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.
The research service features 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, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident 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 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 ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
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.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +24% 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.
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.
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.
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: Urban Outfitters (URBN - Free Report) Urban Outfitters, Inc. was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. It is a lifestyle products and services company that sells fashion apparel, accessories, footwear, home goods and related offerings through a portfolio of global consumer brands. The company’s key brands include Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement, Urban Outfitters and Nuuly. Anthropologie also includes the Terrain and Maeve brands. Free People also includes FP Movement. The company operates in North America and Europe, and also sells through franchise partners in the Middle East.
URBN is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 12.1; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2027, four analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.17 to $6.01 per share. URBN boasts an average earnings surprise of +12.2%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, URBN should be on investors' short list.
Urban Outfitters (NYSE:URBN) shares are modestly lower, last seen down 0.7% to trade at $72.23 as they extend a pullback from multi-month highs. The recent price action has the stock nearing a historically bullish trendline, however.
According to Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White, URBN is trading within 0.75 times the 50-day moving average's 20-day average true range (ATR), after spending at least 80% of the previous two weeks and 80% of the prior 42 trading sessions above that trendline.
This setup has appeared 15 times over the last decade, after which the stock was higher one month later 73% of the time, averaging an impressive 5% gain. A comparable rally from current levels would place the retailer at $75.84.
Furthermore, the 7.14 million shares sold short make up 12.62% of URBN's available float, and it would take short sellers five days to buy back their bearish bets at the stock's average pace of trading.
It's also worth noting the stock's Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) of 3 out of 100. This means the shares have consistently realized lower volatility than options traders have priced in over the past 12 months. In other words, URBN looks to be an attractive premium-selling candidate.
As Big Pharma braces for a looming patent cliff that threatens billions in revenue, a different group of companies is chasing the opposite story: a single breakthrough that could define their future. For these smaller players, one strong trial readout or FDA approval can mean the difference between a breakout and a bust.
Below, we look at several companies that investors willing to take a bit of a risk on the pharma industry may want to keep watch over. Two have key upcoming FDA decisions looming, although on slightly different timelines. The third offers a varied approach: as a company with multiple products already on the market, it doesn't rely quite so heavily on a single strong data release or FDA announcement, though it can still benefit from such developments.
Get Vera Therapeutics alerts:
Vera Makes Big Moves in the Nephrology SpaceA clinical-stage biotech company creating immunotherapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, Vera Therapeutics NASDAQ: VERA has a major pending FDA decision that could be instrumental for the company. Vera is working toward a Biologics License Application (BLA) for atacicept, an investigational drug with the potential to address IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune kidney disease.
Vera Therapeutics Today
VERA
Vera Therapeutics
$39.79 +1.59 (+4.16%)
As of 11:09 AM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$19.07▼
$56.05Price Target$78.00
Early in June, the company reported an optimistic update, including its alignment with the FDA on a revised ORIGIN 3 eGFR analysis plan with an accelerated timeline. Assuming this goes well in Q3, Vera will likely submit its BLA before the end of the year.
If atacicept receives full approval, it could open up major commercial potential in the fast-growing, $20-billion global nephrology market. On the other hand, a negative decision or even a delay in the eGFR process could be detrimental to VERA shares.
For the time being, analysts are bullish: 10 out of 12 ratings are Buys, and Wall Street anticipates the stock to climb by 120%.
A Gene Therapy Winner Awaits 2 New Sets of DataKrystal Biotech NASDAQ: KRYS is a gene therapy company creating novel therapies for dermatological diseases. The company has already seen significant success with Vyjuvek, the first gene therapy ever approved for a skin condition. This may give investors additional optimism as the company prepares for two upcoming data readouts that could provide even more momentum. Vyjuvek revenue was $116 million in the first quarter, up 32% year-over-year (YOY).
Krystal Biotech Today
$350.46 +10.25 (+3.01%)
As of 11:09 AM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$130.50▼
$356.50P/E Ratio46.70
Price Target$340.56
The firm's KB803 is currently in trials related to its potential as a treatment for corneal abrasion for patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, with top-line results expected by the end of this year. Additionally, Krystal has a second candidate in line for a registrational data readout in 2026: KB801 is in studies for its potential as a treatment for neurotrophic keratitis.
Though niche, each of these drugs has the potential to address previously underserved corners of the market and could strengthen Krystal's overall portfolio significantly.
Ten out of 12 analysts call KRYS shares a Buy, although with more than 40% returns year-to-date (YTD), investors may be concerned about how much upside potential remains in the near term.
An Established Player With a Promising Long-Horizon ProspectADMA Biologics NASDAQ: ADMA is a biopharma firm that develops plasma-based biologics to treat immunodeficiency and infectious diseases. The company is in a different place from others in the field because it already has multiple products on the market and strong revenue (including 28% YOY growth last quarter from ASCENIV).
ADMA Biologics Today
$8.82 +0.14 (+1.55%)
As of 11:09 AM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$7.21▼
$20.46P/E Ratio12.96
Price Target$19.67
As such, ADMA is less reliant on promising news from the FDA or from data readouts from its clinical trials, although these kinds of updates can still catalyze new growth. Instead, some of the appeal of ADMA is its margin expansion, which is possible thanks to a new set of manufacturing efficiencies begun in the last several quarters.
That's not to say that the company has no products on the horizon, though, and SG-001—an investigative hyperimmune globulin candidate for pneumococcal disease—is among the most promising.
Investors might expect a boost to ADMA stock if and when positive results are released about this candidate, but in the meantime, the draw may be more focused on the stability that ADMA's preexisting products already offer.
ADMA shares are down considerably YTD, falling by over 50% in that period. However, this makes the company's value prospects more attractive, particularly as its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12 is considerably lower than the broader sector. Plus, analysts feel there is plenty of room for growth based on upside forecasts of more than 130%.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Vera Therapeutics Right Now?Before you consider Vera Therapeutics, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Vera Therapeutics wasn't on the list.
While Vera Therapeutics currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
View The Five Stocks Here
Discover the next wave of investment opportunities with our report, 7 Stocks That Will Be Magnificent in 2026. Explore companies poised to replicate the growth, innovation, and value creation of the tech giants dominating today's markets.
As Big Pharma braces for a looming patent cliff that threatens billions in revenue, a different group of companies is chasing the opposite story: a single breakthrough that could define their future. For these smaller players, one strong trial readout or FDA approval can mean the difference between a breakout and a bust.
Below, we look at several companies that investors willing to take a bit of a risk on the pharma industry may want to keep watch over. Two have key upcoming FDA decisions looming, although on slightly different timelines. The third offers a varied approach: as a company with multiple products already on the market, it doesn't rely quite so heavily on a single strong data release or FDA announcement, though it can still benefit from such developments.
Get Vera Therapeutics alerts:
Vera Makes Big Moves in the Nephrology SpaceA clinical-stage biotech company creating immunotherapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, Vera Therapeutics NASDAQ: VERA has a major pending FDA decision that could be instrumental for the company. Vera is working toward a Biologics License Application (BLA) for atacicept, an investigational drug with the potential to address IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune kidney disease.
Vera Therapeutics Today
VERA
Vera Therapeutics
$39.79 +1.59 (+4.16%)
As of 11:09 AM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$19.07▼
$56.05Price Target$78.00
Early in June, the company reported an optimistic update, including its alignment with the FDA on a revised ORIGIN 3 eGFR analysis plan with an accelerated timeline. Assuming this goes well in Q3, Vera will likely submit its BLA before the end of the year.
If atacicept receives full approval, it could open up major commercial potential in the fast-growing, $20-billion global nephrology market. On the other hand, a negative decision or even a delay in the eGFR process could be detrimental to VERA shares.
For the time being, analysts are bullish: 10 out of 12 ratings are Buys, and Wall Street anticipates the stock to climb by 120%.
A Gene Therapy Winner Awaits 2 New Sets of DataKrystal Biotech NASDAQ: KRYS is a gene therapy company creating novel therapies for dermatological diseases. The company has already seen significant success with Vyjuvek, the first gene therapy ever approved for a skin condition. This may give investors additional optimism as the company prepares for two upcoming data readouts that could provide even more momentum. Vyjuvek revenue was $116 million in the first quarter, up 32% year-over-year (YOY).
Krystal Biotech Today
$350.46 +10.25 (+3.01%)
As of 11:09 AM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$130.50▼
$356.50P/E Ratio46.70
Price Target$340.56
The firm's KB803 is currently in trials related to its potential as a treatment for corneal abrasion for patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, with top-line results expected by the end of this year. Additionally, Krystal has a second candidate in line for a registrational data readout in 2026: KB801 is in studies for its potential as a treatment for neurotrophic keratitis.
Though niche, each of these drugs has the potential to address previously underserved corners of the market and could strengthen Krystal's overall portfolio significantly.
Ten out of 12 analysts call KRYS shares a Buy, although with more than 40% returns year-to-date (YTD), investors may be concerned about how much upside potential remains in the near term.
An Established Player With a Promising Long-Horizon ProspectADMA Biologics NASDAQ: ADMA is a biopharma firm that develops plasma-based biologics to treat immunodeficiency and infectious diseases. The company is in a different place from others in the field because it already has multiple products on the market and strong revenue (including 28% YOY growth last quarter from ASCENIV).
ADMA Biologics Today
$8.82 +0.14 (+1.55%)
As of 11:09 AM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$7.21▼
$20.46P/E Ratio12.96
Price Target$19.67
As such, ADMA is less reliant on promising news from the FDA or from data readouts from its clinical trials, although these kinds of updates can still catalyze new growth. Instead, some of the appeal of ADMA is its margin expansion, which is possible thanks to a new set of manufacturing efficiencies begun in the last several quarters.
That's not to say that the company has no products on the horizon, though, and SG-001—an investigative hyperimmune globulin candidate for pneumococcal disease—is among the most promising.
Investors might expect a boost to ADMA stock if and when positive results are released about this candidate, but in the meantime, the draw may be more focused on the stability that ADMA's preexisting products already offer.
ADMA shares are down considerably YTD, falling by over 50% in that period. However, this makes the company's value prospects more attractive, particularly as its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12 is considerably lower than the broader sector. Plus, analysts feel there is plenty of room for growth based on upside forecasts of more than 130%.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Vera Therapeutics Right Now?Before you consider Vera Therapeutics, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Vera Therapeutics wasn't on the list.
While Vera Therapeutics currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
View The Five Stocks Here
MarketBeat just released its list of the 7 hottest IPOs expected to hit Wall Street in 2026. See which companies are preparing to go public and why investors are watching closely.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced the launch of its new TOPCon 3.0 high-power-density photovoltaic module, tailored for utility-scale power plants as well as commercial and industrial (C&I) PV systems. With a power output of up to 670 Wp and a conversion efficiency of up to 24.8%, the new product is scheduled for global mass shipment starting in August 2026.
The TOPCon 3.0 high-power-density module delivers higher energy yield and lower Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), improving project economics and long-term returns.
Higher power density: With a power output of up to 670 Wp, the module features a multi-cut technology based on large-format rectangular cells and enhanced light utilization, while maintaining a standard module size of 2382 × 1134 × 30 mm for optimum logistics and easy system integration.
Higher bifaciality: Cell poly-patterned technology and optimized back-side design enable PV module bifaciality of up to 90%, delivering an additional 0.4%–0.5% system-level energy gain.
Lower temperature coefficient: Advanced passivation technologies on cell edge and surface lower the PV module temperature coefficient to -0.26%/°C, improving PV system performance in high-temperature environments.
Together, these advanced cell and module technologies deliver high reliability and reduce degradation to ≤1% in the first year and 0.35% annually thereafter, ensuring over 88.85% output after 30 years.
For demanding conditions such as glare-sensitive, high-load, corrosive, and dusty environments, the TOPCon 3.0 module portfolio can be equipped with anti-glare glass, IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled junction box, and steel, composite, or anti-dust frames, enhancing PV system safety and visibility.
Dr. Shawn Qu, Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of Canadian Solar, said, "With the launch of our TOPCon 3.0 module, we continue to advance high-efficiency PV technology, delivering up to 1.6% higher energy yield and up to 1.4% lower LCOE, translating into stronger lifecycle value and more predictable long-term returns for our global partners."
The TOPCon 3.0 high-power-density module will be showcased at Intersolar Europe from June 23 to 25 in Munich, Germany. Visit Canadian Solar at booth B2.250 to explore the new generation of high-efficiency PV technology.
About Canadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 25 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 177 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar had shipped over 20 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of March 31, 2026, and had a $3.5 billion contracted backlog as of May 8, 2026. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12.2 GWp of solar power projects and 6.4 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 24 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company's expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "future", "ongoing", "continue", "intend", "plan", "potential", "prospect", "guidance", "believe", "estimate", "is/are likely to" or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 10, 2026. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
CANADIAN SOLAR INC. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Wina Huang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
[email protected]
, /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that e-STORAGE, its energy storage solutions business, has entered into an agreement with Axpo subsidiary to deploy an 8 MW/40 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in southern Italy. This marks e-STORAGE's first project in Italy, a further step in its expansion across continental Europe.
Construction at Axpo's Rizziconi power plant in Calabria is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026, with grid connection and commercial operation expected in early 2028. The battery storage system will be installed at Axpo's existing combined-cycle gas power plant in Rizziconi, Calabria, leveraging its established grid interconnection to provide flexibility and balancing services.
Under the agreement, e-STORAGE will deliver a complete and integrated solution that combines SolBank 3.0 battery blocks, power conversion systems, and the company's proprietary EQ-S Energy Management System into a single coordinated system under one accountable partner. The battery cells and 5 MWh capacity SolBank 3.0 pack systems are developed and manufactured at Canadian Solar's own production facilities, providing customers with complete supply chain visibility. Today's announced installation marks the first milestone in a wider partnership between e-STORAGE and Axpo, with both firms planning to strengthen their collaboration in the years ahead.
The Rizziconi project is a specific response to conditions in southern Italy, where rising solar output regularly exceeds what the network can absorb by midday. Historically, Calabria has faced higher power costs and weaker grid connectivity than northern Italy, which makes local flexibility especially valuable. The e-STORAGE system will capture solar energy that would otherwise be wasted and return it to the grid when needed. This will ease the pressure on a constrained network and help lower the cost of electricity for a region of Italy that has long depended on distant supplies of energy from the north and elsewhere.
Frank Amend, Axpo Group Head of Batteries & Hybrid Systems, said: "We are excited to begin the construction of our first BESS project in Italy. This will be an important addition to our portfolio as we execute our ambitious BESS strategy to strengthen grid flexibility and advance the energy transition in Europe. We are also excited to partner with e-STORAGE on this project. Their integrated approach aligns with our commitment to delivering reliable and innovative energy solutions across Europe."
Jeff Roy, President of e-STORAGE, added: "To enter one of Europe's most dynamic storage markets through an integrated project like this proves just how effectively our technology can adapt to real grid needs. We are pleased to begin our partnership with Axpo in Italy and see this agreement as the foundation for a longer-term collaboration supporting customers across Europe."
About Axpo
Axpo is driven by a single purpose – to enable a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions. Axpo is Switzerland's largest energy producer and an international leader in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power. Axpo combines the experience and expertise of about 7,500 employees who are driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration and impactful change. Using cutting-edge technologies, Axpo innovates to meet the evolving needs of its customers in more than 30 countries across Europe, North America and Asia.
About Canadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 25 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 177 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar had shipped over 20 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of March 31, 2026, and had a $3.5 billion contracted backlog as of May 8, 2026. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12.2 GWp of solar power projects and 6.4 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 24 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
About e-STORAGE
e-STORAGE is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar and a leading company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and integrating battery energy storage systems for utility-scale applications. e-STORAGE offers proprietary battery energy storage solutions, comprehensive EPC services, and innovative solutions aimed at improving grid operations. For more info, please refer to the Media&PR section of www.csestorage.com and follow our LinkedIn page.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company's expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "future", "ongoing", "continue", "intend", "plan", "potential", "prospect", "guidance", "believe", "estimate", "is/are likely to" or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 10, 2026. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
Axpo Holding AG, Corporate Communications
T 0800 44 11 00 (Switzerland), T +41 56 200 41 10 (International)
(Available 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.)
[email protected]
Canadian Solar Inc. Investor Relations Contact
Wina Huang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
[email protected]
, /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that its Baotou ingot manufacturing facility and Suqian solar cell manufacturing facility achieved the Silver Level Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) Supply Chain Traceability Certification. Canadian Solar is the first manufacturer to achieve Silver certification under the SSI Supply Chain Traceability Certification for both ingot and cell production. This certification demonstrates the Company's commitment to transparency and traceability across its upstream suppliers and to advancing responsible sourcing.
The SSI Supply Chain Traceability Standard is designed to enhance visibility into material sourcing and manufacturing processes across the solar value chain, supporting industry efforts to advance responsible and sustainable production practices. All certification audits are performed by independent third-party firms under the defined SSI audit protocol (ingot and cell).
Colin Parkin, Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar, said, "Achieving SSI Supply Chain Traceability Certification for our ingot and cell manufacturing facilities marks an important milestone in strengthening transparency and accountability across our supply chain. As the industry continues to evolve, we are committed to advancing responsible manufacturing practices and enhancing confidence in the integrity of solar products worldwide."
In 2025, Canadian Solar's Suqian solar cell factory and Baotou ingot factory underwent the SSI ESG assessments and received Silver and Bronze certifications, respectively. The certified sites are publicly listed by the Solar Stewardship Initiative and can be viewed on its official website under Currently Certified Sites.
The announcement coincides with Intersolar Europe in Munich, where Canadian Solar will present its latest technologies and initiatives at booth B2.250.
About Canadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 25 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 177 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar had shipped over 20 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of March 31, 2026, and had a $3.5 billion contracted backlog as of May 8, 2026. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12.2 GWp of solar power projects and 6.4 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 24 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company's expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "future", "ongoing", "continue", "intend", "plan", "potential", "prospect", "guidance", "believe", "estimate", "is/are likely to" or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 10, 2026. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
CANADIAN SOLAR INC. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Wina Huang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
[email protected]
, /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company" or "Canadian Solar") (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that e-STORAGE, its energy storage solutions business, will supply a 75 MW / 381 MWh DC battery energy storage system (BESS) to Apex Clean Energy in Branch County, Michigan. The system will be co-located with Apex's operating Coldwater Solar facility.
Under the agreement, e-STORAGE will deliver a complete, integrated solution that combines SolBank 3.0 battery blocks with Power Conversion Systems and e-STORAGE's proprietary EQ‑S Energy Management System into one coordinated utility‑scale platform. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in early 2027, with commercial operation targeted for mid-2027. e-STORAGE will provide its proprietary 'SolBank' battery pack powered by its lithium-Ion phosphate-based battery cells, all produced at Canadian Solar's manufacturing facilities, giving the customer full supply chain visibility and compliance.
Coldwater Storage enters service against a firm policy backdrop: Michigan law requires utilities to bring 2,500 MW of energy storage online by 2030, and the state's largest coal units are slated to retire through 2032, removing dispatchable capacity from the MISO grid that storage must replace. Once operational, the project will store low‑cost energy and discharge it when demand peaks, helping firm the supply that Michigan is shifting toward solar and wind.
Ken Young, CEO of Apex, said: "Power demand is rising rapidly, and storage projects like Coldwater enable our grid to keep pace. e-STORAGE has the technology and the scale to deliver this project, and we're glad to be working once again with our partners at Canadian Solar."
Jeff Roy, President of e-STORAGE, said: "Michigan is rebuilding its power generation mix on a fixed timeline, and this collaboration shows how that target turns into reliable capacity on the ground. By supplying the batteries, power conversion, and our EQ-S controls as one integrated system, we serve as Apex's single accountable technology partner across the project's lifecycle."
About Canadian Solar Inc.
Canadian Solar is one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 25 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 177 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar had shipped over 20 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of March 31, 2026, and had a $3.5 billion contracted backlog as of May 8, 2026. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12.2 GWp of solar power projects and 6.4 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 24 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.
About e-STORAGE
e-STORAGE is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar and a leading company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and integrating battery energy storage systems for utility-scale applications. e-STORAGE offers proprietary battery energy storage solutions, comprehensive EPC services, and innovative solutions aimed at improving grid operations. For more info, please refer to the Media&PR section of www.csestorage.com and follow our LinkedIn page.
Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company's expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "future", "ongoing", "continue", "intend", "plan", "potential", "prospect", "guidance", "believe", "estimate", "is/are likely to" or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 10, 2026. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today's date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
CANADIAN SOLAR INC. INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT
Wina Huang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
[email protected]
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. 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.
HubSpot (HUBS +2.34%) was one of the many software stocks that fell victim to the SaaSpocalypse narrative earlier this year. Its stock is down by almost 70% so far in 2026, but that doesn't mean the company has lost market share. In fact, it's continuing to deliver impressive financial results, so the current fire sale on its stock likely won't last long.
Image source: Getty Images.
HubSpot generates recurring revenue from a wide range of businesses HubSpot provides its clients with a customer relationship management (CRM) platform, and it has been tapping into artificial intelligence to expand its offerings. That last detail is important in the context of its recent decline: The premise of the SaaSpocalypse that spooked investors was the theory that people and companies would be able to use AI to create inexpensive replacements for popular subscription software offerings, pulling the rug out from under the software-as-a-service business model.
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Customers have to pay subscription fees to continue using HubSpot, but once a business starts using one CRM platform, it's a difficult and costly matter to switch to another. HubSpot booked $881.0 million in revenue in Q1, and $862.3 million of that came from subscriptions. Both figures were up by 23% year over year.
That revenue growth also came with an expanding customer base. HubSpot finished the quarter with just under 300,000 subscribers, which was up by 16% year over year.
AI momentum is strengthening for HubSpot HubSpot has been in the CRM business since its founding in 2006. It has gone through several economic cycles over the past two decades, and capitalized on several opportunities; artificial intelligence will be the next one. As CEO Yamini Rangan noted in the company's Q1 press release: "The AI innovations we launched at Spring Spotlight, including Customer Agent, Prospecting Agent, and Data Agent, are delivering outcomes for customers and will strengthen our AI momentum."
That doesn't sound like a company that is afraid that artificial intelligence will displace what it offers. HubSpot is actively using this technology to enhance its products and attract new customers. Adding AI functions could also improve HubSpot's ability to raise prices or get its customers to upgrade their plans. Businesses have already been spending more on HubSpot on average each year; in Q1, the company reported a 6% year-over-year increase in its average subscription revenue per customer.
HubSpot has even reframed itself as "the agentic customer platform for scaling businesses." The agentic piece is a new angle that aims to position it as a participant in the AI boom.
Management anticipates that its revenue will increase by 18% in 2026. That would be a deceleration relative to its Q1 growth, but still a respectable increase. HubSpot could also beat its guidance in future quarters and raise its full-year outlook; the AI momentum Rangan mentioned suggests this is possible.
It would be harder to feel optimistic about the stock if HubSpot were still trading above $500 per share, as it was at the start of the year. However, its drop to under $200 per share gives it a valuation that's more attractive based on the company's fundamentals.
Item 1 of 2 An Ulta Beauty store sign is pictured in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., March 8, 2022. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
[1/2]An Ulta Beauty store sign is pictured in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., March 8, 2022. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
NEW YORK, June 23 (Reuters) - Ulta Beauty (ULTA.O), opens new tab shoppers will soon be able to purchase Bath & Body Works' (BBWI.N), opens new tab signature fragrances, hand soaps and candles in more than 600 stores from July 12 as both companies pursue turnaround plans that include more partnerships.
Part of Bath & Body Works' "Consumer First Formula" aims to give shoppers more ways to find the company's lotions and candles, while the "Ulta Beauty Unleashed" strategy intends to launch more brand partnerships to drive sales growth.
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The partnership brings Bath & Body Works fine fragrance mist, body cream, hand soap, three-wick candles and plug-in air fresheners to Ulta Beauty stores.
"Home fragrance is a really important part of the industry, and it's not an area that Ulta has played in all that much, so we see a real opportunity," Bath & Body Works CEO Daniel Heaf said.
Bath & Body Works began selling its products on Amazon.com in February, and the e-commerce platform is helping Bath & Body Works "bring new consumers to the brand," Heaf said.
"Amazon is about convenience," Heaf said. "Ulta Beauty is about discovery, trial, and the physical experience. It gives the consumers a chance to see the brand, smell the fragrances and interact with the assortment."
Ulta Beauty Chief Merchandising and Digital Officer Lauren Brindley said: "We see a meaningful whitespace opportunity to better serve guests across high-quality home fragrance, hand soaps, lotions and body care, categories that beautifully complement our assortment."
Ulta Beauty currently sells other candle brands including NEST New York for $65 and its own brand, Ulta Beauty Collection, for $20, according to its website. Bath & Body Works sells candles for $25.
There is no set end date for the partnership, Heaf said.
Reporting by Arriana McLymore in New York; Editing by Jamie Freed
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Arriana McLymore is a New York-based reporter covering e-commerce, online marketplaces, alternative revenue streams for retailers and in-store innovation. She previously reported on telecoms and the business of law.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bath & Body Works today announced a strategic partnership with Ulta Beauty, bringing a curated selection of its most-loved body care and home fragrance products to more than 600 Ulta Beauty stores nationwide and Ulta.com. The collaboration reflects the company’s focus on building the foundation to reposition Bath & Body Works from a specialty retailer into a category-leading global brand. It also marks an important step in its Consumer First Formula, expanding access to the brand in one of the country’s leading beauty discovery destinations.
Beginning July 12, 2026, Ulta Beauty guests can explore a curated selection of Bath & Body Works products across home fragrance and body care. This assortment includes iconic signature scents in fine fragrance mist, body cream, hand soap and more, along with a collection of the brand’s high-quality 3-wick candles and Wallflowers. It also features the return of a nostalgic favorite, Juniper Breeze, available exclusively at Ulta Beauty.
The strategic partnership reflects Bath & Body Works’ broader marketplace strategy: expanding beyond its owned stores and digital channels to meet consumers in the places they already discover, browse and buy beauty, fragrance and self-care products.
As the largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S. and a leading destination for brand discovery, Ulta Beauty offers access to highly engaged consumers who actively shop across categories, frequently test and explore new products, and seek high-quality, ingredient-led beauty brands. Bath & Body Works designed its assortment with this consumer at the center.
“We’re continuing to expand our reach by bringing the best of Bath & Body Works to fragrance fans at Ulta Beauty,” said Maly Bernstein, Bath & Body Works chief commercial officer. “This strategic partnership introduces our brand to new, highly engaged consumers who love to discover and explore, with a curated selection of thoughtfully crafted scents that showcase our fragrance leadership and expertise.”
Bath & Body Works and Ulta Beauty are emotionally driven brands that combine beauty and self-care to bring joy, inspire confidence, and foster self-expression. Together, they transform everyday routines into meaningful experiences—Bath & Body Works through fragrance and personal care, and Ulta Beauty through expansive, inclusive beauty offerings designed for everyone at any stage of their beauty journey.
At the core, both brands are in the business of creating feel-good moments for all through accessible, fun, and engaging experiences that invite discovery and celebrate self-care.
For Ulta Beauty guests, the launch creates a new way to introduce and experience Bath & Body Works, whether through trial-size fragrance discovery, iconic body care favorites or elevated home fragrance from White Barn.
“Ulta Beauty is built on the power of discovery, and we are thrilled to welcome Bath & Body Works to select stores and Ulta.com as we expand the ways guests experience fragrance, bath, body and self-care,” said Lauren Brindley, chief merchandising and digital officer, Ulta Beauty. “We see a meaningful whitespace opportunity to better serve guests across high-quality home fragrance, hand soaps, lotions and body care, categories that beautifully complement our assortment and meet guests across all ages, stages and price points. Through this strategic partnership, we are bringing Ulta Beauty guests greater access to Bath & Body Works’ most-loved products, with a portion of the assortment exclusive to Ulta Beauty, including the return of Juniper Breeze, one of the brand’s most treasured classic fragrances. This launch expands our assortment into incremental categories our guests are excited to discover and reinforces Ulta Beauty as a destination for accessible, elevated beauty and self-care experiences.”
The launch assortment was curated to encourage discovery, trial and cross category exploration, with a mix of iconic fragrances, Ulta Beauty exclusives, body care favorites and home fragrance products including:
Juniper Breeze (Ulta Beauty Exclusive): Juniper Breeze returns for a limited time as an Ulta Beauty exclusive, with notes of juniper leaves, green apple, fresh woods and dewy musk. The fragrance will be available in fine fragrance mist and ultimate hydration body cream. Mini Fine Fragrance Mist Set (Ulta Beauty Exclusive): Perfect for discovery and trial, this mini set features five iconic and best-selling Bath & Body Works’ fragrances: Japanese Cherry Blossom, In the Stars, Warm Vanilla Sugar, Butterfly and Champagne Toast.White Barn Neutrals candle collection: Made with a premium soy wax base and a rich blend of fragrance oils, the White Barn Neutrals 3-wick candle collection is sophisticated, modern, and thoughtfully designed for a luxurious home fragrance experience. Featuring scents like Sweet Orange & Agave, Pistachio Milk & Honey and Mahogany Coconut offered in sleek, elevated packaging, these indulgent fragrances fit seamlessly into any décor style.
Bath & Body Works has already seen encouraging early results from selective and strategic marketplace expansion, reinforcing demand for the brand in new shopping environments. The Ulta Beauty launch builds on those learnings with a curated assortment, elevated in-store storytelling and a discovery-led consumer experience.
Bath & Body Works will be available to shop in more than 600 Ulta Beauty stores nationwide and Ulta.com starting July 12, 2026.
See the full product assortment at ulta.com/brand/bath-body-works.
ABOUT BATH & BODY WORKS
Bath & Body Works is a global leader in personal care and home fragrance, driven by the belief that everybody deserves to feel good.
The brand’s beloved and iconic scents are expertly crafted for exceptional performance and a luxury fragrance experience. Formulated with thoughtfully chosen ingredients, Bath & Body Works’ body care products are available in multiple forms including fine fragrance mist, body cream, lotion, eau de parfum, body wash, hand soap, sanitizer and more. The brand’s famous 3-wick candles are made with rich, high quality fragrance oils layered throughout a premium soy wax base, for up to 45 hours of room-filling fragrance.
Consumers can shop Bath & Body Works anytime and anywhere they choose, from welcoming, in-store experiences at more than 1,900 stores in the U.S. and Canada, 500-plus international locations, online at bathandbodyworks.com, on Amazon and at Ulta Beauty.
ABOUT ULTA BEAUTY
Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S. and a leading destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, hair care, wellness, and salon services. Since opening its first store in 1990, Ulta Beauty has grown to more than 1,500 stores across the U.S. and redefined beauty retail by bringing together All Things Beauty. All in One Place®. With an expansive product assortment, professional salon services, and its beloved Ulta Beauty Rewards loyalty program, the company delivers seamless, personalized experiences across stores, Ulta.com, and the Ulta Beauty App – where the possibilities are truly beautiful. Ulta Beauty is also expanding its presence internationally through its subsidiary, Space NK, a luxury beauty retailer operating in the U.K. and Ireland, its joint venture in Mexico, and its franchise in the Middle East. For more information, visit www.ulta.com.
Bath & Body Works has teamed with Ulta Beauty to bring its products to the retailer’s stores.
The partnership, announced Tuesday (June 23), is designed to bring a “curated” selection of Bath & Body Works body care and home fragrance products to more than 600 Ulta Beauty stores around the country, as well as to Ulta.com, starting July 12.
“The collaboration reflects the company’s focus on building the foundation to reposition Bath & Body Works from a specialty retailer into a category‑leading global brand,” the company said in a news release. “It also marks an important step in its Consumer First Formula, expanding access to the brand in one of the country’s leading beauty discovery destinations.”
As America’s largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S. and a top destination for brand discovery, Ulta gives Bath & Body Works access to highly engaged consumers who shop across categories, frequently test and explore new products, and keep an eye out for high-quality, ingredient-led beauty brands, according to the release.
“Home fragrance is a really important part of the industry, and it’s not an area that Ulta has played in all that much, so we see a real opportunity,” Bath & Body Works CEO Daniel Heaf said in an interview with Reuters.
Bath & Body Works began selling products on Amazon in February, and the eCommerce platform is helping Bath & Body Works “bring new consumers to the brand,” Heaf said.
“Amazon is about convenience,” he said. “Ulta Beauty is about discovery, trial, and the physical experience. It gives the consumers a chance to see the brand, smell the fragrances and interact with the assortment.”
Added Ulta Beauty Chief Merchandising and Digital Officer Lauren Brindley, “We see a meaningful whitespace opportunity to better serve guests across high-quality home fragrance, hand soaps, lotions and body care, categories that beautifully complement our assortment.”
With this partnership, the companies are courting consumers who might be scrutinizing purchases more closely, but are still spending nonetheless, as PYMNTS wrote last week
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed retail and food services sales totaling $763.7 billion in May, up 0.9% from April and 6.9% compared to the same month in 2025.
Research by PYMNTS Intelligence shows that even as consumers cut back, there are some categories that remain off limits in terms of reduced spending, including personal care, cited by 56% of the people surveyed.
The company logo of the Space systems specialist OHB in Oberpfaffenhofen near Munich, southern Germany, April 18, 2016. REUTERS/Michael Dalder Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
June 22 (Reuters) - German satellite maker OHB (OHBG.DE), opens new tab said on Monday it was launching a share sale with KKR (KKR.N), opens new tab to bring in new investors and seek a higher valuation as interest in space stocks rises after Elon Musk's blockbuster SpaceX listing.
The combined offering would more than triple OHB's free float and imply a market value of 6.3 billion euros, positioning the company to capitalise on a surge in investor appetite for the sector.
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OHB said it will issue up to 1.7 million new shares at 300 euros each, raising up to 510.7 million euros. KKR-owned Orchid Lux HoldCo will sell up to 1.23 million existing shares, according to a bookrunner for the deal.
The global investment firm will trim its stake to around 20% from 28.6% and net up to 368 million euros, more than it paid for the entire stake in 2023.
The total deal size includes a greenshoe option and would increase OHB's free float to 19.2% from 5.7%, the bookrunner said.
The offer price was a 26% discount to OHB's closing price of 405.5 euros.
The Fuchs family, OHB's majority shareholder, waived its subscription rights but will not sell any shares.
SpaceX (SPCX.O), opens new tab surged past $2 trillion in its record-setting initial public offering on June 12, lifting investor appetite for space stocks. "Everyone is aiming for higher valuations after the SpaceX IPO," CEO Marco Fuchs told Reuters earlier this month.
Shares from KKR and most of the new stock will be placed with institutional investors through Wednesday, while existing shareholders can exercise subscription rights from June 25 to July 8.
($1 = 0.8728 euros)
Reporting by Gianluca Lo Nostro and Alexander Hübner; Editing by Joe Bavier and Matt Scuffham
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
The private credit market had been a boon for alternative investment firms. KKR (KKR 0.76%) and others raised billions of dollars from investors, which they then invested in private loans. However, the private credit sector has come under pressure over the past year due to high-profile bankruptcies and growing concerns that AI will disrupt software companies, leading to a surge in defaults.
That has investors on edge. They're flooding private credit fund sponsors with redemption requests, forcing these firms to restrict withdrawals. While the sector's growing issues are a concern for KKR, here's why the leading alternative investment manager appears to be in a strong position to weather this storm.
Image source: Getty Images.
Not all private credit is the same There are many misconceptions about private credit. The sector has grown over the last decade due to a combination of rising industry capital needs and traditional lenders pulling back amid rising regulations and capital requirements. This growing gap opened the door for alternative capital providers to underwrite loans for these borrowers.
At the core, private credit is simply a senior loan to asset owners and businesses in return for a prioritized, fixed-income return. The sector's issues all boil down to the lender. Some private credit lenders have looser underwriting standards, while others are stricter. Similarly, some lenders make loans based on a borrower's income, while others make only collateralized loans. A conservative lender making collateralized loans is taking on significantly less default risk than one making unsecured loans based on the borrower's current ability to repay.
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Built to mitigate risk KKR has been investing in private credit for more than 20 years. The global investment firm had $293 billion in credit assets under management (AUM) at the end of the first quarter. However, alternative credit is only $149 billion in its AUM, and direct lending is a mere $39 billion of that amount (which includes loans made by its public and private business development companies (BDCs)). As a result, private credit accounts for a fraction of its total AUM of $758 billion. Further, the company focuses on making lower-risk loans, including senior-secured, first-lien direct lending and collateralized ABF (Asset Backed Financing) loans. KKR has also been very disciplined in its underwriting and diversifies across industries (software is just 5% of its credit portfolio).
The global investment firm's strategy has yielded exceptional results. Every single one of its current vintage of funds is delivering returns that significantly exceed their respective benchmarks. That track record of success is attracting more capital to its funds, even as investors withdraw from other funds. KKR's CFO, Rob Lewin, noted on the first quarter conference call that it was one of its larger quarters for credit inflows, driven by its ABF business.
A compelling opportunity worth capitalizing on KKR's stock price has lost more than a third of its value over the past year due to concerns about private credit, even though it's a small yet sound part of the business. Meanwhile, KKR is more than an asset manager as it also has a leading insurance franchise (Global Atlantic) and a growing portfolio of strategic holdings. These businesses generated $4.6 billion of adjusted net income over the last 12 months, with only a small portion coming from direct lending. Given its low exposure to private credit (and high-quality operations), KKR's sell-off is a great buying opportunity.
Key Takeaways ARES is expanding across credit, real assets and secondaries, with a goal of $750B AUM by 2028.KKR is scaling across private equity, credit and insurance, targeting at least $1T AUM by 2030.ARES and KKR have raised earnings estimates, but rising expenses remain a near-term headwind for both. Ares Management Corporation (ARES - Free Report) and KKR & Co. Inc. (KKR - Free Report) are prominent alternative asset managers with diversified investment platforms across private equity, credit and real assets. ARES primarily focuses on alternative investment solutions spanning credit, private equity, real assets, secondaries and insurance-related strategies. In contrast, KKR operates a broader model that integrates alternative asset management with capital markets and insurance solutions. Both firms benefit from strong institutional relationships, wide-ranging investment capabilities and expanding sources of perpetual capital. However, differences in business mix, growth strategies and revenue drivers could shape their relative performance going forward.
The asset-management industry is navigating a shifting operating backdrop. Rising investments in technology and artificial intelligence are increasing cost pressures, while the rapid growth of ETFs, especially actively managed products, is intensifying competition. Additionally, concerns around private credit markets may weigh on near-term flows into select alternative investment strategies. Still, favorable market conditions and steady inflows continue to support AUM growth across the industry.
Against this backdrop, investors naturally ask: Which firm, ARES or KKR, is better positioned for long-term growth? To answer that, we need to examine their fundamentals more closely.
The Case for ARESAres Management has been strengthening its platform through strategic acquisitions and partnerships. In February 2026, the company acquired BlueCove Limited to strengthen its credit platform and partnered with Slate Asset Management to acquire a Polish retail real estate portfolio, expanding its European footprint. Earlier, the company acquired GCP International in 2025 to broaden its real assets platform. Together, these initiatives have diversified Ares Management's investment offerings, expanded its global footprint and strengthened its position across key alternative asset classes, supporting long-term growth prospects.
Supported by these strategic acquisitions and partnerships, Ares Management's AUM has witnessed consistent growth over the years. Strong fundraising activity through the wealth management channel, growing insurance-related assets, and continued demand for private credit, real assets and secondaries strategies have supported its AUM growth. Further, the company's expanding perpetual capital base and broad distribution network are expected to drive fundraising and deployment activity. With management targeting AUM of more than $750 billion by 2028, ARES appears well positioned to sustain growth over the long term.
Organic growth remains a key strength for Ares Management. Higher management and performance fees from a growing fee-paying asset base have continued to support revenue growth. The acquisition of GCP International has further enhanced the company's real assets and digital infrastructure capabilities, adding incremental management fee revenues. Management continues to target annual organic growth of 16-20% or more in fee-related earnings and more than 20% growth in realized income over the medium term. Going forward, continued expansion in private credit and real assets is expected to support revenue growth and earnings generation.
However, ARES' expense base has been rising due to higher compensation and benefits costs, ongoing investments in fundraising and platform expansion, and expenses associated with integrating acquired businesses. These factors are likely to keep costs elevated and could pressure near-term profitability.
The Case for KKRKKR has been expanding its platform through strategic acquisitions to enhance its investment capabilities and drive asset growth. In May 2026, the company acquired Arctos Partners, an investment firm managing approximately $16 billion in AUM, expanding its capabilities across sports investing, GP solutions and secondaries. Earlier, in July 2025, KKR acquired a majority stake in HealthCare Royalty Partners, adding nearly $3 billion to its AUM and expanding its healthcare-focused investment capabilities. These initiatives have supported KKR's efforts to scale its alternative investment platform, diversify revenue streams and accelerate AUM growth, positioning the company well for long-term expansion.
Building on these initiatives, KKR's AUM balance has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the strength of its diversified investment platform. The company's expanding presence across private equity, credit, infrastructure, real estate and insurance has supported AUM growth, while fundraising and capital deployment activity have remained healthy. Further, a growing perpetual capital base and continued expansion of investment capabilities are expected to support future asset growth. The Arctos acquisition is also expected to increase KKR's exposure to perpetual and long-dated capital and strengthen its wealth and institutional distribution capabilities. Management's goal of reaching at least $1 trillion in AUM by 2030 further underscores confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects.
Organic growth also remains a key strength for KKR. The company continues to benefit from the expansion of its traditional private equity and third-party businesses while adding capabilities across infrastructure, real estate, growth and core investing strategies. These efforts have increased deal activity and broadened KKR's revenue base over time. Continued expansion across these investment platforms is expected to support revenue growth and earnings generation over the long term.
Nevertheless, an elevated expense base remains a headwind for KKR. Higher commission, reinsurance and employee compensation expenses have increased costs, while continued fundraising activity is expected to drive higher placement fees. This could pressure the company's near-term earnings growth.
How Do Earnings Estimates Compare for ARES & KKR?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ARES’ 2026 and 2027 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 27.3% and 24.4%, respectively. Earnings estimates for 2026 have been revised upward, while for 2027, it has remained unchanged over the past month.
ARES Estimates Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KKR’s 2026 and 2027 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 24.6% and 23.5%, respectively. Earnings estimates for both years have been revised upward over the past month.
KKR Estimates Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ARES & KKR: Price Performance, Valuations & Other ComparisonsOver the past three months, ARES and KKR shares gained 20.8% and 6.8%, respectively, compared with the industry’s growth of 10.3%.
Price Performance Comparison
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, ARES is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 19.14X, while KKR is currently trading at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 15.7X. Both are trading at a premium compared with the industry average of 13.66X; however, KKR stock is cheaper than ARES.
Price-to-Earnings F12M
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Meanwhile, both Ares Management and KKR & Co reward their shareholders handsomely. In February 2026, ARES raised its quarterly dividend by 20.5% to $1.35 per share. It has a dividend yield of 4.2%. Similarly, KKR raised its annualized dividend by 5.4% to 78 cents per share in May 2026. It has a dividend yield of 0.8%.
Dividend Yield
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ARES or KKR: Which Stock Offers More Value?Ares Management and KKR & Co. both benefit from diversified alternative investment platforms, growing perpetual capital bases and healthy fundraising activity, supporting long-term AUM growth. Both companies are also expanding through acquisitions to strengthen their investment capabilities and broaden their market reach.
However, ARES appears to have a slight edge, supported by stronger earnings growth expectations and a significantly higher dividend yield. While KKR trades at a lower valuation and offers solid growth prospects, ARES provides a more compelling combination of growth and income.
Therefore, despite its premium valuation, Ares Management appears better positioned to deliver attractive long-term shareholder returns, making it the more favorable choice for investors seeking both growth and income.
ARES and KKR currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Platform’s inaugural project is Neyland Entertainment District, a transformative mixed-use district adjacent to the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Arctos, an investing business in KKR Solutions that seeks to partner with exceptional leaders in sports to help them grow and unlock their vision, today announced a strategic partnership with RVX Ventures (“RVX”), a real estate development platform specializing in mixed-use entertainment districts, and Magellan Development Group (“Magellan”), a national leader in urban mixed-use real estate, to launch a new platform targeting the rapidly growing sports-anchored development sector.
The platform’s inaugural project is Neyland Entertainment District, a new development spanning the Tennessee River waterfront adjacent to Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (the “University”). Structured as a public-private partnership with the University, the development will feature approximately 100,000 square feet of entertainment space alongside a 24-story hotel and residences, along with a private members club, designed to enhance the gameday experience while creating a year-round destination for the Knoxville community. Arctos is the majority equity investor and is participating as a general partner alongside a sponsor team led by RVX, Magellan and Dixon Greenwood.
“Neyland Stadium is an iconic venue in college sports, and we’re grateful to the University of Tennessee for their shared vision and collaboration in bringing this dynamic entertainment district to life,” said Chad Hutchinson, Partner at Arctos. “We see significant opportunity at the convergence of live sports and real estate, and we wanted to be more than a capital provider in this space. RVX and Magellan have the track records and the operational know-how to deliver on complex projects like this, and together we can define how sports-anchored districts are conceived, built and operated.”
Universities, professional sports organizations and municipalities are increasingly seeking to transform the areas surrounding their venues into year-round destinations. Delivering these districts at scale requires significant capital, large-scale development expertise, and hands-on experience programming and operating entertainment venues, capabilities this partnership is designed to bring together under a single platform.
“We believe sports-anchored entertainment districts represent one of the most compelling opportunities in experiential real estate today," said Taylor Gray, Principal of RVX Ventures. "With Arctos and Magellan as partners, we are building a platform with the expertise, relationships and capital needed to deliver transformative projects for universities, teams and communities across the country."
Neyland Entertainment District is the first project for what the partners intend to be a national platform pursuing opportunities across the collegiate and professional sports landscape. The partnership’s model spans sourcing, capitalization, development and operations, allowing the team to take projects from concept through execution under a single structure. While the platform will operate at a national scale, each project is designed to reflect the identity and priorities of the community it serves.
“This project will be one of the great sports-anchored destinations in the country. It has it all: a passionate fanbase, legendary venue and a university committed to doing something transformative,” said J.R. Berger, President of Magellan Development Group. “Magellan has spent three decades reshaping neighborhoods and creating places that endure, and we’re excited to bring those same principles to the sports and entertainment space alongside RVX and Arctos. Neyland Entertainment District will set a new standard for what development adjacent to major sports assets can look like.”
About Arctos
Arctos seeks to partner with exceptional leaders in sports and private markets to help them grow and unlock their vision. Founded in 2019 and acquired by KKR (NYSE: KKR) in 2026, Arctos is a part of KKR Solutions, a new global investing business at KKR, and serves as a catalyst for innovation, growth and business transformation across complex, illiquid and underserved markets.
Arctos is a team of business-builders, investors, operators and data scientists, which provides growth capital and liquidity solutions, differentiated thought partnership and purpose-built value creation capabilities. Its strategies include Arctos Sports, which partners with premium sports owners and franchises, and Arctos Keystone, which provides strategic capital solutions to leading alternative asset managers, real estate operators and investment managers, their funds and portfolio companies. Underpinning this approach is Arctos Insights, a proprietary quantitative research and data science platform, which supports Arctos’ investment process, market perspectives and partnership model. For more information, visit www.arctospartners.com or Arctos’ LinkedIn.
About RVX Ventures
RVX Ventures is a real estate development platform focused on mixed-use entertainment districts and design-forward urban multifamily projects in high-growth markets across the United States. The firm’s leadership team has played key roles in the development, ownership, operation, and activation of several nationally-recognized entertainment districts and mixed-use destinations around the country. Combining expertise across development, sports, entertainment, operations and hospitality, RVX creates destinations that drive long-term economic value and shape how people live, gather and connect. For more information, visit rvxventures.com.
About Magellan Development
Founded in 1996, Magellan Development Group is a national leader in urban mixed-use real estate — investing in, developing, and managing premier properties across the United States. Having delivered over $8 billion in total development value across residential, hotel, office, and retail projects, Magellan prides itself on being a builder of neighborhoods that transcend traditional single-asset development. Its portfolio includes some of the most recognized addresses in the country, from the landmark St. Regis Chicago, Thompson Austin, and W Nashville to the master-planned districts of Lakeshore East in Chicago and Union Square in Somerville, MA. For more information, visit magellandevelopment.com.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many 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 includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.
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.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
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.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
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 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 +24% 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.
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.
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: Murphy USA (MUSA - Free Report) Murphy USA Inc. is a leading independent retailer of motor fuel and convenience merchandise in the United States. The El Dorado, AR-based company, in its current form, came into existence following the 2013 spin-off of Murphy Oil Corporation’s downstream business into a separate, independent and publicly-traded entity.
MUSA is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Retail-Wholesale stock. MUSA has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 1.6% over the past four weeks.
Five analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $6.78 to $32.30 per share. MUSA boasts an average earnings surprise of +16.6%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, MUSA should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways MUSA's same-store nicotine contribution climbed 11.5%, outpacing non-nicotine growth.Murphy USA benefited from higher merchandise margins and resilient nicotine demand.MUSA's valuation and rising EPS estimates support its long-term outlook. Murphy USA's (MUSA - Free Report) merchandise business is increasingly being driven by one category, nicotine. While discretionary consumer spending remains under pressure, the company's nicotine offerings continue to generate strong sales and higher-margin profits, helping offset weakness in other in-store categories. Recent results indicate that nicotine has evolved beyond a traffic driver into one of Murphy USA's most significant earnings contributors.
During the first quarter, MUSA reported merchandise contribution of $210.2 million, up 7.3% year over year. On a same-store basis, merchandise contribution increased 4.9%, supported by both higher sales and expanding unit margins, which improved to 20.0% from 19.6% in the prior-year quarter. Nicotine remained the standout performer, with same-store contribution rising 11.5%, far exceeding the 2.7% growth recorded in non-nicotine merchandise. Management noted that nearly every merchandise metric benefited from nicotine's continued strength, while discretionary categories such as snacks and other non-essential products remained soft as consumers carefully managed household budgets.
Murphy USA's value-focused operating model has further reinforced this trend. Management highlighted that elevated fuel prices have attracted more value-conscious customers to its stores, creating additional opportunities for nicotine purchases. Unlike discretionary merchandise, nicotine products typically experience more stable demand regardless of broader economic conditions. As a result, the category continues to provide MUSA with a dependable source of inside-store profitability even as the retail environment remains cautious.
MUSA Stands Out Among PeersMUSA is not the only convenience retailer benefiting from nicotine demand, but the category appears to be contributing more meaningfully to the recent merchandise growth than it does for several competitors.
Casey's General Stores (CASY - Free Report) has expanded its assortment of cigarettes, modern oral nicotine products and other tobacco offerings. However, Casey's still relies heavily on prepared food and beverages as its primary engine for inside-store sales growth. While nicotine remains an important category, the company's long-term strategy is centered on foodservice expansion, resulting in a more diversified merchandise mix.
ARKO Corp. (ARKO - Free Report) also generates a portion of its in-store sales from tobacco and nicotine products. Similar to MUSA, ARKO serves value-oriented consumers and views tobacco as an important traffic driver. At the same time, the company has been investing in foodservice, loyalty programs and private-label products to reduce its dependence on traditional tobacco categories. Compared with ARKO, MUSA's latest results suggest nicotine remains a more immediate catalyst for merchandise margin expansion, supported by robust demand for modern nicotine products and its everyday low-price strategy.
Although Casey's and ARKO both recognize nicotine as an important merchandise category, MUSA currently appears to be extracting greater earnings leverage from the segment, helping offset softer discretionary spending while supporting stronger merchandise contribution growth.
Valuation and Earnings Outlook Remain FavorableMUSA's long-term outlook remains supported by resilient nicotine demand, continued retail expansion and disciplined execution. While non-nicotine discretionary categories could recover as consumer spending improves, nicotine currently provides the company with a stable source of higher-margin merchandise contribution and strengthens earnings resilience.
The stock also appears attractively valued relative to its growth prospects. MUSA trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.84, well below Casey's 39.59 and ARKO's 22.11.
Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchAnalysts have also become increasingly optimistic about the company's earnings trajectory, raising 2026 EPS estimates by 26.57% and 2027 estimates by 7.35% over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a stock performance perspective, MUSA has delivered solid returns but has trailed some peers. Over the past six months, ARKO’s shares have surged 60.9%, outperforming Casey's and MUSA, which gained 46.7% and 35.5%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Murphy USA's combination of attractive valuation, strong earnings momentum and nicotine-driven merchandise growth supports its favorable long-term outlook. MUSA currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
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.
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 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.
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, 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.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +24% 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.
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.
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.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) H&R Block Inc. is a leading provider of tax preparation services. The company provides assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself (DIY) tax solutions, and other products and services associated with income tax return preparation in the United States, Canada, and Australia. All these continuing operations are reported under a single segment.
HRB 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 6.64; 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 $0.20 to $5.18 per share. HRB boasts an average earnings surprise of +1.8%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, HRB should be on investors' short list.
ASTS has secured partnerships with roughly 60 MNOs, providing access to nearly 3 billion potential subscribers globally. Management targets $1 billion in revenue by 2027, supported by $1.2 billion of minimum contractual commitments. The company ended Q1 with $3.5 billion in liquidity, enough funding to deploy more than 100 satellites.
ASTS accelerates satellite launches, targeting 45 BlueBirds in orbit by year-end while leveraging the strong $3.5B cash position to fund over 100 satellites. With $1.2B in contracted revenue and major global operator partnerships, the management confidently guides for recurring revenues approaching $1B in FY2027. Despite the near-term cash burn and dilution risks, ASTS' high growth commercialization prospects are compelling indeed, aided by the potential breakthrough of SPCX's current monopoly.
-Grant Supports Health Economic Research Comparing In-House versus Send-Out dd-cfDNA Testing in Kidney Transplantation-
NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Insight Molecular Diagnostics Inc., (Nasdaq: IMDX), (iMDx), and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS) today announced the selection of Kenneth Andreoni, MD, Surgical Director of Kidney Transplantation at Thomas Jefferson University, and Kenneth Chavin, MD, MBA, PhD, FACS, of Temple Health, as the recipients of the ASTS-iMDx Research Grant for Understanding the Health Economics of In-House versus Send-Out of donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) testing. The pursuit of this research is timely as the transplant community increasingly considers adopting in-house dd-cfDNA testing, and rigorous economic and outcomes data is essential to guide transplant programs in making informed decisions about their laboratory infrastructure and assay selection.
The $100,000 grant will be administered through ASTS and funded by iMDx. This health econometric research will compare the costs, clinical impact, and operational implications of in-house diagnostic testing versus send-out centralized laboratory testing. The results of this independent econometric study will generate important information to support future commercialization planning for GraftAssureDx™, which is currently under FDA review.
About the ASTS-iMDx Health Economics Research Grant Recipients
Dr. Andreoni serves as Surgical Director of Kidney Transplantation at Thomas Jefferson University and brings deep clinical and administrative expertise to the evaluation of transplant program operations and diagnostic testing strategies. Dr. Chavin holds appointments at Temple Health and has a unique interdisciplinary perspective informed by his combined training in medicine, business, and science. Together, the grant recipients offer complementary experience in transplant surgery, health systems management, and clinical research that positions this project to generate meaningful and actionable insights for the transplant field.
"We are very pleased to announce Drs. Andreoni and Chavin as the recipients of this grant," said iMDx CEO Josh Riggs. "Both physicians have outstanding experience and credibility in the field of transplantation, and we are confident that their research will advance the community's understanding of the real-world economics of in-house diagnostics. We are also grateful for the opportunity to partner with the American Society of Transplant Surgeons on this important program. As more transplant centers explore in-house dd-cfDNA testing, having rigorous health economic data will be critical to helping programs evaluate their options and plan accordingly."
"The question of whether to perform dd-cfDNA testing in-house or through a centralized laboratory is one that many transplant programs are actively grappling with," said Dr. Kenneth Chavin of Temple Health. "This grant gives us the opportunity to develop a rigorous economic model that will help transplant centers think through the true costs and benefits of each approach. We look forward to producing research that can serve as a practical resource for the community."
"In-house testing has the potential to meaningfully improve turnaround times and, ultimately, patient care," said Dr. Kenneth Andreoni, Surgical Director of Kidney Transplantation at Thomas Jefferson University. "But making the case for that investment requires data. We are excited to conduct this research in partnership with ASTS and iMDx and to contribute evidence that transplant programs can use as they evaluate their diagnostic testing strategies."
ASTS and iMDx established the grant to support research that compares the total cost of care, return on investment, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiency associated with in-house versus send-out transplant testing. Proposed studies are encouraged to utilize advanced econometric modeling such as Markov models, decision-tree analysis, or instrumental variable approaches.
iMDx Transplant Products and Product Candidates in Development
iMDx's flagship GraftAssure™ technology quantifies dd-cfDNA, a molecular biomarker of kidney transplant rejection that has been validated in peer-reviewed studies across leading academic transplant centers around the world. The Company’s scientists in Germany and the U.S. have played a critical role over the past decade in developing the science that helped establish dd-cfDNA as a trusted biomarker of transplant rejection. Under the GraftAssure™ brand, iMDx’s transplant diagnostics include the following:
GraftAssureCore – The company’s laboratory-developed test (LDT), currently reimbursed by CMS and performed at iMDx’s CLIA-certified laboratory in Franklin, Tenn.GraftAssureIQ – A research-use-only (RUO) kit intended and labeled for non-clinical applications.GraftAssureDx – iMDx has submitted GraftAssureDx™, a kitted in vitro diagnostic for clinical decision-making, to the FDA for regulatory review under the Class II de novo pathway.
About Insight Molecular Diagnostics, Inc.
Insight Molecular Diagnostics is a pioneering diagnostics technology company whose mission is to democratize access to novel molecular diagnostic testing to improve patient outcomes. Investors may visit https://investors.imdxinc.com/ for more information.
GraftAssureCore™, GraftAssureIQ™, GraftAssureDx™, GraftAssure™, and iMDx™ are trademarks of Insight Molecular Diagnostics, Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates," "may," and similar expressions) are forward-looking statements. These statements include those pertaining to, among other things, the expected outcomes and findings of the ASTS-iMDx grant research, the company's plans to deliver GraftAssureDx as an industry-leading molecular diagnostic kit for clinical use, the FDA's review of iMDx's submission of GraftAssureDx, and other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of diagnostic tests or products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, the capacity of Insight Molecular Diagnostics' third-party supplied blood sample analytic system to provide consistent and precise analytic results on a commercial scale, potential interruptions to supply chains, the need and ability to obtain future capital, maintenance of intellectual property rights in all applicable jurisdictions, obligations to third parties with respect to licensed or acquired technology and products, the need to obtain third party reimbursement for patients' use of any diagnostic tests Insight Molecular Diagnostics or its subsidiaries commercialize in applicable jurisdictions, and risks inherent in strategic transactions. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and accordingly such statements should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of Insight Molecular Diagnostics, particularly those mentioned in the "Risk Factors" and other cautionary statements found in Insight Molecular Diagnostics' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, which are available from the SEC's website. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made. Insight Molecular Diagnostics undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law.
FDA
CAUTION: This press release concerns certain products that are under clinical investigation, and which have not yet been cleared or authorized for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are currently limited by federal law to investigational use, and no representation is made as to the safety or effectiveness of these products for the purposes for which they are being investigated.
Investor Contact
Douglas Farrell
LifeSci Advisors LLC [email protected]
SummaryAST SpaceMobile offers a compelling growth opportunity in the emerging direct-to-cell satellite telecommunications sector.ASTS's technical edge lies in delivering up to 200 Mbps to mobile devices, surpassing current Starlink Mobile capabilities.Despite significant near-term losses and high capital expenditures, ASTS’s commercial agreements expose it to a potential market of nearly 3 billion users, supporting its long-term monetization thesis.ASTS is a high-risk, high-reward investment, with execution, financing, and regulatory risks, but its smaller scale and specialization offer greater upside potential. Getty Images
My recent investment in AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), which I discussed in my last article about the effects of inflation on the stock market, led me to analyze the aerospace sector in its telecommunications division. I found that
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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ASTS 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.
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $73.19, demonstrating a -9.26% change from the preceding day's closing price. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 0.37%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.29%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 1.33%.
Prior to today's trading, shares of the company had lost 23.81% lagged the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 4.52% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.02%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of AST SpaceMobile, Inc. in its upcoming release. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be -$0.28, reflecting a 31.71% increase from the same quarter last year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $34.32 million, reflecting a 2858.28% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.
Looking at the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of -$1.47 per share and revenue of $164.76 million. These totals would mark changes of -9.7% and +132.32%, respectively, from last year.
Any recent changes to analyst estimates for AST SpaceMobile, Inc. should also be noted by investors. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.
Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged. Right now, AST SpaceMobile, Inc. possesses a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell).
The Wireless Equipment industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 215, this industry ranks in the bottom 12% of all industries, numbering over 250.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.
BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 will launch into low Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida
The mission continues the momentum established by the successful June 2026 launch of BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10, which are already operating in orbit
MIDLAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (“AST SpaceMobile”) (NASDAQ: ASTS), the company building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by everyday smartphones, designed for both commercial and government applications, today announced that BlueBird satellites 11, 12, and 13 are targeted to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida in the first half of August.
The mission will carry the next batch of next-generation satellites to low Earth orbit, further expanding the company's space-based cellular broadband network designed to provide voice, data, video, directly to standard, unmodified smartphones everywhere.
“With each successful launch, we move closer to our goal of making space-based cellular broadband accessible wherever people live, work, and travel," said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile. “BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 build on the momentum of our recent constellation and represent another important milestone as we prepare for commercial service. The progression from BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 to this next mission, together with the continued production and assembly of satellites through BlueBird 37, reflects the strength of our manufacturing capabilities and our ability to steadily expand the network while we work to connect the unconnected and under-connected around the world."
BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 feature commercial communications arrays measuring approximately 2,400 square feet, matching the scale of the BlueBird satellites currently operating in orbit. These next-generation satellites are expected to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds of AST SpaceMobile's initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which recently achieved peak download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones.
The satellites leverage AST SpaceMobile's next-generation stackable satellite architecture, including advanced composite carbon structures designed to support efficient multi-satellite launches and accelerated constellation deployment. Combined with the company's multi-provider launch strategy, the architecture is designed to provide flexibility in deploying AST SpaceMobile's global constellation.
AST SpaceMobile has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators globally with over 3 billion subscribers combined and strategic partnerships with AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.
The exact timing of orbital launches is subject to change based on a number of factors, including launch readiness of the launch provider, weather conditions, and other factors, many of which are beyond the company’s control.
About AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile is building the first and only global cellular broadband network in space to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices based on our extensive IP and patent portfolio, and designed for both commercial and government applications. Our engineers and space scientists are on a mission to enable 4G and 5G space-based cellular broadband to every device, everywhere, for today’s nearly 6 billion mobile subscribers globally. For more information, follow AST SpaceMobile on YouTube, X (Formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and Facebook. Watch this video for an overview of the SpaceMobile mission.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” that are not historical facts, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results of AST SpaceMobile to differ materially from those expected and projected. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential,” “projects,” “predicts,” “continue,” or “should,” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside AST SpaceMobile’s control and are difficult to predict.
Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) expectations regarding AST SpaceMobile’s strategies and future financial performance, including AST’s future business plans or objectives, expected functionality of the SpaceMobile Service, anticipated timing of the launch of the Block 2 BlueBird satellites, anticipated demand and acceptance of mobile satellite services, prospective performance and commercial opportunities and competitors, the timing of obtaining regulatory approvals, ability to finance its research and development activities, commercial partnership acquisition and retention, products and services, pricing, marketing plans, operating expenses, market trends, revenues, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and AST SpaceMobile’s ability to invest in growth initiatives; (ii) the negotiation of definitive agreements with mobile network operators relating to the SpaceMobile Service that would supersede preliminary agreements and memoranda of understanding and the ability to enter into commercial agreements with other parties or government entities; (iii) the ability of AST SpaceMobile to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees and AST SpaceMobile’s responses to actions of its competitors and its ability to effectively compete; (iv) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (v) the possibility that AST SpaceMobile may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (vi) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against AST SpaceMobile; and (vii) other risks and uncertainties indicated in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including those in the Risk Factors section of AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2026, its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 filed with the SEC on May 11, 2026 and the future reports that it may file from time to time with the SEC.
AST SpaceMobile cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. AST SpaceMobile cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. For information identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, please refer to the Risk Factors in AST SpaceMobile’s Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 2, 2026, its Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2026 filed with the SEC on May 11, 2026 and the future reports that it may file from time to time with the SEC. AST SpaceMobile’s securities filings can be accessed on the EDGAR section of the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Except as expressly required by applicable securities law, AST SpaceMobile disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS) is the only public company beaming 4G and 5G directly to unmodified smartphones from low Earth orbit. CEO Abel Avellan calls it “the only technology positioned to capture the massive direct to device broadband opportunity in full.”
Shares are up just 11.06% year to date despite a constellation buildout that should reach approximately 45 satellites in orbit by year-end 2026. Can ASTS reclaim $100 by January 2027?
What’s Holding AST SpaceMobile Back The stock has stalled. ASTS fell 17.32% in the past week and is down 8.44% over the last month, retreating from a January 2026 peak of $115.77. Q1 2026 revenue of $14.73M missed expectations by 59.72%, and net loss widened with $88.65M in induced conversion expense on convertible notes.
Insiders have been sellers. The CFO unloaded 45,809 shares at $93.81 on June 12, and the president sold 25,904 shares at $126.64 in late May. With a beta of 2.634, ASTS moves violently. Right now it is moving down.
Wall Street Is Cautious. The Setup May Be Underestimated The consensus target sits at $81.47, pinned to today’s price. Analyst ratings split 2 Buy, 7 Hold, and 2 Strong Sell, with only 18% bullish sentiment.
Our base case sees $91.65 within a year (13.63% upside), with a bull case at $108.33. Confidence is moderate at 0.5. The hold-heavy consensus anchors to trailing financials while 2026 guidance steps up to $150M-$200M, backed by over $1.2 billion in aggregate contracted revenue commitments. That step function analysts tend to update slowly.
The Path to $100 Reaching $100 from today’s price of $80.66 requires a meaningful gain. That sits inside the one-year bull case.
Forward EPS is -$1.89, so $100 implies a forward multiple that is not meaningful. ASTS trades on constellation milestones and revenue ramp. The bull case rests on three catalysts: the mid-June launch of BlueBird 8, 9, and 10, the path to 45 satellites in orbit by year-end, and Block 2 satellites that are expected to nearly double the 98.9 Mbps peak data speeds already achieved.
Avellan framed it plainly: “AST SpaceMobile is accelerating manufacturing, regulatory progress, commercial partnerships, and government programs.”
With $3.03B in cash and nearly 60 global MNO partners covering more than 3 billion subscribers, the funding gap has narrowed. The primary risk is execution: any launch slip or MNO conversion failure reprices the story fast.
Valuation Today Price-to-sales sits at 368.59, which only makes sense if the $150M-$200M 2026 revenue guide is the floor. Shares sit 39% below the 52-week high of $133.86 and well above the $36.08 low. The five-year return of 666.73% reflects how quickly this stock rerates on constellation news.
Is $100 Realistic? The bold target is $100, requiring a gain of $100.11 on January 21, 2027.
Three things must go right: mid-June BlueBird launches must hit orbit on schedule, 2026 revenue must track to the upper half of $150M to $200M, and at least one large MNO MOU must convert to a definitive agreement. Launch failure or further dilutive financing derails it. Returns at this level shouldn’t be expected every year, but the blueprint for reaching $100 in 2027 is clear.
AST SpaceMobile ASTS shares rose more than 4% on Tuesday after the company outlined the launch timeline for its next batch of BlueBird satellites and disclosed plans to expand into Japan through a joint venture with Rakuten Group.
The stock's gains came after recent weakness across the space sector, which has been under pressure following the initial public offering of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX).
Tuesday's move put AST SpaceMobile shares on track to reverse a two-session decline.
The company is continuing to expand its space-based cellular broadband network, which is designed to provide direct connectivity to standard smartphones without requiring specialized hardware.
AST SpaceMobile said its BlueBird 11, 12, and 13 satellites are targeted for launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, during the first half of August.
The satellites will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket into low Earth orbit and follow the successful deployment of BlueBirds 8, 9, and 10 last week.
According to the company, the new satellites are expected to deliver nearly double the peak data speeds achieved by the initial Block 1 BlueBird satellites, which recently recorded download speeds of 98.9 Mbps directly to standard smartphones.
BlueBirds 11, 12, and 13 feature commercial communications arrays measuring approximately 2,400 square feet and utilize the company's stackable satellite architecture, including advanced composite carbon structures designed to support multi-satellite launches.
"With each successful launch, we move closer to our goal of making space-based cellular broadband accessible wherever people live, work, and travel," said Scott Wisniewski, President of AST SpaceMobile.
The company said it is currently producing and assembling satellites through BlueBird 37.
The exact launch schedule remains subject to factors including launch provider readiness, weather conditions, and other variables outside the company's control.
Separately, a Nikkei report said Rakuten Group plans to form a joint venture with AST SpaceMobile in Japan this year to manage satellite operations and provide direct-to-smartphone connectivity services.
Under the proposed arrangement, the joint venture will purchase and operate satellites, enabling Rakuten to compete with Japanese telecommunications carriers already offering satellite-based services. The size of the planned investment was not disclosed.
The partnership would add to AST SpaceMobile's existing strategic relationships, which include AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, Rakuten, Google, Bell, Telus, stc Group, and American Tower.
The company said it has agreements with nearly 60 mobile network operators worldwide representing more than 3 billion subscribers combined.
In a separate development, a regulatory filing on Monday revealed that AA Gables 2 has proposed selling 2.5 million shares of AST SpaceMobile Class A common stock.
The proposed sale represents a market value of approximately $183 million.
AST SpaceMobile founder, chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Abel Avellan serves as the sole member and managing member of AA Gables 2.
Despite the proposed share sale, investors focused on the company's operational progress and expanding international opportunities as AST SpaceMobile advances its efforts to build a global space-based cellular broadband network.
Nu Holdings (NU +0.24%) is one of the world's fastest-growing fintech companies. It owns NuBank, the largest digital-only bank in Latin America. By streamlining its digital services and offering a fee-free credit card, it expanded much faster than its brick-and-mortar competitors. It also expanded its ecosystem with more loans, e-commerce services, and crypto trading tools.
From 2021 to 2025, Nu's year-end customer base grew from 54 million to 131 million, its activity rate (active customers divided by total customers) expanded from 76% to 83%, and its monthly average revenue per customer (ARPAC) more than tripled from $4.50 to $15. Even as it added customers at that blistering pace, its average cost per active customer held steady.
Image source: Getty Images
In the first quarter of 2026, Nu's total customers rose to 135 million, its activity rate held steady at 83%, and its monthly average revenue per customer grew to $16.
Those growth rates were incredible, yet Nu's stock has still declined about 25% this year and trades at just 12 times next year's earnings. Is it an undervalued growth play in this frothy market?
Why did Nu's stock decline? From 2021 to 2025, Nu's revenue grew at a 75% CAGR. It turned profitable in 2023, and its EPS nearly doubled in 2024 and rose 45% in 2025. From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect its revenue and EPS to grow at CAGRs of 31% and 35%, respectively.
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Those growth rates are impressive, but three issues are compressing its valuations. First, it's expanding more aggressively into Mexico and Colombia to reduce its dependence on its core Brazilian market.
That expansion increased its credit risks, since both markets require higher funding costs and credit loss allowances than Brazil. Nu's expansion of its lower-margin secured lending and payroll-backed loan businesses exacerbated that pressure.
Second, Nu earns most of its revenue in Brazilian Reais, Mexican Pesos, and Colombian Pesos but reports its earnings in U.S. dollars. As a result, it faces persistent headwinds from a strong U.S. dollar -- which will only become stronger if the Fed raises its rates this year. Lastly, the market still values Nu like a conventional bank rather than a high-growth fintech company.
Is Nu's stock a screaming bargain? I believe Nu's stock is a bargain at these levels. It's in the process of securing full bank charters in Mexico and a conditional approval in the U.S. to reduce its funding costs and expand its reach. It also recently launched a new $1.0 billion buyback program.
It won't bounce back anytime soon, but it could attract a lot more attention once its Mexican and Colombian markets mature, the dollar weakens, and investors value it as a growth play again.
Nu Holdings Ltd. (NU - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $12.59, moving -1.56% from the previous trading session. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 1.44%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw a downswing of 0.09%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 2.22%.
Coming into today, shares of the company had gained 0.47% in the past month. In that same time, the Finance sector gained 3.16%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.08%.
The upcoming earnings release of Nu Holdings Ltd. will be of great interest to investors. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $0.2, showcasing a 42.86% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $5.36 billion, up 46.06% from the prior-year quarter.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $0.83 per share and a revenue of $21.89 billion, demonstrating changes of +33.87% and +38.76%, respectively, from the preceding year.
It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for Nu Holdings Ltd. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.
Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. We developed the Zacks Rank to capitalize on this phenomenon. Our system takes these estimate changes into account and delivers a clear, actionable rating model.
The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 0.48% fall in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Nu Holdings Ltd. presently features a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
Digging into valuation, Nu Holdings Ltd. currently has a Forward P/E ratio of 15.34. This denotes a premium relative to the industry average Forward P/E of 11.65.
Investors should also note that NU has a PEG ratio of 0.51 right now. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. As of the close of trade yesterday, the Banks - Foreign industry held an average PEG ratio of 0.85.
The Banks - Foreign industry is part of the Finance sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 98, placing it within the top 41% of over 250 industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.
Key Takeaways 10x Genomics is collaborating with the Cleveland Clinic on bladder cancer diagnostic applications.The study will use Flex Apex and Xenium to find biomarkers tied to treatment response.The partnership could expand 10x Genomics' role in precision oncology and diagnostics. 10x Genomics (TXG - Free Report) recently entered into a multi-year research collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic to advance novel diagnostic applications for bladder cancer. The study will use the company's Flex Apex and Xenium platforms, with potential expansion to Atera, to identify biomarkers that may predict patient response to antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapies.
From an investor's perspective, the collaboration marks another step in 10x Genomics' strategy to expand its technologies into clinical and diagnostic applications. The partnership could strengthen the company's position in precision oncology, broaden the use cases for its single-cell and spatial platforms and create long-term growth opportunities in cancer diagnostics.
Likely Trend of TXG Stock Following the NewsShares of TXG have traded flat since the announcement on Wednesday. In the year-to-date period, shares of the company surged 113.1% against the industry’s 20.1% decline. The S&P 500 increased 8.5% in the same time frame.
The collaboration with Cleveland Clinic is likely to strengthen 10x Genomics' long-term growth prospects by generating clinical evidence for the use of its single-cell and spatial technologies in precision oncology. Successful identification of predictive biomarkers could accelerate the adoption of Flex Apex, Xenium and Atera in translational research and future diagnostic applications, expand the company's presence in the high-growth oncology diagnostics market and create new revenue opportunities beyond its core research business.
TXG currently has a market capitalization of $4.08 billion.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
More on the NewsUnder the multi-year collaboration, 10x Genomics and the Cleveland Clinic are likely to initially analyze tumor samples from patients with advanced bladder cancer undergoing emerging therapeutic regimens. The study is likely to leverage TXG's Flex Apex and Xenium platforms and could later expand to the recently launched Atera platform. The partners aim to identify clinically relevant biomarkers that may predict patient responses to antibody-drug conjugates and immunotherapies, paving the way for future diagnostic development across multiple tumor types.
The research is likely to integrate single-cell transcriptomic profiling with spatial gene expression and protein measurements to generate a comprehensive view of tumor biology and the tumor microenvironment. Investigators are likely to assess tumor microenvironment composition, immune cell infiltration and the expression of therapeutic targets to better understand mechanisms underlying treatment response and resistance.
The collaboration is expected to generate a rich multimodal dataset linking molecular insights with clinical outcomes, supporting the development of next-generation precision oncology diagnostics and advancing the scientific understanding of bladder cancer.
Favorable Industry Prospect for TXGPer a report by Precedence Research, the global bladder cancer therapeutics diagnostics market size accounted for $5.68 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from $6.01 billion in 2026 to approximately $10.04 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.86%.
The bladder cancer diagnostics market is expanding rapidly, driven by the rising prevalence and awareness of the disease, alongside advances in precision medicine, personalized treatment approaches and non-invasive diagnostic technologies.
A Recent Development by TXGRecently, 10x Genomics announced the acquisition of Proteintech Genomics, a division within Proteintech Group that develops high-plex proteomic solutions for single-cell and spatial biology applications. The move expands TXG's capabilities in proteomics and supports its broader strategy of advancing multiomics research through integrated RNA and protein analysis.
Proteintech Genomics brings technologies, including the Human Discovery Panel, an antibody-based single-cell protein panel compatible with 10x Genomics' Flex chemistry workflows.
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are Globus Medical (GMED - Free Report) , West Pharmaceutical (WST - Free Report) and Intuitive Surgical (ISRG - Free Report) .
Globus Medical, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reported a first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.12 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 22.1%. Revenues of $759.9 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.0%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
GMED has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 10.2% compared with the industry’s 12.6% growth. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 26.3%.
West Pharmaceutical, currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1, reported first-quarter 2026 EPS of $2.13, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 26.8%. Revenues of $844.9 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.5%.
WST has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 13.9% compared with the industry’s 9.5% growth. The company’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 19.4%.
Intuitive Surgical, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $2.50, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 20.2%. Revenues of $2.77 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.2%.
ISRG has a long-term estimated growth rate of 14.6% compared with the industry’s 12.6% growth. The company’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 16.8%.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Record Currency Management Ltd (RCM), subsidiary of London-listed Record plc (Record Financial Group), is pleased to announce its participation in an innovative local currency bond transaction issued by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), supporting the development of Mongolia's capital markets while providing institutional investors with access to attractive frontier market opportunities.
RCM is the UK currency management arm of Record Financial Group, the London-listed specialist investment group managing USD 115 billion of assets on behalf of institutional clients worldwide. Record's client base comprises pension funds, foundations, sovereign institutions and other asset managers, with whom the Group has built long-standing relationships through its focus on bespoke investment and risk management solutions. Headquartered in London, Record has offices in Hamburg, Zurich, Zug, New York, and Hong Kong.
The investment forms part of Record Financial Group's broader strategy of expanding its specialist capabilities in emerging and frontier markets, building on the Group's longstanding expertise in currency management and institutional investing. This allocation coincides with the fifth anniversary of Record’s flagship EM Sustainable Finance Fund (EMSF) launched in 2021 and now with c. $1 billion in assets.
The transaction involves a 4-year EBRD Fixed Rate Note linked to Mongolian Tugrik (MNT), with proceeds supporting local currency financing initiatives designed to promote sustainable economic development and strengthen Mongolia's financial markets. EMSF’s investment contributed towards a total of USD 20 million under the EBRD’s Global Medium Term Note Programme at a fixed rate of 9.75%.
The EBRD has been an active investor in Mongolia since 2006, supporting the country's transition towards a more diversified and resilient economy. Its activities span infrastructure, renewable energy, agribusiness, financial institutions and corporate development, with a particular focus on strengthening local capital markets and expanding access to finance.
For institutional investors, local currency financing plays an important role in supporting sustainable economic growth by reducing currency mismatches for borrowers and helping to develop domestic financial markets. By providing funding in local currency, investments can reduce exchange rate risks for businesses and financial institutions while contributing to greater financial stability and economic resilience.
Record's participation reflects the Group's commitment to developing specialist investment solutions in emerging and frontier markets where deep market expertise and institutional investment disciplines can create attractive long-term opportunities for clients.
Commenting on the investment, Dr Othman Boukrami, CEO at Record Currency Management, said:
"Frontier and emerging markets remain an important area of strategic focus for Record. Our experience in currency and sovereign markets gives us a strong foundation for identifying innovative investment opportunities that combine attractive institutional characteristics with positive economic outcomes. We are pleased to participate in this EBRD-backed transaction, which supports the development of Mongolia's capital markets while providing investors with exposure to a differentiated frontier market opportunity."
Isabelle Laurent, Deputy Treasurer and Head of Funding at EBRD, commented:
" We greatly appreciate the successful collaboration we have been pleased to enjoy with Record since the establishment of the fund, and the recognition of the importance of local currency lending to the sustainability of our clients’ projects, especially where they are not exporters. We have undertaken transactions in many currencies over the last five years, including, most recently, for key projects in Mongolia."
The investment complements Record's growing private markets and frontier market capabilities, which span specialist currency strategies, emerging market debt, investments in real assets, and private equity and credit. Together, these activities reflect the Group's strategy of providing institutional investors with differentiated opportunities in markets where specialist expertise and long-term partnerships can create sustainable value.
Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF - Free Report) closed at $11.89 in the latest trading session, marking a -3.18% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.37%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.29%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 1.33%.
The stock of mining company has risen by 9.35% in the past month, leading the Basic Materials sector's gain of 3.31% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.02%.
Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Cleveland-Cliffs in its upcoming earnings disclosure. In that report, analysts expect Cleveland-Cliffs to post earnings of -$0.13 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 74%. Simultaneously, our latest consensus estimate expects the revenue to be $5.21 billion, showing a 5.57% escalation compared to the year-ago quarter.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$0.39 per share and a revenue of $20.44 billion, signifying shifts of +84.27% and +9.85%, respectively, from the last year.
It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Cleveland-Cliffs. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.
Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 13.79% higher within the past month. As of now, Cleveland-Cliffs holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
The Steel - Producers industry is part of the Basic Materials sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 40, putting it in the top 17% of all 250+ industries.
The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Be sure to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and many more, on Zacks.com.
In the latest close session, Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF - Free Report) was down 6.14% at $11.16. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.44%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 0.09%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 2.22%.
Heading into today, shares of the mining company had gained 5.88% over the past month, outpacing the Basic Materials sector's loss of 0.5% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.08%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Cleveland-Cliffs in its upcoming release. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be -$0.17, reflecting a 66% increase from the same quarter last year. Simultaneously, our latest consensus estimate expects the revenue to be $5.21 billion, showing a 5.57% escalation compared to the year-ago quarter.
CLF's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of -$0.41 per share and revenue of $20.44 billion. These results would represent year-over-year changes of +83.47% and +9.85%, respectively.
Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Cleveland-Cliffs. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the business and profitability.
Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 15.23% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Right now, Cleveland-Cliffs possesses a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
The Steel - Producers industry is part of the Basic Materials sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 38, positioning it in the top 16% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: LEVI) will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results for the second quarter ended May 31, 2026. The call will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. Pacific Time / 5 p.m. Eastern Time, and will be hosted by Michelle Gass, president and chief executive officer, and Harmit Singh, chief financial and growth officer.
To access the conference call, please pre-register using this link. Registrants will receive an email confirmation with dial-in details.
A live webcast of the event can be accessed using this link. A replay of the webcast will be available on http://investors.levistrauss.com starting approximately two hours after the event and archived on the site for one quarter.
To access the company’s related press release on July 8, 2026, please visit http://investors.levistrauss.com.
About Levi Strauss & Co.
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is one of the world's largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi's®, Levi Strauss Signature™, and Beyond Yoga® brands. Its products are sold in approximately 120 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,300 retail stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.'s reported 2025 net revenues were $6.3 billion. For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com, and for financial news and announcements go to http://investors.levistrauss.com.
Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE: LEVI) will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results for the second quarter ended May 31, 2026. The call will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. Pacific Time / 5 p.m. Eastern Time, and will be hosted by Michelle Gass, president and chief executive officer, and Harmit Singh, chief financial and growth officer.
To access the conference call, please pre-register using this link. Registrants will receive an email confirmation with dial-in details.
A live webcast of the event can be accessed using this link. A replay of the webcast will be available on http://investors.levistrauss.com starting approximately two hours after the event and archived on the site for one quarter.
To access the company’s related press release on July 8, 2026, please visit http://investors.levistrauss.com.
About Levi Strauss & Co.
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is one of the world's largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi's®, Levi Strauss Signature™, and Beyond Yoga®brands. Its products are sold in approximately 120 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,300 retail stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.'s reported 2025 net revenues were $6.3 billion. For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com, and for financial news and announcements go to http://investors.levistrauss.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260624395064/en/
Innoviz sees an over 150,000 LiDAR unit opportunity in this program. Mobileye's initial fleet is targeted for deployment in 2027, scaling to 17,000 vehicles over the following 5 years
, /PRNewswire/ -- Innoviz Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: INVZ), a leading supplier of high-performance, automotive-grade LiDAR sensors, today highlighted its role as a LiDAR supplier for Mobileye Drive™, following the announcement by Mobileye (NASDAQ: MBLY) that it will establish a vertically integrated robotaxi business, targeting launch in a U.S. city in 2027.
Mobileye Drive™ is a standalone self-driving system that enables mobility service providers and vehicle manufacturers to make robotaxis, ride-pooling, public transport, and goods delivery fully autonomous. Innoviz LiDARs are integrated into the platform alongside Mobileye's imaging radars and high-resolution cameras, providing the 3D sensing layer that enables safe and reliable operation across complex urban environments. The Mobileye Drive™ configuration integrates a suite of nine InnovizTwo Long-Range and Short-to-Mid-Range LiDARs per vehicle, delivering comprehensive 360-degree coverage.
Under the new initiative, Mobileye will operate its own autonomous ride-hailing service, combining Mobileye Drive™ with its Moovit subsidiary's mobility platform, fleet management, and teleoperation infrastructure. Mobileye plans to deploy an initial fleet of approximately 100 vehicles in a major U.S. metropolitan market in 2027, scaling to approximately 17,000 vehicles over the following five years. The current configuration of the Drive™ platform integrates nine InnovizTwo LiDARs, representing a potential opportunity of more than 150,000 units.
"We are proud that Innoviz LiDARs are part of the technology making the robotaxi revolution possible," said Omer Keilaf, CEO and Founder of Innoviz Technologies. "Mobileye Drive™ is already operating in the real world today, and Mobileye's decision to take direct ownership of a robotaxi service at scale reflects the maturity of the platform and the confidence they have in the full technology stack. This is Physical AI in practice: intelligence acting in the real world, in real time, in real cities. We look forward to seeing it continue to scale."
About Innoviz
Innoviz is a leading provider of LiDAR technology, serving as a Tier-1 supplier to the world's leading automotive manufacturers and working towards a future with safe autonomous vehicles on the world's roads.
Innoviz's LiDAR and perception software "see" better than a human driver and reduce the possibility of error, meeting the automotive industry's strictest expectations for performance and safety. Innoviz's LiDAR sensors are designed to deliver exceptional range, resolution, and reliability, providing accurate 3D sensing in harsh weather conditions. Operating across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, Innoviz designs solutions for automotive OEMs, system integrators, municipalities, commercial enterprises, and other use cases worldwide. InnovizSMART is an off-the-shelf solution for security, defense and homeland security, intelligent traffic management, mobility, robotics, and aerial applications.
For more information, visit https://innoviz.tech/
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Forward Looking Statements
This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the services and products offered by Innoviz, the anticipated technological capability of Innoviz's products, and the markets in which Innoviz operates. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties.
Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this announcement, including but not limited to, the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, the ability to convert design wins into definitive orders and the magnitude of such orders, the ability to achieve broader market adoption of Innoviz's products and solutions, the ability to maintain and scale initial deployments into long-term commercial relationships, the ability of preliminary arrangements, including evaluation engagements and letters of intent, to result in definitive supply, development, or commercial agreements on expected terms and volumes, the ability to identify and realize additional opportunities, potential changes and developments in the highly competitive LiDAR technology and related industries, and our expectations regarding the impact of geopolitical developments in the Middle East including the evolving conflict in Israel on our ongoing operations. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider such risk and the other risks and uncertainties described in Innoviz's annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 4, 2026, and in other documents filed by Innoviz from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. There can be no assurances as to the number of Innoviz LiDARs, if any, that will be incorporated into vehicles deployed in connection with the project referenced in this announcement, or as to the volumes, timing, or commercial terms of any related order, all of which depend on Mobileye's deployment plans and commercial decisions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Innoviz assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Innoviz gives no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.
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JFrog places highest for ability to execute; reinforcing the market need for a holistic, unified software supply chain solution to secure all artifacts and AI assets
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JFrog Ltd. (Nasdaq: FROG), the Liquid Software company and creators of the JFrog Software Supply Chain Platform, the system of record for trusted software artifacts, binaries, and AI assets, today announced it has been named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Software Supply Chain Security, positioned the highest for Ability to Execute amongst any other vendor in the report.
"We are honored to be recognized by Gartner, not simply because we believe it validates our vision, but because it reflects the trust our customers place in us every day to secure and power the world's software supply chains." - Shlomi Ben Haim, JFrog CEO
Share This is the first time Gartner has published a Magic Quadrant for this segment – a complimentary copy of the full report is available here.
"Software engineering is evolving into software supply chain engineering. Developers and security teams now carry a responsibility that extends well beyond the application: not only to build software, but to build software that can be trusted in a hybrid world of human and AI agents. It is a structural shift, not a trend,” said Shlomi Ben Haim, CEO of JFrog. “The AI era is accelerating software creation faster than any organization can audit. Enterprises ship more code, from more sources, and the demand for autonomous flow is growing more than ever. This movement leads to a Tsunami of binaries and a flood of vulnerabilities that make the software supply chain the primary target for attacks. While this is Gartner's first Magic Quadrant for this category, it’s a market JFrog has been building for years. We understood early that speed without trust is a liability. Having a holistic platform – that automates software flow with security, governance, and velocity operating as one – is what enterprises need, and it's what we built.”
Closing the AI Governance Gap in Software Supply Chains
Gartner identified software supply chain attacks among the top four critical security threats where attackers currently hold the advantage1. The threat is no longer focused on the volume of code, but rather, the speed of the "CVE Blitz" – adversarial symmetry – and this risk is only accelerating with AI. The JFrog 2026 Software Supply Chain Security State of the Union report found:
Attackers are actively targeting AI models, agentic tools, and developer workflows – not just finished applications. A majority of organizations still source AI models from untrusted repositories, creating a governance gap that existing tools were not built to close. Malicious packages reached record levels, with 177,000 new malicious packages detected. Malicious npm packages surged 451% year-over-year. These findings highlight a fundamental shift: scanning finished code is necessary but no longer sufficient. Security has to be built into the supply chain itself – at every stage, for every artifact type, including AI.
Delivering Trusted Software in the AI Era Must Be Structural
JFrog is recognized in this inaugural report for its differentiated approach to software supply chain security. Unlike competitors, JFrog embeds trust, governance, and security directly into the software delivery process. Rather than adding another point solution to an already fragmented ecosystem, the JFrog Software Supply Chain Platform brings together software composition analysis, OSS license compliance and third-party governance, continuous threat intelligence, end-to-end SBOM lifecycle management, third-party reputation analysis, and binary artifact management to help enterprises secure the full lifecycle of software and AI assets. Available as SaaS, on-premises, or in hybrid environments, JFrog is designed for the operational realities of the enterprise that need security and compliance without compromising developer velocity or slowing innovation.
Innovations in the Gartner evaluation of the JFrog Platform include:
JFrog Curation: Malicious packages, vulnerable dependencies, and non-compliant components are increasingly entering software environments before anyone notices – and regulations like DORA are raising the stakes for organizations that can't demonstrate control over what enters their software supply chain. JFrog Curation is designed to stop risky open-source components at the door and guides developers to pre-vetted package versions, before a bad dependency becomes everyone's problem. JFrog AI Catalog and MCP Server: As AI-generated code and agent-based development accelerate, most enterprises have no visibility into which AI models and agent skills are entering their environments – and no controls to stop the ones they shouldn't trust. JFrog AI Catalog and MCP Server apply the same security standards and trust layer enterprises already use JFrog to enforce. JFrog AppTrust: Security and compliance teams are under growing pressure to prove that policies were actually enforced – not just written down – yet most still rely on manual approvals, and disconnected evidence trails that fall apart under audit scrutiny. JFrog AppTrust replaces that with immutable evidence and automated policy gates across the software supply chain, so teams can demonstrate continuous enforcement without spreadsheets or last-minute fire drills. Expanded SBOM Evidence: Customers, auditors, and regulators are no longer satisfied knowing what software an organization uses – they want proof that known vulnerabilities were assessed, that risk decisions were documented, and that nothing was ignored. Expanded SBOM evidence capabilities, including VEX support aligned to CycloneDX and SPDX 3.0, are built to give organizations the verifiable documentation trail they need to answer those questions with facts, not explanations. Together, these capabilities enable organizations to maintain security, compliance, and velocity in the AI era across increasingly complex and distributed software supply chains. To read the full Gartner Magic Quadrant for Software Supply Chain Security, visit https://jfrog.com/gartner-magic-quadrant/. To learn more about JFrog’s vision and approach to software supply chain security read this blog.
Share on X: @JFrog has been named a Leader in the inaugural Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Software Supply Chain Security – and placed the highest on the Ability to Execute axis of any vendor evaluated. Learn why: https://bit.ly/4grCARU #SoftwareSupplyChain #DevSecOps #AI #governance #DevGovOps
Gartner Magic Quadrant for Software Supply Chain Security, By Aaron Lord, Johnny Walters, Jason Gross, 17 June 2026 - ID G00843814.
Gartner and Magic Quadrant are trademarks of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates.
Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from JFrog.
About JFrog
JFrog Ltd. (Nasdaq: FROG), the creators of the unified DevOps, DevSecOps, DevGovOps and MLOps platform, is on a mission to create a world of software delivered without friction from development to production. Driven by a “Liquid Software” vision, the JFrog Platform is a software supply chain system of record that is designed to power organizations as they build, manage, and distribute secure software with speed and scale. Holistic security features help identify, protect, and remediate against threats and vulnerabilities. The universal, hybrid, multi-cloud JFrog Platform is available as both SaaS services across major cloud service providers and self-hosted. Millions of users and approximately 6,600 organizations worldwide, including a majority of the Fortune 100, depend on JFrog solutions to securely embrace digital transformation in the AI era. Learn more at https://jfrog.com or follow us on X @JFrog.
1 Gartner, Press Release: Gartner Identifies Four Critical Threats Requiring Urgent Improvements from Cybersecurity Leaders, NATIONAL HARBOR, MD, June 2, 2026.
JFrog Positioned as a Leader in the First Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Software Supply Chain Security JFrog Ltd. (Nasdaq: FROG), the Liquid Software company and creators of the JFrog Software Supply Chain Platform, the system of record for trusted software artifacts, binaries, and AI assets, today announced it has been named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Software Supply Chain Security, positioned the highest for Ability to Execute amongst any other vendor in the report.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260622339694/en/
JFrog places highest for ability to execute; reinforcing the market need for a holistic, unified software supply chain solution to secure all artifacts and AI assets
This is the first time Gartner has published a Magic Quadrant for this segment – a complimentary copy of the full report is available here.
"Software engineering is evolving into software supply chain engineering. Developers and security teams now carry a responsibility that extends well beyond the application: not only to build software, but to build software that can be trusted in a hybrid world of human and AI agents. It is a structural shift, not a trend,” said Shlomi Ben Haim, CEO of JFrog. “The AI era is accelerating software creation faster than any organization can audit. Enterprises ship more code, from more sources, and the demand for autonomous flow is growing more than ever. This movement leads to a Tsunami of binaries and a flood of vulnerabilities that make the software supply chain the primary target for attacks. While this is Gartner's first Magic Quadrant for this category, it’s a market JFrog has been building for years. We understood early that speed without trust is a liability. Having a holistic platform – that automates software flow with security, governance, and velocity operating as one – is what enterprises need, and it's what we built.”
Closing the AI Governance Gap in Software Supply Chains
Gartner identified software supply chain attacks among the top four critical security threats where attackers currently hold the advantage1. The threat is no longer focused on the volume of code, but rather, the speed of the "CVE Blitz" – adversarial symmetry – and this risk is only accelerating with AI. The JFrog 2026 Software Supply Chain Security State of the Union report found:
Attackers are actively targeting AI models, agentic tools, and developer workflows – not just finished applications. A majority of organizations still source AI models from untrusted repositories, creating a governance gap that existing tools were not built to close. Malicious packages reached record levels, with 177,000 new malicious packages detected. Malicious npm packages surged 451% year-over-year. These findings highlight a fundamental shift: scanning finished code is necessary but no longer sufficient. Security has to be built into the supply chain itself – at every stage, for every artifact type, including AI.
Delivering Trusted Software in the AI Era Must Be Structural
JFrog is recognized in this inaugural report for its differentiated approach to software supply chain security. Unlike competitors, JFrog embeds trust, governance, and security directly into the software delivery process. Rather than adding another point solution to an already fragmented ecosystem, the JFrog Software Supply Chain Platform brings together software composition analysis, OSS license compliance and third-party governance, continuous threat intelligence, end-to-end SBOM lifecycle management, third-party reputation analysis, and binary artifact management to help enterprises secure the full lifecycle of software and AI assets. Available as SaaS, on-premises, or in hybrid environments, JFrog is designed for the operational realities of the enterprise that need security and compliance without compromising developer velocity or slowing innovation.
Innovations in the Gartner evaluation of the JFrog Platform include:
JFrog Curation: Malicious packages, vulnerable dependencies, and non-compliant components are increasingly entering software environments before anyone notices – and regulations like DORA are raising the stakes for organizations that can't demonstrate control over what enters their software supply chain. JFrog Curation is designed to stop risky open-source components at the door and guides developers to pre-vetted package versions, before a bad dependency becomes everyone's problem. JFrog AI Catalog and MCP Server: As AI-generated code and agent-based development accelerate, most enterprises have no visibility into which AI models and agent skills are entering their environments – and no controls to stop the ones they shouldn't trust. JFrog AI Catalog and MCP Server apply the same security standards and trust layer enterprises already use JFrog to enforce. JFrog AppTrust: Security and compliance teams are under growing pressure to prove that policies were actually enforced – not just written down – yet most still rely on manual approvals, and disconnected evidence trails that fall apart under audit scrutiny. JFrog AppTrust replaces that with immutable evidence and automated policy gates across the software supply chain, so teams can demonstrate continuous enforcement without spreadsheets or last-minute fire drills. Expanded SBOM Evidence: Customers, auditors, and regulators are no longer satisfied knowing what software an organization uses – they want proof that known vulnerabilities were assessed, that risk decisions were documented, and that nothing was ignored. Expanded SBOM evidence capabilities, including VEX support aligned to CycloneDX and SPDX 3.0, are built to give organizations the verifiable documentation trail they need to answer those questions with facts, not explanations. Together, these capabilities enable organizations to maintain security, compliance, and velocity in the AI era across increasingly complex and distributed software supply chains. To read the full Gartner Magic Quadrant for Software Supply Chain Security, visit https://jfrog.com/gartner-magic-quadrant/. To learn more about JFrog’s vision and approach to software supply chain security read this blog.
Share on X: @JFrog has been named a Leader in the inaugural Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Software Supply Chain Security – and placed the highest on the Ability to Execute axis of any vendor evaluated. Learn why: https://bit.ly/4grCARU #SoftwareSupplyChain #DevSecOps #AI #governance #DevGovOps
Gartner Magic Quadrant for Software Supply Chain Security, By Aaron Lord, Johnny Walters, Jason Gross, 17 June 2026 - ID G00843814.
Gartner and Magic Quadrant are trademarks of Gartner, Inc., and/or its affiliates.
Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
This graphic was published by Gartner, Inc. as part of a larger research document and should be evaluated in the context of the entire document. The Gartner document is available upon request from JFrog.
About JFrog
JFrog Ltd. (Nasdaq: FROG), the creators of the unified DevOps, DevSecOps, DevGovOps and MLOps platform, is on a mission to create a world of software delivered without friction from development to production. Driven by a “Liquid Software” vision, the JFrog Platform is a software supply chain system of record that is designed to power organizations as they build, manage, and distribute secure software with speed and scale. Holistic security features help identify, protect, and remediate against threats and vulnerabilities. The universal, hybrid, multi-cloud JFrog Platform is available as both SaaS services across major cloud service providers and self-hosted. Millions of users and approximately 6,600 organizations worldwide, including a majority of the Fortune 100, depend on JFrog solutions to securely embrace digital transformation in the AI era. Learn more at https://jfrog.com or follow us on X @JFrog.
1 Gartner, Press Release: Gartner Identifies Four Critical Threats Requiring Urgent Improvements from Cybersecurity Leaders, NATIONAL HARBOR, MD, June 2, 2026.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260622339694/en/
MPLX LP (MPLX - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $57.68, demonstrating a +1.37% change from the preceding day's closing price. The stock outperformed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 1.44%. At the same time, the Dow lost 0.09%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 2.22%.
The stock of company has risen by 0.76% in the past month, leading the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 7.14% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.08%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of MPLX LP in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to be unveiled on August 4, 2026. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $1.08, showcasing a 4.85% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $3.26 billion, up 8.52% from the prior-year quarter.
Regarding the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $4.22 per share and revenue of $13.09 billion, indicating changes of -12.45% and +0.71%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for MPLX LP. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 1.12% decrease. As of now, MPLX LP holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
In terms of valuation, MPLX LP is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 13.48. This represents a discount compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 17.85.
Investors should also note that MPLX has a PEG ratio of 5.46 right now. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. The Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.85 as trading concluded yesterday.
The Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 92, putting it in the top 38% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.
Domino's Pizza (DPZ +3.21%) has not delivered for investors in 2026, but it is flashing a signal that long-term investors should take note of.
The world's largest pizza chain has been struggling over the past few years. This year, the stock price has plummeted 25% year to date as of June 19 and is trading at $312 per share, which is close to a 52-week low.
But even more notable is its valuation. Domino's stock is trading at 17 times earnings and 16 times forward earnings. That is not only a 52-week low valuation but also the lowest valuation for Domino's stock in more than 10 years.
The last time the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was this low was in 2012, some 14 years ago. Does this mean that Domino's stock is a buy?
Image source: Getty Images.
Domino's stock is as cheap as it's been in years Domino's stock really tanked in late April after the pizza chain released first-quarter earnings that missed revenue and earnings estimates. Overall, global sales were up about 3.5% year over year. U.S. sales were up 3%, with same-store U.S. sales increasing 1%. The miss was mainly due to lower international sales, as international same-store sales were down 0.4%.
Also, Domino's lowered its U.S. same-store growth guidance for the fiscal year from 3% to a more nebulous low-single-digits range -- which could be 3%, but it sounds worse. It cited macroeconomic pressures and challenges. Overall global sales are targeted for mid-single digits.
Domino's has been investing heavily in its website and app to increase its digital sales, including a new, more intuitive app. Last year, online orders accounted for 85% of all sales in the U.S.
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It has also expanded its relationship with third-party delivery services, adding DoorDash as a delivery provider, along with Uber Eats. The third-party delivery services expand Domino's market and result in higher margins, as third-party orders are, on average, higher due to a premium placed on menu items ordered through third-party apps.
Also, in Q1, Domino's increased its gross margin by 60 basis points year over year to 40.4% due to strong expense management and lower costs of sales. Further, CFO Sandeep Reddy said on the earnings call that the operating margin will continue to expand this year.
Also worth noting is that a challenging economic environment could lead more budget-conscious families to seek cheaper options to feed their families.
Domino's stock is a compelling option worth considering given its decade-low valuation, its expense management, and its digital and third-party delivery strategies. Wall Street analysts see the stock as a buy, with a median price target of $400 per share, which would suggest 28% upside.
Dave Kovaleski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Domino's Pizza, DoorDash, and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Joe Jordan to Become Chief Executive Officer
Russell Weiner to Retire as CEO and Become Executive Chairman
David Brandon to Retire from the Board Following 28 Years of Service
, /PRNewswire/ -- Domino's Pizza Inc. (Nasdaq: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world, today announced that Russell Weiner has informed the Company's Board of Directors of his intention to retire as Chief Executive Officer following a distinguished career with Domino's. Consistent with its multi-year succession planning process, the Domino's Board of Directors has appointed Joe Jordan, currently Chief Operating Officer and President – Domino's U.S., as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026. Jordan will also join the Company's Board of Directors at that time. Russell Weiner will transition from Chief Executive Officer to Executive Chairman Designate on October 1, 2026, and become Executive Chairman following the Company's 2027 annual shareholder meeting. David Brandon, Executive Chairman, will retire and not stand for reelection to the Board in 2027, concluding 28 years of service to Domino's.
Domino's has announced the next chapter of the company's leadership. Joe Jordan (left), currently COO and President of Domino's U.S., has been appointed CEO effective Oct. 1, 2026, succeeding Russell Weiner (right), who will retire as CEO and transition to Executive Chairman in 2027. Current Executive Chairman David A. Brandon (middle) will retire from the Board in 2027 after nearly three decades of service to the company. "Joe is a proven leader whose experience spans virtually every aspect of our business," said David Brandon, Executive Chairman. "After a thoughtful succession planning process, the Board unanimously concluded that Joe is the right leader to serve as Domino's next CEO. He embodies Domino's culture of developing leaders from within, has earned the trust of franchisees across our global system and is uniquely qualified to guide the Company through its next phase of growth. At the same time, Russell is one of the most innovative, strategic leaders in our industry, and Domino's will continue to benefit from his creativity, franchisee relationships and extensive knowledge of the QSR category in his role as Executive Chairman."
Joe Jordan has spent nearly 15 years in leadership roles across Domino's marketing, U.S. and international operations, technology and franchisee support. He has built a proven track record of driving growth and innovation across the business, from delivering strong same store sales growth to leading Domino's international business through a period of record expansion, opening more than 3,000 stores worldwide during his tenure. Most recently, he has overseen key strategic initiatives, including the relaunch of the Company's loyalty and e-commerce platforms and the launch of Domino's global digital marketplace partnerships, leveraging strong relationships across the Company's system.
"I am honored by the Board's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to lead Domino's," said Joe Jordan, Chief Operating Officer and President – Domino's U.S. "What makes Domino's special is the strength of the people behind the brand, starting with our franchisees and including our team members and leaders around the world. I have also been fortunate to work closely with Russell over the past four years and am grateful for his leadership and contributions to Domino's. I look forward to continuing to benefit from his experience and perspective in his role on the Board. Domino's is one of the most innovative and resilient global systems in the restaurant industry and I am excited to build that foundation as we focus on reaccelerating growth and continuing to deliver delicious pizza and exceptional value to customers worldwide."
Russell Weiner will continue serving as Chief Executive Officer through September 30, 2026, after which he will become Executive Chairman Designate until Domino's annual shareholder meeting in April 2027, when he will assume the role of Executive Chairman. Weiner will help ensure continuity as the Company transitions to its next generation of leadership and will provide counsel to Joe Jordan and the Board, supporting Domino's continued growth leveraging his 18 years with the brand.
"Since joining Domino's in 2008, Russell has played a pivotal role in the Company's growth and success," said David Brandon. "Among his many contributions to the brand prior to becoming CEO, Russell led the highly successful, and somewhat infamous, 'Pizza Turnaround' campaign that was launched in 2010 and created many years of positive momentum for our brand and business. As CEO, Russell was the architect of the Hungry for MORE strategy, which continues to drive sales and store growth and expand Domino's dominant market share of the pizza category. During his tenure as CEO, the Company achieved net store growth of more than 3,200 locations, increased global retail sales by nearly $3 billion, and delivered close to a 30% increase in operating income. We owe Russell a great debt of thanks for his leadership and many accomplishments and look forward to his continued involvement as Executive Chairman of the Board."
David Brandon will retire from the Board and as Executive Chairman following the Company's 2027 annual shareholder meeting. He has served as Chairman of Domino's Board of Directors since 1999 and as Executive Chairman since 2022. He also served as Chief Executive Officer from 1999 to 2010. During his 28 years of leadership and board stewardship, Brandon helped transform Domino's into a global category leader, guiding the Company from its 2004 initial public offering through a period of significant international expansion and technological innovation, including the introduction of online ordering, Domino's Tracker and mobile ordering.
"Dave's impact on Domino's cannot be overstated," said Russell Weiner, Chief Executive Officer. "He led the Company through its transformation from a domestic pizza chain to a global technology and delivery leader, championing the digital innovations that revolutionized how customers order pizza. Beyond his strategic vision, Dave has been an invaluable mentor to countless leaders across our system. His relentless focus on franchisee success and operational excellence has shaped the culture that drives Domino's today, and his legacy will endure for generations to come."
With a leadership team that combines deep operational expertise, strategic vision and strong franchisee relationships, Domino's enters its next chapter focused on accelerating growth, strengthening its global leadership position and continuing to raise the bar on delicious food at renowned value for customers around the world.
About Domino's Pizza®
Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout. It ranks among the world's top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 22,300 stores in over 90 markets. Domino's had global retail sales of over $20.4 billion in the trailing four quarters ended March 22, 2026. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 99% of Domino's stores as of the end of the first quarter of 2026. In the U.S., Domino's generated more than 85% of U.S. retail sales in 2025 via digital channels and has developed many innovative ordering platforms.
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Tencent on Monday said it is testing an AI assistant within WeChat in China as the tech giant looks to step up efforts to challenge rivals in the country's competitive artificial intelligence market.
Xiaowei, "a native AI assistant," is being tested "on a small scale" in Weixin, the Chinese version of WeChat, Tencent said in a statement translated by CNBC.
Users can interact with Xiaowei with text or voice, communicate with friends and launch "mini-programs," Tencent added. Mini-programs are apps that run inside of WeChat.
Tencent executives have been mulling further integration of AI into WeChat since last year, with investors watching closely to see if this can be a new revenue stream and a way to monetize AI.
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WeChat and Weixin have more than 1.4 billion monthly active users combined, with the majority in China. It is an indispensable part of daily life in China, where people use the app to message friends, make payments, book restaurants and much more.
By integrating an AI tool into an app with a huge user base, Tencent has an opportunity to capture a large number of them for its services.
"Putting an assistant inside Weixin is the first time Tencent uses the advantage it has held all along, and that matters a lot," Howard Yu, the LEGO professor of management and innovation at IMD, told CNBC by email.
"A standalone chatbot gives you an answer. An assistant wired into Weixin completes the task. And it's this second advantage that no rival can copy," Yu added.
The company did not give further details about the capabilities Xiaowei would have or what AI models it is based on.
Tech companies are talking up the potential of so-called AI agents, which they see as digital assistants that are able to carry out complex tasks on a user's behalf across different apps and services.
The new AI assistant is part of a bigger move from Tencent to challenge rivals like Alibaba, DeepSeek and Zhipu in China, which has become an incredibly competitive AI market. This year, Tencent poached an OpenAI researcher to become its chief AI scientist.
Tencent also develops its own family of models under the brand name Hunyuan.
The global video games industry is entering a period of consolidation that is likely to favour the biggest publishers and developers, according to analysts at Bernstein, who argue that investors should look beyond slowing revenue growth and focus on rising barriers to entry.
The broker estimates the gaming market will generate around $220 billion of revenue in 2026, up 0.7%, following growth of 4.8% last year.
While that points to a softer near-term outlook, Bernstein believes the industry is becoming increasingly concentrated as smaller studios struggle with rising development costs and a tougher funding environment.
The firm said studio closures and restructuring programmes across the industry were reducing competition and strengthening the position of established developers with successful intellectual property and large player communities.
Bernstein highlighted Asian gaming groups as its preferred investments, including Tencent Holdings (HKG:0700, OTC:TCEHY), NetEase (NetEase Inc (NASDAQ:NTES)), Nintendo (OTCMKTS:NTDOY), Capcom (OTCMKTS:CCOEY) and Konami (LON: KNM).
Analyst Robin Zhu argued that Japanese, Chinese and Korean developers continue to benefit from lower development costs and improving productivity compared with many western rivals.
PC gaming was also identified as one of the industry's strongest growth areas, supported by advances in hardware and a growing number of blockbuster releases.
Attention is increasingly turning to the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI, published by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc (NASDAQ:TTWO), which is expected in November.
Zhu said rival publishers had crowded release schedules into September in an effort to avoid competing directly with what is widely expected to be one of the biggest game launches in history.
The broker also dismissed concerns that AI will materially disrupt the industry's economics, arguing that successful franchises, creative storytelling and engaged player communities remain the key drivers of long-term value creation.
SAN LEANDRO, Calif., June 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quino Energy, a company developing water-based organic flow batteries, has been selected by Tencent for a grant, under its CarbonX program, to fund development of a MWh-scale battery system to demonstrate reliable clean energy generation for Himandhoo Island in the Maldives. The battery will be integrated into a larger microgrid featuring floating PV generation financed by the Asian Development Bank and will complement the ongoing Preparing Outer Islands for Sustainable Energy Development (POISED) project that will install terrestrial PV and lithium-ion batteries on the island.
The Quino Energy battery will provide the microgrid with essential energy storage capabilities to slash reliance on expensive imported diesel to generate electricity, reducing costs while providing a resilient power supply to the island. This energy supply will be critical to the island community’s safety and ability to continue daily operations in the face of extreme weather or fluctuating energy demands.
The project will be supported by Atri Energy Transition, which led Quino Energy’s Series A fundraising round in October 2025. They will be collaborating with Quino Energy to manufacture the proprietary organic electrolyte in nearby Pune, India, and will also provide Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support for the battery system at Himandhoo Island for at least five years after commissioning. Suqian Time Energy Storage will provide the flow battery hardware, and EPC and island microgrid specialist Sinosoar will take charge of installation, construction, and integration. Earlier in the month, the entire project team visited Himandhoo Island and met with representatives from the local council, as well as other representatives from the Maldives Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy in the capital, Malé.
“Quino Energy is immensely grateful for the support from the Tencent CarbonX program to enable us to demonstrate our organic flow battery in a setting that can directly benefit a community,” said Eugene Beh, CEO and cofounder of Quino Energy. “This represents the first commercial deployment of the organic flow battery technology, in addition to government-supported projects we previously announced. The collaboration showcases how Quino’s technology will continue to enable cooperation between parties from across the world to rapidly advance the next generation of flow batteries.”
“We’d like to extend our congratulations to Quino Energy and all the stakeholders of this project,” said S. Kishore, founder of Atri Energy Transition. “The selection of Quino by Tencent for the CarbonX Award is an endorsement of organic electrolyte chemistry. We are happy to be part of the transition of this chemistry from pilot to commercial scale.”
CEO Eugene Beh will attend the CarbonX Award Ceremony today, June 24, organized by TED Countdown, in tandem with London Climate Action Week to accept this grant.
In the past 18 months, Quino Energy closed its series A funding round, led by Atri Energy Transition, received a $10M grant from the California Energy Commission and secured $5M in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Critical Facility Energy Resilience (CiFER) program to support a 5 MWh flow battery deployment in Southern California. Quino Energy also signed a Joint Development Agreement with Jena Flow Batteries, whose parent company Suqian Time Energy Systems is the flow battery hardware provider for the Himandhoo project.
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About Quino Energy
Formed in 2021, Quino Energy is a start-up company that is developing water-based flow batteries that store electrical energy in organic molecules called quinones, for commercial and grid applications. These batteries are predicted to enjoy a unique combination of low capital cost, true fire safety, rapid scalability, and local manufacturability. This is made possible by a number of technological breakthroughs, some of which were first discovered at Harvard University and later licensed by Quino Energy. Please visit quinoenergy.com for more details on the team and the technology.
About CarbonX
The CarbonX Program was initiated in 2023 by Tencent, together with industry, investment, and ecosystem partners. It is dedicated to supporting emerging low-carbon technologies with substantial catalytic funding and resources. Now in its second phase, CarbonX 2.0 focuses on cutting-edge CCUS, carbon removal, and long-duration energy storage technologies, and solicits proposals from early-stage teams around the world. It aims to build first-of-its kind pilot projects in real industrial settings, incubate high-potential startups, and support capacity building projects. Visit the CarbonX website for further information on the program.
About Tencent
Tencent is a global technology and entertainment company focused on creating connections and experiences that matter. Founded in 1998, Tencent is driven by its mission to create "Value for Users" and apply "Tech for Good".
Tencent's communication and social services connect more than one billion people around the world, helping them to keep in touch with friends and family, access transportation, pay for daily necessities, and even be entertained. Tencent also develops and publishes some of the world's most popular video games and other high-quality digital content, delivering rich and immersive interactive entertainment experiences. Tencent also offers a range of services such as cloud computing and other enterprise services to support our clients' digital transformation and business growth. Headquartered in Shenzhen, Tencent has been listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since June 2004.
