Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Shares of SSR Mining (SSRM 4.75%) are building on a massive pop that started last week. The gold stock jumped 5.4% higher as of 1:45 p.m. ET Wednesday, and is up 36% in just one week, as of this writing.

The miner is about to get a windfall from an asset sale, and it has announced something that should make its shareholders happy. Gold, meanwhile, is trending higher.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why are investors buying SSR Mining stock? SSR Mining has made the most of the surge in gold prices. It recently delivered a blowout first quarter, ending it with $600 million in cash, low debt, and $211 million in free cash flow.

After already burning through $300 million to buy back its own stock, the company just announced it's dropping another $500 million on stock buybacks.

That's not all: The gold miner is also reinstating its dividend.

I fully expected SSR Mining to resume share buybacks and dividends. It suspended dividends after a fatal accident at its Copler mine in Turkey in 2024, but now has a firm deal to sell that unproductive mine for $1.5 billion before the end of the third quarter. A good portion of that money is going to go back to shareholders.

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SSR Mining stock could fall if this happens, but should you worry? Although $0.03 per share every quarter is a modest payout, the symbolism is huge. A dividend reinstatement and accelerated share buybacks reveal how confident management is about the company's prospects.

And why not? SSR Mining has rarely looked this strong financially. Dumping Copler removes a major overhang, leaving it a much leaner company.

Meanwhile, macro tailwinds are doing their part. Gold has picked up momentum after a precipitous fall. The yellow metal bounced back over $4,300 per ounce today after dropping to a six-month low and almost hitting $4,000 per ounce on June 10. Investors expect a U.S.-Iran peace agreement to help restore oil flows and cool off inflation and interest rate concerns.

Investors, however, should remember that the peace agreement hasn't been finalized. If it falls through, gold could easily slide back.

That, however, shouldn't hurt SSR Mining much unless gold absolutely craters. SSR Mining is in a fantastic spot, using its cash pile to reward shareholders – and that is exactly what investors should focus on.

Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $142.41, demonstrating a +1.33% change from the preceding day's closing price. This change outpaced the S&P 500's 1.09% gain on the day. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 0.14%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq appreciated by 1.91%.

The company's stock has climbed by 3.68% in the past month, exceeding the Consumer Discretionary sector's gain of 0.45% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.29%.

The upcoming earnings release of Airbnb, Inc. will be of great interest to investors. The company is expected to report EPS of $1.19, up 15.53% from the prior-year quarter. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $3.58 billion, up 15.69% from the prior-year quarter.

In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $4.91 per share and a revenue of $13.97 billion, indicating changes of +21.84% and +14.16%, respectively, from the former year.

Any recent changes to analyst estimates for Airbnb, Inc. should also be noted by investors. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.

Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-term stock moves. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), possesses a remarkable history of outdoing, externally audited, with #1 stocks returning an average annual gain of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection remained stagnant. Airbnb, Inc. presently features a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Airbnb, Inc. has a Forward P/E ratio of 28.6 right now. This valuation marks a premium compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 16.28.

It's also important to note that ABNB currently trades at a PEG ratio of 1.51. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. Leisure and Recreation Services stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 1.37 based on yesterday's closing prices.

The Leisure and Recreation Services industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 184, this industry ranks in the bottom 25% of all industries, numbering over 250.

The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.

W.W. Grainger (GWW) witnessed a jump in share price last session on above-average trading volume. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions for the stock suggests that there could be more strength down the road.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Grainger (NYSE: GWW), a leading broad-line distributor of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, today announced it is celebrating 25 years of partnership with the American Red Cross. Together, the organizations are advancing disaster preparedness and response across the United States, where the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters each year.

"For 25 years, Grainger has been proud to partner with the American Red Cross because keeping our communities safe and resilient is deeply connected to our purpose: We Keep The World Working®," said Melanie Tinto, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Grainger. "Over the years, we've seen the impact this partnership has on individuals, families and communities when they need support most. We're grateful for all we've accomplished together and look forward to continuing to make a meaningful difference in the years ahead."

As a member of the Disaster Responder Program, Grainger contributes financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters to help ensure the Red Cross has the infrastructure, volunteers, technology and resources needed to provide relief in times of crisis. Since 2001, the company has committed more than $21.6 million in cash and product donations, including more than 170,000 smoke alarms for the national Home Fire Campaign, along with significant employee volunteer support.

"Twenty-five years of partnership with Grainger is a testament to its steadfast commitment to the people and communities we serve," said Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer at the American Red Cross. "As disasters intensify and increase in frequency, Grainger's partnership is essential. Year after year, through disasters large and small, Grainger has provided critical resources and unwavering support when families need us most. We're incredibly grateful for its dedication and look forward to many more years of working together."

Through its work with the Red Cross, Grainger has supported more than 40 national volunteer deployments through the Ready When the Time Comes® (RWTC) program, including efforts assisting communities impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Maria. Grainger team members have also mapped more than 90,000 buildings through the Missing Maps program, supporting humanitarian organizations serving vulnerable populations. Additional volunteer efforts include blood drives, comfort kit assembly and hands-only CPR training.

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad-line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visit www.grainger.com.

SOURCE W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Key Takeaways Dollar General's Q1 gross margin rose 65 basis points to 31.6% on operational gains.DG benefited from higher markups, lower shrink and reduced damages despite cost pressures.Operating margin expanded 40 basis points to 5.9%, while operating profit rose 10.8%. Dollar General Corporation’s (DG - Free Report) first-quarter fiscal 2026 results indicate that its margin recovery efforts are gaining momentum. While sales growth remained steady, the more notable development was the continued expansion in profitability, driven by multiple operational initiatives rather than top-line acceleration alone.

Gross margin improved 65 basis points year over year to 31.6%, reflecting benefits from higher inventory markups, lower shrink and reduced inventory damages. These gains more than offset increased markdown activity and higher transportation costs. Management highlighted that shrink mitigation remained a significant contributor, delivering a 28-basis-point reduction versus last year despite already lapping a 61-basis-point improvement in the prior-year quarter.

The improvement was not limited to one area. Dollar General pointed to stronger category management, better inventory controls and lower damages as additional drivers of margin expansion. Management said pricing was not a meaningful contributor to first-quarter markup gains, suggesting the increase stemmed primarily from operational execution rather than broad-based price increases.

The gross margin improvement flowed through to operating results. Operating margin expanded 40 basis points to 5.9%, while operating profit climbed 10.8% year over year. This performance came despite higher-than-anticipated fuel costs, underscoring the strength of the company’s internal margin initiatives.

Management also expressed confidence that margin drivers such as shrink reduction, damage improvement, supply-chain productivity, category management and DG Media Network growth still have room to contribute going forward. The first quarter, therefore, reinforced that Dollar General’s margin expansion story is being supported by a broader and more durable set of operational levers.

How Dollar General Compares With Walmart and TargetWalmart Inc. (WMT - Free Report) reported a 6-basis-point increase in the consolidated gross profit rate to 24.3%, supported by favorable merchandise and business mix, including growth in higher-margin advertising operations. At the U.S. segment level, Walmart delivered a 29-basis-point gross margin jump, benefiting from inventory management, digital advertising growth and improved category mix. Management also highlighted that general merchandise contributed favorably to gross margin expansion for the first time in 18 quarters, underscoring the improving profitability profile at Walmart.

Meanwhile, Target Corporation (TGT - Free Report) posted a first-quarter gross margin rate of 29%, up from 28.2% a year ago. The improvement was driven by lower markdown rates, stronger advertising and other non-merchandise revenue streams, and better productivity across supply chain facilities. Target also expanded its adjusted operating margin rate to 4.5% from 3.7% last year, reflecting the benefits of improved merchandise profitability. While Target continues to invest in labor, training and marketing, its latest results indicate that operational improvements are helping offset these costs.

What the Latest Metrics Say About Dollar GeneralDollar General has seen its shares tumble 10.2% over the past three months against the industry’s rise of 4.7%. 
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, Dollar General's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio stands at 14.97, lower than the industry’s ratio of 32.05. However, it is trading below its 12-month median level of 17.29.
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dollar General’s current financial-year sales and earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 3.9% and 7.3%, respectively. For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate indicates a 4.1% rise in sales and 8.8% growth in earnings.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Dollar General currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 22, 2026) - Dixie Gold Inc. (TSXV: DG) ("Dixie Gold" or the "Corporation" or the "Issuer") reports that Messrs. Brian Hearst, Michael England Jr. and Ryan Kalt have resigned from the Corporation's board of directors, effective June 19, 2026.

Following the resignations, Mr. Rocco Tassone is the sole remaining director of the Corporation. The Corporation is taking immediate steps to identify and appoint additional qualified directors to fill the vacancies created by the resignations and to ensure that the Corporation's board of directors is appropriately reconstituted.

The Corporation will provide a further update in due course and looks forward to appointing directors who share the Corporation's vision for growth and are committed to advancing the Corporation in a value-accretive manner for the benefit of all shareholders.

About Dixie Gold Inc.

Dixie Gold Inc. (TSXV: DG) is a junior exploration company holding a portfolio of mining-related interests in Canada. For more information, please visit www.dixiegold.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Corporation's intention to identify and appoint additional qualified directors to fill the vacancies on its board of directors and the timing of any further update regarding the composition of the board. Forward-looking information is based on the Corporation's current expectations, assumptions and estimates, including assumptions regarding the availability of qualified director candidates, the willingness of such candidates to serve as directors of the Corporation, and the Corporation's ability to complete any required corporate, regulatory or exchange processes in connection with the appointment of additional directors. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information as a result of various risks and uncertainties, including the risk that suitable candidates may not be identified or appointed on the expected timeline or at all, that required approvals or processes may be delayed or not completed, and other risks applicable to the Corporation. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/302299

Source: Dixie Gold Inc.

Key Takeaways Dollar General lifted its fiscal 2026 EPS view after Q1 earnings rose 12.4% on margin expansion.Gross margin improved 65 bps as higher inventory markups, lower shrink and fewer damages helped profits.Dollar General expects margin drivers to continue despite fuel costs and tougher year-over-year comparisons. Dollar General Corporation’s (DG - Free Report) ability to expand earnings in fiscal 2026 appears increasingly tied to margin improvement rather than aggressive sales acceleration. The company’s first-quarter results offered evidence that this strategy is gaining traction.

Earnings rose 12.4% year over year to $2.00 per share, significantly outpacing the 3.4% increase in sales. The key driver was operating margin expansion, with operating profit climbing 10.8% to $638.5 million. Gross margin improved 65 basis points, supported by higher inventory markups as well as lower shrink and inventory damages. The operating margin expanded 40 basis points despite higher fuel costs and weather-related disruptions.

Management highlighted that shrink reduction remains a meaningful contributor. During the quarter, shrink improved another 28 basis points even against a strong prior-year comparison. Inventory damage trends also came in better than expected. Beyond these gains, the company continues to benefit from category management initiatives, supply-chain productivity improvements and the growing contribution of its DG Media Network.

Dollar General expects these margin drivers to remain active through the remainder of fiscal 2026. While management acknowledged headwinds from elevated fuel costs and tougher year-over-year comparisons, it still anticipates full-year gross margin expansion. We expect gross margin to expand 40 basis points in fiscal 2026. The confidence was strong enough for the company to raise its fiscal 2026 earnings view to $7.20-$7.45 from the prior range of $7.10-$7.35.

The first quarter suggests that earnings growth in fiscal 2026 may depend less on outsized revenue gains and more on Dollar General’s continued success in extracting efficiencies and expanding profitability across its operations.

How Dollar General Compares With Walmart and TargetWalmart Inc. (WMT - Free Report) and Target Corporation (TGT - Free Report) are also focused on sustaining earnings growth through a combination of sales momentum and margin expansion.

Walmart reported a 5.1% increase in adjusted operating income and an 8.2% rise in adjusted earnings per share in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, supported by strong e-commerce growth, higher-margin advertising revenues and expanding membership income streams. Walmart maintained its fiscal 2027 adjusted operating income growth outlook of 6%-8% and reaffirmed adjusted EPS guidance of $2.75-$2.85, signaling confidence in continued earnings expansion despite elevated fuel costs.

Target is also showing encouraging signs. Target generated a 29.1% increase in adjusted operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, while adjusted earnings per share jumped 32% year over year. Target now expects its full-year operating margin rate to improve by more than 20 basis points versus fiscal 2025 and projects fiscal 2026 earnings near the high end of its prior guidance range of $7.50-$8.50 per share. As Target invests in merchandising, digital capabilities and store enhancements, it appears well-positioned to support further earnings growth.

What the Latest Metrics Say About Dollar GeneralDollar General has seen its shares tumble 4.6% over the past three months against the industry’s rise of 1.4%. 
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, Dollar General's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio stands at 14.78, lower than the industry’s ratio of 31.25. However, it is trading below its 12-month median level of 17.06.
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dollar General’s current financial-year sales and earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 3.9% and 7.5%, respectively. For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate indicates a 4.1% rise in sales and 8.7% growth in earnings.
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Dollar General currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

In the latest trading session, StoneCo Ltd. (STNE - Free Report) closed at $10.75, marking a +1.51% move from the previous day. The stock outperformed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 0.37%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.29%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 1.33%.

Shares of the company have depreciated by 3.73% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 4.52%, and the S&P 500's gain of 2.02%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of StoneCo Ltd. in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $0.47, showcasing a 20.51% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $731.18 million, reflecting a 8.8% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.

STNE's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of $2.31 per share and revenue of $2.91 billion. These results would represent year-over-year changes of +42.59% and +10.25%, respectively.

It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for StoneCo Ltd. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.

Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 16.08% increase. StoneCo Ltd. is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Looking at valuation, StoneCo Ltd. is presently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 4.58. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 18.33, so one might conclude that StoneCo Ltd. is trading at a discount comparatively.

It's also important to note that STNE currently trades at a PEG ratio of 0.19. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. The Internet - Software was holding an average PEG ratio of 0.99 at yesterday's closing price.

The Internet - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 84, finds itself in the top 35% echelons of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual 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.

Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.

In the latest close session, Duke Energy (DUK - Free Report) was down 1.85% at $123.73. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.22%. At the same time, the Dow lost 0.98%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 1.35%.

The electric utility's shares have seen an increase of 1.2% over the last month, not keeping up with the Utilities sector's gain of 1.96% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.56%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Duke Energy in its upcoming earnings disclosure. On that day, Duke Energy is projected to report earnings of $1.33 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 6.4%. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $7.7 billion, up 2.59% from the year-ago period.

Regarding the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $6.71 per share and revenue of $33.66 billion, indicating changes of +6.34% and +4.43%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Duke Energy. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the business outlook.

Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable 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 moved 0.04% higher. Currently, Duke Energy is carrying a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

In terms of valuation, Duke Energy is presently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 18.8. This expresses a premium compared to the average Forward P/E of 18.17 of its industry.

The Utility - Electric Power industry is part of the Utilities sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 107, positioning it in the top 44% of all 250+ industries.

The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.

Mid-June is when income-focused investors typically run a quiet portfolio audit: are the dividend checks still landing, is the yield still competitive and does each name hold up if the market wobbles into year-end? Three large-cap NYSE names — Verizon (NYSE:VZ | VZ Price Prediction), Home Depot (NYSE:HD) and Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) — keep showing up on that short list, and the recent data tells you why. Each one pairs a multi-decade payout track record with a defensive business model, which is exactly the profile retirees lean on when cash flow matters more than capital gains.

Motley Fool’s May 2026 coverage flagged all three as top retiree income picks, citing roughly a 6% yield on Verizon and double-digit-percent payout growth at Home Depot and Duke Energy over the past decade. The verified data backs up the framing.

Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Verizon is the highest-yielding name in this group and the one with the clearest turnaround story attached. The dividend yield sits at roughly 6%, supported by a most recent declared quarterly payout of $0.7075 per share, paid on May 1, 2026. Shares trade around $46.71, up 19% year to date, against an analyst target price of $51.90.

The bull case is straightforward. Q1 2026 adjusted EPS came in at $1.28, up 8% year over year, on revenue of $34.44 billion. Management raised full-year guidance to adjusted EPS of $4.95 to $4.99, implying 5% to 6% growth, alongside free cash flow of $21.5 billion or more. The closed Frontier acquisition pushed fiber broadband connections to about 10.8 million, up 42% year over year, and Verizon posted its first positive Q1 postpaid phone net adds since 2013. CEO Dan Schulman called the inflection plainly: “Our turnaround is not only progressing, it is gaining momentum.”

Risk: Total debt rose to $172.5 billion after Frontier, with interest expense up 19% year over year. Higher rates would extend the deleveraging timeline and pressure the payout cushion.

Home Depot (NYSE: HD) Home Depot is the dividend-reliability anchor of this trio. The company has now paid 156 consecutive quarters of cash dividends, with the most recent quarterly payment of $2.33 per share, scheduled to hit accounts on June 18, 2026. The annualized rate of $9.32 compares with $2.76 a decade earlier in 2016, supporting the long-run payout growth claim. The current yield sits at roughly 2%, with shares at $336.59 and a trailing P/E of 24.

The bull case rests on resilience plus optionality. FY2025 revenue grew 3% to $164.68 billion, and management guided FY2026 to total sales growth of 3% to 5% with adjusted EPS growth of flat to 4%. The SRS Distribution build-out now spans over 1,250 locations, expanding reach into the professional contractor channel. CEO Ted Decker noted that “adjusting for storms, underlying demand was relatively stable throughout the year.” Wall Street’s average price target is $370.18.

Risk: The housing market remains the swing factor. Comparable customer transactions ran negative across recent quarters, and shares are down 5% over the past year. If mortgage rates stay elevated, big-ticket discretionary projects keep slipping.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) Duke Energy is the low-volatility regulated utility most retirees expect to see on a list like this, with a beta of just 0.379. The most recent declared quarterly dividend was $1.065 per share, paying out on June 16, 2026. The yield sits at roughly 3%, with a trailing P/E near 19 and a stock price of $125.80.

The bull case is execution plus visibility. Q1 2026 adjusted EPS landed at $1.93 versus the $1.80 consensus, an 8% beat and the fourth consecutive quarter exceeding expectations. Revenue rose 11% year over year to $9.18 billion, with rate case wins across Indiana, the Carolinas, and Florida contributing $0.14 per share. Management reaffirmed 2026 adjusted EPS guidance of $6.55 to $6.80 and backs a $103 billion five-year capital plan targeting 5% to 7% EPS growth through 2030. CEO Harry Sideris pointed to 7.6 GW of secured economic development projects from AI data centers and advanced manufacturing as the demand backbone, saying Duke is “well-positioned to deliver 5% to 7% EPS growth through 2030.”

Risk: Industrial electric sales fell 2% year over year in Q1 2026, and the data center load growth assumptions baked into the long-term plan could disappoint if hyperscaler buildouts slow.

What to Watch Next The common thread: each of these names converts steady cash flow into rising dividends, with payout histories long enough to weather a full cycle. Verizon offers the richest current yield with a turnaround kicker. Home Depot offers the longest dividend streak with a cyclical recovery option attached. Duke Energy offers the lowest beta with the clearest forward EPS path. For mid-year income reviews, the question is less about which to pick and more about how each fits the cash-flow plan.

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: American International Group (AIG - Free Report) American International Group is a leading global insurance organization. AIG provides insurance solutions that help businesses and individuals protect their assets and manage risks through AIG operations, licenses and authorizations, as well as network partners. It serves clients in over 200 countries and jurisdictions, ranging from individuals and small and medium-sized businesses to multinational Fortune 500 companies.

AIG is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 9.41; value investors should take notice.

For fiscal 2026, eight analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.20 to $7.99 per share. AIG boasts an average earnings surprise of +15.1%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, AIG should be on investors' short list.

All investors love getting big returns from their portfolio, whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities. But for income investors, generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments is your primary focus.

Cash flow can come from bond interest, interest from other types of investments, and, of course, dividends. A dividend is the distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders; it's often viewed by its dividend yield, a metric that measures a dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends account for significant portions of long-term returns, with dividend contributions exceeding one-third of total returns in many cases.

Based in New York, American International Group (AIG - Free Report) is in the Finance sector, and so far this year, shares have seen a price change of -13.48%. The insurer is currently shelling out a dividend of $0.50 per share, with a dividend yield of 2.7%. This compares to the Insurance - Multi line industry's yield of 1.65% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.43%.

Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $2.00 is up 14.3% from last year. Over the last 5 years, American International Group has increased its dividend 3 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 6.78%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. American International Group's current payout ratio is 22%, meaning it paid out 22% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.

Looking at this fiscal year, AIG expects solid earnings growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $7.99 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 12.69%.

Investors like dividends for many reasons; they greatly improve stock investing profits, decrease overall portfolio risk, and carry tax advantages, among others. However, not all companies offer a quarterly payout.

Big, established firms that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options, but it's fairly uncommon to see high-growth businesses or tech start-ups offer their stockholders a dividend. Income investors must be conscious of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. With that in mind, AIG presents a compelling investment opportunity; it's not only an attractive dividend play, but the stock also boasts a strong Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

PITTSBURGH & CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Kraft Heinz Company (“Kraft Heinz”) (Nasdaq: KHC) today announced changes to its global operating structure to help accelerate growth, sharpen focus, and more effectively deploy resources across its portfolio of iconic brands.

Effective July 1, 2026, Kraft Heinz will reorganize into three regions: North America (NA), Europe and Pacific Developed Markets (EPDM), and Emerging Markets (EM).

Under the new structure, the Company will combine Asia Emerging Markets and West and East Emerging Markets (WEEM) into one Emerging Markets Region led by Marcel Regis, who will become Regional President, Emerging Markets. The European countries currently included in WEEM will move into EPDM. Willem Brandt will continue to serve as Regional President, Europe and Pacific Developed Markets. Nico Amaya will continue to lead North America, which includes the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, Procurement and Supply Chain will be combined into one central function under Janelle Aydin, who will serve as Global Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer.

“We are building momentum across many areas of the business, and this regional structure will help us meaningfully accelerate and scale our progress,” said Steve Cahillane, CEO of Kraft Heinz. “Additionally, combining Procurement and Supply Chain into one central function allows us to more effectively manage our end-to-end value chain and strengthen supply chain resilience.”

As part of these changes, Cory Onell, Chief Omnichannel Sales & Asia Emerging Markets Officer, and Flavio Torres, Global Chief Supply Chain Officer, will transition out of their roles. Both Onell and Torres will remain with the Company as advisors through a transition period.

“As a Company, we are proving that iconic brands can evolve, scale and win,” said Cahillane. “This new structure positions Kraft Heinz to unlock the full potential of our portfolio and drive sustainable, volume-led growth across our global business.”

ABOUT THE KRAFT HEINZ COMPANY

Kraft Heinz (Nasdaq: KHC) is one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies, with approximately $25 billion in net sales in 2025 and a portfolio of iconic brands enjoyed by consumers in more than 40 countries. By investing in our capabilities and brands, including Heinz, Kraft, Philadelphia, Primal Kitchen, and Lunchables, we are unlocking the full power of our portfolio. We deliver high‑quality, great‑tasting, and affordable food for the consumers of today, while shaping the future of food.

Key Takeaways Kraft Heinz will adopt a three-region structure effective July 1, 2026, to streamline oversight.KHC plans about $600M for marketing, R&D, product upgrades and emerging market expansion.Kraft Heinz is merging Procurement and Supply Chain to strengthen value chain execution. The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC - Free Report) is reshaping the global organization as the food giant looks to accelerate growth and improve execution across its portfolio of iconic brands. The company announced a streamlined operating model that will take effect on July 1, 2026, underscoring management's focus on building on its momentum and strengthening supply-chain capabilities.

Under the new operating framework, Kraft Heinz will operate through three regions: North America, Europe and Pacific Developed Markets (“EPDM”), and Emerging Markets. The company is combining Asia Emerging Markets with the West and East Emerging Markets unit into a single Emerging Markets segment, while European markets currently housed within WEEM will be integrated into EPDM. North America will continue to comprise the United States and Canada.

Kraft Heinz is also simplifying its operations by combining Procurement and Supply Chain into one centralized function. Management believes the move will enable the company to better manage its end-to-end value chain while enhancing supply-chain resilience. According to Kraft Heinz, the revised structure is expected to accelerate progress and strengthen execution across its businesses.

The reorganization aligns with Kraft Heinz's broader strategy of driving volume-led growth through stronger execution and increased investment. Earlier this year, the company reaffirmed plans to deploy roughly $600 million across marketing, sales, R&D and product improvements while expanding distribution in emerging markets. It is also stepping up investments in product innovation and brand-building initiatives to support sustainable long-term growth.

The latest changes highlight Kraft Heinz's efforts to simplify operations and sharpen focus across its portfolio. By streamlining regional oversight and integrating key functions, the company aims to enhance execution, capitalize on growth opportunities in international markets and strengthen its competitive position over the long term.

Kraft Heinz's Zacks Rank & Share Price PerformanceShares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 4.8% over the past three months, outperforming the industry’s 2.2% decline and the broader Consumer Staples sector’s 3.6% increase. However, the stock lagged the S&P 500’s 12.3% advance over the same period.

KHC Stock's Past 3-Month Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Is Kraft Heinz a Value Play Stock?Kraft Heinz currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 10.91, which is lower than the industry average of 13.88 and below the sector average of 16.64. This valuation positions the stock at a modest discount relative to both its direct peers and the broader consumer staples sector.

KHC P/E Ratio (Forward 12 Months)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks to ConsiderThe Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF - Free Report) distributes specialty food and center-of-the-plate products in the United States, the Middle East and Canada. At present, CHEF sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The consensus estimate for Chefs' Warehouse’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 8.3% and 24.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 28.9%, on average.

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI - Free Report) distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. At present, United Natural carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). UNFI delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.9%, on average.

The consensus estimate for United Natural’s current fiscal-year earnings implies growth of 254.9% from the year-ago figures.

Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) manufactures and markets fresh deli-prepared foods in the United States. At present, MAMA holds a Zacks Rank of 2. Mama's Creations delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 129.2%, on average.

The consensus estimate for Mama's Creations’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 30% and 73.3%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.

Key Takeaways DaVita supports kidney patients through dialysis centers and integrated care programs.DVA saw year-over-year CKCC gains in gross savings rates, quality scores and status.EHC and OPCH deliver rehabilitation and infusion services outside traditional hospital settings. DaVita Inc. (DVA - Free Report) represents the growing shift in healthcare toward specialized, lower-cost care settings that help manage patients with chronic and complex conditions outside traditional acute-care hospitals. The company focuses on kidney care, providing dialysis services through a broad network of outpatient centers while also supporting patients through integrated care programs designed to improve coordination across the treatment journey. As of March 31, 2026, DVA served approximately 296,300 patients through 3,262 outpatient dialysis centers globally and had about 62,600 patients enrolled in risk-based integrated kidney care arrangements, representing roughly $5.4 billion in annualized medical spend.

Beyond dialysis delivery, DaVita continues to expand its value-based care capabilities through Integrated Kidney Care (IKC), which aims to improve patient outcomes while lowering overall healthcare costs. During first-quarter 2026, the company reported year-over-year improvements across all key measures in CMS’ Comprehensive Kidney Care Contracting (CKCC) program, including gross savings rates, quality scores and high-performing status. Management highlighted that the program generated the highest aggregate savings among participants, reflecting the benefits of coordinated, data-driven care for patients with chronic kidney disease.

Recent developments also underscore DaVita’s focus on enhancing care delivery through technology. The company is investing in digital infrastructure and AI to support clinical teams and improve operational efficiency. As part of these efforts, DVA introduced ScheduleHub, a tool that dynamically evaluates patient census, center capacity and staff availability to optimize scheduling in real time. The initiative is intended to reduce administrative burden for facility administrators and support patient care.

EHC and OPCH Delivering Complex Care Outside HospitalsEncompass Health Corporation (EHC - Free Report) extends specialized care beyond traditional acute-care hospitals through its inpatient rehabilitation network, serving patients recovering from strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations and other complex conditions. Using interdisciplinary teams of nurses, therapists and physicians, Encompass Health helps patients regain function, independence and quality of life through intensive rehabilitation programs. Encompass Health has also continued to expand access to these services by recently opening rehabilitation hospitals in Georgia and Pennsylvania, while announcing new facilities in Idaho and West Virginia to address growing demand for post-acute rehabilitative care.

Option Care Health, Inc. (OPCH - Free Report) supports patients with chronic and complex medical conditions through home and alternate-site infusion services, enabling treatment outside traditional hospital environments. Through a nationwide network of pharmacies, ambulatory infusion suites and clinicians, Option Care Health delivers therapies for chronic inflammatory disorders, neurological diseases, immune deficiencies, serious infections and other conditions requiring ongoing clinical management. Option Care Health combines infusion therapy, nursing support and care coordination to improve patient outcomes while helping health systems and payers manage care more efficiently across the continuum.

DVA’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of DaVita have gained 83.9% year to date compared with the industry’s rise of 9%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

DVA’s forward 12-month P/E of 12.6X is lower than the industry’s average of 17.4X and its five-year median of 12.7X. It has a Value Score of A.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DVA’s 2026 earnings per share suggests a 39.8% improvement compared with 2025.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

DaVita currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, June 22:

H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) : This DIY tax return preparation services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4% over the last 60 days.

H&R Block has a PEG ratio of 0.53 compared with 0.93 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.

DaVita Inc. (DVA - Free Report) : This dialysis services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.4% over the last 60 days.

DaVita has a PEG ratio of 0.68 compared with 2.17 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.

Pitney Bowes Inc. (PBI - Free Report) : This technology-driven company offering shipping, mailing, and e-commerce logistics solutions worldwide carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing nearly 11% over the last 60 days.

Pitney Bowes has a PEG ratio of 0.79 compared with 0.84 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Scoreof A.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Learn more about the Growth score and how it is calculated here.

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, June 24:

H&R Block, Inc. (HRB - Free Report) : This DIY tax return preparation services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4% over the last 60 days.

H&R Block has a PEG ratio of 0.53 compared with 0.95 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.

DaVita Inc. (DVA - Free Report) : This dialysis services company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.4% over the last 60 days.

DaVita has a PEG ratio of 0.69 compared with 2.20 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.

Pitney Bowes Inc. (PBI - Free Report) : This technology-driven company offering shipping, mailing, and e-commerce logistics solutions worldwide carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.6% over the last 60 days.

Pitney Bowes has a PEG ratio of 0.77 compared with 0.83 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Learn more about the Growth score and how it is calculated here.

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Google-Parent Alphabet To Join Dow Jones Industrial Average, Replacing Verizon Palantir Technologies (PLTR) shares hit a 52-week low on Tuesday amid a broad retreat in artificial intelligence stocks. With the pull-back, Palantir stock has dropped 34% in 2026. On the stock market today, Palantir stock fell 2.6% to 116.41 in afternoon trading. Shares hit a 52-week low of 116.19 earlier. PLTR stock is trading well below its 50-day moving average.…

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MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR), a global leader in artificial intelligence and data platforms, today welcomed the U.S. Army’s announcement that it has established the Next Generation Command and Control common data layer baseline. Palantir is proud to support the Army, its commanders, and Soldiers as they modernize command and control with a data-driven approach built to scale across the force.

Palantir has been a trusted technology partner on NGC2 since its earliest experimentation and prototyping phases, embedded with Soldiers and industry partners through every stage of development and field validation. Today’s announcement underscores that enduring partnership and the Army’s commitment to delivering capabilities shaped by Soldier feedback and real-world mission demands.

The Army has now established the foundational data architecture for NGC2, its highest-priority modernization program, built on Palantir's Foundry as the cloud data layer and Anduril's Lattice as the tactical data layer. This common baseline is designed to enable rapid scaling and seamless interoperability across the NGC2 ecosystem as the program moves from prototyping to delivery across additional Army formations.

“The most consequential decisions in a program like NGC2 come down to the underlying architecture,” said Akash Jain, President and CTO, Palantir USG. “By establishing a common data baseline for NGC2 from the outset, the Army is creating the foundation on which future applications and AI-enabled mission capabilities can be built. As the cloud data layer, Foundry helps make that foundation durable and extensible — ready to deliver decision advantage to Soldiers as NGC2 moves from prototype to production.”

Palantir is committed to help power a diverse NGC2 ecosystem spanning commercial software, government solutions, and Soldier-built applications. We are pleased to continue to work alongside Anduril, Lockheed Martin, and a broad community of traditional and non-traditional defense performers contributing to the Army’s vision for NGC2.

NGC2 demonstrates how commercial technology, agile acquisition, and Soldier-informed development can compress the path from experimentation to fielded capability. The program has aligned companies with fundamentally different business models, IP structures, and incentive frameworks, alongside government-developed capabilities, and made them work together across large, operational formations. The Army reached this pace by starting with commercial technology and pairing it with a contracting process built to move just as fast.

Palantir remains committed to supporting the Army as NGC2 scales across the force. We will continue working alongside Soldiers, Army leaders, and industry partners to help put modern, open, data-driven tools in the hands of Commanders and units operating in increasingly complex environments. Our measure of success is simple: to give American Soldiers an unfair advantage: better information, faster decisions, and maximum lethality for Soldiers in the field.

About Palantir Technologies Inc.

Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today. Additional information is available at https://www.palantir.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, Palantir’s expectations regarding the amount and the terms of the contract and the expected benefits of our software platforms. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and were based on current expectations as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management as of that time with respect to future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties include our ability to meet the unique needs of our customer; the failure of our platforms to satisfy our customer or perform as desired; the frequency or severity of any software and implementation errors; our platforms’ reliability; and our customer’s ability to modify or terminate the contract. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

More News From Palantir Technologies Inc.

On June 22, 2026, Palantir Technologies Inc PLTR shares fell 7.0% today, closing at $119.50. This decline contributes to a significant drop in the stock's performance, with a year-to-date loss of 32.8% and a 1-month decrease of 12.7%. The stock has traded between a 52-week high of $207.52 and a low of $119.20.

GF Value™ verdict: Currently priced at $119.50, PLTR is estimated to be 12.1% undervalued against a GF Value™ of $135.95.GF Score™: With a score of 81/100, PLTR is rated as strong, indicating favorable long-term potential.Most notable signal: Insider activity shows that insiders have sold $132.7 million worth of shares in the last three months, with no buying activity reported. Is PLTR Overvalued or Undervalued? The current price of Palantir Technologies Inc PLTR stands at $119.50, which is significantly below the GF Value™ of $135.95, indicating that the stock is undervalued by approximately 12.1%. This undervaluation presents a potential opportunity for investors, suggesting that the market may not be fully recognizing the company's future growth prospects. However, while the GF Valuation label categorizes PLTR as "Modestly Undervalued," investors should remain cautious, especially given the recent insider selling activity, which could hint at lack of confidence among those closest to the company.

GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates. This methodology provides a comprehensive framework to assess whether a stock is trading at an attractive price relative to its fundamental value.

How Does PLTR's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 134.3x 283.9x Forward P/E 81.5x - Palantir's current P/E (TTM) of 134.3x is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 283.9x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical averages. Furthermore, the forward P/E of 81.5x suggests expectations of improved earnings in the future. This P/E analysis supports the GF Value™ verdict of being undervalued, as the current P/E is 53% lower than its historical median, reflecting a compelling valuation opportunity.

What Does PLTR's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 81/100 Financial Strength 8/10 Profitability 4/10 Growth 9/10 Valuation 9/10 Momentum 5/10 The GF Score™ of 81/100 reflects a strong overall assessment of Palantir Technologies. The strongest area is Growth, rated at 9/10, indicating robust potential for revenue and earnings expansion. The Financial Strength is also strong at 8/10, suggesting stability and lower risk of bankruptcy. However, the Profitability rank of 4/10 indicates that there may be challenges in achieving consistent profitability. The Valuation rank of 9/10 reinforces the notion that the stock is attractively priced compared to its potential, while the Momentum rank of 5/10 indicates a neutral trend in stock price movement.

What Are Insiders Doing with PLTR Stock? Recent insider activity has shown a notable trend, with insiders selling $132.7 million worth of shares in the last three months and no recorded buying activity. This pattern suggests a lack of confidence among insiders regarding the stock's near-term performance, which could be a red flag for potential investors. The absence of insider buying may indicate that even those with intimate knowledge of the company's operations do not see compelling value at current prices.

What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Palantir Technologies Inc PLTR appears to be undervalued, with a 12.1% margin from its estimated fair value of $135.95. However, investors should consider the cautionary signals from insider selling and the mixed profitability rank when evaluating the investment potential.

For the complete analysis, visit the Palantir Technologies Inc PLTR 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 PLTR's GF Score™?

Palantir Technologies Inc has a GF Score™ of 81/100, indicating strong potential for long-term returns based on various financial metrics.

Is PLTR overvalued or undervalued?

PLTR is currently undervalued, with a GF Value™ of $135.95 compared to its current price of $119.50.

What is PLTR's P/E ratio?

PLTR has a P/E (TTM) of 134.3x, which is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 283.9x, indicating a lower historical valuation.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $119.50, demonstrating a -6.98% change from the preceding day's closing price. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 0.37%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.29%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 1.33%.

The company's shares have seen a decrease of 6.14% over the last month, not keeping up with the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 4.52% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.02%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Palantir Technologies Inc. in its upcoming release. The company is expected to report EPS of $0.35, up 118.75% from the prior-year quarter. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $1.81 billion, reflecting a 79.96% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.

Looking at the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates suggest analysts are expecting earnings of $1.49 per share and revenue of $7.69 billion. These totals would mark changes of +98.67% and +71.77%, respectively, from last year.

It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for Palantir Technologies Inc. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the business outlook.

Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. We developed the Zacks Rank to capitalize on this phenomenon. Our system takes these estimate changes into account and delivers a clear, actionable rating model.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged. Palantir Technologies Inc. currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Palantir Technologies Inc. has a Forward P/E ratio of 86.27 right now. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 18.33, so one might conclude that Palantir Technologies Inc. is trading at a premium comparatively.

It is also worth noting that PLTR currently has a PEG ratio of 1.61. This popular metric is similar to the widely-known P/E ratio, with the difference being that the PEG ratio also takes into account the company's expected earnings growth rate. The Internet - Software industry had an average PEG ratio of 0.99 as trading concluded yesterday.

The Internet - Software industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 84, positioning it in the top 35% 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.

Zeta stock is showing exceptional strength. What’s behind ZETA gains? Palantir will also provide software infrastructure to support Zeta in bringing its marketing intelligence to Foundry’s eligible enterprise customers—giving Zeta a direct path into Palantir’s existing customer base.

Both companies are also presenting at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity today, with Steinberg and Palantir’s Elias Davis appearing together on stage at 11:05 a.m. ET to discuss how leading organizations are rethinking marketing’s role in the AI era.

Zeta Shares Shoot HigherZETA Price Action: At the time of publication, Zeta shares are trading 8.66% higher at $20.07, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

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Palantir Technologies Inc (NYSE:PLTR) has entered into a partnership with Zeta Global aimed at developing a unified data and artificial intelligence infrastructure for marketing applications, a move Wedbush analysts described as another validation point for enterprise AI adoption.

The partnership combines Palantir's Foundry platform with Zeta's Data Cloud and Athena intelligence layer to support data-driven marketing decisions and operational execution.

Under the agreement, Zeta's Data Cloud will be rearchitected on Foundry, allowing enterprise customers to connect governed data with real-time decision-making capabilities.

According to Wedbush, the collaboration seeks to establish a new framework for "agentic marketing," where AI systems can automate and optimize business decisions while maintaining security, governance and compliance standards.

The analysts highlighted Palantir's Ontology technology as a key component of the partnership. Ontology creates a digital representation of an organization's operations by integrating business data and processes, enabling AI applications and workflows to operate within a governed environment.

Wedbush noted that Ontology serves as an intelligence layer that translates raw enterprise data into practical AI use cases and supports the deployment of AI agents and automated decision-making systems.

The firm wrote that marketing has become an important focus area for companies investing in AI technologies as businesses seek tools capable of processing trusted data in real time to improve customer acquisition, retention and engagement.

Zeta operates an AI-powered marketing cloud used by enterprises globally and leverages large volumes of consumer data signals to support marketing activities. Wedbush noted that the partnership is expected to generate more than $100 million in revenue for Zeta over several years.

The analysts believe that  the agreement reinforces Palantir's position within the enterprise AI market and demonstrates growing demand for platforms that connect operational and customer intelligence.

Wedbush maintained its ‘Outperform’ rating on Palantir shares and reiterated its $230 price target, which implies significant upside from current levels of about $116.

Key Takeaways PLTR posted 85% revenue growth with 60% adjusted operating margins and a 145 Rule of 40 score.Palantir's net dollar retention reached 150%, while U.S. commercial remaining deal value jumped 112%.COHR's datacenter segment grew 41%, aided by an NVIDIA partnership, but industrial revenues fell 19.1%. Both Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR - Free Report) and Coherent Corp. (COHR - Free Report) are major players in the AI and data infrastructure space.

Palantir is a leading provider of enterprise-level artificial intelligence software, specializing in data integration, large-scale analytics, machine learning operations, and decision-making platforms. Its core platforms — Palantir Gotham, Foundry and Artificial Intelligence Platform — are specifically built to empower organizations in both government and commercial sectors to harness the power of their data through real-time decision intelligence and AI-driven operations.

Coherent is a critical supplier of optical and semiconductor technologies, with increasing relevance in AI hardware infrastructure. Its products include high-speed optical transceivers, lasers, compound semiconductors and advanced substrates, all of which are essential for the high-bandwidth, low-latency data transmission required in AI-centric applications such as data centers, autonomous systems and edge computing.

PLTR: AI Infrastructure Dynamics, Strong ProfitabilityPalantir increasingly resembles an AI infrastructure provider rather than a conventional SaaS business. As artificial intelligence models become more accessible and commoditized, organizations may place greater importance on platforms capable of integrating, managing and operationalizing those models effectively across large-scale workflows.

This shift could work heavily in Palantir’s favor. Once deployed, the company’s platforms generate powerful scaling dynamics because incremental usage carries relatively low additional costs. That helps explain how Palantir continues expanding margins even during hypergrowth.

Its Rule of 40 score of 145 further highlights the unusual economics of the business. Very few companies in technology history have managed to sustain such elevated growth rates while simultaneously maintaining exceptionally high free cash flow margins. This combination increasingly supports the argument that Palantir deserves to be viewed differently from traditional software firms.

The most striking aspect of Palantir’s recent quarter was not just its 85% revenue growth but the extraordinary profitability achieved alongside that expansion. The company reported adjusted operating margins of 60%, adjusted free cash flow margins of 57% and a GAAP net margin of 54% while generating $1.63 billion in revenues. Such profitability levels remain extremely rare among rapidly scaling software companies, which typically experience margin compression as operating expenses rise.

Management’s forward outlook further strengthened the bullish narrative. Palantir guided for approximately $7.66 billion in fiscal 2026 revenues alongside projected adjusted operating income exceeding $4.44 billion and adjusted free cash flow of around $4.4 billion. These projections suggest Palantir could soon generate more free cash flow annually than many mature software companies produce from their entire operations.

Underlying customer metrics also continue to reinforce the long-term growth story. The company’s net dollar retention rate climbed to 150%, signaling strong expansion among existing customers. Additionally, U.S. commercial remaining deal value surged 112% year over year, indicating that enterprises are significantly increasing adoption of Palantir’s Artificial Intelligence Platform after initial deployment success.

COHR: AI-backed Demand, NVIDIA Deal, Industrial WeaknessCoherent's growth story is increasingly being driven by its datacenter & communications business. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, this segment accounted for 75% of total revenues and grew 41% year over year, supported by strong demand from hyperscalers and AI infrastructure customers. This shift toward a faster-growing and higher-demand market improves the company's growth profile and provides greater visibility into future earnings.

Adding to the bullish outlook, Coherent recently entered into a multi-year partnership with NVIDIA (NVDA - Free Report) focused on advancing optical networking technologies. As part of the agreement, NVIDIA will invest $2 billion in Coherent to support research and development, manufacturing capacity expansion and operational growth in the United States.

The partnership represents a significant vote of confidence from one of the world's leading AI companies. Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the deal reinforces Coherent's strategic importance within the rapidly expanding AI ecosystem. It also enhances revenue visibility and strengthens the company's position as demand for high-performance optical solutions continues to rise.

However, investors should not overlook the challenges facing Coherent's industrial business. Revenues in the segment declined 19.1% year over year in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, extending a downturn that has persisted for several quarters. The weakness highlights the uneven nature of the company's growth.

As a result, Coherent remains increasingly dependent on AI-related demand. While the datacenter & communications segment is performing exceptionally well, any slowdown in AI infrastructure spending could expose the company's limited diversification and place pressure on overall revenue growth.

How Do Zacks Estimates Compare for PLTR & COHR?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Palantir’s current year sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of approximately 72% and 99%, respectively. This indicates a solid performance trajectory, with EPS estimates trending upward over the past 60 days, signaling increased optimism from analysts about Palantir’s continued profitability and operational leverage, particularly as demand for its AI-driven platforms accelerates.

                                                                  Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

In comparison, Coherent’s current-year sales are projected to grow about 21.5% year over year, a notable figure though more modest than Palantir’s top-line growth. EPS is expected to rise about 55% year over year. Like Palantir, EPS estimates for Coherent have also been trending higher over the past 60 days, reflecting growing confidence in its earnings recovery, particularly amid the AI-fueled surge in demand for high-speed optical components and data center infrastructure.

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Coherent’s Valuation More Attractive Than PalantirCOHR is currently trading at a forward 12-month P/S ratio of 8.66X, which is well above its 12-month median of 4.04X. In contrast, PLTR holds a much higher forward 12-month P/S ratio of 31.14X, though still below its median of 67.9X. Coherent appears far more attractively priced from a valuation standpoint.

Verdict: Palantir is the Better AI BetBoth Palantir and Coherent are benefiting from the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, but Palantir appears better positioned for long-term investors. The company combines exceptional revenue growth with industry-leading profitability, strong customer expansion trends, and increasing adoption of its AI platforms across both government and commercial markets. Its ability to generate substantial cash flow while continuing to scale sets it apart from most technology companies.

Coherent remains a compelling participant in the AI infrastructure buildout and should continue benefiting from demand for optical networking solutions. However, its greater reliance on AI-related hardware spending and ongoing weakness in its industrial segment create a less balanced growth profile. While Coherent remains a solid Hold, Palantir's superior execution, profitability, and AI platform momentum make it the more attractive Buy for investors seeking long-term exposure to the AI revolution.

While PLTR carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and COHR carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The artificial intelligence trend has created some of the market's biggest winners over the past few years, and many of those have been large language model builders or chip designers. Palantir Technologies (PLTR 2.16%) is a leading example of a different kind of beneficiary of the trend -- a company that helps its clients use AI in their day-to-day operations.

Palantir's Gotham platform is widely used by government agencies and defense customers, while its Foundry platform helps commercial organizations integrate information across their operations. Just over three years ago, the company introduced its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), which lets customers deploy AI tools inside their existing workflows. And as AI adoption accelerates, that very ability to easily deploy the technology smoothly is becoming key to Palantir's success.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why has Palantir stock surged so dramatically? Palantir stock has climbed by about 379% over the past five years. Over the past 52 weeks, it has traded in a range of roughly $122 to $208, and the company now carries a market cap of around $313 billion, making it one of the most valuable software companies in the world.

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That said, it's trading about 144 times earnings -- a very high multiple. Still, investors no longer seem to view Palantir as a niche government contractor as they once did. Rather, many now see it as a potential operating system provider for enterprise and government AI deployment.

So far, its financial results are supporting the hype. In the first quarter of 2026, Palantir generated around $1.6 billion in revenue, up 85% year over year. U.S. revenue rose 104%.

The company also reported an adjusted operating margin of 60% and an adjusted free cash flow margin of 57%. Those numbers stand out because they suggest Palantir is not sacrificing profitability in its pursuit of top-line growth. Management's outlook remains strong as well: It raised its 2026 revenue guidance to around $7.7 billion.

Strong growth, expanding profitability, and higher guidance help explain why investors remain enthusiastic despite the stock trading at a premium.

Could AIP become Palantir's biggest growth engine? Palantir's Artificial Intelligence Platform may turn out to be the most important part of its story.

Many organizations want to adopt AI, but integrating it into existing systems remains difficult. Companies need to connect models to internal data, security frameworks, operational processes, and regulatory requirements. That is where AIP is trying to lower the friction.

Rather than forcing customers to rebuild their organizations around AI, the platform connects AI capabilities to systems they already use. The goal is to help organizations move past experimentation and start deploying AI in practical ways. If AIP adoption continues to accelerate, it could expand Palantir's addressable market while also deepening its relationships with existing customers.

Is Palantir a buy today? A majority of analysts covering Palantir currently rate the stock a buy, a third or so call it a hold, and only two view it as a sell.  Some remain concerned about its lofty valuation, but others have grown more optimistic as revenue growth, profitability, and AI adoption continue to exceed expectations.

I understand that optimism. The most compelling part of the Palantir story is not simply AI itself; it's the company's position inside the broader AI ecosystem. Many companies are developing large language models and designing and manufacturing AI accelerator chips. Far fewer are helping governments and enterprises deploy AI across real-world operations.

So is Palantir the best tech stock to buy before the end of the year? With a P/E this high, it is hard to call it the clear-cut "best." But if AI continues to be embedded throughout organizations over the next decade, the companies enabling that deployment could matter just as much as the companies creating the underlying technology.