Key Takeaways DLTR is shifting beyond one-price retail with broader assortments, larger pack sizes and more choice.DLTR's comparable sales rose as higher ticket offset softer traffic from more selective shoppers.DLTR is using delivery, new stores and margin execution to support a modern value-retail model. Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR - Free Report) is showing how value retail is changing. The model is no longer defined only by the lowest opening price.
The newer playbook depends on broader assortment, higher basket size, sharper execution and stronger convenience. Dollar Tree’s latest results make that shift clear, even as pressure on consumers keeps the story balanced.
Dollar Tree Expands Beyond One PriceDollar Tree’s move into a broader multi-price format marks a major structural change for the chain. The company is using the format to offer higher-quality items, larger pack sizes and more choice across categories.
That does not mean the value message is being abandoned. Management has emphasized that the opening price point remains central to the brand, while the expanded price architecture gives the company more room to improve assortment relevance and product quality.
DLTR Leans on Ticket Over TrafficFirst-quarter fiscal 2026 comparable-store sales rose 3.5%, but the composition matters. Average ticket increased 4.5%, while traffic declined 1%.
That mix points to a more selective shopper. Customers are still spending, but they are doing so with greater focus on value, convenience and need-based trips. For Dollar Tree, that raises the importance of assortment, price communication and consistent store execution.
Dollar Tree Turns Execution Into Margin SupportMargin improvement is another sign of how discount retail is evolving. Dollar Tree’s gross margin expanded 120 basis points in the first quarter, helped by higher mark-on, lower freight costs and lower shrink.
Adjusted operating margin rose 110 basis points to 9.5%. The drivers show that value retailers cannot rely on price alone. Product protection, shrink control, field discipline and freight efficiency are becoming key parts of the earnings formula.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
DLTR Builds Reach Through Stores and DeliveryDollar Tree is also expanding the ways it reaches customers. The company opened 113 new stores in the first quarter and ended the period with 9,382 stores.
Delivery access is becoming part of the model as well. As of Jan. 31, 2026, more than 8,800 Dollar Tree stores were serviceable through Uber Eats, giving the banner another way to reach younger and time-constrained shoppers. Distribution center investments are also aimed at supporting larger assortments, better in-stock levels and more reliable execution.
Dollar Tree Faces the Limits of the TrendThe shift toward broader value retail still faces real limits. Tariffs and markdowns partially offset first-quarter gross margin gains, while higher fuel costs and transportation uncertainty remain risks for the rest of fiscal 2026.
Consumer pressure is another constraint. Lower-income households remain cautious, and shopping behavior is still closer to need. That makes traffic recovery a key test for Dollar Tree and other value retailers.
Dollar General Corporation (DG - Free Report) offers a useful peer comparison because it also serves shoppers focused on affordability and everyday essentials. Five Below Inc. (FIVE - Free Report) adds another lens, as its extreme-value model depends on discretionary appeal, trend-right merchandise and frequent customer visits.
How DLTR’s Zacks Rank Frames the TrendThe bottom line is that Dollar Tree is participating in attractive retail shifts, but the stock is not yet a clean high-conviction call. Multi-price expansion, delivery access and margin execution all point to a more modern value-retail model.
DLTR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). That rank fits a company making operational progress while still navigating traffic pressure, tariff uncertainty and cost headwinds.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Style Scores are more encouraging. DLTR has a VGM Score of A, Growth Score of A, Momentum Score of A and Value Score of B. Those marks suggest favorable underlying traits for investors tracking trend-backed retailers, while the Zacks Rank keeps the broader stance measured.
Key Takeaways Dollar Tree is now centered on the Dollar Tree banner after completing the Family Dollar sale.Dollar Tree's multi-price rollout is supporting broader assortments and stronger ticket growth.Dollar Tree's margin gains reflect higher mark-on, lower freight costs and improved shrink control. Dollar Tree, Inc. (DLTR - Free Report) has become a more focused investment story, with the Dollar Tree banner now carrying the operating narrative after the Family Dollar sale. The stock’s outlook depends on whether stronger execution, multi-price expansion and margin progress can offset weaker traffic and a cautious consumer backdrop.
The latest setup is constructive, but not one-sided. Sales are growing, guidance has moved higher and margins are improving, yet investors still need evidence that traffic can recover.
Dollar Tree After the Family Dollar ExitDollar Tree completed the sale of Family Dollar on Jul. 5, 2025, making the Dollar Tree banner the company’s core operating brand. That shift gives investors a cleaner business to evaluate, centered on discount variety stores in the United States and Canada.
The transition is still not fully complete. Dollar Tree is providing a breakup of corporate selling, general and administrative expenses through fiscal 2026 to aid comparability after the divestiture. It also continues to provide certain transition services to the buyer of Family Dollar, which makes the operating story cleaner but still evolving.
DLTR Finds Growth in Multi-PriceMulti-price remains one of Dollar Tree’s most important growth levers. The format allows the company to offer higher-quality items, larger pack sizes and broader category choices while preserving its value positioning.
By the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Dollar Tree had about 5,900 multi-price stores, after converting or adding roughly 630 stores in the quarter. The broader assortment is helping basket composition across consumables and discretionary categories, with ticket growth reflecting stronger multi-price penetration and more relevant products.
Dollar Tree Margins Improve on Better ExecutionThe margin story matters as much as sales growth in the current setup. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, gross margin expanded 120 basis points (bps), driven mainly by higher mark-on, lower freight costs and lower shrink.
Adjusted operating income rose 22% year over year to $473.3 million, while adjusted operating margin expanded 110 bps to 9.5%. These gains show that internal execution, including better shrink control and freight benefits, is playing a bigger role in the earnings recovery than simple top-line growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
DLTR Still Needs Traffic to ReboundThe mixed part of the story is traffic. First-quarter comparable sales increased 3.5%, but that gain was driven by a 4.5% increase in average ticket, partly offset by a 1% decline in traffic.
That puts trip frequency near the center of the investment debate. Lower-income shoppers remain under pressure from higher fuel costs, inflation in essentials and broader macro uncertainty. Dollar General Corporation (DG - Free Report) is a relevant comparison because it also competes for value-driven essentials trips. Five Below Inc. (FIVE - Free Report) offers another point of comparison in discretionary value retail, where assortment freshness and price perception influence customer visits.
Dollar Tree Outlook Rises, but Risks RemainDollar Tree raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings outlook after the stronger first quarter. The company now expects net sales from continuing operations of $20.5 billion to $20.7 billion, comparable-store sales growth of 3% to 4% and adjusted earnings per share of $6.70 to $7.10.
The outlook is not risk-free. Tariffs, markdowns, higher fuel costs, selling, general and administrative expense pressure and consumer softness remain key constraints. Management expects gross margin to be roughly flat for fiscal 2026, as merchandise margin and freight benefits are offset by tariffs and markdown pressure.
How DLTR’s Zacks Rank Fits the SetupThe bottom line is that Dollar Tree’s execution has improved, but the stock still carries a balanced risk-reward profile. Multi-price growth and margin recovery support the bull case, while traffic softness and cost uncertainty keep near-term visibility limited.
The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), which is consistent with a business showing progress but not enough clarity to support a more aggressive stance. Its Style Scores are stronger, with a Growth Score of A, Momentum Score of A, Value Score of B and VGM Score of A.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Those scores point to attractive growth, momentum and combined style characteristics. For investors, the combination suggests DLTR has favorable underlying traits, but the Zacks Rank keeps the broader view measured until traffic and cost pressures show steadier improvement.
Making its debut on 11/15/2007, smart beta exchange traded fund Invesco Bloomberg Enhanced Fallen Angels ETF (IFLN - Free Report) provides investors broad exposure to the High-Yield/Junk Bond ETFs category of the market.
What Are Smart Beta ETFs?The ETF industry has long been dominated by products based on market cap weighted indexes, a strategy created to reflect the market or a particular market segment.
Because market cap weighted indexes provide a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of replicating market returns, they work well for investors who believe in market efficiency.
On the other hand, some investors who believe that it is possible to beat the market by superior stock selection opt to invest in another class of funds that track non-cap weighted strategies--popularly known as smart beta.
This kind of index follows this same mindset, as it attempts to pick stocks that have better chances of risk-return performance; non-cap weighted strategies base selection on certain fundamental characteristics, or a mix of such characteristics.
This area offers many different investment choices, such as simplest equal-weighting, fundamental weighting and volatility/momentum based weighting methodologies; however, not all of these strategies can deliver superior results.
Fund Sponsor & IndexThe fund is managed by Invesco. IFLN has been able to amass assets over $320.07 million, making it one of the average sized ETFs in the High-Yield/Junk Bond ETFs. IFLN, before fees and expenses, seeks to match the performance of the BLOOMBERG US HGH YLD ENHCD FLN ANGL ID .
The Bloomberg US High Yield Enhanced Fallen Angels Index comprises of U.S. dollar-denominated high yield corporate bonds.
Cost & Other ExpensesExpense ratios are an important factor in the return of an ETF and in the long-term, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive cousins, other things remaining the same.
Operating expenses on an annual basis are 0.23% for IFLN, making it one of the least expensive products in the space.
It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 5.80%.
Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsMost ETFs are very transparent products, and disclose their holdings on a daily basis. ETFs also offer diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk, though it's still important for investors to research a fund's holdings.
Looking at individual holdings, Gfl Environmental Inc-6.75%-01-15-2031 (GFLCN) accounts for about 4.72% of total assets, followed by Pacificorp-7.38%-09-15-2055 (BRKHEC) and Vodafone Group Plc-7.00%-04-04-2079 (VOD).
Its top 10 holdings account for approximately 28.2% of IFLN's total assets under management.
Performance and RiskSo far this year, IFLN has gained about 0.1%, and it's up approximately 0% in the last one year (as of 06/18/2026). During this past 52-week period, the fund has traded between $17.78 and $18.58.
IFLN has a beta of 0.38 and standard deviation of 0.00% for the trailing three-year period. With about 114 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk .
AlternativesInvesco Bloomberg Enhanced Fallen Angels ETF is a reasonable option for investors seeking to outperform the High-Yield/Junk Bond ETFs segment of the market. However, there are other ETFs in the space which investors could consider.
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) tracks Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index and the iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (USHY) tracks BofA Merrill Lynch U.S. High Yield Constrained Index. iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has $16.21 billion in assets, iShares Broad USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has $27.79 billion. HYG has an expense ratio of 0.49% and USHY changes 0.08%.
Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the High-Yield/Junk Bond ETFs
Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.
Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF (RSPS 0.28%) provides diversified exposure to defensive stocks, while iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK +0.29%) offers a more concentrated, market-cap-weighted portfolio with historically stronger total returns.
Both funds focus on the consumer staples sector, which investors often seek out as a defensive harbor during market volatility. While RSPS treats every constituent equally to avoid overexposure to giant companies, IYK follows a traditional market-cap approach that leans heavily on industry leaders.
Snapshot (cost & size)MetricRSPSIYKIssuerInvescoiSharesExpense ratio0.40%0.38%1-yr return (as of June 18, 2026)0.1%2.9%Dividend yield2.8%2.7%Beta0.590.50AUM$225.5 million$1.3 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.
Both funds are cost-efficient, though the iShares fund is slightly more affordable. While RSPS offers a slightly higher dividend yield of 2.8%, IYK provides a similar payout at 2.7%.
Performance & risk comparisonMetricRSPSIYKMax drawdown (5 yr)(18.60%)(15.00%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)$1,071$1,381What's insideThe iShares ETF targets U.S. companies in the consumer defensive sector using a market-capitalization-weighting strategy. With 54 holdings, its largest positions include Procter & Gamble (PG 0.40%) at 13.45%, Coca-Cola(KO +0.08%) at 12.38%, and Philip Morris International (PM +0.07%) at 11.14%. The portfolio is primarily composed of consumer defensive stocks at 85%, with additional exposure to healthcare at 11% and basic materials at 3%. Launched in 2000, it has a trailing-12-month dividend payout of $1.89 per share.
In contrast, the Invesco ETF tracks the S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples Index, which assigns an equal weight to every staples company in the S&P 500. This 37-holding portfolio includes Monster Beverage (MNST +0.68%) at 3.32%, Casey's General Stores (CASY 0.58%) at 3.30%, and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP 0.05%) at 3.18%. It is heavily concentrated in consumer defensive stocks. Launched in 2006, it has a trailing-12-month dividend payout of $0.84 per share.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
What this means for investorsWhile I think both of these ETFs would likely appeal to defensive investors, the fundamental difference in their approach to position sizing is probably the deciding factor in choosing one over the other.
RSPS may be more attractive to conservative investors given its equal-weight strategy; the smaller position sizing reduces concentration risk. Due to IYK's market-cap-weighting approach, the ETF is inherently far more reliant on just a few stocks to fuel its performance. The fund's top three holdings -- P&G, Coca-Cola, and Philip Morris -- account for roughly 37% of the portfolio. And while these are generally stalwart stocks, investors might want to note that P&G has underperformed the market by a wide margin over the past five years, up only 14% versus the S&P 500's 80% gain. Despite that, the iShares ETF has delivered better returns recently.
One final thing to consider is their relative size. RSPS has significantly fewer assets under management, as well as much lower average trading volume. If liquidity is an important consideration, IYK may be the better option for your portfolio.
Erin Kennedy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Monster Beverage. The Motley Fool recommends Casey's General Stores and Philip Morris International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.
The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value 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 investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you 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 A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
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: Invesco (IVZ - Free Report) Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Invesco Ltd. operates as an independent investment manager and offers a wide range of investment products and services. The company was incorporated in 1935. As of March 31, 2026, Invesco served clients in more than 120 countries and had AUM worth $2.16 trillion.
IVZ is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 10.92; value investors should take notice.
Four analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.06 to $2.58 per share. IVZ boasts an average earnings surprise of +7.9%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, IVZ should be on investors' short list.
Invesco KBW Bank ETF (KBWB +1.11%) offers broader exposure to major U.S. money center banks and national institutions, while iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (IAT +0.57%) provides a more concentrated bet on the domestic regional banking sector.
These ETFs allow investors to target the financial sector with differing levels of specificity. While both concentrate on bank equities, their underlying indexes select and weigh holdings differently, leading to variations in liquidity, price volatility, and total returns. With assets under management (AUM) exceeding $6 billion, KBWB offers deeper liquidity than the smaller IAT.
Snapshot (cost & size)MetricIATKBWBIssueriSharesInvescoExpense ratio0.38%0.35%1-yr return (as of June 19, 2026)27.8%37.8%Dividend yield2.8%2.1%Beta1.281.26AUM$624.3 million$6.3 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.
The Invesco fund is marginally more affordable than the iShares ETF, but that 3-basis-point difference is unlikely to sway an investor one way or another. However, IAT may appeal to income-oriented investors due to its higher trailing-12-month dividend yield of 2.8%.
Performance & risk comparisonMetricIATKBWBMax drawdown (5 yr)(55.5%)(49.3%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)$1,264$1,744What's insideThe Invesco ETF tracks the KBW Nasdaq Bank Index, which focuses on national money centers and regional establishments. Its portfolio of 26 holdings leans into diversified financial giants. Its largest positions include Morgan Stanley (MS +1.55%) at 9.49%, Goldman Sachs (GS +0.52%) at 8.99%, and Bank of America (BAC +2.10%) at 7.97%. Launched in 2011, it has a trailing-12-month dividend payout of $1.80 per share.
Conversely, the iShares fund offers more targeted exposure, strictly following U.S.-based stocks within the regional banking industry. It holds 31 companies, all within the financial services sector. Its largest positions include PNC Financial (PNC +0.84%) at 14.67%, U.S. Bancorp (USB +0.86%) at 14.17%, and Truist Financial (TFC +1.30%) at 9.6%. Launched in 2006, IAT has a trailing-12-month dividend payout of $1.62 per share.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
What this means for investorsAt a glance, Invesco's ETF may be more appealing to most investors. KBWB has posted higher returns recently and a lower five-year max drawdown. It pays a smaller dividend, but investors know a dividend yield moves inversely to a stock's price; when a stock goes up, the dividend will fall, all else equal. The Invesco ETF's one- and five-year returns could more than account for its slightly lower dividend yield. Finally, the fund is roughly 10 times the size of IAT, with much higher average trading volume and accordingly increased liquidity.
One final consideration is concentration risk. KBWB's top three holdings make up about 26% of the fund. Meanwhile, IAT's three largest positions account for about 38% of the portfolio. Some investors may not feel comfortable with that level of concentration in the iShares ETF, myself among them.
Bank of America is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Erin Kennedy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Goldman Sachs Group, Truist Financial, and U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Pre-Market Stock Futures: Futures are trading mixed as we prepare to finish the last full week of the second quarter. We finished a wild holiday-shortened trading week last Thursday, as Friday was the federal Juneteenth holiday, and all major indices rebounded smartly from the Federal Reserve-induced sell-off on Wednesday. Details of the signed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran helped push oil prices back to the lowest level since March, and provided a strong tailwind for stocks. When the final bell rang last Thursday, the small-cap Russell 2000 led the way once again. closing up 2.12% at 2,979, while the Nasdaq also posted a strong day, finishing the session at 26,517, up 1.91%. The S&P 500 finished up 1.08% at 7,500, while the Dow Jones Industrials closed out the day at 51,564, up 0.14%.
Treasury Bonds: Yields were mixed across the curve on Thursday as buyers came in on the long end, while sellers were concentrated on the belly and short end maturities of the curve. By the close, the 30-year-long bond was spotted at 4.90%, and the 10-year benchmark note was last seen at 4.46%. Following the hawkish tone at the Federal Reserve meeting last week, bond traders will be keeping a close eye on incoming economic data. They will closely monitor the 2-year note, which is the most policy-sensitive maturity.
Oil and Gas: The energy complex, which rallied big last week on the potential for an end to the war with Iran, closed modestly higher to finish off the short trading week. The positive attitude, while encouraging for traders and consumers, is being challenged by some on Wall Street, who have issued warnings this week stating that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not the same as restoring normal oil flows. That could take some time, so spot oil prices could stay higher than many expect, and may have fallen too fast. Brent Crude closed Thursday at $79.53, down just 0.03%, while West Texas Intermediate was last seen at $75.61, down 0.53%. Natural gas, which had a strong week, closed Thursday at $3.22, up 2.45%.
Gold: Gold wrapped up the shortened week modestly lower as a strong dollar weighed on the precious metal, despite continued gigantic gold purchases by China. When the smoke cleared on Thursday, Gold was last seen at $4,215, down 0.97%, while Silver closed at $65.93, down 3.12%.
Crypto: Cryptocurrencies fell sharply on Thursday, weighed down by a broad sell-off across the cryptocurrency market. Bitcoin plunged around 5% to approximately $62,500, while Ethereum and XRP slid 5–6% during the day. The rapid decline triggered liquidations of over $200 million across crypto positions in just a few hours, pushing the total cryptocurrency market capitalization down to roughly $2.15 trillion. At 8 AM EDT, Bitcoin was quoted at $64,038, while Ethereum was trading at $1,766.
24/7 Wall St. reviews dozens of analyst research reports every day to identify fresh investment ideas for investors and traders alike. These daily analyst notes include recommendations on stocks to buy, sell, or avoid, as well as new coverage initiations. Important reminder: No single analyst report should ever be the sole basis for buying or selling a stock.
Here are some of the best Wall Street analyst upgrades, downgrades, and initiations seen on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Upgrades: APA Corporation (NYSE: APA | APA Price Prediction) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Roth Capital, which bumped the target price for the energy giant to $38 from $37. BWX Technologies (NYSE: BWXT) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Seaport Research, with a $245 target price objective. ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Roth Capital, which moved the target price for the integrated energy leader to $130 from $124. Incyte (NASDAQ: INCY) was raised to Market Perform from Underperform by BMO Capital, which lifted the target price for the stock to $94 from $75. Kimco Realty (NYSE: KIM) was upgraded to Outperform from Peer Perform at Wolfe Research, with a $28 target price. rating Downgrades: Accenture (NYSE: ACN) was downgraded to Hold from Buy at TD Cowen, which slashed the price target for the shares to $150 from $258. Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) was downgraded to Hold from Outperform at KGI Securities, which has a $315 target price for the tech giant. Cleveland-Cliffs (NYSE: CLF) was downgraded to Equal Weight from Overweight at Morgan Stanley, which nudged the target price to $12.50 from $12. Melco Resorts & Entertainment (NASDAQ: MLCO) was cut to Equal Weight from Overweight at Morgan Stanley, which trimmed the target price for the stock to $6 from $6.30. TE Connectivity (NYSE: TEL) was cut to In Line from Outperform at Evercore ISI, which cut the target price for the shares to $230 from $260. Initiations: Boyd Gaming (NYSE: BYD) was initiated with a Buy rating at Benchmark, which has a $100 target price for the stock. Credo Technology Group Holding (NASDAQ: CRDO) was started with an Outperform rationg at Evercore ISI, with a $325 target price. Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE: EL) was reinstated with a Buy rating at Goldman Sachs, with a $100 target price.
Hut 8 (NASDAQ: HUT) was initiated with a Buy rating at Lucid Capital, with a $226 target price. Space Exploration Technologies (NASDAQ: SPCX) was started with a Sector Weight rating at KeyBanc without a price target.
On June 17, 2026, Match Group Inc MTCH shares fell 3.4% to $35.30, continuing a mixed performance over the past month. The stock has traded in a 52-week range between $28.81 and $39.20.
GF Value™ verdict: shares are currently priced at $35.30, which is 6.9% below the GF Value™ estimate of $37.90.GF Score™ of 82/100 indicates a strong overall performance across key financial metrics.Notable signal: insider activity shows that insiders sold $0.2M in the last 3 months, with no buying reported. Is MTCH Overvalued or Undervalued? Match Group Inc is currently trading at $35.30, which is below the GF Value™ estimate of $37.90, suggesting that the stock is undervalued by approximately 6.9%. This margin of safety may present a buying opportunity for investors looking for stocks with solid fundamentals but trading below intrinsic value. The GF Valuation label indicates that the stock is fairly valued, which aligns with the current market environment but also highlights potential growth opportunities given the undervaluation relative to its estimated intrinsic value.
GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates. However, it is important to consider the risks associated with investing in a company with a Financial Strength rating of 4/10, indicating potential weaknesses in its balance sheet and overall financial health.
How Does MTCH's Valuation Compare to Its History? Metric Current Historical P/E (TTM) 13.5x 18.6x Forward P/E 13.3x N/A The current P/E (TTM) of 13.5x is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 18.6x, indicating that the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical average. This P/E analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, reinforcing the view that MTCH is undervalued in relation to its historical performance.
What Does MTCH's GF Score™ Tell Us? Metric Rating GF Score™ 82/100 Financial Strength 4/10 Profitability 8/10 Growth 6/10 Valuation 9/10 Momentum 8/10 The GF Score™ of 82/100 suggests that Match Group Inc has strong fundamentals, particularly in the areas of profitability and valuation, where it scored 8/10 and 9/10, respectively. However, the Financial Strength score of 4/10 indicates that the company may face challenges in maintaining a robust financial position, which could be a concern for long-term investors.
What Are Insiders Doing with MTCH Stock? Recent insider activity shows that insiders sold $0.2M worth of shares in the last three months, with no buying activity reported. This pattern may suggest a lack of confidence from insiders in the short-term outlook of the company, which could be a red flag for potential investors. However, it is also important to note that insider selling does not always indicate negative sentiment, as it may be part of personal financial planning or diversification strategies.
What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™ assessment, Match Group Inc MTCH appears to be undervalued at the current price of $35.30, which is 6.9% lower than the GF Value™ estimate of $37.90. However, potential investors should consider the company's financial strength indicators and recent insider selling when evaluating their investment decisions.
For the complete analysis, visit the Match Group Inc MTCH 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 MTCH's GF Score™?
MTCH has a GF Score™ of 82/100, indicating strong overall performance across key financial metrics, which suggests a favorable long-term outlook.
Is MTCH overvalued or undervalued?
MTCH is currently undervalued, with a GF Value™ estimate of $37.90 compared to its current price of $35.30, representing a 6.9% upside potential.
What is MTCH's P/E ratio?
MTCH's P/E ratio is 13.5x, which is significantly below its 5-year median P/E of 18.6x, suggesting the stock is trading at a lower valuation compared to its historical average.
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].
Kevin Warsh just had his first meeting as the new Federal Reserve chairman. In what was a highly anticipated decision, the world's most powerful central bank chose unanimously to keep the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged within a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
Half of the meeting's participants also expect at least one rate hike in 2026. This is unwelcome news for investors who were hoping for a more accommodative interest rate policy. Blame it on elevated inflation levels.
But Costco Wholesale (COST 1.29%) shareholders aren't worried. Here is one clear reason why the Fed's moves are no match for this top retail stock.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Consumers always want low prices Costco is such an unbelievably resilient business that it really doesn't matter what stance central bankers are taking. Whether rates are rising or falling, the consumers who shop at the company's warehouses want low prices on high-quality goods. This will always be the case.
Just this decade, there have been multiple examples of this company continuing to perform at a high level regardless of the macro situation.
When the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged the global economy in 2020, most retailers were devastated. Costco, on the other hand, shone. In fiscal 2020 (ended Aug. 30, 2020), it reported same-store sales (SSS) growth of 7.7%. Households were able to rely on Costco's warehouses as one-stop shops to get all of their essentials.
In 2022 and 2023, the Federal Reserve embarked on an aggressive pace of raising interest rates to combat surging inflation. Costco was unfazed. SSS grew 14.4% and 3% in fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2023, respectively.
Even in today's climate, as May's Consumer Price Index reached a level not seen in three years due to the Middle East conflict, Costco keeps humming along. During the four-week period that ended May 31, the business posted an SSS gain of 12.5%. Even excluding changes in gas prices and foreign exchange, this key metric rose 8%.
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Stability might be why shares are always expensive If you're an investor who's concerned about the highly uncertain economic environment, then it's natural to wonder if you should buy Costco shares right now. Owning the stock can add some peace of mind. Even with shares trading 13% off their peak, though, I'm not sure adding the business to your portfolio is a smart move.
Costco's stable financial performance might be the main reason the stock is always expensive. The market is asking investors to pay a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.9. Despite the company's consistent SSS growth, that's a steep valuation that offers no margin of safety.
Recognition highlights Five9’s commitment to creating an environment where employees can innovate, grow, and help shape the future of customer experience
SAN RAMON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Five9, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVN), provider of the Intelligent CX Platform, today announced it has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Tech 2026 and named to America’s Greatest Workplaces for Perks & Benefits 2026. Five9 received a 4 out of 5-star rating on Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Tech 2026 and received a 4 out of 5-star rating on Newsweek’s list of top workplaces for perks and benefits among organizations with 1,000 to 2,500 employees.
These recognitions reflect Five9’s continued investment in fostering a workplace where employees are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and advance the company’s leadership in AI-powered customer experience, helping organizations embrace emerging technologies and navigate one of the most significant transformations reshaping the industry today.
“As AI continues to reshape how businesses engage with customers, the talent, creativity, and dedication of our employees continue to drive meaningful impact for organizations around the world,” said Tiffany Meriweather, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer, Five9. “Our teams are helping customers embrace new technologies responsibly, improve outcomes, and deliver more seamless experiences. These recognitions are a testament to the innovation, collaboration, and commitment our employees bring every day to our customers, partners, and one another.”
Five9 supports more than 3,000 customers worldwide through its Intelligent CX Platform, helping organizations modernize customer engagement with AI, automation, and human expertise. The company continues to invest in programs, benefits, and professional development opportunities designed to support employee well-being, career growth, and long-term success.
The Newsweek rankings are based on independent research and employee feedback evaluating workplace culture, employee satisfaction, compensation and benefits, work-life balance, career development opportunities, and other factors that contribute to a positive employee experience.
In addition to being named by Newsweek to both America’s Greatest Workplaces in Tech 2026 list and Top Workplaces for Perks & Benefits list, Five9 has recently been recognized on the 2026 Fortune Best Workplaces in the Bay Area list, by Computerworld as one of the Best Places to Work in IT for the third consecutive year and by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging, and Community. These recognitions reflect Five9’s ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace where employees can thrive, grow their careers, and help shape the future of customer experience through innovation and collaboration.
For more information about careers at Five9, visit the careers page.
About Five9
Five9 empowers organizations to create hyper-personalized and effortless AI-driven customer experiences that deliver better business outcomes. Powered by Five9 Genius AI, the Five9 Intelligent CX Platform is trusted by 3,000+ customers and 1,400+ partners globally. The New CX starts here, and it's at the heart of every winning experience. For more information, visit www.five9.com.
Tiffany N. Meriweather, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer at Five9 (FIVN +0.18%), reported the direct sale of 29,817 shares in open-market transactions on May 13 and May 14, 2026, according to the SEC Form 4 filing.
Transaction summaryMetricValueShares sold (direct)29,817Transaction value$627,600Post-transaction shares (direct)281,298Post-transaction value (direct ownership)~$5.92 millionTransaction and post-transaction values based on SEC Form 4 weighted average reported price ($21.05).
Key questionsHow does this transaction compare to Meriweather's historical selling activity?
This was Meriweather's largest single direct sale to date, surpassing the previous high of 7,861 shares sold in September 2025 and exceeding the average of 12,618 shares per sale across four historical sell events.What proportion of Meriweather's Five9 holdings did this sale represent?
The transaction accounted for 9.6% of direct holdings at the time, reducing direct ownership from 311,115 to 281,298 shares, with no indirect or derivative holdings reported post-sale.Was the transaction timed at a premium or discount to recent trading?
Shares were sold at a weighted average price of around $21.05 per share, roughly in line with the May 14, 2026 market close, and reflecting a period when Five9 shares had declined 22.40% over the previous year.What does the transaction indicate about selling cadence and capacity?
The elevated size of this transaction follows a period of incremental sales and reflects both the shrinking available share base and a shift to larger, less frequent trades as direct holdings decrease.Company overviewMetricValuePrice (as of market close May 14, 2026)$20.75Market capitalization$1.72 billionRevenue (TTM)$1.17 billionNet income (TTM)$57.25 million* 1-year performance is calculated using May 14, 2026 as the reference date.
Company snapshotFive9 offers a cloud-based contact center software platform supporting voice, video, chat, email, social media, and API integrations, with advanced features such as natural language processing and automatic speech recognition.It generates revenue through recurring subscriptions and usage-based fees for its virtual contact center solutions delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS).The company serves enterprise and mid-market customers across industries including financial services, healthcare, technology, education, and business process outsourcing.Five9 operates at scale in the cloud contact center market, leveraging a SaaS model to deliver mission-critical communication solutions. The company’s strategy focuses on providing omni-channel customer engagement tools and AI-driven automation to help businesses improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
Its competitive edge lies in its robust technology stack, diversified client base, and strong presence across multiple industry verticals.
What this transaction means for investorsThe May 13 and May 14 sale of Five9 stock by Chief Administrative and Legal Officer Tiffany Meriweather came at a time when shares rebounded from a 52-week low of $13.29 reached in April. It appears Meriweather was capitalizing on the upswing to lock in gains.
The larger size of Meriweather’s sale compared to past transactions raises questions about her long-term outlook on Five9 stock. That said, she maintained a sizable equity stake of over 280,000 directly-held shares post-disposition.
Five9 shares have declined over the past year due to investor fears that artificial intelligence will take business away. AI agents can address some of the contact center functionality Five9 currently charges for.
However, the company’s excellent first-quarter performance caused shares to rise. Revenue increased 9% year over year to $305.3 million, demonstrating no impact from AI. In addition, Five9 did an outstanding job managing costs, resulting in Q1 net income of $18.4 million. This is a dramatic improvement from the prior year’s net income of $0.6 million.
Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Five9. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the "long context," investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.
While many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, this can be very tough to define. There is a lot of debate surrounding which metrics are the best to focus on and which are poor quality indicators of future performance. The Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.
Below, we take a look at First BanCorp (FBP - Free Report) , which currently has a Momentum Style Score of B. We also discuss some of the main drivers of the Momentum Style Score, like price change and earnings estimate revisions.
It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. First BanCorp currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.
You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>
Set to Beat the Market? In order to see if FBP is a promising momentum pick, let's examine some Momentum Style elements to see if this holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico holds up.
Looking at a stock's short-term price activity is a great way to gauge if it has momentum, since this can reflect both the current interest in a stock and if buyers or sellers have the upper hand at the moment. It's also helpful to compare a security to its industry; this can show investors the best companies in a particular area.
For FBP, shares are up 4.85% over the past week while the Zacks Banks - Foreign industry is up 3.44% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 7.6% compares favorably with the industry's 6.47% performance as well.
While any stock can see its price increase, it takes a real winner to consistently beat the market. That is why looking at longer term price metrics -- such as performance over the past three months or year -- can be useful as well. Shares of First BanCorp have increased 20.54% over the past quarter, and have gained 30.94% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 12.48% and 26.22%, respectively.
Investors should also pay attention to FBP's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. FBP is currently averaging 1,462,921 shares for the last 20 days.
Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score encompasses many things, including estimate revisions and a stock's price movement. Investors should note that earnings estimates are also significant to the Zacks Rank, and a nice path here can be promising. We have recently been noticing this with FBP.
Over the past two months, 4 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost FBP's consensus estimate, increasing from $2.17 to $2.25 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 3 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.
Bottom LineTaking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that FBP is a #2 (Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep First BanCorp on your short list.
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.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
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.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Wesco International (WCC - Free Report) WESCO International, Inc. is one of the largest players in the highly fragmented distribution market for electrical construction products in North America.
WCC is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
Momentum investors should take note of this Computer and Technology stock. WCC has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 0.5% over the past four weeks.
Five analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.39 to $15.94 per share. WCC boasts an average earnings surprise of +3.2%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, WCC should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways QuidelOrtho is poised for growth on its strong product portfolio and cost-saving progress.QDEL's Labs business leads first-quarter revenues, with Immunohematology and Point of Care adding support.Respiratory testing remains a key swing factor as lower demand pressures revenues and margins. QuidelOrtho Corporation (QDEL - Free Report) is well-poised for growth in the coming quarters, courtesy of its strong product portfolio. The optimism, led by mixed first-quarter 2026 results, is expected to contribute further, along with progress in cost-saving initiatives. However, risks due to overdependence on the respiratory business persist.
This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company has lost 50.5% in the year-to-date period compared with the 23.2% decline of the industry. The S&P 500 has witnessed 10.5% growth in the said time frame.
The renowned rapid diagnostic testing solutions provider has a market capitalization of $993.5 million. QuidelOrtho’s earnings yield of 13.8% compares favorably with the industry’s 3.5%. The company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the trailing four quarters, missed once and met estimates once, delivering an average negative surprise of 15.7%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Factors Favoring QDEL’s GrowthRobust Product Portfolio: QuidelOrtho’s diversified portfolio across Labs, Immunohematology, Point of Care and Molecular Diagnostics helps cushion demand fluctuations across testing categories. In the first quarter of 2026, Labs remained the largest revenue contributor at $353.1 million, followed by Immunohematology at $138.3 million and Point of Care at $112.8 million.
The company's Sofia platform and QuickVue franchise continue to provide scale in respiratory testing, with management noting stable market share during the quarter. For 2026, QuidelOrtho expects a typical flu season and stable testing protocols, with guidance based on a 50-55 million annual flu testing market and flat COVID-related revenues compared with 2025.
Growth initiatives remain focused on menu expansion and international penetration, with the U.S. launch of its high-sensitivity troponin assay already reaching more than 300 customer shipments and the rollout of the VITROS 450 system targeting lower-volume laboratories, which management believes can drive mid-single-digit long-term growth in the Labs business.
Progress on Cost-Saving Initiatives: QuidelOrtho is leveraging restructuring and productivity initiatives to expand margins and support investments in new platforms. In first-quarter 2026, adjusted operating expenses declined 2% year over year, led by a 19% reduction in R&D spending, while management reaffirmed its full-year adjusted EBITDA margin target of approximately 23%.
Through its Optimization Plan, the company is pursuing procurement efficiencies, facility consolidation and distribution rationalization, expecting around $50 million in net cost savings through 2027 despite cumulative pre-tax charges of about $100 million. QuidelOrtho is also implementing supply-chain measures to offset tariff-related cost pressures, while the wind-down of its U.S. Donor Screening business, expected to be substantially complete by mid-2026, and normalized working capital are projected to support stronger free cash flow generation in the second half of 2026.
Mixed Q1 Results: QuidelOrtho ended the first quarter of 2026 with mixed results, where revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but earnings missed significantly. The company continued to witness strength in its Labs and Immunohematology business units, while solid growth across Latin America and resilient performance in EMEA and JPAC were encouraging.
However, persistent weakness in respiratory testing continued to weigh heavily on the top line, with Point of Care and Donor Screening businesses also posting sharp declines. The company’s bottom line deteriorated year over year, while gross and operating margins contracted significantly due to lower volumes and an unfavorable business mix.
Factors That May Offset the Gains for QDELOverdependence on Respiratory Segment: Respiratory testing remains a key swing factor for QuidelOrtho’s revenues and profitability despite the post-pandemic reset. First-quarter 2026 results were pressured by a milder and shorter respiratory season, with influenza-like illness visits declining roughly 30% year over year and respiratory revenues totaling $68 million. While management indicated that testing protocols and market share remained stable, suggesting the weakness was demand-driven rather than competitive, the lower respiratory contribution reduced product mix and contributed to a 630-basis point decline in adjusted gross margin.
For 2026, the company assumes a 50-55 million annual flu market and flat COVID revenues versus 2025, but still expects full-year respiratory revenues to decline, implying that even modest shifts in seasonality or testing volumes could continue to create significant variability in quarterly results and cash generation.
Estimate TrendQuidelOrtho is witnessing a stable estimate revision trend for 2026. In the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its earnings has remained stable at $2.01 per share.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s second-quarter 2026 revenues is pegged at $625.4 million, indicating 1.9% growth from the year-ago quarter’s reported number.
Key PicksSome better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are Globus Medical (GMED - Free Report) , West Pharmaceutical (WST - Free Report) and Intuitive Surgical (ISRG - Free Report) .
Globus Medical, currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reported a first-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.12 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 22.1%. Revenues of $759.9 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.0%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
GMED has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 10.2% compared with the industry’s 12.6% growth. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 26.3%.
West Pharmaceutical, currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1, reported first-quarter 2026 EPS of $2.13, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 26.8%. Revenues of $844.9 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.5%.
WST has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 13.9% compared with the industry’s 9.5% growth. The company’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 19.4%.
Intuitive Surgical, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, reported first-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $2.50, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 20.2%. Revenues of $2.77 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.2%.
ISRG has a long-term estimated growth rate of 14.6% compared with the industry’s 12.6% growth. The company’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 16.8%.
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- #Masimo--Masimo smartSET™-powered, AI-enabled OIRD detection has received FDA 510(k) clearance for the Radius VSM® wearable continuous patient monitor.
, /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial Group (NYSE: CNO) today announced a multi-year extension of its title sponsorship of the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon through 2028.
Since 2016, CNO has served as title sponsor of the marathon, half marathon and 5K, partnering with Beyond Monumental, the 501(c)3 nonprofit responsible for the event.
"Extending our partnership with Beyond Monumental reflects our commitment to the health and well-being of the central Indiana community," said Rocco Tarasi, Chief Marketing Officer, CNO Financial Group, and Beyond Monumental board member. "Over the past decade as title sponsor, we've seen how the event brings people together and delivers meaningful community and economic impact. We look forward to its continued growth and to celebrating the 20th running of the race in 2027."
As title sponsor of the marathon, CNO has supported the growth of the event, which has become one of the 15 largest marathons in the United States and a signature event for the city of Indianapolis.
"We're excited to continue our partnership with CNO, which has been instrumental in the growth of the Monumental Marathon," said Jed Cornforth, President and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Monumental. "Their support helps us expand the reach of the event and strengthen programs that promote health and wellness for local students. We are proud of what we've achieved together and will accomplish in the years ahead."
2025 marked the event's 13th consecutive sellout, with a field of more than 17,500 participants—the largest in its history. Participants represented all 50 states and 22 countries, underscoring the marathon's continued growth and expanding global reach.
Registration for the 2026 CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is open and expected to sell out faster than ever. For more information or to register, visit monumentalmarathon.com.
About CNO Financial Group
CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) secures the future of middle-income America. CNO provides life and health insurance, annuities and financial services through our family of brands, including Bankers Life, Colonial Penn, Optavise and Washington National. Our customers work hard to save for the future, and we help protect their health, income and retirement needs with 3.3 million policies and $39 billion in total assets. Our 3,300 associates, 5,000 exclusive agents and more than 7,500 independent partner agents guide individuals, families and businesses through a lifetime of financial decisions. For more information, visit CNOinc.com.
About Beyond Monumental
Beyond Monumental, the 501(c)3 non-profit responsible for the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around their premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages. Beyond Monumental gives back to the Indianapolis community by supporting youth programming that reinforces healthy lifestyles for young people, with an emphasis on working with urban students and Indianapolis Public Schools, donating over $1.7 million since inception. The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a top 15 marathon in the US and is nationally recognized by Runners' World as one of "Ten Great Marathons for First Timers". The 19th annual running is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2026. For more information, please visit beyondmonumental.org.
Acquires Over 200 MW of Unmonetized Energy Capacity
Immediate Access to one of Europe's largest Independent GPU Estates, With Roughly 22,000 High-end NVIDIA GPUs
Northern Data Increases Full Year Revenue Outlook by Approximately 30%, Expects to Deliver Revenue in the Range of 170 to 190 million Euros
LONGBOAT KEY, Fla., June 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rumble (NASDAQ: RUM), today announced the closing of the acquisition of Northern Data AG ("Northern Data"), a leading provider of AI and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure. Rumble now owns approximately 85.2% of Northern Data’s outstanding shares.
"Closing this transaction marks a defining step in our evolution," said Chris Pavlovski, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “We now have over 200 MW of unmonetized energy capacity and substantial contracted revenue across Rumble. Investors can see that we are very quickly entering an entirely new level of fundamentals for our business, both in terms of the quality of the infrastructure we control and the anchor partnerships that validate it."
With the acquisition of Northern Data, Rumble takes a giant step forward, instantly becoming a meaningful, growing player in the AI compute-as-a-service, power, and data center markets, while unlocking AI opportunities across Rumble's video platform to support advertisers, users, and creators.
The acquisition of Northern Data delivers an immediate and quantifiable uplift to Rumble’s financial profile. Northern Data has recently raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to 170 to 190 million euros, an increase from the prior expectation of 130 to 150 million euros, with utilization of its roughly 22,000 NVIDIA H100 and H200 GPUs reaching approximately 85% in March 2026.
The demand is validated by Rumble’s recently announced multi-year agreement with Together AI.
Scaled Infrastructure with Untapped Potential
With Northern Data, Rumble now has roughly 250 MW of current energized and planned power, almost all of which is expected to come online by 2027 across ten data centers, four of which are owned. More than 200 MW of this capacity is currently unmonetized, providing substantial headroom to deploy additional high-end GPUs and layer on incremental services over time. In addition, Rumble gains access to one of Europe's largest independent GPU estates, with roughly 22,000 high-end NVIDIA GPUs and a growing high-density, liquid-cooled data center footprint across Europe.
Rumble Cloud contributes a scaled CPU-based compute, storage, and network backbone originally designed to power Rumble's world-class low-latency video delivery. Together, these assets represent the mix of GPU, CPU, power, and edge connectivity required to build the backbone for a new class of agentic enterprises, startups and creators whose businesses are run by AI agents and infrastructure working on their behalf at cloud scale.
Advisors
Guggenheim Securities, LLC acted as lead financial advisor, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP is serving as legal counsel to Rumble. Latham & Watkins LLP and Gleiss Lutz served as legal counsel, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. acted as lead financial advisor, and Berenberg as financial advisor to Northern Data.
About RUM Group Inc.
As separately announced today, Rumble introduced a new business unit and legal name for the company following the closing of its acquisition of Northern Data AG, effective June 18, 2026. RUM Group Inc. (NASDAQ: RUM) is the holding company for Rumble and Quake AI. RUM Group Inc.'s mission is to maximize the power of human imagination through an independent technology ecosystem built on privacy, resilience, and an open alternative to Big Tech. Rumble is the leading independent video platform. Quake AI combines the assets of Northern Data and Rumble Cloud into a full-stack GPU and cloud computing platform, delivering the infrastructure for the next generation of Agentic AI enterprises.
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements"” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by using words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “targets,” “expects,” “endeavors,” “forecasts,” “could,” “will,” “may,” “future,” “likely,” “on track to deliver,” “continues to,” “looks forward to,” “is primed to,” “plans,” “projects,” “assumes,” “should” or other similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially from future results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on our current beliefs and expectations of our management as of the date hereof. These statements are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements include risks related to the Northern Data business combination, including the success of the business following the Transactions; the ability to successfully integrate Rumble’s and Northern Data’s businesses; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the transaction; the risk that the transaction can negatively impact the ability of Rumble and Northern Data to retain customers, retain or hire key personnel, maintain relationships with their respective suppliers and customers, and on their operating results and businesses generally; the risk that the combined business may be unable to achieve expected synergies or that it may take longer or be more costly than expected to achieve those synergies; the risk of fluctuations in revenue due to lengthy sales and approval process required by major and other service providers for new products; the risk posed by potential breaches of information systems and cyber-attacks; the risks that Rumble, Northern Data or the post combination company may not be able to effectively compete, including through product improvements and development; the risk that Rumble, Northern Data or the post-combination company may not be able to meet surging AI compute demand by establishing business relationships with hyperscalers; the risk that the cloud, video, and content delivery network capabilities of Rumble, Northern Data or the post-combination company may not be sufficient to attract and continue to attract interest from system integrators and content creators and to create powerful funnel partnership opportunities for the combined platform; the risk that Rumble, Northern Data or the post combination company may not be able to accelerate delivery of next-generation cloud solutions and AI applications; our ability to grow and manage future growth profitably over time, maintain relationships with customers, compete within our industry and retain key employees; weakened global economic conditions may affect our business and operating results; our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects; we may not grow or maintain our active user base, and may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability; we may fail to maintain adequate operational and financial resources; we may be unsuccessful in attracting new users to our mobile and connected TV offerings; our traffic growth, engagement, and monetization depend upon effective operation within and compatibility with operating systems, networks, devices, web browsers and standards, including mobile operating systems, networks, and standards that we do not control; our business depends on continued and unimpeded access to our content and services on the internet and if we or those who engage with our content experience disruptions in internet service, or if internet service providers are able to block, degrade or charge for access to our content and services, we could incur additional expenses and the loss of traffic and advertisers; we face significant market competition, and if we are unable to compete effectively with our competitors for traffic and advertising spend, our business and operating results could be harmed; we rely on data from third parties to calculate certain of our performance metrics and real or perceived inaccuracies in such metrics may harm our reputation and negatively affect our business; changes to our existing content and services could fail to attract traffic and advertisers or fail to generate revenue; we derive the majority of our revenue from advertising and the failure to attract new advertisers, the loss of existing advertisers, or the reduction of or failure by existing advertisers to maintain or increase their advertising budgets may adversely affect our business and operating results; we depend on third-party vendors, including internet service providers, advertising networks, and data centers, to provide core services; new technologies have been developed that are able to block certain online advertisements or impair our ability to deliver advertising, which could harm our operating results; we have offered and intend to continue to offer incentives, including economic incentives, to content creators to join our platform, and these arrangements may involve fixed payment obligations that are not contingent on actual revenue or performance metrics generated by the applicable content creator but rather are based on our modeled financial projections for that creator, which if not satisfied may adversely impact our financial performance, results of operations and liquidity; changes in tax rates, changes in tax treatment of companies engaged in e-commerce, the adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation, or exposure to additional tax liabilities may adversely impact our financial results; compliance obligations imposed by new privacy laws, laws regulating online video sharing platforms, other online platforms and online speech in certain jurisdictions in which we operate, or industry practices may adversely affect our business, financial performance, and operating results; we may become subject to newly enacted laws and regulations that restrict or moderate content on the internet; we are exposed to significant regulatory, operational, compliance, privacy, and legal risks related to age restriction or verification requirements and children’s online safety laws contemplated or enacted in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions; paid endorsements by our content creators ma expose us to regulatory risk, liability, and compliance costs, and, as a result, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; we have incurred and will incur significantly increased expenses and administrative burdens as a public company, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations; and those additional risks, uncertainties and factors described in more detail in Northern Data’s annual and interim financial reports made publicly available and under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements after the issuance of this press release to reflect any future events or circumstances. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
For investor inquiries, please contact:
Shannon Devine
MZ Group, MZ North America
203-741-8811 [email protected]
Post-merger, Rumble Cloud Renamed Quake AI, Integrating Northern Data Offerings
Rumble to Remain the Video and Media Platform’s Core Brand Name
Corporate Parent to be Renamed RUM Group Inc. and Will Oversee Two Business Units: Rumble and Quake AI
LONGBOAT KEY, Fla., June 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rumble (NASDAQ: RUM) today introduced a new business unit and legal name for the company following the closing of its acquisition of Northern Data AG (“Northern Data”). Effective June 18, 2026, under the new RUM Group Inc. (“RUM”) identity, the publicly traded company now operates two core business units: Rumble, its video platform, and Quake AI, formerly Northern Data, its cloud and AI-infrastructure business. Together, they rest on a single conviction: the future will be powered by human imagination, and RUM will benefit from a powerful flywheel powered by both pillars.
"We are living through a once-in-a-generation shift. As artificial intelligence makes knowledge abundant, the scarcest and most valuable resource on Earth becomes the one thing machines can’t manufacture: human imagination. RUM exists to build the future where that ingenuity wins, and to make sure it belongs to the dreamers and the doers. Quake AI gives that imagination a foundation. Rumble gives it a voice," said Chris Pavlovski, Chairman and CEO of RUM.
RUM - The Vision
RUM’s mission is to maximize the power of human imagination. The business is built on two core beliefs:
As AI democratizes knowledge, the world needs a free and open internet to express and explore our scarcest and most valuable assets: human imagination, creativity, and agency.The future enterprise will be led by humans empowered to explore to the edges of their imagination, powered by decentralized agentic AI and transacted on the rails of blockchain technology. In summary, RUM is built on the belief that future value accrues to two elements that machines cannot replicate at scale: physical infrastructure and human creativity. The company owns both pillars and each makes the other stronger, creating a valuable and unique flywheel.
Quake AI: The Physical Foundation
Quake AI is the physical foundation — where ideas are built, explored, and scaled to the edges of agentic compute. It is the ground floor of the next enterprise: the infrastructure that turns a single idea into the force of millions, leveraging the compute, cloud, data centers, and a blockchain trust layer necessary for AI agents to coordinate and transact at scale.
Quake AI combines a unique set of assets, now under one roof:
CPU: Rumble Cloud's low-latency, CPU-based compute, network and storage originally designed to deliver world-class global video distribution at scale.GPU: Northern Data’s GPU estate of approximately 22,000 NVIDIA H100/H200 GPUs across nine data centers.Power: Northern Data’s data-center footprint, including up to ~250 MW of energized and contracted capacity.Blockchain: A strategic partnership with Tether, providing the trust layer for AI agents to coordinate and transact. Quake AI is built to be the rails of the agentic enterprise - the foundation layer upon which everything else stands.
Build on Quake AI today.
Rumble: The Foundation of Creativity
Where Quake AI is the physical foundation, Rumble is the foundation of creativity, where ideas are expressed and freedom is granted to push to the edges of what’s possible. As the internet fills with synthetic sameness, Rumble is the vibrant, unfiltered home of the human voice, where real people create, debate, and push ideas forward.
The smarter machines get, the more genuine expression matters — and Rumble is the stage for it: the audience, the tools, the distribution, and the freedom to say what’s worth saying. Rumble keeps the conversation human, and it keeps it moving.
Rumble offers multiple formats for humanity to express and explore:
Rumble Video: The true home of free speech, built on authenticity.Rumble Ads: The promotional engine that puts great ideas front and center.Rumble Studio: The creativity hub, where livestreaming and content production brings ideas to the masses. Join Rumble today.
The Road Ahead
Further details on product offerings, roadmap, and the extended brand rollout will be shared in the coming months.
About RUM Group Inc.
RUM Group Inc. (NASDAQ: RUM) mission is to maximize the power of human imagination. Rumble gives human creativity a voice, a video and media platform built for creators and audiences who value free expression. Quake AI is a cloud and AI-infrastructure business, delivering the compute, data-center capacity, and blockchain infrastructure for the agentic era. Together, they power the company’s mission to maximize the power of human imagination. For more information visit www.rum.group.
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements"” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by using words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “targets,” “expects,” “endeavors,” “forecasts,” “could,” “will,” “may,” “future,” “likely,” “on track to deliver,” “continues to,” “looks forward to,” “is primed to,” “plans,” “projects,” “assumes,” “should” or other similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially from future results expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on our current beliefs and expectations of our management as of the date hereof. These statements are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. Important assumptions and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forward-looking statements include risks related to the Northern Data business combination, including the success of the business following the Transactions; the ability to successfully integrate Rumble’s and Northern Data’s businesses; risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the transaction; the risk that the transaction can negatively impact the ability of Rumble and Northern Data to retain customers, retain or hire key personnel, maintain relationships with their respective suppliers and customers, and on their operating results and businesses generally; the risk that the combined business may be unable to achieve expected synergies or that it may take longer or be more costly than expected to achieve those synergies; the risk of fluctuations in revenue due to lengthy sales and approval process required by major and other service providers for new products; the risk posed by potential breaches of information systems and cyber-attacks; the risks that Rumble, Northern Data or the post combination company may not be able to effectively compete, including through product improvements and development; the risk that Rumble, Northern Data or the post-combination company may not be able to meet surging AI compute demand by establishing business relationships with hyperscalers; the risk that the cloud, video, and content delivery network capabilities of Rumble, Northern Data or the post-combination company may not be sufficient to attract and continue to attract interest from system integrators and content creators and to create powerful funnel partnership opportunities for the combined platform; the risk that Rumble, Northern Data or the post combination company may not be able to accelerate delivery of next-generation cloud solutions and AI applications; our ability to grow and manage future growth profitably over time, maintain relationships with customers, compete within our industry and retain key employees; weakened global economic conditions may affect our business and operating results; our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our business and prospects; we may not grow or maintain our active user base, and may not be able to achieve or maintain profitability; we may fail to maintain adequate operational and financial resources; we may be unsuccessful in attracting new users to our mobile and connected TV offerings; our traffic growth, engagement, and monetization depend upon effective operation within and compatibility with operating systems, networks, devices, web browsers and standards, including mobile operating systems, networks, and standards that we do not control; our business depends on continued and unimpeded access to our content and services on the internet and if we or those who engage with our content experience disruptions in internet service, or if internet service providers are able to block, degrade or charge for access to our content and services, we could incur additional expenses and the loss of traffic and advertisers; we face significant market competition, and if we are unable to compete effectively with our competitors for traffic and advertising spend, our business and operating results could be harmed; we rely on data from third parties to calculate certain of our performance metrics and real or perceived inaccuracies in such metrics may harm our reputation and negatively affect our business; changes to our existing content and services could fail to attract traffic and advertisers or fail to generate revenue; we derive the majority of our revenue from advertising and the failure to attract new advertisers, the loss of existing advertisers, or the reduction of or failure by existing advertisers to maintain or increase their advertising budgets may adversely affect our business and operating results; we depend on third-party vendors, including internet service providers, advertising networks, and data centers, to provide core services; new technologies have been developed that are able to block certain online advertisements or impair our ability to deliver advertising, which could harm our operating results; we have offered and intend to continue to offer incentives, including economic incentives, to content creators to join our platform, and these arrangements may involve fixed payment obligations that are not contingent on actual revenue or performance metrics generated by the applicable content creator but rather are based on our modeled financial projections for that creator, which if not satisfied may adversely impact our financial performance, results of operations and liquidity; changes in tax rates, changes in tax treatment of companies engaged in e-commerce, the adoption of new U.S. or international tax legislation, or exposure to additional tax liabilities may adversely impact our financial results; compliance obligations imposed by new privacy laws, laws regulating online video sharing platforms, other online platforms and online speech in certain jurisdictions in which we operate, or industry practices may adversely affect our business, financial performance, and operating results; we may become subject to newly enacted laws and regulations that restrict or moderate content on the internet; we are exposed to significant regulatory, operational, compliance, privacy, and legal risks related to age restriction or verification requirements and children’s online safety laws contemplated or enacted in various U.S. states and foreign jurisdictions; paid endorsements by our content creators ma expose us to regulatory risk, liability, and compliance costs, and, as a result, may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations; we have incurred and will incur significantly increased expenses and administrative burdens as a public company, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations; and those additional risks, uncertainties and factors described in more detail in Northern Data’s annual and interim financial reports made publicly available and under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements after the issuance of this press release to reflect any future events or circumstances. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.
For investor inquiries, please contact:
Shannon Devine
MZ Group, MZ North America
203-741-8811 [email protected]
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
Rumble , which hosts U.S. President Donald Trump's Truth Social platform said it would begin operating under the name 'RUM Group' and oversee a new AI-focused business unit in addition to its namesake video platform.
HomeIndustriesInternet/Online ServicesTech StocksTech StocksIs Rumble’s AI expansion just Allbirds 2.0 — or a move modeled after Elon Musk?Last Updated: June 17, 2026 at 8:13 p.m. ET
First Published: June 17, 2026 at 7:29 p.m. ET
In another sign of artificial-intelligence euphoria, Rumble, which is best known for being an alternative to YouTube, is exciting investors through its move to become more of an AI player.
The company announced Wednesday that it completed the purchase of cloud and AI infrastructure provider Northern Data. It’s changing its name to RUM Group and will operate through two units, one focused on AI infrastructure and the other on video.
Rumble stock is showing exceptional strength. What’s behind RUM gains? Rumble now owns approximately 85.2% of Northern Data’s outstanding shares, gaining immediate access to one of Europe’s largest independent GPU estates, roughly 22,000 high-end NVIDIA H100 and H200 GPUs across nine data centers.
The acquisition also adds approximately 250 MW of current energized and planned power capacity, almost all of which is expected to come online by 2027 across ten data centers, four of which are owned. More than 200 MW of that capacity is currently unmonetized, providing substantial headroom to deploy additional GPUs and layer on incremental services over time.
“Closing this transaction marks a defining step in our evolution,” said Chris Pavlovski, Founder and CEO. “We now have over 200 MW of unmonetized energy capacity and substantial contracted revenue across Rumble. Investors can see that we are very quickly entering an entirely new level of fundamentals for our business.”
The RebrandEffective today, the publicly traded company operates under the new RUM Group Inc. identity with two core business units: Rumble, its video platform, and Quake AI — formerly Northern Data — its cloud and AI infrastructure business.
Quake AI combines Rumble Cloud’s CPU-based compute, storage, and network infrastructure with Northern Data’s GPU estate, power footprint, and data center capacity. The company describes the two units as a flywheel — Quake AI providing the physical foundation for agentic AI, and Rumble providing the creative platform built on free expression.
“We are living through a once-in-a-generation shift. As artificial intelligence makes knowledge abundant, the scarcest and most valuable resource on Earth becomes the one thing machines can’t manufacture: human imagination. Quake AI gives that imagination a foundation. Rumble gives it a voice,” said Pavlovski.
Rumble Shares SurgeRUM Price Action: At the time of publication, Rumble shares are trading 16.19% higher at $8.47, according to data from Benzinga Pro.
Image via Shutterstock
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Rumble Inc. ("Rumble" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: RUM). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Rumble and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On May 14, 2026, Rumble issued a press release reporting its financial results for the first quarter of 2026. Despite reporting record revenue, Rumble disclosed that higher marketing costs, acquisition-related expenses, and increased spending on research and development significantly eroded profits during the quarter, causing the Company to report a net loss of $30.2 million, compared to a loss of only $2.6 million in the prior-year period.
On this news, Rumble's stock price fell $0.97 per share, or 11.87%, to close at $7.20 per share on May 15, 2026.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Video platform Rumble is jumping on the AI bandwagon with its newest AI platform. Launching as Quake AI, the new sector combines cloud, compute, and AI infrastructure, and is slated to dominate the company's business segment.
Rumble transforms post-Northern Data acquisition, launching Quake AI with 22,000 NVIDIA GPUs and robust enterprise contracts. Quake AI's $270 million Together AI deal and Tether's $250 million partnership provide strong revenue visibility, supporting a "Buy" rating and $9.41 price target. Video platform MAUs grew 8% sequentially; Shorts monetization and Rumble Wallet offer future optionality beyond AI infrastructure.
) as the Bear of the Day on June 2 after their March quarter earnings report seemed to overcome several years of pessimism below $120 and make new highs above $160. In my "bottom line" I wrote...
"If you took a shot at AKAM shares under $80 last year when it was priced for failure, maybe it's a good time to take some profits now that they're priced for perfection."
That turned out to be good advice.
Because since then not only has the stock fallen back to $130, but analysts have been adjusting estimates lower with the most recent Zacks EPS Consensus coming down to $6.65, near the lower end of the company's guidance of $6.40 to $7.15.
Akamai is a $19 billion global provider of content delivery networks (CDN), cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure services.
The company’s solutions accelerate and improve the delivery of content over the Internet, enabling faster response to requests for web pages, streaming of video & audio, and business applications.
Its offerings are intended to reduce the impact of traffic congestion, bandwidth constraints and capacity limitations on customers, with the data-hog of high-definition video a particular specialty.
For more background on the company's troubled efforts to compete in the AI economy, see my June 2 report: AKAM Bear of the Day.
$1.8 Billion AI Infrastructure Deal
After AKAM's Q1 report, Bank of America analyst Tal Liani upgraded the stock to Buy from Neutral and raised his price target to $175 from $130. Liani noted...
“The story has shifted from a legacy delivery network to a credible AI infrastructure platform. Large cloud infrastructure wins, including a $1.8 billion, 7-year deal, signal real demand for distributed AI, not just narrative.”
In their Q1 presentation, Akamai announced that a "leading frontier model provider" had committed $1.8 billion for its cloud infrastructure services over seven years.
Bloomberg later reported that the customer was AI startup Anthropic, though neither company publicly confirmed the report.
Liani estimates the agreement will contribute between $20 million and $25 million in quarterly revenue beginning in the fourth quarter.
The Bank of America team acknowledged that Akamai’s AI expansion will require substantial investment, citing that capital expenditures could rise to as much as $825 million over the next year as the company expands infrastructure capacity.
Consequently, free cash flow is projected to decline nearly 48% in 2026 before recovering in subsequent years.
Analysts and Investors Remain Optimistic
In late May, Akamai was able to raise $3.5 billion through a convertible bond offering. And the company also announced a $350 million share buyback.
With the stock holding up well above $150, it appears investors still like the resurgent Akamai story.
And at least four investment banks agree with Guggenheim Securities raising their price target to $181 from $133 and Craig-Hallum jumping from $100 to a $190 objective.
Morgan Stanley and Susquehanna raised their price targets to $165 and $175, respectively.
But some pessimism persists as Goldman Sachs reiterated their Strong Sell rating while raising their target from $76 to $87 after the Q1 report.
The optimists are probably focused on Akamai's strong footprint in monitoring, preventing, and mitigating cyber attacks. The company recently cited their research data identifying these threat metrics for financial services:
738% longer DDoS durations since 2024
147% rise in advanced bots
96% of banks faced API incidents
60–83% of web/API attacks hit banking
Bottom line: While the growth story is turning around amid new datacenter opportunities and initiatives in cybersecurity, it's a slow grind from here as the Goldman team believes. Until the growth estimates stabilize and start heading higher -- the Zacks Rank will let you know -- we could still see a gap fill back to $120 support.
WPP Enterprise Solutions, the global business transformation operating unit of WPP, today announced it has signed a multi-year Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS). The agreement accelerates how enterprise brands close the gap between AI experimentation and scaled business impact across commerce, customer experience, and marketing operations.
The prevalence of AI in everyday life has made instant, intelligent, personalized experiences the baseline consumer expectation. Gartner predicts that by 2028, 60% of brands will use agentic AI to deliver streamlined one-to-one interactions. Consumers now expect every touchpoint to be intelligent, contextual, and autonomous.
Through this SCA, WPP Enterprise Solutions brings engineering depth and creative-to-commerce expertise to AWS generative and agentic AI capabilities, delivering production-grade AI systems at the speed and scale enterprise customers need to meet consumer demand.
From AI Pilots to Production
WPP Enterprise Solutions is the AWS Consulting Partner within WPP that specializes in agentic commerce and customer experience. Its engineers write the code, deploy the agents, and operate the AI, bridging the gap between creative strategy and production-grade technology.
At the center of the collaboration is a portfolio of production-ready offerings built on AWS:
Amazon Marketing Cloud Center of Excellence. Extends the content and data foundation into audience intelligence and measurement, connecting creative production directly to commerce outcomes on AWS. Composable Content Engine. Built on Amazon Bedrock and available in AWS Marketplace, this subscription-based platform enables franchisees, dealers, and local markets to create brand-compliant creative assets at scale with governance from day one. Enterprise clients have achieved up to 90% reduction in production time and 40% reduction in content costs. Agentic CX and Commerce Accelerators. Production-ready accelerators available through AWS Marketplace give enterprises a governed path from pilot to full-scale deployment of autonomous marketing, personalization, and commerce workflows. "This collaboration with AWS is about one thing: helping our clients turn generative and agentic AI from experiments into operating systems for their businesses," said Jeff Geheb, Global CEO, WPP Enterprise Solutions. "Enterprise leaders are past the pilot stage. They need AI that ships, scales, and delivers measurable ROI with the rigor that boards and C-suites now demand. We already build and operate production AI on AWS for the world's biggest brands. This SCA reinforces the shared commitment, engineering depth, and go-to-market alignment to deliver at even greater scale."
"AI is becoming the operating layer for commerce and customer experience," said Ruba Borno, Vice President of Global Specialists and Partners at AWS. "This collaboration proves what's possible when you combine deep transformation expertise with a platform purpose-built for AI at scale. WPP Enterprise Solutions engineers build and operate production AI directly on AWS for some of the world's most recognizable brands, and together we're scaling a proven model that's already delivering measurable outcomes for customers."
Customer Proof Point: United Rentals
United Rentals (NYSE: URI), the world's largest equipment rental company, shows what scaled AI built by WPP Enterprise Solutions on AWS can deliver in practice. Through the collaboration, WPP Enterprise Solutions and United Rentals built Equipment Agent — an omni-channel AI-powered equipment identification solution live across unitedrentals.com and AI platforms. First launched on Amazon Bedrock Agents and since evolved onto Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, the solution grounds its selections in Amazon Bedrock Knowledge Bases vectorized in Amazon OpenSearch:
One of the first AI-powered recommendation solutions of its kind in the equipment rental industry Approximately 70% improvement in helping customers find the right equipment for their projects based on internal testing United Rentals expects to continue to scale AI applications on AWS, including capabilities built on Amazon Bedrock and Amazon OpenSearch.
"We built Equipment Agent to meet customers where they already plan their work — on unitedrentals.com and across the AI assistants, anywhere AI is becoming part of how the job gets done. With WPP Enterprise Solutions engineering and Amazon Bedrock anchoring it, we have moved generative and agentic AI from ideas to production at the pace our business demands and believe this SCA supports continued development," said Tony Leopold, Chief Technology & Strategy Officer, United Rentals.
Building on AWS for Leading Brands
WPP Enterprise Solutions is an AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner with AWS-certified consultants, a dedicated Amazon Marketing Cloud Center of Excellence, and production deployments across commerce, customer experience, data, and customer service, with Amazon Bedrock anchoring the generative and agentic AI layer.
For more information, please visit https://www.wpp.com/en/wpp-enterprise-solutions.
ABOUT WPP ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS
WPP Enterprise Solutions designs, builds, and operates the growth systems that competitive businesses rely on. WPP Enterprise Solutions is recognized for its innovative business transformation work on behalf of global clients and works alongside best-in-class partners to deliver transformation solutions tailored to the needs of our clients’ businesses. WPP Enterprise Solutions is a global business powered by 12,000 experts who operate across 40+ markets in North America, Latin America, EMEA and APAC.
WPP Enterprise Solutions is a WPP company (NYSE: WPP). For more information, visit https://www.wpp.com/en/wpp-enterprise-solutions.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260618440450/en/
NEW YORK, June 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into Hub Group Inc. (NASDAQ:HUBG) for potential securities fraud after significant stock drops.
If you invested in Hub Group, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/hub-group-class-action-lawsuit.
Key Details of the Hub Group ($HUBG) Class Action Investigation:
Investigation Overview: Securities fraud regarding Hub Group’s financial restatements for the first nine months of 2025 and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 due to prematurely or incorrectly recognized transactions.Stock Declines: February 6, 2026 - 18% Stock DropMay 12, 2026 - 13% Stock Drop Action: Contact BFA Law to discuss your rights Why is Hub Group Being Investigated for Securities Fraud?
Hub Group is a supply chain solutions provider that offers transportation and logistics management services. Hub Group is one of the largest freight transportation providers in North America.
BFA is investigating Hub Group’s financial statements for the first nine months of 2025 and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, due to prematurely or incorrectly recognized transactions.
Why did Hub Group’s Stock Drop?
On February 5, 2026, Hub Group announced that it would delay the full release of its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results and will restate its financial statements for the first three quarters of 2025 due to an error that understated purchased transportation costs and accounts payable.
This news caused the price of Hub Group stock to decline $9.37 per share, or 18%, from a closing price of $51.33 per share on February 5, 2026, to $41.96 per share on February 6, 2026.
Then, on May 12, 2026, Hub Group announced that its previously issued audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were materially misstated and should no longer be relied upon. Hub Group stated that it identified premature or incorrectly recognized transactions and that it expects to conclude that it did not maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
This news caused the price of Hub Group stock to decline $5.24 per share, or 13%, from a closing price of $41.86 per share on May 11, 2026, to $36.62 per share on May 12, 2026.
Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/hub-group-class-action-lawsuit.
What Can You Do?
If you invested in Hub Group, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.
All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.
Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?
BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named “Elite Trial Lawyers” by the National Law Journal, “Litigation Stars” by Benchmark Litigation, among the top “500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers” by Lawdragon, “Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360 and “SuperLawyers” by Thomson Reuters.
Most recently, The Legal 500 awarded BFA the most client satisfaction accolades of any plaintiff’s securities litigation law firm, with clients noting: “[t]here is no better service provider in the practice area,” “[t]he interest of the client is always front and center,” and “[t]here isn’t a better firm in this space.” One testimonial described the firm as “nimble and entrepreneurial,” with a “relentless focus on adding value for clients.”
Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.
For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Anfield Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: AEC; TSX.V: AEC; FRANKFURT: 0AD) (“Anfield” or the “Company”), following its May 4th news release, is pleased to report that is has filed its combined preliminary economic assessment (“PEA”) titled, “The Shootaring Canyon Mill and Tributary Mines, Utah and Colorado, USA, Preliminary Economic Assessment” on SEDAR+. The PEA incorporates its Utah-based Velvet-Wood uranium and vanadium project (“Velvet-Wood”), its Colorado-based Slick Rock uranium and vanadium project (“Slick Rock”) and six of the nine mines which comprise the West Slope complex (“West Slope Mines”).
NEW YORK, June 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into Hub Group Inc. (NASDAQ:HUBG) for potential securities fraud after significant stock drops.
If you invested in Hub Group, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/hub-group-class-action-lawsuit.
Key Details of the Hub Group ($HUBG) Class Action Investigation:
Investigation Overview: Securities fraud regarding Hub Group’s financial restatements for the first nine months of 2025 and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 due to prematurely or incorrectly recognized transactions.Stock Declines: February 6, 2026 - 18% Stock DropMay 12, 2026 - 13% Stock Drop Action: Contact BFA Law to discuss your rights
Why is Hub Group Being Investigated for Securities Fraud?
Hub Group is a supply chain solutions provider that offers transportation and logistics management services. Hub Group is one of the largest freight transportation providers in North America.
BFA is investigating Hub Group’s financial statements for the first nine months of 2025 and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, due to prematurely or incorrectly recognized transactions.
Why did Hub Group’s Stock Drop?
On February 5, 2026, Hub Group announced that it would delay the full release of its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results and will restate its financial statements for the first three quarters of 2025 due to an error that understated purchased transportation costs and accounts payable.
This news caused the price of Hub Group stock to decline $9.37 per share, or 18%, from a closing price of $51.33 per share on February 5, 2026, to $41.96 per share on February 6, 2026.
Then, on May 12, 2026, Hub Group announced that its previously issued audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were materially misstated and should no longer be relied upon. Hub Group stated that it identified premature or incorrectly recognized transactions and that it expects to conclude that it did not maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
This news caused the price of Hub Group stock to decline $5.24 per share, or 13%, from a closing price of $41.86 per share on May 11, 2026, to $36.62 per share on May 12, 2026.
Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/hub-group-class-action-lawsuit.
What Can You Do?
If you invested in Hub Group, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.
All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.
Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?
BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named “Elite Trial Lawyers” by the National Law Journal, “Litigation Stars” by Benchmark Litigation, among the top “500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers” by Lawdragon, “Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360 and “SuperLawyers” by Thomson Reuters.
Most recently, The Legal 500 awarded BFA the most client satisfaction accolades of any plaintiff’s securities litigation law firm, with clients noting: “[t]here is no better service provider in the practice area,” “[t]he interest of the client is always front and center,” and “[t]here isn’t a better firm in this space.” One testimonial described the firm as “nimble and entrepreneurial,” with a “relentless focus on adding value for clients.”
Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.
For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.
, /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman has launched an investigation into Hub Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUBG) amid a worsening series of accounting failures, disclosures of material misstatements, and emerging signs of a potential SEC investigation, according to analysts.
If you suffered significant losses investing in Hub Group, Inc. (HUBG) stock, click this link to submit your transaction details.
Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/hubg
Contact the Firm Now: [email protected]
844-916-0895
New Developments: Mounting Risk and Executive Turnover:
As of June 2026, the situation at Hub Group has deteriorated significantly, raising urgent questions for shareholders:
Possible Undisclosed SEC Investigation: Analysts at Disclosure Insight recently identified an early signal of a potential SEC investigation into Hub Group. While not yet confirmed as an ongoing enforcement action, according to Disclosure Insight, the company's recent history of undisclosed SEC activity—including a separate, previously undisclosed investigation that concluded on February 9, 2026—suggests a heightened risk profile. Abrupt Executive Departures: On May 27, 2026, the company saw the sudden, simultaneous departures of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Delisting Risk: The company has been issued a delisting notice by NASDAQ, further adding to the instability surrounding the firm's public standing. Accounting Allegations and Internal Control Failures
The current turmoil follows a series of disclosures beginning in February 2026, when Hub Group admitted that its financial statements for the first nine months of 2025 were materially misstated due to a $77 million understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable.
Subsequent filings have revealed that these accounting issues are far more pervasive than initially disclosed:
Expanded Non-Reliance: In May 2026, the company admitted that its audited financial statements for both 2023 and 2024 were also materially misstated and should no longer be relied upon. Systemic Internal Control Issues: The company has acknowledged that it did not maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures, or internal control over financial reporting, for the fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025. Unsupported Transactions: A review directed by the Audit Committee identified transactions that were "prematurely or incorrectly recognized or not adequately supported," leaving investors in the dark regarding the true state of the company's finances. Investor Alert:
Hagens Berman is investigating whether Hub Group and its management misled investors regarding the company's internal accounting controls and financial health. Investors who have suffered significant losses are encouraged to submit their information to the firm.
"Now that Hub Group has almost cleaned out its C-suite following an accounting error that reaches all the way back to 2023, the core focus of our investigation is whether these expenses were intentionally or recklessly understated to artificially inflate operating margins," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation.
If you invested in Hub Group and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now »
If you'd like more information and answers to other frequently asked questions about the firm's Hub Group investigation, read more »
Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Hub Group should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].
About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
, /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman has launched an investigation into Hub Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUBG) amid a worsening series of accounting failures, disclosures of material misstatements, and emerging signs of a potential SEC investigation, according to analysts.
If you suffered significant losses investing in Hub Group, Inc. (HUBG) stock, click this link to submit your transaction details.
Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/hubg
Contact the Firm Now: [email protected]
844-916-0895
New Developments: Mounting Risk and Executive Turnover:
As of June 2026, the situation at Hub Group has deteriorated significantly, raising urgent questions for shareholders:
Possible Undisclosed SEC Investigation: Analysts at Disclosure Insight recently identified an early signal of a potential SEC investigation into Hub Group. While not yet confirmed as an ongoing enforcement action, according to Disclosure Insight, the company's recent history of undisclosed SEC activity—including a separate, previously undisclosed investigation that concluded on February 9, 2026—suggests a heightened risk profile.Abrupt Executive Departures: On May 27, 2026, the company saw the sudden, simultaneous departures of its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO).Delisting Risk: The company has been issued a delisting notice by NASDAQ, further adding to the instability surrounding the firm's public standing.Accounting Allegations and Internal Control Failures
The current turmoil follows a series of disclosures beginning in February 2026, when Hub Group admitted that its financial statements for the first nine months of 2025 were materially misstated due to a $77 million understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable.
Subsequent filings have revealed that these accounting issues are far more pervasive than initially disclosed:
Expanded Non-Reliance: In May 2026, the company admitted that its audited financial statements for both 2023 and 2024 were also materially misstated and should no longer be relied upon.Systemic Internal Control Issues: The company has acknowledged that it did not maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures, or internal control over financial reporting, for the fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025.Unsupported Transactions: A review directed by the Audit Committee identified transactions that were "prematurely or incorrectly recognized or not adequately supported," leaving investors in the dark regarding the true state of the company's finances.Investor Alert:
Hagens Berman is investigating whether Hub Group and its management misled investors regarding the company's internal accounting controls and financial health. Investors who have suffered significant losses are encouraged to submit their information to the firm.
"Now that Hub Group has almost cleaned out its C-suite following an accounting error that reaches all the way back to 2023, the core focus of our investigation is whether these expenses were intentionally or recklessly understated to artificially inflate operating margins," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation.
If you invested in Hub Group and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now »
If you'd like more information and answers to other frequently asked questions about the firm's Hub Group investigation, read more »
Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Hub Group should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].
About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hbss-expands-hub-group-hubg-investigation-following-mounting-accounting-discrepancies-and-possible-sec-probe-per-analysts-302804944.html
NEW YORK, June 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces an investigation into Hub Group Inc. (NASDAQ:HUBG) for potential securities fraud after significant stock drops.
If you invested in Hub Group, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/hub-group-class-action-lawsuit.
Key Details of the Hub Group ($HUBG) Class Action Investigation:
Investigation Overview: Securities fraud regarding Hub Group’s financial restatements for the first nine months of 2025 and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 due to prematurely or incorrectly recognized transactions.Stock Declines: February 6, 2026 - 18% Stock DropMay 12, 2026 - 13% Stock Drop Action: Contact BFA Law to discuss your rights Why is Hub Group Being Investigated for Securities Fraud?
Hub Group is a supply chain solutions provider that offers transportation and logistics management services. Hub Group is one of the largest freight transportation providers in North America.
BFA is investigating Hub Group’s financial statements for the first nine months of 2025 and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, due to prematurely or incorrectly recognized transactions.
Why did Hub Group’s Stock Drop?
On February 5, 2026, Hub Group announced that it would delay the full release of its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results and will restate its financial statements for the first three quarters of 2025 due to an error that understated purchased transportation costs and accounts payable.
This news caused the price of Hub Group stock to decline $9.37 per share, or 18%, from a closing price of $51.33 per share on February 5, 2026, to $41.96 per share on February 6, 2026.
Then, on May 12, 2026, Hub Group announced that its previously issued audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were materially misstated and should no longer be relied upon. Hub Group stated that it identified premature or incorrectly recognized transactions and that it expects to conclude that it did not maintain effective disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
This news caused the price of Hub Group stock to decline $5.24 per share, or 13%, from a closing price of $41.86 per share on May 11, 2026, to $36.62 per share on May 12, 2026.
Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/hub-group-class-action-lawsuit.
What Can You Do?
If you invested in Hub Group, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.
All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.
Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?
BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named “Elite Trial Lawyers” by the National Law Journal, “Litigation Stars” by Benchmark Litigation, among the top “500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers” by Lawdragon, “Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar” by Law360 and “SuperLawyers” by Thomson Reuters.
Most recently, The Legal 500 awarded BFA the most client satisfaction accolades of any plaintiff’s securities litigation law firm, with clients noting: “[t]here is no better service provider in the practice area,” “[t]he interest of the client is always front and center,” and “[t]here isn’t a better firm in this space.” One testimonial described the firm as “nimble and entrepreneurial,” with a “relentless focus on adding value for clients.”
Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.
For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.
HyProMag USA Starts Long‑Lead Equipment Procurement, Increases Projected Magnet Production, and Progresses U.S. Build‑Out
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / June 22, 2026 / CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH)(OTCQX:CTHCF) ("CoTec" or the "Company") notes the press release issued today by its joint venture, HyProMag USA, LLC ("HyProMag USA"), a U.S.-based leader in rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing, providing an update on the development of its Ironhead facility (the "Texas Hub") and the build-out of its U.S. commercial platform (together, the "Project"). In its release, HyProMag USA reports that it has increased its projected magnet production capacity, started procurement of key long‑lead equipment and is progressing detailed engineering, feedstock aggregation, and commercial offtake discussions, while also initiating a search for U.S‑based executive leadership to support the next phase of growth.
Following completion of the Class 2 AACE[i] capital cost estimate in Q4 2025 and the commissioning of HyProMag's UK and German plants, HyProMag USA has begun ordering critical‑path long‑lead equipment to support a targeted H2 2027 commissioning of the Texas Hub. In parallel, detailed engineering is advancing and the company is in discussions with feedstock suppliers, potential offtake partners and financing counterparties as it transitions from feasibility and pilot validation into execution of a scaled domestic magnet recycling and manufacturing platform in the United States.
Key Highlights from HyProMag USA's Update
Long‑lead equipment procurement underway:
HyProMag USA has commenced procurement of three Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap ("HPMS") vessels along with magnet processing and finishing equipment to secure the development schedule for the Texas Hub.
Increased magnet production and updated economics:
Detailed engineering for a rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing operation at the Texas Hub, supported by two pre‑processing spoke sites at Intelligent Lifecycle Solution ("ILS") facilities in South Carolina and Nevada, indicates[ii]:
Annual production capacity of approximately 1,048 metric tons of recycled sintered neodymium‑iron‑boron ("NdFeB") magnets and 478 metric tons of NdFeB co‑products (total payable capacity of 1,526 metric tons NdFeB) over a 40‑year operating life.
Post‑tax Net Present Value ("NPV")[iii] of approximately US$797 million and a real internal rate of return ("IRR") of 37.1% based on forecast market prices[iv],[v].
Post‑tax NPV of approximately US$416 million and a real IRR of 26.3% based on current market prices[vi].
Total initial capital cost of approximately US$152 million[vii], including an 8.2% contingency and detailed design and engineering costs, over a one‑year construction phase.
Power supply discussions initiated:
HyProMag USA has started formal discussions with Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC ("Oncor") to provide power to the Texas Hub and expects the facility to be supplied predominantly from renewable resources.
Ironhead building and early works:
Preparatory work is underway for the project execution phase at the Ironhead building in Northlake, Texas, in the Dallas‑Fort Worth metro area, including planning for the delivery and installation of early works equipment.
Inserma systems installation at ILS spoke sites:
Three INSERMA ANOIA S.L. ("Inserma") "3rd generation" hard disk drive ("HDD") magnet separation systems have been installed at the ILS pre‑processing sites in Williston, South Carolina and Las Vegas, Nevada, with additional machine upgrades underway, including AI‑embedded HDD recognition and data traceability functions.
Feedstock security and diversification:
HyProMag USA continues to build its feedstock base through its partnership with ILS[viii] and a broader multi‑source purchasing strategy, targeting additional bulk NdFeB feedstock such as electric motor rotors, wind turbine magnets, speaker assemblies and end‑of‑life MRI machines.
Offtake engagement:
HyProMag USA is in discussions with multiple potential offtake customers and, together with HyProMag Limited, is providing magnet samples for product verification and qualification.
U.S. leadership build‑out:
HyProMag USA has engaged a leading global executive search and consulting firm to identify a U.S.‑based CEO and CFO to support a potential future public listing and continued rollout of the business.
Pre‑feasibility expansion study for future plants:
HyProMag USA is targeting completion of a Class 3 AACE estimate and optimal configuration study in Q3 2026 for additional plants that will mirror the Texas Hub, with the objective of expanding U.S.-based production to approximately 4,656 metric tons of NdFeB saleable products.
Financing:
HyProMag USA is in discussions with three financial institutions and continues to advance its project finance discussions following the procurement of the long‑lead equipment.
Julian Treger, CoTec CEO, commented: "We are making strong progress on our first plant in Texas. Ordering long‑lead items now keeps the Texas Hub on track and signals our confidence in the project and our ability to deliver it on schedule. ILS' growing portfolio of NdFeB feedstock, combined with stockpiling prior to commissioning, is designed to support a smooth ramp‑up and optimized batch production. Any additional feedstock secured can underpin our future expansion of the plans.
Our near‑term focus is on securing feedstock and offtake commitments to support our project financing and enable a construction start in Q4 2026. Importantly, we are not starting from scratch - the underlying technology is already commissioned and operating in the UK[ix] and Germany[x], and our goal is to scale that proven model in the United States. In parallel, we are building the leadership and operational platform needed to support long‑term growth and preparing for a potential future U.S. listing."
Detailed Design and Project Economics
As noted in HyProMag USA's release, the Texas Hub Class 2 AACE Capital Cost Estimate and Study (the "Detailed Design") is being carried out by a multidisciplinary team appointed by CoTec and Mkango and led by independent engineering firms PegasusTSI and BBA. The study, which is approximately 35% complete, includes optimization of the operation as well as an updated capital cost profile, and PegasusTSI and BBA have completed a 3D plant model based on the Class 2 estimate prepared in Q4 2025.
Potential Future U.S. Listing
In December 2025, HyProMag USA's owners, CoTec and Mkango Resources Ltd. (AIM/TSX‑V: MKA) ("Mkango"), announced that they were exploring a potential U.S. listing for HyProMag USA[xi]. Since then, the company has begun engaging prospective advisors and investment banks as part of an ongoing evaluation, with any potential listing remaining subject to project execution milestones, market conditions and regulatory approvals, and not expected before late 2026 or 2027.
About HyProMag USA
HyProMag USA is developing advanced rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing operations to establish a secure domestic U.S. supply chain for NdFeB magnets, which are critical components in AI infrastructure, defense systems, robotics, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. Leveraging the HPMS technology developed over 15 years with over US$100 million in R&D investment, HyProMag delivers faster magnet‑to‑magnet short‑loop recycling that uses 88% less energy and reduces carbon emissions by 85% compared to conventional methods. HyProMag USA has been selected by the U.S. State Department as a Minerals Security Partnership project and is targeting 10% of U.S. domestic magnet supply within five years.
Ownership
HyProMag USA LLC is owned 50:50 by CoTec and HyProMag Limited. HyProMag Limited is 100% owned by Maginito Limited, which is owned 79.4% by Mkango and 20.6% by CoTec.
For more information on HyProMag USA, please visit www.hypromagusa.com
About CoTec
CoTec is redefining the future of resource extraction and recycling. Focused on rare earth magnets and strategic materials, CoTec integrates breakthrough technologies with strategic assets to unlock secure, sustainable, and low-cost supply chains.
CoTec's mission is clear: accelerate the energy transition while strengthening strategic mineral supply chains for the countries we operate in. By investing in and deploying disruptive technologies, the Company delivers capital-efficient, scalable solutions that transform marginal assets, tailings, waste streams, and recycled products into high-value critical minerals.
From its HyProMag USA magnet recycling joint venture in Texas, to iron tailings reprocessing in Québec, to next-generation copper and iron solutions backed by global majors, CoTec is building a diversified portfolio with long-term growth, rapid cash flow potential, and high barriers to entry. The result is a differentiated platform at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic materials.
For more information, please visit www.cotec.ca
For further information, please contact:
Braam Jonker - (604) 992-5600
Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement
Statements in this press release regarding the Company and its investments which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" which involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to the Company's interest in HyProMag USA, the lease agreement of HyProMag USA, and its proposed development and management's expectations with respect to its current and potential future investments, including HyProMag USA, and the benefits to the Company which may be implied from such statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements, due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, including but not limited to resource and reserve risks; environmental risks and costs; labor costs and shortages; uncertain supply and price fluctuations in materials; increases in energy costs; labor disputes and work stoppages; leasing costs and the availability of equipment; heavy equipment demand and availability; contractor and subcontractor performance issues; worksite safety issues; project delays and cost overruns; extreme weather conditions; and social and transport disruptions. For further details regarding risks and uncertainties facing the Company please refer to "Risk Factors" in the Company's filing statement dated April 6, 2022, a copy of which may be found under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements in this press release except as required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release and are encouraged to read the Company's continuous disclosure documents which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Neither 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 news release.
[i] Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) - Class 2 Estimate
[iii] 7% real discount rates. NPVs are calculated by discounting real US dollar cash flows from 2027
[iv] Current market prices ("Current Prices") for all NdFeB products sold in the U.S, excluding residual scrap, derived from updated November 2025 U.S. 2024 price quotes, over the life of the asset
[v] NPV does not include the economic benefit of any government or state incentives, carbon pricing
[vi] Forecast market prices ("Forecast Prices") are the prices for all NdFeB products sold in the U.S, excluding residual scrap feed, with the rare earth price component thereof derived from the latest rare earth oxide price forecasts from Q1 (2027) Adamas Intelligence, over the life of the asset
HYPROMAG USA ADVANCES TEXAS HUB AND U.S. MAGNET PLATFORM
Company Starts Long-Lead Equipment Procurement, Increases Projected Magnet Production, and Progresses U.S. Build-Out
CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / June 22, 2026 / Mkango Resources Ltd (AIM:MKA)(TSX-V:MKA) ("Mkango") is pleased to announce that HyProMag USA, LLC ("HyProMag USA" or the "Company"), has provided an update on the development of its Ironhead facility (the "Texas Hub") and the build-out of its U.S. commercial platform (together, the "Project"). The Company has increased its projected magnet production capacity, started procurement of key long-lead equipment and is progressing detailed engineering, feedstock aggregation, and commercial offtake discussions, while also initiating a search for U.S-based executive leadership to support the next phase of growth.
Following completion of the Class 2 AACE[1] capital cost estimate in Q4 2025 and the commissioning of HyProMag's UK and German plants, HyProMag USA has begun ordering critical-path long-lead equipment to support a targeted H2 2027 commissioning of the Texas Hub. In parallel, detailed engineering is advancing and the Company is in discussions with feedstock suppliers, potential offtake partners and financing counterparties as it transitions from feasibility and pilot validation into execution of a scaled domestic magnet recycling and manufacturing platform in the United States.
Key Highlights
Long-lead equipment procurement underway:
The Company has commenced procurement of three Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap ("HPMS") vessels along with magnet processing and finishing equipment to secure the development schedule for the Texas Hub.
Increased magnet production and updated economics:
Detailed engineering for a rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing operation at the Texas Hub, supported by two pre-processing spoke sites at Intelligent Lifecycle Solution ("ILS") facilities in South Carolina and Nevada, indicates[2]:
Annual production capacity of approximately 1,048 metric tons of recycled sintered neodymium-iron-boron ("NdFeB") magnets and 478 metric tons of NdFeB co-products (total payable capacity of 1,526 metric tons NdFeB) over a 40-year operating life.
Post-tax Net Present Value ("NPV")[3] of approximately US$416 million and a real internal rate of return ("IRR") 26.3% based on current market prices[4],[5].
Post-tax NPV of approximately US$797 million and a real IRR of 37.1% based on forecast market prices[6].
Total initial capital cost of approximately US$152 million[7], including an 8.2% contingency and detailed design and engineering costs, over a one-year construction phase.
Power supply discussions initiated:
HyProMag USA has started formal discussions with Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC ("Oncor") to provide power to the Texas Hub and expects the facility to be supplied predominantly from renewable resources.
Ironhead Building and early works:
Preparatory work is underway for the project execution phase at the Ironhead building in Northlake, Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, including planning for the delivery and installation of early works equipment.
Inserma systems installation at ILS spoke sites:
Three INSERMA ANOIA S.L. ("Inserma") "3rd generation" hard disk drive ("HDD") magnet separation systems have been installed at the ILS pre-processing sites in Williston, South Carolina and Las Vegas, Nevada. Inserma is currently implementing additional machine upgrades, including AI embedded HDD recognition and data traceability functions.
Feedstock security and diversification:
HyProMag USA continues to build its feedstock base through its partnership with ILS[8] and a broader multi-source purchasing strategy. In addition to HDDs, ILS is actively targeting other bulk NdFeB feedstock, including electric motor rotors, wind turbine magnets, speaker assemblies and end-of-life MRI machines.
Offtake engagement:
The Company is in discussions with multiple potential offtake customers and, together with HyProMag Limited, is providing magnet samples for product verification and qualification.
U.S. leadership build-out:
HyProMag USA has engaged a leading global executive search and consulting firm to identify a U.S.-based CEO and CFO to support a potential future public listing and continued rollout of the business.
Pre-feasibility expansion study for future plants:
The Company is targeting completion of a Class 3 AACE estimate and optimal configuration study in Q3 2026 for additional plants that will mirror the Texas Hub, with the objective of expanding U.S.-based production to approximately 4,656 metric tons of NdFeB saleable products.
Financing:
The Company is in discussions with three financial institutions and continues to advance its project finance discussions following the procurement of the long lead equipment.
Julian Treger, CoTec CEO commented: "We are making strong progress on our first plant in Texas. Ordering long-lead items now keeps the Texas Hub on track and signals our confidence in the project and our ability to deliver it on schedule. ILS' growing portfolio of NdFeB feedstock, combined with stockpiling prior to commissioning, is designed to support a smooth ramp-up and optimized batch production. Any additional feedstock secured can underpin our future expansion of the plans.
Our near-term focus is on securing feedstock and offtake commitments to support our project financing and enable a construction start in Q4, 2026. Importantly, we are not starting from scratch - the underlying technology is already commissioned and operating in the UK[9] and Germany[10], and our goal is to scale that proven model in the United States. In parallel, we are building the leadership and operational platform needed to support long-term growth and preparing for a potential future U.S. listing."
Will Dawes, Mkango CEO commented: "HyProMag USA continues to progress towards commercial development and is well placed to play a key role in the development of more robust domestic rare earth supply chains in the United States. The Company has significant competitive advantages in the sector underpinned by the energy-efficient and cost-effective HPMS and Inserma technologies and proven capabilities to make commercial grade magnets for a range of applications. The Project is complemented by existing operations in UK and Germany, which effectively de-risk the technologies and facilitate ongoing offtake discussions.
We have a strong platform for growth in the United States and are excited to see the largescale expansion plans move to the pre-feasibility stage."
Detailed Design and Project Economics
The Texas Hub Class 2 AACE Capital Cost Estimate and Study (the "Detailed Design") is being carried out by a multidisciplinary team appointed by CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV: CTH; OTCQX: CTHCF) ("CoTec") and Mkango and led by independent engineering firms PegasusTSI and BBA. The study, which is approximately 35% complete, includes optimization of the operation as well as an updated capital cost profile. PegasusTSI and BBA have completed a 3D Plant model based on the Class 2 estimate prepared in Q4 2025 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNmJF3Hh1Mk)
Potential Future U.S. Listing
In December 2025, HyProMag USA's owners, CoTec and Mkango , announced that they were exploring a potential U.S. listing for HyProMag USA.[11] Since then, the Company has begun engaging prospective advisors and investment banks as part of an ongoing evaluation.
Any potential listing will remain subject to project execution milestones, market conditions and regulatory approvals. No decision has been made at this time, and any such transaction would not be expected before late 2026 or early 2027.
About Mkango Resources Ltd.
Mkango is listed on the AIM and the TSXV. Mkango's corporate strategy is to become a market leader in the production of recycled rare earth magnets, alloys and oxides, through its interest in Maginito, which is owned 79.4 per cent by Mkango and 20.6 per cent by CoTec Holdings Corp ("CoTec"), and to develop new sustainable sources of neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and terbium to supply accelerating demand from electric vehicles, wind turbines and other clean energy technologies.
Maginito holds a 100 per cent interest in HyProMag Limited and a 90 per cent direct and indirect interest (assuming conversion of Maginito's convertible loan) in HyProMag GmbH, focused on short loop rare earth magnet recycling in the UK and Germany, respectively, and a 100 per cent interest in Mkango Rare Earths UK Ltd ("Mkango UK"), focused on long loop rare earth magnet recycling in the UK via a chemical route.
Maginito and CoTec are also rolling out HPMS recycling technology into the United States via the 50/50 owned HyProMag USA LLC joint venture company.
Mkango also owns the advanced stage Songwe Hill rare earths project in Malawi ("Songwe") and the Pulawy rare earths separation project in Poland ("Pulawy"). Both the Songwe and Pulawy projects have been selected as Strategic Projects under the European Union Critical Raw Materials Act. Mkango has signed a business combination agreement ("Business Combination Agreement") with Crown PropTech Acquisitions ("CPTK") to list the Songwe Hill and Pulawy rare earths projects on NASDAQ via a SPAC Merger under the name Mkango Rare Earths Limited.
For more information, please visit www.mkango.ca
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this news release, including statements regarding MKAR's and Mkango's future financial position, results of operations, business strategy, and plans and objectives of their management team for future operations, as well as statements relating to the proposed amendments to the Company's stock option plan, the extension of certain stock options, the outcomes of the Meeting, the waiver of TSXV oversight and the Proposed MKAR Transaction, are forward-looking statements. Any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are also forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "target," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," "preliminary," or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the outlook for Mkango's business, productivity, plans, goals for future operational improvements, capital investments, operational performance, future market conditions, economic performance, developments in the capital and credit markets, expected future financial performance, capital expenditure plans and timeline, mineral reserve and resource estimates, production and other operating results, productivity improvements, expected net proceeds, expected additional funding, the percentage of redemptions of CPTK's public shareholders, growth prospects and outlook of MKAR's or Maginito's operations, individually or in the aggregate, including the future listing of MKAR on Nasdaq, as well as any information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of Mkango and MKAR. Forward-looking statements also include statements regarding the expected benefits of the Proposed MKAR Transaction. The forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the respective management teams of CPTK, Mkango and MKAR, as applicable, and are inherently subject to uncertainties and changes in circumstance and their potential effects. These forward‑looking statements are based on certain assumptions, including that required shareholder, regulatory and stock exchange approvals will be obtained and that the Proposed MKAR Transaction will be completed as currently contemplated. There can be no assurance that future developments will be those that have been anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (i) the risk that the Proposed MKAR Transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of CPTK's, MKAR's or Mkango's securities, (ii) the risk that the Proposed MKAR Transaction may not be completed by CPTK's business combination deadline, or at all, and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by CPTK, MKAR or Mkango (iii) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the Proposed MKAR Transaction, including the approval of the Business Combination Agreement by Mkango ,the shareholders of CPTK, and the TSX-V, the satisfaction of the minimum cash amount following redemptions by CPTK's public shareholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals, (iv) market risks, including the price of rare earth materials, (v) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement, (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Proposed MKAR Transaction on CPTK's, Mkango's or MKAR's business relationships, performance, and business generally, (vii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against CPTK or MKAR related to the Business Combination Agreement or the Proposed MKAR Transaction, (viii) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed MKAR Transaction, (ix) the inability of MKAR to meet the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market, or if listed, the inability of MKAR to maintain the listing of its securities on the Nasdaq Stock Market, (x) the risk that the price of MKAR securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including changes in the highly competitive industries in which MKAR plans to operate, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws, regulations, technologies, natural disasters or health epidemics/pandemics, national security tensions, and macro-economic and social environments affecting its business, and changes in the combined capital structure, (xi) the inability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the Proposed MKAR Transaction, identify and realize additional opportunities, and manage its growth and expanding operations, (xii) the risk that Mkango may not be able to successfully develop its assets, (xiii) the risk that Mkango will be unable to raise additional capital to execute its business plan, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all, (xiv) political and social risks of operating in Malawi or Poland, (xv) operational hazards and risks that Mkango could face, and (xvi) the risk that additional financing in connection with the Proposed MKAR Transaction may not be raised on favorable terms, in a sufficient amount to satisfy the minimum cash amount condition to the Business Combination Agreement. The foregoing list is not exhaustive, and there may be additional risks that CPTK, Mkango, or MKAR presently do not know or that they currently believe are immaterial. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors, any other factors discussed in this news release and the other risks and uncertainties described in CPTK's filings with the SEC, Mkango's filings on SEDAR+, the risks to be described in a registration statement on Form F-4, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus, and those discussed and identified in filings made with the SEC by CPTK and MKAR, from time to time. Mkango caution you against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect current beliefs and are based on information currently available as of the date a forward-looking statement is made. Forward-looking statements set forth in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release. None of CPTK, Mkango, or MKAR undertakes any obligation to revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs. In the event that any forward-looking statement is updated, no inference should be made that CPTK, Mkango, or MKAR will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statements. Any corrections or revisions and other important assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements, including discussions of significant risk factors, may appear, up to the consummation of the Proposed MKAR Transaction, in CPTK's or MKAR's public filings with the SEC, which are or will be (as appropriate) accessible at www.sec.gov, or Mkango's public filings on SEDAR+, which you are advised to review carefully.
For further information on Mkango, please contact:
Mkango Resources Limited
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP
Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker
Caroline Rowe, Jen Clarke, Devik Mehta
UK: +44 20 3470 0470
H&P Advisory Limited
Joint Broker
Andrew Chubb, Leif Powis, Jay Ashfield
UK: +44 20 7907 8500
The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. 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.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any equity or other securities of the Company in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold within the United States to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.
[1] Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) - Class 2 Estimate
[3] 7% real discount rates. NPVs are calculated by discounting real US dollar cash flows from 2027
[4] Current market prices ("Current Prices") for all NdFeB products sold in the U.S, excluding residual scrap, derived from updated November 2025 U.S. 2024 price quotes, over the life of the asset
[5] NPV does not include the economic benefit of any government or state incentives, carbon pricing
[6] Forecast market prices ("Forecast Prices") are the prices for all NdFeB products sold in the U.S, excluding residual scrap feed, with the rare earth price component thereof derived from the latest rare earth oxide price forecasts from Q1 (2027) Adamas Intelligence, over the life of the asset
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Kemper Corporation ("Kemper" or the "Company") (NYSE: KMPR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Kemper and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On May 6, 2026, Kemper disclosed that "[t]he increase in minimum liability limits effective January 1, 2025, has led to greater attorney involvement in claims and higher loss costs." Management further admitted: "This trend has developed over several quarters." Kemper also stated that although the relevant California rate filing was "6.9%: in aggregate, it was "about 50 points on bodily injury."
On this news, Kemper's stock price fell $3.37 per share, or 10.28%, to close at $29.40 per share on May 7, 2026.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Entegris (ENTG) saw its shares surge in the last session with trading volume being higher than average. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions may not translate into further price increase in the near term.
Vicor earns a Buy rating, leveraging AI-driven demand for advanced power delivery and a robust IP licensing model. Q1 2026 results highlight 20.2% YoY revenue growth, 55.2% gross margin, and a 75% YoY backlog increase to $301M. VICR's strategic focus on 48V power delivery and aerospace/defense markets enhances diversification and long-term growth potential.
Fidelity National Financial operates the largest U.S. title insurance platform. A growing annuities, life insurance, and retirement segment compliments and diversifies the earnings stream. Even modest improvement in the housing market is likely to bolster the FNF bottom line. The business model features strong cash generation, a sound balance sheet, and solid margins; thereby supporting the current 4.3% dividend and meaningful share buybacks.
BOSTON, June 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) has earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the highest recognition available, for the sixth consecutive year. The platinum rating recognizes Cabot’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts and places the company among the top 1% of companies assessed by EcoVadis globally. This prestigious recognition highlights Cabot’s dedication to the innovation of meaningful environmental and social progress as well as its ongoing commitment to advancing transparency across its value chain.
EcoVadis assesses the sustainability performance and management systems of more than 150,000 companies in over 185 countries across more than 250 industries within four key areas: environment, labor & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. This year, Cabot achieved a five point increase in its overall score, representing its largest year-over-year improvement to date, with notable gains made in the ethics category. The company once again earned an “outstanding” rating in both the environment category and labor & human rights categories, the highest recognition awarded by EcoVadis. The EcoVadis methodology is built on international sustainability standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, United Nations Global Compact and ISO 26000.
“We are encouraged by this year’s EcoVadis results, which reflect meaningful progress across our sustainability program and our largest year-over-year score increase to date,” said Jennifer Chittick, Senior Vice President, Safety, Health and Environment (SH&E) and Government Affairs; Chief Sustainability Officer. “These results demonstrate how greater transparency, stronger cross-functional collaboration and disciplined execution are helping us strengthen how we operate while advancing progress toward our 2030 sustainability goals.”
As EcoVadis continues to enhance its scoring frameworks to reflect evolving global standards and best practices, Cabot remains equally committed to advancing the rigor and impact of its sustainability initiatives and ESG efforts throughout all aspects of its operations. The company continues to drive innovation across its operations, strengthening performance and transparency in alignment with these rising expectations. This ongoing progress is underpinned by a company-wide commitment to continuous improvement and a shared belief in contributing to a more sustainable future.
For more information about Cabot’s commitment to sustainability and its ESG disclosures, visit cabotcorp.com/sustainability.
ABOUT CABOT CORPORATION
Cabot Corporation (NYSE: CBT) is a global specialty chemicals and performance materials company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company is a leading provider of reinforcing carbons, specialty carbons, battery materials, engineered elastomer composites, inkjet colorants, masterbatches and conductive compounds, fumed metal oxides and aerogel. For more information on Cabot, please visit the company’s website at cabotcorp.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in the press release regarding Cabot's business that are not historical facts are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.
June 17, 2026 08:05 ET | Source: StepStone Group Inc
Now generally available: deal-level performance and operating metrics from SPI by StepStone, delivered directly within PitchBook workflows
Gives fund managers, investors, and service providers granular, apples-to-apples benchmarking across private equity buyout, venture capital and growth equity, and infrastructure
NEW YORK, June 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StepStone Group (Nasdaq: STEP), a leading private market investment firm, and PitchBook, a leading private capital markets intelligence provider and Morningstar company (Nasdaq: MORN), today announced the general availability of SPI Deal Benchmarking, the deal-level benchmarking solution first unveiled in the firms’ May 2026 partnership. The solution is now live and accessible to fund managers and service providers through the PitchBook platform as a standalone offering, and to investors through SPI by StepStone.
The solution brings institutional-grade, deal-level benchmarking into PitchBook users' existing workflows for the first time, pairing SPI by StepStone's performance and operating metrics with PitchBook's private capital data, research, and AI-powered tools. All outputs are aggregated and anonymized to protect fund manager and deal confidentiality.
“When we announced this partnership, our goal was to give all market participants a fundamentally clearer view of granular trends within private markets and how performance is actually generated,” said Tyler Johnson, Partner and Chief Technology Officer at StepStone Group. “With today’s launch, that capability is now in their hands. Investors can compare deal performance and operating metrics across several dimensions, analyze track records, and unlock insights that sharpen every stage of their decision-making—all without leaving the tools they already use.”
“Fund managers have told us they need benchmarking that goes deeper than high-level fund comparisons and lives inside their existing workflows,” said Joanna McGinley, EVP of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives at PitchBook. “That’s exactly what we’re delivering today. By enabling access to StepStone’s deal- and operating-level benchmarks, we’re giving the market a more integrated, transparent way to evaluate performance, support fundraising and underwriting, and navigate an increasingly complex environment.”
What’s now available
Enhanced deal-level analytics: A flexible analytics interface to report performance, exposure, deployment, operating metrics, and value creation analysis for private market deals—drawing on the combined deal and company classification databases of StepStone and PitchBook. Users can filter and report across strategy, industry, geography, size, and time period, with all outputs aggregated and anonymized. Clearer insight into performance drivers: Deal-level (vs. fund-level) analysis enables apples-to-apples comparisons, helping investors distinguish alpha from beta across their managers and portfolios. Rigorous deal underwriting & analysis: Detailed performance, valuation, and capital structure data supports more rigorous underwriting and better-informed investment decisions. Improved investor relations & investment strategy: More granular benchmarks help fund managers articulate and quantify their differentiators, strengthening transparency for fundraising and reporting and informing go-forward strategy. To learn more, click here. About StepStone Group
StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP) is a global private markets investment firm focused on providing customized investment solutions and advisory and data services to its clients. As of March 31, 2026, StepStone was responsible for approximately $885 billion of total capital, including $233 billion of assets under management. StepStone’s clients include some of the world’s largest public and private defined benefit and defined contribution pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies, as well as prominent endowments, foundations, family offices and private wealth clients. StepStone partners with its clients to develop and build private markets portfolios across the private equity, infrastructure, private debt and real estate asset classes. For more information, visit StepStone Group.
As the pulse of private capital markets, PitchBook delivers trusted, real-time data, research, and technology to help investors, dealmakers, and innovators make decisions with confidence. Its products provide comprehensive information on companies, investors, funds, deals, and people, along with tools that help professionals analyze market activity. Founded in 2007, PitchBook serves more than 100,000 clients worldwide and is recognized as a leading source of private capital market intelligence, with over 3,000 employees across offices in Seattle, San Francisco, New York, London, Singapore, Mumbai, and other global locations. Since 2016, PitchBook has been a subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. For more information, visit www.pitchbook.com.
This weekly update tracks some of the largest cryptocurrencies by market share: Bitcoin and Ether. While both are considered high-risk assets, they possess foundational differences that investors should understand. We have also included XRP, as it was one of the largest cryptocurrencies when this series began. By definition, a cryptocurrency is a digital asset designed to work as a medium of exchange that uses cryptography to secure its transactions, control the creation of additional units, and verify the transfer of assets.
Bitcoin Bitcoin was the world’s first decentralized digital currency. Since the first Bitcoin transaction occurred in early 2009, it has grown worldwide to a mainstream financial asset. While often volatile, as illustrated in the chart below, one can argue that the asset is highly resilient. Learn more about Bitcoin basics for new investors.
Bitcoin rose for the first time in five weeks, rebounding over 5% but still holding below the $70,000 threshold. BTC is currently down approximately 25% year-to-date and sits about 47% below its October 2025 record high.
Ether Ether is the native cryptocurrency run on the Ethereum blockchain platform, which launched in July 2015. It has the second largest market share, despite being the newest of the three assets discussed in this article.
Mirroring Bitcoin’s recovery, Ether’s closing price bounced back this week, rising over 9% but remaining below the $2,000 threshold. ETH is currently down approximately 40% year-to-date and is now roughly 63% below its record close from August 2025.
XRP XRP, which is owned by Ripple, was launched in 2012 and was one of the larger cryptocurrencies for some time until newer tokens entered the market.
Bitcoin vs. Ether vs. XRP An index has been created in order to chart these three cryptocurrencies together, considering their significantly different pricing histories. A logarithmic scale is used on the y-axis of this chart to better illustrate relative percentage changes and long-term growth trends, as opposed to absolute price fluctuations. The chart demonstrates which cryptocurrency’s price has shifted the most since November 9, 2017. At various points in history, all three have held the top spot but Bitcoin is currently in the lead.
On January 10th, 2024, the SEC approved spot bitcoin ETFs from a range of issuers such as Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC), iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC), ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB), Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB), Coinshares Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (BRRR). Review our spot Bitcoin ETF launch takeaways for a complete breakdown.
On July 23rd, 2024, a handful of spot ether ETFs launched from a range of issuers such as Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE), Franklin Ethereum ETF (EZET), Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW), iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), Fidelity Ethereum ETF (FETH). For a deep dive, see our spot Ether ETF guide.
Originally published on Advisor Perspectives.
For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Cryptocurrency Content Hub.
If you own Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (NYSE:GBTC), you are paying a premium for Bitcoin exposure that nearly identical funds now sell for a fraction of the price. The fund still quietly charges 1.50% a year, and that meter ran every single day of 2026’s 27.08% year to date drawdown. Fees do not pause for bear markets.
What You’re Actually Paying The headline cost is the sponsor fee. At 1.50%, GBTC takes $150 a year out of every $10,000 you have parked in it. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:IBIT), the dominant low-cost spot Bitcoin ETF, lists its expense ratio at 0.33% as of March 14, 2026. That is roughly $33 a year on the same $10,000. Same coin in the vault. Different toll.
Stretch that gap across a long holding period and the drag compounds. Each year the higher fee shaves off a slice of the price exposure you thought you were buying. Grayscale itself confirms the scale of the business: the firm runs over $35 billion in assets across various digital asset products. The fee is the product.
The Part the Factsheet Doesn’t Highlight The structural cost is what GBTC used to be and what it still drags behind. For years GBTC was a closed-end trust that traded at a persistent discount to the Bitcoin it held. One analysis at the time argued converting it could unlock up to $8 billion in value for investors by eliminating the trust’s persistent discount to net asset value. The conversion happened in January 2024, and the fee did not move. As InvestorPlace noted in January 2024, “the GBTC ETF carries a high expense ratio of 1.50%”, calling it “considerably more expensive than competitors.”
Holders voted with their money. Outflows hit $700 million to $785 million in a single day on January 22, 2024, and IBIT was already described as “poised to overtake GBTC in assets under management.” There is a second hidden cost in those outflows: legacy holders selling to escape the fee can trigger capital gains distributions and force tax drag on anyone who stays.
The Cheaper Mirror The exposure trade-off is almost nothing. IBIT and Fidelity’s Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (NYSEARCA:FBTC) both hold spot Bitcoin in cold storage and price off the same network. The performance lines up: over the past year, IBIT returned -38.89%, FBTC returned -38.86%, and GBTC returned -39.58%. Bitcoin itself fell 38.41% over the same window. GBTC trailed the spot coin and trailed the cheaper wrappers, in the same direction, by roughly the size of its fee gap. That is what a fee looks like in the wild.
Year to date the pattern repeats: Bitcoin is down 26.15%, IBIT is down 26.77%, FBTC is down 26.68%, and GBTC is down 27.08%. The cheaper mirror tracks the asset more closely because less of the asset is being skimmed off the top.
What This Means for You Loyalty to a ticker is not a strategy. If you bought GBTC before January 2024, you owned the only game in town and you paid for that scarcity. That moat is gone. The real question is whether your specific wrapper is worth roughly four to five times what the same exposure costs next door, and what your tax bill looks like if you decide it isn’t.
Spanning three schools, the initiative will modernize aging facilities, create long-term cost savings, and offer STEM learning opportunities for students
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & MOUNT SINAI, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider, today announced a comprehensive energy infrastructure project across the Mount Sinai School District in New York, including nine measures designed to replace aging building systems, reduce operating costs, and support a more resilient energy future for the district and its students.
Ameresco modernizes energy infrastructure across three Mount Sinai schools, supporting long-term savings and STEM learning
Share The project, valued at over $10M, includes full LED lighting replacements, upgraded energy management systems with direct digital controls, replacement of existing transformers with high-efficiency transformers, rooftop solar PV arrays at each school, and a fuel oil to natural gas conversion at the district's elementary school. Structured as an energy performance contract, the project began in May 2026 and is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.
“This partnership reflects the Mount Sinai School District’s ongoing commitment to maintaining safe, efficient, and modern learning environments for our students while being responsible stewards of taxpayer resources,” said Dr. Christine Criscione, Superintendent of Schools. “Through these upgrades, we are investing in our facilities, improving operational efficiency, and creating opportunities for students to connect with real-world energy and sustainability initiatives for years to come.”
Key outcomes of the project include:
Updated energy infrastructure across three schools on the north shore of Long Island, addressing outdated systems, cutting long-term operating costs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions Significant expected savings over the project term, calculated according to New York State Education Department guidelines, supporting the district's financial and operational goals STEM programming, giving technology teachers and students hands-on experience with live energy data from the installed systems, while also exposing students to career opportunities in both engineering and the installation trades "Mount Sinai School District is taking a thorough approach to energy infrastructure that will benefit its students and community for decades," said Louis Maltezos, Co-President of Ameresco. "By blending operational upgrades with educational components, this project creates real, lasting value in the classroom and throughout the district's facilities."
To learn more about Ameresco’s energy infrastructure solutions for K-12 schools, visit https://www.ameresco.com/customers/k-12-schools/.
About Ameresco, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE:AMRC) is a leading energy infrastructure solutions provider dedicated to helping customers reduce costs, enhance resilience, and decarbonize to net zero in the global energy transition. Our comprehensive portfolio includes implementing smart energy efficiency solutions, upgrading aging infrastructure, and developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources. As a trusted full-service partner, Ameresco shows the way by reducing energy use and delivering energy infrastructure solutions to Federal, state and local governments, utilities, data centers, educational and healthcare institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.
The announcement of a customer’s entry into a project contract is not necessarily indicative of the timing or amount of revenue from such contract, of Ameresco’s overall revenue for any particular period or of trends in Ameresco’s overall total project backlog. This project was included in Ameresco’s previously reported contracted backlog as of March 31, 2025.
Key Takeaways UNM expects 2026 premium growth of 4-7% and adjusted operating EPS of $8.60-$8.90.Unum is investing in digital capabilities and operational transformation to support growth.UNM repurchased $402.4M of shares in Q1 despite pressure from rising expenses and weaker segments. Shares of Unum Group (UNM - Free Report) have gained 16.8% in the past year, outperforming the industry’s growth of 15.4%. The company’s share price closed at $91.62 on Wednesday and it is trading near its 52-week high of $93.22. This proximity underscores investor confidence. It has the ingredients for further price appreciation.
Strong premium growth, favorable disability claims experience, robust sales momentum and aggressive capital returns to shareholders through buybacks and dividends are driving the UNM stock performance. Earnings have grown 10.6% in the past five years, outperforming the industry average of 0.6%.
Shares of other insurers include AMERISAFE, Inc. (AMSF - Free Report) , which has lost 28.8%, while Globe Life Inc. (GL - Free Report) and Aflac Incorporated (AFL - Free Report) have gained 43% and 13.2%, respectively, in the past year.
1-Year Performance: UNM, AMSF, GL, AFL & Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
UNM’s Average Target Price Suggests UpsideBased on short-term price targets offered by 13 analysts, the Zacks average price target is $96.77 per share. The average suggests a potential 5.6% upside from the last closing price.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
UNM’s Attractive ValuationUnum Group’s shares are trading at a discount compared to the industry. Its price-to-book value of 1.34X is lower than the industry average of 1.73X, the Finance sector’s 4.53X and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite’s 8.02X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Zack Consensus Estimates of UNMThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for Unum Group’s 2026 revenues is pegged at $11.9 billion, implying a year-over-year decline of 10.3%, while 2026 EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of 7.8%.
The consensus estimate for 2027 earnings per share (EPS) and revenues indicates an increase of 10.4% and 4.1%, respectively, from the corresponding 2026 estimates.
The expected long-term earnings growth rate is 11.3%, better than the industry average of 9.7%.
Mixed Analyst Sentiment for UNMTwo of the three analysts have raised estimates for 2026, while one analyst has decreased estimates for 2027, with no upward movement over the past 30 days. Thus, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings has moved north 0.3% and south 0.3%, respectively, over the same period.
What Drives UNM?Premiums, the primary component of UNM’s top line, continue to benefit from its healthy in-force block growth and higher sales. In 2026, Unum Group anticipates total premium growth of 4-7%, driven by persistency, new sales, employment and salary growth, and the effectiveness of a renewal program. UNM expects adjusted operating income per share to be between $8.60 and $8.90, indicating growth of about 8-12%.
Unum Group remains focused on expanding its core businesses through continued investments in technology and operational transformation. The company is enhancing digital capabilities, customer engagement and broker experience to better address evolving customer needs. Management expects these initiatives to support robust premium growth and earnings expansion in 2026.
Unum Group is poised to grow on the operational excellence of Unum U.S. and Colonial Life. Unum U.S. continues to benefit from disciplined sales trends, strong persistency in group lines, strong large-case sales and favorable disability claims experience. Growth in voluntary benefits also supported results, while sales momentum was fueled by new customers in the large-case market and continued strength among existing core-market clients.
Operating income in the Colonial Life Segment has risen over the last few years, banking on improving premium income and favorable risk results. The company's conservative pricing and reserving practices have contributed to its overall profitability. Premium income should continue to increase due to prior period sales across all product lines. Management remains focused on moving toward a mix of businesses with higher growth and stable margins.
Unum Group enjoys a solid capital position and substantial statutory earnings and capital, leading to financial flexibility. The company has consistently enhanced shareholders’ value through dividend hikes and share buybacks.
Risks for UNMCompetitive pricing in the group disability market remains a key risk, as intense competition could pressure premium rates and constrain underwriting margins.
Unum Group has been witnessing a rise in total benefits and expenses over the past few years, inducing margin contraction. UNM expects the adjusted operating expense ratio to be 22%.
Performance at the Closed Block and Corporate segments has also been disappointing over the past few quarters.
End NoteFavorable sales trends, strong persistency, solid capital position and effective capital deployment should continue to favour UNM over the long term. However, competitive pricing in the group disability market, weak performance at the Closed Block and Corporate segments, and a rise in total benefits and expenses over the past few years remain concerns.
The company has an impressive dividend track record, having increased dividends 19 times in the last 17 years and yielding better than the industry average, making it an attractive pick for yield-seeking investors.
The insurer should continue to gain from premium growth, dividend history and the attractive valuation of the stock. It is, therefore, wise to retain this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Momentum investing is all about the idea of following a stock's recent trend, which can be in either direction. In the "long context," investors will essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." And for investors following this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving in that direction. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.
Even though momentum is a popular stock characteristic, it can be tough to define. Debate surrounding which are the best and worst metrics to focus on is lengthy, but the Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.
Below, we take a look at Dycom Industries (DY - Free Report) , a company that currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A. We also talk about price change and earnings estimate revisions, two of the main aspects of the Momentum Style Score.
It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Dycom Industries currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.
You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>
Set to Beat the Market?Let's discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for DY that show why this provider of specialty contracting services shows promise as a solid momentum pick.
A good momentum benchmark for a stock is to look at its short-term price activity, as this can reflect both current interest and if buyers or sellers currently have the upper hand. It is also useful to compare a security to its industry, as this can help investors pinpoint the top companies in a particular area.
For DY, shares are up 0.58% over the past week while the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry is up 0.69% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 14.12% compares favorably with the industry's 1.71% performance as well.
While any stock can see a spike in price, it takes a real winner to consistently outperform the market. Shares of Dycom Industries have increased 34.53% over the past quarter, and have gained 103.48% in the last year. On the other hand, the S&P 500 has only moved 12.48% and 26.22%, respectively.
Investors should also pay attention to DY's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. DY is currently averaging 540,023 shares for the last 20 days.
Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score also takes into account trends in estimate revisions, in addition to price changes. Please note that estimate revision trends remain at the core of Zacks Rank as well. A nice path here can help show promise, and we have recently been seeing that with DY.
Over the past two months, 5 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost DY's consensus estimate, increasing from $13.85 to $15.60 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 5 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.
Bottom LineTaking into account all of these elements, it should come as no surprise that DY is a #1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A. If you've been searching for a fresh pick that's set to rise in the near-term, make sure to keep Dycom Industries on your short list.
Shares of Dycom Industries (DY - Free Report) have gained 10.2% over the past four weeks to close the last trading session at $456.65, but there could still be a solid upside left in the stock if short-term price targets of Wall Street analysts are any indication. Going by the price targets, the mean estimate of $631 indicates a potential upside of 38.2%.
The average comprises 10 short-term price targets ranging from a low of $610.00 to a high of $654.00, with a standard deviation of $18.41. While the lowest estimate indicates an increase of 33.6% from the current price level, the most optimistic estimate points to a 43.2% upside. More than the range, one should note the standard deviation here, as it helps understand the variability of the estimates. The smaller the standard deviation, the greater the agreement among analysts.
While the consensus price target is a much-coveted metric for investors, solely banking on this metric to make an investment decision may not be wise at all. That's because the ability and unbiasedness of analysts in setting price targets have long been questionable.
But, for DY, an impressive average price target is not the only indicator of a potential upside. Strong agreement among analysts about the company's ability to report better earnings than they predicted earlier strengthens this view. While a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't gauge how much a stock could gain, it has proven to be powerful in predicting an upside.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Here's What You May Not Know About Analysts' Price TargetsAccording to researchers at several universities across the globe, a price target is one of many pieces of information about a stock that misleads investors far more often than it guides. In fact, empirical research shows that price targets set by several analysts, irrespective of the extent of agreement, rarely indicate where the price of a stock could actually be heading.
While Wall Street analysts have deep knowledge of a company's fundamentals and the sensitivity of its business to economic and industry issues, many of them tend to set overly optimistic price targets. Are you wondering why?
They usually do that to drum up interest in shares of companies that their firms either have existing business relationships with or are looking to be associated with. In other words, business incentives of firms covering a stock often result in inflated price targets set by analysts.
However, a tight clustering of price targets, which is represented by a low standard deviation, indicates that analysts have a high degree of agreement about the direction and magnitude of a stock's price movement. While that doesn't necessarily mean the stock will hit the average price target, it could be a good starting point for further research aimed at identifying the potential fundamental driving forces.
That said, while investors should not entirely ignore price targets, making an investment decision solely based on them could lead to disappointing ROI. So, price targets should always be treated with a high degree of skepticism.
Why DY Could Witness a Solid UpsideThere has been increasing optimism among analysts lately about the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher. And that could be a legitimate reason to expect an upside in the stock. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 12.9% over the past month, as four estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revision.
Moreover, DY currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), which means it is in the top 5% of more than 4,000 stocks that we rank based on four factors related to earnings estimates. Given an impressive externally-audited track record, this is a more conclusive indication of the stock's potential upside in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Therefore, while the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of how much DY could gain, the direction of price movement it implies does appear to be a good guide.
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 research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you 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.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +24% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: IQVIA Holdings (IQV - Free Report) Headquartered in Durham, NC., IQVIA Holdings Inc. provides advanced analytics, technology solutions and contract research services to the life sciences industry. The company was formed through the merger of IMS Health (RX) and Quintiles. The company is focused on helping healthcare clients to better serve patients by bringing in updated and innovative ideas in the process of clinical development and commercialization, speeding innovation and accelerating improvements. IQVIA Holdings operates in more than 100 countries, with around 88,000 employees.
IQV is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 13.99; value investors should take notice.
Eight analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.08 to $12.80 per share. IQV also boasts an average earnings surprise of +1.6%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, IQV should be on investors' short list.
Combining AI-powered media orchestration and human expertise with healthcare-grade data to deliver highly targeted, measurable engagement across HCP and patient audiences.
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--StackAdapt (www.stackadapt.com), the leading AI advertising and orchestration platform, today announced a collaboration with IQVIA Digital to advance more relevant and compliant engagement with healthcare audiences. IQVIA Digital’s integrated solutions enable marketers to quickly transform data-driven insights into meaningful, privacy-conscious activation across the healthcare ecosystem.
Through this collaboration, StackAdapt’s programmatic advertising capabilities are now available within Media OS, IQVIA Digital’s end-to-end platform purpose-built for healthcare marketers. This integration enables brands and agencies to activate campaigns with StackAdapt’s best-in-class DSP directly from Media OS, a centralized environment designed around healthcare identities and compliance requirements.
Healthcare marketers have traditionally relied on separate platforms and partners across data, activation, and measurement, often resulting in disconnected workflows and limited visibility into campaign performance. By bringing these components together within Media OS, IQVIA Digital and StackAdapt simplify execution and improve visibility, enabling marketers to reach intended healthcare professionals with enhanced audience fidelity and relevant targeting across channels including CTV, video, display, native, and audio.
“StackAdapt is proud to work closely with IQVIA Digital to enhance the Media OS platform and support healthcare marketers with more connected advertising workflows,” said Mike Novosel, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships at StackAdapt. “Together, we are helping marketers reach healthcare audiences more seamlessly, reduce onboarding complexity, and gain clearer visibility into media measurement.”
For advertisers who prefer to activate campaigns directly within StackAdapt, IQVIA Digital audiences remain seamlessly accessible within the platform. This includes custom HCP audience creation, pre-built audience segments, and integrated healthcare measurement workflows, without requiring additional onboarding, external integrations, or third-party workflows.
For those centralizing campaigns within Media OS, the platform delivers a unified experience that brings together the best of healthcare-specific media and audience intelligence in one place. In addition to DSP-based activation, Media OS provides access to premium endemic healthcare environments, including electronic health record platforms, medical journals, and telehealth settings, as well as broader channels such as email, search, and social.
This release builds on StackAdapt’s growing healthcare offering, where IQVIA Digital’s healthcare intelligence supports HCP engagement, campaign measurement, and reporting capabilities designed for pharmaceutical and healthcare advertisers. StackAdapt works with healthcare organizations like Advanced Diabetes Supply, Mass General Brigham, VSP Vision Care, Indiana University Health, Genomic Health, and US Med.
About StackAdapt
StackAdapt is the leading AI advertising and orchestration platform marketers rely on to drive brand growth and revenue. Built entirely in-house with an easy-to-use interface, StackAdapt unifies programmatic and owned channels—including CTV, DOOH, display, native, audio, email, and more—into one seamless experience. The platform makes it easy to find the right audience, personalize creative, run campaigns, optimize, and measure results in one place. Trusted by the most forward-thinking brands and agencies, StackAdapt combines speed of innovation, deep vertical expertise, and partnership that powers real business growth. For further information, visit www.stackadapt.com.
About IQVIA Digital
IQVIA Digital powers exceptional brand experiences, delivering innovative solutions based on a customer-first, insights-driven, and integrated omnichannel vision. We provide authenticated, data and analytics, innovative fit-for-purpose healthcare technology, and the expertise to enable an effective and adaptable marketing model that drives better quality of care and patient outcomes. IQVIA is the leading global provider of data, advanced analytics, technology solutions and clinical research services for the life sciences industry. Contact us at www.IQVIADigital.com.
