Norfolk Southern (NSC - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.
The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 23. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis railroad is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.23 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -1.8%.
Revenues are expected to be $3.32 billion, up 6.7% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.26% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Norfolk Southern?For Norfolk Southern, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.21%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination indicates that Norfolk Southern will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Norfolk Southern would post earnings of $2.51 per share when it actually produced earnings of $2.65, delivering a surprise of +5.58%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.
Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Norfolk Southern appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
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One more note about the USD Index – it moved below its rising support line, but the 100 level clearly held. Am I worried about the breakdown below the rising support line? No, and there are two reasons for it:
1. The breakdown is not confirmed yet – we had just one daily close below it
2. We saw a smaller, analogous, breakdown about a month ago – and it was exactly this event that triggered the latest big run-up.
Earlier, I wrote that this is a market shrugging off the news that should lift it. Let me name that news before wrapping it up for today, because the list is longer than the dollar.
Tuesday’s consumer price report was the softest of the year. Headline prices fell 0.4% in June, the largest one-month decline since April 2020, and core came in flat. Wednesday brought a second one, with producer prices down 0.3% against a consensus of no change. The odds of a rate hike at this month’s Federal Reserve meeting collapsed from above 40% to somewhere near 10%. Bitcoin took that same news and tore past $65,000.
Gold closed Monday near $4,000, before any of it landed. It trades near $4,023 now. Silver closed Monday near $57.50 and trades near $56.78. So silver is not lagging gold. Silver is below where it stood before the best news of the year arrived.
Which raises the question I expect from you. If my case rests on the Federal Reserve staying hawkish, and the odds of a July hike have gone to almost nothing, why are the metals falling instead of soaring?
The dollar answers most of it, and I covered that above. It held 100 through the entire week. The breakout stands on its own technical footing and does not need ever-rising hike odds to hold it up.
Geopolitical Flare Fails to Ignite Safe-Haven Bid The rest is that the timing moved and the direction did not. July came off the table. The year did not, and markets still overwhelmingly expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates before this one is out. Warsh made sure of it. He testified before the House on Tuesday and the Senate on Wednesday, and he refused to take the win. Asked about the inflation figures, he told lawmakers there might be some who look at the data and say mission accomplished, and that this is not his view.
He said the committee has no tolerance for persistently elevated inflation. On the producer prices, he allowed that any central bank would be happy to have data going in the right direction, then added that these are all imperfect measures of underlying inflation. He is standing up task forces to rethink how the Fed measures prices in the first place. That is a chairman telling you he will not turn on two prints he does not fully trust.
The war gave the metals nothing either. Overnight brought the fifth straight day of American strikes on Iran, with air defenses firing over Tehran. Iran’s foreign ministry says it has no plans to negotiate, and the blockade is biting hard enough that the US military disabled an empty tanker heading for Kharg Island, Iran’s economic lifeline. Trump is threatening to knock out Iranian power plants and bridges next week. Gold sat there and fell.
So the sector was handed a soft inflation print, then a second one, then a collapsing hike path, a declining dollar, and a war escalating on the world’s most important oil route. It kept about twenty dollars in gold, and silver went to a new low.
For weeks I have written that this sector cannot rally on good news. This week it was handed the best news it is likely to get for a while.
Consequently, it seems that the next decline in the precious metals sector is just around the corner.
Thank you for reading today’s analysis – I appreciate that you took the time to dig deeper and that you read the entire piece. If you’d like to get more (and extra details not available to 99% investors), I invite you to stay updated with our free analyses – sign up for our free gold newsletter now.
Analysts on Wall Street project that Western Alliance (WAL - Free Report) will announce quarterly earnings of $2.33 per share in its forthcoming report, representing an increase of 12.6% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $973.85 million, increasing 13.8% from the same quarter last year.
Over the last 30 days, there has been a downward revision of 3.2% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter, leading to its current level. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe.
Before a company reveals its earnings, it is vital to take into account any changes in earnings projections. These revisions play a pivotal role in predicting the possible reactions of investors toward the stock. Multiple empirical studies have consistently shown a strong association between trends in earnings estimates and the short-term price movements of a stock.
While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as a yardstick to evaluate the company's quarterly performance, scrutinizing analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics can offer a more comprehensive perspective.
Given this perspective, it's time to examine the average forecasts of specific Western Alliance metrics that are routinely monitored and predicted by Wall Street analysts.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Net Interest Margin' will reach 3.3%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 3.5%.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Efficiency Ratio' will reach 55.3%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 60.1% in the same quarter last year.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Total Non-Performing - Loan' will likely reach $467.40 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $613.00 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Average Balance - Total interest earning assets' should come in at $91.25 billion. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $80.53 billion.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Total Non-Performing - Assets' reaching $528.29 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $831.00 million.
Analysts predict that the 'Total non-interest income' will reach $182.88 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $148.30 million.
The consensus estimate for 'Net gain on loan origination and sale activities' stands at $68.10 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $39.40 million in the same quarter last year.
Analysts expect 'Net Interest Income (FTE)' to come in at $801.28 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $707.80 million.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Service charges and fees' of $65.54 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $36.90 million in the same quarter last year.
View all Key Company Metrics for Western Alliance here>>>
Shares of Western Alliance have experienced a change of +4.3% in the past month compared to the +0.5% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. With a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), WAL is expected to underperform the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
In its upcoming report, Webster Financial (WBS - Free Report) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $1.61 per share, reflecting an increase of 5.9% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $749.32 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 4.7%.
Over the last 30 days, there has been an upward revision of 0.1% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter, leading to its current level. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe.
Before a company reveals its earnings, it is vital to take into account any changes in earnings projections. These revisions play a pivotal role in predicting the possible reactions of investors toward the stock. Multiple empirical studies have consistently shown a strong association between trends in earnings estimates and the short-term price movements of a stock.
While it's common for investors to rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates for assessing how the business may have performed during the quarter, exploring analysts' forecasts for key metrics can yield valuable insights.
That said, let's delve into the average estimates of some Webster Financial metrics that Wall Street analysts commonly model and monitor.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Net Interest Margin' reaching 3.4%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 3.4% in the same quarter last year.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Efficiency Ratio' should come in at 48.3%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 45.4%.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Total Non-Interest Income' at $102.06 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $94.66 million.
View all Key Company Metrics for Webster Financial here>>>
Over the past month, shares of Webster Financial have returned +2.1% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.5% change. Currently, WBS carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), suggesting that it may outperform. the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE:PNC) on Wednesday reported upbeat second-quarter 2026 results and raised its full-year revenue outlook.
Adjusted earnings were $4.85 per share, topping the analyst consensus estimate of $4.43. Revenue increased to $6.88 billion from $5.66 billion a year earlier, ahead of the consensus estimate of $6.50 billion.
The bank raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to about $26.10 billion from about $25.64 billion, above the Wall Street estimate of $25.92 billion.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William Demchak said the quarter reflected disciplined execution, a successful FirstBank integration and a strong capital position that supports customers, shareholders and communities.
PNC Financial shares rose 04% to trade at $255.04 on Thursday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on PNC Financial following earnings announcement.
Baird analyst David George maintained the stock with an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $250 to $280. Stephens & Co. analyst Andrew Terrell maintained the stock with an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $265 to $275. Barclays analyst Jason Goldberg maintained the stock with an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $277 to $284. Considering buying PNC stock? Here’s what analysts think:
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, /PRNewswire/ -- A growing shortage of AI-skilled talent in the U.S., compounded by tightening immigration policies, is forcing small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) to rethink how and where they hire, according to a new report released today by Multiplier, the global exchange for work, featuring data and analysis from the recent TriNet (NYSE: TNET) State of the Workplace report.
The report, The Global Talent Squeeze, commissioned by Multiplier, includes data from a survey of 500 business decision-makers in senior-level roles. Key findings include:
87% of U.S.-based SMBs surveyed now consider global hiring a necessity, rather than a strategic advantage. 60% of respondents say the rise of AI is accelerating demand for expertise they don't currently have in-house. 76% of SMBs say that H-1B visa restrictions are directly affecting workforce planning, forcing a pivot to remote-first hiring. "Talent has never been confined to one geography but, until now, most smaller companies lacked the infrastructure for finding the right talent outside of their zip code," said Multiplier Co-Founder and CEO Sagar Khatri. "We're seeing a fundamental shift, where businesses are hiring talent where they live, rather than trying to move them. While it makes hiring more complex in terms of compliance, payroll, and workforce management, the opportunities for innovation, growth, and scalability that global hiring brings show there is real value in making the change."
For smaller organizations without dedicated HR resources, the challenge is particularly difficult to manage. Only 21% of SMBs report proactively managing cross-border compliance, while nearly 25% say they frequently struggle to meet regulatory requirements, per the report. This is almost double the rate reported by larger companies. Additionally, 82% of these businesses say they have failed, or expect to fail, to onboard a global hire due to compliance, tax, or regulatory hurdles. As regulatory scrutiny increases, navigating employment laws across jurisdictions is also becoming more complex and more consequential.
Record-high H-1B costs and growing immigration backlogs have also pushed traditional domestic sponsorship out of reach for many, as over three-quarters of SMBs say H-1B restrictions are directly affecting workforce planning. Despite this pressure, most small businesses aren't equipped to hire globally. The talent pools once accessed through H-1B sponsorship remain just as relevant, but without the right infrastructure, employers are left scrambling.
"Access to the right talent has become one of the biggest constraints to small business growth," said TriNet Chief People Officer Catherine Wragg. "As demand for AI-related skills accelerates and traditional hiring pathways become more difficult, SMBs are being forced to look beyond local markets. The opportunity is there, but without the right infrastructure, the risk and complexity can be overwhelming."
The findings in this report point to a broader shift in how SMBs access talent, with more companies opting to hire internationally rather than relocate workers to the U.S. This is evident in the increased usage of Multiplier's platform among U.S. based businesses, which has grown 16.4% since April 2024.
To learn more about how today's SMBs are navigating a complex regulatory landscape to sustain and grow their businesses, download The Global Talent Squeeze report here.
About Multiplier
Multiplier, precision-built for companies to hire, manage, and pay global teams across more than 160 countries. By combining EOR, COR, and Global Payroll, with a vast network of owned entities and human-first support, Multiplier empowers companies of all sizes to expand globally with confidence. Since 2020, the global-first infrastructure has helped over 1,500 companies and now processes over $2 billion in cross-border wages, reshaping the global economy and the future of work.
About TriNet
TriNet is a leading provider of Human Resources solutions for small and medium-size businesses, offering advanced technology-enabled services that include human capital expertise, employee benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, payroll and payroll tax administration, risk mitigation, and compliance consulting. Our long-term objective is to be the premier provider of HR services for a broad range of SMBs through industry leading benefits, sales distribution excellence, and a world class services delivery model. For more information, visit TriNet.com or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
TriNet and the TriNet logo are registered trademarks of TriNet. All other trademarks, service marks, registered trademarks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners.
Wall Street analysts forecast that Alaska Air Group (ALK - Free Report) will report quarterly loss of -$0.97 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year decline of 154.5%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $4.09 billion, exhibiting an increase of 10.5% compared to the year-ago quarter.
Over the last 30 days, there has been an upward revision of 76.1% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter, leading to its current level. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe.
Before a company announces its earnings, it is essential to take into account any changes made to earnings estimates. This is a valuable factor in predicting the potential reactions of investors toward the stock. Empirical research has consistently shown a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as indicators of quarterly business performance, exploring analysts' projections for specific key metrics can offer valuable insights.
With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some Alaska Air metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Total Passenger Revenue' of $3.71 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +10.5%.
Analysts forecast 'Revenue- Loyalty program other revenue' to reach $224.08 million. The estimate indicates a change of +6.7% from the prior-year quarter.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Revenue- Cargo and other' reaching $163.01 million. The estimate suggests a change of +17.3% year over year.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Passenger Load Factor' will likely reach 84.0%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 83.9%.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Total revenue per ASM (RASM)' should arrive at N/A. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of N/A.
The consensus estimate for 'Available seat miles (ASM)' stands at 24.28 billion. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 24.06 billion.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Revenue passenger miles (RPM)' should come in at 20.45 billion. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 20.18 billion.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Fuel Expenses' will reach $1.33 billion. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $700.00 million.
Analysts predict that the 'Passenger Yield' will reach N/A. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported N/A in the same quarter last year.
Analysts expect 'Fuel gallons' to come in at 296 millions of gallons. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 293 millions of gallons in the same quarter last year.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Operating expenses per ASM, excluding fuel and special items' at N/A. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported N/A in the same quarter of the previous year.
It is projected by analysts that the 'ASMs per fuel gallon' will reach $82.0 gallons. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $82.0 gallons.
View all Key Company Metrics for Alaska Air here>>>
Shares of Alaska Air have demonstrated returns of -0.8% over the past month compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.5% change. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), ALK is expected to mirror the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
While investor attention has been firmly fixed on pure-play artificial intelligence stocks in recent years, it may be the construction firms delivering high-tech infrastructure needs that offer value looking ahead.
Spending on data centers has been accelerating of late, surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time in April, representing 2.3% of construction spend as a whole in the United States.
As of the beginning of the year, monthly spending on US data center construction has soared to more than $2.4 billion, which is approximately 16-times higher than 2014 levels and illustrates the extent of the ongoing AI buildout.
The extent of these AI ambitions is set to create a lasting impact on infrastructure. According to Goldman Sachs data, the power demand requirements from US data centres are expected to more than double to 66 GW in 2027, up from 31 GW in 2025.
This sharp increase in infrastructure projects is already helping to provide a boost for the construction stocks tasked with building the data centers that will drive AI adoption into the future, and there are three companies that appear set to become key beneficiaries of the implementation phase of the artificial intelligence boom:
1. Sterling Infrastructure (NASDAQ:STRL)Sterling Infrastructure (NASDAQ:STRL) is a specialist in E-infrastructure, providing site preparation, concrete foundation pads, and building large-scale facilities to house data centers and chip fabs.
Critically, Sterling Infrastructure has seen its E-infrastructure revenues double year-over-year, highlighting that it’s already becoming the preferred firm to deliver on America’s growing AI data center needs.
According to Sterling’s first-quarter results, the company’s combined backlog soared 131% to $5.2 billion, while management highlighted "future phases" that would lift total visibility towards almost $6.5 billion.
More than 90% of the firm’s signed E-infrastructure segment’s backlog is tied to mission-critical work like data centers, large manufacturing, and semiconductors, which makes Sterling exceptionally closely aligned with the artificial intelligence boom.
Sterling’s blowout Q1 2026 earnings have helped the stock more than double in value since the beginning of the year, and as AI infrastructure spending continues to show no signs of slowing down, it’s clear that this is a construction stock that could play a major role in its buildout.
Driven by AI data center demand, Comfort Systems has reported a record order backlog of almost $12 billion, with infrastructure projects also linked to the firm’s specialisms in semiconductor facilities, healthcare, and education construction work.
Although the stock has entered a period of sideways trading in recent weeks, it’s still up more than 200% over the past 12 months.
There may also be some concerns about Comfort Systems’ ability to deliver on such a seismic order backlog, but there’s evidence that the AI boom is also helping to improve the firm’s ability to meet growing demand.
While data shows that traditional construction processes have caused 59% of workers to spend 11 or more hours per week chasing information across different systems, unified artificial intelligence insights are helping to improve the efficiency of industry innovators, providing more support for ambitious project management.
With AI generating fresh tailwinds, Comfort Systems USA appears to be well positioned to lean further into large project cycles to support digital infrastructure without the threat of concentration risk in high-tech markets.
3. Quanta Services (NYSE:PWR)Quanta’s backlog sits at a record $48.5 billion, which has accelerated sharply as large load facility awards and 765-kilovolt transmission work shifted from pipeline to contract.
The stock has much more potential for growth in the future, with data center energy requirements forecasted to more than double by 2027, and CEO Duke Austin has suggested that the earnings power of the company could also increase by more than double by 2030.
The backlog also delivered an earnings beat in Q1 2026, with revenues reaching $7.9 billion against a consensus estimate of $7.0 billion.
With energy becoming a key consideration in the AI buildout, Quanta Services is certainly a stock to track for investors.
Monitoring the AI BoomThe artificial intelligence infrastructure buildout is showing no signs of slowing down, even as some market stress has begun to drift through Wall Street’s key AI players.
With this in mind, construction companies could emerge as some of the stocks with the best growth potential as we enter the second phase of AI adoption in the United States.
As factors like construction and energy continue to take center stage in powering the AI infrastructure of tomorrow, there are new opportunities for the stocks powering the high-tech landscape that investors should be aware of.
Disclosure: On the date of publication, Dmytro Spilka did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer. Dmytro Spilka does not intend to make a trade in any of the securities mentioned above in the next 72 hours.
Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga’s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
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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 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.
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 ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you 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.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Advance Auto Parts (AAP - Free Report) Advance Auto Parts, Inc. operates in the U.S. automotive aftermarket industry and is primarily engaged in selling replacement parts (excluding tires), accessories, batteries and maintenance items for domestic and imported cars, vans, sport utility vehicles, light and heavy-duty trucks. It is a leading automotive parts provider in North America, serving both the do-it-yourself or DIY and professional installers (professional) as well as independently owned operators.
AAP is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 17.7; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, 11 analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.17 to $2.94 per share. AAP boasts an average earnings surprise of +62.1%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, AAP should be on investors' short list.
Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when Columbia Banking (COLB - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.
The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 23, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.73 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -4%.
Revenues are expected to be $688.41 million, up 34.7% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.88% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Columbia Banking?For Columbia Banking, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -1.10%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Columbia Banking will beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Columbia Banking would post earnings of $0.68 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.72, delivering a surprise of +5.88%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.
Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Columbia Banking doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
An Industry Player's Expected ResultsPreferred Bank (PFBC - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Banks - West industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $2.65 for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of +5.2%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $73.73 million, up 4.4% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for Preferred Bank has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. However, a lower Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.08%.
This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Preferred Bank will beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Associated Banc-Corp (ASB - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.
The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 23, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.72 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +10.8%.
Revenues are expected to be $443.65 million, up 20.9% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.35% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Associated Banc-Corp?For Associated Banc-Corp, the Most Accurate Estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that there are no recent analyst views which differ from what have been considered to derive the consensus estimate. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Associated Banc-Corp will beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Associated Banc-Corp would post earnings of $0.69 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.70, delivering a surprise of +1.45%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.
Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Associated Banc-Corp doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
An Industry Player's Expected ResultsEnterprise Financial Services (EFSC - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Banks - Midwest industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $1.35 for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of -1.5%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $188.23 million, up 8.6% from the year-ago quarter.
Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Enterprise Financial Services has been revised 1.2% up to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of -0.74%, reflecting a lower Most Accurate Estimate.
This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Enterprise Financial Services will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Grosse Pointe, Michigan, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Broad Arrow Auctions, driven by Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY), is delighted to announce the first North American installment in its Global Icons Online Auction Series, featuring a limited offering from The Patina Collective. This extraordinary group of 40 of the world’s most influential and culturally significant modern Mercedes-Benz automobiles from the marque’s celebrated Youngtimer era will be presented entirely without reserve—an exceptional opportunity for new and seasoned collectors alike.
Well-known in the hobby, The Patina Collective is more than a collection of rare automobiles. The Collective celebrates an era defined by bold design, individuality, and excess, while reflecting a deep-rooted passion for Mercedes-Benz heritage and the preservation of these increasingly rare widebody masterpieces. Broad Arrow’s exceptional limited offering from The Patina Collective presents collectors with a rare opportunity to acquire some of the most distinctive and era-defining Mercedes-Benz automobiles ever produced, including many seldom-seen non-U.S. market models.
“These are not your traditional Mercedes-Benz collector cars or even your typical AMG collectibles,” says William Cooper, Car Specialist for Broad Arrow Auctions. “Our offering from The Patina Collective represents an era of wild design and true excess coupled with incredible performance. The group speaks to an emerging market for a new generation of car collectors who are after the most unique and eclectic cars from the 1980s and 1990s, a group of cars that have earned a longstanding cult following and that are now coming into their own as true collectibles. The Patina Collective has an incredible reputation for assembling rare, high-quality finds and Broad Arrow’s online auction offers the chance to acquire these cars with confidence in their provenance, with importation complete, and entirely without reserve.”
Highlights from Broad Arrow’s 40-car offering from The Patina Collective are led by:
1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 E AMG 6.0 (Estimate: $150,000 - $180,000 | Offered Without Reserve)
This rare precursor to the later E 60 AMG reflects AMG’s early development philosophy before its full integration into Mercedes-Benz. Finished in “triple-black” Black (040) over Black leather and featuring body-colored 17-inch AMG Aero I wheels and Recaro front seats, this pre-merger AMG is powered by a 6.0-liter AMG-built “M119” V8, stamped and certified by AMG. The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file, including the original bill of sale, AMG order form, German registration documents, service records, and an AMG Classic Conversion Confirmation verifying period Affalterbach modifications.
1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 E Limited Prototype (Estimate: $100,000 - $150,000 | Offered Without Reserve)
As one of the earliest known physical embodiments of the 500 E Limited concept program, this example offered by Broad Arrow occupies a singular position within Mercedes-Benz development history, directly bridging internal design validation and the eventual production E 500 Limited series. Constructed as a factory exhibition vehicle with option code 994 for the 1993 Frankfurt IAA Motor Show, this prototype was built for early evaluation of the “Limited” concept. It boasts the distinctive two-tone Black and Green patterned leather interior, EVO II wheels, and birds eye maple trim combination that became code 286 and is equipped with the full executive specification including memory seats, power rear sunshade, Becker MB Exquisit audio with CD changer, D-Net telephone, and more. Offered with 68,578 kilometers (approximately 42,500 miles), this is the original essence of a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
This is a well-preserved example of the unapologetic opulence that defined the 1980s. With ABC Exclusive bodykit-equipped Mercedes remaining unicorns to encounter, this is a rare opportunity to acquire one such example enriched by a host of bespoke period touches, a striking factory color combination, and detailed maintenance history from new. Finished in factory correct Barolo Red over a Palomino leather interior and fitted with signature Gotti wheels, Recaro C seats, and more, this 560 SEC ABC-Exclusive Widebody is powered by the 5.5-liter V8, Mercedes’ most powerful powerplant in the U.S. in period.
1995 Mercedes-Benz E 36 AMG Touring (Estimate: $50,000 - $55,000 | Offered Without Reserve)
This is a final-year example of the S124, believed to be one of 30 upgraded to E 36 AMG specification in 1995. Powered by an AMG enhanced 3.6-liter M104 inline-six, the car retains its correct AMG-stamped engine block and rare "3.6" intake plenum mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The E 36 is finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic over Black leather with ASD, heated Sportline seats, rear-facing third-row jump seat and air conditioning, while additional AMG featured include a body kit, 17-inch Aero I Sport multi-piece wheels, and a 280 km/h AMG speedometer. Among the rarest and most charismatic AMG-tuned Mercedes-Benz tourings of the era, this E36 AMG Touring offers a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and exclusivity. With its documented history, authentic AMG drivetrain, and final model year production, it stands as a highly desirable example from AMG's golden age.
Additional information on all 40 lots is available at broadarrowauctions.com. Broad Arrow’s presentation of Global Icons: The Patina Collective, is open from bidding from August 10-21. Interested bidders may register to bid and connect with a Broad Arrow Auctions car specialist via the website or by calling +1 313 312 0780. In-person preview opportunities will be made available by appointment only.
Members of the media interested in additional information, high-res images, or in speaking with a Broad Arrow Car Specialist are invited to reach out to the Broad Arrow Press Team at [email protected].
Editor’s Notes
Photo Credits: All images by Jasen Delgado/Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions.
About Broad Arrow Auctions
Broad Arrow Auctions, driven by Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY), is a leading global collector car auction house founded in 2021 by industry veterans. As the fastest-growing auction house in its segment, Broad Arrow connects exceptional collector cars with enthusiasts worldwide through flagship events including The Broad Arrow Quail Auction (the official auction of The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering), The Amelia Concours Auction (the official auction of The Amelia Concours), The Porsche Auction in collaboration with Air | Water by Luftgekühlt, the Las Vegas Auction in partnership with Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, as well as international auctions held in partnership with Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Zoute Grand Prix, and Auto Zürich.
Learn more at broadarrowauctions.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
About Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY)
Hagerty is a company built by drivers for drivers, protecting 2.8 million vehicles in the United States, Canada and the UK. We make it easier and more enjoyable for enthusiasts to drive and celebrate the machines they love through innovative insurance products, live and digital auctions, engaging media and events, as well as the Hagerty Drivers Club, the world’s largest community of car lovers.
For more information, please visit www.hagerty.com or www.newsroom.hagerty.com.
The Hagerty Automotive Intelligence team uses their collector car expertise to analyze Hagerty's massive trove of public auction results, private sales and insurance data, and buyer and seller behavior. Learn more about how we collect our data at hagerty.com/valuation-tools.
Forward-Looking Statements - This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements provided, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including those regarding Hagerty’s future operating results and financial position, Hagerty’s business strategy and plans, products, services, and technology implementations, market conditions, growth and trends, expansion plans and opportunities, and Hagerty’s objectives for future operations. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “contemplate,” and similar expressions, and the negative of these expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Hagerty has based these forward-looking statements largely on current expectations about future events, which may not materialize. Actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things, Hagerty’s ability to: (i) compete effectively within our industry and attract and retain our insurance policyholders and paid Hagerty Drivers Club (“HDC”) subscribers; (ii) maintain key strategic relationships with our insurance distribution and underwriting carrier partners; (iii) prevent, monitor, and detect fraudulent activity; (iv) manage risks associated with disruptions, interruptions, outages or other issues with our technology platforms or our use of third-party services; (v) accelerate the adoption of our membership and marketplace products and services, as well as any new insurance programs and products we offer; (vi) manage the cyclical nature of the insurance business, including through any periods of recession, economic downturn or inflation; (vii) address unexpected increases in the frequency or severity of claims, and (viii) comply with the numerous laws and regulations applicable to our business, including state, federal and foreign laws relating to insurance and rate increases, privacy, the internet, and accounting matters.
The forward-looking statements herein represent the judgment of Hagerty as of the date of this release and Hagerty disclaims any intent or obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise. This press release should be read in conjunction with the information included in Hagerty’s other press releases, reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Understanding the information contained in these filings is important in order to fully understand Hagerty’s reported financial results and its business outlook for future periods.
A snapshot of Global Icons: The Patina Collective, a 40-car limited offering presented as an online auction by Broad Arrow. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC ABC-Exclusive Widebody offered from Broad Arrow's presentation of Global Icons: The Patina Collective
A snapshot of Global Icons: The Patina Collective, a 40-car limited offering presented as an online ... Credit - Jasen Delgado/Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC ABC-Exclusive Widebody offered from Broad Arrow's presentation of Global ... Credit - Jasen Delgado/Courtesy of Broad Arrow Auctions
, /PRNewswire/ -- Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU) faces a securities class action lawsuit related to surprise disclosures the company made to investors on March 30 and May 5, 2026 about problems with its flagship metallurgical coal asset ("Centurion").
The lawsuit seeks to represent investors who purchased or otherwise acquired shares of Peabody common stock between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026.
Between March 27 (the trading day before the first cryptic disclosure) and the May 5, 2026 fuller disclosure, investors saw the price of Peabody shares crumble $14.50 (-36%). Accordingly, the severe market reactions upon the company's revelations support national shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman's investigation into legal claims that Peabody and its co-defendants violated the federal securities laws.
The firm encourages Peabody investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.
Class Period: Oct. 14, 2024 – May 4, 2026
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Aug. 24, 2026
Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/btu
Contact the Firm Now: [email protected]
844-916-0895
Peabody Energy Corporation (BTU) Securities Class Action:
Peabody characterizes itself as a leading producer of metallurgical and thermal coal and has promoted Centurion, its underground longwall metallurgical coal mine in Queensland, Australia. According to the company, the mine commenced full-scale production in February 2026.
The litigation is focused on the propriety of Peabody's statements about Centurion's operational status and production capabilities.
For example, Peabody's management informed investors on February 5, 2026 that "the team was installing the very last shield and putting the finishing touches on the Centurion Mine[,]" and "our team is charged up and has started mining some of the best metallurgical coal in the world." The company and its management also assured investors that Centurion is "going to ramp up probably about 700,000 tons in Q1, about 1 million to 1.1 million tons in Q2 and Q3, and then it'll fall back down in Q4 as we have a longwall move." In response, the market rewarded these statements by sending the price of Peabody shares up about 7.8% the next day.
Just a few weeks later, on March 30, 2026, Peabody filed a current report with the SEC and abruptly disclosed that Centurion "is expected deliver approximately 250,000 tons in the first quarter[.]" In other words, the company slashed Centurion production by about 64%. The news sent the price of Peabody shares down almost 10%.
Then, on May 5, 2026, Peabody reported its Q1 2026 financial results. Of particular concern pertaining to Centurion, management revealed the truth about why it slashed the mine's Q1 production assurance.
Despite telling investors in February that it was mining Centurion and would produce 700,000 tons in Q1, a new narrative emerged – "as part of our commissioning in February, we encountered temporary mechanical and electrical issues" – and "[a]s a result, our full year sales outlook for Centurion is now 2.5 million tons compared to our original expectation of 3.5 million tons." This full year 28% reduction helped send the price of Peabody shares down nearly 6%.
"We're focused on whether Peabody and its management were sufficiently transparent about Centurion's operational capabilities during the Class Period and, if not, whether they violated federal securities laws," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation.
If you invested in Peabody Energy and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that will assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now.
If you'd like more information and answers to other frequently asked questions about the Peabody case and the firm's investigation, read more.
Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Peabody Energy should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].
About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.
NEW YORK, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP announces that a shareholder has filed a securities class action lawsuit on behalf of investors (the “Class”) who purchased or acquired the common stock of Peabody Energy Corporation (“Peabody Energy” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BTU) between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026, inclusive.
Should You Join The Peabody Energy Class Action Lawsuit:
Do you, or did you, own shares of Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU)?
Did you purchase your shares between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026, inclusive?
Did you lose money in your investment in Peabody Energy Corporation?
What To Do Next:
Investors are encouraged to act promptly and submit a form at Peabody Energy Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Investor Relations Manager Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or [email protected].
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the Class, you must file papers by August 24, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on other class members’ behalf in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.
All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.
About The Lawsuit:
The lawsuit alleges that defendants made materially false and misleading statements and omissions regarding the Company’s business operations, growth prospects, and financial stability. As a result of these alleged misrepresentations, Peabody Energy common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period. When the truth was disclosed, investors allegedly suffered significant losses.
About Bernstein Liebhard:
Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal’s “Plaintiffs’ Hot List” thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Peabody Energy Corporation ("Peabody" or the "Company") (NYSE: BTU). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.
The class action concerns whether Peabody and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
You have until August 24, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Peabody securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On March 30, 2026, Peabody issued a press release lowering guidance pertaining to its Centurion mine's expected first quarter 2026 output ahead of the Company's full earnings release. Among other things, Peabody announced that sales volume from the Centurion mine was expected to deliver approximately 250,000 tons in the first quarter due to mining commissioning challenges (compared to previous estimates of around 700,000 tons).
On this news, Peabody's stock price fell $3.82 per share, or 9.67%, to close at $35.68 per share on March 30, 2026.
Then, on May 5, 2026, Peabody issued a press release disclosing the Company's failure to ramp-up output at the Centurion mine by the adverted-to March 2026 deadline and cutting guidance accordingly.
On this news, Peabody's stock price fell $1.52 per share, or 5.73%, to close at $25.00 per share on May 5, 2026.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Notice to Pension Funds, Asset Managers, and Fiduciaries: Peabody Energy's Alleged Centurion Mine Misrepresentations May Have Caused Significant Portfolio Losses for Institutional Holders
, /PRNewswire/ -- Institutional investors holding positions in Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU) during the period from October 14, 2024 through May 4, 2026 may wish to evaluate lead plaintiff opportunities in a pending securities class action. Request an institutional investor loss assessment. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (888) SueWallSt.
BTU shares declined from a Class Period high of $39.50 to $25.00, a loss of $14.50 per share representing a 36.7% erosion of value. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 24, 2026.
Fiduciary Obligations and Recovery Options
Institutional holders owe fiduciary duties to their beneficiaries that may require active evaluation of recovery opportunities in securities litigation. The pending BTU class action raises considerations for asset managers and plan fiduciaries, including:
Pension funds and retirement plans that held BTU during the Class Period may need to document losses and assess whether seeking lead plaintiff appointment serves beneficiaries' interests Mutual fund managers with BTU exposure face potential obligations to evaluate participation in the recovery process on behalf of fund shareholders Endowments and foundations that invested in Peabody Energy based on the company's stated Centurion ramp-up trajectory should review trade records for the October 2024 through May 2026 window Insurance company general accounts and separate accounts holding BTU positions may have claims that warrant review by outside securities counsel ERISA-governed plans have a heightened duty of prudence that may extend to pursuing available legal remedies when portfolio companies engage in alleged securities fraud Portfolio Impact Assessment
The lawsuit contends that Peabody Energy and certain officers, including CEO James C. Grech, CFO Mark A. Spurbeck, and former President of Global Operations Marc E. Hathhorn, made materially false statements about the Centurion mine's operational readiness and fiscal year 2026 metallurgical coal segment guidance. As alleged, the company repeatedly assured investors that full longwall production would commence by March 2026 while concealing mechanical, electrical, and geological problems that made the timeline unachievable. When corrective disclosures emerged on March 30 and May 5, 2026, institutional portfolios holding BTU absorbed losses as shares repriced.
The metallurgical coal segment recorded an adjusted EBITDA loss of $7 million in Q1 2026, reduced by an estimated $80 million from the Centurion ramp-up failures, according to the action. Full-year met segment volume guidance was cut by 1 million tons, and cost guidance increased from $113 per ton to $123 to $133 per ton.
Contact us to learn more about institutional recovery options or call (888) SueWallSt.
"Institutional investors play a critical role in securities class actions. Their participation as lead plaintiffs brings resources and sophistication that can benefit the entire class, and their fiduciary obligations may require careful evaluation of whether to seek that role in cases involving losses of this magnitude." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Case Summary
The securities action was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on behalf of purchasers of BTU securities between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026. The complaint asserts claims under Section 10(b) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5, as well as Section 20(a) control person claims. To be considered for lead plaintiff, investors must file by August 24, 2026.
WHY SUEWALLST: SueWallSt is powered by Levi & Korsinsky LLP. Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.Frequently Asked Questions About the BTU Lawsuit
Q: Who is eligible to join the BTU investor lawsuit? A: Investors who purchased BTU stock or securities between October 14, 2024 and May 4, 2026 and suffered financial losses may be eligible. Eligibility is based on purchase date and documented losses, not on whether you still hold the shares.
Q: When did Peabody Energy allegedly mislead investors? A: The class period runs from October 14, 2024 to May 4, 2026. The alleged fraud was revealed through corrective disclosures on March 30, 2026 and May 5, 2026, causing significant stock declines.
Q: What is the BTU lead plaintiff deadline? A: The deadline to apply for lead plaintiff appointment is August 24, 2026. This deadline applies only to investors seeking to serve as lead plaintiff. Class members who do not apply may still participate in any recovery without taking action before this date.
Q: What is a lead plaintiff and why does it matter? A: A lead plaintiff is the investor appointed by the court to represent the entire class. Lead plaintiffs are typically investors with the largest documented losses. Being appointed does not increase individual recovery but gives direct oversight of how the case is run.
Q: What documents do I need to make a claim? A: Brokerage statements or trade confirmations showing purchase dates, share quantities, prices paid, and any subsequent sale dates and prices.
Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: Nothing. Securities class actions are handled on a pure contingency basis. No upfront fees, no retainer, no out-of-pocket costs.
Q: What if I already sold my BTU shares -- can I still recover losses? A: Yes. Eligibility is based on when you purchased, not whether you still hold them. Investors who bought during the class period and sold at a loss may still participate.
Q: What if I live outside the United States? A: U.S. securities class actions generally cover purchases on U.S. exchanges regardless of investor's country of residence.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10004
[email protected]
Tel: (888) SueWallSt
Fax: (212) 363-7171
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
For those looking to find strong Industrial Products stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT - Free Report) one of those stocks right now? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.
Applied Industrial Technologies is a member of our Industrial Products group, which includes 188 different companies and currently sits at #9 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups.
The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. Applied Industrial Technologies is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AIT's full-year earnings has moved 1.2% higher within the past quarter. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.
Our latest available data shows that AIT has returned about 27.6% since the start of the calendar year. Meanwhile, the Industrial Products sector has returned an average of 17.2% on a year-to-date basis. This shows that Applied Industrial Technologies is outperforming its peers so far this year.
Another Industrial Products stock, which has outperformed the sector so far this year, is W.W. Grainger (GWW - Free Report) . The stock has returned 35.9% year-to-date.
Over the past three months, W.W. Grainger's consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 4.2%. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Looking more specifically, Applied Industrial Technologies belongs to the Manufacturing - General Industrial industry, which includes 42 individual stocks and currently sits at #66 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 6.7% so far this year, so AIT is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns.
In contrast, W.W. Grainger falls under the Industrial Services industry. Currently, this industry has 17 stocks and is ranked #203. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has moved +9.1%.
Going forward, investors interested in Industrial Products stocks should continue to pay close attention to Applied Industrial Technologies and W.W. Grainger as they could maintain their solid performance.
Cardano exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have attracted stronger investor inflows than TRON, underscoring growing institutional confidence in the Cardano ecosystem.
According to data compiled by Blockworks, Cardano-linked ETFs recorded $37.2 million in net inflows during 2025. The momentum has continued into the current year, with the products already attracting over $6.9 million in additional net inflows.
In contrast, investment products tied to TRON experienced substantial capital outflows over the same period. Blockworks data shows that TRON ETFs lost $33.38 million in 2025, while investors withdrew another $17.47 million from TRX-linked funds this year.
The contrasting performance suggests that institutional and professional investors continue allocating capital to Cardano despite broader market volatility.
Cardano and TRON ETFs Cardano ETFs Outperform TRON in AUM and Monthly Flows Cardano’s ETPs currently manage $48.3 million in assets under management (AUM) across eight active investment products. Some of the top offerings include 21Shares Cardano ETP (AADA), WisdomTree Physical Cardano, and Bitwise Physical Cardano ETP (RDAN)
These regulated investment products trade outside the United States, allowing investors in multiple international markets to gain exposure to ADA without directly buying or holding the cryptocurrency.
Moreover, recent investment activity also favors Cardano. Over the past 30 days, the eight Cardano ETPs attracted $1.17 million in fresh capital. Meanwhile, TRON’s exchange-traded investment products brought in just $534,000 during the same period.
The gap also extends to overall assets under management. While Cardano’s eight ETPs oversee $48.3 million in AUM, TRON currently has only two active ETPs with a combined $29 million in AUM.
International Demand Grows Ahead of Potential U.S. ETF The latest inflows have drawn attention across the Cardano community because they originate entirely from markets outside the United States.
Although U.S. investors still lack access to a spot Cardano ETF, Grayscale has already filed an application for one. Market observers expect the U.S. SEC to decide on the proposal later this year.
Current expectations point to a potential decision by October 2026, provided the regulatory timeline remains on schedule. The process gained momentum after CME Group launched Cardano futures in February 2026, triggering the SEC’s six-month regulated market observation period. Once that requirement concludes on August 9, 2026, ADA will satisfy a key eligibility criterion for consideration for spot ETFs.
If the SEC reviews Grayscale’s application under its streamlined 75-day approval framework, the agency could issue a final decision as early as October 23, 2026.
DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.
The U.S. Treasury added four wallets linked to Iran’s central bank to its sanctions list, leading Tether to freeze $131 million in USDT.The freeze targets TRON-based addresses that previously held over $165 million, preventing those specific funds from being transferred or redeemed.This action brings the total amount of blocked USDT linked to Iran's central bank to roughly $475 million.The U.S. added four crypto wallets linked to the Central Bank of Iran to its sanctions list after a ceasefire agreement between the two countries broke down and air and drone strikes resumed.
The four Tron-blockchain wallets had received more than $165 million in stablecoins, according to Chainalysis. Tether blocked $131 million in USDT held by the accounts, though some of the funds had moved before the freeze.
Sanctioning the wallets gives exchanges, custodians and compliance firms a clear set of addresses to screen for. Iran’s central bank has accumulated at least $507 million in USDT, according to Elliptic, using the token to support the rial.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has said its published wallet lists are not exhaustive, meaning other addresses controlled by the bank may still qualify as blocked property.
Tuesday’s OFAC update expands on an existing designation rather than imposing new sanctions. The Central Bank of Iran has been blocked under U.S. counterterrorism authorization since 2019 over its support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force and Hezbollah.
The action follows OFAC’s June sanctions on Nobitex and other Iranian exchanges accused of helping the central bank move in and out of stablecoins.
In April, Tether froze $344 million in USDT linked to the bank, bringing the total blocked across both actions to roughly $475 million.
Chainalysis said the four addresses received funds from an institutional liquidity provider and an Asia-based payment processor,
The frozen tokens remain visible onchain, but the addresses can no longer transfer or redeem them. The freeze, however, does not amount to a seizure as the funds remain under the control of the wallets belonging to Iran’s central bank.
TL;DRBNB Chain hosts more registered AI agents than any other network under ERC-8004, the standard for onchain agent identity: about 200,000 ERC-8004 agents, roughly 60% of all agents across 26 chains and more than every other network combined (8004scan, 16 July 2026).An agent economy needs four things to work: identity, capability, payment, and accountability. This piece maps each to what exists on BNB Chain today.Open standards (ERC-8004, BAP-578, x402) plus about $13.7B in stablecoins (DefiLlama, 29 June 2026) let agents identify themselves and pay onchain.For builders, that means starting from the largest agent base already in place, instead of trying to build one from zero.The shift from AI apps to AI agentsSoftware agents are starting to do things that used to need a person: call an API, book a service, pay for compute, settle a bill. The open question is where that activity settles. An agent that only drafts text can run anywhere, but an agent that holds funds, proves who it is, and pays for what it uses needs infrastructure underneath it.
That is what this piece looks at: what an AI agent economy actually requires, and where BNB Chain sits against it today. We last mapped AI on BNB Chain at the end of 2024, when the story was AI apps. The story now is agents, and the most widely accepted measure BNB Chain leads, it holds the most onchain agents of any network under the ERC-8004 agent-directory standard (8004scan, 16 July 2026). The sections below set out a simple framework for the category, then show which pieces exist on BNB Chain and which are still early.
What an agent economy actually needsAn autonomous agent needs four things to operate on its own. The framework applies to any chain or platform, not only BNB Chain, which is what makes it a useful lens.
Identity. A way to prove which agent is acting, and a record of how it has behaved.Capability. The means to do useful work, from reaching an AI model to executing onchain.Payment. The ability to pay and get paid without a person approving each charge.Accountability. A verifiable trail of what an agent did, so other parties can trust or dispute it.The rest of this piece maps BNB Chain against these four.
Why this becomes an infrastructure problemMost AI work does not need a blockchain. An agent summarizing your inbox runs fine on a company server. A chain becomes relevant only when agents start handling value and need to be trusted by parties that have never met them. At that point you need an identity no single company controls, payments that settle without a card on file, and a record anyone can check. Those are the conditions under which an agent economy reaches for onchain infrastructure, and they are where the standards below fit in.
Where BNB Chain fits todayThe most concrete grounding is the agent count, and the key is what you count it against. ERC-8004 has become the widely accepted decentralized standard for an agent directory: the discoverability and reputation layer that agents register on so other software can find them and check their track record. BNB Smart Chain carries more than 200,000 ERC-8004 agents (as of 16 July 2026), roughly 60% of all such agents across 26 networks and more than every other network combined. The second-largest chain, holds under 40,000. The lead is also widening: about 72,800 of those agents registered in the past 30 days, more than any other network added over the same period (16 July, 8004scan).
For a builder shipping a tool, a model-access gateway, or a payment rail for agents, that's not a vanity metric, it's distribution. It means the agents that would use your product, subscribe to your API, or route payments through your rail are already registered and operating here in volume, well ahead of any other chain.
The settlement layer is deep as well. BNB Chain holds about $13.7 billion in stablecoins (DefiLlama, 29 June 2026), the money agents would actually move.
Keep the quantitative and qualitative separate. The agent count and the stablecoin base are measured onchain. The projects named in the next section are qualitative signals: they show builders choosing BNB Chain for agent work, which is different from a measure of category leadership.
How the pieces compose on BNB ChainMapping the four-part framework onto what exists today shows where BNB Chain is built out and where it is still early.
Identity and accountabilityERC-8004 is the widely accepted standard for decentralized agent identity, discovery, and reputation: each agent gets an onchain identity and a track record other software can look up. The BNB Attestation Service (BAS) records attestations about what an agent is and what it has done, surfaced through an Agent Passport that an agent can carry between apps. BAP-578, BNB Chain's native Non-Fungible Agent standard, goes a step further by making the agents themselves ownable, tradable, and upgradable onchain. Together these cover the identity and accountability legs of the framework.
Capability: tools and model accessBefore an agent can act, it needs to reach and pay for AI models without running on a person's API key. Several projects on BNB Chain rebuild that layer so the agent holds the credential and the cost is metered onchain, grouped under the Agent Survival Pack, an ecosystem showcase of six projects (BNB Chain does not operate them). WorldClaw routes requests across 300+ models with stablecoin settlement on BNB Chain. Bankr runs an LLM Gateway that reaches 30+ models through one endpoint, charging per token in stablecoins on BSC. Alt AI, built by the AltLayer team, settles model access in BNB or BEP-20 tokens.
PaymentPayment is where the framework becomes real. The x402 standard lets an agent settle a charge as part of a normal request, with no card on file and no human in the loop. AEON runs an x402 facilitator on BNB Chain and connects agents to real-world spending, including QR payments at physical merchants. Binance Pay brings programmable, HTTP-native payments to BNB Chain through its own x402 integration, launched with Trust Wallet’s AgentKit, the self-custodial wallet layer that lets agents pay from a wallet a user controls and that is integrated with BNB Agent Studio. Pieverse adds gasless payments tied to ERC-8004 identity. The stablecoins agents settle in, $U and USD1, are both live on BNB Chain. Consumer crypto spending sits next to this and is worth keeping distinct: Oobit, for example, lets a person tap to pay with BNB at Visa and Mastercard terminals, which is a person spending, not an agent settling its own bills.
The wider ecosystemUnderneath the agents is a full AI stack on BNB Chain: storage, compute, data, developer tools, and verification. The shift in 2026 is that projects which grew up elsewhere are building here too. Virtuals Protocol, a well-known agent platform, extended its agent-commerce layer to BNB Chain in March 2026, alongside the tools already settling on the chain.
Where it is still earlyTwo gaps are worth stating plainly. First, the identity base is large but application-level demand, the volume of real work agents pay for, still has to be proven. Second, some pieces are not settled: a consumer-style payment product that issues agents their own card is not yet part of the picture, and the exact naming and timing of an MPP-based payments SDK are still being confirmed internally. Naming the gaps is part of reading the data honestly.
Building on BNB ChainFor a builder deciding where to put an agent product, the case is straightforward: BNB Chain already has the largest registered agent base of any network, and the infrastructure to reach it is live, not planned.
For builders, the on-ramp is the BNBAgent SDK, a Python toolkit now live on mainnet and the first live implementation of ERC-8183, the standard for onchain agent commerce. It bundles identity, payment, and execution in one place, and BNB Agent Studio lets a builder stand up an agent from a prompt, with Trust Wallet’s AgentKit integrated so the agent can pay from a self-custodial wallet. The BNB Hack: AI Trading Agents, run with CoinMarketCap and Trust Wallet, is a current place to put the SDK to work (dates to confirm before publishing).
ConclusionBNB Chain already holds the largest base of onchain AI agents of any network, and it's the only chain where identity (ERC-8004, BAP-578), payments (x402, live stablecoins), and commerce (ERC-8183, the BNBAgent SDK) are all live at once, not split across roadmaps. That combination is why builders shipping agent infrastructure are choosing BNB Chain today. The scale is already here, what's ahead is agents putting it to work, and that's a growth curve, not an open question.
Beyond AI and regulatory clarity, one key theme is taking center stage in 2026: Stronger tokenomics.
The logic is simple: While deflationary mechanisms can support price by creating scarcity-driven rallies, the bigger picture goes beyond short-term price action. Instead, they are increasingly becoming a key factor in improving long-term value capture for token holders.
Notably, BNB’s latest burn cycle is a clear example of this shift. According to the official report, the BSC chain burned 1.62 million BNB tokens during its 36th quarterly burn, worth around $931 million at the time. This reduced BNB’s circulating supply to 133 million, putting it behind only Ethereum’s [ETH] 120 million and Bitcoin’s [BTC] 21 million among the top 10 crypto assets by supply.
Source: X More importantly, the market reaction after the burn showed growing investor interest in assets with in-built deflationary mechanics. The narrative quickly picked up momentum on social media, with many investors arguing that Binance Coin [BNB] is entering Q3 with a strong bullish setup.
However, the thesis may still seem a bit too early. From a technical standpoint, despite the burn and the surrounding hype, BNB is up only 1.5% this week, trailing Ethereum’s 6% rally. That said, compared to Solana’s [SOL] 0.5% gain, BNB is showing stronger relative momentum. With Solana’s liquid supply being over 5x larger than BNB’s, this divergence doesn’t look random.
Instead, it suggests investors are starting to favor assets with tighter supply dynamics. However, when it comes to long-term value capture, Solana is still in the race, driven by its growing RWA momentum. The bigger question now is whether Solana’s RWA growth can eventually outperform BNB’s stronger tokenomics, revealing which narrative has the stronger long-term edge.
BNB’s burn meets Solana’s RWA momentum Both tokenomics and tokenization have emerged as major growth themes in the 2026 cycle.
While Solana still trails BNB when it comes to deflationary mechanics, its tokenization narrative is clearly gaining momentum. According to RWA.xyz, Solana is now the leading blockchain by RWA holders, with over 300k real-world asset holders, a new all-time high, and far ahead of BSC’s 118k holders. Notably, this surge has been fueled by tokenized equities, with Solana recording $3.47 billion in tokenized equities trading volume in June 2026, also marking a new all-time high.
However, price action tells a different story. SOL/BNB remains in a steady downtrend, failing to reclaim key support levels since Q4 2023’s 227% rally. Since then, each cycle has followed a similar pattern. Around two quarters of consolidation before another breakdown, underscoring that Solana’s strong fundamentals have yet to fully translate into relative strength against BNB.
Source: TradingView (SOL/BNB) Naturally, this shifts the focus back to BNB’s recent 1.62 million token burn.
With supply tightening further and the gap widening against Solana’s 582 million liquid supply, Solana’s RWA momentum has yet to show up in the SOL/BNB ratio. Moreover, investors appear to be placing more weight on stronger tokenomics as a more reliable driver of long-term value capture.
In this context, a SOL/BNB breakout in Q3 still looks like a tough challenge.
Final Summary BNB’s 1.62 million token burn is boosting its deflationary narrative, as investors focus more on assets with stronger supply control. Solana’s RWA growth is strong. But BSC’s tighter supply keeps the SOL/BNB breakout uncertain.
Alchemy Brings Full Infrastructure Stack to StellarAlchemy has gone live with RPC endpoints, WebSockets, and three indexed Data APIs for the Stellar network, covering both mainnet and testnet. The move hands Stellar developers a production-grade infrastructure layer without the overhead of running custom tooling.
The three indexed APIs give developers access to transfer histories, consolidated token balances through a single request, and NFT holdings spanning both traditional Stellar assets and Soroban-based assets. According to Build on Stellar, the APIs merge classic Stellar and Stellar Smart Contract assets into a single response, cutting out a step that has historically added complexity to application development.
Alchemy provides 99.99% uptime with global redundancy, RPC and WebSocket support, and battle-tested infrastructure with SOC 2 Type II certification. Developers can access all of this using the same API key they already use for other chains supported by the platform.
Why It Matters for Stellar BuildersBefore this integration, retrieving a full picture of a user's on-chain activity on Stellar typically required developers to build or maintain a custom indexer, a time-consuming task that pulls resources away from core product work. With Alchemy's Stellar Data API, developers can query indexed Stellar data across native, classic, and Soroban assets, including transfer history, account balances, and NFT holdings, without running their own indexer.
Stellar is a Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for real-world payments and asset movement, combining high-performance smart contracts, sub-5-second finality, and native access to institutional financial rails. MoneyGram and PayPal integrate directly with Stellar for production settlement and payment flows, and the network currently supports approximately $2 billion in on-chain real-world assets.
The Alchemy integration adds to a growing list of developer tooling arriving on Stellar. SushiSwap V3 launched on Stellar in February 2026, with other key protocols including Blend for lending, Aquarius for AMM liquidity, Upshift for vault infrastructure, and Rails for perpetuals. The arrival of institutional-grade API infrastructure from a provider of Alchemy's scale is likely to lower the barrier further for teams evaluating Stellar as a build target.
Sources
Alchemy: Stellar Support Is Live on Alchemy
Alchemy Docs: Stellar Data API Overview
Tradable, a leading private asset marketplace and tokenization platform, today announced an integration with the Stellar network to tokenize up to $1 billion of private credit assets onchain.
The integration builds on Tradable’s mission to bring blockchain technology to traditional asset managers through tokenized institutional-grade investment opportunities across high-quality asset classes including private credit. The platform supports workflows that matter in real markets, including deal lifecycle management, compliance controls, investor onboarding, and ongoing operations.
“We’re excited to partner with institutionally oriented ecosystems like Stellar,” said Alex Cordover, CEO of Tradable. “By bringing assets onto the Stellar blockchain network, Tradable is continuing to work toward its goal of building the next generation of alternative asset infrastructure.”
In addition to bringing a significant amount of private credit assets into the Stellar blockchain ecosystem, the integration will also help to ensure the assets are interoperable and composable, maintaining the ability to increase liquidity, and enhance user engagement across numerous platforms. Purpose-built to enable adherence to strict data security and regulatory guidelines, the Stellar network has unique buy-in from institutional adopters. The Stellar network’s native asset controls, privacy, and operating cost advantages can all drive significant institutional demand for tokenized private credit assets.
“Stellar is the network regulated institutions choose to tokenize real-world assets, and Tradable's decision to bring up to $1 billion in private credit to the network is a clear signal that enterprises are choosing Stellar to bring financial assets onchain at scale.” said Denelle Dixon, CEO of Stellar Development Foundation. “Tradable and the Stellar network are showing that institutional-grade assets can move on public blockchain infrastructure with the compliance, security, and efficiency real markets demand.”
Tradable previously announced in 2025 that it had fully tokenized $1.7 billion of assets across close to 30 institutional-grade private credit positions.
About Tradable
Tradable’s technology platform helps leading asset managers (originators) adopt web3 technology and grow AUM by reaching a new on-chain investor audience. Investors are able to access institutional quality opportunities via an intuitive interface built to simplify asset discovery and due diligence. Tradable has developed secure smart contracts for deal representation and AML/KYC/KYB/KYT compliance. Tradable’s blockchain-based systems improve on traditional marketplaces by enabling on-chain investments and programmatic execution of key tasks while maintaining a high bar of asset quality. Tradable is led by seasoned fintech operators with backgrounds spanning payments, marketplaces, AI, web3, trading, and private credit. For more information, visit tradable.xyz.
About The Stellar Network
The Stellar network is a decentralized, fast, scalable, and uniquely sustainable blockchain built for financial products and services. It offers builders smart contracts functionality and a protocol optimized for payments, with a design intended to keep fees low and to provide transaction speeds that can scale with increased adoption. Financial institutions and innovators worldwide issue assets and settle payments on the Stellar network, which has processed billions of operations with millions of accounts since the network was first launched.
Stellar (XLM) has continued to gain traction as the fast-growing altcoin remains one of the top-performing cryptocurrencies that have been barely overwhelmed by the extreme market volatility.
With XLM consistently projecting strong price movements even on days when the market seems uncertain, traders are beginning to weigh in on its possible future outcome against its rival, XRP.
XLM gains edge over XRPData showcased on the crypto prediction market Kalshi shows that traders are giving XLM a bit of an edge over XRP as the former continues to pull stronger price moves even amid the weak market conditions.
HOT Stories
Under the category that allows traders to bet on which cryptocurrency will end the year with a positive return, 36% of traders on the platform believe XLM will finish the year in the green. Meanwhile, only 31% showed confidence in XRP.
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Although the difference is relatively small, it suggests that market sentiment is a bit in favor of XLM and traders are showing more confidence in Stellar's performance over the remainder of the year despite XRP's growing social hype.
What does history say?While the odds appear to be pretty close, historical data further backs XLM's chances of outperforming XRP for the remaining part of the year.
So far in 2026, XLM has only decreased by 5.99%, while XRP is down by a massive 39.8%, positioning the former way ahead in terms of their year-to-date price performance.
Further data has also shown that XLM has been more resilient over the past three months, posting an increase of 17.8% in its price while XRP declined by 21.4% over the same period.
Quick Overview UnitedHealth delivered Q2 adjusted EPS of $6.38, significantly exceeding the $4.91 consensus estimate Quarterly revenue totaled $112 billion, surpassing Wall Street’s $110.8 billion projection Company increased full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $19.50–$20.00 range Medical-cost ratio dropped to 86.7%, improving from 89.4% in the prior-year period Competing health insurers including Humana, Centene, and Molina saw premarket gains UnitedHealth Group shares surged approximately 7% during premarket hours Thursday following the healthcare giant’s release of second-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations and an upward revision to its annual forecast.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, UNH
The company’s adjusted earnings per share reached $6.38, significantly surpassing analyst projections clustered around $4.85–$4.91. This represents an earnings beat exceeding $1.50 per share — a substantial outperformance.
Quarterly revenue totaled $112 billion, topping the $110.8 billion consensus forecast from Wall Street analysts. This figure represents growth from the $111.6 billion recorded during the comparable quarter last year.
BREAKING: UnitedHealth stock, $UNH, surges over +8% after posting stronger than expected Q2 earnings.
The stock is now officially up over +75% since its March 27th bottom. pic.twitter.com/csc1kAX4NL
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) July 16, 2026
The medical-cost ratio — representing the portion of premium revenue spent on medical care — declined to 86.7%. This marks an improvement from the 89.4% ratio posted in Q2 2025 and outperformed analyst expectations of 88.4%. Company leadership attributed the enhancement to refined benefit structures, more disciplined pricing strategies, and improved cost controls in medical spending.
Operating earnings climbed to $8.0 billion, a substantial increase from the $5.2 billion generated in the second quarter of 2025.
Annual Projections Enhanced Leveraging the momentum from its impressive quarterly performance, UnitedHealth elevated its 2026 full-year adjusted earnings guidance to a $19.50–$20.00 per share range. The midpoint of $19.75 substantially exceeds the analyst consensus hovering around $18.48–$18.49. The company’s previous guidance had established a floor of $18.25.
Additionally, management boosted its annual cash flow projection to roughly $24 billion, representing an increase from the earlier target of over $18 billion.
Operating cash flows totaled $11.1 billion during the quarter, equating to 1.9 times net income. The company has already executed $4 billion in share repurchases through mid-July and anticipates buying back a minimum of $5 billion throughout the entire year.
Business Unit Performance UnitedHealthcare provided coverage to 48.5 million members throughout the quarter while generating revenues of $86 billion and earnings of $3.9 billion. The division’s operating margin improved to 4.6%, advancing from 2.4% in Q2 2025.
Optum, the organization’s healthcare services division, produced revenues totaling $65.7 billion alongside earnings of $4.0 billion, demonstrating 160 basis points of year-over-year margin improvement.
Chief Executive Stephen Hemsley noted the results demonstrate “continuing progress in our work to simplify how we operate, improve both affordability and the health care experience for patients and care providers.”
The impressive financial performance created positive spillover effects for competitor health insurance companies. Humana climbed 4.8% in premarket activity, while Centene advanced 4.6% and Molina Healthcare increased 2.9%.
UnitedHealth’s approximately 7% premarket surge positioned the stock near $448.50, compared with its previous closing price of roughly $418.52.
Three Industry Names Join Stellar's Validator CoreThe Stellar Development Foundation (@StellarOrg) has added three new organizations to its Tier 1 validator set: @MoneyGram, @Figure, and @range_org. The additions bring together institutions spanning global money movement, capital markets, and blockchain security infrastructure, deepening the network's decentralization at its most consequential layer.
Tier 1 organizations bear the safety and liveness of the Stellar network, meaning most other validators on the network require agreement from them to commit to a new ledger. The role is not self-appointed. To become a Tier 1 organization, a team must convince enough other organizations to trust them. Each Tier 1 member is also required to run three geographically dispersed full validators to ensure redundancy in the event that one node goes offline.
The new entrants bring real-world institutional weight. @MoneyGram has long been embedded in Stellar's payments ecosystem, using the network to process cross-border remittances. MGUSD, its dollar-pegged stablecoin issued via Stripe's Bridge, connects digital dollars to roughly 500,000 physical cash locations in MoneyGram's global remittance network. @Figure is a fintech firm active in capital markets, issuing YLDS, a yield-bearing dollar asset, on the Stellar network. @range_org adds blockchain security infrastructure expertise to the group.
Why the Expansion Matters for $XLMThe move is part of a broader push by SDF to raise the number of Tier 1 organizations and improve the network's fault tolerance. Since April 2025, there had been seven Tier 1 organizations, each operating three full validators, including Blockdaemon, Creit Technologies, Franklin Templeton, LOBSTR, Public Node, SatoshiPay, and SDF. Adding three more organizations meaningfully expands the quorum and reduces the risk of a network halt caused by a small number of participants going dark.
Tier 1 organizations bear the safety and liveness of the Stellar network on their shoulders. That accountability is also what makes them attractive to institutions. Under the Stellar Consensus Protocol, there are no monetary rewards for validators, who operate the network via Proof-of-Agreement through a system of federated voting. Validators participate because they have a direct operational stake in the network's health, not because they earn block rewards.
SDF has emphasised that its approach to decentralization is not about maximizing node count, but fostering trust, mission alignment, and resilience in real-world scenarios. The profiles of @MoneyGram, @Figure, and @range_org reflect exactly that philosophy: each has an active business reason to want Stellar running reliably.
Validator nodes on Stellar increased 13% since year-end, and the latest additions signal that institutional participation in network infrastructure is accelerating alongside growing stablecoin and asset issuance activity on the chain.
Sources:
Stellar Docs: Tier 1 Organizations
Stellar Development Foundation: Q1 2026 Network Update
Messari: State of Stellar Q1 2026
The Progressive Corp. (NYSE:PGR) on Wednesday reported mixed second-quarter 2026 results.
Adjusted earnings per share were $4.86, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $4.77. Revenue, measured as net premiums earned, increased 6% year over year to $21.57 billion but narrowly missed the consensus estimate of $21.60 billion.
For the month of June, Progressive reported net income of $779 million, down 31% from a year earlier. Monthly earnings per share declined to $1.34 from $1.91, while the monthly combined ratio increased to 90.0 from 86.6.
Progressive shares fell 0.3% to $204.62 in pre-market trading.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Progressive following earnings announcement.
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods analyst Meyer Shields maintained the stock with a Market Perform and lowered the price target from $231 to $226. BMO Capital analyst Michael Zaremski maintained Progressive with a Market Perform and lowered the price target from $220 to $205. Considering buying PGR stock? Here’s what analysts think:
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Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Gentherm (THRM - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.
The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 23. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis maker of climate-controlled seats and other products is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.59 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +9.3%.
Revenues are expected to be $384.35 million, up 2.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.62% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Gentherm?For Gentherm, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +6.78%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.
So, this combination indicates that Gentherm will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Gentherm would post earnings of $0.53 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.84, delivering a surprise of +58.49%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times.
Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Gentherm appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Here at Zacks, we offer our members many different opportunities to take full advantage of the stock market, as well as how to invest in ways that lead to long-term success.
One of our most popular services, Zacks Premium offers 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 like the Earnings ESP filter. All are useful tools to find what stocks to buy, what to sell, and what are today's hottest industries.
The service also includes the Focus List, which is a long-term portfolio of top stocks that boast a winning, market-beating combination of growth and momentum qualities.
Breaking Down the Zacks Focus ListIf you could, wouldn't you jump at the chance for access to a curated list of stocks to kickstart your investing journey?
Enter the Zacks Focus List. It's a portfolio made up of 50 stocks that are set to beat the market over the next 12 months; each company selected serves as a foundation for long-term investors looking to create an individual portfolio.
One thing that makes the Focus List even more advantageous is that each pick comes with a full Zacks Analyst Report. This helps explain why each stock was selected and why we believe it's a good pick for the long-term.
The portfolio's past performance only solidifies why investors should consider it as a starting point. For 2020, the Focus List gained 13.85% on an annualized basis compared to the S&P 500's return of 9.38%. Cumulatively, the portfolio has returned 2,519.23% while the S&P returned 854.95%. Returns are for the period of February 1, 1996 to March 31, 2021.
Focus List MethodologyWhen stocks are picked for the Focus List, it reflects our enduring reliance on the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Brokerage analysts are in charge of determining a company's growth and profitability expectations, or earnings estimates. These analysts work together with company management to evaluate all factors that may affect future earnings, like interest rates, the economy, and sector and industry optimism.
Earnings estimate revisions are very important, since investors also need to take into consideration what a company will earn in the future.
The stocks that receive positive changes to earnings estimates are more likely to receive even more upward changes in the future. Take this example: if an analyst raised their estimates last month, they'll probably do so again this month, and other analysts will follow.
Utilizing the power of earnings estimate revisions is when the Zacks Rank joins the party. A unique, proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank uses changes to quarterly earnings expectations to help investors create a winning portfolio.
Four primary factors make up the Zacks Rank: Agreement, Magnitude, Upside, and Surprise. Each is given a raw score that's recalculated every night and compiled into the Rank, and with this data, stocks are then classified into five groups, ranging from "Strong Buy" to "Strong Sell."
The Focus List is comprised of stocks hand-picked from a long list of #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) ranked companies, meaning that each new addition boasts a bullish earnings consensus among analysts.
Because stock prices react to revisions, buying stocks with rising earnings estimates can be very profitable. Focus List stocks offer investors a great opportunity to get into companies whose future earnings estimates will be raised, potentially leading to price momentum.
Focus List Spotlight: Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) Ulta Beauty, Inc., headquartered in Bolingbrook, IL, is an international specialty beauty retailer. Founded in 1990, the company changed its name to Ulta Beauty in January 2017.
ULTA, a #3 (Hold) stock, was added to the Focus List on March 25, 2020 at $177.59 per share. Since then, shares have increased 162.48% to $466.14.
12 analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2027. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.2 to $28.67. ULTA boasts an average earnings surprise of 10%.
Moreover, analysts are expecting ULTA's earnings to grow 11.8% for the current fiscal year.
Reveal Winning StocksUnlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. You'll quickly identify which stocks to buy, hold and sell, and target today's hottest industries, to help improve the performance of your portfolio. Gain full access now >>
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.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum 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.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% 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.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.
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: Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) Ulta Beauty, Inc., headquartered in Bolingbrook, IL, is an international specialty beauty retailer. Founded in 1990, the company changed its name to Ulta Beauty in January 2017.
ULTA is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Retail-Wholesale stock. ULTA has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 3.4% over the past four weeks.
12 analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2027, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.20 to $28.67 per share. ULTA also boasts an average earnings surprise of +10%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, ULTA should be on investors' short list.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) (the "Company"), a leader in environmental and safety solutions, will announce second quarter earnings before the market opens on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The Company will also host an investor conference call and webcast at 10 a.m. Eastern Time the same day with Jennifer L. Sherman, president and chief executive officer, and Ian A. Hudson, senior vice president and chief financial officer.
Investors and analysts may access the webcast at www.federalsignal.com. The teleconference may be accessed 10 minutes prior to the start by calling 1-877-704-4453 and using conference ID 13761759. An archived replay of the investor conference call will be available on the Company's website shortly after the call concludes. The replay telephone number is 1-844-512-2921, pin number 13761759.
About Federal Signal
Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer, manufacturer and supplier of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Ill., with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com.
Kinder Morgan (KMI - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.
Shares of this oil and natural gas pipeline and storage company have returned +2.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.5% change. The Zacks Oil and Gas - Production and Pipelines industry, to which Kinder Morgan belongs, has gained 2.5% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Kinder Morgan is expected to post earnings of $0.31 per share, indicating a change of +10.7% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
The consensus earnings estimate of $1.49 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +14.6%. This estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.51 indicates a change of +1.2% from what Kinder Morgan is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Kinder Morgan is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
For Kinder Morgan, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $4.29 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +6.2%. For the current and next fiscal years, $18.17 billion and $19.07 billion estimates indicate +7.3% and +4.9% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryKinder Morgan reported revenues of $4.83 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +13.8%. EPS of $0.48 for the same period compares with $0.34 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.65 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +3.76%. The EPS surprise was +26.32%.
Over the last four quarters, Kinder Morgan surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Kinder Morgan is graded D on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Kinder Morgan. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
NEW YORK, July 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP:
Do you currently own shares of Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT)?Did you purchase any of your shares prior to February 24, 2025?Do you want to discuss your rights?
Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, is investigating whether certain directors and officers of Gartner, Inc. (“Gartner” or the “Company”) (NYSE: IT) breached the fiduciary duties they owe to the Company.
What To Do Next:
If you currently hold Gartner stock and would like to discuss your legal rights and options, please visit Gartner, Inc. Shareholder Investigation or contact Investor Relations Manager Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or [email protected].
About Bernstein Liebhard:
Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the firm has been named to The National Law Journal’s “Plaintiffs’ Hot List” thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.
Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on lower revenues when Comcast (CMCSA - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.
The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 23, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis cable provider is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.97 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -22.4%.
Revenues are expected to be $29.24 billion, down 3.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.14% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Comcast?For Comcast, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +2.29%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Comcast will beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Comcast would post earnings of $0.73 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.79, delivering a surprise of +8.22%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.
Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Comcast doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund, Inc. (NYSE: RQI) (the "Fund") today announced the results of its transferable rights offering (the "Offer"), which commenced on June 18, 2026 and expired on July 15, 2026 (the "Expiration Date"). The Offer was led by UBS Investment Bank as the sole dealer manager.
The Offer is expected to result in the issuance of approximately 12,642,989 shares of the Fund's common stock (the "common shares") (including notices of guaranteed delivery), resulting in anticipated gross proceeds to the Fund of approximately $154 million, or $220 million after adding anticipated leverage to the gross proceeds raised. The Fund will receive the entire proceeds of the Offer since Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. (the "Advisor"), the Fund's investment adviser, has agreed to pay all expenses incurred in connection with the Offer.
The subscription price of $12.15 per common share was determined based upon the formula equal to the higher of 92.5% of the average of the last reported sales price of a common share on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") on the Expiration Date and each of the four preceding trading days on the NYSE or 90% of the average of the Fund's net asset value per common share at the close of trading on the NYSE on the Expiration Date and each of the four preceding trading days (the "Subscription Price"). Common shares will be issued promptly after completion and receipt of all stockholder payments.
Joseph Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Cohen & Steers, said:
"With the continued support of our investors, we are supplying RQI with proceeds to further capitalize on the compelling investment opportunities emerging across both listed and private real estate. I am grateful for all the investors who continue to place their trust in Cohen & Steers."
Mathew Kirschner, Portfolio Manager, U.S. Real Estate, said:
"We believe that real estate is in the early stages of a new cycle. In addition, structural tailwinds including a retail renaissance, AI-driven digital transformation, and changing demographics including an aging population, are converging with limited supply to create compelling investment opportunities across real estate. With the support of our investors, this rights offering enables RQI to invest fresh capital at what we believe are attractive valuations into these opportunities."
This document is not an offer to sell any securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. This document is not an offering, which can only be made by a prospectus. Investors should consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. Such information, including other information about the Fund, can be found on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and should be read carefully before investing.
About Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund, Inc. The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The primary investment objective of the Fund is to seek high current income through investment in real estate securities. The secondary investment objective is capital appreciation. Real estate securities include common stocks, preferred stocks and other equity and debt securities issued by real estate companies, including real estate investment trusts (REITs) and similar REIT-like entities.
About Cohen & Steers, Inc. Cohen & Steers, Inc. ("Cohen & Steers") is a leading global investment manager specializing in real assets and alternative income, including listed and private real estate, preferred securities, infrastructure, resource equities, commodities, as well as multi-strategy solutions. Founded in 1986, the firm is headquartered in New York City, with offices in London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.
The Advisor is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cohen & Steers.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and other statements that Cohen & Steers may make may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which reflect the company's current views with respect to, among other things, its operations and financial performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates," or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.
Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction.
Risks of Investing in Real Estate Securities
The risks of investing in real estate securities are similar to those associated with direct investments in real estate, including falling property values due to increasing vacancies; declining rents resulting from economic, legal, political or technological developments; lack of liquidity; lack of availability of financing; limited diversification, sensitivity to certain economic factors such as interest rate changes and market recessions and changes in supply of or demand for similar properties in a given market. No representation or warranty is made as to the efficacy of any particular strategy or fund or the actual returns that may be achieved.
Risks of Investing in Closed-End Funds
Shares of many closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount from their asset value. Funds are subject to stock market risk, which is the risk that stock prices overall will decline over short or long periods, adversely affecting the value of an investment in a fund.
Marvell Technology (MRVL 7.68%) could benefit as AI data centers shift from raw compute toward networking, optical connectivity, and custom silicon. The upside story is compelling, but the valuation means investors need to weigh growth potential against execution risk.
*Stock prices used were the market prices of July 3, 2026. The video was published on July 13, 2026.
Rick Orford has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Marvell Technology. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick Orford is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through their link, they will earn some extra money that supports their channel. Their opinions remain their own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.
Marvell Technology (MRVL - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Shares of this chipmaker have returned -28.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.5% change. The Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry, to which Marvell belongs, has lost 9.8% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Marvell is expected to post earnings of $0.93 per share, indicating a change of +38.8% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
The consensus earnings estimate of $4.04 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +42.3%. This estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $6.18 indicates a change of +53% from what Marvell is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Marvell.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of Marvell, the consensus sales estimate of $2.71 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +35.1%. The $11.54 billion and $16.63 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +40.9% and +44.1%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryMarvell reported revenues of $2.42 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +27.6%. EPS of $0.8 for the same period compares with $0.62 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.4 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +0.59%. The EPS surprise was 0%.
Over the last four quarters, Marvell surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates three times over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
Marvell is graded D on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Marvell. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Copart, Inc. ("Copart" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CPRT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Copart and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On June 29, 2026, Copart announced that Jeff Liaw would step down from his roles as Chief Executive Officer and member of Copart's board of directors, effective July 31, 2026.
On this news, Copart's stock price fell $2.45 per share, or 8.02%, to close at $28.10 per share on June 29, 2026.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
The market expects Pool Corp. (POOL - Free Report) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.
The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 23. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis distributor of supplies for swimming pools is expected to post quarterly earnings of $5.35 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +3.5%.
Revenues are expected to be $1.82 billion, up 1.9% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.11% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Pool Corp.?For Pool Corp., the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +3.06%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Pool Corp. will beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Pool Corp. would post earnings of $1.34 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.43, delivering a surprise of +6.72%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.
Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Pool Corp. doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Wall Street analysts expect Ally Financial (ALLY - Free Report) to post quarterly earnings of $1.24 per share in its upcoming report, which indicates a year-over-year increase of 25.3%. Revenues are expected to be $2.21 billion, up 6.2% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during this timeframe.
Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.
While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as a yardstick to evaluate the company's quarterly performance, scrutinizing analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics can offer a more comprehensive perspective.
With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some Ally Financial metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Net financing revenue' at $1.66 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +9.2%.
Analysts predict that the 'Insurance premiums and service revenue earned' will reach $366.72 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +2.2%.
Analysts expect 'Total other revenue' to come in at $553.60 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -2.2%.
The consensus estimate for 'Net interest margin (as reported)' stands at 3.5%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 3.4% in the same quarter last year.
Analysts forecast 'Book value per share' to reach $44.56 . The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $39.71 .
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Total interest-earning assets (Average Balances)' reaching $188.16 billion. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $178.06 billion.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Efficiency Ratio' of 53.7%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 60.6% in the same quarter last year.
View all Key Company Metrics for Ally Financial here>>>
Shares of Ally Financial have experienced a change of +1.9% in the past month compared to the +0.5% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), ALLY is expected to mirror the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Keyrock acquires BlockFills' institutional trading and brokerage business for $3.25 million
Keyrock has completed the acquisition of BlockFills' institutional trading and brokerage business, with the deal covering its trading technology, institutional client relationships, and derivatives trading team. The acquisition will also expand Keyrock's regulatory scope, including an entity registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority and another UK entity seeking authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Keyrock did not disclose the transaction price in its announcement. Per prior court documents and disclosures from company representatives, the total acquisition value is $3.25 million, payable in two installments, with certain arrangements subject to regulatory approval. BlockFills suffered major losses during the February 2026 crypto market crash, after which it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Keyrock was ultimately selected as the buyer in the firm's bankruptcy proceedings.
5 minutes ago
Serenity: Declines in storage and AI-related crypto assets likely stem from deleveraging and cascading margin liquidations.
Serenity noted that Micron Technology announced today it has signed a long-term memory agreement with Qualcomm, but Micron’s stock price still fell by 5.37% following the announcement. He believes that, with multiple structural agreements continuing to take effect, the current decline does not appear to stem from issues with storage or AI stocks themselves. The related drop is more likely due to the winding down of deleveraging and margin call liquidation chains.
5 minutes ago
1inch co-founder Anton Bukov stated he was fired at the end of November 2025 and announced the launch of a new project, Second Tier.
1inch co-founder Anton Bukov published a statement saying he was fired at the end of November 2025. While he remains a co-founder of the decentralized exchange aggregator and holds a 50% stake, he is no longer involved in the company’s operations, product architecture, security design, or related oversight duties. Since co-founding 1inch in May 2019, Bukov led work on protocol architecture, security, and economic model design, and contributed to launching key products including the 1inch Router, 1inch Fusion, cross-chain atomic swaps, and shared liquidity automated market makers (AMMs). Bukov noted that feedback from users and team members over the past year led him to realize he could not stay on the sidelines of the company’s management and operations. He subsequently spent months learning leadership and communication skills and driving internal changes, before being dismissed in late November 2025. He also announced the launch of a new project called Second Tier, with plans to collaborate with like-minded teams to build secure, efficient systems that bridge the gap between economic intent and real-world execution.
5 minutes ago
Loss-making small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 Index have risen 154% since mid-2025, while profitable companies have gained only 34%.
The Kobeissi Letter stated that companies in the Russell 2000 index with negative earnings per share (EPS) have risen a cumulative 154% since mid-2025, while those with positive EPS have only gained 34% over the same period. So far this year, unprofitable companies in the Russell 2000 have climbed 45%, outperforming profitable firms' 18% rise. Driven by this trend, the Russell 2000 has rallied 20% year-to-date, on track to post its best annual performance since 2003. In comparison, the S&P 500 has gained 11% over the same period, while the US tech "Magnificent Seven" has risen just 4%. The top-performing small-cap stocks are mainly tech and infrastructure firms poised to benefit from AI spending. The market is rewarding AI-related exposure, regardless of whether the companies are profitable or not.
5 minutes ago
Injective has submitted a transfer agent registration application to the U.S. SEC.
Injective has submitted a transfer agent registration application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a move to bring core traditional financial market functions onto the blockchain. If the application is approved, the Injective network plans to maintain official ownership records for tokenized securities and real-world assets (RWA) directly on-chain.
5 minutes ago
Bank of America CEO joins ranks of banking executives warning about risks of Mythos AI
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has joined a host of Wall Street leaders in voicing serious concerns over AI models such as Mythos developed by Anthropic. “This marks a huge shift in workload, and also relates to how quickly these tools can impact system vulnerabilities, as well as how fast we need to respond,” Moynihan said. In recent months, the rapid evolution of AI models has prompted the financial industry and the U.S. government to begin assessing potential threats. Anthropic claims that Mythos, which launched earlier this year, excels at identifying system vulnerabilities. Bank of America is among the Wall Street institutions granted access to Mythos; the bank has used the model to test its own systems and share information with peers. The model is not yet open to the public. Earlier this week, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned that widespread public access to the system would be “as dangerous as handing a ballistic missile to an individual.” (Jinshi)
ZachXBT advised users with some experience in crypto to use a smartphone for storing their wallets instead of a hardware wallet. In his opinion, the development of the software ecosystem at Ledger was an example of growing danger for crypto wallets’ security. The new wave of phishing and fraudulent apps increased worries about the safety of crypto wallets. This week, the topic of crypto security became a relevant one because of blockchain researcher ZachXBT’s remarks on the reliability of hardware wallets in relation to self-custody of funds. In fact, his views were in contrast to the current practices and drew attention to the issue of crypto wallets’ protection in general, rather than that of hardware only. ZachXBT recommended using an iPhone instead of a hardware wallet for experienced users.
Source: ZachXBT (Telegram) Security Threats Extend Beyond Hardware Wallets Ledger transitioned from Ledger Live to Ledger Wallet, adding buying, swapping, staking, and yield management features. ZachXBT noted that the most serious accusation was against Ledger. Too many software updates complicate normal activities while posing additional security threats. Critics argue that every new feature expands the attack surface. It poses security threats owing to software vulnerabilities, while making no addition to the security of transactions.
These positions were justified by hacking events in which attacks did not take place on hardware but on its users. The fake Ledger application available in the Apple App Store is claimed to have stolen about $9.5 million from the accounts of its users who have revealed their recovery phrases. Another case of a social engineering attack resulted in the loss of more than $282 million by one cryptocurrency holder while interacting socially during the security procedure of a hardware wallet. Other cases involved losing USDC in an air-gapped Ledger and phishing letters with references to quantum computing breakthroughs.
Dedicated iPhones Join the Discussion about Self-Custody ZachXBT claimed that a factory-reset iPhone specifically for storing cryptocurrencies is very safe due to the use of Secure Enclave, biometrics, and app sandboxing by Apple. Also, anonymous purchase of such a phone does not allow user data to be exposed after previous database breaches at Ledger. Yet, smartphones are online devices that will never be able to compete in terms of isolation from the Internet with traditional cold wallets. The researchers mentioned the existence of phishing crypto apps in the Apple App Store.
Highlighted Crypto News:
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I specialize in Web3 and crypto writing, producing clear, research-driven content on blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and market trends.
Zama says a lending vault that accepts only confidential USDC has grown into one of the largest USDC vaults on Morpho’s Ethereum deployment, weeks after opening to depositors.
Summary
Zama says confidential USDC deposits reached $23.23 million, ranking eighth among Ethereum Morpho USDC vaults. The vault lets users earn DeFi yield while keeping individual balances and deposit positions encrypted. Morpho’s growing institutional use shows privacy tools are entering established onchain lending infrastructure at scale. According to a July 16 post from Zama, the Steakhouse Confidential Prime USDC vault held $23.23 million at Ethereum block 25,544,806. The company said that placed it eighth by total deposits among Morpho V1 and V2 USDC vaults on Ethereum. The ranking and deposit figure reflect Zama’s stated snapshot and can change as users deposit or withdraw funds.
Confidential USDC moves into established DeFi infrastructure The Steakhouse Confidential Prime USDC vault opened on June 23. Steakhouse Financial curates the strategy, Morpho provides the lending infrastructure, and Zama supplies the confidentiality technology.
Users deposit confidential USDC, or cUSDC, rather than standard USDC. Zama uses Fully Homomorphic Encryption to keep individual balances and transaction amounts encrypted while allowing the assets to interact with applications on Ethereum. Deposits ultimately enter a strategy using Morpho lending markets backed by collateral including cbBTC, WBTC and wstETH.
Zama points to $23.23M TVL as a demand signal Zama described the vault’s growth as evidence that users are willing to place capital into confidential financial infrastructure. The company said “capital is ready to flow through confidential rails,” while acknowledging that an ongoing incentive program has also helped attract deposits.
The vault launched with a 12-week reward program on top of the yield generated by its underlying Morpho strategy. Zama said the native strategy was producing about 4% when the product launched, while additional incentives rewarded early depositors. The company had reported more than $14 million deposited by July 2, before the total reached the $23.23 million figure reported on July 16.
Morpho attracts more institutional-style vault products The confidential vault arrives as Morpho attracts asset managers, wallets and professional curators. Bitwise launched its first onchain vault on Morpho in January, targeting stablecoin lending through a non-custodial structure.
Morpho has also expanded through consumer wallet integrations. As reported by crypto.news, Trezor added access to Steakhouse-curated USDC and USDT vaults in May. Those developments place Zama’s product within an existing lending market rather than requiring users to move liquidity to a separate blockchain.
Confidential finance still faces compliance questions Zama’s confidential USDC system has already faced a test involving the underlying stablecoin. In May, a US court order led Circle to temporarily freeze a Zama contract holding about $12.5 million in USDC. The order was later lifted, and Zama said the funds returned to normal operation.
As previously reported, the episode prompted Zama to accelerate work on compliance and controlled disclosure tools. The company says its system encrypts transaction details rather than making users anonymous and plans tools that can respond to legal and regulatory requirements.
Zama argues that its cross-chain confidentiality model can add privacy where liquidity already exists instead of requiring a new Layer 1 or Layer 2. The $23.23 million vault provides an early test of that approach, although continued deposits after the incentive program ends will offer a clearer measure of lasting demand.
Fireblocks and Circle just made moving USDC across blockchains feel less like navigating a maze and more like sending a text. The two companies announced a strategic collaboration on September 9, integrating Circle Gateway directly into the Fireblocks platform to give institutional users a single, unified USDC balance that works across chains in under 500 milliseconds.
What the integration actually does Circle Gateway, now embedded in Fireblocks, provides customers with real-time, unified balances for USDC and EURC across supported blockchains. No separate chain-specific setups required.
For institutional players, this is more than a convenience upgrade. Pre-positioning capital across multiple chains ties up liquidity that could be deployed elsewhere. Eliminating that requirement frees up working capital and reduces the operational overhead that has kept some traditional finance firms from going deeper into digital assets.
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The integration builds on an earlier April 2025 connection between Fireblocks and Circle’s Payments Network, known as CPN, which established the interoperability backbone that makes this latest move possible.
Circle’s Arc and the institutional play The collaboration goes beyond Gateway. Fireblocks is a Day 1 launch partner for Circle’s Arc, an enterprise-grade Layer-1 blockchain designed specifically for stablecoin finance. Arc is built to handle the compliance and security requirements that banks and asset managers demand before they’ll touch crypto infrastructure.
By combining Fireblocks’ custody and transaction infrastructure, which has secured over $10 trillion in digital asset transactions across more than 120 blockchains, with Circle’s stablecoin ecosystem, the two companies are constructing what amounts to a turnkey institutional stablecoin stack.
Market reaction and what investors should watch The market’s verdict was swift and decisive. Circle’s stock, trading under the ticker CRCL, jumped 17% following the announcement.
In a market where Tether’s USDT has historically dominated by sheer volume, this kind of distribution advantage through institutional infrastructure could meaningfully shift the competitive landscape. USDC doesn’t need to overtake USDT in total supply if it becomes the default stablecoin embedded in every major institutional platform.
The risk side of the equation matters too. Concentration of institutional stablecoin activity within a single integration stack creates dependency. If Fireblocks or Circle experiences technical issues, compliance setbacks, or regulatory changes, institutions using this unified balance system could face disruptions that wouldn’t affect those with diversified stablecoin strategies.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Keyrock acquires BlockFills' institutional trading and brokerage business for $3.25 million
Keyrock has completed the acquisition of BlockFills' institutional trading and brokerage business, with the deal covering its trading technology, institutional client relationships, and derivatives trading team. The acquisition will also expand Keyrock's regulatory scope, including an entity registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority and another UK entity seeking authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Keyrock did not disclose the transaction price in its announcement. Per prior court documents and disclosures from company representatives, the total acquisition value is $3.25 million, payable in two installments, with certain arrangements subject to regulatory approval. BlockFills suffered major losses during the February 2026 crypto market crash, after which it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Keyrock was ultimately selected as the buyer in the firm's bankruptcy proceedings.
5 minutes ago
Serenity: Declines in storage and AI-related crypto assets likely stem from deleveraging and cascading margin liquidations.
Serenity noted that Micron Technology announced today it has signed a long-term memory agreement with Qualcomm, but Micron’s stock price still fell by 5.37% following the announcement. He believes that, with multiple structural agreements continuing to take effect, the current decline does not appear to stem from issues with storage or AI stocks themselves. The related drop is more likely due to the winding down of deleveraging and margin call liquidation chains.
5 minutes ago
1inch co-founder Anton Bukov stated he was fired at the end of November 2025 and announced the launch of a new project, Second Tier.
1inch co-founder Anton Bukov published a statement saying he was fired at the end of November 2025. While he remains a co-founder of the decentralized exchange aggregator and holds a 50% stake, he is no longer involved in the company’s operations, product architecture, security design, or related oversight duties. Since co-founding 1inch in May 2019, Bukov led work on protocol architecture, security, and economic model design, and contributed to launching key products including the 1inch Router, 1inch Fusion, cross-chain atomic swaps, and shared liquidity automated market makers (AMMs). Bukov noted that feedback from users and team members over the past year led him to realize he could not stay on the sidelines of the company’s management and operations. He subsequently spent months learning leadership and communication skills and driving internal changes, before being dismissed in late November 2025. He also announced the launch of a new project called Second Tier, with plans to collaborate with like-minded teams to build secure, efficient systems that bridge the gap between economic intent and real-world execution.
5 minutes ago
Loss-making small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 Index have risen 154% since mid-2025, while profitable companies have gained only 34%.
The Kobeissi Letter stated that companies in the Russell 2000 index with negative earnings per share (EPS) have risen a cumulative 154% since mid-2025, while those with positive EPS have only gained 34% over the same period. So far this year, unprofitable companies in the Russell 2000 have climbed 45%, outperforming profitable firms' 18% rise. Driven by this trend, the Russell 2000 has rallied 20% year-to-date, on track to post its best annual performance since 2003. In comparison, the S&P 500 has gained 11% over the same period, while the US tech "Magnificent Seven" has risen just 4%. The top-performing small-cap stocks are mainly tech and infrastructure firms poised to benefit from AI spending. The market is rewarding AI-related exposure, regardless of whether the companies are profitable or not.
5 minutes ago
Injective has submitted a transfer agent registration application to the U.S. SEC.
Injective has submitted a transfer agent registration application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a move to bring core traditional financial market functions onto the blockchain. If the application is approved, the Injective network plans to maintain official ownership records for tokenized securities and real-world assets (RWA) directly on-chain.
5 minutes ago
Bank of America CEO joins ranks of banking executives warning about risks of Mythos AI
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has joined a host of Wall Street leaders in voicing serious concerns over AI models such as Mythos developed by Anthropic. “This marks a huge shift in workload, and also relates to how quickly these tools can impact system vulnerabilities, as well as how fast we need to respond,” Moynihan said. In recent months, the rapid evolution of AI models has prompted the financial industry and the U.S. government to begin assessing potential threats. Anthropic claims that Mythos, which launched earlier this year, excels at identifying system vulnerabilities. Bank of America is among the Wall Street institutions granted access to Mythos; the bank has used the model to test its own systems and share information with peers. The model is not yet open to the public. Earlier this week, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned that widespread public access to the system would be “as dangerous as handing a ballistic missile to an individual.” (Jinshi)
Not financial or tax advice. PANews content is strictly educational and informational and is not investment advice, financial advice, tax advice, legal advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any digital asset, security, or financial product. Do your own research and consult qualified advisers.
Disclosure. PANews may publish sponsored content, partner content, advertisements, affiliate links, event promotions, and market commentary involving Web3 projects, service providers, or financial products. PANews personnel, contributors, or affiliates may hold digital assets or other interests related to covered topics. See our Terms of Service.
Keyrock acquires BlockFills' institutional trading and brokerage business for $3.25 million
Keyrock has completed the acquisition of BlockFills' institutional trading and brokerage business, with the deal covering its trading technology, institutional client relationships, and derivatives trading team. The acquisition will also expand Keyrock's regulatory scope, including an entity registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority and another UK entity seeking authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Keyrock did not disclose the transaction price in its announcement. Per prior court documents and disclosures from company representatives, the total acquisition value is $3.25 million, payable in two installments, with certain arrangements subject to regulatory approval. BlockFills suffered major losses during the February 2026 crypto market crash, after which it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Keyrock was ultimately selected as the buyer in the firm's bankruptcy proceedings.
5 minutes ago
Serenity: Declines in storage and AI-related crypto assets likely stem from deleveraging and cascading margin liquidations.
Serenity noted that Micron Technology announced today it has signed a long-term memory agreement with Qualcomm, but Micron’s stock price still fell by 5.37% following the announcement. He believes that, with multiple structural agreements continuing to take effect, the current decline does not appear to stem from issues with storage or AI stocks themselves. The related drop is more likely due to the winding down of deleveraging and margin call liquidation chains.
5 minutes ago
1inch co-founder Anton Bukov stated he was fired at the end of November 2025 and announced the launch of a new project, Second Tier.
1inch co-founder Anton Bukov published a statement saying he was fired at the end of November 2025. While he remains a co-founder of the decentralized exchange aggregator and holds a 50% stake, he is no longer involved in the company’s operations, product architecture, security design, or related oversight duties. Since co-founding 1inch in May 2019, Bukov led work on protocol architecture, security, and economic model design, and contributed to launching key products including the 1inch Router, 1inch Fusion, cross-chain atomic swaps, and shared liquidity automated market makers (AMMs). Bukov noted that feedback from users and team members over the past year led him to realize he could not stay on the sidelines of the company’s management and operations. He subsequently spent months learning leadership and communication skills and driving internal changes, before being dismissed in late November 2025. He also announced the launch of a new project called Second Tier, with plans to collaborate with like-minded teams to build secure, efficient systems that bridge the gap between economic intent and real-world execution.
5 minutes ago
Loss-making small-cap stocks in the Russell 2000 Index have risen 154% since mid-2025, while profitable companies have gained only 34%.
The Kobeissi Letter stated that companies in the Russell 2000 index with negative earnings per share (EPS) have risen a cumulative 154% since mid-2025, while those with positive EPS have only gained 34% over the same period. So far this year, unprofitable companies in the Russell 2000 have climbed 45%, outperforming profitable firms' 18% rise. Driven by this trend, the Russell 2000 has rallied 20% year-to-date, on track to post its best annual performance since 2003. In comparison, the S&P 500 has gained 11% over the same period, while the US tech "Magnificent Seven" has risen just 4%. The top-performing small-cap stocks are mainly tech and infrastructure firms poised to benefit from AI spending. The market is rewarding AI-related exposure, regardless of whether the companies are profitable or not.
5 minutes ago
Injective has submitted a transfer agent registration application to the U.S. SEC.
Injective has submitted a transfer agent registration application to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a move to bring core traditional financial market functions onto the blockchain. If the application is approved, the Injective network plans to maintain official ownership records for tokenized securities and real-world assets (RWA) directly on-chain.
5 minutes ago
Bank of America CEO joins ranks of banking executives warning about risks of Mythos AI
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has joined a host of Wall Street leaders in voicing serious concerns over AI models such as Mythos developed by Anthropic. “This marks a huge shift in workload, and also relates to how quickly these tools can impact system vulnerabilities, as well as how fast we need to respond,” Moynihan said. In recent months, the rapid evolution of AI models has prompted the financial industry and the U.S. government to begin assessing potential threats. Anthropic claims that Mythos, which launched earlier this year, excels at identifying system vulnerabilities. Bank of America is among the Wall Street institutions granted access to Mythos; the bank has used the model to test its own systems and share information with peers. The model is not yet open to the public. Earlier this week, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned that widespread public access to the system would be “as dangerous as handing a ballistic missile to an individual.” (Jinshi)
