Most surveyed technology leaders are accountable for systems they don't fully control Only 11% of respondents say they're completely prepared for the scale of AI agent deployment Organizations that design control into their AI systems achieve significantly stronger performance outcomes. , /PRNewswire/ -- A new IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value study reveals that as AI moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide deployment, two-thirds of surveyed CIOs and CTOs report being held accountable for AI systems they do not fully control, while governance struggles to keep pace at scale.
The global study* of 2,000 C-level technology executives (tech CxOs) finds that the lack of visibility is widespread. The majority of surveyed executives (70%) say teams across the business are deploying technology faster than IT can track.
C-level technology executives study. At the same time, technology leaders face growing pressure to scale AI faster, even as many lack the structures to support it. By 2027, surveyed tech CxOs anticipate a 38% increase in the number of AI agents deployed. While 80% of respondents report CEO-driven AI transformation mandates, only 11% believe they are fully ready for the scale of AI agent deployment expected in the next year. Governance is also falling behind, with 77% of organizations surveyed reporting AI adoption is already outpacing current governance capabilities.
"For CIOs and CTOs, the challenge now is scaling AI systems that operate continuously and autonomously, often within governance models and architectures designed for a far slower, more predictable environment," said Matt Lyteson, CIO, IBM. "It is no longer just about deploying AI faster. It's redesigning how organizations control, govern and invest in it and embedding control and visibility from the start, so they can scale with confidence."
As AI scales, operational and security risks are growing
Analysis shows that in organizations relying on manual governance, incident risk increases as AI adoption scales, whereas those that embed control directly into their AI systems experience 25% fewer incidents. Most (59%) of tech CxOs surveyed cite security and compliance concerns as top barriers to scaling AI agents. Surveyed organizations experienced an average of 54 AI agent incidents last year, in which an unintended and/or harmful occurrence required human correction. According to respondents, 17% of those AI agent incidents reported were high severity, requiring more than four hours to contain: 37% resulted in data exposure or security breaches 33% caused cascading system failures 17% triggered compliance issues Organizations that redesign AI control and investment see stronger outcomes
AI spend is projected to grow from just under 15% of IT budgets in 2025 to nearly 25% by 2027 – a 71% increase in two years, raising the stakes for CIOs and CTOs. Yet, 84% of tech CxOs have not fully operationalized AI financial management, and 85% still lack full visibility into real-time AI spend. Analysis finds that organizations that build control into their AI systems: deploy 16x more AI agents than those relying on manual governance deliver 18% higher operating margins spend 4x less of their AI budget Analysis shows organizations with strong financial discipline: deploy 2.4x more AI agents with no higher AI/IT budget are 3x more likely to say they are fully prepared for AI scale Surveyed organizations that designed for adaptability early – keeping workloads portable and models replaceable rather than locked into hard dependencies – reported a 10% higher return on AI investment in 2025. The full study, including recommendations for technology leaders on redesigning structures that govern speed, control and investment, can be found at: https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/c-suite-study/cxo
The study also features executive perspectives on how technology leaders are adapting to the complexities of scaling AI across the enterprise. See quote addendum below.
*Study Methodology
The IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 2,000 senior executives responsible for their organization's IT, technology, or AI-related decision-making across 33 geographies and 19 industries from January to April 2026. The survey was designed to gather insights on how organizations are managing the financial, operational, and governance challenges associated with scaling AI. Additional analysis was conducted to identify organizations that have built the structural capabilities to scale AI effectively by segmenting organizations based on preparedness and efficiency and assessing governance maturity.
The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM's thought leadership think tank, combines
global research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: www.ibm.com/ibv. To receive more insights, subscribe to the IdeaWatch newsletter: https://ibm.co/ibv-ideawatch.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service. Visit www.ibm.com for more information.
Media Contact
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Executive Perspectives:
"AI has both a light side and a dark side. While most focus on the opportunities, it also introduces new vulnerabilities, and many organizations are more exposed than they realize." – Victoria Medina, Chief Technology and Data Officer, Allianz Spain, Spain
"We design modular architectures so components can evolve as technology advances, without breaking the overall system. That approach allows us to absorb rapid innovation while supporting products with decades-long lifecycles." – Boris Alexandre, Head of ARP Programme, Airbus, Canada
"It's like flying a plane at 10,000 feet, being told to climb to 12,000, replace both engines mid-flight and ensure zero turbulence. No one would choose to pilot that plane – but that's exactly what companies are doing today." – Afonso Eça, Executive Board Member, Banco BPI, Spain
"My role isn't to generate every transformative idea. It's to build the foundation that allows smarter people across the organization to bring those ideas to life." – Chad Jones, CIO, Baylor Scott & White Health, United States
"The goal isn't to eliminate shadow IT—it's to create visibility and a partnership, so teams can get help when they need it without slowing down." – Chris Pesola, CIO, Roush, United States
"We don't know who's going to win or lose over the next five years. So we're keeping AI models plug-and-play, ready to adapt if the landscape shifts." – Dalton Gouws, Group IT Director and Board Member, VWG UK Ltd, United Kingdom
The largest wave of new stock listings in history is about to reach ordinary investors, and it starts with one name.
SpaceX is set to price its shares on June 11 and begin trading June 12, with OpenAI and Anthropic expected to follow later in the year. Together, the three could raise about $200 billion.
At a targeted $1.75 trillion valuation, SpaceX would be the biggest initial public offering ever.
Most coverage keeps asking the same thing: is SpaceX too expensive? The more useful question is how you judge any hyped listing.
David Holtzman, who has served as a technological advisor to the White House under three presidential terms, has a framework for that.
He served as an IBM chief scientist, ran core internet infrastructure during Y2K, and watched the dot-com boom inflate and collapse up close.
In a recent interview, he laid out three filters that still work long after the debut leaves the headlines.
David Holtzman’s 15-second test for the SpaceX IPOHoltzman’s first filter comes from Steve Jobs.
His rule: explain what a company does, to someone outside finance, in 15 seconds.
“If you want to invest in a company, sit down with your mother and try to explain to them in 15 seconds what that company does. And if you can’t do it, don’t put any money into the company.”
By that measure, SpaceX (SPCX) clears the bar. It commercialized the space program and runs Starlink, the satellite internet service.
In summary, confusion is a red flag. If you cannot describe a business plainly, the people running it may not understand it either.
Why real demand separates SpaceX from the next pets.comHoltzman’s second filter is a warning: no amount of money can create demand if there isn’t any.
He frames this through Clayton Christensen’s Innovator’s Dilemma: new technology fails when sold to the wrong customers.
For SpaceX, the demand signal is real.
Starlink has crossed 10 million subscribers and its connectivity unit turned a quarterly profit. The open question is xAI’s Grok, which still remains unproven.
Filter 3 tells you how much to risk on SpaceX stockHoltzman splits buyers into two groups, and the split decides how much you should commit.
Buy and hold if you believe in the industry’s future, he says. Trying to flip the stock day to day is closer to gambling.
Above all, only use money you can afford to lose. He would never put a pension or a child’s college fund into a single IPO.
For those who don’t have the risk appetite for the industry’s present conditions, there’s no need to force an entry. Besides, some skepticism around the IPO’s price calls for caution.
SpaceX is targeting $135 a share, yet Morningstar pegged fair value near $780 billion, roughly 55% below the deal price. The research firm told investors the listing is not the best entry point and that cheaper prices are likely after the debut.
SpaceX also lost $4.9 billion last year.
The index fund route may hand you SpaceX anywayFor cautious investors, Holtzman points to a low-cost, aggressive-growth index fund at Vanguard or Fidelity, which spreads a bet across many companies at once.
There is a twist worth knowing before you act.
SpaceX will not join the S&P 500 at launch because it loses money. But Nasdaq’s new fast-entry rule and FTSE Russell have cut their waiting windows to as little as 15 and five trading days, which forces their index funds to buy the stock.
So a Nasdaq-100 fund or a total-market fund could give you diversified SpaceX exposure without single-name risk. Goldman Sachs estimated forced buying of $15 billion to $30 billion.
If you want to skip SpaceX entirely, a plain S&P 500 fund will not hold it when the company first goes public.
A 4-point checklist before you buy SpaceX stockWhat David Holtzman says to tune out before the SpaceX debutHis final filter borrows from Nassim Taleb’s Black Swan. Pundits explain crashes after they happen, rarely predict them, and almost never get scored on their record.
The takeaway is to ignore confident forecasts from anyone who cannot first explain the business.
Three things still need to happen before SpaceX earns its price: its first public earnings report around early November, the insider lockup expiry near December, and proof that xAI has paying demand.
Run all three filters, size the position to what you can lose, and treat the index-fund route as the calmer way to own a piece of this cycle.
image credit: Author
Disclosure: David Holtzman is executive chairman of Naoris, a decentralized cybersecurity firm. His comments here are general market commentary and not financial advice.
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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Key Takeaways IBM launches a new consulting practice to speed AI adoption and modernize enterprise technology systems.IBM will deploy thousands of certified consultants to roll out AI and modernize hybrid clouds.IBM links Gemini AI with watsonx and Red Hat OpenShift to boost automation and efficiency. International Business Machines Corporation (IBM - Free Report) has partnered with Google Cloud to help businesses adopt artificial Intelligence (AI) faster and modernize their technology systems. The deal creates a new Google Cloud Practice within IBM Consulting, combining IBM’s industry expertise and AI-powered IBM Consulting Advantage platform with Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise AI platform.
IBM will utilize thousands of Google Cloud-certified consultants and engineers to help businesses deploy AI, modernize legacy systems and manage hybrid cloud environments. It is also developing industry-specific AI agents for sectors such as banking, telecommunications, government, retail, insurance, energy and life sciences, helping organizations automate tasks, improve decision-making and accelerate digital transformation while creating new growth opportunities for IBM’s consulting and software businesses.
The collaboration further strengthens the company’s expertise in cybersecurity, data management and cloud infrastructure. By integrating Google Cloud’s Gemini AI capabilities with its watsonx platform and using technologies such as Red Hat OpenShift, HashiCorp, Apptio, BigQuery and Confluent, IBM aims to help businesses improve automation, gain deeper data insights and enhance operational efficiency.
The agreement reinforces IBM's strategy of expanding its consulting, cloud and AI capabilities to support enterprise technology transformation. This initiative is likely to support stronger customer engagement and contribute to the company’s long-term growth prospects.
How Are Competitors Advancing in the AI Space?IBM faces competition from Microsoft Corporation (MSFT - Free Report) and Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN - Free Report) . Microsoft is expanding its AI offerings by adding new tools and models across its products and cloud services. The company is enhancing its Copilot assistant to help businesses and developers improve productivity. Microsoft is investing in infrastructure to support the growing demand for intelligent applications.
Amazon is strengthening its AI business through Amazon Web Services by offering advanced tools and services to customers. The company is improving Amazon Q, its AI assistant, to help organizations work more efficiently. Amazon is expanding its product portfolio to support the growing adoption of intelligent technologies across industries.
IBM’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesIBM shares have gained 4.7% over the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 218.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, IBM trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 3.67, below the industry average of 6.18.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Earnings estimates for 2026 have declined 0.3% to $12.40 over the past 60 days, while the same for 2027 have remained static at $13.36.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
IBM currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASY), the third largest convenience retailer and fifth largest pizza chain in the United States, today announced the appointment of Stanley J. Sutula III to its Board of Directors (the “Board”).
Mr. Sutula brings to the Board over 35 years of experience in corporate finance, financial planning and operations, tax, strategic planning and risk management. Since 2020, he has served as Chief Financial Officer at Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE: CL), where he oversees its global finance, global IT and mergers and acquisitions teams. He was previously at Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI), where he served as Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, and spent 28 years at IBM Corporation (NYSE: IBM) in various financial management roles, including as its Vice President and Controller.
“We are excited to welcome Stan to the Board as he adds deep financial and strategic expertise to our already expansive board capabilities. His leadership in these areas will benefit Casey’s, the Board and its shareholders immensely,” said Darren Rebelez, Casey’s Board Chair, President and CEO.
Mr. Sutula graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Finance & Management and holds an MBA in Finance from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.
Mr. Sutula’s addition to the Board will temporarily bring the number of directors from eleven to twelve, as director Cara Heiden has decided to retire from the Board effective September 2, 2026. “On behalf of the Board and the entire Casey’s team, I want to extend a sincere thank you to Cara for nearly a decade of distinguished service and leadership on the Board and its Audit Committee. She helped build Casey’s into the great organization it is today and we wish her nothing but the best in her retirement from the Board in September,” said Rebelez.
About Casey’s
Casey’s is a Fortune 500 company (Nasdaq: CASY) operating over 2,900 convenience stores. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company has grown to become the third-largest convenience store retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States. Casey’s provides freshly prepared foods, quality fuel and friendly service at its locations. Guests can enjoy pizza, donuts, other assorted bakery items, and a wide selection of beverages and snacks. Learn more and order online at www.caseys.com, or in the mobile app.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260608193579/en/
In the latest close session, IBM (IBM - Free Report) was down 1.41% at $280.82. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a gain of 0.3% for the day. Elsewhere, the Dow saw a downswing of 0.16%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq appreciated by 0.86%.
Shares of the technology and consulting company have appreciated by 23.97% over the course of the past month, outperforming the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 3.7%, and the S&P 500's gain of 1.92%.
The upcoming earnings release of IBM will be of great interest to investors. On that day, IBM is projected to report earnings of $2.95 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 5.36%. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $17.86 billion, indicating a 5.2% upward movement from the same quarter last year.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $12.4 per share and revenue of $71.56 billion, which would represent changes of +6.99% and +5.97%, respectively, from the prior year.
Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for IBM. These revisions help to show the ever-changing nature of near-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed an unchanged state. Right now, IBM possesses a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
With respect to valuation, IBM is currently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 22.98. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 26.94, so one might conclude that IBM is trading at a discount comparatively.
Also, we should mention that IBM has a PEG ratio of 2.95. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. The Computer - Integrated Systems industry currently had an average PEG ratio of 0.9 as of yesterday's close.
The Computer - Integrated Systems industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 22, putting it in the top 10% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.
According to recent news, Xanadu Quantum Technologies announced on May 21 a synthetic at-the-market equity facility for up to $300 million.
BP announced on May 26 that it had appointed Albert Manifold as chair and director with immediate effect.
On Friday, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Galaxy Digital announced a new referral capability. Under this arrangement, eligible clients can lend cryptocurrency directly to Galaxy. In return, they receive shares of spot crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), including the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT).
Cramer said he can't recommend Tractor Supply Co. (NASDAQ:TSCO) as the numbers are bad.
On June 5, Guggenheim analyst Steven Forbes maintained Tractor Supply at Buy and lowered the price target from $60 to $50.
Price Action:
Xanadu Quantum Technologies shares rose 1.3% to settle at $13.07 on Monday. BP shares rose 1.8% to close at $43.72. Galaxy Digital shares jumped 21.4% to close at $30.51 on Monday. CBOE Global Markets shares slipped 0.6% to settle at $280.32. Tractor Supply shares gained 1.2% to settle at $30.14. Photo created using images from Shutterstock.
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At $280.82, IBM (NYSE:IBM | IBM Price Prediction) is a Hold, with patient buyers waiting for a pullback toward $245. IBM just committed over $10 billion to quantum computing over the next five years, a bet large enough to reshape both the bull and bear case.
IBM operates across four segments: Software (Red Hat, Automation, Data), Consulting, Infrastructure (IBM Z mainframes), and Financing. The mainframe and software franchises powered a quiet renaissance, with IBM Z revenue surging 51% year over year in Q1 2026 and Software up 11.3%. Shares rallied 22.22% in the past month on the quantum narrative, then dropped 5.61% when investors saw the price tag.
The AI and Mainframe Engine Already Working Q1 marked the fourth consecutive EPS beat, with non-GAAP EPS of $1.91 against $1.81 expected and revenue of $15.92 billion, up 9.46%. Operating pretax margin expanded 140 basis points, and Infrastructure margin jumped to 15.8% from 8.6%.
The Google Cloud partnership opens what Wedbush calls a multi-billion-dollar agentic AI opportunity, prompting an Outperform reiteration with a $350 price target. The GenAI book of business sits above $12.5 billion inception-to-date. CEO Arvind Krishna reaffirmed guidance for more than 5% constant currency revenue growth and roughly $1 billion in incremental free cash flow for 2026. Forward earnings sit at 23x, reasonable for a company posting 35.8% return on equity alongside a 31st consecutive year of dividend hikes.
The Capex Cliff Behind the Quantum Halo Shares are down 12.36% over the past week following the quantum announcement. Total debt climbed to $61.3 billion by year-end 2025, with the Confluent deal still digesting.
The $1 billion cash layout for the new Anderon wafer foundry is only the opening chapter. Free cash flow already fell 44.15% year over year in Q1, and quantum monetization sits behind a 2029 fault-tolerant delivery target. Consulting growth remains stuck at 1% constant currency. Add the whistleblower lawsuit alleging IBM covered up foreign hacks from 2013 to 2016, plus a quantum sector chilled by Quantinuum’s lukewarm IPO, and the risk-reward at $281 looks unfavorable.
Why Patience Wins This Round Fundamentals are too strong to sell, yet the price reflects most of the AI optimism. The 50-day moving average sits at $243.52, suggesting technicals support a retracement toward the $245 target.
A pullback to that zone, or evidence GenAI bookings re-accelerate, tips the verdict to Buy. A Q2 miss, a guide-down on free cash flow, or quantum capex blowing past the $10B envelope tips it to Sell.
What the Numbers Show IBM trades at $280.82 against an analyst consensus target of $290.17, implying roughly 3.3% upside. The 22 analysts covering the stock break down as follows:
Strong Buy: 1 Buy: 11 Hold: 7 Strong Sell: 2 IBM has slipped 3.95% year to date, trailing the broader market, though since the Q1 earnings report on April 22 the stock has returned 8.92% versus the S&P 500’s 4.35%. Valuation sits at 25x trailing earnings, with a 2.23% dividend yield.
At $281, IBM Is a Hold The stock has absorbed optimism around mainframe momentum, the Google Cloud agentic AI deal, and the quantum narrative, leaving only single-digit upside to consensus. The capex cycle to fund quantum infrastructure is just beginning, and free cash flow has already taken a hit.
The path to Buy runs through $245, where forward earnings would compress closer to 20x and the dividend yield would push above 2.5%. The path to Sell requires a Q2 stumble on guidance, or evidence the Anderon foundry is the first of several surprise capex layouts. Watch Software ARR (currently $24.6 billion, up 10% YoY), Z mainframe order intake, and the free cash flow guide.
The cost of patience is one dividend cycle and the chance of missing a 5% to 10% squeeze higher. The cost of chasing here is paying full price for a thesis that will not validate until 2029. Holding into a deeper margin of safety beats overpaying for a multi-year R&D bet that has not yet started compounding.
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna says he's excited about the potential uses for quantum computing. Speaking with Romaine Bostick at the Mizuho Technology Conference in New York, Krishna also comments on the Trump administration's investment in the company, the utilization of AI and IBM's profit strategy.
International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM | IBM Price Prediction) is a stock worth owning for decades because it pairs a 110-year operating history with a recurring-revenue software and infrastructure engine that is now compounding cash at an accelerating pace. IBM is built for retirement portfolios that need durability, income, and survivability across every market cycle, not narrative-driven upside.
Pillar One: A Business Built to Outlast Cycles IBM has quietly become a software-led company. In Q1 2026, Software revenue reached $7.05 billion, up 11.3%, with Red Hat growing 13%, Data growing 19%, and Automation growing 10%. Infrastructure, often dismissed as legacy, posted 15.3% growth, while IBM Z mainframe revenue surged 51% year over year as enterprises modernized mission-critical workloads. Hybrid cloud architecture and Watsonx integrations are embedded directly into the systems run by financial services firms, healthcare providers, and government agencies, producing the kind of ecosystem lock-in that does not evaporate in a recession. CEO Arvind Krishna told investors, “As clients scale use cases, AI continues to be a tailwind for our global business.”
Pillar Two: Income You Can Actually Plan Around For an investor who needs predictable cash, IBM is one of the most reliable payers in the market. The board declared its 31st consecutive annual dividend increase on April 22, 2026, lifting the quarterly payout to $1.69 per share. The company has paid consecutive quarterly dividends every year since 1916, a streak that survived the Great Depression, the 1970s stagnation, the dot-com bust, the 2008 financial crisis, and the pandemic. The dividend is well covered: FY2025 free cash flow was $14.73 billion, up 25.29%, and management guided to roughly another $1 billion of free cash flow growth in 2026. The current yield of 2.23% is paired with a forward earnings multiple of 23, modest for a company generating 35.8% return on equity.
Pillar Three: Cycle Survival IBM’s beta of 0.665 reflects a business insulated from speculative swings. Its customer base, mainframe-anchored enterprises and governments, signs multi-year contracts and rarely rips them out. The generative AI book of business has surpassed $12.5 billion inception-to-date, embedding IBM deeper into client roadmaps. With shareholders’ equity of $32.97 billion, up 22.67%, and an Infrastructure segment profit margin that expanded from 8.6% to 15.8%, the balance sheet and margin structure are strengthening, not weakening.
The One Scenario Where IBM Lags In a risk-on tech rally led by high-beta semiconductor and pure-play AI names, IBM will look slow. Consulting growth of 4.0% will not match a chipmaker doubling revenue. That is acceptable. A forever holding is designed to compound through the inevitable drawdown that follows a speculation peak. The same low-beta profile that mutes IBM’s upside in a melt-up is what protects capital when leveraged AI trades unwind, and the dividend keeps paying regardless of which narrative the market is chasing that month.
For investors building a long-duration income sleeve, IBM screens as a compounder where reinvested dividends and recurring software cash flow do the heavy lifting over time.
BOSTON, June 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JA Worldwide and IBM today announced the expansion of their global collaboration through IBM SkillsBuild, IBM’s free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. The organizations have set a goal to deliver practical digital learning experiences to help one million high-school student learners build AI and technology skills needed for the future of work.
The expanded initiative builds on successful pilot programs implemented across the JA network and will scale to more than two dozen countries. Participating countries will span Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America.
As one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA Worldwide delivers hands-on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability. Through this expanded global collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild, JA learners will gain access to industry-relevant digital and AI courses and credentials designed to help them build the skillset and mindset to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
“Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are transforming nearly every industry, creating extraordinary opportunity while also accelerating the need for new skills,” said Asheesh Advani, CEO of JA Worldwide. “Through our expanded collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild, we’re helping young people around the world gain access to future-focused learning experiences that increase confidence, expand opportunity, and prepare them to build thriving communities.”
“Through JA Worldwide, we are helping students around the world build the technical and professional skills they need to participate confidently and responsibly in an AI-driven workforce,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President, Global Education and Workforce Development, IBM.
The collaboration will combine IBM SkillsBuild content with JA’s global implementation capabilities, educator networks, and localized delivery model. The first phase of implementation will reach 185,000 high-school students across participating countries, with projected growth to 600,000 learners in 2027 and a goal of reaching one million students by the end of 2028. The initiative will include courses focused on AI, professional skills, and career readiness, with content available in 15 languages.
In addition to digital learning experiences, the collaboration offers opportunities for learners to engage IBM employees as volunteer mentors, speakers, and career guides across participating countries, creating additional opportunities for young people to connect classroom learning to real-world careers and technology applications.
The three-year collaboration reflects a shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity and preparing the next generation for success in an increasingly digital world.
About JA Worldwide
As one of the world’s largest and most-impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA provides hands-on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability.
Delivering more than 23 million student experiences each year through 750,000+ teachers and business volunteers, JA Worldwide is one of few organizations with the scale, experience, and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Visit us at jaworldwide.org.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/52b5b7ca-e606-4b22-908b-2ba286f72791
JA Worldwide and IBM Expand Global Collaboration The expanded initiative builds on successful pilot programs implemented across the JA network and wi...
Key Takeaways CLS is seeing AI infrastructure demand lift routers, switches, servers and storage products.IBM's hybrid cloud push is boosted by HashiCorp buyout, complementing Red Hat tools.Celestica's 2026 sales 53.8% and EPS 67.9% estimates outpace IBM, despite margin woes. Celestica Inc. (CLS - Free Report) and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM - Free Report) are two major players in the AI infrastructure arena within the technology sector, with key expertise in their respective domains. Celestica is one of the largest firms in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry, primarily serving original equipment manufacturers, cloud-based and other service providers and business enterprises across several industries. It offers a comprehensive range of manufacturing and supply-chain solutions that support various customer requirements, from low-volume, high-complexity custom products to high-volume commodity products.
IBM offers cloud and data solutions that aid enterprises in digital transformation. In addition to hybrid cloud services, the company provides advanced information technology solutions, computer systems, quantum computing and supercomputing solutions, enterprise software, storage systems and microelectronics.
Let us delve a little deeper into the companies’ competitive dynamics to understand which of the two is relatively better placed in the industry.
The Case for CelesticaWith more than two decades of experience in manufacturing, backed by a simplified and optimized global network, Celestica is committed to delivering next-generation, cloud-optimized data storage and industry-leading networking solutions to help customers balance performance, power efficiency and space as technologies evolve. The growing proliferation of AI-based applications and generative AI tools is fueling solid AI investments across the technology ecosystem. This, in turn, is driving demand for Celestica’s enterprise-level data communications and information processing infrastructure products, such as routers, switches, data center interconnects, edge solutions and servers and storage-related products.
Celestica’s focus on product diversification and increasing its presence in high-value markets is positive. Its strong research and development foundations allow it to produce high-volume electronic goods and highly complex technology infrastructure products for a wide range of industries, including communication, healthcare, aerospace and defense, energy, semiconductor and various cloud-based and other service providers. Such a diverse customer base enhances business resilience by reducing dependence on a single industry and minimizing the effects on financial results from an economic downturn in a specific sector.
However, the company remains plagued by margin woes. Celestica’s products are highly sophisticated and typically based on the latest technological innovations, which have historically led to high research and development costs. High operating expenses have contracted margins. Moreover, Celestica faces stiff competition from industry giants like Foxconn, Flex and Sanmina Corporation (SANM - Free Report) . The highly cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry remains an overhang, particularly in the aftermath of the tariff war.
The Case for IBMIBM is poised to benefit from healthy demand trends for hybrid cloud and AI, which drive the Software and Consulting segments. The company’s growth is expected to be aided by analytics, cloud computing and security in the long term. With a surge in traditional cloud-native workloads and associated applications, along with a rise in generative AI deployment, there is a radical expansion in the number of cloud workloads that enterprises are currently managing. This has resulted in heterogeneous, dynamic and complex infrastructure strategies, which have led firms to undertake a cloud-agnostic and interoperable approach to highly secure multi-cloud management, translating into a healthy demand for IBM hybrid cloud solutions.
In addition, the buyout of HashiCorp has significantly augmented IBM’s capabilities to assist enterprises in managing complex cloud environments. HashiCorp’s tool sets complement IBM Red Hat’s portfolio, bringing additional functionalities for cloud infrastructure management and bolstering its hybrid multi-cloud approach.
Despite solid hybrid cloud and AI traction, IBM is facing stiff competition from Amazon.com, Inc.’s (AMZN - Free Report) AWS and Microsoft Corporation’s (MSFT - Free Report) Azure. Increasing pricing pressure is eroding margins, and profitability has trended down over the years, barring occasional spikes. The company faces a potent threat from AI firm Anthropic as the latter’s Claude Code tool can modernize legacy COBOL systems — a foundational programming language deeply embedded in IBM’s mainframe ecosystem. With Claude Code proposing to substantially automate code exploration, documentation, refactoring and security analysis, it threatened to reduce enterprises’ reliance on specialized legacy service providers like IBM, bringing its sustenance at stake.
How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for CLS & IBM?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Celestica’s 2026 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 53.8% and 67.9%, respectively. The EPS estimates have been trending up 15.1% over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IBM’s 2026 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 6% and 7%, respectively. The EPS estimates have trended down 0.2% over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Price Performance & Valuation of CLS & IBMOver the past year, Celestica has gained 191.2% compared with the industry’s growth of 147.2%. IBM has declined 1.5% over the same period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Celestica looks more attractive than IBM from a valuation standpoint. Going by the price/sales ratio, IBM’s shares currently trade at 3.58 forward sales, higher than 1.9 for Celestica.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CLS or IBM: Which is a Better Pick?While Celestica carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), IBM has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Both Celestica and IBM expect sales and earnings to improve in 2025. Celestica has shown sharp revenue and EPS growth over the years, while IBM has exhibited linear growth. It boasts a better price performance with comparatively more attractive valuation metrics. With a superior Zacks Rank and better operating metrics, Celestica seems to be a better investment option at the moment.
For years, enterprise IT strategy followed a simple script: Move workloads to the public cloud. Amazon (AMZN 1.24%) Web Services, Microsoft (MSFT +0.11%) Azure, and Alphabet's (GOOG +0.45%) (GOOGL +0.53%) Google Cloud built massive businesses on that assumption.
But the AI era is throwing a spanner in the cloud computing works.
Image source: Getty Images.
The gravitational pull of stubborn data "Hybrid cloud and AI are two sides of the same coin," said Dr. Hillery Hunter, CTO and general manager of innovation for IBM (IBM 1.13%) Infrastructure. "Where your data is, is becoming very much a grounding factor, because where your data is, is then where you naturally want to build out your AI."
That makes sense, right? It's the concept of data gravity in action.
Once enterprise data settles somewhere, it tends to stay put. It accumulates. It gets comfortable. And moving it becomes a difficult production. Taking a large company's data out of its natural habitat incurs egress fees, data transfer latency, security reviews, and the need to explain to regulators why sensitive information is taking a field trip, perhaps across international borders.
For some organizations, AI accelerates the move to public cloud; they've already committed to that architecture and will consolidate further. But Hunter sees an equally strong motion in the opposite direction: enterprises with significant on-premises data gravity that need to bring AI capabilities to where the data already lives.
"I see both motions equally developing," Hunter said in a recent interview with The Fool. "People are taking different decisions across that spectrum."
IBM has receipts for the hybrid cloud thesis Research from the IBM Institute for Business Value supports this split. Nearly three-quarters of executives surveyed are backing away from cloud-first defaults and deeper into their corporation's data centers. And 72% of organizations said that cloud costs in production exceeded expectations by an average of 1.5 times. IBM's hybrid computing model supports both sides of this equation, pairing the centralized IBM Cloud services with mainframes and Power servers in the data center.
IBM isn't the only company leveraging the data gravity idea.
Oracle (ORCL 0.05%) is making a similar bet from a different starting point. The database giant has positioned itself as a "data vault" provider, optimizing for enterprises whose mission-critical data already lives in Oracle systems and databases. CrowdStrike (CRWD 1.27%) argues that its Falcon security system creates useful data gravity wherever it goes. "This integration means data doesn't just accumulate; it's immediately actionable, contributing to threat detection and response," the company stated in a company blog post. Seagate (STX +7.25%) highlights how large data sets tend to attract smaller data collections to the same storage system, simply because it's easier to move the smaller ones. Enterprises should account for the data gravity effect when planning their large-scale storage setups, breaking up huge data buckets before they grow too large to manage. The investment case for stubborn data Different tech veterans are reaching the same observation from different angles: Data doesn't like to move, and pretending otherwise gets expensive.
IBM's infrastructure business is built around this premise. The company's Power servers and Z mainframes are designed for enterprises that need AI capabilities without relocating mission-critical data to third-party clouds.
Hunter emphasized that IBM's systems deliver "six nines of resilience" (meaning 99.9999% uptime, or just a few seconds of downtime per year) and twice the power efficiency of competing server architectures.
The hyperscalers aren't going anywhere; Amazon, Microsoft, and Alphabet have the scale and momentum to keep growing cloud revenues for years. But IBM is betting that "move everything to the cloud" was never the right answer for every workload. The company will help if you insist on cloud computing, but some data is just too heavy to lift.
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For IBM investors, the hybrid cloud model is the thesis. If enterprises keep pulling AI-related workloads back from the cloud to their data centers, IBM's infrastructure business has a huge growth opportunity in that shift.
If cloud-first comes back in style over the years, IBM is swimming against the tide.
Place your bets accordingly. I, for one, see the value of local data collections rising as the datasets grow larger.
Anders Bylund has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, and International Business Machines. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, CrowdStrike, International Business Machines, Microsoft, and Oracle. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
IBM (IBM - 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.
Over the past month, shares of this technology and consulting company have returned +25.9%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.2% change. During this period, the Zacks Computer - Integrated Systems industry, which IBM falls in, has gained 16.6%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
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.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather 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.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
IBM is expected to post earnings of $2.95 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +5.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $12.38 points to a change of +6.8% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -0.1%.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $13.42 indicates a change of +8.4% from what IBM is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +0.5%.
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 IBM.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile 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 IBM, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $17.86 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +5.2%. For the current and next fiscal years, $71.53 billion and $74.87 billion estimates indicate +5.9% and +4.7% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryIBM reported revenues of $15.92 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +9.5%. EPS of $1.91 for the same period compares with $1.6 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.68 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +1.49%. The EPS surprise was +5.52%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time 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.
IBM 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 IBM. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
UNH weekly chart shows completion of bearish correction and bottom reversal During the pullback, a relatively tight bull flag pattern formed, and a breakout triggered on Thursday, which also reclaimed the 20-day moving average after a brief undercut of the line. The formation of this bullish continuation pattern during the first pullback following a significant breakout adds evidence that buyers remain in control. This suggests that another leg up for UNH may now be underway.
Recovery Trend Builds Momentum UNH completed an 88.6% Fibonacci retracement of the prior decline, reaching a low of $234.60 in July 2025, following a peak of $630.73 in November 2024. An 88.6% retracement represents the deepest Fibonacci retracement level from which a sustainable recovery can still emerge. UNH was down approximately 63% from its peak at the low.
The subsequent bullish recovery developed gradually, with the stock spending considerable time below its 200-day moving average before establishing higher swing low at $255.97 at the end of March and a rally and reclaim of the 200-day average in April. By the May high, the stock was up more than 57% from that low in only 32 trading days.
Higher Targets Come into Focus An initial upside target zone begins around the prior swing low of $436.38, which previously marked the lower boundary of a 41-month topping pattern that triggered a bearish breakdown in April 2025. The 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the prior decline is slightly higher at $464.35. It is followed by the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement target zone at $526.80. Those higher price levels provide upside potential objectives if the recent breakout and subsequent bull flag continuation pattern lead to the next stage of the recovery, reinforcing the bullish reversal signal that first emerged in May.
Key Takeaways UnitedHealth's medical care ratio is improving as margin recovery efforts gain traction.UNH's earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 are moving higher on improving sentiment.Regulatory probes and a richer valuation may limit UNH's near-term upside potential. Shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH - Free Report) have gained 20.1% year to date, beating the industry’s 13.8% gain and the S&P 500’s 10.2% rise. The rebound is notable given the challenges hanging over the company. Regulatory investigations, policy uncertainty, elevated healthcare costs and higher utilization continue to create pressure. Yet investors appear increasingly focused on execution rather than headlines. Since Stephen J. Hemsley returned as CEO, the company has worked toward delivering a steadier operating performance, helping restore confidence in the turnaround story.
Among major peers, Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV - Free Report) is up 16.8%, while Humana Inc. (HUM - Free Report) has surged 36.6%.
YTD Price Performance – UNH, ELV, HUM, Industry & S&P 500 Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Early Signs of ImprovementA key piece of the investment case remains Optum Health’s value-based care expansion. If the company can improve care coordination and manage patient outcomes more effectively, it could reduce utilization and strengthen profitability over time.
Recent results suggest some progress is already taking shape. In the first quarter of 2026, the adjusted medical care ratio improved 90 basis points year over year to 83.9%. That improvement points to better cost management and favorable reserve development, offering tangible evidence that margins are beginning to recover. Premium revenues increased to $87.6 billion from $86.5 billion in the prior-year quarter, showing that UnitedHealth continues to maintain pricing discipline despite a competitive environment.
Medicare Advantage and Medicaid membership are declining, which is not ideal considering the importance of government-sponsored programs to the company’s scale. However, commercial fee-based membership increased 3.5% year over year in the first quarter, highlighting continued demand from employer-sponsored plans and helping offset some of the pressure elsewhere.
Wall Street has also remained constructive. Several analysts have raised price targets and upgraded ratings in recent times. Even after the stock’s rally, shares remain below the average analyst price target of $403.92, implying roughly 7.1% upside. At the same time, the wide target range of $287 to $492 shows that opinions remain sharply divided on the company’s risk profile.
Earnings Expectations Are Moving HigherThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS is pegged at $18.29, indicating 11.9% year-over-year growth. The earnings estimate has seen three upward revisions over the past month against no downward movement. The consensus estimate for revenues is pegged at $443.69 billion, implying a 0.9% decline from a year ago.
For 2027, EPS is projected to grow to $20.73, marking a 13.4% improvement. It has seen four upward estimate revisions in the past month, against no downward movements. Revenues are pegged at $454.93 billion, indicating 2.5% growth from a year ago.
Over the past four quarters, the company beat estimates three times and missed once, with an average earnings surprise of 0.8%.
Valuation Not CheapThe rally has pushed valuation above historical levels. UnitedHealth currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 20.51X. That sits above its five-year median multiple of 19.20X and comfortably above the industry average of 16.64X, suggesting investors are already pricing in a meaningful recovery. For comparison, Elevance trades at 14.77X forward earnings, while Humana trades at 30.34X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Risks Haven’t DisappearedDespite the improving outlook, investors still face several important risks.
Regulatory scrutiny remains the largest overhang. The Department of Justice continues to investigate UnitedHealth’s Medicare billing practices, including Medicare Advantage diagnosis coding. Authorities are also reviewing physician reimbursement practices and certain operations within Optum Rx’s pharmacy benefit management business. These investigations could eventually lead to penalties, operational changes or higher compliance costs.
On the other hand, the company is attempting to reshape the PBM model through a transparent, fee-based pharmacy care approach that moves away from pricing tied to drug list prices and prescription volume. If successful, the initiative could become a meaningful competitive advantage.
Questions surrounding the 2024 Change Healthcare cyberattack have not fully faded either, particularly regarding the handling of emergency financial assistance provided to organizations affected by the disruption.
Another headline that drew attention was Berkshire Hathaway’s decision to exit its position. Under new CEO Greg Abel, Berkshire reported no UnitedHealth holdings as of March 31, 2026. The move surprised some investors because Berkshire had disclosed ownership of more than 5 million shares less than a year earlier. Still, many market participants viewed the sale as portfolio rebalancing rather than a direct judgment on UnitedHealth’s long-term prospects.
While management continues to expect overall medical membership to decline in 2026, previously forecasting a range of 46.945 million to 47.495 million members compared with nearly 49.760 million in 2025, growth in commercial membership should help offset part of that decline. But the transition bears watching.
The Long-Term Story Still MattersUnitedHealth's scale, diversified business model and extensive healthcare data capabilities create advantages that few competitors can replicate. The company also continues to benefit from powerful industry tailwinds, including an aging population, rising rates of chronic disease and growing healthcare demand.
Shareholder returns add another layer of support. UnitedHealth returned more than $13 billion through dividends and share repurchases during 2025. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, it paid roughly $2 billion in dividends and plans to repurchase at least $2 billion of stock by the end of the second quarter. As of March 31, 2026, authorization remained to buy back up to 19.3 million shares. The company also recently increased its quarterly dividend by 5%, raising the payout from $2.21 per share to $2.32.
ConclusionUnitedHealth's turnaround efforts are beginning to show results, with improving medical cost trends and rising earnings expectations supporting investor confidence. Continued shareholder returns point to a business that is moving in the right direction. The company’s unmatched scale, diversified healthcare platform and long-term exposure to favorable industry trends remain key strengths.
However, the stock's recovery has already pushed valuation above historical levels, leaving less room for error. At the same time, ongoing DoJ investigations, membership declines in government programs, and lingering fallout from the cyberattack continue to create uncertainty. As such, investors may want to wait for additional evidence of sustained margin improvement and membership stabilization before committing. UnitedHealth currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH, Financials) and Eli Lilly (LLY, Financials) are emerging as leaders in a renewed healthcare sector rally as investors increasingly rotate into defensive stocks amid volatility across high-growth technology and AI names.
The Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV) gained 3% on Thursday and recently moved above a key short-term resistance level, signaling improving momentum for a sector that has largely underperformed the broader market in recent years.
Market participants also pointed to stronger trading volumes in managed care stocks, suggesting institutional investors may be increasing exposure to healthcare as concerns about stretched valuations in parts of the technology sector persist.
Among the largest holdings in the S&P Health Care Index, UnitedHealth currently holds the highest Seeking Alpha Quant Rating at 3.47, followed closely by Eli Lilly at 3.44. Both stocks advanced in recent trading, with Lilly rising 1.56% and UnitedHealth gaining 0.89%.
Other highly ranked healthcare names include Johnson & Johnson, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Intuitive Surgical, Amgen and Merck. While most companies currently carry Hold-rated Quant scores, their relatively stable fundamentals have helped attract investor interest during the recent market rotation.
Investors will continue watching whether healthcare's improving momentum can be sustained as market leadership broadens beyond AI-driven growth stocks.
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 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 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 +23.7% 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.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: UnitedHealth Group (UNH - Free Report) UnitedHealth Group, Inc. provides a wide range of health care products and services, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), point of service plans (POS), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and managed fee-for-service programs.
UNH 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 21.81; value investors should take notice.
14 analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.67 to $18.32 per share. UNH boasts an average earnings surprise of +0.8%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, UNH should be on investors' short list.
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
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 trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM 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 A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
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.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: UnitedHealth Group (UNH - Free Report) UnitedHealth Group, Inc. provides a wide range of health care products and services, such as health maintenance organizations (HMOs), point of service plans (POS), preferred provider organizations (PPOs), and managed fee-for-service programs.
UNH is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Medical stock. UNH has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 4.2% over the past four weeks.
14 analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.66 to $18.32 per share. UNH also boasts an average earnings surprise of +0.8%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, UNH should be on investors' short list.
--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) will release its second quarter 2026 financial results on Thursday, July 16, 2026, before the market opens, and will host a teleconference at 8:00 a.m. ET with analysts and investors. This call will be webcast on the Investor Relations page of the company’s website (www.unitedhealthgroup.com). The replay will be available through July 30, 2026, on the website.
About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) is a healthcare and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone through two distinct and complementary businesses. Optum delivers care aided by technology and data, empowering people, partners and providers with the guidance and tools they need to achieve better health. UnitedHealthcare offers a full range of health benefits, enabling affordable coverage, simplifying the healthcare experience and delivering access to high-quality care. Visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com and follow UnitedHealth Group on LinkedIn.
A year ago, UnitedHealth Group (UNH +0.67%) stock was a disaster. It had fallen sharply after the company encountered higher-than-anticipated costs from its members, causing it to miss analysts' estimates for the first time since the 2008-09 financial crisis.
But today, UnitedHealth Group is trading near a 52-week high. The federal government has announced better-than-expected reimbursement rates for Medicare Advantage, margins have improved, and the stock has jumped 23% since the beginning of the year.
But despite the rally, UnitedHealth Group stock remains down more than 34% from where it traded just two years ago. Does the stock have more room to run higher, or is this a good time for investors to take profits?
Image source: Getty Images.
What's happening with UnitedHealth Group stock? The company's failure to meet expectations in the first quarter of 2025 triggered the company's downturn, so a look at its recent performance is important.
Revenue was $111.72 billion, up 2% from a year ago -- but more importantly, it was better than the $109.57 billion analysts projected. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $7.23, versus analysts' expectations of $6.57.
The company announced its medical benefit ratio, which reflects the percentage of revenue spent on healthcare costs, dropped 90 basis points to 83.9%. UnitedHealth Group also scaled back its Medicare Advantage plans in several states to improve its financial position.
UnitedHealth reported serving 7.55 million Medicare Advantage patients in the first quarter, down from 8.45 million a year ago. Even with those cuts, the UnitedHealthcare Medicare and Retirement division, which includes Medicare Advantage, saw revenue grow 1% year over year.
The company's government business is a huge part of UnitedHealth Group. About 44% of its revenue comes from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
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"We continue to expect membership attrition and negative margins in 2026 in light of continuing high trends and insufficient funding, with modest margin improvements beginning in 2027," said UnitedHealthcare CEO Tim Noel.
I see two primary tailwinds for UnitedHealth Group right now -- but I think only one is really within the company's control. UnitedHealth Group launched a new generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Avery, that coordinates healthcare experiences for members and learns from their interactions. Avery was available to 6.5 million members this spring, and the company plans to expand it to serve more than 20 million by the end of the year.
The second tailwind is entirely contingent on the federal government. In April, the government announced better-than-expected payment rates for Medicare Advantage plans, increasing payments by 2.48% in 2027. That is a significant jump, considering the government had been considering a paltry 0.09% increase.
The improved payments will help UnitedHealth Group's bottom line, particularly in 2027. That's why investors are so bullish. But this could be a short-lived victory, and the Medicare Advantage rate could slow again in subsequent years.
I think the AI initiatives are important to UnitedHealth Group's future, but I'm less enthusiastic about its reliance on Medicare and Medicaid. I'm always uncomfortable when a company can't directly control its fate.
As long as the government continues to raise payment rates, UnitedHealth Group should maintain acceptable margins and remain a top health insurance stock. But if the government lowers payments again, as in its initial 2027 rate proposal, UnitedHealth Group's margins will come under pressure.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Miami a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 8 a.m.–midnight ET—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the Miami area, including several stores open for extended hours during the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours from June 11–July 22, 2026 include:
8001 Miramar Pkwy
Miramar, FL 33025
7 a.m.–midnight ET
801 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33130
7 a.m.–midnight ET
202 S Federal Hwy
Dania, FL 33004
7 a.m.–midnight ET
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in the New York area a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 8 a.m.–midnight ET—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the Tri-State area, including select stores open for extended hours during the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours from June 11–July 22, 2026 include:
185 Greenwich St
New York, NY 10007
6 a.m.–midnight ET
208 Park Ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070
7 a.m.–midnight ET
441 Valley Brook Ave
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
7 a.m.–midnight ET
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Philadelphia a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 8 a.m.–midnight ET—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the Philadelphia area, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Los Angeles a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 5 a.m.–9 p.m. PT—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the LA area, including select stores open for extended hours during the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours include:
June 11–July 10, 2026
3331 W Century Blvd
Inglewood, CA 90303
7 a.m.–midnight PT
230 N La Brea Ave
Inglewood, CA 90301
8 a.m.–midnight PT
June 11–July 22, 2026
11983 Hawthorne Blvd
Hawthorne, CA 90250
7 a.m.–midnight PT
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Seattle a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 5 a.m.–9 p.m. PT—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the Seattle area, including multiple stores open for extended hours during the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours from June 11–July 22, 2026 include:
222 Pike St
Seattle, WA 98101
Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–midnight PT
Sat–Sun 7 a.m.–8 p.m. PT
566 Denny Way
Seattle, WA 98109
Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–midnight PT
Sat–Sun 7 a.m.–9 p.m. PT
951 Mercer St
Seattle, WA 98109
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–midnight PT
Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–9 p.m. PT
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Atlanta a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 8 a.m.–midnight ET—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the Atlanta area, including stores open for extended hours during the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours from June 11–July 22, 2026 include:
2711 Metropolitan Pkwy SW
Atlanta, GA 30315
7 a.m.–midnight ET
3658 Roswell Rd NW
Atlanta, GA 30342
7 a.m.–midnight ET
1100 Hammond Dr
Atlanta, GA 30328
7 a.m.–midnight ET
585 Dekalb Industrial Way
Decatur, GA 30033
7 a.m.–midnight ET
5201 Lavista Rd
Tucker, GA 30084
8 a.m.–midnight ET
2975 Delk Rd SE
Marietta, GA 30067
7 a.m.–midnight ET
590 Thornton Rd
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
8 a.m.–midnight ET
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Massachusetts a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 8 a.m.–midnight ET—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations across the greater Boston area, including select stores open for extended hours throughout the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours from June 11–July 22, 2026 include:
24 School St
Boston, MA 02108
7 a.m.–midnight ET
841 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116
7 a.m.–midnight ET
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Kansas City a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 7 a.m.–11 p.m. CT—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the Kansas City area, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
To support game-day demand, Walgreens is extending hours at the following Kansas City store from June 11–July 22, 2026:
2501 E Linwood Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64128
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–midnight CT
Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–8 p.m. CT
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in the Bay Area a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 5 a.m.–9 p.m. PT—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the Bay Area, including many open for extended hours during the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours from June 11–July 22, 2026 include:
2140 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050
7 a.m.–midnight PT
3460 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95051
7 a.m.–midnight PT
105 E El Camino Real
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
7 a.m.–midnight PT
1399 W San Carlos St
San Jose, CA 95126
7 a.m.–midnight PT
780 E Santa Clara St
San Jose, CA 95112
7 a.m.–midnight PT
1130 Bird Ave
San Jose, CA 95125
7 a.m.–midnight PT
342 W Calaveras Blvd
Milpitas, CA 95035
7 a.m.–midnight PT
670 4th St
San Francisco, CA 94107
Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–midnight PT
Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–midnight PT
1301 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–midnight PT
Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–8 p.m. PT
459 Powell St
San Francisco, CA 94102
7 a.m.–midnight PT
2690 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94110
7 a.m.–midnight PT
2145 Market St
San Francisco, CA 94114
7 a.m.–midnight PT
1899 Fillmore St
San Francisco, CA 94115
Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–midnight PT
Saturday 7 a.m.–midnight PT
Sunday 8 a.m.–midnight PT
2120 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
7 a.m.–midnight PT
1524 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
7 a.m.–midnight PT
1175 Columbus Ave
San Francisco, CA 94133
7 a.m.–midnight PT
2141 Chestnut St
San Francisco, CA 94123
7 a.m.–midnight PT
3250 Lakeshore Ave
Oakland, CA 94610
7 a.m.–midnight PT
1916 Webster St
Alameda, CA 94501
7 a.m.–midnight PT
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Houston a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 7 a.m.–11 p.m. CT—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations throughout the Houston area, including multiple stores open for extended hours during the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours from June 11–July 22, 2026 include:
7929 Kirby Dr
Houston, TX 77054
7 a.m.–midnight CT
2605 W Holcombe Blvd
Houston, TX 77025
7 a.m.–midnight CT
8413 Stella Link Rd
Houston, TX 77025
7 a.m.–midnight CT
2612 Smith St
Houston, TX 77006
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–midnight CT
Saturday 8 a.m.–10 p.m. CT
Sunday 9 a.m.–9 p.m. CT
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As millions of fans travel to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches in the U.S. this summer, Walgreens is making it easier to stay prepared, energized and healthy with convenient access to game-day essentials and trusted pharmacy services.
Whether heading to the stadium or wrapping up a late match, Walgreens offers fans in Dallas a one-stop destination for official licensed products of the FIFA World Cup 26™ and necessities like water, snacks, sunscreen, over-the-counter remedies, plus pharmacist support for customers managing their health while away from home.
Walgreens pharmacists can help travelers stay on track with their medications by transferring or refilling eligible prescriptions. Pharmacy patients can also access multilingual support, including oral translation services and prescription labels available in multiple languages, to help ensure medication instructions are clear and easy to follow. For those who may need a clinical evaluation, Walgreens Virtual Healthcare offers on-demand urgent care with licensed clinicians, available seven days a week from 7 a.m.–11 p.m. CT—no subscription or insurance required.
With locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including several stores open for extended hours throughout the tournament, Walgreens helps fans get what they need before kickoff or after the final whistle. Customers can also take advantage of 1-hour Delivery and 30-minute Pickup for added convenience on busy game days.*
Store and pharmacy hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Customers are encouraged to visit the Walgreens store locator at Walgreens.com for the most up-to-date information.
Walgreens stores offering extended hours from June 11–July 22, 2026 include:
1020 N Collins St
Arlington, TX 76011
Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–midnight CT
Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–9 p.m. CT
1116 W Lamar Blvd
Arlington, TX 76012
8 a.m.–midnight CT
2200 E Pioneer Pkwy
Arlington, TX 76010
7 a.m.–midnight CT
921 Henderson St
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–midnight CT
Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–midnight CT
1461 Robert B Cullum Blvd
Dallas, TX 75210
7 a.m.–midnight CT
2901 E Broad St
Mansfield, TX 76063
7 a.m.–midnight CT
About Walgreens
Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves more than 9 million customers and patients each day across its nearly 8,000 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 211,000 team members, including roughly 85,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.
*Delivery in as little as 1 hour based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Orders $35 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes) qualify for free delivery. 1-hour Delivery is available daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, during extended hours, 30 minutes after opening until one hour prior to closing, for eligible items. However, delivery hours and order cut-off times may vary by store location. Some deliveries may not be eligible for 1-hour Delivery or Delivery in as little as 1 hour due to delivery address, holidays, weather or other delivery constraints. Prescriptions are not eligible for 1-hour Delivery but may be eligible for delivery through Walgreens Express®. At this time, delivery of orders containing alcohol is limited to select IL and FL stores. Available delivery hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location. Deliveries must either be entirely accepted or rejected. No partial order acceptance is permitted. Most deliveries do not require an individual's presence or signature. However, if your order contains an age-restricted item, you will be required to show a valid government ID to verify age. A signature may also be required to accept orders containing alcohol.
Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages, actual times may vary. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Pickup or 30-minute Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). There is no additional fee for pickup. For Walgreens store locations that are not open 24 hours, orders must be placed at least one hour prior to store closing to be eligible for same-day pickup. Otherwise, the order will be ready the next business day. You will receive an email or text (if opted in) when your order is ready for pickup. Orders are not guaranteed to be ready within the 30-minute time window. We will notify you if there is a delay and will hold your order for 72 hours before canceling. Depending on your selected pickup store, you may have up to three options for pickup: curbside, drive-thru or in-store pickup. Orders containing prescriptions may be picked up at the pharmacy counter or drive-thru. Select items (e.g., liquids, perishables, bulky items) are not compatible with drive-thru pickup. If your order contains such an item, you may be asked to pick it up curbside or in store. Orders containing age-restricted items are not eligible for curbside pickup. If your order contains age-restricted items, you will need to pick up your order in store or at the drive-thru and provide a valid government ID to verify your age. Available pickup hours for select age-restricted items may vary by store location.
There's an old rhythm to markets that seasoned investors learn to respect, even if they can't always explain it.
One of the more durable patterns is the tendency for health care stocks to find their footing as spring turns to summer — a stretch when the rest of the market often grows skittish.
This year, that seasonal tailwind is arriving alongside a fundamental backdrop that makes the case for the sector unusually persuasive. For investors looking to add ballast without abandoning growth, health care deserves a long, serious look right now.
Health Care Stocks Appear Primed to Outperform Start with the seasonality itself, because it's more than folklore. The period of seasonal strength for the health care sector has historically run from late spring into the fall, a window that lines up with the major medical and scientific conferences that cluster during these seasons.
Those gatherings — where companies unveil clinical data, pipeline updates, and regulatory milestones — tend to generate a steady drumbeat of positive catalysts through the warmer months. Layered on top is the sector's defensive character: its relatively low correlation to broader equity swings makes it appealing precisely when summer volatility tends to pick up.
When investors get nervous, they reach for businesses whose demand doesn't evaporate when the economy wobbles, and few things are more recession-resistant than the prescriptions people fill regardless of what the GDP print says.
What makes 2026 different is the convergence of that seasonal pattern with a genuine rotation case. Several of the classic signals that push capital toward defensive sectors are flashing at once. Skepticism about the durability of technology capex has crept back into the conversation, and rate hikes are now a real possibility. Neither of these individually guarantees health care outperformance, but together they describe an environment in which defensives don't need a recession to shine.
It's also worth noting that 2026 is a midterm election year, and health care has historically tended to perform well in midterm years, partly because the policy overhangs that haunted the sector — drug-pricing reform, Affordable Care Act uncertainty, tariff worries — have largely been digested and clarified. With those clouds thinner than they've been in years, and with valuations across much of the group still reasonable relative to the earnings on offer, the setup is about as clean as defensive investors could hope for.
Stocks to WatchWithin the sector, two large-cap pharmaceutical names stand out as potential leaders, each for very different reasons. The first is Eli Lilly (LLY - Free Report) , which has become the closest thing the drug industry has to a hypergrowth story.
The numbers almost defy belief for a company of its size: Lilly delivered first-quarter 2026 revenue of $19.80 billion, up 56% year over year, with adjusted EPS of $8.55 crushing the roughly $7.06 the Street expected.
The engine, of course, is its incretin franchise — Mounjaro and Zepbound — which has propelled the company to a commanding position. Lilly held roughly 60% of the U.S. obesity and diabetes drug market in the first quarter, comfortably ahead of Novo Nordisk's 39%. Management was confident enough to raise full-year guidance, lifting the 2026 revenue outlook to a range of $82 billion to $85 billion and adjusted EPS to $35.50–$37.00.
For those who follow estimate momentum, the Zacks Consensus mark for Lilly's 2026 earnings has been revised sharply higher — currently at $35.67 — with 2027 estimates climbing in tandem.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The second potential leader, Merck (MRK - Free Report) , offers the value-and-stability counterweight to Lilly's growth profile — a reminder that "health care leadership" doesn't have to mean chasing the hottest theme.
Merck's first quarter was quietly solid: worldwide sales rose 5% to $16.29 billion, comfortably topping the $15.90 billion Zacks Consensus Estimate, with flagship oncology drug Keytruda generating nearly $8.0 billion, up 10%.
The company's Phase III pipeline has nearly tripled since 2021, it plans to launch 20 new drugs by 2030, and it has identified more than $70 billion in commercial opportunities beyond Keytruda. New products are already contributing. And when we pair that with a healthy dividend, Merck becomes the kind of name that can anchor a defensive sleeve while you wait for the pipeline to prove itself.
Image Source: StockCharts
Bottom LineOf course, seasonality is a tendency, not a promise — a sharp risk-on rally could leave defensives behind, as they sometimes do in roaring bull markets.
For Lilly, the estimate-revision trend has been decidedly positive, and a reasonable valuation for Merck cushions the downside. For investors thinking in seasons rather than days, the combination of a favorable calendar, a defensive rotation gathering momentum, cleared policy skies, and two well-positioned blue-chip leaders makes health care one of the more sensible places to lean as summer arrives.
Disclosure: LLY is a current holding in the Zacks Income Investor portfolio.
Funding will support advancement of gene therapy programs in animal health and longevity science
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rejuvenate Bio, a biotechnology company developing gene therapies for age-related and chronic diseases, today announced the closing of a $6 million financing round led by VCapital, with participation from Merck Animal Health, Kendall Capital Partners, Connecticut Innovations and Digitalis.
In addition to the financing, Rejuvenate Bio and Merck Animal Health have entered into a strategic research and development collaboration focused on advancing a novel gene therapy program in animal health.
The funding will support continued development of Rejuvenate Bio’s platform and pipeline, including therapies designed to address chronic and age-associated diseases in companion animals.
“We believe gene therapy has the potential to fundamentally transform the treatment of chronic disease and age-related conditions,” said Daniel Oliver, CEO & Co-Founder, Rejuvenate Bio. “This financing and strategic collaboration with Merck Animal Health validates both the strength of our platform and the growing interest in innovative approaches to animal health. We are excited to work alongside leading investors and industry partners to accelerate the development of transformative therapies for veterinary medicine.”
The collaboration with Merck Animal Health will focus on advancing a targeted gene therapy program leveraging Rejuvenate Bio’s platform technologies and translational expertise.
“This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to partner with leading innovators to advance new capabilities in animal health,” said Jim McIntyre, head of business development, Merck Animal Health. “We are eager to partner with Rejuvenate Bio to explore potentially transformative technologies and therapeutics to market that address important unmet needs in veterinary medicine.”
Rejuvenate Bio is developing gene therapies aimed at extending healthy lifespan and treating chronic disease through targeted biological interventions. The company’s platform combines advances in gene delivery, translational biology, and longevity science to develop therapies for companion animals and, ultimately, human health applications.
About Rejuvenate Bio
Rejuvenate Bio is a biotechnology company dedicated to developing novel gene therapies for chronic age-related diseases. Rejuvenate Bio has built a gene therapy pipeline with huge potential in chronic disease by utilizing clinically validated gene targets and a delivery approach that ensures well tolerated, durable expression. Founded on scientific research developed at the Wyss Institute at Harvard Medical School, Rejuvenate Bio has developed groundbreaking therapies to treat chronic age-related disease in both humans and animals. The company is headquartered in San Diego, CA. For more information, visit www.rejuvenatebio.com.
Key Takeaways MRK moved above its 50-day SMA while remaining above the 200-day SMA since October 2025.Keytruda generated $8.0 billion in Q1 2026 sales and remains Merck's top revenue driver.MRK is expanding its pipeline through new launches, acquisitions and late-stage candidates. Merck’s (MRK - Free Report) stock climbed above its 50-day SMA from early June after trading below it for most of May. However, the stock has consistently been trading above its 200-day SMA since October 2025, which suggests that the stock is in a long-term uptrend. The stock's recent return to above the 50-day SMA mark signals improving intermediate-term momentum.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Ideally, stocks that regain their 50-day SMA while already holding above the 200-day SMA are often viewed as having a favorable risk-reward profile because the long-term trend never broke down.
However, to make a proper investment decision, one should properly assess a company’s strengths and weaknesses. Let’s break down.
Keytruda: Merck’s Biggest StrengthMerck boasts more than six blockbuster drugs in its portfolio, with Keytruda being the key top-line driver. Keytruda, approved for several types of cancer, alone accounts for around 55% of the company’s pharmaceutical sales. Keytruda now holds 44 FDA-approved indications spanning 19 tumor types, along with two tumor-agnostic approvals.
The drug has played an instrumental role in driving Merck’s steady revenue growth over the past few years. Keytruda recorded sales of $8.0 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up 8% year over year.
Keytruda sales are gaining from continued strong momentum in metastatic indications and rapid uptake across earlier-stage launches. The company expects the growth to continue till it loses patent exclusivity in 2028.
Merck is working on different strategies to drive Keytruda's long-term growth. These include innovative immuno-oncology combinations, including Keytruda with LAG3 and CTLA-4 inhibitors. In partnership with Moderna (MRNA - Free Report) , Merck is developing a personalized mRNA therapeutic cancer vaccine called intismeran autogene (V940/mRNA-4157) in combination with Keytruda in pivotal phase III studies for earlier-stage and adjuvant NSCLC and adjuvant melanoma.
Merck expects Keytruda to achieve peak sales of $35 billion by 2028. Merck’s other oncology drugs, Welireg, AstraZeneca (AZN - Free Report) -partnered Lynparza and Eisai-partnered Lenvima, are also contributing to top-line growth.
Merck’s Animal Health business is also a key contributor to its top-line growth, with sales expected to more than double by mid-2030s.
MRK’s Pipeline Progress & Recent M&A SpreeMerck’s expanding drug pipeline and potential new blockbuster drugs beyond Keytruda look encouraging.
Its phase III pipeline has almost tripled since 2021, supported by in-house pipeline progress as well as the addition of candidates through M&A deals. Merck expects to launch 20 new drugs by 2030, with many already launched.
Its new products, pulmonary arterial hypertension drug, Winrevair, cancer drug, Welireg and 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Capvaxive, have begun to contribute significantly to top-line growth.
Merck’s RSV antibody, Enflonsia (clesrovimab), was approved in the United States in June 2025 and in the EU in April 2026. A once-daily, single-tablet two-drug regimen of doravirine and islatravir, Idvynso, was approved in the United States for virologically suppressed HIV-1 in April 2026.
The company has other promising candidates in its late-stage pipeline, such as enlicitide decanoate/MK-0616, an oral PCSK9 inhibitor for hypercholesterolemia, tulisokibart, a TL1A inhibitor for ulcerative colitis and Daiichi-Sankyo-partnered antibody-drug conjugates.
Merck has been on an acquisition spree in the past year, as it faces the looming patent expiration of Keytruda in 2028. The acquisition of Verona in 2025 added Ohtuvayre, a novel, first-in-class maintenance treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with multibillion-dollar commercial potential. Ohtuvayre's commercial launch is off to a solid start.
In January 2026, Merck acquired Cidara Therapeutics, which added its lead pipeline candidate, MK-1406 (formerly CD388), a first-in-class long-acting, strain-agnostic antiviral agent, currently being evaluated in late-stage studies for the prevention of seasonal influenza in individuals at higher risk of complications.
In April 2026, it acquired California-based cancer biotech, Terns Pharmaceuticals, which added Terns’ lead chronic myeloid leukemia candidate, TERN-701, a novel oral allosteric inhibitor of the BCR::ABL oncogene, to Merck’s hematology/cancer pipeline. Merk believes TERN-701 has multibillion-dollar commercial potential.
Declining Sales of MRK’s Gardasil & Other VaccinesSales of Merck’s second-largest product, its HPV vaccine, Gardasil, plunged 22% to $1.07 billion in the first quarter due to continued weak sales performance in China. Sales of Gardasil are declining in China due to weak demand trends amid an economic slowdown. The company is also seeing lower demand for the vaccine in Japan. Gardasil sales are not expected to improve in 2026.
Sales of some other Merck vaccines, like Proquad, M-M-R II, Varivax, Rotateq and Vaxneuvance, also declined in the first quarter.
MRK’s Keytruda Faces Patent Expiration in 2028Merck is heavily reliant on Keytruda. Though Keytruda may be Merck’s biggest strength and a solid reason to own the stock, the company is excessively dependent on the drug. Keytruda’s core U.S. patent is expected to expire around 2028, with additional patents expiring slightly after that. Keytruda is expected to face significant biosimilar competition around 2028-2029. Once biosimilars enter, Keytruda’s sales are likely to decline sharply.
Also, competitive pressure might increase for Keytruda in the near future from dual PD-1/VEGF inhibitors that inhibit both the PD-1 pathway and the VEGF pathway at once. They are designed to overcome the limitations of single-target therapies like Keytruda.
MRK’s Generic Headwinds in 2026MRK is seeing declining demand for its diabetes products (Januvia/Janumet) and the generic erosion of some drugs like Isentress/Isentress HD and Bridion in the European Union and Dificid in the United States. Bridion is expected to lose patent exclusivity in the United States in July 2026, and sales are expected to significantly decline thereafter. Sales of Januvia/Janumet are expected to decline steeply from 2026 onward due to government price setting, an anticipated patent expiry in 2026 and ongoing competitive pressure.
In 2026, Merck expects generic competition for Januvia/Janumet, Bridion and Dificid to hurt revenues by approximately $2.5 billion.
MRK Share Price, Valuation & EstimatesMerck’s shares have risen 13.6% so far this year compared with an increase of 3.9% for the industry. The stock has also outperformed the sector as well as the S&P 500 index, as seen in the chart below.
From a valuation standpoint, Merck looks reasonably priced. Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company’s shares currently trade at 16.54 forward earnings, slightly lower than 17.59 for the industry. However, the stock is trading above its 5-year mean of 12.76.
MRK Stock ValuationImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
Estimates for MRK’s 2026 earnings have risen from $5.14 to $5.17 per share over the past 60 days, while those for 2027 have declined from $9.87 per share to $9.85 per share.
MRK Estimate MovementImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stay Invested in MRK StockMerck has one of the world’s best-selling drugs in its portfolio, generating billions of dollars in revenues. Though Keytruda will lose patent exclusivity in 2028, its sales are expected to remain strong until then.
Merck expects over $70 billion of potential non-risk-adjusted commercial opportunity for the current pipeline by the mid-2030s. This estimate is more than double the peak consensus sales estimate for Keytruda of $35 billion in 2028. Merck said that the estimate of $70 billion was $20 billion higher than what they expected just one year ago.
The new products and strong progress in its pipeline have increased confidence that Merck may be able to maintain growth even after Keytruda loses exclusivity.
However, Merck faces several near-term challenges, including persistent challenges for Gardasil in China, potential competition for Keytruda, and rising competitive and generic pressure on some of its drugs.
Long-term investors may continue retaining this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock and see how the company manages its future product and pipeline growth and replaces Keytruda revenues. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
TARGAN’s innovative high-speed biodevice technology, including its gender identification product WingScan™, delivers enhanced poultry performance
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire TARGAN, a privately held innovator in developing and commercializing biodevice solutions to improve performance outcomes for the poultry industry, for an undisclosed purchase price. Merck Animal Health has invested in TARGAN since 2017 and has been one of the company’s largest shareholders.
The proposed acquisition is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026, subject to approvals from applicable regulatory authorities and other customary closing conditions.
“The acquisition of TARGAN’s best-in-class biodevice technology for use in commercial hatcheries complements and accelerates our growing biopharmaceutical presence in poultry and increases our ability to deliver significant customer value globally,” said Rick DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. “Additionally, TARGAN brings device development capabilities that will further strengthen our ability to provide animal health solutions across species. This transaction, coupled with our commercial and scientific expertise, is another example of how we deliver meaningful innovation to our customers while creating new opportunities for the future.”
Upon closing, the acquisition is expected to broaden Merck Animal Health’s portfolio in commercial poultry operations with WingScan™, an automated solution that uses vision technology to identify and sort chicks by gender, processing up to 160,000 chicks per hour. The technology, which can scale to any size hatchery operation, captures high-resolution images of each chick’s feathers and analyzes them in real-time using advanced engineering capabilities and proprietary algorithms.
This acquisition also brings the capability for a high-speed precision ocular spray technology, which administers respiratory and coccidiosis vaccines, among others, to day-old chicks. Additionally, TARGAN has the potential to develop additional biodevices within poultry and other livestock species, which may shape the next frontier in the animal health industry.
TARGAN Founder and CEO Ramin Karimpour said, “Merck Animal Health has been a foundational partner of TARGAN since our inception through its belief and commitment to scientific excellence and a common goal of bringing technological innovation to the livestock industry. Through this proposed acquisition, TARGAN will be able to access resources and infrastructure of Merck Animal Health, which will be critical in deploying TARGAN’s innovative biodevice technology along with their broad portfolio of poultry vaccines for customers. Many colleagues over the years have made valuable contributions to the growth of our business, including our employees, venture capital investors and debt finance providers.”
About TARGAN
TARGAN is an innovative animal AgTech systems company focused on transforming animal protein production industries worldwide. Founded in 2015 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company's mission is to provide affordable, individualized technologies that will improve speed, accuracy and animal welfare. For more information, visit TARGAN.com.
About Merck Animal Health
Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is a global animal health business committed to The Science of Healthier Animals™. For more than 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Merck (MRK - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Over the past month, shares of this pharmaceutical company have returned +5%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -1.6% change. During this period, the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry, which Merck falls in, has gained 9.6%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
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.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, Merck is expected to post earnings of $2.10 per share, indicating a change of -1.4% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $5.17 points to a change of -42.4% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed +0.1%.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $9.85 indicates a change of +90.5% from what Merck is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +0.1%.
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, Merck 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
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 Merck, the consensus sales estimate of $16.28 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +3%. The $66.79 billion and $70.62 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +2.7% and +5.7%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryMerck reported revenues of $16.29 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +4.9%. EPS of -$1.28 for the same period compares with $2.22 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $15.9 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +2.44%. The EPS surprise was +15.23%.
The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. 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.
Merck is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe 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 Merck. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Merck (MRK - Free Report) closed at $120.76 in the latest trading session, marking a +1.4% move from the prior day. The stock's performance was behind the S&P 500's daily gain of 1.75%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 1.86%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq increased by 2.54%.
Shares of the pharmaceutical company have appreciated by 4.97% over the course of the past month, outperforming the Medical sector's gain of 3.73%, and the S&P 500's loss of 1.63%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Merck in its upcoming release. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $2.1, showcasing a 1.41% downward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Meanwhile, the latest consensus estimate predicts the revenue to be $16.28 billion, indicating a 3.02% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
MRK's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of $5.17 per share and revenue of $66.79 billion. These results would represent year-over-year changes of -42.43% and +2.73%, respectively.
Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for Merck. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 0.1% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Merck is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
In terms of valuation, Merck is currently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 23.04. This signifies a premium in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 15.3 for its industry.
Investors should also note that MRK has a PEG ratio of 2.68 right now. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. By the end of yesterday's trading, the Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry had an average PEG ratio of 2.61.
The Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry is part of the Medical sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 83, which puts it in the top 35% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Merck (MRK - Free Report) .
Merck currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.73, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 30 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.73 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 30 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 18 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 60% and 6.7% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for MRK
Check price target & stock forecast for Merck here>>>
The ABR suggests buying Merck, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is MRK Worth Investing In?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Merck, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $5.17.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
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 Merck. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Merck.
RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $MRK #MRK--FDA Approves KEYTRUDA® and KEYTRUDA QLEXTM , Each With WELIREG®, for Adjuvant Treatment of Certain Patients With ccRCC.
Rodrian to Lead Newly Formed Connectivity Organization Responsible for Internet, WiFi and Voice Products
, /PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum today announced the promotion of Dave Rodrian to Senior Vice President, Connectivity Products. In this role, Rodrian will oversee the newly formed Connectivity organization responsible for the strategy and development of Spectrum's Internet, WiFi and Voice products. The appointment coincides with the retirement of Carl Leuschner following a 17-year career with the Company, including the last seven as Senior Vice President, Internet and Voice Products.
Dave Rodrian, Senior Vice President, Connectivity Products. Photo credit: Charter Communications "To better reflect how customers experience our services and to accelerate innovation, we are bringing together Internet, WiFi and Voice into a single organization under Dave's leadership," said Danny Bowman, Executive Vice President, Product. "Dave's deep expertise in connectivity and proven track record in product development make him ideally suited to lead this team and deliver for our customers."
An industry veteran who first joined Spectrum in 2009, Rodrian brings extensive experience in product and innovation leadership to his new role. He most recently served as Group Vice President, WiFi Products, leading the deployment of Spectrum's suite of Advanced WiFi routers since the launch of WiFi 6E, the converged connectivity experience with Speed Boost, and data offload via the Spectrum Mobile Wireless Network. Under his leadership, Spectrum became the fastest growing WiFi 7 provider and this year launched WiFi 7 extenders and Invincible WiFi, which was recognized by WiFi Now as the "Best In-Home WiFi Product."
Rodrian previously served as Spectrum's Group Vice President of Internet Products, leading the team responsible for developing new connectivity services, products, and equipment, including the launch of DOCSIS 3.1 and 1 Gbps service across Spectrum's service area. He also has held roles leading the Voice, Email, and Customer Identity Product Teams at Spectrum. Prior to joining Spectrum, Rodrian spent five years at Level 3 Communications in the corporate strategy and development group.
He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University and a master's degree in engineering management from Duke University. Rodrian currently serves on the board of directors for CUJO AI and has been awarded three U.S. patents.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company available to nearly 59 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice products.
More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.
Spectrum Mobile Second Line allows customers to add a dedicated voice and text number to compatible smartphones for $10 per month. Customers can keep personal and professional communications separate, with no need for a second device or extra apps. Second Line features unlimited talk and text in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, and is available to both residential and business customers. , /PRNewswire/ -- Juggling two phones to keep work and personal life separate is a hassle many people know all too well. If you've ever wished for an easier way, you are not alone and Spectrum Mobile has you covered. Spectrum today announced the launch of Spectrum Mobile Second Line, a monthly plan that adds a second line to your mobile phone, making it easy to run your world from just one device.
"Our customers want practical ways to keep their work and personal life organized on one device," said David Owens, Senior Vice President, Mobile Products. "It's a simple, integrated way to manage different numbers, whether for business or personal, without extra devices or toggling between apps."
Spectrum Mobile Second Line lets customers add a second Spectrum Mobile number to eligible Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) smartphones, including dual eSIM devices. Spectrum Mobile began offering dual eSIM phones in 2021, which have made up the majority of device sales since. Available for $10 per month, the second line shares the first line's data plan, providing the ideal option for entrepreneurs, people with second jobs, or anyone who wants to keep communications centrally organized but separate from their primary line. Customers can assign a name to each line and, when making a call or sending a text message, choose which number they want to use directly from their device.
Second Line is available to residential and business customers and can be easily added via self-service on Spectrum.net or the My Spectrum App, or by calling to speak with a Spectrum Mobile representative. The service supports new or port-in numbers, includes voicemail, visual voicemail, Call Guard, and unlimited talk and text within the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
For initial lines, Spectrum Mobile offers customers three simple data plans to fit their needs: By the Gig, Unlimited and Unlimited Plus. All plans include nationwide 5G access, with the flexibility to switch between plans at any time. Spectrum also has a $1,000 savings guarantee, helping new customers save when they switch internet and mobile service from their current provider.
More information about Spectrum Mobile Second Line is available at spectrum.com/mobile/second-phone-line.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company available to nearly 59 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice products.
More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (along with its subsidiaries, "Charter") today announced that Christopher Winfrey, President and Chief Executive Officer, will participate in the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference in New York, New York on Thursday, May 14, 2026. Mr. Winfrey's remarks are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. ET.
A live webcast of the event can be accessed on Charter's investor relations website, ir.charter.com. Following the live broadcast, the webcast will be archived at ir.charter.com.
About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company with services available to nearly 59 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice products.
More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
On May 11, 2026, Charter Communications Inc CHTR shares fell 4.6% to a current price of $147.79. This decline continues a troubling trend, with the stock down 10.6% over the past week and a staggering 63.2% over the past year. The shares have traded within a 52-week range of $154.70 to $437.06.
GF Value™ verdict: Current price of $147.79 is 61.3% below the GF Value™ estimate of $381.52.GF Score™ of 67/100 indicates that the stock is above average relative to its peers.Notable signal: Insiders have bought $2.4 million in shares over the last three months, with no selling activity recorded. Is CHTR Overvalued or Undervalued? Charter Communications Inc CHTR appears significantly undervalued based on the current market price of $147.79 compared to the GF Value™ estimate of $381.52. This indicates a potential upside of 61.3%, suggesting that the stock is trading at a considerable discount to its intrinsic value. The margin of safety is substantial, providing a cushion against potential downside risks. However, the GF Valuation label of "Possible Value Trap, Think Twice" serves as a warning that investors should proceed with caution. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.
The stock's significant undervaluation could present a compelling opportunity, but it is essential to consider the underlying financial health and market conditions that may have led to this current pricing. The company's financial strength is rated only 3/10, which raises concerns about its stability and ability to capitalize on the perceived value gap.
How Does CHTR's Valuation Compare to Its History? MetricCurrentHistorical P/E (TTM)4.0x11.5x (5-Year Median) Forward P/E3.5xN/A Charter Communications' current P/E ratio of 4.0x is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 11.5x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical performance. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ assessment, reinforcing the notion that CHTR is undervalued based on historical earnings multiples.
What Does CHTR's GF Score™ Tell Us? MetricRating GF Score™67/100 Financial Strength3/10 Profitability9/10 Growth7/10 Valuation2/10 Momentum1/10 The GF Score™ of 67/100 indicates a stock that is above average in terms of overall quality. CHTR’s strongest area is profitability, with a high score of 9/10, suggesting that the company has been effective at generating profits. However, the weakest area is its valuation, with a low score of 2/10, which highlights the discrepancy between its earnings and market price. The low financial strength rating of 3/10 also raises caution about the company's stability moving forward.
What Are Insiders Doing with CHTR Stock? In recent months, insiders at Charter Communications have demonstrated confidence in the company's future by purchasing $2.4 million worth of shares. Notably, there has been no selling activity recorded during this period, suggesting that insiders believe the stock is undervalued at current levels. This insider buying could indicate a positive outlook for the company, although the overall financial metrics should still be monitored closely.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ estimate, Charter Communications Inc CHTR is currently undervalued. However, potential investors should consider the company's financial strength concerns and the "Possible Value Trap" label before making any decisions.
For the complete analysis, visit the Charter Communications Inc CHTR stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions What is CHTR's GF Score™?
CHTR's GF Score™ is 67/100, indicating that the stock is above average relative to its peers, suggesting potential for higher long-term returns.
Is CHTR overvalued or undervalued?
CHTR is currently undervalued, with a market price significantly below the GF Value™ estimate, indicating a potential opportunity for investors.
What is CHTR's P/E ratio?
CHTR's P/E ratio is 4.0x, which is 65% below its 5-year median P/E of 11.5x, suggesting that the stock is trading at a low valuation compared to its historical performance.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
, /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (along with its subsidiaries, "Charter") today announced that Jessica Fischer, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Ms. Fischer's remarks are scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. ET.
A live webcast of the event can be accessed on Charter's investor relations website, ir.charter.com. Following the live broadcast, the webcast will be archived at ir.charter.com.
About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company with services available to nearly 59 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice products.
More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
Charter to Participate in J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference PR Newswire
STAMFORD, Conn., May 13, 2026
, /PRNewswire/ -- Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) (along with its subsidiaries, "Charter") today announced that Jessica Fischer, Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Ms. Fischer's remarks are scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. ET.
A live webcast of the event can be accessed on Charter's investor relations website, ir.charter.com. Following the live broadcast, the webcast will be archived at ir.charter.com.
About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company with services available to nearly 59 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice products.
More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/charter-to-participate-in-jp-morgan-global-technology-media-and-communications-conference-302771053.html
Customers Can Unlock More Than $125/Month in Streaming App Value with Eligible Spectrum TV Plans
Key Takeaways:
Spectrum TV customers with eligible plans now receive ad-supported discovery+, featuring popular reality and lifestyle shows plus documentaries from HGTV, Food Network, TLC and Investigation Discovery. discovery+ expands Spectrum's Seamless Entertainment experience which brings live TV together with popular streaming apps at no additional cost. Customers without a traditional TV package can purchase discovery+ à la carte through the Spectrum App Store. , /PRNewswire/ -- Spectrum and Warner Bros. Discovery today announced that the discovery+ streaming app is now included at no additional cost for customers with eligible Spectrum TV plans. Now Spectrum TV customers can immediately begin streaming their favorite discovery+ hit shows, from "90 Day Fiancé" to "Gold Rush" and "Ghost Adventures." This builds on Spectrum's Seamless Entertainment experience, which brings together live TV and popular streaming apps and includes more than $125 per month in retail streaming value.
Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. Spectrum TV customers can activate ad-supported discovery+, which retails for $5.99 per month, for no extra cost to begin streaming hit shows from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Animal Planet and more. Customers can also upgrade to discovery+ (Ad-Free), which retails for $9.99 per month, by paying the $4 difference. Additionally, Spectrum customers without an eligible TV plan can use The Spectrum App Store to purchase discovery+ and other streaming apps à la carte.
"The inclusion of discovery+ extends the value Spectrum TV delivers to customers with more choice and flexibility in what and how to watch," said Tom Montemagno, Executive Vice President of Programming Acquisition at Spectrum. "We're meeting customers wherever they are by bringing live TV and streaming together so they can enjoy discovery+ and other popular apps without managing separate subscriptions and with built-in cost savings."
Spectrum's Seamless Entertainment experience delivers more than $125 in retail streaming value, paired with The Spectrum App Store, where customers seamlessly activate and manage their apps, and the Xumo Stream Box, which provides an all-in-one place to search, discover and watch TV. Ad-supported discovery+ joins a lineup of popular apps included with eligible Spectrum TV plans, including the ad-supported versions of:
Disney+ Hulu Bundle ESPN Unlimited HBO Max Basic With Ads Paramount+ Essential Peacock Premium AMC+ ViX Tennis Channel FOX One "Our partnership with Spectrum allows us to put discovery+ in front of millions of customers in a way that fits naturally with how they already watch TV," said Scott Miller, President, Networks and Streaming Distribution, Warner Bros. Discovery. "By making discovery+ available as part of Spectrum TV Select and giving customers without a traditional TV plan the ability to purchase à la carte, we're extending the reach of our world-class portfolio and making it even more convenient for fans to watch their favorite home, food, true crime, relationships and lifestyle programming as part of their existing Spectrum experience."
With the discovery+ streaming app, viewers can enjoy fan-favorite shows and exclusive originals from many of the most popular lifestyle and nonfiction brands, including top reality shows, "House Hunters," "Chopped" and "1000-lb Sisters,"; adventure and documentary programs, "Expedition Unknown," "Ghost Brothers," "Planet Earth"; lifestyle shows, "Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines," and more.
Spectrum TV customers can learn more and activate discovery+ at The Spectrum App Store.
Streaming apps included in qualifying Spectrum TV plans for residential customers only.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company available to nearly 59 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice products.
More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.
About Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.
Disney: How the Fubo Sports Deal Became a Game ChangerCharter Communications NASDAQ: CHTR Chief Executive Officer Chris Winfrey said the company remains focused on long-term customer value and free cash flow generation after a sharp market reaction to its first-quarter results and commentary around broadband average revenue per user.
Speaking at an investor conference, Winfrey acknowledged that the company’s stock decline following earnings was “clearly” centered on broadband ARPU rather than broadband subscriber losses. The analyst opened the discussion by noting that Charter’s stock fell 25% after first-quarter earnings and continued to decline afterward.
Get Charter Communications alerts:
Top Streaming Companies: Who’s Winning the Battle?Winfrey said he did not believe “more than a quarter of the value of the company was destroyed” by an in-year broadband ARPU outlook. He emphasized that Charter does not manage the business for short-term product ARPU, but instead focuses on terminal penetration, product attachment, household-level revenue and margin, and lower operating and capital costs per customer.
“We managed the business … to try to derive the highest terminal penetration of customer relationships, the highest amount of products in the household, and as a result of that, having the highest revenue and margin at the household level,” Winfrey said.
Broadband ARPU and Pricing Strategy 3 large caps with RSIs that scream 'oversold'Winfrey said single-product internet ARPU is not the most relevant measure of Charter’s performance, arguing that “converged ARPU is more relevant” and is growing. He said broadband ARPU can be affected by several factors within a quarter, including price locks, retention activity and cost pass-through decisions.
He said Charter did not take the same level of cost pass-through in the first quarter as in some prior periods, but expects to take some cost pass-through “towards the end of the summer.” Winfrey said the company does not plan to simply push through costs, but will attach pricing changes to added value.
Winfrey also said the company is operating in a highly competitive environment, driven by new competition and low market move rates that reduce selling opportunities. Still, he said Charter has a strong network position, a converged wireless and wireline offering, and products that can save customers money when bundled.
Competition From FWA, Fiber and Satellite Asked about fixed wireless access, Winfrey said Charter already serves the lower-cost broadband segment with products such as Internet Advantage at $30 and lower-cost low-income offerings. He argued that competitors’ low FWA pricing often depends on customers paying more for mobile service.
Winfrey said convergence is central to Charter’s competitive strategy, but added that the company must avoid creating friction in internet sales by pushing mobile too aggressively. He said Charter has improved its installation process after comparing itself with FWA providers and has become “much faster” than those alternatives.
On fiber overbuilding, Winfrey said Charter continues to see a steady pace of build in its footprint, but he questioned the economics of additional fiber deployments as density falls and costs rise. He said he does not believe many overbuilders will earn a return, particularly in markets with overlapping new fiber builds.
Winfrey said satellite broadband is a strong product in rural, low-density areas where alternatives are limited. He said Starlink has gained penetration in some rural markets where Charter is building, requiring Charter to convert customers rather than enter a pure greenfield opportunity. However, he said Charter is still hitting penetration targets in its recent rural builds, though it is taking more time.
Cox Transaction and Integration Plans Winfrey said California remains the last regulatory hurdle for the Cox transaction, after settlements with Cal Advocates and the California Emerging Technology Fund. He said other states and the federal government were completed in March, and he expressed hope that California approval can be secured as quickly as possible while respecting the process.
Discussing post-close plans, Winfrey said Cox’s broadband ARPU is “too high” and will come down. He said investors should evaluate the transaction by customer growth, primary service unit growth and total customer ARPU, rather than focusing only on broadband ARPU.
Winfrey said Charter plans to bring lower pricing, better products and a household-level revenue strategy to Cox markets. He said Cox is underpenetrated in video and has “essentially no mobile penetration whatsoever,” creating opportunities for Charter’s Spectrum One strategy.
Winfrey also said Charter expects to grow video in Cox markets, citing the Spectrum TV app, Xumo and Seamless Entertainment products. He said the company has increased its expected run-rate operating expense synergies to $800 million, with upside opportunities centered largely on procurement and duplicated spending.
Wireless Growth and Offload Charter recently passed 12 million mobile lines, and Winfrey said there is no specific ceiling for wireless penetration inside the company’s customer base. He said the product is faster, lower-priced and supported by seamless connectivity, asking why it should not eventually be taken by every cable customer relationship.
He acknowledged Charter has fewer lines per account than major wireless competitors and said the company is focused on bringing over additional household lines over time. He said friction exists because customers often have multiple equipment installment plans on different timelines.
Winfrey said Charter is offloading about 88% to 89% of mobile traffic onto Wi-Fi, up from roughly 85%. He said about 65% of internet customers have advanced Wi-Fi capable of dual SSID connectivity, and he expects a few additional points of offload are possible through Wi-Fi before CBRS deployment adds further capability.
Leverage, Leadership and Growth Outlook Asked about leverage, Winfrey said Charter intends to protect its investment-grade structure. He said the Cox deal is deleveraging at closing and that the company has committed to bringing leverage into the 3.5 range over three years. He said there is not currently a need to discuss moving to three times leverage or below, though Charter will “do the right thing at all times.”
Winfrey also discussed Nick Jeffery, who will join Charter as chief operating officer on Sept. 1. He said Jeffery will oversee marketing, sales, field operations and customer operations, with a focus on go-to-market execution and improving Charter’s service reputation as measured by Net Promoter Score.
Closing the discussion, Winfrey said Charter can return to growth because of its network, converged service offering, pricing, product quality and free cash flow profile. He described the company’s infrastructure as “the workhorse of the entire industry,” including for wireless traffic offload used by the broader sector.
About Charter Communications NASDAQ: CHTRCharter Communications, Inc is a U.S.-based telecommunications and mass media company that provides broadband communications and video services to residential and business customers. Operating primarily under the Spectrum brand, the company offers high-speed internet, cable television, digital voice (phone) and wireless services, as well as managed and enterprise networking solutions for commercial customers. Charter's service portfolio targets both consumer and business markets with bundled and standalone offerings designed to meet streaming, connectivity and communications needs.
The company's consumer-facing products include Spectrum Internet, Spectrum TV and Spectrum Voice, while Spectrum Mobile provides wireless service through arrangements with national wireless carriers.
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