage 2,600 meters beneath the North Sea.The JV has seven industrial customers in four countries; Oresundskraft's service is targeted for Q4 2029. Northern Lights, a joint venture owned by Shell plc (SHEL - Free Report) , Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) and TotalEnergies SE (TTE - Free Report) , involved in the carbon capture and storage (CCS) business, has recently secured a new customer for its services. The joint venture company has inked an agreement with OresundskraftKraft & Varme, owned by the City of Helsingborg, to transport carbon dioxide from a waste-to-energy facility in Helsingborg for storage in a designated reservoir under the seabed in the North Sea.
Details on the Oresundskraft DealPer the terms of the agreement, CO2 will first be captured and liquefied at Oresundskraft’s Filbornaverket waste-to-energy plant in Helsingborg, Sweden. The liquefied CO2 will then be transported by truck from the facility to the Port of Halland in Halmstad. From there, the CO2 will be shipped to its receiving terminal in Øygarden, Norway, for permanent storage in a reservoir approximately 2,600 meters beneath the seabed. Oresundskraft is Northern Lights’ second customer from Sweden, following a contract signed with the Swedish district energy provider Stockholm Exergi in 2025.
Oresundskraft Targets Biogenic and Fossil CO2The Filbornaverket facility is a waste-to-energy plant operated by Oresundskraft that handles household and industrial waste and uses it to produce steam, district heating and electricity for the local grid in Helsingborg. The carbon capture project is expected to help Oresundskraft capture biogenic CO2 and fossil CO2 emissions. The capture of biogenic CO2 can aid in the facility’s carbon removal efforts, while the capture and storage of fossil CO2 can directly reduce emissions.
Agreement Strengthens Nordic CCS InfrastructureThe Oresundskraft agreement is a significant development for Northern Lights as it strengthens the Nordic region's position as a leading CCS hub. Northern Lights is the first of its kind to allow the cross-border transportation and storage of CO2. The partners in the JV completed their first CO2 injection in 2025, marking the start of its commercial storage activities.
Under the agreement with Oresundskraft, Northern Lights will offer transportation and storage services for up to 200,000 metric tons of CO2 per year, giving the former a large-scale outlet for its captured emissions. Northern Lights is aiming to start operations under the contract in the fourth quarter of 2029, subject to the fulfillment of certain agreed conditions. With the addition of Oresundskraft, the project now has seven industrial customers across four countries. This indicates that Northern Lights is expanding its CO2 transportation and storage network and serving industrial emitters across Europe. A growing customer base may support increased utilization of the JV’s infrastructure and facilitate the expansion of its CCS operations.
About the PartnersShell plc is one of the oil and gas supermajors headquartered in London, with operations spread across the globe. SHEL’s long-term strategy revolves around liquefied natural gas, considering the secular shift to cleaner-burning fuel for power generation worldwide, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Shell continues investing in projects that can support long-term production growth and reserve replacement so that the company can sustain earnings growth in the long run.
Equinor is a Norwegian integrated energy firm and the largest supplier of piped gas to Europe. EQNR’s Norwegian Continental Shelf remains the core long-term production anchor. Management raised its 2030 and 2035 NCS outlook by 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and now targets 1.3 million barrels per day in 2035. The company is also a front-runner in the renewable energy space, investing in various projects, including power generation from solar and wind energy.
TotalEnergies is one of the largest integrated energy firms, with operations spread across multiple geographies. Headquartered in France, the company is increasing energy production from LNG and clean electricity. In fact, the company had 37.4 gigawatts of gross installed renewable power capacity by the end of the June quarter. The company is also a major upstream player with a strong production growth profile.
Please see below information about transactions made under the buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR) for shares to be used in the share-based incentive programmes for employees and management.
Correction: Due to an error in the figure reported under “Total buy-backs under the programme” in the stock market announcement published on 19 August 2026, and in the column “Previously disclosed buy-backs under the programme (accumulated)” in the announcement published on 18 September 2026 regarding the share buy-back programme for employee and management share-based incentive schemes, this corrective stock exchange announcement is being issued. The correct number of shares in the aforementioned announcements was 1,143,847,326 shares. The correct figure as of 19 August 2026 is set out below in this corrective announcement.
Date on which the buy-back programme was announced: 4 February 2026.
The duration of the buy-back programme: 13 February 2026 to 15 January 2027.
Size of the buy-back programme: The total purchase amount under the programme is NOK 1,971,000,000 and the maximum shares to be acquired is 19,600,000 shares, of which up to 7,920,000 shares can be acquired in the period from 13 February 2026 to 15 May 2026, and up to 11,680,000 shares can be acquired in the period from 15 May 2026 to 15 January 2027.
On 15 September 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 379,361 own shares at the Oslo Stock Exchange at an average price of NOK 419.1253 per share.
Aggregated overview of transactions per day:
DateAggregated volume (number of shares)Weighted average share price (NOK)Total transaction value (NOK)15 September 2026379,361419.1253158,999,793Previously disclosed buy-backs under the programme (accumulated)3,399,081336.51661,143,847,326Total buy-backs under the programme3,778,442344.81071,302,847,119 Following the completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 19,798,825 own shares, corresponding to 0.83% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares purchased under the previous buy-back programme for the share-based incentive programmes for employees, and shares purchased under Equinor’s disclosed buy-back programmes which will be used to reduce the issued share capital of the company.
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: A detailed overview of all transactions made under the buy-back programme that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
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Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
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Stock to Watch: Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) Headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Equinor ASA is an integrated energy company, with operations across 30 countries. The company is the largest supplier of pipeline gas to Europe. Equinor is also a leading seller of crude oil. The company has expanded upstream operations outside conventional offshore resources to shale oil and gas plays. At 2025-end, the company had estimated proved reserves of 5,183 million barrels of oil equivalent (Boe), compared with 5,571 million Boe at 2024-end. The reserve replacement ratio was 48% in 2025.
EQNR is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 7.81; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.36 to $5.29 per share. EQNR boasts an average earnings surprise of +10.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, EQNR should be on investors' short list.
Please see below information about transactions made under the third tranche of the 2026 share buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR, CEUX:EQNRO, TQEX:EQNRO).
Date on which the buy-back tranche was announced: 22 July 2026.
The duration of the buy-back tranche: 23 July to no later than 26 October 2026.
Further information on the tranche can be found in the stock market announcement on its commencement dated 22 July 2026, available here: https://newsweb.oslobors.no/message/678529
From 21 September to 25 September 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 701,262 own shares at an average price of NOK 405.9719 per share.
Overview of transactions:
DateTrading venueAggregated daily volume (number of shares)Daily weighted average share price (NOK)Total daily transaction value (NOK) 21 SeptemberOSE136,000412.117456,047,966.40 CEUX TQEX 22 SeptemberOSE144,493397.310457,408,571.63 CEUX TQEX 23 SeptemberOSE144,000400.581057,683,664.00 CEUX TQEX 24 SeptemberOSE135,769415.543856,417,966.18 CEUX TQEX 25 SeptemberOSE141,000405.209057,134,469.00 CEUX TQEX Total for the periodOSE701,262405.9719284,692,637.21 CEUX TQEX Previously disclosed buy-backs under the tranche OSE5,567,791393.38272,190,272,928.71CEUX TQEX Total5,567,791393.38272,190,272,928.71 Total buy-backs under the tranche (accumulated)OSE6,269,053394.79102,474,965,565.91CEUX TQEX Total6,269,053394.79102,474,965,565.91
Following completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 20,903,788 own shares, corresponding to 0.87% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares under Equinor’s share savings programme (excluding shares under Equinor’s share savings programme, Equinor owns a total of 9,804,028 own shares, corresponding to 0.41% of the share capital).
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: A overview of all transactions made under the buy-back tranche that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
Investors might want to bet on Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). An upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices -- has triggered this rating change.
The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
The power of a changing earnings picture in determining near-term stock price movements makes the Zacks rating system highly useful for individual investors, since it can be difficult to make decisions based on rating upgrades by Wall Street analysts. These are mostly driven by subjective factors that are hard to see and measure in real time.
As such, the Zacks rating upgrade for Equinor is essentially a positive comment on its earnings outlook that could have a favorable impact on its stock price.
Most Powerful Force Impacting Stock PricesThe change in a company's future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, and the near-term price movement of its stock are proven to be strongly correlated. The influence of institutional investors has a partial contribution to this relationship, as these big professionals use earnings and earnings estimates to calculate the fair value of a company's shares. An increase or decrease in earnings estimates in their valuation models simply results in higher or lower fair value for a stock, and institutional investors typically buy or sell it. Their transaction of large amounts of shares then leads to price movement for the stock.
For Equinor, rising earnings estimates and the consequent rating upgrade fundamentally mean an improvement in the company's underlying business. And investors' appreciation of this improving business trend should push the stock higher.
Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate RevisionsAs empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock movements, tracking such revisions for making an investment decision could be truly rewarding. Here is where the tried-and-tested Zacks Rank stock-rating system plays an important role, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Rank stock-rating system, which uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Earnings Estimate Revisions for EquinorFor the fiscal year ending December 2026, this oil and gas company is expected to earn $5.29 per share, which is unchanged compared with the year-ago reported number.
Analysts have been steadily raising their estimates for Equinor. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 4.3%.
Bottom LineUnlike the overly optimistic Wall Street analysts whose rating systems tend to be weighted toward favorable recommendations, the Zacks rating system maintains an equal proportion of "buy" and "sell" ratings for its entire universe of more than 4,000 stocks at any point in time. Irrespective of market conditions, only the top 5% of the Zacks-covered stocks get a "Strong Buy" rating and the next 15% get a "Buy" rating. So, the placement of a stock in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks indicates its superior earnings estimate revision feature, making it a solid candidate for producing market-beating returns in the near term.
You can learn more about the Zacks Rank here >>>
The upgrade of Equinor to a Zacks Rank #1 positions it in the top 5% of the Zacks-covered stocks in terms of estimate revisions, implying that the stock might move higher in the near term.
Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong income characteristics for investors to consider today, September 28th:
Horace Mann Educators (HMN - Free Report) : This multiline insurance holding company, that targets the US educator market, has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.2% over the last 60 days.
This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company has a dividend yield of 3.2%, compared with the industry average of 1.8%.
Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) : This integrated energy company, with operations across 30 countries, has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.3% over the last 60 days.
This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 3%, compared with the industry average of 1.4%.
Pitney Bowes (PBI - Free Report) : This technology-driven shipping, mailing and financial-services company, which serves small businesses, large enterprises and government organizations worldwide, including more than 90% of the Fortune 500, has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 3.7% over the last 60 days.
This Zacks Rank #1 company has a dividend yield of 2.4%, compared with the industry average of 1.4%.
See the full list of top ranked stocks here.
Find more top income stocks with some of our great premium screens
Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong value characteristics for investors to consider today, September 28th:
Mercury General (MCY - Free Report) : This insurance holding company, which is primarily engaged in writing personal automobile lines of business and providing related property and casualty insurance products, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10.8% over the last 60 days.
Mercury General has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 7.8 compared with 53.90 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A.
Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) : This integrated energy company, with operations across 30 countries, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.3% over the last 60 days.
Equinor has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 7.97 compared with 11.30 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A.
Horace Mann Educators (HMN - Free Report) : This multiline insurance holding company, that targets the US educator market, carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.2% over the last 60 days.
Horace Mann Educators has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.50 compared with 11.70 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A.
See the full list of top ranked stocks here.
Learn more about the Value score and how it is calculated here.
Though it's not a guarantee, analyst stock ratings upgrades generally don't happen in a vacuum. They tend to follow improvements in fundamentals, strong earnings trends, or other catalysts that could reinvigorate a company's outlook. This tends to get retail investors to look more closely at those stocks, which can in turn drive purchases and, potentially, share price increases.
StubHub Holdings Inc. NYSE: STUB, Targa Resources Corp. NYSE: TRGP, and Equinor ASA NYSE: EQNR have all recently experienced analyst upgrades, although for different reasons. In each case, the company may be showing signs of righting some of its underlying issues—or of continuing to improve upon aspects of its operations that have already been going well.
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StubHub Shares Have Plunged Post-IPO, But Investors May Have Reason to Be OptimisticSTUB Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$10.33
89.43% Upside
Hold
Based on 14 Analyst Ratings
Current Price$5.46High Forecast$14.00Average Forecast$10.33Low Forecast$7.00STUB Stock Forecast Details
As the operator of one of the world's largest secondary-ticket marketplaces, StubHub has recently completed its first year as a publicly traded company. During this time, STUB shares have fallen by about 71%, with about 62% of that decline occurring in 2026. The firm has nearly 90% upside potential, according to analysts, and shareholders are likely waiting for a catalyst to drive a turnaround in performance to achieve it.
Recent stronger-than-expected app downloads may be part of that solution. With new advertising products, international expansion through viagogo, and a growing list of partnerships with a variety of venues around the world, StubHub is looking to boost its monetization opportunities beyond traditional ticket sales.
The results have already been apparent in the company's financials: Q2 2026 brought a 34% year over year (YOY) increase to gross merchandise sales, which reached a record $3.1 billion. Revenue surged by a third YOY, while adjusted EBITDA was up an impressive 94%. Net income of $14.6 million was an encouraging sign as well, bolstered by expanding margins.
StubHub has been improving its balance sheet—it trimmed its debt by $1.1 billion over the last year or so—but it still has work to do. A recent upgrade by analysts at Citigroup may reflect optimism surrounding the company's debt load.
Current Price$278.00High Forecast$359.00Average Forecast$317.24Low Forecast$241.00Targa Resources Stock Forecast Details
Like many energy sector firms, Targa has done well in the current geopolitical environment: shares are up nearly 50% year to date (YTD), despite having fallen over 3% in the last month. This midstream provider dominates natural gas gathering, processing, transportation, and export in the Permian Basin, one of North America's richest production sites. If the U.S. faces the need to rely more on domestic production, Targa could play an essential role.
Adjusted EBITDA has expanded significantly in recent years thanks to the addition of new processing plants, export facilities, and other infrastructure to Targa's service. This has allowed the company to fuel more shareholder returns and to reinvest in its own growth—and management expects adjusted EBITDA for the full year to approach $6 billion, showing no signs of slowing. With strong long-term contracts, the company is somewhat insulated from short-term commodity price volatility.
The announcement of a major 20-year contract agreement with ExxonMobil NYSE: XOM alongside plans for multiple new natural gas processing plants, coupled with EBITDA growth, may have prompted several analysts to either upgrade ratings or boost price targets for TRGP shares. The stock has received a unanimous Buy rating across 19 Wall Street firms.
A Critical Player in the European Energy Space Comes With Some RisksEquinor ASA Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$42.47
0.79% Upside
Hold
Based on 13 Analyst Ratings
Current Price$42.14High Forecast$49.00Average Forecast$42.47Low Forecast$38.00Equinor ASA Stock Forecast Details
Norwegian oil and gas exploration and production company Equinor is a vital player in European energy at a time of deep uncertainty for the region. With the EU's natural gas inventories at only about two-thirds of full capacity as of mid-September—and as Europe faces significant fallout from the ongoing war in Iran—Equinor may have an advantageous position thanks to the underwater pipelines it uses to transport natural gas throughout Europe.
Equinor is able to avoid added costs associated with liquefaction, marine freight, and other processes necessary for traditional tanker shipments. This fact has helped shares of EQNR surge by nearly 80% YTD and may have been behind a recent Bank of America ratings upgrade, although it's important for investors to note that turbulence in the European energy space still weighs on analyst ratings of EQNR overall and that the stock remains a Hold. Other risks include Equinor's ties to the price of both crude oil and natural gas, the ongoing risk of European regulations, and the continuous need to replace produced reserves through new exploration, acquisitions, or project development. This makes the stock a riskier move, despite the new optimism coming from BofA analysts.
Should You Invest $1,000 in STUB Right Now?Before you consider STUB, you'll want to hear this.
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Here are five stocks added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List today:
Venture Global, Inc. (VG - Free Report) : This company, which is a cost-efficient provider of LNG sourced from rich natural gas basins in North America, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 15.7% over the last 60 day.
Healthcare Services Group (HCSG - Free Report) : This company, which provides housekeeping, laundry, linen, facility maintenance and food services to the health care industry, including nursing homes, retirement complexes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 12.9% over the last 60 days.
Envista (NVST - Free Report) : This company, which is a global family of more than 30 dental brands, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.8% over the last 60 days.
Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) : This integrated energy company, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 7.3% over the last 60 days.
Horace Mann Educators (HMN - Free Report) : This multiline insurance holding company, that targets the US educator market, has seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.2% over the last 60 days.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Please see below information about transactions made under the third tranche of the 2026 share buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR, CEUX:EQNRO, TQEX:EQNRO).
Vitesse Energy (NYSE:VTS – Get Free Report) and Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR – Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, risk, profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends and analyst recommendations.
Dividends Vitesse Energy pays an annual dividend of $1.75 per share and has a dividend yield of 10.0%. Equinor ASA pays an annual dividend of $1.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.9%. Vitesse Energy pays out -530.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Equinor ASA pays out 34.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Vitesse Energy has raised its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Vitesse Energy is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth.
Valuation & Earnings This table compares Vitesse Energy and Equinor ASA”s gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.
Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Vitesse Energy $273.99 million 2.69 $25.28 million ($0.33) -53.09 Equinor ASA $113.65 billion 0.93 $5.04 billion $3.67 12.01 Equinor ASA has higher revenue and earnings than Vitesse Energy. Vitesse Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Equinor ASA, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Vitesse Energy and Equinor ASA, as provided by MarketBeat.com.
Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Vitesse Energy 1 2 3 0 2.33 Equinor ASA 1 9 2 1 2.23 Vitesse Energy currently has a consensus target price of $20.25, indicating a potential upside of 15.58%. Equinor ASA has a consensus target price of $42.47, indicating a potential downside of 3.62%. Given Vitesse Energy’s stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Vitesse Energy is more favorable than Equinor ASA.
Insider and Institutional Ownership 51.6% of Vitesse Energy shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 5.5% of Equinor ASA shares are held by institutional investors. 13.9% of Vitesse Energy shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.0% of Equinor ASA shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.
Risk and Volatility Vitesse Energy has a beta of 0.6, indicating that its share price is 40% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Equinor ASA has a beta of 0.03, indicating that its share price is 97% less volatile than the S&P 500.
Profitability This table compares Vitesse Energy and Equinor ASA’s net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Vitesse Energy -3.95% -0.02% -0.02% Equinor ASA 7.92% 23.60% 7.21% Summary Vitesse Energy beats Equinor ASA on 10 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Vitesse Energy (Get Free Report)
Vitesse Energy, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, development, and production of non-operated oil and natural gas properties in the United States. It owns and acquires non-operated working interest and royalty interest ownership in the Williston Basin properties located in North Dakota and Montana. The company also owns non-operated interests in the Central Rockies properties located in Colorado and Wyoming. Vitesse Energy, Inc. was founded in 2014 and is based in Centennial, Colorado.
About Equinor ASA (Get Free Report)
Equinor ASA, an energy company, engages in the exploration, production, transportation, refining, and marketing of petroleum and other forms of energy in Norway and internationally. It operates through Exploration & Production Norway; Exploration & Production International; Exploration & Production USA; Marketing, Midstream & Processing; Renewables; and Other segments. The company also transports, processes, manufactures, markets, and trades in oil and gas commodities, such as crude and condensate products, gas liquids, natural gas, and liquefied natural gas; trades in power and emissions; operates refineries, terminals and processing, and power plants; and develops low carbon solutions for oil and gas. In addition, it develops carbon capture and storage projects; provides transportation solutions, including pipelines, shipping, trucking, and rail; and develops and explores for renewable energy, such as offshore wind, green hydrogen, and solar power. The company was formerly known as Statoil ASA and changed its name to Equinor ASA in May 2018. Equinor ASA was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Stavanger, Norway.
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Please see below information about transactions made under the buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR) for shares to be used in the share-based incentive programmes for employees and management.
Date on which the buy-back programme was announced: 4 February 2026.
The duration of the buy-back programme: 13 February 2026 to 15 January 2027.
Size of the buy-back programme: The total purchase amount under the programme is NOK 1,971,000,000 and the maximum shares to be acquired is 19,600,000 shares, of which up to 7,920,000 shares can be acquired in the period from 13 February 2026 to 15 May 2026, and up to 11,680,000 shares can be acquired in the period from 15 May 2026 to 15 January 2027.
On 15 September 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 379,361 own shares at the Oslo Stock Exchange at an average price of NOK 419.1253 per share.
Aggregated overview of transactions per day:
DateAggregated volume (number of shares)Weighted average share price (NOK)Total transaction value (NOK)15 September 2026379,361419.1253158,999,793Previously disclosed buy-backs under the programme (accumulated)3,399,081336.51661,413,847,326Total buy-backs under the programme3,778,442344.81071,302,847,119 Following the completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 19,798,825 own shares, corresponding to 0.83% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares purchased under the previous buy-back programme for the share-based incentive programmes for employees, and shares purchased under Equinor’s disclosed buy-back programmes which will be used to reduce the issued share capital of the company.
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: A detailed overview of all transactions made under the buy-back programme that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.8% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) Headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Equinor ASA is an integrated energy company, with operations across 30 countries. The company is the largest supplier of pipeline gas to Europe. Equinor is also a leading seller of crude oil. The company has expanded upstream operations outside conventional offshore resources to shale oil and gas plays. At 2025-end, the company had estimated proved reserves of 5,183 million barrels of oil equivalent (Boe), compared with 5,571 million Boe at 2024-end. The reserve replacement ratio was 48% in 2025.
EQNR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Oils-Energy stock. EQNR has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 5.2% over the past four weeks.
Four analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.49 to $5.22 per share. EQNR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +10.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, EQNR should be on investors' short list.
On September 16, 2026, Equinor ASA EQNR shares fell 3.4% to a current price of $44.20. This move places the stock within a 52-week range of $22.26 to $45.84, reflecting significant volatility over the past year.
GF Value™ verdict: The current price is $44.20, which is 26.6% above the GF Value™ estimate of $34.92, indicating the stock is overvalued.GF Score™: With a score of 74/100, EQNR is considered above average, suggesting solid fundamentals relative to its peers.Most notable signal: There have been no insider transactions in the past 12 months, indicating a lack of confidence or activity from insiders.Is EQNR Overvalued or Undervalued?The current price of Equinor ASA EQNR at $44.20 significantly exceeds the GF Value™ estimate of $34.92, suggesting that the stock is overvalued by approximately 26.6%. GF Value™ represents GuruFocus' intrinsic value estimate, which takes into account historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance projections. This overvaluation indicates potential risks for investors, as purchasing shares at inflated prices can result in lower returns compared to acquiring them at a fair value.
Moreover, the GF Valuation label identifies the stock as modestly overvalued. This classification implies that while there may still be underlying value in the company, the current price does not reflect an attractive entry point for new investors. As such, the risk of price correction remains a concern, particularly in the context of market fluctuations and economic conditions.
How Does EQNR's Valuation Compare to Its History?MetricCurrentHistoricalP/E (TTM)12.0x8.0xForward P/E10.7xN/AEquinor's current P/E ratio of 12.0x is notably higher than its 5-year median P/E of 8.0x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation. This aligns with the GF Value™ verdict of being overvalued, suggesting that the current market price may not be justified based on historical earnings performance. The forward P/E of 10.7x reflects a slightly more favorable outlook but still underscores the current elevated valuation relative to the company's historical benchmarks.
What Does EQNR's GF Score™ Tell Us?The GF Score™ is a comprehensive measure that evaluates a company's financial health through various factors, including profitability, growth, and valuation metrics. With a score of 74/100, Equinor demonstrates strong fundamentals, particularly in profitability and financial strength.
MetricRatingGF Score™74Financial Strength7/10Profitability9/10Growth5/10Valuation5/10Momentum2/10The strongest area for Equinor lies in its profitability rank of 9/10, suggesting effective management and healthy profit margins. However, the momentum rank of 2/10 indicates that the stock has faced challenges in maintaining upward price movement recently. The financial strength rating of 7/10 reflects a solid balance sheet, while the growth and valuation ranks of 5/10 suggest that there is room for improvement in these areas.
What Are Gurus and Insiders Doing with EQNR?Currently, 7 gurus hold positions in Equinor ASA, with 2 adding to their holdings and 6 trimming their positions in recent quarters. This mixed activity among institutional investors indicates a cautious approach towards EQNR, reflecting a divergence in opinion about the stock's current valuation and future potential.
The absence of any insider transactions in the past 12 months further suggests a lack of confidence from those closest to the company. This pattern could imply that insiders do not see immediate value in purchasing shares at the current price, reinforcing the notion that the stock may be overvalued at this time.
What This Means for InvestorsBased on the GF Value™ assessment, Equinor ASA appears to be overvalued, given its current price of $44.20 compared to the GF Value™ estimate of $34.92. While the strong profitability metrics and solid financial strength are positive indicators, the high valuation and recent insider inactivity suggest caution for potential investors. For a deeper dive into Equinor ASA EQNR, you can visit the Equinor ASA (EQNR) stock page for more insights.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is EQNR's GF Score™?
Equinor ASA has a GF Score™ of 74/100, indicating above-average fundamentals relative to its peers.
Is EQNR overvalued or undervalued?
EQNR is currently overvalued, with a GF Value™ of $34.92 compared to its current market price of $44.20.
What is EQNR's P/E ratio?
The trailing twelve-month (TTM) P/E ratio for EQNR is 12.0x, which is significantly higher than its 5-year median P/E of 8.0x, indicating the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Disclosures I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.
European natural gas inventories entered mid-September at approximately 67% of total capacity, well below the European Union target of 90% before winter. That deficit leaves power utilities and industrial factories vulnerable to sudden price spikes if an early cold front arrives.
Shipping delays and geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to restrict deliveries from the Persian Gulf, closing off flexible spot relief. As transatlantic price spreads widen, producers with uncommitted pipeline networks and destination-flexible export cargoes are positioned to generate dependable cash flow. Investors tracking the energy sector can look toward three established producers supplying fuel where it is needed most.
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Cold Storage: 67% Capacity Leaves Europe Out in the ColdEuropean underground gas storage sites held approximately 67% capacity heading into late September, representing around 772 terawatt-hours of stored energy. This volume trails the five-year seasonal average by roughly 17 percentage points, creating a shallow buffer before seasonal heating withdrawals begin in October. Refilling these underground caverns to meet official safety margins requires substantial import volumes, even as global supply remains tightly allocated.
Regional benchmark contracts reflect this tighter balance. Prompt month Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) contracts trade between 55 euros and 60 euros (approx. $61 to $67) per megawatt-hour. In the United Kingdom, National Balancing Point contracts have advanced past 201 pence (approx. $2.65) per therm.
Shipping bottlenecks and extended force majeure declarations on Qatari export cargoes limit spot deliveries to European terminals. European utilities must compete against Asian buyers for uncommitted volumes, creating wide arbitrage opportunities for transatlantic and North Sea producers.
Equinor ASA: Tapping Norway's Direct Line to European CashAs Western Europe's leading direct pipeline supplier, Equinor ASA NYSE: EQNR occupies an advantageous position across the regional gas grid. Operating on the Norwegian continental shelf, Equinor transports dry natural gas directly into Northwestern Europe through underwater pipelines.
Equinor ASA Today
$45.67 +1.13 (+2.53%)
As of 03:43 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
$22.26▼
$45.842.80%
12.46
$39.20
Because these deliveries move through fixed subsea pipes, Equinor avoids the liquefaction, marine freight, and regasification expenses that burden ocean-going tankers, allowing continental spot-price gains to flow straight to operating earnings.
Equinor shares trade around $45.70, up about 94% year to date. Valuation multiples remain contained, with a trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 12.5 compressing to a forward P/E of roughly 8.7. The company generates an operating cash flow of around $6.54 per share and maintains a conservative debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, supported by a current ratio of 1.18.
Operating efficiency is evident in a pretax margin of 29.02% and a return on equity (ROE) of 23.60% on annual revenue of around $106.46 billion. Trailing 12-month net income reached approximately $5.04 billion. While the average analyst price target sits near $39.20, recent brokerage updates, including an increase in future earnings estimates by Erste Group, suggest analysts are adjusting forward models to reflect higher commodity realizations. Equinor expanded its share buyback program on Sept. 15, lifting treasury holdings to 0.81% while supporting a dividend yield of around 2.8%.
Cheniere Energy: Sailing Across the Pond With Premium U.S. FuelAcross the Atlantic, Cheniere Energy, Inc. NYSE: LNG serves as the primary export gateway for North American liquefied natural gas heading to European terminals. Through its Sabine Pass facility in Louisiana and Corpus Christi operations in Texas, Cheniere purchases domestic feedgas at Henry Hub pricing and processes it into export cargoes. When European gas trades at elevated premiums relative to domestic U.S. supply, Cheniere captures significant margins on uncontracted export volumes.
Cheniere Energy Today
LNG
Cheniere Energy
$271.49 -2.79 (-1.02%)
As of 03:43 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
$186.20▼
$300.890.82%
20.22
$305.65
Cheniere demonstrated this operating leverage in its second-quarter earnings report, increasing revenue 23.5% year over year (YOY) and generating quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $3.02.
Annual revenue totals approximately $21.49 billion, producing net income of roughly $5.33 billion, a net margin of 13.57%, and an ROE of 29.80%. Operating cash flow stands near $17.50 per share, leaving the price-to-cash flow ratio around 15.6.
Cheniere trades near $273 per share, with a forward P/E of around 17 versus a trailing P/E of 20. Wall Street analysts maintain a Moderate Buy consensus on the company, with an average price target of $305.65 across 20 research firms. An active $10 billion share repurchase program authorized in February 2026 supports balance sheet flexibility, allowing the retirement of up to 21.1% of outstanding shares.
International reliance on Cheniere's export terminals was underscored recently by commercial talks with QatarEnergy to secure long-term cargo agreements through 2031, demonstrating how global buyers look to Gulf Coast infrastructure for baseline fuel supplies.
Shell Plc: Steering Global Cargoes Into Europe's Deep PocketsGlobal energy producer Shell plc NYSE: SHEL pairs worldwide upstream production with an expansive liquefied natural gas trading desk. This network lets Shell redirect destination-flexible vessels across oceans, sending cargoes directly to European terminals, where prompt gas prices trade at the highest levels.
Shell Today
$98.83 +2.38 (+2.47%)
As of 03:43 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
$68.63▼
$99.163.16%
10.91
$107.46
Shell shares trade around $99 with a total market capitalization near $276.5 billion. The valuation profile includes a trailing P/E of 10.9 and a forward P/E of about 9.1, accompanied by a price-to-cash flow ratio of 6.3 based on $15.70 per share in operating cash flow. Annual revenue sits near $296.60 billion, producing net income of around $17.84 billion and a net margin of 8.55%. Shell maintains balance sheet discipline, carrying a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 1.43.
Capital allocation remains focused on high-return gas and deepwater projects. On Sept. 10, Shell agreed to sell its interest in the Rhode Island State Energy Center to Constellation Energy NASDAQ: CEG for $715 million, divesting domestic power generation to focus capital on integrated gas operations. For income-seeking investors, Shell provides a dividend yield of about 3.16%, supplemented by an ongoing $3.5 billion share repurchase plan.
Weathering the Storm: Balancing Winter Heat Against Downside FreezeLow continental storage inventories and persistent international shipping constraints create a supportive backdrop for export-oriented energy suppliers. Even so, energy investing requires careful consideration of the risks.
Weather conditions remain the leading variable, because an unusually mild winter across Europe would reduce household heating demand, allowing storage inventories to normalize without sharp price rallies. European governments could also intervene with emergency caps on wholesale gas prices, or industrial manufacturing could slow output if electricity costs rise too quickly.
Investors evaluating the energy sector can approach this landscape based on specific portfolio objectives. Cheniere provides targeted exposure to transatlantic export margins, while Equinor and Shell offer lower valuation multiples, disciplined debt levels, and recurring shareholder distributions. Cautious investors might monitor early-winter weather and weekly storage withdrawal data throughout October before adding to existing positions.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Equinor ASA Right Now?Before you consider Equinor ASA, you'll want to hear this.
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For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.8% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Equinor (EQNR - Free Report) Headquartered in Stavanger, Norway, Equinor ASA is an integrated energy company, with operations across 30 countries. The company is the largest supplier of pipeline gas to Europe. Equinor is also a leading seller of crude oil. The company has expanded upstream operations outside conventional offshore resources to shale oil and gas plays. At 2025-end, the company had estimated proved reserves of 5,183 million barrels of oil equivalent (Boe), compared with 5,571 million Boe at 2024-end. The reserve replacement ratio was 48% in 2025.
EQNR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 8.56; value investors should take notice.
Three analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.32 to $5.07 per share. EQNR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +10.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, EQNR should be on investors' short list.
Germany, where gas storage filling levels are at a historic low, will be able to attract the natural gas it needs for this winter but should be prepared for high prices, a senior executive at Norwegian energy producer Equinor (EQNR.OL) said on Tuesday.
Germany's diversification of import sources since the 2022 energy crisis, when it lost Russian gas pipeline supplies, has been "super important", Equinor's head of marketing, midstream and processing, Irene Rummelhoff, told a conference in Oslo.
"I think even though your storages are quite empty still... you will be in a position to attract enough and import enough," Rummelhoff told the German-Norwegian gathering of energy executives and officials.
Since 2022, Norway emerged as Germany's single biggest gas supplier, most of it delivered via a vast pipeline system, but Germany has also built up several import terminals for liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Meanwhile, gas storage sites in Germany are only 53% full - the lowest in 15 years of records - and the country risks shortages in the event of a very cold winter, the country's storage industry group INES said earlier on Tuesday.
"Prices are going to be another issue. So you need to be prepared for that, but the diversification is good," Rummelhoff said.
Europe's benchmark gas contract for front-month deliveries at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) is trading at its highest level since January 2023.
Prices rose rapidly in recent weeks as the war between the United States and Iran is hampering Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports via the Strait of Hormuz, increasing competition between Asian and Europe for alternative LNG supplies.
Please see below information about transactions made under the third tranche of the 2026 share buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR, CEUX:EQNRO, TQEX:EQNRO).
Date on which the buy-back tranche was announced: 22 July 2026.
The duration of the buy-back tranche: 23 July to no later than 26 October 2026.
Further information on the tranche can be found in the stock market announcement on its commencement dated 22 July 2026, available here: https://newsweb.oslobors.no/message/678529
From 31 August to 4 September 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 700,000 own shares at an average price of NOK 400.9647 per share.
Overview of transactions:
DateTrading venueAggregated daily volume (number of shares)Daily weighted average share price (NOK)Total daily transaction value (NOK) 31 AugustOSE142,000397.542656,451,049.20 CEUX TQEX 1 SeptemberOSE140,000403.711956,519,666.00 CEUX TQEX 2 SeptemberOSE138,000405.826556,004,057.00 CEUX TQEX 3 SeptemberOSE140,000401.640056,229,600.00 CEUX TQEX 4 SeptemberOSE140,000396.220955,470,926.00 CEUX TQEX Total for the periodOSE700,000400.9647280,675,298.20 CEUX TQEX Previously disclosed buy-backs under the trancheOSE3,648,520385.54871,406,682,284.31CEUX TQEX Total3,648,520385.54871,406,682,284.31 Total buy-backs under the tranche (accumulated)OSE4,348,520388.03031,687,357,582.51CEUX TQEX Total4,348,520388.03031,687,357,582.51 Following completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 18,803,431 own shares, corresponding to 0.79% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares under Equinor’s share savings programme (excluding shares under Equinor’s share savings programme, Equinor owns a total of 7,883,495 own shares, corresponding to 0.33% of the share capital).
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: A overview of all transactions made under the buy-back tranche that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
Equinor delivers robust cash flow and a multi-year high market cap, driven by strong oil prices and disciplined portfolio management. EQNR posted $11.5B operating income and $4.8B net income and maintains a mid-single-digit P/E, reflecting significant financial strength. Production grew 3% YoY to 2.165M barrels/day, with NCS outperforming and shareholder returns exceeding 6% via dividends and buybacks.
Please see below information about transactions made under the third tranche of the 2026 share buy-back programme for Equinor ASA (OSE:EQNR, NYSE:EQNR, CEUX:EQNRO, TQEX:EQNRO).
Date on which the buy-back tranche was announced: 22 July 2026.
The duration of the buy-back tranche: 23 July to no later than 26 October 2026.
Further information on the tranche can be found in the stock market announcement on its commencement dated 22 July 2026, available here: https://newsweb.oslobors.no/message/678529
From 17 August to 21 August 2026, Equinor ASA has purchased a total of 721,000 own shares at an average price of NOK 394.7557 per share.
Overview of transactions:
DateTrading venueAggregated daily volume (number of shares)Daily weighted average share price (NOK)Total daily transaction value (NOK) 17 AugustOSE148,000387.765557,389,294.00 CEUX TQEX 18 AugustOSE146,000393.190257,405,769.20 CEUX TQEX 19 AugustOSE144,000394.846856,857,939.20 CEUX TQEX 20 AugustOSE143,000398.879657,039,782.80 CEUX TQEX 21 AugustOSE140,000399.472255,926,108.00 CEUX TQEX Total for the periodOSE721,000394.7557284,618,893.20 CEUX TQEX Previously disclosed buy-backs under the trancheOSE2,207,004381.7162842,449,219.30CEUX TQEX Total2,207,004381.7162842,449,219.30 Total buy-backs under the tranche (accumulated)OSE2,928,004384.92711,127,068,112.50CEUX TQEX Total2,928,004384.92711,127,068,112.50 Following completion of the above transactions, Equinor ASA owns a total of 17,382,915 own shares, corresponding to 0.73% of Equinor ASA’s share capital, including shares under Equinor’s share savings programme (excluding shares under Equinor’s share savings programme, Equinor owns a total of 6,462,979 own shares, corresponding to 0.27% of the share capital).
This is information that Equinor ASA is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and that is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Appendix: A overview of all transactions made under the buy-back tranche that have been carried out during the above-mentioned time period is attached to this report and available at www.newsweb.no.
The logo of Equinor is set up at the entrance of a building at Western Europe's largest liquefied natural gas plant Hammerfest LNG in Hammerfest, Norway, March 14, 2024. REUTERS/Lisi... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more
CompaniesSTAVANGER, Norway, Aug 25 (Reuters) - The disruption to energy flows in the Strait of Hormuz is making it more attractive for Equinor (EQNR.OL), opens new tab to develop a long-stalled liquefied natural gas export plant in Tanzania, the Norwegian company said on Tuesday.
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is reshaping the global energy industry, stripping Qatar and other Gulf producers of their reputation as some of the world's most reliable suppliers as Tehran struck export plants and blocked shipments.
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Discovered more than a decade ago, the massive Tanzania gas deposit is expected to cost about $42 billion to develop, the East African nation has estimated, and would provide an alternative source of supply for Asian customers.
YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONSBut Equinor's talks with Tanzania over detailed investment terms and conditions have been ongoing for years, and hopes for a breakthrough have been dashed on several occasions.
"You don't want to wait too long to put new LNG volumes on the market, so maybe now is a good time to get on with it," Equinor's head of international operations, Philippe Mathieu, told reporters at an energy conference in Norway on Tuesday.
When asked if the Middle East LNG disruption is making the Tanzania project more attractive, Mathieu said: "Exactly. It means you are producing LNG in an area which is not exposed to these kinds of geopolitical challenges."
Equinor and Shell (SHEL.L), opens new tab are joint operators of the mega gas project, which would unlock 47.13 trillion cubic feet of natural gas deposits, while Exxon Mobil (XOM.N), opens new tab, Pavilion Energy, Medco Energi (MEDC.JK), opens new tab and Tanzania's national oil company TPDC are partners.
NAMIBIA OIL EXPLORATIONMathieu also said Equinor hopes to make a "pretty big" oil discovery in Namibia's PEL 90 exploration licence, hoping to match major nearby finds made by TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA), opens new tab and Galp (GALP.LS), opens new tab.
Equinor last week said it had bought a 17.4% stake in the Chevron-operated (CVX.N), opens new tab prospect and that exploration drilling would take place later this year.
Reporting by Nerijus Adomaitis. Editing by Terje Solsvik and Mark Potter
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
