Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Consumers around the world are continuing to make discretionary purchases despite rising prices, according to Visa. Rather than cutting back, consumers are seeking deals, often with the help of digital commerce, the company said in a Tuesday (June 30) press release outlining findings from the Visa Business and Economic Insights (VBEI) 2026 midyear Global Economic Outlook.

Walmart (WMT - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.

Over the past month, shares of this world's largest retailer have returned 0%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -2.9% change. During this period, the Zacks Retail - Supermarkets industry, which Walmart falls in, has lost 1.4%. 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.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Walmart is expected to post earnings of $0.74 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +8.3%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $2.89 points to a change of +9.4% 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 $3.27 indicates a change of +13.3% from what Walmart is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Walmart.

The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Revenue Growth ForecastWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.

For Walmart, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $186.4 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +5.1%. For the current and next fiscal years, $750 billion and $783.74 billion estimates indicate +5.2% and +4.5% changes, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryWalmart reported revenues of $177.75 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +7.3%. EPS of $0.66 for the same period compares with $0.61 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $174.56 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +1.83%. The EPS surprise was +1.54%.

Over the last four quarters, Walmart surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.

ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.

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.

As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Walmart 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 Walmart. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

JPMorgan Chase stock is showing upward bias. What’s next for JPM stock? What Is Driving JPMorgan’s Dividend and Buyback Boost?The bank’s board is lifting the quarterly common dividend to $1.65 in the third quarter from $1.50 and authorized a new $50 billion share repurchase program effective July 1. The stock’s recent push toward the prior record area near $338.09 has traders treating the payout and buyback update as a sentiment backstop near the highs.

CEO Jamie Dimon framed the move as enabled by excess capital and liquidity, positioning JPMorgan to keep returning cash while maintaining balance-sheet strength and staying a "pillar of strength," a message that helped fuel the prior breakout.

In the background, the firm is also tightening internal controls around AI tooling, including restricting Hong Kong staff access to Anthropic’s Claude models tied to export-control pressure on "Fable 5" and "Mythos 5."

JPM Stock: Key Levels and Trends to WatchWith the broader tape mixed premarket (Nasdaq -0.02%, S&P 500 +0.04%, Dow -0.05%), JPM’s action looks like consolidation after a strong run rather than a clean breakdown. At $329.06, the stock is still trading 3% above its 20-day SMA ($319.53) and 6.8% above its 200-day SMA ($308.12), keeping the longer-term uptrend intact even if near-term upside cools.

Trend structure remains constructive: the 20-day SMA is above the 50-day SMA, and the golden cross that formed in June (50-day SMA above the 200-day SMA) supports the intermediate bullish regime after the death cross in March. Momentum is best read through MACD here—MACD is above its signal line and the histogram is positive, which typically means upside pressure is improving versus the prior downswing (even if price chops sideways for a bit).

Key Resistance: $337.50 — a nearby pivot just under the 52-week high zone ($343.45) where breakouts can stall after a run-up Key Support: $293.50 — a prior demand zone well below current levels that would matter more if the uptrend starts to unwind JPM Earnings Preview: What Analysts ExpectThe countdown is on: JPMorgan Chase & Co. is set to report earnings on July 14, 2026 (confirmed).

EPS Estimate: $5.48 (Up from $4.96 YoY) Revenue Estimate: $48.96 Billion (Up from $45.68 Billion YoY) Valuation: P/E of 15.8x (Suggests fair valuation relative to peers) Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price target of $347.44. Recent analyst moves include:

Morgan Stanley: Equal-Weight (Raises Target to $362.00) (June 29) Truist Securities: Hold (Raises Target to $344.00) (June 26) Evercore ISI Group: Outperform (Raises Target to $340.00) (April 17) JPMorgan Chase’s Benzinga Edge Scorecard BreakdownBelow is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for JPMorgan Chase &, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:

The Verdict: JPMorgan Chase &’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a growth-tilted profile with neutral momentum and a weaker quality read. For longer-term bulls, that often argues for buying strength only after clean breakouts or buying dips into support rather than chasing extended moves near resistance.

JPM Stock Price Action in Premarket TradingJPM Stock Price Activity: JPMorgan Chase shares were up 0.07% at $329.61 during premarket trading on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cascade®, America's #1 recommended dishwasher detergent brand*, today announced the launch of its new Clean and Dry Booster Rinse Aid. Designed to work in tandem with Cascade® Platinum Plus, this premium dishwasher enhancer establishes the ultimate dishwashing routine to tackle people's biggest frustrations, including stubborn water spots, cloudiness, hard water sediment, and damp dishes. Together, the power duo clears away food residue and film for a brilliant dry.

CORAL GABLES, Fla., June 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Catalyst") (Nasdaq: CPRX), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on in-licensing, developing, and commercializing novel medicines for patients living with rare and difficult-to-treat diseases, today announced topline results from a two-part Phase 1 clinical study of vamorolone in healthy adult volunteers. The study demonstrated balanced corticosteroid activity with expected cortisol suppression and no evidence of significant immunosuppressive activity at clinical doses. These findings suggest that vamorolone delivers glucocorticoid and anti-inflammatory activity, while avoiding significant immunosuppressant effects, supporting its potential use as a treatment across a broad range of chronic inflammatory rare diseases.

Key Highlights and Readouts:

Overall study design

A two-part (referred to as Parts A and B) Phase 1 study was conducted in healthy adult volunteersThe primary purpose of Part A was to assess equipotency between deflazacort and vamorolone to help address the clinical case in which a patient might experience differential cortisol effects when switching from deflazacort to vamoroloneThe primary purpose of Part B was to evaluate ascending doses of vamorolone to assess vamorolone’s clinical immunosuppressive potential in consideration of potential life cycle management indicationsThe study evaluated cortisol suppression, anti-inflammatory activity, and immunosuppressive effects across clinical and supratherapeutic doses
Part A: Vamorolone vs. deflazacort (equipotency assessment)

24 healthy adults were enrolled in a randomized, single-center, crossover studySingle doses of vamorolone (300 mg) and deflazacort (0.9 mg/kg) were evaluatedBoth agents demonstrated expected on-target glucocorticoid receptor activity, including cortisol suppression, leukocyte redistribution, and effects on functional immune biomarkersSimilar time to onset was observed for both treatments (approximately 2–4 hours post-dose)Comparable cortisol suppression was observed at clinical dosesVamorolone demonstrated less pronounced immunosuppressive biomarker effects compared with deflazacort
“By demonstrating similar cortisol suppression at label-based clinical doses of vamorolone and deflazacort, these data support the currently labeled dosing of vamorolone in the treatment of DMD and do not suggest the need for other dosing considerations when switching patients from deflazacort to vamorolone,” said William Andrews, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals. “Moreover, vamorolone achieved robust glucocorticoid and anti-inflammatory activity without evidence of significant immunosuppression at clinical doses.”

Part B: Ascending dose evaluation of immunosuppressive potential

36 healthy volunteers received vamorolone at doses of 9, 27, or 40 mg/kg once daily for seven daysImmune biomarkers and cellular markers were evaluated through Day 21Clinically relevant immunosuppressive effects were observed only at the highest dose level (40 mg/kg/day)No relevant immunosuppressive effects observed at lower dose levels (9 or 27 mg/kg/day)Immunosuppressive effects increased with repeated dosing at 40 mg/kg/day and persisted after treatment cessation “As the 40 mg/kg/day dose is above currently approved vamorolone dosing and higher than doses previously studied in clinical trials, these findings suggest that clinically meaningful immunosuppression with vamorolone is unlikely at clinically relevant doses,” Dr. Andrews added. “The prospect of this favorable profile—glucocorticoid and anti-inflammatory activity without clinically meaningful immunosuppression at clinically relevant doses—has the potential to distinguish vamorolone from conventional corticosteroids. Additionally, this profile may support vamorolone’s potential utility across a broad range of chronically inflammatory rare diseases.”

About Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: CPRX) is a biopharmaceutical company committed to improving the lives of patients with rare diseases. With a proven track record of bringing life-changing treatments to the market, we focus on in-licensing, commercializing, and developing innovative therapies. Guided by our deep commitment to patient care, we prioritize accessibility, ensuring patients receive the care they need through a comprehensive suite of support services designed to provide seamless access and ongoing assistance. Catalyst maintains a well-established U.S. presence, which remains the cornerstone of our commercial strategy, while continuously evaluating strategic opportunities to expand our global footprint. Catalyst, headquartered in Coral Gables, Fla., has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Most Successful Companies in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and on the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ list as one of North America’s Fastest-Growing Companies.

For more information, please visit Catalyst's website at www.catalystpharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause Catalyst's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. A number of factors, including (i) whether vamorolone can be developed and successfully commercialized in the future for the treatment of other chronic inflammatory rare diseases, and (ii) those factors described in Catalyst's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 2025 fiscal year and its subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), could adversely affect Catalyst. Copies of Catalyst's filings with the SEC are available from the SEC, may be found on Catalyst's website, or may be obtained upon request from Catalyst. Catalyst does not undertake any obligation to update the information contained herein, which speaks only as of this date.

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL) will release its second quarter earnings report before the opening bell on Friday, July 10.

Analysts expect the Atlanta, Georgia-based company to report quarterly earnings of $1.48 per share, down from $2.10 per share in the year-ago period. The consensus estimate for Delta Air’s quarterly revenue is $18.68 billion. It reported $16.65 billion last year, according to Benzinga Pro.

On June 18, Delta Air Lines raised its quarterly dividend from 18.75 cents to 21.50 cents per share.

Delta Air Lines shares gained 0.7% to close at $93.17 on Monday.

Benzinga readers can access the latest analyst ratings on the Analyst Stock Ratings page. Readers can sort by stock ticker, company name, analyst firm, rating change or other variables.

Let’s have a look at how Benzinga’s most-accurate analysts have rated the company in the recent period.

Considering buying DAL stock? Here’s what analysts think:

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Ford Motor Company (F - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.

Shares of this company have returned -15.7% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -2.9% change. The Zacks Automotive - Domestic industry, to which Ford Motor belongs, has lost 5.4% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?

While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Ford Motor is expected to post earnings of $0.35 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -6.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +5.6%.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.64 points to a change of +50.2% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed +1.5%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.83 indicates a change of +11.8% from what Ford Motor is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Ford Motor.

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.

In the case of Ford Motor, the consensus sales estimate of $45.44 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of -3.2%. The $175.77 billion and $174.79 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +1% and -0.6%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryFord Motor reported revenues of $39.82 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +6.4%. EPS of $0.66 for the same period compares with $0.14 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $39.34 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +1.21%. The EPS surprise was +230%.

Over the last four quarters, Ford Motor surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.

ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.

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.

As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Ford Motor is graded A on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to 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 Ford Motor. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

Key Takeaways Five stocks met value screens based on low P/B, P/S, P/E, PEG and trading liquidity criteria.PagSeguro Digital, USANA Health Sciences, General Motors, Nexa Resources and Avnet made the list.Avnet has a projected 3-5-year EPS growth rate of 43.3%, the highest among the five highlighted. Value investing enables investors to identify stocks the broader market may have overlooked, buying quality companies at relatively inexpensive valuations.

While the price-to-earnings (P/E) and price-to-sales (P/S) ratios are among the most widely used valuation metrics, the price-to-book (P/B) ratio is another simple and effective tool for uncovering undervalued stocks with solid long-term growth potential. The P/B ratio measures a company's market value relative to its book value, helping investors assess whether a stock is trading above or below the value of its net assets.

The P/B ratio is calculated as:

P/B Ratio = Market Capitalization ÷ Book Value of Equity

This metric can help identify attractively priced stocks with upside potential. Some such stocks are PagSeguro Digital (PAGS - Free Report) , USANA Health Sciences (USNA - Free Report) , General Motors (GM - Free Report) , Nexa Resources (NEXA - Free Report) and Avnet (AVT - Free Report) . Let us understand the concept of book value.

What is Book Value?There are several ways in which book value can be defined. Book value is the total value that would be left over, according to the company’s balance sheet, if it went bankrupt immediately. In other words, this is what shareholders would theoretically receive if a company liquidates all its assets after paying off all its liabilities.

It is calculated by subtracting total liabilities from the total assets of a company. In most cases, this equates to common stockholders’ equity on the balance sheet. However, depending on the company’s balance sheet, intangible assets should also be subtracted from total assets to determine book value.

Book Value Per Share = (Total Assets – Total Liabilities) ÷ Number of Outstanding Shares

Understanding P/B RatioBy comparing the book value of equity to its market price, we get an idea of whether a company is under- or overpriced. Like P/E or P/S ratios, it is always better to compare the P/B ratio within industries.

A P/B ratio of less than one means that the stock is trading at less than its book value or the stock is undervalued and, therefore, a good buy. Conversely, a stock with a ratio greater than one can be interpreted as being overvalued or relatively expensive.

For example, a stock with a P/B ratio of 2 means that we pay $2 for every $1 of book value. Thus, the higher the P/B, the more expensive the stock.

But there is a warning. A P/B ratio of less than one can also mean that the company is earning weak or even negative returns on its assets or that the assets are overstated. In such a case, the stock should be shunned because it may be destroying shareholder value. Conversely, the stock’s price may be significantly high — thereby pushing the P/B ratio to more than one — in the likely case that it has become a takeover target, a good enough reason to own the stock.

Moreover, the P/B ratio is not without limitations. It is useful for businesses like finance, investments, insurance and banking or manufacturing companies with many liquid/tangible assets on the books. However, it can be misleading for firms with significant R&D expenditure, high debt, service companies, or those with negative earnings.

In any case, the ratio is not particularly relevant as a standalone number. One should analyze other ratios like P/E, P/S and debt to equity before arriving at a reasonable investment decision.

Screening ParametersPrice to Book (common Equity) less than X-Industry Median: A lower P/B compared with the industry average implies that there is enough room for the stock to gain.

Price to Sales less than X-Industry Median: The P/S ratio determines how much the market values every dollar of the company’s sales/revenues — a lower ratio than the industry makes the stock attractive.

Price to Earnings using F(1) estimate less than X-Industry Median: The P/E ratio (F1) values a company based on its current share price relative to its estimated earnings per share — a lower ratio than the industry is considered better.

PEG less than 1: PEG links the P/E ratio to the future growth rate of the company. The PEG ratio portrays a more complete picture than the P/E ratio. A value of less than 1 indicates that the stock is undervalued, and investors need to pay less for a stock that has bright earnings growth prospects.

Current Price greater than or equal to $5: They must all be trading at a minimum of $5 or higher.

Average 20-Day Volume greater than or equal to 100,000: A substantial trading volume ensures that the stock is easily tradable.

Zacks Rank less than or equal to #2: Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) stocks are known to outperform irrespective of the market environment.

Value Score equal to A or B: Our research shows that stocks with a Value Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2, offer the best opportunities in the value investing space.

5 Low Price-to-Book StocksHere are five of the 12 stocks that qualified for the screening: 

São Paulo, Brazil-based PagSeguro Digital is one of the largest digital banks in Brazil, promoting innovative solutions in financial services and payment methods.

PAGS currently has a Value Score of A and a Zacks Rank #2. PAGS has a projected 3-5-year EPS growth rate of 14.9%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

USANA Health Sciences develops and manufactures high-quality nutritional, personal care and weight management products. USANA Health Sciences currently has a Zacks Rank #2 and a Value Score of A. USNA has a projected 3-5-year EPS growth rate of 12.0%.

Detroit, MI-based General Motors is one of the world’s largest automakers. General Motors, along with its strategic partners, produces, sells and services cars, trucks and parts under four core brands — Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac. General Motors assembles passenger cars, crossover vehicles, light trucks, sport-utility vehicles, vans and other vehicles.

GM currently has a Zacks Rank #2 and a Value Score of A. The company has a projected 3-5-year EPS growth rate of 15.5%. 

Luxembourg City, Brazil-based Nexa Resources is an integrated zinc producer. It is engaged in developing and operating mining and smelting assets, primarily in Latin America. NEXA currently has a Value Score of A and a Zacks Rank #1. NEXA has a projected 3-5-year EPS growth rate of 15.7%. 

Based in Phoenix, AZ, Avnet is one of the world’s largest distributors of electronic components and computer products. The company’s customer base includes original equipment manufacturers, electronic manufacturing services providers, original design manufacturers and value-added resellers.

Avnet has a Zacks Rank #1 and a Value Score of B. AVT has a projected 3-5-year EPS growth rate of 43.3%.

Quarterly financial reports play a vital role on Wall Street, as they help investors see how a company has performed and what might be coming down the road in the near-term. And out of all of the metrics and results to consider, earnings is one of the most important.

The earnings figure itself is key, of course, but a beat or miss on the bottom line can sometimes be just as, if not more, important. Therefore, investors should consider paying close attention to these earnings surprises, as a big beat can help a stock climb and vice versa.

Now that we know how important earnings and earnings surprises are, it's time to show investors how to take advantage of these events to boost their returns by utilizing the Zacks Earnings ESP filter.

The Zacks Earnings ESP, ExplainedThe Zacks Earnings ESP, or Expected Surprise Prediction, aims to find earnings surprises by focusing on the most recent analyst revisions. The basic premise is that if an analyst reevaluates their earnings estimate ahead of an earnings release, it means they likely have new information that could possibly be more accurate.

Now that we understand the basic idea, let's look at how the Expected Surprise Prediction works. The ESP is calculated by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the percentage difference between the two giving us the Zacks ESP figure.

In fact, when we combined a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better and a positive Earnings ESP, stocks produced a positive surprise 70% of the time. Perhaps most importantly, using these parameters has helped produce 28.3% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.

Stocks with a #3 (Hold) ranking, which is most stocks covered at 60%, are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. But stocks that fall into the #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) ranking, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market. Strong Buy stocks should outperform more than any other rank.

Should You Consider BlackRock?The final step today is to look at a stock that meets our ESP qualifications. BlackRock (BLK - Free Report) earns a #3 (Hold) 21 days from its next quarterly earnings release on July 21, 2026, and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $12.60 a share.

By taking the percentage difference between the $12.60 Most Accurate Estimate and the $12.5 Zacks Consensus Estimate, BlackRock has an Earnings ESP of +0.80%. Investors should also know that BLK is one of a large group of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

BLK is one of just a large database of Finance stocks with positive ESPs. Another solid-looking stock is Citigroup (C - Free Report) .

Citigroup, which is readying to report earnings on July 14, 2026, sits at a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) right now. Its Most Accurate Estimate is currently $2.86 a share, and C is 14 days out from its next earnings report.

For Citigroup, the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.65 is +7.93%.

Because both stocks hold a positive Earnings ESP, BLK and C could potentially post earnings beats in their next reports.

Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're ReportedUse the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>

The semiconductor sector is notorious for punishing cyclicality. When global smartphone shipments stall or supply chains bottleneck, legacy chipmakers often bear the brunt of market anxiety. This dynamic has played out recently with Qualcomm NASDAQ: QCOM, which has suffered a drawdown of more than 20% over the last 30 days.

Qualcomm Today

$192.27 +3.55 (+1.88%)

As of 10:27 AM Eastern

This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.

52-Week Range$121.99▼

$259.92Dividend Yield1.91%

P/E Ratio20.91

Price Target$220.45

Much of this selling pressure stems from near-term memory supply constraints affecting Chinese handset manufacturers, stalling what the market aggressively priced in as an immediate Android hardware supercycle.

Get Qualcomm alerts:

Beneath this surface-level volatility, a profound transformation is taking place. Qualcomm is integrating data center and edge artificial intelligence (AI) compute layers. By acquiring vital software infrastructure and rolling out server-grade processors anchored by hyperscaler clients, Qualcomm is actively decoupling its balance sheet from smartphone dependence to capture a massive secular tailwind in agentic AI.

Hacking the Moat: Qualcomm Upgrades Its Software CodeHardware is only as valuable as the code running on it. For years, the enterprise computing landscape has been dominated by closed software ecosystems, creating steep switching costs for developers locked into proprietary frameworks. To break this monopoly, Qualcomm orchestrated a $3.92 billion all-stock acquisition of the software infrastructure firm Modular.

Scheduled to close in the second half of 2026, this acquisition secures far more than patents; it brings visionary talent like Chris Lattner in-house. Lattner is the original architect behind foundational programming languages such as Apple's Swift. With Modular under its umbrella, Qualcomm gains complete control of the Mojo programming language and the MAX inference engine. This establishes a silicon-agnostic compute layer. Developers can write complex inference code once and run it optimized across heterogeneous compute environments, effectively neutralizing the moat that legacy graphics processing unit manufacturers used to trap enterprise clients. Lowering these switching costs is the mandatory first step for Qualcomm to take meaningful market share in the data center.

Server-Grade Horsepower: Qualcomm Upgrades the Data CenterSoftware flexibility requires raw physical horsepower to be effective. At the June 2026 Investor Day, Qualcomm management formally unveiled the Dragonfly C1000 server CPU built entirely on the custom Oryon architecture. Featuring a 250-core count, this processor is purpose-built for agentic AI orchestration. Basic generative models simply return text, but agentic AI handles complex multi-step reasoning and autonomous task execution, demanding immense uninterrupted computational throughput.

Institutional validation for this new architecture arrived immediately. Market data confirms that Meta Platforms NASDAQ: META has signed a multi-year agreement to deploy the Dragonfly C1000 in its infrastructure, with shipments scaling heavily in the second half of 2028.

Simultaneously, Microsoft Corporation NASDAQ: MSFT announced its commitment to deploying the High Bandwidth Computing architecture on its Azure cloud platform. Securing these anchor clients proves the Oryon architecture can handle frontier processing, paving a highly visible path toward Qualcomm's newly stated target of $15 billion in data center revenue by fiscal 2029.

Shrinking the Server: 2nm Nodes Spark a Hardware SupercycleThese hyperscaler deployments serve a dual purpose. They generate lucrative enterprise revenue while battle-testing the exact architecture destined for consumer pockets. The reality of modern technology is that cloud computing remains too expensive and latent for ubiquitous consumer AI applications. The true frontier is edge compute, and the Qualcomm strategy is to shrink server-grade processing power to fit directly inside a handset.

Upcoming iterations of the Snapdragon platform will migrate to the 2nm fabrication node from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company NYSE: TSM. This physical shrinkage enables integrating massive data center-level throughput into mobile platforms without draining battery life. By equipping Android original equipment manufacturers with the raw compute necessary to run native un-tethered generative models, Qualcomm supplies the exact hardware required to trigger a massive device replacement cycle. Apple NASDAQ: AAPL currently commands a highly integrated closed ecosystem, but democratizing frontier processing across the Android landscape offers a viable vendor-neutral alternative for the rest of the global market.

High-Voltage ValuationsA grand technological vision must be supported by sound financial fundamentals. Current valuation metrics suggest the market is heavily discounting the impending diversification of revenue. Qualcomm currently trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 20x and a forward multiple of 24x. Profitability remains highly robust during this transition phase. The company commands an exceptional return on equity of 42.11% and net margins that have held steady at 22.31%.

Qualcomm outlined a definitive de-risking roadmap, projecting $40 billion in total non-handset revenue by fiscal 2029. Beyond the data center targets, this pipeline includes $10 billion in automotive computing and $8 billion in industrial robotics and the Internet of Things. The balance sheet is well-positioned to support this expansion, with a manageable debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54 and a healthy current ratio of 2.37, ensuring the Modular acquisition will not strain daily operations. Investors waiting for these enterprise revenue streams to mature are protected by a 1.95% dividend yield and a newly authorized $20 billion share repurchase program. A buyback floor of this magnitude provides substantial asymmetric downside protection, aggressively rewarding shareholders who endure near-term cyclicality.

Timing the Edge Computing UpgradeThe recent double-digit technical drawdown presents a compelling scenario for value-conscious tech investors. The options market recently revealed a spike in institutional confidence, with traders purchasing over 161,000 call options in a single session, pushing volume 29% above the daily average. Short interest remains anemic at roughly 2.5%, indicating the recent sell-off lacks structural bearish conviction.

Qualcomm Incorporated (QCOM) Price Chart for Tuesday, June, 30, 2026

Execution risk remains the primary hurdle for Qualcomm. The data center revenue targets rely on silicon that does not ship in heavy volume until late 2028. The mobile division must maintain its structural dominance in a highly competitive pricing environment to fund this aggressive expansion.

Cautious investors may prefer to monitor the successful closing of the Modular acquisition and upcoming quarterly margin stability before allocating capital. Those with a longer time horizon might consider adding Qualcomm to their watchlist as the transition from a cyclical mobile supplier to a diversified computing powerhouse takes shape.

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Cantor Fitzgerald analyst C.J. Muse raised the firm’s price forecast on Intel to $150 from $90 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The firm said strong performance across the compute sector in 2026 supported the higher forecast.

Intel Highlights U.S. AI, Manufacturing PushIntel said it is strengthening its focus on U.S. artificial intelligence leadership, domestic semiconductor manufacturing and workforce development as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The company said its research, development and manufacturing operations across Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, California and a planned Ohio site support secure, domestic chip production.

Intel also highlighted its end-to-end capabilities in chip design, manufacturing and advanced packaging, alongside Intel Foundry, as key to enabling AI at scale.

Intel said it is expanding education initiatives through its Semiconductor Education Pathways Program and AI-Ready Schools Initiative, which will provide 500 AI PCs to 250 K-12 schools.

The company also announced $250,000 in grants to community colleges supporting foster youth through the First Lady’s “Fostering the Future” initiative.

Intel Holds Above Key Technical LevelsIntel continues to trade well above its major moving averages, underscoring the strength of its recent rally. The stock sits about 9.5% above its 20-day simple moving average of $120.27 and roughly 20.1% above its 50-day SMA of $109.65. It also remains significantly above its 200-day SMA of $58.77, reinforcing the longer-term bullish trend.

Momentum indicators also remain constructive. The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator is above its signal line, while the histogram remains positive. That typically suggests buying momentum continues to outweigh selling pressure.

The longer-term outlook also remains supported by the golden cross that formed in August 2025, when the 50-day SMA moved above the 200-day SMA. Traders are now watching whether Intel can build on its June breakout and challenge its 52-week high of $141.45.

On the upside, the next key resistance level sits near $133, a psychological level where rallies could face profit-taking.

Earnings And Analyst OutlookIntel is expected to report quarterly results on July 23, 2026.

Wall Street expects earnings of 19 cents per share, compared with a loss of 10 cents per share a year earlier. Revenue is projected to increase to $14.40 billion from $12.86 billion in the prior-year quarter.

The stock carries a consensus Hold rating with an average price forecast of $88.63. Recent analyst actions include:

Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a Neutral rating and raised its price forecast to $150 on June 29. Goldman Sachs initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a $150 price forecast on June 25. Bank of America Securities maintained a Buy rating and increased its price forecast to $160 on June 23. ETF ExposureBecause of Intel’s sizable weighting in these funds, ETF inflows and outflows can influence demand for the stock.

INTC Stock Price Activity: Intel shares were up 0.17% at $131.94 during premarket trading on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.

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Adobe Systems (ADBE - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.

Over the past month, shares of this software maker have returned -24.7%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -2.9% change. During this period, the Zacks Computer - Software industry, which Adobe falls in, has lost 19.5%. 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.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Adobe is expected to post earnings of $4.86 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +13.3%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +5.5%.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $19.8 points to a change of +15.1% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed +3.7%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $22.33 indicates a change of +12.8% from what Adobe is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +2.2%.

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, Adobe 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 Adobe, the consensus sales estimate of $6.67 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +11.4%. The $26.51 billion and $28.88 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +11.5% and +8.9%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAdobe reported revenues of $6.62 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +12.7%. EPS of $5.96 for the same period compares with $5.06 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.46 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +2.5%. The EPS surprise was +2.23%.

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.

While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.

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.

Adobe is graded A on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount 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 Adobe. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

© PeopleImages / Getty Images

Few large-cap dividends generate as much skepticism as Pfizer (NYSE:PFE | PFE Price Prediction). The stock trades at $24.37, and the COVID franchise erosion has been brutal, with Comirnaty down 59% and Paxlovid down 63% in Q1 2026. Yet the dividend keeps coming. I want to know if that 7.27% yield is a gift or a warning.

The Dividend at a Glance Pfizer’s foundational portfolio in oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular care generates non-discretionary demand, and management recently declared its 351st consecutive quarterly payout.

Metric Value Annual Dividend $1.72 Dividend Yield 7.27% Most Recent Increase $0.42 to $0.43 (Q1 2025) Aristocrat Status No (cut in 2009) Cash Flow Covers the Dividend, but Just Barely This is where I get cautious. In 2025, operating cash flow was $11.71 billion and capex was $2.63 billion, leaving free cash flow of $9.08 billion against $9.77 billion in dividends paid. On adjusted earnings, however, the math looks better: full-year adjusted EPS of $3.22 against $1.72 in dividends works out to a 53% payout.

Metric TTM Assessment Adjusted Earnings Payout 53% Healthy FCF Payout 108% Concerning OCF Coverage 1.20x Adequate Leverage Is the Real Pressure Point Pfizer carries the Seagen acquisition debt, and it shows. Net debt-to-EBITDA sits at 3.26x, elevated for a pharma major, while interest coverage of 5.78x and debt-to-equity of 0.78 leave room to service obligations. The $7.2 billion cost savings target by end of 2027 matters because it directly defends the payout.

A Streak Reset by 2009, Rebuilt Since Pfizer cut from $0.32 to $0.16 quarterly in 2009 to fund the Wyeth deal. Since 2010, the dividend has climbed every year, but recent raises are minimal.

Year Annual Dividend 2026 $1.72 2025 $1.72 2024 $1.68 2023 $1.64 2022 $1.60 Management and Insiders Are Putting Money Where the Mouth Is CEO Albert Bourla told investors in Q1 2026: “We’re off to a strong start in 2026, and it reinforces our confidence that we will successfully navigate this defining period for Pfizer.” Backing that up, 11 directors simultaneously acquired phantom stock units on April 23, 2026 at $26.67 per share, and Bourla himself added six times in three months.

Verdict: Safe, but Watch the Cash Conversion Dividend Safety Rating: Safe. The earnings payout near 53% is comfortable, growth products like Eliquis, Padcev (+39%), and Vyndaqel (+8%) are scaling, and the Vyndamax patent now runs to June 2031. Pfizer fits an income-oriented thesis if the non-COVID portfolio offsets the $1.5 billion biosimilar headwind. The safety case weakens if FCF coverage stays under 1.0x for another full year, because management cannot lean on the balance sheet forever.

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HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE: TRV) today announced that it has developed TravelersLLM, a proprietary large language model tailored to its property casualty business. Built by Travelers engineers and data scientists, TravelersLLM was trained on millions of company documents and amplifies Travelers' leading domain expertise by, among other things, enhancing underwriting analysis, accelerating research and model development, facilitating access to decades o.

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Nebraska is investing $385,000 in eight local organizations to expand access to care, strengthen support for caregivers and older adults, and increase workforce opportunities for people with disabilities, particularly in rural and underserved communities across Nebraska. “Families across Nebraska are finding it harder to access the care and resources they need as demand grows and healthcare workforce shortages continue,” said Michael Parnell.

Key Takeaways Newmont's $12.8B liquidity supports growth projects, debt reduction and shareholder returns.NEM is advancing Cadia Panel Caves and Tanami Expansion 2 to boost production.Newmont cut debt and maintained a net cash position of $3.2 billion at the end of the first quarter. Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) has a strong liquidity position and generates substantial cash flows, which allow it to fund its growth projects and drive shareholder value. At the end of the first quarter of 2026, Newmont had robust liquidity of roughly $12.8 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of around $8.8 billion.

NEM’s strong liquidity profile and substantial cash flows provide it with ample flexibility to fund expansion projects, reduce debt and enhance returns. The company remains focused on investing in its organic growth initiatives, leveraging a strong balance sheet. It is pursuing several projects, including the Cadia Panel Caves and Tanami Expansion 2 in Australia. These projects should expand Newmont’s production capacity and extend mine life, driving revenues and profits.

Newmont also remains committed to deleveraging, having reduced debt by roughly $3.4 billion in 2025. It reduced debt by an additional $42 million in the first quarter of 2026, resulting in a strong net cash position of $3.2 billion.

The company generated $3.6 billion from its portfolio optimization actions in 2025. These funds will support Newmont’s capital allocation strategy, which focuses on reinforcing its balance sheet and delivering returns to its shareholders.

Looking across the competitive landscape, Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC - Free Report) had strong liquidity of $3.9 billion at the end of the first quarter. KGC’s cash and cash equivalents were around $2.19 billion at the end of the quarter, increasing from $1.74 billion at the end of the prior quarter. With $1.7 billion in available credit (as of March 31, 2026) and no debt maturities until 2033, Kinross is well-positioned to support growth while strengthening its balance sheet and delivering shareholder value.

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM - Free Report) has a robust liquidity position and generates healthy cash flows, enabling it to maintain a strong exploration budget and finance a robust pipeline of growth projects. AEM ended the first quarter with cash and cash equivalents of roughly $3.1 billion. Agnico Eagle had a significant net cash position of roughly $2.9 billion at the end of the quarter, driven by an increase in cash.

The Zacks Rundown for NEMShares of Newmont have shot up 60.7% in the past year against the Zacks Mining – Gold industry’s rise of 43.2%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, NEM is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 9.35, a modest 2.2% premium to the industry average of 9.15X. It carries a Value Score of B.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NEM’s 2026 and 2027 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 43.8% and 8.7%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have been trending higher over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Key Takeaways Agnico Eagle's strong free cash flows support growth projects and financial flexibility.AEM is investing strong cash flows in major projects, including Odyssey, Detour Lake and Hope Bay.AEM's 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have moved higher over the past 60 days. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM - Free Report) logged first-quarter free cash flow of roughly $732 million, climbing 23% year over year. The upside was backed by higher gold prices and robust operational results. Operating cash flow was roughly $1.3 billion in the first quarter, up around 29% from the year-ago quarter.

Notably, AEM’s free cash flow surged 105% year over year to a record $4.4 billion in 2025. Operating cash flow for full-year 2025 was also a record $6.8 billion, driven by operational efficiencies.

AEM’s strong liquidity position and substantial cash flows allow it to maintain a strong exploration budget and fund a robust pipeline of growth projects. The strong free cash flow supports investments in growth initiatives, including the Odyssey project in the Canadian Malartic Complex, Detour Lake, Hope Bay, Upper Beaver and San Nicolas.

A robust free cash flow generation places AEM firmly in the upper tier of gold producers. This allows the company to pivot these funds into high-return growth initiatives, enhance its shareholder returns and further accelerate debt reduction.

Among Agnico Eagle’s peers, Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) registered a record quarterly free cash flow in the first quarter, underpinned by its operational efficiency, the strength of its asset portfolio and higher gold and silver prices. NEM’s free cash flow surged 161% year over year to $3.1 billion in the first quarter, led by an increase in net cash from operating activities and lower capital investment. Newmont, on its first-quarter call, said that it expects to continue delivering strong free cash flows in 2026, aided by its world-class portfolio.

Barrick Mining Corporation (B - Free Report) generates strong cash flows, with a significant portion funneled back to its investors. In the first quarter, Barrick generated strong operating cash flows of roughly $2.6 billion, up 111% year over year. Barrick’s attributable free cash flow shot up 195% year over year to around $1.2 billion.

The Zacks Rundown for AEMAgnico Eagle’s shares have gained 30.4% in the past year against the Zacks Mining – Gold industry’s rise of 43.2%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, AEM is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 11.56, a roughly 23.6% premium to the industry average of 9.35X. It carries a Value Score of C.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEM’s 2026 and 2027 earnings implies a year-over-year rise of 59.4% and 1.6%, respectively. The EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have been trending higher over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

When a stock gets removed from a major index, it can be a concerning sign for multiple reasons. One is that many funds may no longer have exposure to the stock, particularly if they tracked the index. This effectively forces them to sell, putting downward pressure on the stock. Another potential issue is that there may be fundamental reasons for the change that highlight a risk with the stock that investors may not have been previously aware of.

Verizon Communications (VZ 4.07%) is a stock that has, for the most part, done well this year. But recently, investors learned that it had been dropped from the Dow Jones Industrial Average, prior to the start of trading on June 29. What's behind the move, and is the stock destined to decline from here on out?

Image source: Getty Images.

Why did Verizon get dumped from the Dow? The Dow Jones Industrial Average is weighted by price, and with Verizon averaging a modest price of less than $50 recently, it would not have had much of an impact on the index. According to the statement announcing the move, Verizon accounted for just half of a percentage point. Plus, the move was also made to make room for Alphabet and so that the index had greater exposure to new opportunities in artificial intelligence and tech as a whole.

Since the Dow Jones Industrial Average is made up of just 30 stocks, it's highly selective of the stocks it includes. Removal of a stock doesn't indicate that the business is in poor shape. Verizon rival AT&T was booted from the index back in 2015, getting replaced by another tech giant, Apple.

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Verizon's stock is down, and that makes it a more attractive buy In the past month, Verizon's stock has declined by around 8%. Investors may have recently been selling the stock in anticipation of its departure from the top index, and there may still be more downward pressure on it in the near future.

But with strong fundamentals and a fairly safe dividend, it could simply give investors more of a reason to buy the stock in the long run, because as its share price comes down, the yield rises. At 6.4%, it's close to six times the S&P 500's average yield of just 1.1%.

On a year-to-date basis, Verizon's stock remains up around 8% as it had been doing well up until this recent decline. However, with excellent fundamentals, a strong business, and a modest valuation (the stock trades at roughly 11 times earnings), it can be a slam-dunk buy for dividend investors.

David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Tower Corporation (NYSE: AMT) today announced the release of its 2025 sustainability executive report and accompanying indices and supplements, which highlight the Company's progress across its three sustainability pillars: Environment, Social, and Governance. The report reflects how sustainability continues to be embedded across American Tower's operations, supporting the Company's focus on delivering reliable, resilient digital infrastructure while creating l.

Kimberly-Clark (NASDAQ:KMB | KMB Price Prediction) just sent another check to shareholders, and the math is making conservative income investors nervous. The consumer staples giant paid out $1.28 per share on July 2, 2026, marking another quarter in a dividend streak that now stretches more than five decades. The problem? On certain adjusted measures, the payout ratio is hovering near 80%, and free cash flow barely covered the dividend last year. For retirees who depend on this Dividend Aristocrat for income, that’s the kind of data point that triggers a portfolio review.

However, if you dig into the balance sheet, a very different story emerges. Kimberly-Clark is actively deleveraging, equity is rebuilding at a pace not seen in years and operating cash flow just exploded in the most recent quarter. The dividend sits on a wider beam than the trailing payout ratio suggests.

The Payment That Sparked the Debate The Q1 2026 declaration lifted the quarterly rate to $1.28 from $1.26, extending Kimberly-Clark’s growth streak to 53 consecutive years of annual increases. At the current price of $110.06, that puts the trailing dividend yield at 5%, well above the broader market and competitive with investment-grade corporate bonds.

The annualized run rate sits at $5.12 per share for 2026, up from $5.04 in 2025 and $4.88 in 2024. The progression has been remarkably mechanical: small, predictable raises that prioritize the streak over flash.

Why Retirees Are Worried: The Coverage Math The case against Kimberly-Clark starts with one statistic that should make any dividend investor pause. In fiscal 2025, the company generated $1.639 billion in free cash flow against $1.660 billion in dividend payments. That’s a coverage ratio of 0.99x, the first time in a decade that free cash flow has not comfortably covered the distribution.

Historical context makes the deterioration look sharper. From 2016 through 2024, free cash flow coverage typically ran between 1.4x and 1.9x. The driver was capital intensity. Capital expenditures jumped to $1.138 billion in 2025 from $721 million in 2024, consuming 41% of operating cash flow, the highest ratio in the 10-year period.

Q1 2026 looks tighter still when isolated. Free cash flow of $321 million fell short of the $418 million dividend payment. Buybacks also pulled back hard: share repurchases dropped to $141 million in 2025 from $1.0 billion in 2024. Management is clearly prioritizing the dividend, which is exactly what raises the question of whether something has to give.

The Balance Sheet Counter-Argument Here’s where the bear case starts breaking down. While free cash flow tightened, Kimberly-Clark used 2025 to materially strengthen its capital structure.

Shareholder equity rose to $1.502 billion at year-end 2025 from $840 million in 2024, a 79% jump. Total debt fell by $620 million to $7.296 billion. The debt-to-equity ratio improved from 9.42x to 4.86x in a single year. By the end of Q1 2026, equity had climbed further to $1.796 billion while total debt continued to drift down to $7.084 billion.

Retained earnings of $9.611 billion provide a substantial accumulated cushion. That’s the profile of a company simultaneously paying down debt, raising distributions, and reinvesting in capacity.

Q1 2026 Cash Flow Tells a Different Story The single most underappreciated data point in this debate is the operating cash flow swing in the latest quarter. Q1 2026 operating cash flow came in at $745 million, up 128% year over year. That’s the kind of working capital release that doesn’t happen at companies on the verge of cash distress.

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Earnings followed the same path. Adjusted EPS of $1.97 beat the $1.93 consensus, the fourth consecutive quarterly beat. Revenue of $4.163 billion topped expectations, and net income jumped 17% year over year to $665 million. The International Personal Care segment posted 9% revenue growth with operating profit up 22%.

CEO Mike Hsu framed the quarter directly: “Our first quarter results highlight the strength and resilience of the growth engine we’ve built through Powering Care…[and] we continue to generate meaningful cost savings that reinforce our strong financial foundation and enable us to invest in our exciting future.”

Dividend Scorecard Metric Value Assessment Current Yield 5% Premium income Consecutive Growth Years 53 Dividend Aristocrat tier Payout Ratio (GAAP EPS) ~67% Elevated but workable FCF Coverage (FY 2025) 0.99x Tight Debt-to-Equity 4.86x Improving sharply Beta 0.302 Low volatility Latest Raise $1.26 to $1.28 On schedule Grade: B+

The free cash flow squeeze is real and worth monitoring, but balance sheet repair, the 27-year uninterrupted payment record, and the operating cash flow acceleration in Q1 2026 outweigh the trailing coverage concern. A pure A would require restored FCF coverage above 1.3x.

The Macro Backdrop Favors the Dividend Retirees evaluating Kimberly-Clark aren’t doing so in a vacuum. The savings rate has compressed to 4% in Q1 2026 from 6% in Q1 2024, suggesting income-dependent households are drawing down reserves. Per-capita disposable income has climbed to $68,391, but Social Security receipts of $1.630 trillion now anchor retiree budgets more than ever.

Demand for Kimberly-Clark’s core categories has held up. Spending on the “Other” nondurable goods category, which captures personal care and household products, ran at $1,810.8 billion in May 2026 versus $1,714.6 billion in May 2025. Tissue, diapers, and feminine care are textbook recession-resistant categories, and the BEA data shows consumers continuing to spend on them through a softening savings environment.

The Kenvue Wild Card Looming over everything is the pending $48.7 billion Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE) acquisition, which shareholders have already approved. Integration risk is real, but so is the strategic logic of combining Kimberly-Clark’s distribution muscle with Kenvue’s branded consumer health portfolio. The IFP joint venture with Suzano (NYSE:SUZ), expected to close mid-2026, further reshapes the asset base. Management has guided to organic sales growth of around 3% and double-digit adjusted EPS growth on a constant-currency basis for 2026.

What to Watch Next The stock has come back to life. Shares are up nearly 8% year to date and more than 11% over the past month, recovering from a tough trailing 12 months that saw the stock fall over 15%. The analyst target sits at $114.80, modest upside from current levels, and the consensus skews toward Hold with nine Hold ratings against six Buy or Strong Buy ratings and just one Sell rating.

For retirees, the key signal posts are clear. First, watch full-year free cash flow coverage restore above 1.2x as the elevated capex cycle normalizes. Second, watch the Kenvue integration cadence for evidence that combined cash flow can fund a larger dividend base. Third, keep an eye on the quarterly raise in early 2027. A skipped or token increase would break the rhythm in a way the bond market would notice immediately.

The 80% payout headline is doing more rhetorical work than the underlying numbers justify. A company actively deleveraging, growing equity at double-digit rates, beating earnings four quarters in a row, and operating in categories with documented stable demand is a Dividend Aristocrat navigating a heavy CapEx cycle while keeping the streak intact.

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Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

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New research reveals generational shift toward open financial conversations, highlights importance of family banking tools

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new study from U.S. Bank, conducted in partnership with Morning Consult, shows a major generational shift in how families approach conversations about money, reshaping financial education at home. While many Americans grew up in households where money was rarely discussed, today’s parents are rewriting the playbook, starting earlier and talking more openly with their children.

“Today’s parents are the first generation where a majority are choosing to have open conversations with their kids about money – and at an early age."

Share The survey of more than 3,000 U.S. adults found that about half said money was rarely or never discussed growing up. Older generations were less likely to have had those conversations. However, today’s parents report more comfort talking about money with their kids and a growing focus on helping them build financial skills early.

“Today’s parents are the first generation where a majority are choosing to have open conversations with their kids about money – and at an early age,” said Arijit Roy, head of consumer and business banking products at U.S. Bank. “These findings underscore our continued focus on empowering families with tools to start money conversations and offer real-world experience with money, so the next generation can make smarter financial decisions sooner.”

Key findings:

Less than half (49%) of Baby Boomers said money was discussed growing up, compared with 62% of Gen Z who report having those conversations. Nearly 9 in 10 parents said they feel comfortable talking to their children about money, signaling a significant shift toward transparency and early financial education. About two-thirds of parents said they have already started, or plan to start, teaching basic money management concepts before their children turn 12. More than 9 in 10 said it’s important that children learn how to save, budget and set financial goals. Nearly 9 in 10 said how they model spending and saving habits is one of the most influential factors shaping their children’s financial understanding — ranking higher than schools, peers, or social media. At the same time, the research shows a gap between intent and action. While parents increasingly recognize the importance of early financial education, only about half have opened a youth bank account for their child. Among parents who haven’t opened an account, the biggest barrier isn’t cost or complexity – it’s uncertainty. Almost a quarter of parents said their child isn’t ready yet, while more than 1 in 10 said they don’t know where to start or which option to choose.

U.S. Bank + Greenlight: Turning Talk into Action

To help address the gap, U.S. Bank partners with family tech company Greenlight to provide tools that support hands-on financial learning for families.

The Greenlight app and debit card help kids and teens learn concepts like saving, spending, and budgeting in a structured, real-world way, while giving parents visibility and control. U.S. Bank clients with eligible checking accounts receive complimentary access through the U.S. Bank Mobile App, a $69 annual value.

Visit usbank.com/greenlight for more information on how to get started.

About the Survey

This survey was conducted online by Morning Consult from April 21-23, 2026, among a nationally representative sample of 3,004 U.S. adults, including 763 parents or guardians of children under 18 living in their household. Results were weighted to reflect the U.S. population.

About U.S. Bank

Headquartered in Minneapolis, U.S. Bancorp is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States. Our three major business lines serve 15 million clients globally, and our team of nearly 70,000 people invest our hearts and minds to power human potential every day. Ranked 110th on the Fortune 500, we are deeply respected for our culture and long-term stewardship and admired for our diversified business mix and product capabilities.

About Greenlight

Greenlight Financial Technology is a fintech company on a mission to help families navigate money and life together. Best known for its debit card and money app for kids and teens, Greenlight has grown into an all-in-one family finance and safety platform designed for every stage of life. Its award-winning app brings together spending, saving, investing, financial education, and flexible controls in one place, while also helping protect older family members from financial and digital risks. With real-time alerts, location sharing, emergency services, driving reports††, and integration with its GPS-enabled safety devices, Greenlight delivers a connected solution for the entire household.

Greenlight partners with more than 200 leading banks, credit unions, and employers to bring its family finance solution to more families through the Greenlight for Banks, Greenlight for Credit Unions, and Greenlight for Work programs.

Disclosures:

The Greenlight Debit Card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International. Greenlight Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, provides investment advisory services to its clients. Investing involves risk and may include the loss of principal. Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Greenlight's bank partners. For more information, please visit: greenlight.com.

††Requires mobile data or a WiFi connection, and access to sensory and motion data from cell phone to utilize safety features including family location sharing and driving alerts and reports. Messaging and data rates and other terms may apply.

U.S. Bank customers are eligible to receive the Greenlight Select plan complimentary when an eligible U.S. Bank checking account (excludes Safe Debit and Electronic Transfer accounts) is added as a funding source. You are required to be an authorized transactor on the U.S. Bank account, be at least 18 years of age, and be enrolled in online banking. Your U.S. Bank checking account(s) must be the preferred funding source for your Greenlight account for the entirety of the partnership. If your U.S. Bank checking account(s) cease to be the preferred funding source for your Greenlight account or you add a funding source that is not an eligible U.S. Bank checking account, you may be charged a monthly fee by Greenlight. In-app upgrades will result in additional fees. Subject to Greenlight identity verification. See terms at greenlight.com/terms for additional information. Offer subject to change. Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), Member FDIC. The Greenlight Mastercard is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.

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Key Takeaways Natural gas prices in Europe increased on Tuesday but remain set for their first quarterly decline since late 2023. The TTF benchmark in the Netherlands climbed 2% to reach 43.44 euros per megawatt-hour while maintaining a downward quarterly trend. Recent diplomatic agreements between the US and Iran have restored regular shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz, alleviating supply concerns. Gas storage facilities across Europe are operating at approximately 48% capacity, significantly lower than previous years and historical benchmarks. EU officials maintain that current reserve levels are adequate to ensure energy security throughout the upcoming winter season. Wholesale natural gas markets in Europe experienced upward movement on Tuesday. However, the market continues to trend toward its first quarterly decrease in more than twelve months.

The Dutch TTF front-month contract, which serves as Europe’s primary natural gas benchmark, increased by 2% to settle at 43.44 euros per megawatt-hour. This positions the market for its first quarterly retreat in six consecutive quarters.

Dutch TTF Natural Gas Calendar (TTF=F) The United Kingdom’s wholesale gas futures also experienced a 2% uptick, closing at 104.57 pence per therm. British gas markets are poised for their first quarterly reduction in five quarters.

Factors Behind Recent Market Movements Earlier this year, prices surged dramatically amid military tensions involving Iran. The escalating situation generated significant anxiety regarding critical energy transportation corridors throughout the Middle East region.

Recent attacks on commercial vessels temporarily disrupted shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz last week. American and Iranian representatives are expected to convene in Doha today to continue diplomatic discussions.

Approximately twenty percent of global liquefied natural gas supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Any interruption to this vital waterway typically creates upward pressure on international gas valuations.

A diplomatic ceasefire agreement reached earlier this month has enabled shipping operations to return to normal patterns. LNG shipments from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates that had been delayed are now reaching their intended destinations in global markets.

International oil prices have also stabilized to pre-conflict ranges. This normalization has eliminated some of the factors that had been propping up European natural gas and power prices.

Storage Capacity Issues Persist Despite the overall downward price trajectory, market analysts warn that insufficient storage volumes could prevent further price declines. Storage facilities throughout Europe currently hold just under 48% of their total capacity.

This represents a substantial decrease from the 56.2% storage level recorded during the corresponding period last year. The figure also trails the five-year historical injection average of 61%.

According to a Financial Times analysis referencing Wood Mackenzie data, European Union storage installations may conclude the refill period at approximately 76% capacity. This would represent the lowest peak storage capacity since at least 2011.

The storage deficit can be attributed to the Iranian military conflict, which prevented LNG deliveries through the Strait of Hormuz. Diminished output from production facilities in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates contributed additional pressure.

European storage infrastructure entered the injection season with only 28% capacity utilized. Current average levels throughout the continent hover near 48%.

The European Commission stated on Sunday that existing storage volumes do not represent an immediate threat to energy security. Officials emphasized that achieving 80% storage capacity is adequate to satisfy winter consumption requirements.

A commission representative indicated that storage levels are approximately 10% beneath pre-crisis historical averages. He further noted that natural gas consumption throughout the EU has declined by roughly 17%.

The commission has advised member nations to target storage levels of at least 75% to 80%. In previous years, the non-mandatory benchmark had been established at 90%.

Cyprium Metals Ltd (ASX:CYM, OTCQB:CYPMF) last week outlined strong quarterly progress at its Nifty Copper Complex, with the company remaining on track for first cathode production in the September quarter of 2026.

Executive chairman Matt Fifield said the phase one restart is advancing steadily, with the project now approximately halfway complete in terms of planned hours and budget. He noted that significant progress had been made on heap leach infrastructure, while key capital equipment had begun arriving on site. Fifield described the team as “firing” despite a more complex global operating environment.

The company has also responded proactively to supply chain disruptions, particularly those linked to geopolitical tensions. Fifield explained that Cyprium Metals had improved procurement visibility and strengthened inventory positions, stating that “control and visibility on delivery… has been greatly enhanced.” He added that the company held more than three months of diesel on site, while relying primarily on natural gas pipelines for power, reducing exposure to fuel volatility.

Importantly, Cyprium Metals is maintaining confidence in its project timelines and cost structure. Fifield pointed to a supportive macro backdrop, highlighting that the company is now operating in a “$6 copper” environment, which provides strong leverage as production ramps up. He indicated that margins remain resilient when viewed against rising input costs.

Looking ahead, key near-term catalysts include the transition into commissioning phases. The company is preparing for acid introduction into the heap leach system, followed by dry and wet commissioning of the cathode plant. Fifield noted that copper production will begin during the wet commissioning phase, marking a critical milestone on the path to revenue.

Beyond Nifty, Cyprium Metals is advancing broader growth initiatives across its portfolio. The recent $41 million capital raise positions the company to accelerate development, including open pit mining opportunities spanning oxide and sulphide phases, as well as ongoing exploration.

The appointment of Richard Holmes as chief development officer is expected to further strengthen execution. Fifield highlighted Holmes’ extensive experience in exploration and project development, suggesting his expertise would help translate geological potential into commercial outcomes.

Upcoming news flow is expected from drilling at the Rainbow prospect, alongside continued development updates. With multiple workstreams progressing in parallel, Cyprium Metals appears well positioned to build momentum through 2026 as it moves toward production.

Key highlights Nifty Copper Complex remains on track for first cathode production in September 2026 Project is ~50% complete on planned hours and budget Strong progress on heap leach infrastructure and equipment delivery Improved logistics visibility and supply chain control despite global disruptions Strategic mitigation includes: 3+ months of diesel on site Natural gas-powered operations Exposure to strong copper prices (~$6 copper) supports margins Next steps include acid introduction and commissioning of SX-EW plant $41 million capital raise strengthens balance sheet Appointment of Richard Holmes to drive development and exploration strategy Upcoming catalysts: Rainbow drilling results Continued development across oxide and sulphide phases Progress toward production and revenue

Proactive: Cyprium Metals reported excellent progress at the Nifty Copper Complex during the March quarter, keeping the company on track for first cathode production in the September quarter of 2026. Here to discuss a raft of milestones, including a $41 million raise, is Executive Chairman Matt Fifield. Matt, it's good to see you again.

Matt Fifield: It's great to see you. Thanks, Jonathan.

Proactive: Let’s talk through this quarter. Starting with the progress at the phase one copper cathode restart at Nifty, can you walk us through the key milestones and what investors should focus on?

Matt Fifield: We’re delivering what is basically a simple project in what has become a more complex environment, but the team is firing. On site, there’s been strong progress on heap leach infrastructure, and we’re about halfway through the project in terms of planned hours and budget. Capital items are arriving on site, and one of the silver linings of the complex logistics environment is improved control and visibility over procurement and delivery. We’re really happy with where we’re at.

Proactive: You highlighted global supply chain challenges, particularly linked to the Middle East. How confident are you in maintaining timelines?

Matt Fifield: A lot of the quarter was spent analysing supply chains. We’re in a fortunate position—phase one involves retreating existing heap leach pads, so diesel usage is low. We have over three months of diesel on site, and most power comes from natural gas pipelines. We also hold significant sulfuric acid inventory. We’re proactively managing risks and engaging with suppliers, and while prices are up, availability is currently in hand.

Proactive: And how does that impact margins?

Matt Fifield: Commodity prices are also up—we’re in a $6 copper environment. With our emerging production profile, we have strong leverage to that, so we feel comfortable holding margins.

Proactive: Turning to Train B SX-EW, now around 50% complete—what are the next steps?

Matt Fifield: We’re executing against plans and checking progress. The next steps involve approvals for acid introduction, then commissioning the heap leach system and moving toward cathode plant completion. During wet commissioning, we’ll actually be producing copper.

Proactive: You’re also well funded following the $41 million raise.

Matt Fifield: Yes, that strengthens our position in a more complex environment and supports broader portfolio development, including open pit mining and exploration.

Proactive: You’ve also appointed Richard Holmes as chief development officer. What does he bring?

Matt Fifield: Richard has deep familiarity with the Patterson region and extensive experience in exploration strategy and value creation. He brings energy and focus, and we expect our growth portfolio to benefit significantly.

Proactive: What can investors expect over the coming months?

Matt Fifield: We’ve completed an early scout program at Rainbow and will release results soon. Work is accelerating across oxide and sulphide phases, and as we move toward revenue, there will be strong momentum across development activities through 2026.

Proactive: Matt, thanks for your time.

Matt Fifield: Thanks very much.