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Xcel Energy (XEL - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 30. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis utility is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.79 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +5.3%.

Revenues are expected to be $3.58 billion, up 9% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.58% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Xcel?For Xcel, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.32%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Xcel will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Xcel would post earnings of $0.91 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.91, delivering no surprise.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates just once.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Xcel doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

The market expects Willis Towers Watson (WTW - Free Report) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 30, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis advisory, broking and solutions company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $3.13 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +9.4%.

Revenues are expected to be $2.43 billion, up 7.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.32% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Willis Towers Watson?For Willis Towers Watson, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.34%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Willis Towers Watson will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Willis Towers Watson would post earnings of $3.59 per share when it actually produced earnings of $3.72, delivering a surprise of +3.62%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Willis Towers Watson appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when XPO (XPO - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 30. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis freight management company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.49 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +41.9%.

Revenues are expected to be $2.28 billion, up 9.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.52% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for XPO?For XPO, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.37%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.

So, this combination indicates that XPO will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that XPO would post earnings of $0.89 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.01, delivering a surprise of +13.48%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

XPO appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerAmong the stocks in the Zacks Transportation - Truck industry, Old Dominion Freight Line (ODFL - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.52 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +19.7%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $1.54 billion, up 9.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Old Dominion has been revised 2.8% up to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +1.02%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), suggests that Old Dominion will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

The market expects Western Union (WU - Free Report) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 30, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis money transfer company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.43 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +2.4%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.01 billion, down 1.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.67% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Western Union?For Western Union, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -6.50%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Western Union will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Western Union would post earnings of $0.4 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.25, delivering a surprise of -37.50%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Western Union doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerPaypal (PYPL - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $1.28 for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of -8.6%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $8.51 billion, up 2.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Paypal has been revised 0.2% down to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of -0.02%, reflecting a lower Most Accurate Estimate.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Paypal will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

For the quarter ended June 2026, EQT Corporation (EQT - Free Report) reported revenue of $1.81 billion, up 13.2% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.39, compared to $0.45 in the year-ago quarter.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.83 billion, representing a surprise of -1.36%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of -4.88%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.41.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

Here is how EQT performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:

Natural gas - Average natural gas price, including cash settled derivatives: $2.51 versus $2.57 estimated by four analysts on average.Average Sales Price - Oil price: $70.14 versus $76.40 estimated by four analysts on average.Average daily sales volume - Total: 6,972.00 MMcfe/D compared to the 6,556.10 MMcfe/D average estimate based on four analysts.Average Sales Price - Natural gas price: $3.05 versus $2.54 estimated by four analysts on average.Oil - Sales volume: 468.00 MBBL compared to the 489.79 MBBL average estimate based on three analysts.Sales Volume - Total: 634,474.00 MMcfe versus 598,398.30 MMcfe estimated by three analysts on average.Operating revenues- Sales of natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil: $1.61 billion compared to the $1.7 billion average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of -5.3% year over year.Revenues from contracts with customers- NGLs sales: $152.91 million compared to the $176.18 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +5.4% year over year.Operating revenues- Pipeline and other: $155.29 million compared to the $152.17 million average estimate based on three analysts. The reported number represents a change of +13.1% year over year.Natural gas sales, including cash settled derivatives: $1.5 billion versus the two-analyst average estimate of $1.43 billion. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +4.2%.Total natural gas and liquids sales, including cash settled derivatives: $1.68 billion compared to the $1.75 billion average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of +5.2% year over year.Revenues from contracts with customers- Oil sales: $32.79 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $32.37 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +102.6%.View all Key Company Metrics for EQT here>>>

Shares of EQT have returned +4.9% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.4% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), indicating that it could underperform the broader market in the near term.

Earnings are arguably the most important single number on a company's quarterly financial report. Wall Street clearly dives into all of the other metrics and management's input, but the EPS figure helps cut through all the noise.

We know earnings results are vital, but how a company performs compared to bottom line expectations can be even more important when it comes to stock prices, especially in the near-term. This means that investors might want to take advantage of these earnings surprises.

Hunting for 'earnings whispers' or companies poised to beat their quarterly earnings estimates is a somewhat common practice. But that doesn't make it easy. One way that has been proven to work is by using the Zacks Earnings ESP tool.

The Zacks Earnings ESP, ExplainedThe Zacks Expected Surprise Prediction, or ESP, works by locking in on the most up-to-date analyst earnings revisions because they can be more accurate than estimates from weeks or even months before the actual release date. The thinking is pretty straightforward: analysts who provide earnings estimates closer to the report are likely to have more information.

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

Bringing together a positive earnings ESP alongside a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better has helped stocks report a positive earnings surprise 70% of the time. Furthermore, by using these parameters, investors have seen 28.3% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.

Most stocks, about 60%, fall into the #3 (Hold) category, and they are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. Stocks with a #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) rating, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market, with Strong Buy stocks outperforming more than any other rank.

Should You Consider Expedia?The final step today is to look at a stock that meets our ESP qualifications. Expedia (EXPE - Free Report) earns a #2 (Buy) 13 days from its next quarterly earnings release on August 5, 2026, and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $5.84 a share.

By taking the percentage difference between the $5.84 Most Accurate Estimate and the $5.41 Zacks Consensus Estimate, Expedia has an Earnings ESP of +7.86%. Investors should also know that EXPE is one of a large group of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

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

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

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

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

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

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 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 ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

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

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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.

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.

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

Stock to Watch: Kinsale Capital Group, Inc. (KNSL - Free Report) Headquartered in Richmond, VA, Kinsale Capital was established in 2009. It offers various insurance and reinsurance productsacross all 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It operates primarily through two markets – Commercial and Personal. While personal lines include homeowners insurance; commercial lines offerings cover construction, small business, excess casualty, commercial property, product   liability, allied health, general casualty, management liability, inland marine, commercial insurance and public entity.

KNSL 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 15.72; 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 $0.15 to $20.72 per share. KNSL boasts an average earnings surprise of +8.9%.

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

Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when Lincoln National (LNC - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 30. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis insurance and retirement business is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.02 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -14.4%.

Revenues are expected to be $4.86 billion, up 2.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.12% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Lincoln National?For Lincoln National, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -2.64%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Lincoln National will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Lincoln National would post earnings of $1.63 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.66, delivering a surprise of +1.84%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Lincoln National doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

Key Takeaways Southern Company's Georgia Power will supply power to OpenAI's planned AI data center in Effingham County.SO's agreement requires OpenAI to fund all needed electric infrastructure, protecting existing customers.SO secured a 25-year deal with up to 1,000 MW of demand response to strengthen grid reliability. Southern Company's (SO - Free Report) subsidiary, Georgia Power, signed a long-term agreement to provide electric service to OpenAI's planned artificial intelligence (“AI”) data center in Effingham County, GA. The landmark deal represents one of the most significant utility agreements supporting AI infrastructure in the United States and includes one of the country's largest single-site demand response commitments. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs, generate billions of dollars in new investment and reinforce Georgia's position as a leading destination for AI and advanced technology development.

The agreement also reflects Southern Company's broader strategy of supporting the rapid expansion of energy-intensive industries while safeguarding grid reliability and protecting residential and small business customers. By requiring OpenAI to cover the full cost of the electric infrastructure needed for the project, Georgia Power ensures that the investment will not shift additional costs onto existing customers.

SO's Georgia Power Secures Landmark AI Infrastructure DealThe agreement marks another major milestone for Southern Company as demand for electricity from hyperscale data centers continues to accelerate. SO’s unit, Georgia Power, will supply electricity to OpenAI's planned facility in Effingham County, located roughly 45 minutes outside Savannah. The data center will support OpenAI's expanding AI operations, requiring one of the largest electricity commitments ever announced for a single AI campus.

The investment is expected to create thousands of construction and permanent jobs while contributing billions of dollars to the local economy. Beyond direct employment, the project is likely to generate opportunities for local contractors, suppliers and service providers, delivering lasting economic benefits across the region.

For SO, the agreement further strengthens its reputation as a preferred utility partner for large-scale industrial and technology investments requiring reliable, long-term power solutions.

OpenAI Will Cover Infrastructure Costs to Protect CustomersA key feature of the agreement is its customer protection framework. OpenAI has agreed to pay the full cost of the electric infrastructure necessary to serve its new facility while also meeting long-term energy contract requirements and providing financial assurances.

This structure aligns with the updated rules approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission in January 2025. The revised regulations were designed to accommodate rapidly growing electricity demand from hyperscale data centers and other large industrial users without increasing costs for residential customers or small businesses.

By requiring large-load customers to fund their own infrastructure, SO continues its strategy of supporting economic development while maintaining affordable electric service across Georgia.

OpenAI's 3,200-MW Facility Highlights Rising AI Power DemandOpenAI's planned campus is expected to require approximately 3,200 megawatts (“MW”) of electricity, making it one of the largest AI-powered data center projects currently under development in the United States.

The rapid expansion of AI has dramatically increased electricity consumption as advanced AI models require enormous computing capacity supported by thousands of high-performance processors operating around the clock. Utilities across the country are preparing for unprecedented growth in electricity demand driven by cloud computing, machine learning and generative AI applications.

SO's diverse generation portfolio and extensive transmission network position it to support these large-scale energy requirements while maintaining reliable service for customers throughout Georgia.

SO Secures One of the Largest Demand Response AgreementsOne of the most notable aspects of the agreement is OpenAI's commitment to provide up to 1,000 MW of flexible demand response, making it one of the largest single-facility demand response commitments in the country.

Under the 25-year agreement, Georgia Power will have the ability to temporarily reduce electricity supplied to the OpenAI facility during periods of exceptionally high system demand. Rather than operating at maximum capacity continuously, the data center can lower its electricity consumption when requested to help maintain the stability of the electric grid.

This flexibility offers significant operational advantages. It strengthens grid reliability during peak demand periods, reduces strain on transmission infrastructure and enables Georgia Power to defer investments in additional power generation resources that would otherwise be required to meet future electricity demand.

As a result, the agreement is expected to support long-term savings while improving system reliability for all customers.

SO Continues Managing Georgia's Rapid GrowthGeorgia has experienced significant population growth and increasing investment from technology companies, manufacturers and logistics businesses over the past several years. This economic expansion has steadily increased electricity demand across the state.

SO has worked closely with state regulators to proactively plan for this growth through comprehensive long-term resource planning and careful evaluation of large-load contracts. Each major electricity agreement undergoes a detailed review to ensure that new projects support economic development without placing unnecessary financial burdens on existing customers.

This disciplined approach allows Georgia Power to accommodate major industrial investments while preserving affordability and maintaining reliable electric service.

OpenAI Project Brings Long-Term Economic BenefitsBeyond strengthening Georgia's AI infrastructure, the OpenAI project is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to Effingham County and surrounding communities.

Construction activities will generate significant employment opportunities and increase demand for regional suppliers and contractors. Once operational, the facility will support highly skilled technology jobs while attracting additional investment from businesses seeking proximity to advanced digital infrastructure.

The project also enhances Georgia's reputation as an emerging hub for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and next-generation technology development, positioning the state to compete for future hyperscale data center investments.

SO's Customer-First Strategy Remains CentralSouthern Company continues emphasizing that growth from large industrial customers should benefit all Georgia Power customers. By requiring OpenAI to finance its infrastructure and commit to long-term contractual obligations, the utility minimizes financial risk while supporting responsible economic development.

The company's broader regulatory strategy has also contributed to customer-focused initiatives, including an earlier base-rate freeze and a plan expected to provide approximately $102 in annual savings for the typical residential customer beginning in 2029.

These measures demonstrate SO's commitment to balancing infrastructure expansion with affordability and customer value.

SO Strengthens Its Position in the AI Energy RevolutionThe long-term agreement between SO's Georgia Power and OpenAI demonstrates how utilities can successfully support the explosive growth of AI while maintaining grid reliability and protecting customers.

With OpenAI funding all required infrastructure, committing to a 25-year electricity agreement and participating in one of the nation's largest demand response programs, the partnership establishes a model for future AI infrastructure developments across the United States.

As AI continues driving unprecedented electricity demand, Southern Company is positioning itself as a leading energy provider capable of supporting next-generation technology investments while delivering economic growth, enhanced grid stability and long-term value for Georgia communities.

SO’s Zacks Rank and Key PicksCurrently, SO carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the utility sector might look at some better-ranked stocks like American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP - Free Report) , Duke Energy Corporation (DUK - Free Report) and MGE Energy, Inc. (MGEE - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

American Electric Power is worth approximately $70.99 billion. The company is one of the largest regulated electric utilities in the United States. American Electric Power provides electricity to millions of customers across 11 states through a diverse generation and transmission network.

Duke Energy is worth approximately $98.16 billion. It is one of the nation's largest energy holding companies. Duke Energy supplies electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial and industrial customers across the Southeast and Midwest.

MGE Energy is worth approximately $2.97 billion. It is a public utility holding company. MGE Energy generates and distributes electricity and natural gas, primarily serving customers in and around Madison, WI.

Key Takeaways Interparfums' Q2 net sales rose 2% to $341 million, led by an 18% increase in U.S.-based sales.U.S. gains came from 17% organic growth, with Ferragamo up 41% and Donna Karan/DKNY up 28%.Europe sales fell 4% as Lacoste declined 19%, while the Middle East conflict created a 3% Q2 headwind. Interparfums, Inc. (IPAR - Free Report) announced its sales results for the second quarter, which ended June 30, 2026. The results reflected modest top-line growth, driven by strong U.S. performance and favorable foreign exchange, partially offset by continued weakness in Europe and headwinds from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Interparfums’ Solid Sales NumbersFor the second quarter of 2026, Interparfums posted a 2% increase in net sales to $341 million, compared with $334 million in the prior-year period. First-half of 2026 net sales also rose 2% to $686 million from $673 million a year earlier, supported by strength across several key brands and favorable currency movements.

The ongoing war in the Middle East remained a drag on performance, representing a 3% headwind in the second quarter and a 2% headwind during the first six months of 2026. Excluding this impact, organic sales increased 4% in the second quarter and 1% in the first half. Meanwhile, favorable dollar/euro exchange rates contributed a 1% positive foreign exchange impact in the second quarter and 3% in the first half of 2026.

Interparfums’ Europe-Based Sales PerformanceEurope-based net sales declined 4% to $231 million in the second quarter from $241 million a year ago. The decline reflected a 5% organic sales drop, partially offset by a 1% favorable foreign exchange impact. For the first six months of 2026, Europe-based sales slipped 1%, despite a 3% benefit from foreign exchange. 

Several brands delivered mixed performances during the quarter. Jimmy Choo fragrance sales rebounded strongly, rising 23% in the second quarter and 8% in the first half, supported by continued momentum in the I Want Choo women's franchise and the successful launch of Jimmy Choo Man Parfum.

Coach fragrance sales declined 8% against a difficult comparison after last year's 42% growth, although first-half sales still increased 10% thanks to robust demand across existing lines and new Coach Woman and Coach Man fragrance extensions.

Montblanc fragrance sales were broadly flat during the quarter but increased 6% in the first half, benefiting from the continued success of the Montblanc Explorer Extreme line and the launch of Montblanc Legend Elixir earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Lacoste fragrance sales declined 19% in the second quarter and 16% in the first half, reflecting exceptionally strong comparison periods in 2025 and continued weakness in Eastern Europe, although management remains confident in the brand's long-term growth prospects.

Interparfums’ US-Based MetricsU.S.-based net sales increased 18% to $113 million in the second quarter from $96 million a year earlier, driven by 17% organic growth and a 1% favorable foreign exchange impact. For the first half of 2026, U.S. sales rose 10%, including 8% organic growth and a 2% positive foreign exchange impact.

GUESS, the company's largest U.S.-based brand, posted 10% growth in the second quarter and 11% in the first half, supported by the successful launch of Iconic Blue and the newest Amore Napoli fragrance.

Donna Karan/DKNY delivered a strong rebound, with fragrance sales increasing 28% in the quarter and 12% in the first half, reflecting healthy consumer demand across product categories and strengthening e-commerce momentum.

Ferragamo was among the standout performers, with fragrance sales surging 41% in the second quarter and 17% during the first half, driven by strong demand for the Signorina line and the launch of Ferragamo Sublime Leather.

Meanwhile, Roberto Cavalli fragrance sales declined 9% in the second quarter due to a difficult year-over-year comparison and macroeconomic weakness in the Middle East, its largest market. However, first-half sales still increased 8%, supported by new fragrance extensions and continued success of the Serpentine franchise.

IPAR’s Management OutlookInterparfums remains cautiously optimistic despite continued macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. Management highlighted the resilience of the global fragrance category and expects its diversified brand portfolio, disciplined execution and strong innovation pipeline to support growth.

Looking ahead, the company expects a rich lineup of fragrance extensions during the second half of 2026, followed by several major product launches planned for 2027 and 2028, positioning the business for continued expansion as market conditions improve.

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has gained 22.9% in the past month compared with the industry’s rise of 8.3%.

IPAR Price Performance vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks Worth ConsideringDuluth Holdings (DLTH - Free Report) sells casual wear, workwear, outdoor apparel and accessories for men and women in the United States. DLTH presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Duluth Holdings’ current fiscal-year earnings implies growth of 39.5% from the year-ago figures. DLTH delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 107.5%, on average.

Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE - Free Report) provides luxury apparel and accessories in the United States and internationally. At present, the company holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). VNCE delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 635.7%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vince Holding’s current fiscal-year earnings indicates growth of 34.1% from the year-ago figures.

Revolve Group, Inc. (RVLV - Free Report) operates as an online fashion retailer for millennial and generation z consumers in the United States and internationally. It currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. RVLV delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 52.1%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Revolve Group’s current fiscal-year sales implies growth of 10.6%, from the year-ago figures.

The U.S. construction sector is expected to report a mixed set of second-quarter 2026 results, reflecting diverging trends across residential, non-residential and infrastructure markets. While AI-driven data center construction, transportation projects and public infrastructure spending likely continued to support engineering and civil contractors, homebuilders and certain commercial construction companies probably faced persistent demand pressures from elevated mortgage rates, affordability challenges and higher construction costs. At the same time, tariffs, labor shortages and project execution risks remained important variables influencing profitability.

With the help of the Zacks Stock Screener, some of the companies under the broader Zacks Construction sector, including CRH Plc (CRH - Free Report) , KBR, Inc. (KBR - Free Report) , Owens Corning (OC - Free Report) , SPX Technologies, Inc. (SPXC - Free Report) , Amentum Holdings, Inc. (AMTM - Free Report) , are poised to beat on earnings this reporting cycle.

Per the latest Earnings Trends report, the second-quarter earnings season has so far seen releases from approximately 17.6% of the companies on the S&P 500 Index. Of these, the Construction sector's total earnings declined 20.4% year over year, while revenues fell 3.9%. Despite the weaker overall performance, 100% of the companies beat earnings per share (EPS) estimates and 66.7% exceeded revenue expectations.

Infrastructure Spending Likely Remained the Sector's Biggest TailwindInfrastructure-oriented contractors are expected to have delivered another healthy quarter, supported by continued execution of federally funded highway, bridge, water and aviation projects. Demand also remained robust from utility, energy and grid modernization investments. Engineering and heavy civil companies likely benefited from a large backlog, providing strong revenue visibility despite macroeconomic uncertainty.

Private investment in AI infrastructure remained another major growth catalyst. Construction activity tied to hyperscale data centers, power infrastructure and advanced manufacturing facilities likely supported companies with exposure to mission-critical projects. Although semiconductor and certain reshoring-related projects moderated compared with their earlier peak, AI-related spending continued to offset part of that weakness.

Residential Construction Likely Remained UnevenResidential construction probably remained the weakest area of the sector during the quarter. High mortgage rates, elevated home prices and affordability constraints likely weighed on buyer demand, forcing homebuilders to continue offering incentives to stimulate sales. While demographic demand remained supportive over the long term, near-term operating conditions were challenging. Single-family housing starts and building permits weakened further during the quarter, suggesting softer construction activity. Builders also continued balancing production with inventory levels rather than pursuing aggressive expansion, which likely restrained revenue growth across many residential-focused companies.

Non-Residential Markets Presented a Mixed PictureCommercial construction trends likely varied considerably by end market. Data centers, healthcare facilities, public buildings and education projects probably remained relatively resilient, supported by strong project pipelines and long-duration contracts. Conversely, office construction continued to face structural weakness, while several manufacturing and warehouse projects progressed more cautiously amid higher financing costs and evolving capital-spending priorities. Industrial construction also reflected mixed trends, as reshoring investments remained selective and some factory projects were delayed because of rising costs. Warehouse construction showed signs of recovery after an extended slowdown, though developers remained disciplined.

Margins Likely Reflected Both Pricing Strength and Cost PressuresProfitability across the sector is expected to have remained uneven. Contractors with specialized capabilities, disciplined bidding strategies and favorable contract structures likely preserved margins through pricing actions and efficient project execution. Companies benefiting from higher-margin data center and infrastructure work may have reported continued margin resilience. However, rising labor expenses, tariffs on construction materials, supply-chain disruptions and equipment procurement costs likely continued to pressure project economics. Homebuilders probably experienced additional margin compression from elevated incentives and higher input costs, while commercial contractors with fixed-price contracts may also have encountered cost inflation challenges.

Q2 ExpectationsPer the latest Earnings Trends report, construction sector earnings are expected to decline 3.4% for the second quarter from a year ago. This indicates a narrower decrease from the first quarter of 2026’s 4.7% decline. Revenues, however, are projected to grow 4.8%, suggesting a decline from 5.8% growth registered in the preceding quarter.

Second-quarter 2026 earnings are expected to underscore a construction industry increasingly divided between resilient infrastructure and technology-driven projects on one hand, and a still-challenging residential and traditional commercial environment on the other. Companies with diversified end-market exposure, strong execution capabilities and sizable backlogs are likely to remain the sector's best performers in the current environment.

The Zacks MethodologyPicking the right stock could be difficult unless one knows the proper method. To make the task simple, we rely on the Zacks methodology, combining a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) and a positive Earnings ESP.

Our proprietary methodology, Earnings ESP, shows the percentage difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Research shows that for stocks with this combination of the Zacks Rank and ESP, chances of a positive earnings surprise are as high as 70%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Winning StocksFor investors willing to adopt this strategy, we have highlighted five construction stocks that may stand out this earnings season.

CRH — a global provider of building materials and solutions serving infrastructure, non-residential, and residential construction — topped earnings estimates in two of the trailing four quarters, met in one and missed on another occasion, with the average surprise being 0.7%.

CRH is likely to beat expectations when it reports second-quarter 2026 results on July 30, 2026, before the opening bell. This Zacks Rank #3 company has an Earnings ESP of +4.08%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRH’s second-quarter EPS is pegged at $1.96, representing 1% growth from the year-ago reported figure.

KBR — a global engineering, construction and services firm serving the global energy and international government services markets — topped earnings estimates in all the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 4.8%.

KBR is likely to beat expectations when it reports second-quarter 2025 results on July 30, before the opening bell. This Zacks Rank #3 company has an Earnings ESP of +8.70%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for KBR’s second-quarter EPS is pegged at 92 cents, representing growth of 1.1% from the year-ago reported figure on a 3.5% revenue decline.

Owens Corning — A branded building products leader with market-leading roofing, insulation and door businesses serving residential markets across North America and Europe — topped earnings estimates in three of the trailing four quarters, with the average being 3.8%.

Owens Corning is likely to beat expectations when it reports second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 5, 2026, before market open. This Zacks Rank #3 company has an Earnings ESP of +1.66%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Owens Corning’s second-quarter EPS is pegged at $3.06, representing a decline of 27.3% from a year ago.

Owens Corning Inc Price and EPS SurpriseSPX Technologies — supplies engineered HVAC, detection and measurement solutions across North America and international markets — topped earnings estimates in all the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 9.7%.

SPX Technologies is likely to beat expectations when it reports second-quarter 2026 results on July 30, 2026, before market open. This Zacks Rank #2 company has an Earnings ESP of +1.35%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SPX Technologies’ second-quarter EPS is pegged at $1.85, representing growth of 12.1% from a year ago on 15.1% higher revenues.

Amentum — provides engineering and technology solutions in the United States and internationally — topped earnings estimates in all the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 4%.

Amentum is likely to beat expectations when it reports third-quarter fiscal 2026 results on Aug. 11, 2026, before market open. This Zacks Rank #2 company has an Earnings ESP of +3.18%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Amentum’s fiscal third-quarter EPS is pegged at 63 cents, representing growth of 12.5% from a year ago on 1% higher revenues.

Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on lower revenues when Olin (OLN - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 30. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis chlor-alkali and ammunition producer' is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.07 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +40%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.72 billion, down 2.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 7.33% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Olin?For Olin, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +42.18%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Olin will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Olin would post a loss of$0.67 per share when it actually produced a loss of -$0.65, delivering a surprise of +2.99%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Olin appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerMethanex (MEOH - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $4 for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of +312.4%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $1.41 billion, up 77.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Methanex has been revised 13.9% up to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +0.06%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), suggests that Methanex will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed EPS estimates just once.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

United Bankshares (UBSI - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.95 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.89 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.85 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +6.74%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this holding company for United Bank would post earnings of $0.85 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.89, delivering a surprise of +4.71%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times.

United Bankshares, which belongs to the Zacks Banks - Southeast industry, posted revenues of $324.61 million for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.99%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $306.79 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates four times over the last four quarters.

The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.

United Bankshares shares have added about 22.2% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 9.6%.

What's Next for United Bankshares?While United Bankshares has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?

There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.

Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.

Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for United Bankshares was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.92 on $329.42 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $3.64 on $1.3 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Banks - Southeast is currently in the top 31% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

Another stock from the same industry, HomeTrust Bancshares (HTB - Free Report) , has yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026.

This holding company for HomeTrust Bank is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.89 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -11%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

HomeTrust Bancshares' revenues are expected to be $53.22 million, down 2.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Investor litigation firm Kaskela Law announces that it is investigating QuidelOrtho Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) (“QuidelOrtho”) on behalf of the company’s long-term investors.

Click here for additional information: https://kaskelalaw.com/case/quidelortho-corp/

Recently a securities fraud complaint was filed against QuidelOrtho on behalf of certain investors who purchased shares of the company’s stock between February 17, 2022 and April 1, 2024 (the “Wrongdoing Period”). According to the complaint, during the Wrongdoing Period, the defendants made a series of materially false and misleading statements to investors concerning QuidelOrtho’s business, operations, and prospects.

As further detailed in the complaint, on February 13, 2024, QuidelOrtho issued a press release reporting disappointing quarterly financial results, and “slashed” its 2024 financial forecasts, including a dramatic cut to its COVID-19 revenue forecast. On this news, shares of the company’s stock fell $21.50 per share, or 32% in value, to close on February 14, 2024 at $45.27 per share, on unusually heavy trading volume.

The investigation seeks to determine whether the members of QuidelOrtho’s board of directors violated the securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the above alleged misconduct.

Current QuidelOrtho shareholders who purchased or acquired their QDEL shares prior to February 13, 2024 are encouraged to contact Kaskela Law LLC (D. Seamus Kaskela, Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.) for additional information about this investigation and their legal rights and options at (484) 229 – 0750, by email at [email protected], or online at:

https://kaskelalaw.com/case/quidelortho-corp/

ABOUT KASKELA LAW:

Kaskela Law LLC exclusively represents investors in securities fraud, corporate governance, and merger & acquisition litigation on a contingent basis (i.e., the firm’s clients are never responsible for any out-of-pocket costs for legal representation). Since 2020, the firm has helped to recover over $500 million for investors. For additional information about Kaskela Law LLC, including the firm’s recent notable recoveries for investors, please visit www.kaskelalaw.com.

This communication may constitute attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260723699295/en/

, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hub Group, Inc. ("Hub Group" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: HUBG). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. 

The class action concerns whether Hub Group and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. 

You have until August 28, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Hub Group securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com.   

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On February 5, 2026, Hub Group announced that the Company's financial statements for the first three quarters of 2025 should not be relied upon due to "an error that resulted in the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable in the first nine months of 2025."  The Company revealed that its reports for those quarters "were in each case materially misstated due to the aforementioned error and should no longer be relied upon" and that "the Company [wa]s also continuing to assess the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting and appropriate remediation steps."  The Company also estimated that "[t]he total amount of the reduction to accounts payable and purchased transportation costs related to this issue that was recorded during these periods is $77 million."  As such, Hub Group stated that it "plans to restate its financial statements for the first, second and third quarters of 2025."   

On this news, Hub Group's stock price fell $9.37 per share, or 18.25%, to close at $41.96 per share on February 6, 2026. 

Then, on May 12, 2026, Hub Group announced that it had "identified certain transactions that were prematurely or incorrectly recognized or not adequately supported," causing its 2023 and 2024 annual reports filed with the SEC to be "materially misstated," such that they "should no longer be relied upon."  The Company did not quantify the expected misstatement, although it "expect[ed] to conclude that it did not maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023."  

On this news, Hub Group's stock price fell $5.24 per share, or 12.52%, to close at $36.62 per share on May 12, 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. 

CONTACT:
Danielle Peyton
Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]
646-581-9980 ext. 7980 

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

NEW ORLEANS, July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until August 28, 2026 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Hub Group, Inc. (NasdaqGS: HUBG) (“Hub” or the “Company”), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company’s securities between April 28, 2023 and May 11, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Get Help

Hub investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/nasdaqgs-hubg or call toll-free (833) 538-3601. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Hub Group and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On February 5, 2026, the Company disclosed that its financial statements and reports for the first three quarters of 2025 should not be relied upon due to “an error that resulted in the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable in the first nine months of 2025” and that it planned to restate the statements. On this news, the price of Hub Group shares fell approximately 18%, from $51.33 per share on February 5, 2026 to $41.96 on February 6, 2026.

Then, on May 12, 2026, the Company disclosed that it had “identified certain transactions that were prematurely or incorrectly recognized or not adequately supported,” causing its 2023 and 2024 annual reports filed with the SEC to be “materially misstated,” such that they should no longer be relied upon, and “expect[ed] to conclude that it did not maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for each of the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.” On this news, the price of Hub Group shares fell an additional 13%, from $41.86 per share at close on May 11, 2026 to $36.62 on May 12, 2026.

The case is Lawler v. Hub Group, Inc., et al, No. 26-cv-07596.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Insulet Corporation ("Insulet" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: PODD) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and docketed under 26-cv-13062, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Insulet securities between February 21, 2025 and May 26, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.

If you are an investor who purchased or otherwise acquired Insulet securities during the Class Period, you have until August 31, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.  

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

Insulet develops, manufactures, and sells insulin delivery systems for people with insulin-dependent diabetes in the United States ("U.S.") and internationally. 

The Company offers, inter alia, its "Omnipod 5" automated insulin delivery ("AID") system, which includes a proprietary AID algorithm embedded in the pod that integrates with a third-party continuous glucose monitor to obtain glucose values through wireless Bluetooth communication; and its "Omnipod Dash", which features a Bluetooth enabled Pod that is controlled by a smartphone-like Personal Diabetes Manager. 

Insulet also formerly offered the Omnipod Insulin Management System, its predecessor to the Omnipod 5, prior to the Class Period, but had already begun to phase out the product by the start of the Class Period.

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies.  Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Insulet's manufacturing controls and procedures were defective; (ii) the foregoing created a foreseeable heightened risk that one or more Insulet products would be found to be in violation of applicable safety regulations and/or pose a risk of injury; and (iii) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

The truth began to emerge on March 12, 2026, when Insulet disclosed that it had "initiated a voluntary Medical Device Correction for specific lots of Omnipod® 5 Pods after identifying a manufacturing issue through its ongoing product monitoring."

On this news, Insulet's stock price fell $16.23 per share, or 6.88%, to close at $219.84 per share on March 13, 2026.

Then, on May 26, 2026, Insulet disclosed the "initat[ion]" of another "voluntary Medical Device Correction", this time "for specific lots of Omnipod® 5, Omnipod Dash®, and Omnipod® Insulin Management System (Omnipod Eros) Pods due to a manufacturing issue, identified through ongoing product monitoring, that could result in insulin under-delivery." 

On this news, Insulet's stock price fell $7.79 per share, or 5.07%, to close at $146.01 per share on May 27, 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 billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. 

Attorney advertising.  Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.  

CONTACT:
Danielle Peyton
Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]
646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Key Takeaways RPM enters fiscal 2027 with 3% to 7% sales growth outlook and favorable construction backlogs.RPM targets about $75M in SG&A savings to support 5% to 10% adjusted EBITDA growth.RPM faces DIY weakness, raw material inflation and customer concentration risks entering fiscal 2027. RPM International Inc. (RPM - Free Report) enters fiscal 2027 with operating momentum in construction-linked businesses and a still-muted consumer backdrop.

The stock story depends on whether demand for engineered systems, repair work and efficiency savings can keep offsetting do-it-yourself weakness and early-year inflation.

How RPM International Makes MoneyRPM manufactures high-performance coatings, sealants and specialty chemicals used mainly in maintenance and improvement applications. Its products were sold in nearly 167 countries and territories as of May 31, 2026.

Its mix spans Construction Products, Performance Coatings, Consumer and Specialty-related operations after portfolio changes moved units into the larger groups. Products include roofing systems, concrete repair, flooring, fireproofing, hobby paints, caulks, adhesives, wood stains and building-envelope solutions.

RPM Gains From Repair and Infrastructure DemandInfrastructure and repair work remain central to RPM’s fiscal 2027 setup. Construction Products Group sales rose 8.8% in the latest quarter, supported by concrete admixtures, roofing restoration systems and labor-saving wall systems.

Performance Coatings Group sales increased 5%, helped by fireproofing systems, infrastructure projects and emerging-market demand. Backlogs in both construction segments were favorable entering fiscal 2027, while full-year consolidated sales are expected to increase 3% to 7%.

RPM Uses Systems To Win More Project SpendRPM’s system-selling strategy gives it a way to capture more of each project. Integrated roofing, wall, flooring and building-envelope offerings can simplify procurement, reduce labor needs and shorten construction schedules.

That matters when customers are managing tight timelines and skilled-labor constraints. The strategy also differentiates RPM from broader coatings peers such as The Sherwin-Williams Company (SHW - Free Report) , a major paints and coatings company, by emphasizing bundled project solutions rather than stand-alone product volume alone.

RPM Expands With Deals and Efficiency ProgramsAcquisitions are adding capability and category exposure. Kalzip brings metal roofing and façade offerings to Construction Products, while The Pink Stuff and Ready Seal supported Consumer Group sales during soft do-it-yourself conditions.

Efficiency is the other lever. RPM expects previously announced actions to generate about $75 million of fiscal 2027 selling, general and administrative benefits, including about $25 million in the fiscal first quarter, while plant consolidation and MAP-driven process work support its 5% to 10% adjusted EBITDA growth outlook.

What Could Slow RPM InternationalCost pressure is the clearest near-term issue. Raw material inflation is expected to remain elevated in the first half of fiscal 2027, with price-cost likely somewhat negative before improving later in the year.

Consumer demand is another constraint. Organic sales in the Consumer Group declined 0.8% in the latest quarter, and unit volumes fell about 2% to 3%. Masco Corporation (MAS - Free Report) , which operates in branded home improvement and building products, offers a relevant comparison point for investors watching consumer repair and remodeling demand.

Customer concentration adds risk because large retail customers accounted for about 65% of Consumer segment sales in fiscal 2025 and 22% of consolidated sales. Weather, interest rates and broader economic conditions can also affect construction, roofing and exterior paint demand.

How RPM’s Ratings Fit This StoryThe bottom line is balanced. RPM has credible drivers in infrastructure, restoration, acquisitions and cost discipline, but the near-term signal is not aggressive because inflation and consumer softness still limit earnings visibility.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Its VGM Score of D, Value Score of C, Growth Score of C and Momentum Score of F point to a mixed style profile, especially after the current fiscal-year earnings estimate moved 0.4% lower over the past four weeks. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Those ratings fit a cautious stance. The Style Scores are designed to complement the Zacks Rank, and higher scores generally indicate more favorable value, growth or momentum characteristics. RPM’s current mix suggests investors may want more confirmation from estimate trends, margin recovery and consumer stabilization before taking a stronger view.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of HCA Healthcare, Inc. ("HCA" or the "Company") (NYSE: HCA).  Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.  

The investigation concerns whether HCA 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 July 14, 2026, HCA issued a press release reporting its preliminary financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2026.  Among other items, HCA sharply lowered its full-2026 profit guidance, citing an unfavorable shift in the Company's payer mix, which impacted revenue by approximately $400 million in the quarter. 

On this news, HCA's stock price fell $27.14 per share, or 6.95%, to close at $363.60 per share on July 14, 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.  

CONTACT:
Danielle Peyton
Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]
646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

New mineral-based composite trim product is a low-maintenance, durable, and dimensionally stable alternative to PVC

, /PRNewswire/ -- Edge, a leader in exterior trim and siding products and part of UFP Industries (NASDAQ: UFPI), announced today the launch of Arris™, premium mineral-based composite trim made with proprietary Surestone® technology. The product will be on display at the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) July 29–30, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.

Arris trim by Edge The name "Arris" is drawn from a traditional woodworking term for the sharp, clean edge formed where two surfaces meet. Exterior trim projects frequently require precise mitered corners, but thermal changes can create movement that causes joints to separate, leaving unwanted gaps, particularly with PVC trim products. Arris lives up to its name with minimal thermal movement and tight, clean-looking joints throughout seasonal temperature changes.

"We're proud to be introducing Arris to contractors, builders, and homeowners alike," said Dominic Beaulieu, managing director at Edge. "We've taken the technology and credibility of Surestone, paired that with customer feedback, and applied it to the development of a superior trim product. We're eager to see how this transforms the exterior trim space, and we are committed to bringing this level of advancement to other categories in the future."

Arris showcases innovation never before seen in the industry, creating an entirely new category. More dimensionally stable than traditional trim products, Arris is engineered to solve common jobsite and long-term performance challenges. The use of Surestone technology, a proprietary mineral-based composite first proven in premium Deckorators® decking, sets a new standard for durability and ease of installation.

Arris trim:

Is available now in an S1S2E profile (textured on one side, smooth on three), with an S4S profile (smooth on four sides) to follow Comes in widths ranging from 4–12 inches and nominal 1x and 5/4x thicknesses, launching in 20-foot lengths with shorter and longer options planned Features a durable white capstock that's scratch, scuff, and weather-exposure resistant Is lightweight, easy to work with, and arrives ready to install to streamline project timelines and reduce labor For additional information on Arris, please visit https://www.ufpedge.com/arris.

ABOUT EDGE

Edge is a leading provider of trim, siding, and interior accents. Its product lines include prefinished and natural solutions such as ForgeWood thermally modified siding; the Timeless interior accent board collection; Arris™, a mineral-based composite trim made with Surestone® technology; and the primed, exterior-rated trim lines EvoTrim™, Premium Primed, and Primed SPF. Sourced and manufactured in North America, its high-quality, convenient, and beautiful products make Edge a valued provider to building materials distributors and retailers nationwide. Edge is a brand of UFP Retail Solutions, a business segment of UFP Industries.

Learn more at https://www.ufpedge.com/.

UFP INDUSTRIES, INC. (NASDAQ: UFPI)

UFP Industries, Inc. is a holding company whose operating subsidiaries—UFP Packaging, UFP Construction, and UFP Retail Solutions—manufacture, distribute, and sell a wide variety of value-added products used in residential and commercial construction, packaging, and other industrial applications worldwide. Founded in 1955, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with affiliates in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more about UFP Industries, go to www.ufpi.com.

SOURCE Edge

Ameren (AEE - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 30, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis utility is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.08 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +6.9%.

Revenues are expected to be $2.4 billion, up 8% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 3.72% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Ameren?For Ameren, the Most Accurate Estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that there are no recent analyst views which differ from what have been considered to derive the consensus estimate. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Ameren will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Ameren would post earnings of $1.17 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.28, delivering a surprise of +9.40%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Ameren doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ensign Group (NASDAQ: ENSG) investors saw the price of their shares in the skilled nursing facilities (“SNFs”) provider tumble over 8% on June 8 and another 3% on June 11, 2026 after Hunterbrook Media and Muddy Waters Research, respectively, published highly critical reports questioning Ensign’s business practices.

In total, over $500 million of Ensign’s market capitalization has been wiped out since June 7, 2026, the day before the first of the two reports.

These developments have prompted national shareholder rights firm Hagens Berman to open an investigation into allegations within the two reports and whether Ensign may have violated the federal securities laws.

The firm encourages Ensign investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.

The Ensign Group (ENSG) Investigation:

The investigation is primarily focused on the propriety of Ensign’s disclosures about SNF acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and certain accounting matters.

In the past, Ensign repeatedly assured investors that “compliance and quality outcomes are precursors to outstanding financial performance” and “we strive to aggressively increase quality in every facility we acquire, and to adjust our overall policies to adapt to CMS’s changing criteria for the Five-Star Quality Rating System.”

But, on June 8, 2026, Hunterbrook published its report, contending in part that “Ensign’s profits can be traced to providing less care than its patients need – and less care than it is meant to provide based on the tax dollars it receives from the government.” In addition, the firm said that “[w]e found Ensign’s growth strategy is to buy struggling nursing homes – then cut staff at those facilities and bank the savings, all while claiming quality improves.”

Then, on June 11, 2026, Muddy Waters Research published its report, adding to Hunterbrook’s analysis. Muddy Waters sent investigators to 57 of Ensign’s SNFs and found “red flags consistent with rented” NHA licenses that enabled “Ensign to state the facilities have licensed Administrators when in fact these administrators are seldom on premise and do not substantively manage the facilities.”

The firm concluded that “this scheme, which could amount to fraud against states, Medicare, and Medicaid, is the pillar upon which Ensign’s acquisition strategy and margins is built[]” and “[u]nder the False Claims Act, if these practices have been in place for one year at ~20% of facilities, we estimate the violations carry theoretical sanctions in the billions of dollars.”

“Our investigation is focused on whether the analysts’ allegations are accurate and, if so, whether Ensign may have misled investors about its business practices and accounting,” said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm’s investigation.

If you invested in Ensign and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that will assist the firm’s investigation, submit your losses now »

If you’d like more information and answers to other frequently asked questions about the firm’s Ensign investigation, read more »

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Ensign should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs’ rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman’s team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. 

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.

Contact:
Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895

, /PRNewswire/ -- California American Water is investing $2.5 million in its Northern District Well Rehabilitation Program, a multi-year effort to strengthen groundwater infrastructure, maintain well performance, and ensure safe, reliable water service across the region. Customers in the Northern District depend on more than 100 groundwater wells that require ongoing maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement to support long-term reliability and water supply.

The Well Rehabilitation Program includes upgrades at multiple well sites and will continue through December 2027. These efforts are intended to maintain groundwater production capacity and extend the life of essential water infrastructure.

As part of the program, California American Water recently began rehabilitation at the Auberry Well in Sacramento's Parkway water system. Built in 1989, the well is being cleaned, redeveloped, and tested to optimize performance and improve long-term reliability. Work at the site includes inspections, pump removal and reinstallation, well testing, and condition assessments to enhance overall performance.

"Regular well rehabilitation is an important part of maintaining a resilient and reliable water system," said Usmita Pokhrel, Senior Manager of Engineering at California American Water. "These investments help ensure our groundwater facilities continue operating efficiently, extend the life of critical infrastructure, and provide dependable service for our customers."

Well rehabilitation may involve video inspections, cleaning, redevelopment, pump testing, electrical modifications, and other improvements to restore groundwater production capacity. Additional upgrades may include chemical treatment, freeze protection, equipment upgrades, and piping improvements, both below and above ground.

California American Water coordinates rehabilitation activities to minimize customer impact and maintain reliable water service during construction. No service interruptions are expected as a result of this program.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.   

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.  

About California American Water 
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 750,000 people.   

SOURCE American Water

Constellation Energy’s (CEG) venture arm has taken a stake in a reactor development company that is working around a gas-to-nuclear deployment model in coordination with GE Vernova (GEV). The transaction marks Constellation’s first equity investment in a U.S. nuclear developer focused on advanced small modular reactors (SMRs).

Key Takeaways Constellation Technology Ventures completed its first equity stake in a U.S. advanced SMR developer via Blue Energy. Blue Energy previously raised $380 million to develop multi-gigawatt gas-to-nuclear projects with GE Vernova. Financial advisors can access exposure to both Constellation Energy and GE Vernova through the Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF (NUKZ). Accelerating the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Constellation’s venture arm has made a strategic equity investment in prefabricated nuclear power plant developer Blue Energy. As the operator behind the largest nuclear reactor fleet in the U.S., Constellation expects the deal to accelerate commercialization. According to a company statement, Constellation’s investment will help Blue Energy meet growing national power demands by making nuclear development predictable, rapidly scalable, and project-financeable. 

Furthermore, Constellation said the investment in Blue Energy reinforces its deployment plans for GE Vernova Hitachi’s small modular reactor (SMR), the BWRX-300. The technology provides a proven, scalable path toward next-generation nuclear infrastructure across domestic markets.

See more: Advanced Nuclear Power Projects: Commercial SMR Deals Boost NUKZ

Gas-to-Nuclear Infrastructure Gains Traction The deal follows significant momentum for Blue Energy earlier this year. The firm previously secured $380 million in capital and established a strategic alliance with GE Vernova to construct multi-gigawatt gas-to-nuclear projects. 

This energy generation deployment method has attracted strong interest. Power becomes available on-site almost immediately from gas turbines while SMRs are built in the background. Once the reactors are operational, the gas turbines are removed from the site and the load operates only on the clean nuclear power source.

Accessing Nuclear Supply Chains via NUKZ Investors tracking the sector can find direct exposure to these market leaders through nuclear ETFs. Both GE Vernova and Constellation Energy are holdings in the Range Nuclear Renaissance Index ETF (NUKZ). GE Vernova represents the fund’s second-largest position, accounting for 4.3% of total portfolio assets as of July 20. 

NUKZ tracks the VettaFi Nuclear Renaissance Index, which provides exposure to companies across the nuclear energy ecosystem, including hardware providers and fuel suppliers.

Looking for nuclear insights in your inbox? Subscribe here to keep a pulse on nuclear investing through our weekly research.

For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Nuclear Energy Content Hub.

vettafi.com is owned by VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”). VettaFi is the index provider for NUKZ, for which it receives an index licensing fee. However, NUKZ is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi. VettaFi has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of NUKZ.

Schneider National (SNDR - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 30. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis trucking company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.22 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +4.8%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.51 billion, up 6.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.34% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Schneider National?For Schneider National, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +1.50%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.

So, this combination indicates that Schneider National will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Schneider National would post earnings of $0.11 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.12, delivering a surprise of +9.09%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates just once.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Schneider National appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAmong the stocks in the Zacks Transportation - Services industry, C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.51 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +17.1%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $4.42 billion, up 6.8% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for C.H. Robinson has been revised 0.5% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a lower Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -1.23%.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that C.H. Robinson will beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

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