CF Industries za měsíc po posledních výsledcích přidala asi 18,1 % a překonala S&P 500. Zisk i výnosy za 2. čtvrtletí sice meziročně vzrostly, ale oba ukazatele zaostaly za odhady.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for CF Industries (CF - Free Report) . Shares have added about 18.1% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is CF due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
CF Industries’ Q2 Earnings Miss Estimates Despite Strong Nitrogen PricingCF Industries reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $4.73 per share, up 99.6% from $2.37 in the year-ago quarter. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.65 by 16.3%.
Net sales increased 17.6% year over year to $2.22 billion but missed the consensus estimate of $2.43 billion by 8.7%. Higher average selling prices across all segments supported growth, while total sales volume declined 15.3% to 4.25 million tons.
Segmental Review Ammonia segment net sales rose 19.3% year over year to $586 million. Adjusted gross margin increased to $288 million from $188 million. An increase in the average selling price more than offset a decline in sales volume. Higher prices supported profitability, while lower supply availability and maintenance costs remained headwinds.
Granular Urea segment net sales climbed 38.8% to $759 million. Adjusted gross margin advanced to $551 million from $351 million. Sales volume and the average selling price rose. Greater product availability and a production mix favoring granular urea supported volumes, while stronger pricing lifted margins despite higher natural gas costs.
UAN segment net sales edged up 0.5% to $613 million. Adjusted gross margin rose to $403 million from $342 million. A rise in the average selling price offset a reduction in sales volume. Lower global demand and a production mix favoring granular urea pressured volumes, while higher freight, distribution and natural gas costs partly offset the pricing benefit.
AN segment’s net sales decreased 39.3% to $71 million. The segment recorded an adjusted gross loss of $1 million compared with an adjusted gross margin of $35 million a year earlier. Sales volume plunged because of lost production at the Yazoo City Complex, outweighing an increase in the average selling price. Higher purchased ammonia costs and outage-related expenses also pressured results.
Financials As of June 30, 2026, CF Industries had cash and cash equivalents of $2.48 billion. Long-term debt was $3.22 billion. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $878 million in the second quarter. CF Industries repurchased 2 million shares for $230 million during the quarter. The company bought back 2.2 million shares for $245 million in the first half, leaving roughly $1.48 billion under its current authorization.
Outlook CF Industries expects full-year 2026 gross ammonia production of approximately 9.5 million tons, including the effect of the ongoing Yazoo City outage. Management expects ammonia, AN solution, nitric acid, UAN solution and urea liquor production at the complex to resume during the first half of 2027. The company projects 2026 capital expenditures of about $1.3 billion on a consolidated basis.
Management expects nitrogen supply to remain constrained and demand to remain constructive through the end of 2026 and into 2027. Lower nitrogen prices entering the second half of 2026 are expected to support demand in India, Southeast Asia, Brazil and other import markets. North American nitrogen demand for the 2027 growing season is also expected to remain firm.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
The consensus estimate has shifted -20% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, CF has a strong Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock was allocated a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, CF has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerCF belongs to the Zacks Fertilizers industry. Another stock from the same industry, Mosaic (MOS - Free Report) , has gained 8.7% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.
Mosaic reported revenues of $2.82 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -6%. EPS of $0.13 for the same period compares with $0.51 a year ago.
Mosaic is expected to post earnings of $0.09 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -91.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -64.2%.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for Mosaic. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of D.
Kraft Heinz za poslední měsíc přidal asi 1,8 % po výsledcích za 2Q, kdy upravený zisk na akcii 56 centů překonal odhad 53 centů. Firma zároveň zlepšila výhled pro rok 2026.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Kraft Heinz (KHC - Free Report) . Shares have added about 1.8% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Kraft Heinz due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Kraft Heinz Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates Despite Organic Sales DipThe Kraft Heinz Company posted second-quarter 2026 results. The company posted adjusted earnings of 56 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 53 cents. Quarterly adjusted earnings fell 18.8% year over year, mainly due to lower adjusted operating income, partially offset by reduced tax expenses.
The company generated net sales of $6,262 million, down 1.4% year over year. However, the metric beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6,162 million. The decrease included a 0.6 percentage-point drag from divestitures partially offset by a favorable 0.5 percentage-point impact from foreign currency. Organic net sales fell 1.3%. Our model expected a 3.8% dip in organic sales.
Price contributed 1.3 percentage points of growth, with increases across all segments, primarily reflecting pricing actions in select categories to offset higher input costs, particularly in coffee and ready-to-drink beverages. Volume/mix declined 2.6 percentage points, driven by lower volumes in the North America and International Developed Markets segments, partly offset by growth in the Emerging Markets segment. The volume/mix decline was primarily attributable to weaker performance in meats and spoonables, along with the timing shift of Easter, which reduced growth approximately 100 basis points. These headwinds were partially offset by an approximately 80-basis-point benefit from inventory pull-forward in the quarter.
The adjusted gross profit of $2,136 million decreased from the $2,168 million reported in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted gross profit margin was flat year over year at 34.1%. Adjusted operating income declined 18.4% year over year to $1,041 million. The drop was primarily caused by higher advertising expenses, unfavorable volume/mix, inflationary pressures in manufacturing and logistics and higher variable compensation expense. These headwinds more than offset the benefits from higher pricing and efficiency initiatives.
Decoding KHC’s Segment-Wise ResultsNorth America net sales declined 2.7% to $4,626 million. Organic sales also fell 2.7%, as a 1.1-percentage-point pricing contribution was outweighed by a 3.8-percentage-point volume/mix decline. We expected a 5.3% decline in segment organic sales.
International Developed Markets sales decreased 3.5% to $865 million, while organic sales slipped 0.7% as a 0.7-percentage-point pricing contribution was outweighed by a 1.4-percentage-point volume/mix decline. We expected a 1.4% decrease in segment organic sales.
Emerging Markets sales rose 10.4% to $771 million, and organic sales advanced 8.5%, driven by 4.5-percentage-point pricing and 4-percentage-point volume/mix contributions. We expected 3.6% growth in segment organic sales.
Kraft Heinz: Other Financial AspectsKraft Heinz ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $2,419 million, long-term debt of $17,619 million and total shareholders’ equity (excluding noncontrolling interest) of $36,006 million. Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,088 million for the six months ended June 27, 2026, and free cash flow was $1,659 million. The company returned $949 million to its shareholders through cash dividends in the first half. Kraft Heinz did not repurchase any shares under its existing buyback program.
What to Expect From KHC in 2026?For 2026, Kraft Heinz now expects organic net sales to decline 0.5-2%, compared with its previous forecast for a 1.5-3.5% drop. The outlook continues to include an estimated 100-basis-point headwind from lower SNAP benefits.
Constant-currency adjusted operating income is now projected to fall 16-18%, compared with the prior range of 14-18% decrease.
Adjusted earnings are expected between $2.03 and $2.09 per share, compared with the previous range of $1.98-$2.10.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
The consensus estimate has shifted -8.25% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Kraft Heinz has a subpar Growth Score of D, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a score of A on the value side, putting it in the top 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Kraft Heinz has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerKraft Heinz is part of the Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry. Over the past month, Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 4.7%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
Chefs' Warehouse reported revenues of $1.17 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +12.9%. EPS of $0.78 for the same period compares with $0.52 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Chefs' Warehouse is expected to post earnings of $0.61 per share, indicating a change of +22% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +11.7% over the last 30 days.
Chefs' Warehouse has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
Akcie Albemarle za poslední měsíc vzrostly o 5,4 % po silném kvartálu: zisk na akcii 3,75 USD a tržby 1,74 mld. USD překonaly odhady díky vyšším cenám lithia.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Albemarle (ALB - Free Report) . Shares have added about 5.4% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Albemarle due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Albemarle Corporation before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
Albemarle’s Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates on Lithium Pricing StrengthAlbemarle posted second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $3.75 per share, up from 11 cents a year ago. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.35 by 11.9%, supported by stronger lithium pricing, Specialties growth and productivity gains.
On a reported basis, net income (attributable to Albemarle common shareholders) was $438.3 million or $3.52 per share. This compares favorably with a loss of $18.8 million or 16 cents per share in the prior-year quarter.
Net sales increased 31.1% year over year to $1.74 billion and topped the consensus mark of $1.59 billion by 9.9%. Energy Storage sales volume rose 11% to 65 kilotons of lithium carbonate equivalent, while average realized pricing advanced 60.5% to $19.53 per kilogram.
Adjusted EBITDA climbed 155% year over year to $858.1 million. The increase reflected higher Energy Storage pricing, stronger Specialties pricing and volumes, and ongoing cost and productivity improvements.
Segment HighlightsEnergy Storage net sales surged 77.9% year over year to $1.28 billion. It beat the consensus estimate of $1.19 billion. The improvement was driven by higher pricing, with volume also increasing from the year-ago period.
The segment’s adjusted EBITDA advanced 229.3% to $723.5 million. Higher lithium pricing drove the gain, partly offset by increased CORFO commissions.
Specialties net sales rose 20.5% year over year to $423.5 million. It was above the consensus estimate of $363 million. Volumes increased 8%, while pricing improved 11%, reflecting strength across bromine and derivatives.
Adjusted EBITDA for the segment increased 61.3% to $117.7 million. Favorable pricing, higher volumes, productivity gains and proactive management of Middle East-related cost escalation supported profitability.
Cash Flow and LiquidityCash from operating activities totaled $710 million in the quarter, while free cash flow was $638.3 million. Operating cash flow conversion reached 83%, helped by the timing of a larger Talison joint venture dividend and non-recurring working capital benefits.
As of June 30, 2026, cash and cash equivalents were $1.63 billion, and estimated liquidity was about $3.2 billion. Total debt totaled $1.9 billion, with net debt to adjusted EBITDA of roughly 0.5.
For the first half of 2026, operating cash flow increased $518 million year over year to $1.06 billion. Capital expenditures declined $131.8 million to $170.4 million.
OutlookAlbemarle increased its 2026 Specialties net sales outlook to $1.4-$1.6 billion from the prior $1.3-$1.5 billion range. The adjusted EBITDA forecast rose to $275-$325 million from $225-$275 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected year-to-date pricing and volume performance.
The company cut its capital expenditure forecast to about $500 million from $550-$600 million expected earlier.
Albemarle also expects Energy Storage sales volumes of 225-235 kilotons, as higher Wodgina output partly offsets a delay in the Talison CGP3 ramp following the June 9 fire.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates review.
The consensus estimate has shifted -30.79% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Albemarle has a strong Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock was allocated a score of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Albemarle has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerAlbemarle is part of the Zacks Chemical - Diversified industry. Over the past month, LyondellBasell (LYB - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 5.4%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
LyondellBasell reported revenues of $9.18 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +19.8%. EPS of $4.30 for the same period compares with $0.62 a year ago.
For the current quarter, LyondellBasell is expected to post earnings of $2.46 per share, indicating a change of +143.6% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.1% over the last 30 days.
LyondellBasell has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of A.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for MercadoLibre (MELI - Free Report) . Shares have added about 8.8% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is MercadoLibre due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
MercadoLibre’s Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Rise Y/YMercadoLibre reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $9.19 per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.69 per share by 5.75% and declined 10.86% year over year from $10.31 per share in the year-ago quarter. Revenues rose 49.76% on a year-over-year basis (43% on a foreign-exchange-neutral basis) to $10.17 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.07%.
Commerce and fintech revenues grew 50% and 49% year over year on a reported basis, respectively. Brazil delivered foreign-exchange-neutral GMV growth of 39% year over year, Mexico posted 26% amid tax reform headwinds, and Argentina delivered 38% against a challenging consumption environment. Advertising revenues rose 62% year over year on a foreign-exchange-neutral basis, with MELI surpassing a 10% share of Latin America's digital advertising market for the first time.
MELI’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 107.32%.
MELI’s Q2 in DetailBrazil: Net revenues in the second quarter reached $5,530 million (54.39% of total revenues), up 59% year over year on a reported basis, aided by currency tailwinds, credit card portfolio expansion and robust advertising uptake. On a foreign exchange neutral basis, growth was 42%.
Mexico: The market generated revenues of $2,337 million (22.98% of total revenues), increasing 55% year over year on a reported basis and 38% on a foreign exchange neutral basis. Growth continued to be tempered by the tax reform headwind flagged in the prior quarter, along with a softer macroeconomic environment.
Argentina: Net revenues in the reported quarter were $1,839 million (18.09% of total revenues), reflecting an increase of 20% year over year on a reported basis, as currency movements acted as a headwind. On a foreign exchange neutral basis, growth was 48%.
Other countries: These markets generated revenues of $463 million (4.55% of total revenues), representing growth of 63.03% on a year-over-year basis, with cross-border trade continuing to contribute meaningfully to assortment depth.
Key Metrics for MELIGross Merchandise Volume of $21.9 billion increased 44% year over year and 36% on a foreign exchange neutral basis.
The number of successful items sold was 795 million, up 44.55% year over year. Unique buyer growth was 25.35% year over year, with the number reaching 89 million. Items sold per unique active buyer reached 8.9, growing 14% year over year, led by Brazil, where the metric grew 19% year over year.
Fintech Monthly Active Users rose 29.41% year over year to 88 million. Assets Under Management grew 68% year over year to $23 billion, with AUM per user reaching $264, up 29% year over year. The credit portfolio expanded 75% year over year to $16.4 billion, with credit exposure per user in the consumer and credit card portfolios reaching $231 and $446, growing 34% and 20% year over year, respectively.
Total Payment Volume rose 56% year over year and 56% on a foreign exchange neutral basis to $101 billion. Acquiring Total Payment Volume grew 44% year over year to $64.1 billion, with foreign exchange neutral growth of 42%.
Total payment transactions increased 43.65% year over year to 5,181 million.
The credit portfolio reached $16.4 billion, growing 75% year over year. The credit card issued 2.6 million new cards in the quarter, up from 1.6 million cards a year ago. Asset quality remained solid, with the 15 to 90 day non-performing loan ratio at 7% for the total portfolio and 4.6% for the credit card specifically, both close to historic lows.
MercadoLibre’s Operating DetailsIn the second quarter, gross margin contracted approximately 468 basis points on a year-over-year basis to 40.9%, primarily reflecting pricing and supply initiatives in Brazil, higher shipping costs and increased device costs in Acquiring, particularly in Mexico.
Total operating expenses were $3,476 million, increasing 53.2% year over year. Income from operations declined 17% year over year to $683 million, with the operating margin contracting 550 basis points to 6.7%, as MELI continued to prioritize investment in free shipping, the credit card, first-party inventory, cross-border trade and user acquisition in Acquiring.
Product development expenses scaled favorably from 8.4% of revenues in the second quarter of 2025 to 7.2% in the reported quarter, reflecting productivity gains from AI adoption across the engineering organization. AI investment grew roughly $80 million year over year in the quarter, split between cost of goods sold and product development.
Net Interest Margin After Losses declined to 20.7% from 23% in the second quarter of 2025, driven primarily by a shift in mix toward the lower-spread credit card, which rose from 43% to 47% of the total portfolio. Credit card NIMAL compressed from breakeven in the year-ago quarter to negative 2.5%, reflecting the step-up in issuance rather than any deterioration in asset quality.
Balance Sheet of MELIAs of June 30, 2026, cash and cash equivalents were $3,649 million, down slightly from $3.68 billion as of March 31, 2026.
Short-term investments were $2,081 million as of June 30, 2026, compared to $1.97 billion as of March 31, 2026, an increase of 5.63%. Net debt increased to $6,425 million at the end of the quarter from $5.75 billion as of March 31, 2026, reflecting continued funding of Mercado Pago's credit operations, including $2.1 billion deployed into loan book growth during the quarter, partially offset by $560 million in fintech funding.
Total loans receivable, net of allowances, stood at $11,996 million compared to $10.74 billion as of March 31, 2026, an increase of 11.72%. Adjusted free cash flow was $214 million, improving from negative $56 million in the first quarter of 2026, even after absorbing $441 million of capital expenditure, consistent with the seasonal normalization of cash generation following the first quarter's seasonal weakness.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
VGM ScoresCurrently, MercadoLibre has a great Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock was allocated a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, MercadoLibre has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
CVS Health za měsíc od posledních výsledků přidala asi 1 % a překonala S&P 500. Firma zároveň zvýšila celoroční výhled tržeb na nejméně 414 miliard USD.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for CVS Health (CVS - Free Report) . Shares have added about 1% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is CVS Health due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for CVS Health Corporation before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
CVS Health Tops Q2 Earnings and Revenue EstimatesCVS Health Corporation reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $2.58 per share, up 42.5% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 37.97%. Revenues rose 7.3% to $106.10 billion and surpassed the consensus mark by 5.91%.
The upside reflected stronger adjusted operating income across all operating segments, led by Health Care Benefits. Medical membership was 26.0 million at quarter-end.
Health Care Benefits revenues increased 3.5% year over year to $37.54 billion. The rise was driven by growth in the Government business, partly offset by the company’s exit from the individual exchange business in 2026.
Health Services revenues rose 11.5% to $51.80 billion. The improvement was supported by pharmacy drug mix and brand inflation, partially offset by continued pharmacy client price improvements.
Pharmacy & Consumer Wellnes srevenues jumped 0.7% to $33.82 billion. Growth from pharmacy drug mix, higher prescription volume, Rite Aid asset contributions and brand inflation was largely offset by regulatory-related price reductions, generic drug introductions and reimbursement pressure.
CVS Health’s Margin Performance Improves
CVS Health’s gross profit, calculated as total revenues less cost of products sold and health care costs, came in at $15.75 billion, up 15.9% year over year. Gross margin expanded 110 basis points (bps) year over year to 14.8%.
Operating income surged 97.5% to $4.70 billion, outpacing revenue growth. The improvement reflected higher adjusted operating income across all operating segments and the absence of $833 million in legacy litigation charges recorded in the prior-year quarter. Operating margin expanded 200 bps to 4.4%.
Adjusted operating income rose 35.4% to $5.16 billion. Adjusted operating margin improved 100 bps to 4.9%, aided by operating expenses declining to $11.05 billion from $11.21 billion in the year-ago quarter.
CVS Health’s Liquidity and Capital Position Improve
CVS Health ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $11.33 billion, up from $9.54 billion at March-end. Long-term debt stood at $59.45 billion, down from $60.53 billion at first quarter-end.
Cumulative net cash provided by operating activities was $10.59 billion compared with $6.45 billion in the prior-year period.
CVS Health also paid $1.73 billion in dividends during the first half of 2026. Continued debt reduction and disciplined capital returns remain important watch items as the company advances its operating recovery.
CVS Health Raises 2026 Guidance
Management raised its full-year 2026 targets following the quarter’s performance. CVS lifted its GAAP diluted earnings per share outlook to a range of $6.84-$7.04 from $6.24-$6.44 and boosted adjusted earnings guidance to $7.90-$8.10 from $7.30-$7.50. The Zacks Consensus Estimate expects 2026 adjusted earnings per share to be $7.46.
Revenues for the year are projected to be at least $414 billion, up from the earlier projection of at least $405 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same stands at $409.0 billion.
The company also increased its cash flow from operations outlook to at least $11.5 billion from at least $9.5 billion. CVS said the update reflects improved expectations for the Health Care Benefits and Pharmacy & Consumer Wellness segments while maintaining a cautious view for the remainder of the year, given elevated cost trends and potential macroeconomic headwinds.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates revision have trended downward during the past month.
The consensus estimate has shifted -6.08% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, CVS Health has a strong Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with a D. However, the stock was allocated a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, CVS Health has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerCVS Health belongs to the Zacks Medical Services industry. Another stock from the same industry, Icon PLC (ICLR - Free Report) , has gained 1.5% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.
Icon PLC reported revenues of $2.06 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +2.3%. EPS of $2.56 for the same period compares with $3.26 a year ago.
Icon PLC is expected to post earnings of $2.69 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -18.7%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0.3%.
Icon PLC has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of C.
PPG uvedla pět hotových nátěrů ONE RANGE pro námořní údržbu, které nevyžadují míchání a mají zjednodušit práci posádek. Portfolio podporuje nízký obsah VOC a nižší složitost aplikace.
Key Takeaways PPG launched five ready-to-use ONE RANGE marine coatings to simplify onboard fleet maintenance.The coatings use waterborne, alkyd and polyurethane technologies and support low-VOC compliance.PPG's POWERPACK tool is designed to reduce equipment changes and improve crew productivity. PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG - Free Report) recently introduced the PPG ONE RANGE portfolio of five one-component marine coatings, designed to simplify onboard fleet maintenance and help crews complete projects more efficiently. SMM 2026 maritime industry trade fair in Hamburg, Germany, will witness the launch of these ready-to-use solutions, eliminating the requirement for mixing and reducing application complexity.
The portfolio is comprised of waterborne, alkyd and polyurethane technologies for a broad range of interior and exterior maintenance applications. The coatings also incorporate technologies designed to support low-VOC compliance and low flame spread certification.
PPG is also previewing the PPG POWERPACK application tool at SMM to display its portable, battery-powered system that allows crews to reduce equipment changes and improve productivity. Together, the ONE RANGE portfolio and POWERPACK tool strengthen PPG’s marine coatings offering enhanced efficiency and ease of application.
The launch indicates PPG’s focus on improving the coatings maintenance process by extending vessel lifecycles, reducing preparation time and making application easier.
PPG’s Performance Coatings segment’s net sales increased 7% year over year to $1.62 billion in the second quarter. The increase reflected higher selling prices, favorable foreign currency translation and contributions from acquisitions. Organic sales rose 3%, led by aerospace, protective and marine coatings and traffic solutions. These gains were partly offset by lower automotive refinish volumes.
PPG shares have gained 0.7% in the past year against the industry’s 0.8% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PPG’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksPPG currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold)
Some better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Neo Performance Materials Inc. (NOPMF - Free Report) , Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS - Free Report) and Avient Corporation (AVNT - Free Report) .
While NOPMF currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), CRS and AVNT carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NOPMF’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $1.4 per share, indicating a 185.71% year-over-year increase. NOPMF’sshares have gained 92% over the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRS’ fiscal 2027 earnings is pegged at $12.92 per share, indicating a rise of 20.07% year over year. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 8.39%.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AVNT’s current-year earnings is pinned at $3.2 per share, indicating a 13.48% year-over-year increase. Its earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 3.4%. AVNT’sshares have gained 13.8% over the past year.
HP představila nové OmniBook Ultra 16 a OmniBook X 14 spolu s detaily o chystaném HP OmniDesk, všechny poháněné NVIDIA RTX Spark a Windows. Firma je zaměřuje na AI tvůrce, vývojáře, hráče a další pokročilé uživatele.
Empowers AI builders, creators, gamers, and developers with HP’s newest OmniBook PCs powered by NVIDIA RTX SparkAccelerates intelligent workflows with personal agents, local AI experiences and advanced content creation capabilitiesEnables ambitious AI development and creative projects with the HP OmniBook Ultra 16, designed for users building what’s nextExtends next-generation AI experiences to a highly portable form factor with the HP OmniBook X 14, built for creators on the moveExpands HP’s portfolio of RTX Spark-powered AI PCs for creators, gamers, developers, and advanced AI users BERLIN, Sept. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) announced its new HP OmniBook Ultra 16 and HP OmniBook X 14 along with new details around the upcoming HP OmniDesk, all powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark and Windows. Together, the devices expand HP’s portfolio of next-generation AI PCs designed for creators, developers, entrepreneurs, gamers, and advanced AI users. First previewed at Computex in June, the world’s thinnest RTX Spark laptopsi bring personal agents, local AI, advanced content creation and RTX technologies into premium designs, redefining how people create, develop, play, and work on their PCs.
“As AI transforms the way people create, develop, game, and work, HP is focused on delivering devices that help bring intelligent experiences directly into everyday workflows,” said Samuel Chang, Senior Vice President and Division President, Consumer Personal Systems at HP Inc. “The HP OmniBook Ultra 16, HP OmniBook X 14, and HP OmniDesk powered by RTX Spark represent a new generation of Windows PCs designed for developers, creators, gamers, and innovators who want local intelligent assistants and AI-powered applications, including open-source tools working alongside them.”
NVIDIA RTX Spark reinvents personal computing, combining personal agents, advanced content creation and high-performance gaming in a new platform engineered from the ground up for the next wave of Windows PC experiences. Designed for creators, AI developers, and gamers, RTX Spark brings NVIDIA’s full-stack AI platform and full suite of RTX technologies to slim laptops with all-day battery life and compact desktops.
AI PCs Built for Builders, Creators, and Advanced Users
AI is rapidly evolving from simple prompts to intelligent agents and assistants capable of helping people create, automate and solve problems in entirely new ways. The newest OmniBooks and OmniDesk powered by RTX Spark and Windows are designed for this next generation of personal computing, bringing together agents, local AI, advanced content creation capabilities, and RTX technologies in premium devices built around the needs of modern creators, developers, gamers, and innovators. Whether building intelligent applications, creating content, exploring emerging AI workflows or balancing productivity with entertainment, these devices are designed to help users accomplish more with AI working alongside them on-device or cloud.
Build What’s Next with the HP OmniBook Ultra 16
Designed for AI builders, developers, creators, gamers, and entrepreneurs tackling complex projects, the HP OmniBook Ultra 16 delivers the performance, scale and immersive experiences needed to bring ambitious ideas to life. Engineered for users developing AI-powered applications, experimenting with emerging agentic workflows, creating content, and tackling demanding creative projects, the laptop allows users to:
Build bigger, faster: Intelligent assistants, local AI capabilities, and agentic workflows help users automate repetitive work, accelerate creativity, and focus on solving larger challenges. For developers and creators working at scale, configurations with up to 128 GB of unified memory and up to 1 petaflop FP4 AI performance are designed to enable larger models, including open source and open weight, powering more complex workflows and faster iteration.Sustain demanding AI workloads: HP’s first consumer tower hinge and trunk architecture maximizes airflow and heat dissipation in an exceptionally thin premium design. Combined with larger heat pipes and dual ultra-thin fans, the system is designed to support sustained AI development, creative production, and emerging agentic workloads.See every detail and hear every difference: A 16-inch 3K OLED display with VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 1000 certification is paired with quad speakers powered by smart amplifiers to deliver vibrant visuals, deep contrast and immersive audio experiences for content creation, entertainment, and everyday productivity.Power through ambitious projects: Designed for creators and developers working across demanding AI and creative workflows, the OmniBook Ultra 16 combines a 99 Wh battery for up to 17 hours of battery lifeii with fast charging support, enabling users to spend more time creating and less time tethered to an outlet, with the ability to recharge up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes.iii Create Anywhere with the HP OmniBook X 14
For creators, developers, and AI enthusiasts who want powerful AI experiences in a device built for mobility, the HP OmniBook X 14 extends RTX Spark experiences into HP’s thin-and-light OmniBook X portfolio. Designed for users who move fluidly between work, creativity, and entertainment, the device brings personal agents, local AI and creator-focused experiences into a highly portable premium design.
Access AI wherever inspiration strikes: The OmniBook X 14 brings personal agents, local AI, creator workflows, and RTX graphics into a compact form factor designed to support productivity, content creation, and emerging AI experiences wherever users work and create.Designed for everyday creators: Built for users who want one device for both professional work and personal passions, the OmniBook X 14 supports modern workflows that blend productivity, content creation, AI-assisted experiences, and entertainment into a single premium PC experience.Travel light without sacrificing capability: A thin-and-light design combined with HP’s advanced rear thermal architecture, heat-pipe design, and optimized airflow helps enable demanding AI-powered experiences while maintaining portability.Immerse yourself in every project: A premium OLED display with VESA DisplayHDR™ True Black 1000 certification delivers vibrant visuals, deep contrast, and rich detail for content creation, collaboration, gaming, and entertainment.Stay productive from anywhere: Built for creators and AI enthusiasts on the move, the OmniBook X 14 delivers up to 15 hours of battery lifeii and supports fast charging with a 140W USB-C® GaN adapter, allowing users to recharge up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes.iii Bring Advanced AI Computing to the Desktop with HP OmniDesk
The HP OmniDesk powered by RTX Spark further expands HP’s exploration of compact, high-performance AI computing designed to bring advanced capabilities closer to where people create, develop, and work. With always-on performance, the desktop is designed to keep long-running AI agents and tasks moving, even when users step away. Additional details on experiences, features, and availability will be shared closer to availability.
Pricing and Availabilityiv
The HP OmniBook Ultra 16 is expected to be available at HP.com and Best Buy this fall. Pricing will be provided closer to availability.The HP OmniBook X 14 is expected to be available at HP.com and other retailers this fall. Pricing will be provided closer to availability.The HP OmniDesk pricing will be provided closer to availability. About HP
HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services, and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.
i Based on publicly available information and HP’s internal analysis of 14-inch and 16-inch display consumer notebooks from major manufacturers with Windows on Arm and a thermal design power of greater than 45W as of June 2026. Slimness is determined by the notebook’s rear height of 15.73 millimeters on HP OmniBook Ultra 16 inch Laptop Next Gen AI PC and 13.53mm on HP OmniBook X 14 inch Laptop Next Gen AI PC. Rear height measurement is near the back edge where the chassis bottom cover taper ends, excluding transition area to rubber feet and hinge cap.
ii Battery life tested by HP using continuous FHD video playback, 1080p (1920x1080) resolution, 200 nits brightness, system audio level as image default, player audio level at 100%, played full-screen from local storage, headphone attached or through speaker (if no audio jack port), wireless on but not connected. Actual battery life will vary depending on configuration and maximum capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.
iii Recharges your battery up to 50% within 30 minutes when the system is off using “shut down” command, using the HP adapter provided with the notebook or recommended power adapter disclosed in specifications.
iv Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a361f11-9579-42e3-87fd-57c5caea29fc
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0b39f3b-f315-4737-a3fe-e555d6f0652c
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10df3a4a-55b0-49ad-b18b-b50e7330fdcb
Investors have been closely watching Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Nio (NIO -2.20%) for signs of progress toward profitability. Record-breaking EV deliveries late last year had it on the right path.
But its latest quarterly report showed it took a small step back in Q2. That led to a stock sell-off this week, with shares down about 14% as of late Friday morning, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Nio reported revenue increased 69% year over year in the second quarter. It was also a 26% boost sequentially over the first quarter. But the loss from operations actually increased slightly compared to the first quarter. While both were still massive improvements compared to the year-ago periods, investors want to see the move to actual income from operations.
That could still be coming soon. As shown in the chart below, Nio continues to grow EV deliveries, with 14.5% year-over-year growth in August.
Data source: Nio. Chart by the author.
That bodes well for Q3 as long as cost increases don't outpace sales growth. Component costs as well as fierce competition in China and Europe have been headwinds for the company and other EV makers.
This week's dip in the stock could be a good entry point if the company achieves profitability over the next year.
Howard Smith has positions in Nio. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
ChargePoint v pátečním odpoledním obchodování stoupl o 7 % na 9,70 USD po silných výsledcích za 2. čtvrtletí. CEO Rick Wilmer říká, že rally je „začátek momentu“.
ChargePoint's CEO is calling a two-day stock surge the opening act of something bigger, but the charging peers sitting flat tell a very different story about who actually believes him.
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ChargePoint Holdings (NYSE:CHPT) stock is rallying for a second straight session as CEO Rick Wilmer publicly frames the surge as the opening act of a longer move. The Global X Autonomous & Electric Vehicles ETF (NASDAQ:DRIV) is up 0.6% to $34.71; at the same time, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) is down 0.4% to $770.42, so the broad tape isn’t providing any lift for the EV names.
ChargePoint stock is up 7% to $9.70 in Friday afternoon trading, extending Wednesday’s post-earnings surge into a second consecutive advance. Meanwhile, EVgo (NASDAQ:EVGO) stock is up 2% to $1.47, a modest tick that leaves the charging peer read looking thin. Blink Charging (NASDAQ:BLNK) stock is down 0.3% to $0.59, essentially flat as it declines to rally alongside ChargePoint.
Earnings Beat Fuels the Momentum Call Wednesday’s Q2 FY2027 numbers from ChargePoint cleared the bar with room to spare. Revenue landed at $116 million, above the top of the company’s own guidance range and up 18% year over year (YoY), while networked charging systems revenue climbed 25% YoY. ChargePoint’s adjusted EBITDA loss narrowed to $4.8 million from a $22 million loss in the same quarter last year, and non-GAAP gross margin reached 38%, a company record on that measure.
That record margin figure includes a one-time tariff refund of $4.2 million, so ChargePoint’s normalized number sits closer to 35%. Wilmer stated in an interview that the rally is “the beginning of the momentum” and that growth is accelerating on the back of new products such as the Express Solo fast charger and a deeper Eaton partnership. It’s ChargePoint’s fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth, and management said cash usage during the period was essentially zero.
Second Day Is the One That Matters A swift single-session rally may or may not be indicative of short covering, so the follow-through session is the more informative data point. A second straight day of gains argues the market is genuinely rerating the turnaround rather than unwinding a squeeze, because nothing in ChargePoint’s outlook changed overnight. Buyers today are paying a higher price for exactly the same information that was available Wednesday afternoon, which reads as conviction rather than mechanical short covering.
The tension inside the quarter is real. ChargePoint’s Q3 FY2027 revenue guidance of $105 million to $115 million only brackets consensus rather than lifting it, and the record margin leaned partly on a tariff refund that won’t repeat. Wilmer’s bull case rests on new hardware and accelerating growth rather than on the quarter just reported, and that’s the right place to look, because the Q2 report is already in the price.
Charging Peers Refuse to Rerate Charging infrastructure stocks aren’t all moving as a group today. EVgo’s modest tick sits against a Q2 2026 report that showed $83 million in revenue and a fresh agreement with Tesla to deploy EVgo-owned V4 Superchargers across dozens of U.S. cities starting this year. Blink Charging is essentially flat after cutting full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $83 million to $90 million from $105 million to $115 million alongside its Envoy Technologies divestiture and pivot toward higher-margin service revenue.
The scoreboard through Friday’s action tells the story. ChargePoint stock is up 77% over the past week and 49% year to date (YTD), a stunning turn given the shares are still down 9% over the trailing year. EVgo stock is down 49% YTD and Blink Charging stock is down 12% YTD, so the divergence points to a company-specific reappraisal of ChargePoint rather than capital rotating into charging infrastructure as a theme.
What to Watch Next Ahead of ChargePoint’s Q3 FY2027, the question is whether Express Solo bookings translate into a report that clears consensus rather than merely meeting it. That’s the moment where Wilmer’s momentum thesis gets tested against a reduced tariff benefit and normalized margins, and it’s the point at which the second-day repricing either extends or reverses. In the meantime, the interview cadence and any commentary at investor conferences can also shape sentiment.
The company-specific nature of today’s move is also its risk. Without sector support, a broader charging selloff could pull ChargePoint back quickly, since there’s no thematic bid underneath the shares. Investors sizing their exposure to a sub-$10 stock with a reported stockholders’ deficit should keep their positions modest and their risk tightly capped.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
Key Takeaways Affirm's Q4 fiscal 2026 GMV rose 36%, revenues climbed 33% and active users increased 21%.Affirm's 30 day delinquency rate was 2.5%, down 26 bps sequentially but up 19 bps year over year.Moderate consumer pressure can boost Affirm demand without significantly hurting credit quality. In recent interviews with CNBC and Bloomberg, Affirm Holdings, Inc. (AFRM - Free Report) CEO Max Levchin pointed to growing pressure on U.S. consumers from higher gas prices and inflation. Rising everyday costs are squeezing household budgets, but they are also making installment payments more useful, prompting more shoppers to turn to Affirm to preserve cash or spread out larger purchases.
That does not automatically make a tougher economy bullish for Affirm. The key is how much stress consumers can absorb. Moderate pressure can lift demand without materially weakening credit quality. Severe pressure is different. If borrowers move from wanting more flexibility to simply being unable to afford purchases, delinquencies and charge-offs can rise, forcing Affirm to tighten approvals and absorb higher credit costs.
So far, the operating picture looks more supportive than alarming. Affirm has continued to post strong growth in gross merchandise volume (up 36% in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026), revenues (up 33%) and active users (up 21%), while credit trends remain manageable. Its underwriting model also gives it room to decline higher-risk applications, adjust credit limits and require down payments as risk conditions change. Affirm's 30+ day delinquency rate on monthly installment loans was 2.5%, down 26 basis points sequentially, although it was 19 basis points higher year over year.
Funding conditions remain worth watching, but the broader picture is constructive. As long as repayment trends remain stable and underwriting stays disciplined, rising demand for flexible payments could continue supporting Affirm’s growth while keeping credit performance on a healthy footing.
AFRM’s YTD Price PerformanceOver the year-to-date period, shares of Affirm have declined 2.9% against the 0.8% growth of the industry it belongs to.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Zacks Rank & Key PicksAffirm currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader payments space are Remitly Global, Inc. (RELY - Free Report) , Usio, Inc. (USIO - Free Report) and Repay Holdings Corporation (RPAY - Free Report) . While Remitly Global currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Usio and Repay Holdings are carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The consensus estimate for Remitly Global’s current-year earnings indicates a 390.6% year-over-year surge to $1.57 per share. It has witnessed one upward estimate revision and no downward movement over the past 30 days. The consensus estimate for RELY’s current-year revenues is pegged at $1.98 billion, implying 21.4% year-over-year growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for USIO’s current-year earnings indicates an 88.9% year-over-year improvement. USIO has witnessed one upward estimate revision over the past month against no cuts. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues indicates 13.9% year-over-year growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Repay Holdings’ current-year earnings indicates 26.8% year-over-year growth. RPAY witnessed one upward estimate revision over the past month and no downward movement. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues implies a 60.1% year-over-year jump.
Atmos Energy za fiskální 3. čtvrtletí překonala odhad zisku na akcii 1,43 USD, ale výnosy 879 milionů USD za odhady zaostaly. Společnost zároveň potvrdila výhled EPS 8,40–8,50 USD pro fiskální rok 2026.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Atmos Energy (ATO - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 1.7% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Atmos due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Atmos Energy Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Increase Y/Y
Atmos Energy reported fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings of $1.43 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.34 by 6.7%. The bottom line improved 23.3% from $1.16 in the year-ago quarter.
ATO’s RevenuesThe company reported revenues of $879 million, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04 billion by 15.3%. The top line increased 4.8% from $838.8 million in the prior-year quarter.
ATO’s Quarterly Operating HighlightsOperation and maintenance expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2026 amounted to $223.2 million, up 0.5% year over year.
Operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2026 was $320.4 million, up 27.1% from $252.1 million in the prior-year quarter.
As of Aug. 5, 2026, Atmos Energy had implemented $396.1 million of annualized rate outcomes, while $334.1 million remained in progress.
ATO reported net income of $242.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2026, up 37.8% from $186.4 million in the year-ago quarter.
Atmos Energy incurred interest expenses of $33.1 million, down 20.2% from the year-earlier quarter’s level.
The company reported consolidated distribution throughput of 73.1 million cubic feet per day for the third quarter, down 2.93% from the year-ago quarter’s reported actual.
ATO’s Segmental PerformanceDistribution: Net income totaled $89.4 million, up 26.8% from $70.5 million in the year-ago quarter. The increase was driven by a $21 million benefit from rate adjustments, primarily in the Mid-Tex Division, along with $26.7 million of deferred infrastructure-related costs and a $3.9 million contribution from residential customer growth and higher industrial demand.
Pipeline and Storage: Net income increased 32.2% year over year to $153.3 million. The improvement was driven partly by a $35.1 million benefit from rate adjustments, primarily related to Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program filings approved in June 2025 and May 2026.
Atmos Energy’s Balance Sheet and Infrastructure SpendingAs of June 30, 2026, cash and cash equivalents were $521 million, up from $202.7 million at fiscal 2025-end.
As of June 30, 2026, Atmos Energy reported a strong balance sheet with approximately $4.6 billion of available liquidity.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $1.67 billion during the first nine months of fiscal 2026 compared with $1.70 billion a year earlier.
Capital expenditure totaled $1.04 billion in the third quarter, up 19.9% year over year. For the first nine months of fiscal 2026, spending reached $3.08 billion, with $2.72 billion directed toward safety and reliability projects.
Atmos Energy Reaffirms Fiscal 2026 GuidanceATO reaffirmed fiscal 2026 guidance of $8.40-$8.50 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS is pegged at $8.44, slightly lower than the midpoint of the company’s guided range.
Total net income is expected to be in the range of $1.41-$1.43 billion.
ATO anticipates its fiscal 2026 capital expenditure to be $4.2 billion.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates review over the past two months.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Atmos has a subpar Growth Score of D, a score with the same score on the momentum front. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a grade of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook Atmos has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerAtmos belongs to the Zacks Utility - Gas Distribution industry. Another stock from the same industry, ONE Gas (OGS - Free Report) , has gained 1.2% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.
ONE Gas reported revenues of $411.64 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -2.9%. EPS of $0.82 for the same period compares with $0.53 a year ago.
ONE Gas is expected to post earnings of $0.50 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +13.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for ONE Gas. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of C.
TransDigm rozšiřuje své letecké portfolio akvizicemi, včetně dohody o koupi Prince & Izant za zhruba 1,07 mld. USD v hotovosti. Firma tím posiluje nabídku proprietárních produktů a aftermarketu.
Key Takeaways TransDigm is using strategic acquisitions to expand its proprietary aerospace and aftermarket portfolio.Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings are progressing beyond early expectations.TransDigm agreed to buy Prince & Izant for about $1.07B, broadening its engineered product portfolio. TransDigm Group (TDG - Free Report) continues to pursue strategic acquisitions to expand its proprietary aerospace portfolio and strengthen its aftermarket capabilities. The company’s disciplined acquisition strategy focuses on businesses with highly engineered products, strong aftermarket potential and attractive long-term returns.
In April 2026, TransDigm acquired Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings for approximately $2.2 billion in cash. The acquisitions expanded the company’s proprietary aftermarket offerings and added complementary aerospace capabilities. Management noted in the fiscal third quarter that both businesses were progressing beyond expectations during the early stages of integration, supporting confidence in the potential of the acquisitions.
TransDigm further expanded its portfolio in July 2026 by agreeing to acquire Prince & Izant for approximately $1.07 billion in cash. Prince & Izant provides highly engineered products primarily to the aerospace and defense, aeroderivative turbine and transportation markets. The acquisition should broaden TransDigm’s product portfolio while adding another business aligned with its proprietary aerospace strategy.
TransDigm’s continued focus on acquisitions provides an avenue to expand its presence in attractive aerospace markets and increase its exposure to proprietary products with recurring aftermarket demand. Management also continues to pursue additional small and midsize acquisition opportunities while maintaining its established return criteria.
With a proven acquisition strategy, expanding proprietary product portfolio and a disciplined approach to capital deployment, TransDigm remains well-positioned to strengthen its competitive position and drive long-term growth through strategic acquisitions.
Aerospace Stocks to Keep on the RadarOther aerospace companies pursuing strategic acquisitions to strengthen their capabilities and expand their presence are discussed below:
RTX Corporation (RTX - Free Report) : RTX is using acquisitions and strategic investments to expand its aerospace and defense capabilities. Through Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, the company has a broad portfolio of aircraft engines, components and aftermarket services, positioning it to benefit from continued commercial aerospace demand.
AAR Corp. (AIR - Free Report) : AAR is pursuing acquisitions to expand its aircraft aftermarket capabilities and move into higher-value MRO, engineering and modification services. Its acquisition of Aircraft Reconfig Technologies strengthened its certification, engineering and aircraft interior capabilities, supporting the company’s broader aftermarket strategy.
The Zacks Rundown for TDGShares of TDG have lost 10.6% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 14.2% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company shares are trading at a discount on a relative basis, with its forward 12-month Price/Sales being 5.67X compared with its industry’s average of 7.54X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TDG’s 2026 and 2027 earnings has moved north over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
TDG stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Docusign ve 2. fiskálním čtvrtletí zvýšil výnosy o 9 % na 875,7 milionu USD a non-GAAP zisk na akcii na 1,16 USD, obojí nad odhady. Analytici zároveň vyzdvihli rychle rostoucí IAM a AI jako hlavní motor dalšího růstu.
Docusign Inc. (NASDAQ:DOCU) drew bullish commentary from analysts after its fiscal second-quarter results showed accelerating growth in its Intelligent Agreement Management business (IAM), improving retention and stronger-than-expected profitability.
Citizens Sees More UpsideCitizens analyst Patrick Walravens maintained a Market Outperform rating and an $86 price forecast.
The analyst highlighted Docusign’s 9.4% revenue growth, improving net retention, and IAM annual recurring revenue of about $529 million. IAM accounted for 15.1% of total ARR, ahead of Citizens’ $474 million estimate.
Walravens said Docusign is using its dominant e-signature position to become the “agreement layer” across enterprises. He expects IAM ARR to exceed $650 million by the end of fiscal 2027 and account for roughly 18.5% of total ARR.
Citizens also pointed to Docusign’s Iris AI engine, which is trained on more than 300 million private, consented agreements, as a potential competitive advantage.
The firm raised its fiscal 2027 non-GAAP earnings estimate to $4.67 per share from $4.61. It also lifted its fiscal 2028 estimate to $5.22 from $5.12.
RBC Says Valuation Caps UpsideRBC Capital Markets analyst Rishi Jaluria took a more measured view. The firm maintained its Sector Perform rating but raised its price forecast to $70 from $55 following Docusign’s results.
Jaluria said the quarter marked another solid step in Docusign’s transition toward IAM. Revenue reached $875.7 million, up 9% year over year, while non-GAAP earnings came in at $1.16 per share. Both topped consensus estimates.
RBC highlighted improving retention and larger customer deals. Customers generating more than $300,000 in annual contract value rose 14% year over year to 1,296, marking the second straight quarter of double-digit growth.
The firm also sees an opportunity in Docusign’s growing integrations with third-party AI platforms. Its connectors span platforms from OpenAI, Anthropic and Microsoft Copilot to Google Cloud and Perplexity. RBC believes those integrations could eventually become a distribution channel for Docusign.
Still, RBC said the shares appear fully valued. The firm noted that Docusign trades at roughly nine times estimated calendar 2027 free cash flow, limiting potential upside despite improving IAM adoption, retention and deal sizes.
The analysts’ differing ratings reflect a common theme: Docusign’s IAM strategy is gaining traction, but the debate is shifting toward how much of that improvement is already reflected in the stock.
Photo via Shutterstock
DOCU Price Action: Docusign shares were up 3.54% to $68.30 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Jim Cramer tvrdí, že příliv mladých investorů z Robinhoodu je jedním z hlavních důvodů, proč trh zatím neoslabuje. Robinhood ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšil tržby o 32 % na 1,308 miliardy USD.
Jim Cramer credits a wave of young Robinhood investors for keeping the market afloat, but the same data he cites contains a hidden accelerant that could flip the floor into a trapdoor.
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On September 3, 2026, Jim Cramer used his CNBC Stop Trading segment to salute Vlad Tenev and argue that young investors flowing money into Robinhood (NASDAQ:HOOD | HOOD Price Prediction) are a big reason this market refuses to break. Shares are trading near $124.71, up 33.38% in the past month.
Cramer is making a flows argument rather than a valuation argument. Flows arguments work beautifully until they reverse, because the same discretionary money that lifts a tape can pull just as quickly.
The question worth answering is whether the retail bid he describes is a structural floor for equities or the market’s most fragile part. Robinhood’s own numbers argue for both readings, which is what makes the call interesting.
Robinhood has stopped being a crypto proxy and has become an asset gatherer, and that shift changes what a bull actually owns when buying the stock.
What Cramer Actually Said About Retail Flows Cramer’s central claim was that “the money coming in that is by rote buying with indices or buying individual stocks or buying ETFs is extraordinary”.
He tied that flow directly to Robinhood’s cohort, arguing the platform’s users have shifted from pure day trading toward genuine investing.
His words on the cohort: “I wish those people spent a little more time watching some of the things we talk about. Be a little more educated, a little less. More day trading. But they’re wow, they’re investing.”
His conclusion tied it to market resilience: “It’s one of the big reasons why I think we continue to manage to be able to stay higher than a lot of people think we can.”
Cramer is treating Robinhood as a proxy for a broader market-wide behavioral shift rather than a company-specific growth story.
Business Underneath the Salute In Q2 2026, crypto revenue fell 38% YoY to $100M, yet total revenue still grew 32% to $1.308 billion. That shift away from a pure crypto proxy is the core of the transition.
Total platform assets reached $369 billion, and net deposits hit a record $21.7 billion at a 28% annualized growth rate. That asset base is the number that matters.
CNBC noted that recent analyst upgrades focused on the sheer amount of assets users are sitting on rather than trading velocity. Transaction revenue is cyclical; revenue tied to a growing asset base is durable and deserves a higher multiple.
Gold subscribers hit 4.8 million, ARPU climbed to $187, and management disclosed 13 business lines, each at $100M+ in annualized revenue, in its Q2 8-K exhibit.
EPS of $0.62 beat the $0.4277 consensus, and management tightened FY26 opex guidance to $2.675 to $2.775 billion. The operating story is real.
Flows Argument on Its Own Terms Automatic recurring buying really does behave differently from discretionary buying. It does not consult a P/E ratio, and it does not stop because a strategist turned cautious.
Robinhood added nearly 1 million funded customers in the quarter, and Tenev said customers “tend to be techno-optimists” who buy during drawdowns instead of selling.
If enough of the deposit flow is programmatic, through retirement contributions, direct-deposit sweeps, and recurring buys, then the bid does not evaporate when the tape turns.
But Robinhood’s revenue mix argues against the pure programmatic case. Options revenue was $342 million on a record 774 million contracts, and the margin book grew 127% YoY to $21.6B.
Leveraged, options-driven money reverses fastest in a drawdown because margin calls are not optional. A record margin book is an accelerant that works in both directions.
Falsifiable Test for Retail’s Floor Cramer conceded the cohort is too crypto-oriented and too options-oriented. That concession deserves more weight than he gave it.
Q1 2026 already offered a preview: revenue of $1.067 billion missed consensus by 6.07%, and crypto revenue collapsed 47% YoY. Retail engagement is not linear.
Agreeing with Cramer about retail flows does not automatically mean owning HOOD. The stock is up 187.7% over five years, and Robinhood captures the flow only as long as it keeps winning the cohort against Schwab, Fidelity, and Coinbase.
Watch net deposits, Gold attach rates, and options volume through the next genuine risk-off tape. If deposits continue to grow while volumes fall, the floor thesis holds.
If deposits and volumes roll over together, Cramer’s floor is really an accelerant, and the Q3 report due this fall will be the first clean read.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
Medifast mění strategii 3.0: od hubnutí se posouvá k širšímu systému metabolického zdraví pod značkou Trilivy. Firma chce díky programu Catalyst vrátit ziskovost do 4. čtvrtletí roku 2026.
Key Takeaways MED's 3.0 strategy shifts its focus from weight loss toward a comprehensive metabolic health system.The Catalyst program targets facility rationalization, AI efficiencies and other cost savings in 2026.MED aims to return to profitability by the fourth quarter of 2026 while pursuing revenue growth. Medifast, Inc.’s (MED - Free Report) 3.0 strategy represents its most significant strategic shift since the launch of OPTAVIA in 2017, moving the company beyond its traditional weight-loss positioning toward a comprehensive metabolic health system under its new consumer brand, Trilivy. The strategy is built around a 10-year roadmap aimed at expanding the company’s offering to coaches and clients within a comprehensive metabolic health system. At the same time, Medifast plans to broaden its geographic and demographic footprints, positioning 3.0 as a long-term strategic shift for the company.
Medifast’s 3.0 organization is centered on four core characteristics: speed, simplicity, scale, and stewardship. The company is emphasizing the need to move quickly to capture the opportunity in metabolic health while simultaneously working to return the business to profitability. This focus on speed is reflected in the launch of a series of new initiatives, alongside an emphasis on maintaining a sustainable pace of execution. Management is also looking for ways to do more with less as it executes the 3.0 strategy.
To accelerate its path back to profitability, the company launched its Catalyst program, with the majority of execution expected in the third quarter of 2026, to drive additional cost savings across the business. The program focuses on facility rationalization, AI-related efficiencies, and other cost-saving measures while ensuring that the company’s ability to grow is not negatively impacted.
Management is simultaneously working to improve profitability by pursuing revenue growth initiatives and eliminating costs across the business. The near-term objective is to return to profitability by the fourth quarter of 2026, with management believing it remains on track to achieve this goal. Overall, Medifast’s renewed strategic direction is intended to broaden its opportunity in metabolic health, while improving cost efficiency and positioning the business for a return to profitability.
The Zacks Rundown for MEDThe Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company's shares have gained 17.5% in the past six months against the industry’s decline of 1.3%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, MED trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 0.50, lower than the industry’s average of 0.82.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MED’s current fiscal year bottom line calls for a year-over-year decline of 26.8%, whereas the same for next fiscal year earnings suggests 54.8% growth year over year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Other Stocks to ConsiderSome other top-ranked stocks have been discussed below:
The Chef’s Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF - Free Report) distributes specialty food and center-of-the-plate products in the United States, the Middle East, and Canada. CHEF currently carries 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 CHEF’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 10.6% and 33.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. CHEF delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 30.4%, on average.
Darling Ingredients Inc. (DAR - Free Report) develops, produces, and sells sustainable natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients in North America, Europe, China, South America, and internationally. DAR currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DAR’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 11.5% and 926.5%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. DAR delivered a trailing four-quarter negative earnings surprise of 38.9%, on average.
Utz Brands, Inc. (UTZ - Free Report) , together with its subsidiaries, markets, sells and distributes fresh, frozen, and dry food and non-food products to foodservice customers in the United States. UTZ currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UTZ’s current fiscal-year sales implies growth of 3.7%, and the same for earnings implies a decline of 2.4%, from the year-ago actuals. UTZ delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 1.8%, on average.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Permian Resources (PR - Free Report) . Shares have added about 17.1% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Permian Resources due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Permian Resources Corporation before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
Permian Resources Beats Q2 Earnings on Strong Price RealizationsPermian Resources reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 69 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents by 23.2%. The bottom line also increased significantly from the year-ago quarter’s adjusted earnings of 27 cents. This outperformance was primarily driven by higher oil and NGL price realizations.
The company’s oil and gas sales of $1.86 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.64 billion by 13.3%. Revenues also increased from the year-ago quarter’s $1.2 billion, aided by a higher year-over-year contribution from oil sales, NGL sales and purchased gas sales during the quarter.
On Aug. 5, 2026, the Midland, TX-based exploration and production company declared a quarterly base dividend of 16 cents per Class A common share, translating to an annualized dividend of 64 cents. The payout is scheduled for Sept. 30 for its shareholders on record as of Sept. 16.
Q2 Production DetailsPermian Resources reported total average production of 376.4 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBoe/d), comprising 53% oil and 76% liquids, in the second quarter, down from 385.1 MBoe/d in the year-ago period. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 395,272 Boe/d.
Crude oil production averaged 198.1 thousand barrels per day (MBbls/d), up from 176.5 MBbls/d in the prior-year quarter. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 194.8 MBbls/d. Oil production increased, driven primarily by successful ground-game initiatives, which boosted the average working interest in second-quarter completions by 7% above the company’s initial expectations. Production also benefited from a more than 50% quarter-over-quarter increase in high-return workover projects.
NGL production came in at 86.2 MBbls/d, down 11.9% year over year. It also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.2%. Meanwhile, natural gas production totaled 552.9 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d), down 16.8% year over year, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.1%.
Price RealizationsPermian Resources’ average realized oil price was $97.81 per barrel in the second quarter, compared with $62.71 in the year-ago quarter. The figure beat the consensus mark of $94 per barrel.
The realized NGL price was $23.28 per barrel, up from $17.75 a year ago, and beat the consensus mark of $22.16 per barrel. The company’s realized natural gas price was negative $2.40 per Mcf, in contrast to a positive 50 cents in the prior-year quarter. The consensus mark for the same was pegged at a negative of $2.41 per Mcf. Including hedges and purchased gas sales, the realized natural gas price was 38 cents per Mcf, compared with 76 cents a year ago.
Costs & ExpensesTotal operating expenses in the quarter rose to $929.9 million from $900.1 million in the year-ago quarter. Lease operating expenses totaled $189.9 million, up from $187.9 million in the year-ago quarter. Severance and ad valorem taxes rose to $143.7 million from $94.9 million a year earlier and the Exploration and other expenses also rose to $9.8 million from $5.1 million in the year-ago quarter. On a per-unit basis, Lease operating expenses increased to $5.55 per Boe from $5.36 a year ago.
Financial PositionPR generated $1.5 billion of net cash provided by operating activities in the second quarter, compared with $1 billion in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted operating cash flow totaled $1.3 billion, while adjusted free cash flow came in at $750.7 million.
Cash capital expenditures were $521.4 million, up from the prior-year period’s capital expenditures of $505 million. The company’s capital-efficient operating model supported strong free cash flow generation despite continued investment in development and bolt-on acquisitions.
As of June 30, 2026, PR had $131.7 million in cash and cash equivalents. The company had a long-term debt of approximately $3 billion, reflecting a debt-to-capitalization of 20%.
2026 GuidancePermian Resources raised its 2026 oil production target to 199 MBbls/d, up 10 MBbls/d from its initial February outlook. The increase reflects higher ownership in wells, more workover activity and production from the Ward County acquisition. The company expects full-year working interest above 80% and second-half oil production above 200 MBbls/d. Cash capital spending guidance was increased to $1.9-$2 billion, including about $25 million for Ward County. Full-year guidance calls for total production of 400,000-430,000 Boe/d and oil production of 197,000-201,000 Bbls/d. Controllable cash costs are projected at $7.15-$8.15 per Boe, with the updated plan still focused on cost control and capital efficiency.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a upward trend in fresh estimates.
The consensus estimate has shifted 24.77% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Permian Resources has a strong Growth Score of A, a score with the same score on the momentum front. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock has a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the second quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Notably, Permian Resources has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerPermian Resources is part of the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry. Over the past month, Devon Energy (DVN - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 13.2%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
Devon Energy reported revenues of $7.42 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +73.1%. EPS of $1.57 for the same period compares with $0.84 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Devon Energy is expected to post earnings of $1.20 per share, indicating a change of +15.4% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +10.4% over the last 30 days.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Devon Energy. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of A.
Zscaler klesl o 4 % poté, co slabší výhled růstu pro fiskální rok 2027 zastínil překonání očekávání ve 4. čtvrtletí. Firma zároveň oznámila restrukturalizaci, která má snížit globální počet zaměstnanců o 3 %.
Zscaler posted a clean earnings beat and still sent the whole cybersecurity sector into retreat, raising an uncomfortable question about whether even the strongest growth numbers can justify where these stocks are priced right now.
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Cybersecurity software is under pressure again Friday morning after Zscaler (NASDAQ:ZS | ZS Price Prediction) issued fiscal 2027 growth guidance that overshadowed a clean fourth-quarter beat, and peers are drifting with it. The move sits against a broader tape that’s only modestly softer, so the group weakness stands out.
The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY) is down 0.5% to $769.39, giving back a small piece of a hot summer run. The Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:QQQ) is essentially flat at $717.38, with large-cap tech holding its ground even as software wobbles.
Zscaler stock is down 4% to $170.25 and was down 21% year to date (YTD) through Thursday’s close, the sharpest post-earnings move in the group and a clear signal that fiscal 2027 guidance is what set the tone. Meanwhile, Palo Alto (NASDAQ:PANW) shares are unchanged at $331.96, perhaps still digesting a similar guidance-day reaction from earlier in the week. CrowdStrike (NASDAQ:CRWD) stock is down 1% to $212.99, seemingly slipping in sympathy on a day the company itself has no catalyst.
Guidance Steals the Show Zscaler reported fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $898.2 million, up 25% year over year (YoY), alongside adjusted earnings of $1.19 per share that topped consensus. CEO Jay Chaudhry credited adoption of the company’s Zero Trust architecture and pointed to agentic AI as a durable driver. Annual recurring revenue reached $3.77 billion, up 25%, with organic ARR growing 20% once the Red Canary contribution is stripped out, according to Zscaler.
For fiscal 2027, Zscaler guided revenue and annual recurring revenue growth to a range of 16.6% to 17.5%, well below the 25% pace Zscaler just delivered in fiscal 2026. The company also announced a restructuring expected to reduce its global workforce by 3%, a cost signal that lines up with a slower growth rate. Management framed the deceleration as the effect of lapping Red Canary’s contribution, though investors aren’t waiting for that reconciliation to travel through the model.
Palo Alto and CrowdStrike Fit the Same Pattern Palo Alto reported strong fiscal fourth-quarter results on September 1, with revenue up 34.5% YoY to $3.41 billion and next-generation security ARR growing 63% to $9.10 billion, according to Zscaler. In the following session, Palo Alto stock still slipped, echoing a familiar setup where a valuation-heavy leader beats and gives back ground anyway. Its fiscal 2027 revenue guide of $14.10 billion to $14.20 billion implies 23% to 24% growth, a step down from fiscal 2026, and Palo Alto stock was up 80% YTD through Thursday’s close, even after this week’s slide.
CrowdStrike delivered its own strong quarter on August 26, with Q2 FY2027 net new ARR of $332.8 million growing 51% YoY and management raising the full-year revenue guide to $5.99 billion to $6.01 billion, according to Zscaler. The shares are easing today without a fresh CrowdStrike catalyst, which reads as sector sentiment traveling through the group after Zscaler’s outlook shock. CrowdStrike stock was up 81% YTD through Thursday’s close, so the three-name pattern points to a market repricing growth durability across cybersecurity leaders, with the two names that entered the session at rich multiples leaking less than the one whose multiple already reflected weaker growth.
What to Watch Next Zscaler’s Investor Day in New York on October 6, together with a September 9 launch webcast for the company’s agentic SecOps solution, gives management two near-term chances to reframe the growth conversation with fresh product detail. The Q1 fiscal 2027 revenue guide of $935 million to $939 million already implies 19% YoY growth, above the full-year midpoint and suggesting the deceleration back-loads later in the year as Red Canary comps normalize, according to Zscaler.
Investors can watch for whether Zscaler’s product cadence, its Security for AI ramp, and Z-Flex momentum stabilize the growth narrative before Q2 fiscal 2027 guidance lands. Anyone weighing cybersecurity-sector exposure here should size their positions to survive multi-quarter guidance resets, since valuation compression across the group can outlast any single earnings reaction.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
Neutron od Rocket Lab stále nemá pevné datum startu a první let může sklouznout do roku 2027. Firma čeká, že by i roční zpoždění ubralo jen asi 50 milionů USD z tržeb.
In the summer of 2025, I took a little road trip -- all the way out to the Virginia coast. There I witnessed firsthand the grand opening of Rocket Lab's (RKLB +0.10%) newest and grandest piece of infrastructure, a towering launch pad from which the first Neutron rocket would (I was assured) make its inaugural voyage in just a few short months.
It's been a year since I made that trip. Neutron still hasn't launched.
Image source: Rocket Lab.
What is Neutron? Sir Peter Beck, the founder and CEO of Rocket Lab, first announced he would build the Neutron medium-lift vehicle in 2020, envisioning it as a 40-meter-tall, "8-ton class reusable rocket" powered by seven Archimedes engines in its reusable first stage and a single vacuum-optimized Archimedes in its second stage (carried internally by the first stage).
Neutron has since evolved into a 43-meter rocket powered by nine engines in the first stage, capable of lifting a payload of 13 tons (if the rocket is reusable; 15 tons if it is expended). And in a big reveal at the grand opening, Rocket Lab dropped a hint that the new and improved Neutron might even be capable of carrying astronauts to space.
How big a deal is Neutron? Thirteen tons of reusable payload carried within a five-meter payload fairing makes Neutron ideal for launching entire constellations of small satellites into orbit -- aligning perfectly with Rocket Lab's plan to buy Iridium Communications (IRDM +0.66%), which deploys and operates such constellations. This purchase will transform Rocket Lab into a wholly vertically integrated space company that can build and launch and that can deliver satellite services on its own.
Combined with the potential to launch humans as well as satellites into orbit, it opens new markets for Rocket Lab -- crew transfer to the International Space Station or private space stations, for example; missions to the Moon; even space tourism, potentially.
All of this is in addition to simply using Neutron as a commercial launcher for other companies' payloads. At an estimated $50 million launch price and a target cadence of seven launches per year, Neutron could add $350 million a year to Rocket Lab's revenue stream.
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Delayed! At this point, a lot of investors are worried because Neutron hasn't launched yet -- indeed, it doesn't have a firm target date for launch anymore. While there's still hope the rocket might take off before the end of 2027, many pundits speculate that Neutron's inaugural launch may slip into 2027.
How bad would this be for Rocket Lab?
Although it clearly hasn't been great news for Rocket Lab stock lately, in the long term, it won't affect Rocket Lab's business all that much. As Peter Beck has explained, the company plans to launch Neutron only once in its first year of operation (then three times in its second year and five times in its third). At $50 million per launch, therefore, even a full year's delay would subtract only about $50 million from Rocket Lab's forecast revenue.
That's not enough to move the needle or prevent Rocket Lab from becoming profitable in 2027 by virtue of the Iridium merger. Admittedly, if that should fall through as well, there would be more cause for near-term concern. But in and of itself, a few months' delay in Neutron's first launch shouldn't affect Rocket Lab's business much at all.
Akcie AppLovin za měsíc od poslední výsledkové zprávy klesly asi o 6,6 %. Firma ale pro 3. čtvrtletí čeká tržby až 2,085 miliardy USD a upravenou EBITDA až 1,74 miliardy USD.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for AppLovin (APP - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 6.6% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is AppLovin due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
AppLovin Q2 Earnings Beat EstimatesAppLovin reported adjusted earnings of $3.76 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.72 by 1.08%. Earnings increased 66.4% from $2.26 per share in the year-ago quarter.
The company has now exceeded consensus EPS estimates in each of the past four quarters. However, the magnitude of the latest beat narrowed from the preceding quarter, when earnings of $3.56 per share topped expectations by 4.71%. On a sequential basis, second-quarter EPS increased 5.6%.
Revenues reached $1.92 billion, up approximately 52.4% from $1.26 billion a year earlier. The top line nevertheless missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.75%. Revenues increased about 4% sequentially, implying first-quarter revenues of roughly $1.85 billion.
The combination of rapid year-over-year expansion and a sequential slowdown in incremental growth helps explain the mixed interpretation of the quarter. AppLovin continues to expand at an exceptional rate for its scale, but elevated expectations leave relatively little room for execution delays.
EBITDA Growth and Margin Remain Major StrengthsAdjusted EBITDA climbed 58% year over year to $1.61 billion, implying approximately $1.02 billion in the prior-year quarter. EBITDA growth therefore exceeded revenue growth by roughly six percentage points.
More importantly, adjusted EBITDA represented approximately 83.9% of second-quarter revenues. That is an exceptionally high profitability level and demonstrates the operating leverage embedded in AppLovin's technology-driven advertising platform.
The quarter also generated $863 million of free cash flow, equivalent to roughly 44.9% of revenues and about 53.6% of adjusted EBITDA. Cash generation was softer than the company's recent earnings profile might suggest, but the weakness primarily reflected timing rather than a deterioration in underlying economics.
Costs increased sequentially as AppLovin directed additional resources toward computing capacity for existing and new artificial-intelligence models. This is worth watching because model training and inference requirements could create some quarter-to-quarter margin variability even if the investments ultimately support higher revenues.
Balance Sheet Supports Continued Capital ReturnsAppLovin ended the quarter with $3.05 billion in cash and $3.7 billion of total debt. The resulting $650 million gap between debt and cash is modest relative to the company's EBITDA generation, with net leverage standing at approximately 0.1 times trailing adjusted EBITDA.
During the quarter, the company repurchased or withheld approximately 1.14 million shares for $551 million. Repurchase activity moderated compared with the first quarter as management balanced capital returns against temporarily softer free cash flow.
The combination of strong profitability, substantial cash holdings and minimal net leverage gives AppLovin flexibility to fund AI infrastructure, pursue product expansion and continue returning capital without placing meaningful stress on the balance sheet.
Q3 Guidance Points to ReaccelerationThird-quarter guidance provides one of the strongest counterarguments to the post-earnings pessimism.
AppLovin expects revenues between $2.055 billion and $2.085 billion. The $2.07 billion midpoint implies approximately 7.8% sequential growth from the second quarter’s $1.92 billion, representing a meaningful acceleration from the second quarter's roughly 4% sequential increase.
Adjusted EBITDA is projected between $1.71 billion and $1.74 billion. At the $1.725 billion midpoint, EBITDA would increase approximately 7.1% sequentially from $1.61 billion.
The company expects an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 83% in the third quarter. That would be modestly below the second quarter's roughly 83.9%, reflecting, in part, higher AI-related infrastructure spending. Still, sustaining a margin above 80% while investing aggressively in model development would underline the strength of APP's operating model.
Importantly, the outlook incorporates model enhancements already deployed and does not depend on additional releases that have yet to reach production. That makes the guidance somewhat more tangible than an outlook dependent on future technological breakthroughs.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
VGM ScoresAt this time, AppLovin has a great Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, AppLovin has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerAppLovin belongs to the Zacks Technology Services industry. Another stock from the same industry, SLB (SLB - Free Report) , has gained 11.4% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.
SLB reported revenues of $8.97 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +5%. EPS of $0.55 for the same period compares with $0.74 a year ago.
For the current quarter, SLB is expected to post earnings of $0.62 per share, indicating a change of -10.1% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0.3% over the last 30 days.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for SLB. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of C.
TransUnion v pátek klesá, protože šéf FHFA Bill Pulte varoval, že úřad zvažuje model bi-merge pro hypotéky podporované vládou. Ten by snížil objem úvěrových zpráv o třetinu.
Shares of TransUnion (NYSE:TRU) are sliding Friday afternoon as investors react to regulatory threats from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte regarding mortgage credit reporting costs and industry structure.
TransUnion shares are sliding. What’s behind TRU decline? FHFA Director Accuses Credit Bureaus of ‘Cartel-Like’ OverchargingWhile Director Pulte’s Thursday evening directive instructing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to approve VantageScore 4.0 for all lenders technically expands the market for a scoring model co-owned by TransUnion, Equifax and Experian, his accompanying comments triggered widespread selling across credit bureau stocks.
In public statements on social media, Pulte accused the three major credit reporting agencies of “overcharging Americans for far too long” and operating with “cartel-like” pricing power. Pulte pledged that the practice “will end soon,” noting that conversations with bureau leadership regarding fee reductions had yielded insufficient progress.
‘Bi-Merge’ Threat Endangers Core Mortgage Data VolumeThe primary catalyst driving TRU stock lower is Pulte’s warning that the FHFA is “seriously considering bi-merge and stronger solutions” for government-backed home loans.
Under the current “tri-merge” framework, mortgage lenders are required to pull credit files from all three national bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian, for every loan delivered to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Shifting to a “bi-merge” model would allow lenders to evaluate borrowers using data from only two bureaus, effectively cutting overall industry report volume by a third.
For TransUnion, the potential loss of guaranteed mortgage file volume creates a major structural headwind that overshadows any near-term gains from expanded VantageScore adoption.
TRU Shares Tumble Friday AfternoonTRU Price Action: TransUnion shares were down 7.02% at $78.96 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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Retailové výsledky ukazují rozděleného amerického spotřebitele: Home Depot a Lowe’s těžily ze silné poptávky po větších projektech, zatímco Walmart zaostal.
Looking back on the latest earnings season for retail stocks, an unusual K-shaped pattern emerges: lower-income households appear to be struggling, with some value stores having a difficult time reconciling their low prices against increasingly costly inventory. At the same time, though, a handful of specialized stores, including homeowner and contractor supply chains, have had unexpected strong quarters in numerous respects.
This data helps to support the growing narrative that different groups of consumers are experiencing the economy in vastly different ways, with those with more disposable cash tending to spend freely and those without being forced to tighten belts to even more extreme degrees.
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The situation means that some companies—like The Home Depot Inc. NYSE: HD and Lowe's Companies Inc. NYSE: LOW—have done better than others, including Walmart NASDAQ: WMT and Five Below Inc. NASDAQ: FIVE, even while the latter have some hidden wins that suggest a more complicated consumer landscape than some may anticipate.
Home Depot Finds Resilience in Pro Demand and Smaller ProjectsHome Depot Today
HD
Home Depot
$320.51 +2.44 (+0.77%)
As of 01:38 PM Eastern
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Home Depot's Q2 2026 earnings of $4.92 per share came on the back of revenue of nearly $48 billion, which was up about 6% year over year (YOY).
Both metrics were ahead of analyst predictions, fueled by comparable store sales growth of 1.7%, a notably high figure for the company.
Home improvement projects seem to be fairly robust, particularly among higher-income homeowners with more discretionary income to spend.
The company enjoyed strong demand across many of its departments, supported by its new three-hour express delivery service—this service is also one that may appeal to consumers with more disposable income who are willing to spend extra for the convenience.
To be sure, uncertainty about consumer sentiment in general, as well as concerns about housing affordability, may negatively impact some types of home improvement projects. Still, Wall Street analysts have rallied behind Home Depot stock, calling it a Moderate Buy overall and predicting about 18% in future upside.
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
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On a macro level, Lowe's would seem to benefit from many of the same factors driving Home Depot's growth.
The company is also well-suited to providing for those big-ticket home improvement projects that some consumers are still prepared to spend large amounts of money on.
This is evidenced by Lowe's sales growth of 8.3% YOY in the latest quarter, as well as strong free cash flow and pro sales growth that reflects strong contractor demand.
The issue for Lowe's may be that its overall competitive position is weaker than Home Depot's. Management recently reduced its full-year outlook due to softer DIY demand. Comparable sales increased by just 0.2% YOY—while better than a decline, it's a much slower rate than Home Depot.
In addition, the company decided not to leverage tariff refunds to offer strong summer promotions to the same degree as some of its competitors, and performance suffered as a result.
Five Below and Walmart Show Different Sides of the Value ConsumerFive Below Today
$256.57 +16.61 (+6.92%)
As of 01:38 PM Eastern
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Five Below faces challenges to its margins as a result of significant increases to fuel costs, and tariff benefits are disappearing fast.
Still, the company has managed to post some crucial wins in key areas: profitability was still up, with merchandise-margin gains and fixed-cost leverage as two important contributing factors.
Where Five Below really succeeded in Q2 2026, though, was in sales growth of 23% YOY, including 14% YOY improvement to comparable sales.
This may suggest that consumers are still be willing to spend on discretionary items when the price point is compelling, even as economic pressures make them more selective about larger purchases. Five Below may have cracked the code to continuing to see robust traffic and transactions, even as economic pressures mount.
Walmart Today
$107.33 -1.09 (-1.01%)
As of 01:38 PM Eastern
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Walmart, on the other hand, disappointed investors with its latest earnings, even though it also raised its full-year guidance.
The issue may be that the company posted notably slow sales growth compared to other recent quarters. There also may be a concern that the company's results are artificially benefiting from near-term tariff refunds that are not going to last.
Still, Walmart's digital business appears to be thriving and building its margins.
Advertising remains a high-growth corner of the company's ecosystem, but it is also supported by growth in membership income, e-commerce, and more. This may be why, despite shares falling by about 2.7% year to date (YTD), analysts remain very bullish on WMT stock overall and see the stock gaining 24%.
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NiSource za poslední měsíc klesl asi o 4 % po zveřejnění výsledků, i když za 2. čtvrtletí překonal odhady zisku i tržeb. Firma zároveň potvrdila celoroční výhled zisku na akcii 2,02–2,07 USD.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for NiSource (NI - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is NiSource due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for NiSource, Inc before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
NiSource Q2 Earnings Top Estimates on NIPSCO Gains, Data Center Demand
NiSource Inc. reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 16 cents per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 15 cents by 6.67%. However, the bottom line declined 27.3% from 22 cents in the year-ago quarter.
Total RevenuesOperating revenues of $1.36 billion topped the consensus estimate of $1.33 billion by 1.98% and increased 5.9% year over year. NIPSCO’s stronger operating performance and higher electric sales partly offset weaker Columbia results and elevated operating costs.
NI Segment DetailsColumbia operations generated revenues of $610.3 million, up 0.8% from $605.6 million a year ago. The segment’s adjusted operating income declined 6.1% to $115.6 million.
NIPSCO operations recorded revenues of $750.4 million, up 10.4% year over year. Adjusted operating income increased 13.6% to $150.9 million, making the segment the primary source of consolidated operating growth.
NI's Operational HighlightsAdjusted operating expenses totaled $1.09 billion, up 6.6% from the prior-year quarter. Operation and maintenance expenses increased 13% to $411.6 million, while depreciation and amortization rose 26.4% to $362 million. The cost of energy declined 26.1% to $193.6 million.
NIPSCO Electric sales volumes, excluding weather, increased 5% to 4,195.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh). Industrial sales rose 10.4% to 2,246.2 GWh, while residential sales declined 5.8% to 757.7 GWh.
Columbia sales and transportation volumes, excluding weather, fell 1.7% to 112.4 million dekatherms. NIPSCO Gas volumes on the same basis decreased 3.5% to 77.5 million dekatherms. The company recorded a $16 million revenue adjustment for weather compared with normal conditions.
Adjusted operating income improved 3.2% to $270.9 million, but net interest expense climbed 43.2% to $199.2 million, pressuring adjusted net income available to common shareholders.
NI's Data Center Strategy AdvancesNiSource advanced its data center strategy with regulatory approvals for special contracts involving Amazon and Alphabet. The agreements are expected to provide $1.4 billion in savings for existing customers.
The company has around 4 GW of signed GenCo capacity, with 3 GW under strategic negotiations and up to 2 GW of developing opportunities. Its data center pipeline could reach up to 9 GW of capacity by 2035. NiSource is also developing a diversified portfolio of generation, battery storage and contracted resources to support the additional load.
NI's Debt and Liquidity ProfileTotal debt was about $17.4 billion as of June 30, 2026, including roughly $16.7 billion of long-term debt. The weighted average maturity was about 11.5 years, with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 4.87%.
Net available liquidity was about $2.1 billion at quarter-end. NiSource also had roughly $2.7 billion of committed facilities, including a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility and about $200 million of accounts receivable securitization facilities.
NiSource Reaffirms 2026 GuidanceNiSource reaffirmed its 2026 consolidated adjusted earnings guidance of $2.02-$2.07 per share. The company also maintained its 2026-2033 consolidated adjusted earnings compound annual growth rate target of 9-10%.
NiSource continues to execute a $28.6 billion capital investment plan for 2026-2030. This includes $21 billion of base plan investments and $7.6 billion of data center-related spending, supporting expected consolidated rate base growth of 9-11% through 2033.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates.
VGM ScoresCurrently, NiSource has a average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock was allocated a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, NiSource has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerNiSource is part of the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry. Over the past month, AES (AES - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 0.5%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
AES reported revenues of $3.42 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +19.9%. EPS of $0.44 for the same period compares with $0.51 a year ago.
AES is expected to post earnings of $0.60 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -20%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for AES. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
Envista za poslední měsíc přidala asi 0,8 % po silných výsledcích za 2. čtvrtletí 2026, kdy upravený zisk na akcii vzrostl na 41 centů a tržby na 730,5 milionu USD.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Envista (NVST - Free Report) . Shares have added about 0.8% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Envista due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Envista Tops Q2 Earnings and RevenuesEnvista Holdings Corporation reported adjusted earnings per share of 41 cents in the second quarter of 2026, up 57.7% year over year. The bottom line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 24.24%.
The adjustments include non-cash charges related to the amortization of acquisition-related and other intangible assets, restructuring costs and asset impairments, fair-value adjustment of acquisition-related inventory and tariff refunds, among others.
The company’s GAAP earnings were 33 cents compared with the year-ago quarter’s earnings of 16 cents per share.
NVST’s Revenues
Revenues totaled $730.5 million in the reported quarter, up 7.1% year over year. The metric topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.17%.
Segment-wise, Specialty Products & Technologies sales totaled $471 million, up 5.8% year over year. Revenues from Equipment & Consumables rose 9.5% year over year to $259.5 million in the quarter under review.
NVST’s Operational Update
The gross profit in the reported quarter climbed 10% year over year to $407 million. The gross margin expanded 149 basis points (bps) to 55.7% despite cost of sales increasing 3.6%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were up 0.3% year over year to $296.3 million. Research and development expenses rose 7.4% year over year to $30.4 million. The operating profit of $80.3 million jumped 73.4% year over year. The operating margin expanded 420 bps to 11%.
NVST’s Financial Update
Envista ended the second quarter of 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of $1.13 billion compared with $1.08 billion as of Apr. 3. Long-term debt in the second quarter was $1.44 billion compared with $1.43 billion at the end of first quarter. Cumulative net cash provided by operating activities as of July 3, 2026 was $115.9 million compared with $89 million a year ago.
Envista’s 2026 Guidance
For 2026, the company expects core sales growth between 3.5% and 4.5% (previously, 2%-4%). The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects 2026 sales to be $2.88 billion, representing 6% growth over 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA growth is projected in the range of 11%-14%, previously 7%-13%.
Adjusted diluted earnings per share are projected between $1.50 and $1.55 (earlier, $1.35 to $1.45). The consensus mark for the metric stands at $1.53.
Free cash flow conversion is expected to be approximately 100%.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates review.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Envista has a subpar Growth Score of D, a score with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock has a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the second quintile for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise Envista has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerEnvista belongs to the Zacks Medical - Products industry. Another stock from the same industry, Neogen (NEOG - Free Report) , has gained 3% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended May 2026.
Neogen reported revenues of $225.3 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -0.1%. EPS of $0.09 for the same period compares with $0.05 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Neogen is expected to post earnings of $0.05 per share, indicating a change of +25% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +4.4% over the last 30 days.
Neogen has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
Insperity (NSP) za posledních šest měsíců vzrostla o 150,4 % díky obnově marží a lepšímu mixu klientů. Firma zároveň rozšiřuje HRScale a vlastní AI nástroje.
Key Takeaways NSP's margin recovery improved client mix and benefit pricing, supporting stronger profitability in 2026.HRScale entered the third quarter with nearly 8,000 worksite employees sold, including more than 5,000 live.Insperity is expanding proprietary AI tools to improve client service, productivity and access to insights. Insperity (NSP - Free Report) stock has soared 150.4% over the past six months, outpacing the industry and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's 71.8% and 12.7% gains, respectively.
6-Month Share Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Let us delve deeper into the factors that have contributed to the company’s outperformance.
Margin Recovery Plan Pays OffInsperity’s pricing results progressed in tandem with the margin recovery plan. The company recorded lower profitability from client termination than from retention, resulting in a favorable change in client mix. This strategy improved the price and cost matching in its benefits business during the second quarter of 2026.
Benefits cost per covered employee gained 5.2% year over year, consistent with the first quarter and management expectations, with favorable client mix, design changes and the UnitedHealthcare contract, which offset higher healthcare cost trends.
The lowered pooling threshold led to fixed higher premium costs earlier in 2026, with claims reimbursements significantly weighing in the later half of the year. The company’s historical earnings seasonality is expected to decline, with the favorable claim-cost impact turning vivid in the second half of the year.
Paul Sarvadi, the CEO, stated during the recent earnings call that the company is on track to achieve the goals set for margin recovery in 2026 and is laying the groundwork for regaining growth momentum. Achieving these objectives is expected to lay the foundation for balancing growth and profitability in 2027 and delivering shareholder value in the upcoming years.
HRScale: New Growth AvenueHRScale is a vital growth catalyst deployed by the company at a lower upfront investment, reduced time to value and lower ongoing costs compared with a combination of HCM and HR service vendors. The company onboarded beta clients in March and processed payrolls and invoices in April as per schedule. In the first quarter of 2026, the company signed commitments for approximately 6,000 worksite employees to be onboarded within the next six months.
HRScale’s rollout gained momentum during the second quarter of 2026. The company entered the third quarter with sold HRScale accounts representing nearly 8,000 worksite employees, including more than 5,000 already live and nearly 3,000 undergoing implementations.
Management is bullish on this technology’s ability to expand the company’s addressable market and solidify sales and larger client retention. Following the beta clients going live during the second quarter, HRScale development investment declined to $8 million, suggesting that the offering is moving beyond its initial development stage as the company ramps client implementation and commercial activity.
AI Integration Enhances HR PlatformInsperity is incorporating proprietary AI capabilities into its HR services to improve clients' experiences, raise productivity and accelerate product development. Insperity’s in-house tool is transforming into a scalable enterprise AI platform, laying down a foundation that connects data and business knowledge across the company.
HR360 Agent already assists clients and worksite employees in accessing answers, resources and service support efficiently. The company is expanding its functionality to deliver conversational reporting and swift business insights. Management anticipates that these capabilities will solidify service delivery, enhance productivity and allow clients to access insights at a faster rate.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderNSP currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Better-ranked stocks in the broader Zacks Business Services sector include ScanSource (SCSC - Free Report) and Figure Technology Solutions (FIGR - Free Report) , each currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
ScanSource has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 15%. SCSC delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 7.8%, on average.
Figure Technology Solutions has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 51.7%. FIGR delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 28.2%, on average.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Watts Water (WTS - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 5.7% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Watts Water due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Watts Water Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates on Data Center Demand
Watts Water reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $3.66 per share, up 18.4% from $3.09 a year ago. The bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.34 by 9.6%.
Net sales rose 18.6% year over year to $763.2 million and topped the consensus mark of $726 million by 5.1%. Organic sales advanced 12.2%, driven by favorable pricing, higher volumes and data center growth. Year-to-date data center sales represented 8% of total sales.
Data Center Momentum Accelerates
Second-quarter data center sales more than tripled year over year. Demand was concentrated in the Americas and APMEA, while Europe represented an emerging opportunity. Management said project-based demand could create quarter-to-quarter variability.
Watts Water is investing in talent, product innovation and capacity while expanding relationships with contractors, original equipment manufacturers and hyperscalers. The company estimates its served addressable data center market at about $2 billion, with potential content ranging from roughly $25,000 to $100,000 per megawatt.
Americas Demand Supports Growth
Americas sales increased 17.4% year over year to $585 million and rose 11.6% organically. Favorable pricing and higher volumes tied to data center demand supported the increase, while acquisitions added $28 million.
Segment margin fell 150 basis points (bps) to 25.7%. Acquisition dilution, inflation, tariffs and a difficult comparison with a prior-year tariff-related price-cost benefit outweighed gains from pricing, volume leverage and productivity.
Europe and APMEA Results Strengthen
Europe sales rose 12.3% to $124.6 million, including 9.2% organic growth.
Higher volumes and favorable pricing drove the advance, while foreign exchange contributed 3.1%. Segment margin expanded 160 bps to 13.3% as operating gains more than offset inflation.
APMEA sales climbed 56.7% to $53.6 million and advanced 30.7% organically.
Data center growth in China more than offset weaker Middle East activity. Acquisitions contributed 17.3% and foreign exchange added 8.7%, while segment margin improved 100 bps to 19.9%.
Profitability Faces Cost Pressure
Gross profit increased 14.8% to $374.1 million, though gross margin contracted 160 bps to 49.0%. Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 14.6% to $214.5 million.
Adjusted operating income increased 15% to $160 million, while adjusted operating margin declined 60 bps to 21.0%. Adjusted EBITDA rose 15.5% to $176.7 million, but its margin decreased 70 bps to 23.1%. Acquisition dilution, inflation and tariffs pressured profitability, partly offset by price realization, volume leverage and productivity.
Cash Flow Softens as Balance Sheet Holds
For the first six months of 2026, operating cash flow declined to $120.8 million from $124.9 million. Free cash flow decreased to $98.2 million from $105.1 million, reflecting higher working capital and capital expenditures. The cash conversion rate fell to 45.1% from 60.1%.
Watts Water ended June with $347.9 million in cash and $108 million of long-term debt, resulting in net cash of $239.9 million. The company repurchased about 13,000 shares for $4.1 million during the quarter, leaving roughly $121 million under its authorization. Management expects cash flow to improve sequentially in the second half as working capital is monetized.
2026 Outlook
WTS now expects full-year reported sales growth of 14% to 17%, up from its prior 8% to 12% range. Organic growth is projected at 8% to 11% compared with the previous 2% to 6% outlook. Adjusted operating margin is forecast between 19.8% and 20.4%, while adjusted EBITDA margin is expected between 22.1% and 22.7%.
For the third quarter, management expects reported sales growth of 11% to 14% and organic growth of 5% to 8%. Adjusted operating margin is projected between 19.8% and 20.4%, with adjusted EBITDA margin of 22.2% to 22.8%. The outlook assumes no change in the Middle East conflict's impact and includes tariffs announced through Aug. 4, 2026.
On Aug. 3, 2026, WTS also declared a quarterly dividend of 63 cents per share, payable on Sept. 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of Sept. 1, 2026.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a upward trend in fresh estimates.
The consensus estimate has shifted 6.88% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Watts Water has a average Growth Score of C, a score with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a score of F on the value side, putting it in the lowest quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise Watts Water has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
Viavi Solutions za poslední měsíc klesla o 17,2 %, přestože poslední čtvrtletní zisk i tržby překonaly odhady. Firma zároveň očekává ve 1. čtvrtletí fiskálního roku 2027 tržby 450–460 milionů USD.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Viavi Solutions (VIAV - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 17.2% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Viavi Solutions due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Viavi Solutions Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
VIAV Q4 Earnings Top Estimates on Data Center, A&D Strength
Viavi reported strong fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with earnings and revenues exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Non-GAAP earnings of 34 cents per share beat the consensus estimate of 30 cents by 13.33%, while revenues of $443.1 million topped the consensus mark of $433 million by 2.34% and increased 52.5% year over year.
The robust performance was driven by sustained demand from the data center ecosystem and aerospace, and defense markets, along with contributions from acquired Spirent product lines. The Network and Service Enablement (NSE) segment remained the primary growth engine, delivering nearly 70% year-over-year revenue growth.
VIAV Delivers Broad-Based Segment Growth
Network and Service Enablement generated revenues of $353.9 million, up 69.2% year over year and above management's guidance range. Growth reflected continued strength in lab, production and field products serving the data center ecosystem, contributions from Spirent product lines and healthy aerospace and defense demand.
Optical Security and Performance Products (OSP) revenues increased 9.6% year over year to $89.2 million, reaching the high end of guidance. Growth was fueled by stronger demand for 3D sensing products as well as anti-counterfeiting and other optical products, demonstrating continued momentum across the company's second operating segment.
Viavi Expands Margins on Favorable Mix
Profitability improved meaningfully during the quarter as higher revenues and a favorable product mix boosted margins. Non-GAAP gross margin expanded to 62.3% from 60.1% a year earlier, while non-GAAP operating margin climbed 960 basis points year over year to 24.0%, exceeding the high end of management's guidance.
Non-GAAP operating income more than doubled year over year to $106.4 million. Earnings benefited from approximately 2 cents per share from lower interest expense following debt reduction and tariff refunds received during the quarter.
VIAV Strengthens Balance Sheet & Cash Flow
Viavi ended the quarter with $656.7 million in total cash, short-term investments and restricted cash. Cash flow from operating activities reached $66.7 million during the quarter, while capital expenditures totaled $11.1 million.
The company strengthened its balance sheet through capital allocation initiatives. During the quarter, it completed a follow-on equity offering that generated approximately $575 million in gross proceeds. The proceeds were primarily used to retire the remaining $450 million balance of its Term Loan B, while the remaining funds enhanced liquidity. The company did not repurchase shares during the quarter as debt reduction remained the priority, although nearly $170 million remains available under its existing authorization.
Viavi Sees Healthy Demand Across End Markets
Management highlighted that demand from the data center ecosystem remains exceptionally strong, supported by investments in AI infrastructure, high-performance computing, optical networking and hyperscale data center deployments. The recently acquired Spirent high-speed Ethernet product lines continued to perform well and contributed meaningfully to quarterly growth.
The aerospace and defense business delivered another quarter of solid growth, particularly for positioning, navigation and timing products, which management expects to remain a multiyear growth driver. Meanwhile, service provider demand improved seasonally, supported by fiber monitoring deployments and cable network upgrades, although wireless demand remained stable at relatively subdued levels.
VIAV Guides for Another Sequentially Strong Quarter
For the first quarter of fiscal 2027, management projects revenues to be between $450 million and $460 million with non-GAAP earnings of 40-42 cents per share. The outlook implies sequential growth, driven by continued strength in both operating segments.
The company expects NSE revenues to be between $360 million and $368 million, supported by continued momentum across data center and aerospace and defense markets, while OSP revenues are projected to be in the range of $90-$92 million on seasonally stronger demand for 3D sensing products. Management forecasts a non-GAAP operating margin of approximately 27.1%, benefiting from tariff refunds despite additional operating costs associated with the extra week in the fiscal quarter.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates revision.
The consensus estimate has shifted 47.67% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Viavi Solutions has a nice Growth Score of B, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with an A. However, the stock has a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise Viavi Solutions has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
Silicon Labs otevřel v Austinu nové R&D centrum pro návrh a testování čipů, podpořené grantem ve výši 23 milionů USD z Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund. Firma říká, že tím posílí vývoj bezdrátových technologií pro IoT.
New R&D facility expands wireless innovation, engineering collaboration, and advanced testing capabilities
, /PRNewswire/ -- Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB), the leader in low-power wireless connectivity, today celebrated the opening of its new research and development (R&D) laboratory for advanced chip design and testing in Austin. The new R&D laboratory, made possible in part through a $23 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) established by the Texas CHIPS Act, was officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Silicon Labs senior leaders and employees alongside representatives from the State of Texas.
News at a Glance
R&D Lab ribbon-cutting at Silicon Labs’ Austin HQ. From left: Nestor Ho, Chief Legal Officer; Nelda Hunter, HillCo Partners; Cameron Cocke, Committee Director, Texas House Appropriations Committee (Chairman, Greg Bonnen, M.D.); Stephen Davis, Director for Economic Development & Tourism, Texas CHIPS Office in the Office of Governor Greg Abbott; Daniel Cooley, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer; Brian Peterman, Assistant General Counsel; Jacey Zuniga, Director of Communications.
The new R&D lab at Silicon Labs. What: Silicon Labs has opened a new R&D laboratory at its Austin headquarters, featuring advanced research, testing and validation equipment and engineering workspace for advanced chip design and testing. Why it matters: The new facility expands Silicon Labs' R&D capabilities, accelerates wireless semiconductor innovation, and supports the development of next-generation IoT technologies. Texas partnership: The expansion was funded in part through a $23 million grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) established by the Texas CHIPS Act. Milestone: Silicon Labs celebrated the facility's opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by company leaders, employees, and representatives from the State of Texas. "Our new Austin Innovation Center represents an important milestone in the partnership between the State of Texas and Silicon Labs to advance semiconductor innovation and reinforce Texas as the most attractive destination for semiconductor research, design, and development," said Matt Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silicon Labs. "This new space expands our ability to develop the next generation of wireless technologies that will further extend our leadership and the great impact this technology brings to the way we live and work."
Enabling the Next Generation of Wireless Technologies
The new R&D laboratory expands Silicon Labs' ability to develop, test, and validate the next generation of secure, intelligent wireless technologies that power the Internet of Things.
The facility supports continued innovation across Silicon Labs' wireless portfolio, including the company's Series 3 platform, which delivers advanced security, AI capabilities, and wireless connectivity for smart home, industrial, healthcare, commercial, and smart city applications. The TSIF funding allowed Silicon Labs to upgrade its equipment to work with more advanced wafer process technology nodes, and the expanded lab will enable engineers to accelerate product development, validate new technologies more efficiently, and collaborate across disciplines to bring innovations to market faster.
As demand for intelligent, connected devices continues to grow, the new facility positions Silicon Labs to continue advancing the wireless technologies that help make everyday products smarter, more secure, and more energy-efficient while keeping cutting-edge semiconductor research and development in Texas.
Strengthening Texas' Innovation Ecosystem
The Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund was established to strengthen domestic semiconductor leadership by supporting strategic research and development investments, reducing barriers to innovation, and addressing increasing global competition in the semiconductor industry.
As one of the world's largest companies dedicated exclusively to wireless IoT connectivity, Silicon Labs is helping advance the U.S. semiconductor industry through its leadership in wireless chip design. Investments in fabless semiconductor innovators like Silicon Labs strengthen Texas' position as a global center for semiconductor research, engineering, and technology development while fostering high-value jobs and long-term economic growth.
Celebrating a Milestone for Austin and Texas
The ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opened the Innovation Center and celebrated the continued partnership between Silicon Labs and the State of Texas to advance semiconductor innovation, strengthen domestic technology leadership, and drive long-term economic growth.
About Silicon Labs
Silicon Labs (NASDAQ: SLAB) is the leading innovator in low-power connectivity, building embedded technology that connects devices and improves lives. Merging cutting-edge technology into the world's most highly integrated SoCs, Silicon Labs provides device makers with the solutions, support, and ecosystems needed to create advanced edge connectivity applications. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Silicon Labs has operations in over 16 countries and is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in smart home, industrial IoT, and smart cities markets. Learn more at https://www.silabs.com.
Revolution Medicines za poslední měsíc přidala asi 6,6 %, ale ve 2. čtvrtletí roku 2026 vykázala vyšší než očekávanou upravenou ztrátu 2,34 USD na akcii a nulové výnosy.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Revolution Medicines, Inc. (RVMD - Free Report) . Shares have added about 6.6% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Revolution Medicines due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Q2 Loss Wider Than Expected, Sales NilRevolution Medicines reported an adjusted loss of $2.34 per share in the second quarter of 2026, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.93.
The adjusted figure excluded a non-cash charge of $151 million tied to a change in the fair value of warrants assumed through the EQRx acquisition, which closed in 2023. Including this item, the reported loss was $3.06 per share. The company had incurred a loss of $1.31 per share in the year-ago quarter.
Currently, the company does not have any approved product in its portfolio. It generated no revenues in the quarter.
Operating Expenses See a Significant IncreaseResearch and development expenses surged 76% year over year to around $395 million. The increase reflected higher costs associated with clinical studies and manufacturing for the company’s pipeline candidates, along with increased employee-related expenses.
General and administrative expenses increased nearly 172% to more than $110 million. The increase was caused by higher personnel and stock-based compensation costs, increased commercial preparation activities and elevated administrative expenses.
2026 Expense Outlook Moves Higher AgainThe company revised its operating expenses guidance for the second time this year. It expects the figure to be between $2.1 billion and $2.2 billion, up from the previous projection of $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion.
The updated forecast includes expected non-cash stock-based compensation expenses of $270 million to $290 million compared with the prior estimate of $260 million to $280 million.
Management intends to increase spending on commercial and clinical manufacturing, expand the company’s development programs and strengthen launch readiness in the United States and international markets.
Improved Cash PositionThe company ended June with cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of $3.9 billion, up from $1.9 billion as of March 31, 2026.
The increase was primarily driven by $2.225 billion in gross proceeds from concurrent offerings of common stock and convertible senior notes completed in April 2026. The quarter-end balance also included a $250 million payment received from Royalty Pharma in May.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
The consensus estimate has shifted -19.12% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Revolution Medicines has a poor Growth Score of F, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with a D. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a score of F on the value side, putting it in the bottom 20% quintile for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Revolution Medicines has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerRevolution Medicines is part of the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry. Over the past month, Agios Pharmaceuticals (AGIO - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 3.7%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
Agios Pharmaceuticals reported revenues of $44.74 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +259.4%. EPS of -$1.69 for the same period compares with -$1.93 a year ago.
Agios Pharmaceuticals is expected to post a loss of $1.32 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +25.8%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +10.4%.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Agios Pharmaceuticals. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of F.
FDA schválila RASONQUE od Revolution Medicines pro metastatický pankreatický adenokarcinom. Akcie po oznámení téměř nereagovaly, protože dobré zprávy byly už započtené v ceně.
Revolution Medicines NASDAQ: RVMD just landed one of the biggest wins in oncology this year, and the stock barely blinked. On Aug. 26, the FDA approved RASONQUE (daraxonrasib), the first broad RAS-targeted therapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Revolution Medicines Today
RVMD
Revolution Medicines
$208.45 -2.42 (-1.15%)
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$39.17▼
$224.31$200.74
In the pivotal RASolute 302 trial, patients on RASONQUE nearly doubled their median overall survival compared to standard chemotherapy.
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This is a genuinely rare outcome in a disease that has resisted targeted therapy for decades.
By any normal standard, that's the kind of headline that sends a biotech stock soaring. Instead, RVMD shares traded roughly flat on the day of approval. The reason is simple: investors had already bought the rumor.
RASolute 302's data was presented at oncology conferences months earlier, and the stock rallied 41% in a single day.
That gap between medical significance and market reaction is the real story here. It's also a lesson in how markets price information, not just outcomes.
The Science Is the Easy Part to BelieveRAS mutations drive more than 90% of pancreatic cancer cases, and for decades, RAS was considered "undruggable." Revolution Medicines built its entire platform around cracking that problem with its RAS(ON) tri-complex inhibitor technology, which binds the active, "on" state of the RAS protein rather than the inactive state that most earlier compounds targeted.
RASONQUE's approved label reflects just how far that platform has come. The drug is cleared for adults with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who've had at least one prior therapy, with or without an identified RAS mutation, and without requiring a companion diagnostic test.
That's a notably broad population for a targeted therapy. It's also a meaningful part of why oncologists are calling this a paradigm shift rather than an incremental improvement.
Priced in, Then Priced... Where, Exactly?Here's where the RVMD story gets more interesting than a simple "sell the news" narrative. Looking at the daily chart, RVMD isn't crashing; it's consolidating near all-time highs after an extraordinary run.
Shares recently traded around $210; down about 2% since the Aug. 26 announcement, but that's a rounding error against a stock that's up over 425% over the past 12 months and still trading near its 52-week high of $224.31. The 50-day moving average continues sloping upward, and MACD remains in bullish territory. It's what's known as a beautiful chart.
Analyst behavior tells a similar story. Since the approval, the Revolution Medicines analyst forecasts on MarketBeat show multiple firms have raised price targets, with Evercore having the most bullish target of $320. That kind of response shows that analysts had already modeled approval into estimates and are now recalibrating around what comes next: first-line expansion, additional tumor types, and peak sales assumptions.
The Competitive Picture Favors RVMD—For NowEli Lilly NYSE: LLY is often cited as RVMD's biggest threat in the RAS space, and it's a legitimate long-term competitor. But the comparison requires some precision. Lilly's lead RAS asset, olomorasib, is still in Phase 3 trials and targets only KRAS G12C-mutated tumors — a single mutation subtype. It isn't yet approved for pancreatic cancer at all.
RASONQUE, by contrast, launched with an approved label covering the broader RAS-mutant population, no diagnostic test required. Lilly does have earlier-stage G12D and pan-KRAS programs in development, along with rivals like Amgen NASDAQ: AMGN, Roche OTCMKTS: RHHBY, Merck NYSE: MRK, and Boehringer Ingelheim, all advancing their own RAS-pathway candidates.
The competitive field is real and will intensify. Today, though, Revolution Medicines holds the only broadly approved RAS-targeted therapy in pancreatic cancer, and that head start matters for capturing first-mover share in prescribing patterns.
The Bill for Building a Commercial BiotechThe one note of caution sits in the financials, not the clinical data. Revolution Medicines raised its 2026 GAAP operating expense guidance to a range of $2.1 billion to $2.2 billion as it scales manufacturing, clinical development, and commercial infrastructure simultaneously. Second-quarter net loss widened sharply to $644 million, up from $248 million a year earlier.
That's the cost of transitioning from a clinical-stage biotech to a commercial oncology company in real time. Furthermore, that kind of spending is not unusual for a first launch of this scale.
But it's worth noting that RASONQUE is currently doing the heavy lifting alone. The company's broader pipeline—additional RAS(ON) candidates across lung and colorectal cancer—is expanding, but nothing else appears close to its own approval in the near term. Investors betting on RVMD from here are effectively betting on one drug's commercial execution and label expansion, not a diversified product portfolio.
What Actually Moves This Stock From HereWith approval priced in and the "will it work" question answered, the next re-rating catalysts are execution-based rather than binary: first-line treatment expansion, additional trial readouts in lung and colorectal cancer, insurance reimbursement uptake at RASONQUE's $39,800 monthly list price, and evidence that the company can control spend as it scales commercially.
The medicine itself is a legitimate breakthrough for a disease for which patients have received almost nothing for decades. The stock's next move depends on something less dramatic: whether Revolution Medicines can turn a scientific win into a commercial one before cash burn outruns the launch.
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Amdocs za poslední měsíc přidal zhruba 7 % po výsledcích, které splnily očekávání: EPS 1,84 USD a tržby 1,175 miliardy USD. Firma zároveň potvrdila výhled na fiskální rok 2026.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Amdocs (DOX - Free Report) . Shares have added about 7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Amdocs due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Amdocs Limited before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
Amdocs Q3 Earnings Match Expectations, Revenues Rise Y/YAmdocs reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 non-GAAP earnings of $1.84 per share, which increased 7% on a year-over-year basis. The figure matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Amdocs’ fiscal third-quarter revenues of $1.175 billion missed the consensus mark by 0.04%. The top line increased 2.7% on a reported basis and 2.2% on a constant-currency basis.
DOX's Managed Services Business Sets a RecordManaged services delivered record revenues and accounted for 67% of total revenues. Managed services revenues rose 2.5% year over year to a record $791 million. The business continued to provide revenue visibility through multiyear agreements and consistently high renewal rates.
Amdocs expanded its managed services relationships during the quarter. The company signed an agreement with a U.S. digital television entertainment provider for a billing migration program and extended its collaboration with Telefonica Vivo to support customer growth and OSS modernization.
The company ended the third quarter of fiscal 2026 with a 12-month backlog of $4.26 billion, up 2.7% year over year. Our model estimates for managed services revenues and backlog were pegged at $769.5 million and $4.29 billion, respectively.
Amdocs’ Q3 in DetailDOX reported growth in revenues across North America, Europe and the Rest of the World (RoW). North America reported revenues of $748.1 million (63.7% of the total revenues), which increased 0.4% year over year. Europe revenues (16.5% of the total revenues) of $193.5 million increased 2.2% year over year.
RoW revenues (19.9% of the total revenues) increased 11.3% year over year to $233.3 million. Our model estimates for North America, Europe and RoW were pinned at $765.9 million, $197.2 million and $212.8 million, respectively.
Non-GAAP operating income increased to $253.4 million from $244.7 million in the year-ago quarter. The non-GAAP operating margin expanded 20 basis points year over year and 10 basis points sequentially to 21.6%.
DOX’s Balance Sheet & Cash FlowAmdocs had cash and cash equivalents of $206.5 million as of June 30, 2026, compared with $214.5 million as of March 31, 2026. Long-term debt was $647.4 million as of June 30, 2026, increasing marginally from the March 31, 2026, level of $647.2 million.
In the fiscal third quarter, the company generated an operating cash flow of $197.2 million and a free cash flow of $171.9 million. During the quarter, it repurchased shares worth $143 million and paid out $60 million in dividends.
DOX Reiterates Key Fiscal 2026 TargetsFor the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Amdocs expects revenues between $1.175 billion and $1.215 billion. Amdocs’ Non-GAAP diluted earnings are projected in the range of $1.94-$2 per share.
For fiscal 2026, reported revenue growth is now expected between 3.2% and 4% compared with the previous range of 2.6-4.6%. Constant-currency growth is projected between 2.6% and 3.4%, retaining the prior 3% midpoint.
Non-GAAP earnings growth is expected between 5.5% and 6.5%, with the 6% midpoint unchanged. The company maintained its non-GAAP operating margin forecast of 21.3-21.9% and free cash flow outlook of $710-$730 million.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates review flatlined during the past month.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Amdocs has a average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a D. However, the stock has a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top quintile for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook Amdocs has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerAmdocs is part of the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry. Over the past month, Cognizant (CTSH - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 13.6%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
Cognizant reported revenues of $5.48 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +4.5%. EPS of $1.37 for the same period compares with $1.31 a year ago.
Cognizant is expected to post earnings of $1.44 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +3.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
Cognizant has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of A.
Cencora spustila CGT Enablement, aby zdravotnickým systémům pomohla budovat a škálovat programy buněčné a genové terapie. Služba cílí na finanční, provozní i lékárenské překážky.
Key Takeaways Cencora launched CGT Enablement to help health systems build and scale cell and gene therapy programs.COR targets financial, operational and pharmacy challenges tied to integrating complex CGT treatments.Cencora has completed 170 CGT consulting projects and supported 35 FDA-approved cell and gene therapies. Cencora (COR - Free Report) recently launched Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Enablement through its Accelerate Pharmacy Solutions business, offering support to health systems to evaluate, build and scale CGT programs. The new service is designed to improve operational readiness, financial confidence and program scalability while helping reduce barriers to care and expand patient access to advanced therapies.
Per management, cell and gene therapies have the potential to transform care for patients with serious and complex diseases, but delivering these therapies requires close coordination across strategy, finance, clinical operations, pharmacy and patient access. The company is building on its existing capabilities to provide health systems with tailored support, including market landscape and readiness assessments, governance design, implementation and optimization, to help them launch or expand their CGT programs.
Likely Trend of COR Stock Following the NewsShares of COR have inched up 0.3% since the announcement on Wednesday. Year to date, shares of the company have lost 0.2% against the industry’s 3.9% growth. The S&P 500 increased 12.5% in the same time frame.
The launch is likely to support Cencora’s long-term growth prospects by expanding its CGT capabilities and strengthening its relationships with health systems. As the number of approved therapies and clinical trials increases, health systems may require greater financial, operational and pharmacy support to integrate these complex treatments. Cencora’s new offering positions the company to capture the growing demand while complementing its existing CGT commercialization, specialty distribution and provider solutions.
COR currently has a market capitalization of $64.19 billion.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
More on the NewsCencora’s new CGT Enablement service comes as health systems face growing challenges in preparing for the increasing adoption of cell and gene therapies. More than 35 CGTs have been approved by the FDA so far, while more than 1,700 clinical trials are underway globally. However, only 4% of health system pharmacy leaders surveyed in a recent report said their organizations were fully prepared to integrate these therapies, highlighting significant gaps in infrastructure, resource allocation and operational alignment.
Cencora’s CGT Enablement team will support health systems across three areas. Financial confidence services will provide insights into the CGT market, therapy-specific financial considerations, reimbursement dynamics and site-of-care factors. Operational readiness support will include readiness assessments, gap analysis, strategic roadmaps, governance design and workflow planning. Scalable growth services will help establish repeatable operating models that support coordinated execution across pharmacy, finance, clinical operations, strategy and patient access teams.
The offering builds on Cencora’s broader CGT expertise across the product lifecycle, including commercialization support, specialty distribution and provider solutions. Cencora has completed 170 upstream CGT consulting projects, delivered more than 29,000 CGT shipments annually and supported 35 FDA-approved CGTs. By combining these capabilities with Accelerate Pharmacy Solutions’ pharmacy and supply chain expertise, the company aims to help health systems expand CGT programs across therapies, sites and indications.
Industry Prospects Favoring the MarketGoing by the data provided by Fortune Business Insights, the global cell and gene therapy market is valued at $16.45 billion in 2026 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 31.1% through 2034.
Factors like the increasing prevalence of rare diseases and cancers, growing number of approved therapies, expanding clinical trial pipelines, rising demand for advanced treatments and increasing focus on operational readiness and patient access are supporting the market’s growth.
Other NewsCencora recently delivered mixed fiscal third-quarter 2026 results, with earnings beating estimates while revenues fell short. Performance was supported by specialty pharmaceutical volumes, GLP-1 demand and growth in international healthcare solutions. OneOncology boosted U.S. Healthcare Solutions, while Profarma and MWI Animal Health added to growth. The company raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings outlook. However, lower-margin GLP-1 sales, higher OneOncology expenses and increased interest costs remain profitability headwinds.
In June, Cencora launched the next-generation Nucleus inventory management solution and initiated a multi-site pilot across more than 20 specialty physician practice locations. The enhanced platform is designed to help providers manage increasingly complex medication workflows with greater efficiency, visibility and control.
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are Globus Medical (GMED - Free Report) , Veracyte (VCYT - Free Report) and West Pharmaceutical (WST - Free Report) .
Globus Medical, currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reported a second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.34, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19.6%. Revenues of $789.6 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.4%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
GMED has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 12.4%. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 27.9%.
Veracyte, currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1, reported a second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of 54 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 25.6%. Revenues of $150.3 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.1%.
VCYT has an estimated earnings growth rate of 8.4% for 2026. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 41.8%.
West Pharmaceutical, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $2.37, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 13.9%. Revenues of $872.3 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.2%.
WST has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 16%. WST’s earnings surpassed estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 17.4%.
Helmerich & Payne za měsíc od poslední výsledkové zprávy přidala asi 21,5 % a překonala index S&P 500. Tržby za 3. čtvrtletí dosáhly 1 mld. USD, ale upravená ztráta činila 11 centů na akcii.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Helmerich & Payne (HP - Free Report) . Shares have added about 21.5% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Helmerich & Payne due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Helmerich & Payne Q3 Earnings Miss Estimates, Revenues BeatHelmerich & Payne reported a third-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted net loss of 11 cents per share, in sharp contrast with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of adjusted net income of 11 cents. Moreover, the bottom line decreased considerably from the year-ago quarter’s reported profit of 22 cents. This was primarily due to an adjustment made for a gain of $115 million related to the sale of Utica Square and lower-than-expected performance of the company's North America Solutions segment.
Operating revenues of $1 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $988 million. Sales from Drilling Services beat the consensus mark by 4.4%. However, the figure decreased by $6 million from the year-ago quarter’s level. This was primarily caused by lower year-over-year revenues from the North America Solutions and International Solutions segments.
The company distributed approximately $25 million to its shareholders as part of its ongoing dividend program.
Q3 Segmental PerformanceNorth America Solutions: Operating revenues of $562.9 million were down 5% year over year, with 142 average active rigs. The top line beat our model projection of $546.1 million.
Operating profit totaled $140.3 million compared with $157.6 million in the prior-year period. The reported figure also beat our model estimate of $113.1 million.
International Solutions: Operating revenues of $250.1 million decreased 5.9% from the year-ago quarter’s level of $265.8 million. However, the top line beat our projection of $234.9 million.
Operating loss reached $54.4 million, compared with the prior-year period loss of $166.5 million. The figure was below our projected loss of $93 million.
Offshore Solutions: Revenues of $174.4 million increased 7.8% from the year-ago quarter’s level of $161.8 million. The top line beat our projection of $157.5 million.
Operating profit totaled $16.8 million compared with $8.8 million in the year-ago quarter. The figure beat our estimate of $11 million.
Financial PositionAs of June 30, 2026, the company spent $200.2 million on capital programs. HP had $204.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, while the long-term debt totaled $1.9 billion (debt-to-capitalization of 41%).
Guidance for Q4 & FY26Helmerich & Payne’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 outlook points to continued strength in North America, more variable international performance and stable offshore operations. For North America Solutions, the company expects direct margin of $245 million to $255 million, with an average of 145 to 151 active rigs, compared with a fiscal-year average rig range of 140 to 144. International Solutions is expected to generate direct margin of $25 million to $45 million on 60 to 70 average rigs, compared with a fiscal-year average rig range of 60 to 66. Offshore Solutions is projected to deliver direct margin of $26 million to $30 million in the fiscal fourth quarter, while full-year direct margin is expected at $113 million to $117 million, supported by 30 to 35 average rigs/management contracts. The “Other” segment is expected to contribute up to $5 million of direct margin.
For the full fiscal 2026, HP expects gross capital expenditures of $270 million to $310 million, depreciation of approximately $700 million, research and development expense of about $28 million, Selling, general & administrative expenses of $265 million to $285 million, cash taxes of $150 million to $180 million, and interest expense of roughly $100 million. Overall, the outlook implies a relatively constructive finish to fiscal 2026, led by higher North American activity and margins.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates revision have trended upward during the past month.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Helmerich & Payne has a average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a D. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Helmerich & Payne has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerHelmerich & Payne belongs to the Zacks Oil and Gas - Drilling industry. Another stock from the same industry, Nabors Industries (NBR - Free Report) , has gained 11.9% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.
Nabors reported revenues of $814.79 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -2.2%. EPS of -$2.04 for the same period compares with -$2.71 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Nabors is expected to post a loss of $0.40 per share, indicating a change of +89.1% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -364.7% over the last 30 days.
Nabors has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of A.
Choice Hotels po poslední výsledkové zprávě klesly asi o 9,4 % za měsíc, i když ve druhém čtvrtletí překonaly odhady zisku i tržeb. Firma zároveň zvýšila celoroční výhled upravené EBITDA na 635–650 mil. USD.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Choice Hotels (CHH - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 9.4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Choice Hotels due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
CHH Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates as RevPAR and Fees RiseChoice Hotels reported second-quarter 2026 results, with adjusted earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increasing year over year. Adjusted earnings of $2.02 per share beat the consensus estimate of $1.97 by 2.5% and rose 5% year over year. Revenues of $440.76 million surpassed the $431 million consensus mark by 2.3% and increased 3.4% year over year.
Performance benefited from higher U.S. royalties, franchisee programs and services revenues, and partnership revenues. U.S. RevPAR increased 1.3%, while global net rooms grew 2.6%, reflecting improving domestic development trends and continued international growth.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 6% year over year to $175 million. Management attributed the gain primarily to higher U.S. royalties from improving RevPAR and royalty-rate expansion, growth in franchisee programs and services revenues, higher partnership revenues and the continued benefit of the transition to direct franchising in Canada.
Revenues excluding reimbursable revenues from franchised and managed properties increased 7% year over year to $277 million. Choice Hotels reported net income of $64.34 million in the quarter, down 21.3% from $81.73 million a year ago.
Choice Hotels' Cost Profile Pressures Operating ResultsOperating income declined 16.4% year over year to $104.14 million from $124.60 million. Total operating expenses increased 11.5% to $336.62 million, reflecting higher selling, general and administrative expenses, reimbursable expenses and depreciation and amortization.
Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 7.7% to $96.15 million. The increase reflected higher provisions for accounts-receivable credit losses, restructuring and executive severance costs, and expenses related to operating Choice Hotels Canada. Reimbursable expenses from franchised and managed properties totaled $197.67 million versus related reimbursable revenues of $163.32 million.
CHH’s Fee-Led Model Helps Lift RevenuesFranchise and management fees increased 5.9% year over year to $187.54 million, supported by higher international royalty fees, franchise programs and services revenues, and U.S. royalty fees. Partnership services and fees advanced 5.9% to $28.67 million, mainly on higher procurement revenues.
Owned-hotel revenues increased 15.4% to $34.90 million, while other revenues rose 6.5% to $26.33 million. The U.S. average royalty rate expanded 11 basis points. Choice Privileges membership increased 7% to 77 million, while loyalty contribution improved by more than 250 basis points during the quarter.
Choice Hotels' Rooms Growth Improves on ConversionsU.S. gross room openings increased 27% year over year to 6,464 rooms, while exits declined 50% to 5,119 rooms. This resulted in 1,345 net room additions. Management said U.S. net rooms growth improved sequentially for the second consecutive quarter.
U.S. franchise agreements awarded increased 30% year over year, while conversion franchise agreements rose 82%. The U.S. conversion pipeline increased 24% from the prior-year period and 6% sequentially. Conversions are expected to represent approximately 90% of U.S. openings in 2026, while extended stay represents more than 40% of the U.S. pipeline.
CHH’s Cash Flow and Capital Returns Stay ActiveOperating cash flow totaled $67.36 million during the first six months of 2026, down from $116.07 million in the year-ago period. Management attributed the decline primarily to higher franchise agreement acquisition costs as room openings increased and higher marketing and reservation-system reimbursable expenses.
CHH ended the quarter with $42.83 million in cash and cash equivalents and $2 billion of long-term debt. Total liquidity stood at $475 million, while net leverage was 3.1 times adjusted EBITDA. The company returned $139 million to its shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the first half, while net development outlays declined 80% year over year to $15.1 million.
Choice Hotels Raises 2026 Operating OutlookChoice Hotels raised its full-year 2026 adjusted EBITDA outlook to $635-$650 million from $632-$647 million. U.S. RevPAR growth is now expected at 0-1.25%, global RevPAR growth at 0-1%, U.S. average royalty-rate expansion at 7-9 basis points and global net rooms growth at approximately 1.5%.
Adjusted EPS guidance was updated to $6.86-$7.10 from $6.92-$7.14, primarily reflecting higher expected interest expense and a higher effective tax rate, partly offset by share repurchases. Management continues to expect positive U.S. net rooms growth for 2026 and share repurchases of $175-$225 million.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
The consensus estimate has shifted -5.89% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Choice Hotels has a poor Growth Score of F, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Choice Hotels has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Duolingo, Inc. (DUOL - Free Report) . Shares have added about 29.6% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Duolingo due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Duolingo, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
Reported earnings of 66 cents per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents by 8.2%. Earnings declined from 91 cents in the year-ago quarter as the company continued investing in product development and user growth.
Revenues increased 18.3% year over year to $298.5 million and topped the consensus estimate of $297.3 million by 0.4%. Daily active users grew 23% to 58.7 million, accelerating from the first quarter, while paid subscribers increased 17% to 12.7 million.
DUOL Gains From Expanding User EngagementMonthly active users rose 10% year over year to 140.6 million. Management attributed the stronger daily active user growth to product improvements, marketing efforts and a one-time Streak Revival campaign conducted in June.
Current User Retention Rate, which measures the proportion of recurring users returning the following day, reached an all-time high of 84%. The metric improved roughly one percentage point from the prior year, reflecting the combined impact of hundreds of product experiments conducted through Duolingo’s Green Machine testing process.
The Streak Revival campaign allowed eligible learners to restore their longest previous streak by completing three lessons. About 15.4 million learners participated, including nearly 8 million who did not have an active streak when the campaign began.
Duolingo’s Subscription Revenues Drive GrowthSubscription revenues increased 22% year over year to $258 million and accounted for the bulk of the company’s top-line expansion. Subscription bookings advanced 10% to $250.3 million.
Total bookings rose 8% to $289.1 million, or 6% on a constant-currency basis. Growth moderated from the first quarter due to a difficult year-ago comparison related to the initial Energy rollout, a price increase and stronger advertising performance.
Advertising revenues grew 2% to $21.1 million, while Duolingo English Test revenues remained nearly flat at $10.1 million. In-app purchase revenues declined 23% to $8 million. Other revenues increased to $1.3 million from $0.5 million.
DUOL Balances Monetization With User GrowthThe company continued testing monetization initiatives designed to avoid adding friction for free users. Longer free trials have increased trial participation and payer conversions while improving the user experience by removing advertisements and Energy restrictions during the trial period.
Duolingo is also testing Super Lite, a lower-priced, advertising-supported subscription tier that provides more Energy than the free product but fewer benefits than Super. The offering remains in an early testing phase and represents only a small portion of subscribers.
Most new Super Duolingo subscribers now have access to Video Call, the company’s AI-powered conversational practice feature. Management plans to extend access to existing Super subscribers later in 2026 after reducing the cost per call to less than 1 cent through greater use of open-source models.
Duolingo’s Costs Rise on Strategic InvestmentsGross profit increased 19% year over year to $216.7 million. Gross margin expanded 20 basis points to 72.6%, exceeding management’s expectation of approximately 71%, supported by AI cost efficiencies and the measured rollout of AI-powered features.
Operating expenses increased to $182.8 million from $149.2 million. Research and development expenses rose to $92.2 million, sales and marketing expenses increased to $40 million, and general and administrative expenses advanced to $50.6 million.
Net income declined 26% to $33.2 million, while net margin contracted to 11.1% from 17.8%. Adjusted EBITDA decreased 2% to $77.3 million, and the corresponding margin narrowed 530 basis points to 25.9% as Duolingo prioritized investments in user acquisition and product improvements.
DUOL Maintains Strong Liquidity and BuybacksNet cash provided by operating activities declined 3% year over year to $88.3 million. Free cash flow decreased 9% to $78.6 million, while free cash flow margin contracted 790 basis points to 26.3%.
Duolingo ended the quarter with approximately $1.3 billion in cash and short-term investments. The company repurchased $44.4 million of shares during the quarter, bringing total repurchases under its $400 million authorization to $71.9 million through Aug. 1, 2026.
Duolingo Raises Profitability OutlookFor the third quarter of 2026, management expects revenues of approximately $302 million, indicating 11.1% year-over-year growth. Bookings are projected at $307 million, while adjusted EBITDA is forecast at $76 million, implying a 25.2% margin.
Duolingo maintained its full-year revenue and bookings targets. Revenues are expected to reach approximately $1.21 billion, up 16.3%. Bookings are projected at $1.29 billion, indicating growth of 10.9%.
The company raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA margin outlook to approximately 26.5% from its earlier expectation of about 25%. Adjusted EBITDA is projected at $320 million, reflecting stronger-than-expected gross margin performance and lower AI costs.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates review have trended downward during the past month.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Duolingo has a subpar Growth Score of D, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with an F. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Duolingo has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Green Thumb Industries (GTBIF -0.27%) had a rough second quarter. Comparable-store sales for the cannabis purveyer fell 1.1% from a year earlier, while gross margin dropped sharply to 45% from 49.9%.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also fell to $53.1 million from $69.1 million, as pricing pressure and increased competition continued to weigh on several of Green Thumb's key markets.
Revenue did increase 4.6% to $306.7 million, so the quarter wasn't a complete disaster. But declining comparable sales and shrinking margins aren't exactly what you want to see from one of the largest cannabis companies in the country.
Still, there's reason for optimism. Here's why.
The numbers aren't as bad as they look In Q2, Green Thumb's retail revenue increased 3.6%, while consumer packaged goods gross revenue increased 3.7%. Growth in Minnesota, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio, and New Jersey helped offset price compression and increased competition elsewhere. The bigger weakness showed up in margins.
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Gross profit declined to $137.9 million from $146.3 million, while gross margin fell nearly five percentage points. Still, normalized EBITDA reached $84.3 million, up from $82.7 million a year earlier. Green Thumb also produced $29 million in operating cash flow and reported generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) net income of $4.9 million.
The company finished June with $283.6 million in cash against $283 million in total debt. And during the quarter, management repurchased approximately 7.9 million shares for $48.3 million, at an average price of $6.11. Since beginning its repurchases, Green Thumb has bought back roughly 29.5 million shares for $203.4 million. That's not the balance sheet of a cannabis company fighting for survival.
Virginia could provide the next growth spurt Virginia approved recreational cannabis sales beginning July 1, 2027, with up to 350 retail licenses eventually permitted. Green Thumb already operates in Virginia's medical market, where it holds one of five vertically integrated licenses. It has six dispensaries and cultivation and processing infrastructure already in place.
Management has already expanded capacity in anticipation of adult-use legalization and is evaluating additional investment ahead of next year's launch. To be sure, Virginia won't transform Green Thumb overnight. But it could provide a meaningful new source of revenue at a time when mature cannabis markets are struggling with price compression.
Image source: Getty Images.
And then there's Texas Green Thumb recently received a conditional dispensing organization license under the state's expanding Compassionate Use Program. Texas isn't legalizing recreational cannabis, but expanded medical access allows Green Thumb to establish itself in one of America's largest states before the market potentially opens further.
Texas and Virginia combined represent roughly 12% of the U.S. population. And Green Thumb doesn't need either market to become another California for the opportunity to matter. It simply needs incremental growth while its existing operations continue generating cash.
The setup is getting better The federal government rescheduled marijuana on April 28, ending the application of Section 280E to portions of Green Thumb's business. That provision had prevented cannabis businesses from deducting many ordinary operating expenses, creating an unusually heavy tax burden.
Now combine potential tax relief with moves in Virginia and Texas, continued share repurchases, and a balance sheet carrying nearly as much cash as debt, and Green Thumb starts looking considerably more interesting in the coming years.
Cirrus Logic v 1. fiskálním čtvrtletí 2027 zvýšil upravený zisk na akcii na 1,84 USD a tržby na 460 milionů USD, ale snížil výhled tržeb v PC segmentu.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Cirrus Logic (CRUS - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 8.4% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Cirrus Logic due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Cirrus Logic, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
Cirrus Logic Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates
Cirrus Logic reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 adjusted earnings of $1.84 per share, up 21.9% year over year and above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.45. Strong demand for custom smartphone components supported the record first-quarter results.
Revenue increased 12.9% to $460 million, aligning with the consensus estimate. The strong results were primarily driven by robust shipments of custom components used in premium smartphones, showing that demand from major mobile customers remains healthy despite a competitive consumer electronics market. Quarterly revenues grew 2% sequentially as higher sales of components shipped into smartphones boosted results. Year over year, the gains from increased smartphone component demand were partly offset by previously expected pricing reductions.
Demand continued to be strong for custom boosted amplifiers and smart codecs. Cirrus anticipates these products will ship across multiple future smartphone generations. Development of the next-generation camera controller and a smart power IC for 3D sensing also remained on schedule.
The company’s largest customer accounted for 90% of total revenues in the fiscal first quarter.
Cirrus Logic's HPMS Sales Gain MomentumHigh-Performance Mixed-Signal revenues climbed to $210.7 million from $167.2 million a year earlier and represented 46% of net sales.
Audio revenues increased 3.7% to $249 million and represented 54% of quarterly sales.
Management described the opportunity pipeline across camera, battery and power applications as one of the strongest in the company's history. A power product is already shipping in tablets, while another product for an accessory has yet to reach the market. Additional phone and non-phone programs remain in active development.
Margins Absorb Pricing PressureNon-GAAP gross profit was $242.1 million, with gross margin edging up to 52.7% from 52.6% a year ago. Favorable product mix supported the year-over-year comparison, while higher freight and supply-chain costs limited the improvement. Sequentially, pricing reductions outweighed cost savings.
Non-GAAP operating expenses rose 13.3% year over year to $135.4 million. Higher employee-related costs were the main driver, with variable compensation, product development and professional expenses also contributing.
Non-GAAP operating income reached $106.7 million, while operating margin slipped to 23.2% from 23.3%.
Cirrus Logic's PC Outlook Faces DelaysCirrus lowered its fiscal 2027 PC revenue expectations. Constrained supply of a key industry platform, memory and component shortages and delayed model introductions pushed out expected growth. Management characterized these pressures as timing issues rather than a change in the underlying opportunity.
Customer interest remained strong for the company's low-power smart codec for AI-enabled PCs, with multiple designs targeted for next calendar year. Several customers also announced PCs based on NVIDIA's RTX Spark platform that are expected to ship later this year with Cirrus amplifiers and codecs.
Cirrus Extends Its Mixed-Signal ReachThe company taped out a new high-performance analog front-end family for smart meters and expects to begin sampling during the September quarter. The products combine higher-accuracy voltage and current measurement with on-chip processing for power-quality analysis and fault detection.
Cirrus is targeting a calendar 2028 market launch and sees potential applications in data center DC metrology, energy storage, EV charging and grid monitoring. A new GlobalFoundries agreement secures dedicated wafer capacity and pricing for 2027 and 2028 while supporting progress toward U.S. production.
Cirrus Logic's Cash Position Funds PrioritiesCash and investments totaled $1.2 billion at quarter-end, with no debt outstanding.
Operating cash flow was $64.1 million, and free cash flow totaled $48.6 million, translating into an 11% margin.
It spent $34.5 million to repurchase about 211,000 shares, leaving $239.6 million under its authorization. After quarter-end, it bought roughly 359,000 additional shares for $50.5 million. Management continues to prioritize organic investment, followed by acquisitions and buybacks, and is not considering a near-term dividend.
Guides for a Sequential Revenue IncreaseFor the second quarter of fiscal 2027, Cirrus expects revenues of $510-$570 million. The $540 million midpoint implies growth of 17% sequentially and a decline of 4% year over year.
GAAP gross margin is projected at 52-54%, including a temporary benefit from favorably priced wafers that should largely sell through during the quarter.
Non-GAAP operating expenses are expected at $140-$146 million.
Full-year expenses are expected to increase as Cirrus expands R&D investment, while the non-GAAP tax rate is forecast at 16-18%.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates review have trended downward during the past month.
The consensus estimate has shifted -8.87% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Cirrus Logic has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock was allocated a score of B on the value side, putting it in the second quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. It's no surprise Cirrus Logic has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). We expect a below average return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerCirrus Logic belongs to the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry. Another stock from the same industry, Qualcomm (QCOM - Free Report) , has gained 5.1% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.
Qualcomm reported revenues of $9.95 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -4%. EPS of $2.21 for the same period compares with $2.77 a year ago.
Qualcomm is expected to post earnings of $2.18 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -27.3%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -2.4%.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Qualcomm. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of F.
BorgWarner za poslední měsíc klesl o 0,1 % po zveřejnění výsledků hospodaření, ale ve 2. čtvrtletí 2026 překonal odhady: upravený EPS činil 1,42 USD a tržby 3,65 miliardy USD.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for BorgWarner (BWA - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 0.1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is BorgWarner due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
BWA Tops Q2 Earnings EstimatesBorgWarner reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.42 per share, which rose 17.4% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.26 by 12.7%. Net sales increased 0.3% to $3.65 billion and surpassed the consensus mark of $3.58 billion by 1.8%.
Strong cost controls supported profitability despite lower industry production and weakness in the Battery Energy Systems business. Adjusted operating margin expanded 100 basis points to 11.3%, while organic sales declined 1.2%.
Gross profit rose to $721 million from $640 million in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin improved to 19.8% from 17.6%, reflecting lower cost of sales and disciplined operating execution. Adjusted operating income increased to $413 million from $373 million.
Segmental PerformanceTurbos & Thermal Technologies sales declined 2.6% year over year to $1.44 billion amid lower industry production. Organic sales fell 4.3%. Segment adjusted operating income slipped to $225 million from $227 million.
Drivetrain & Morse Systems revenues increased 1.8% to $1.5 billion, aided by strong North American transfer-case volumes. Adjusted operating income rose to $277 million from $260 million, supported by higher sales and operating execution.
PowerDrive Systems sales grew 14.5% to $665 million, including organic growth of 11.7%. Its adjusted operating loss narrowed to $29 million from $33 million, driven by higher sales.
Battery Energy Systems revenues plunged 37.1% to $100 million due to weaker European demand and the absence of North American incentives. However, the segment’s adjusted operating loss narrowed to $2 million from $12 million, helped by restructuring actions and savings from the charging-business exit.
New Business PipelineBorgWarner announced seven awards spanning combustion, hybrid and electric-vehicle technologies. These included an eTurbo program for a European automaker, a torque-on-demand transfer case for a Chinese SUV and two variable cam timing programs.
The company also secured an integrated drive module award using its next-generation three-in-one system. Two high-volume inverter program extensions cover plug-in hybrid and 800-volt battery-electric applications. Production for the announced programs is scheduled to begin between late 2026 and 2029.
BorgWarner Advances Industrial ProductsThe company noted progress in data-center and industrial applications. Testing of its turbine generator achieved California Air Resources Board-level emissions standards, while component certification work is expected to begin in September.
BorgWarner continues to target a 2027 launch and had previously outlined roughly $300 million of turbine-generator revenues for that year. Customer interest includes multiple hyperscalers, and management expects to decide during the second half of 2026 whether additional capacity is needed.
BorgWarner is also developing energy-storage systems, microgrid inverters and power-conversion products. Four customers have received inverter samples, and the company is expanding its portfolio from 400 volts to 1,500 volts. It plans to invest an additional $10-$15 million in industrial research and development during the second half.
2026 Earnings View RaisedBWA raised its full-year adjusted earnings guidance to $5.05-$5.30 per share from $5-$5.20. The company maintained its sales outlook of $14-$14.3 billion and adjusted operating margin forecast of 10.7%-10.9%. Organic revenues are expected to decline 1.5%-3.5%, including an anticipated $250 million reduction in Battery Energy Systems sales.
Cash Flow Supports BuybacksSecond-quarter operating cash flow totaled $586 million, while free cash flow was $492 million. For 2026, the company continues to expect operating cash flow of $1.6-$1.7 billion and free cash flow of $900 million-$1.1 billion.
BorgWarner returned about $134 million to shareholders during the quarter through repurchases and dividends. Its board increased the share repurchase authorization by $1 billion, bringing total available authorization to approximately $1.35 billion through 2029. Cash and equivalents were $2.45 billion as of June 30, 2026.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates review.
VGM ScoresCurrently, BorgWarner has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock has a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, BorgWarner has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerBorgWarner is part of the Zacks Automotive - Original Equipment industry. Over the past month, Lear (LEA - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 10.1%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
Lear reported revenues of $6.21 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +3%. EPS of $4.28 for the same period compares with $3.47 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Lear is expected to post earnings of $3.28 per share, indicating a change of +17.6% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.7% over the last 30 days.
Lear has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of A.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Owens Corning (OC - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 10.6% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Owens Corning due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Owens Corning Inc before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
OC Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates on Strong Commercial ExecutionOwens Corning posted adjusted earnings of $3.93 per share for the second quarter of 2026, down 6.7% year over year but ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.06 by 28.4%. Net sales rose 0.3% to $2.76 billion and beat the $2.67 billion consensus mark by 3.2%.
Results reflected strong commercial execution across Roofing and Insulation, partly offset by inflation and weaker Doors volumes. Roofing sales increased 0.8% year over year, while the business delivered a 34% EBITDA margin.
OC's Profitability Reflects Resilient ExecutionAdjusted EBITDA was $660 million, down 6.1% from $703 million a year ago. The adjusted EBITDA margin contracted to 24% from 26% as inflation weighed on profitability.
Second-quarter EBITDA included $25 million of tariff refunds, about half of which benefited Doors. These refunds partly offset $30 million of net cost inflation tied to the Iran conflict. The company recorded only $3 million of adjusting items during the quarter.
Segmental DiscussionRoofing revenues were $1.31 billion, up 0.8% from $1.30 billion a year earlier. Growth was supported by favorable product mix and solid demand for higher-value products. Shingle and components volumes were slightly ahead of the broader market, while elevated industry restocking supported market shipments.
Roofing EBITDA fell 3.5% to $441 million. Higher inflation, including transportation costs, created negative price-cost pressure amid relatively flat pricing. Management noted solid realization from price increases announced during the quarter.
Insulation revenues increased 4.0% year over year to $971 million, driven mainly by higher volumes and a modest currency benefit. North American residential revenues edged higher, while nonresidential revenues benefited from higher volumes and pockets of strong end-market growth. European operations also posted growth as core markets improved and commercial execution remained strong.
Segment EBITDA declined 5.3% to $213 million because of slightly lower pricing and continued inflation, while the EBITDA margin was 22%.
Doors revenues declined 7.4% to $513 million, mainly because of strategic business exits. The divested distribution business and Oregon components facility reduced second-quarter revenues by a combined $30 million.
Doors EBITDA fell 24.0% to $57 million due to lower volumes and higher transportation costs. The segment's 11% EBITDA margin nevertheless exceeded management's prior guidance, helped by tariff refunds. Owens Corning has achieved $135 million of enterprise run-rate synergies in Doors, above its original $125 million target.
OC Generates Higher Quarterly Free Cash FlowFree cash flow increased 54.3% year over year to $199 million, aided by disciplined working capital management. Capital additions from continuing operations were $194 million, up $18 million from the prior-year quarter, while return on capital for the 12 months ended June 30 was 10%.
Owens Corning ended the quarter with $1.8 billion of liquidity, including $271 million in cash and $1.5 billion available under bank debt facilities. The company returned $264 million to shareholders through $200 million of share repurchases and $64 million of dividends.
Owens Corning Sees Softer Q3 Roofing DemandFor the third quarter of 2026, Owens Corning expects revenues of $2.6 billion to $2.7 billion and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20% to 22%. The outlook includes about $40 million of incremental inflation costs tied to the Iran conflict.
Roofing revenues are expected to decline by mid- to high-single digits year over year, with an EBITDA margin near 30%, as heavier second-quarter stocking weighs on distributor purchases. Insulation revenues are projected to grow by mid-single digits with a 22% EBITDA margin, while Doors revenues are expected to fall by mid-single digits with a margin of about 10%.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Owens Corning has a average Growth Score of C, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with a B. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top 20% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision indicates a downward shift. Notably, Owens Corning has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerOwens Corning belongs to the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry. Another stock from the same industry, Jacobs Solutions (J - Free Report) , has gained 2.4% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.
Jacobs Solutions reported revenues of $4.08 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +34.5%. EPS of $1.84 for the same period compares with $1.62 a year ago.
Jacobs Solutions is expected to post earnings of $2.17 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +24%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0.9%.
Jacobs Solutions has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
Twilio ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšila tržby o 22 % meziročně na 1,50 miliardy USD a dosáhla rekordního volného cash flow ve výši 352,6 milionu USD. Zároveň zvýšila výhled tržeb, provozního zisku a volného cash flow pro rok 2026.
Key Takeaways TWLO posted 22% y/y revenue growth in Q2, while organic growth rose to 17% and operating margin hit 19%.TWLO raised 2026 revenue, operating income and free cash flow views after a record quarterly free cash flow.TWLO is gaining AI traction through major deals as businesses use its platform for AI-powered communications. Twilio Inc. (TWLO - Free Report) has emerged as one of the strongest performers in the software space this year. The stock has gained roughly 69% year to date (YTD), sharply outperforming the broader Zacks Internet-Software industry’s fall of 2.4%.
Twilio has also outpaced major industry peers, including Atlassian Corporation (TEAM - Free Report) , DocuSign, Inc. (DOCU - Free Report) and Workiva Inc. (WK - Free Report) . While Workiva has declined 8.9% YTD, Atlassian and DocuSign have gained 19.9% and 1.2%, respectively.
Twilio YTD Price Return Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
After such a strong rally, investors may wonder whether Twilio’s stock has already priced in its growth opportunity. In our view, the answer is no. Twilio's latest results show that the rally is backed by improving fundamentals, stronger margins, rising cash flow and growing demand for its communications infrastructure as businesses deploy AI applications.
TWLO’s Strong Financial Results Support Further UpsideTwilio's second-quarter 2026 results provide a strong reason to remain bullish on the TWLO stock. Revenues increased 22% year over year to $1.50 billion. Organic revenue growth accelerated to 17% from 16% in the previous quarter and 13% in the year-ago quarter. Non-GAAP gross profit climbed 18% year-over-year to $736 million, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of accelerating non-GAAP gross profit growth.
Image Source: Twilio Inc.
Profitability also continued to improve. Non-GAAP income from operations increased 29% to $285 million, while the operating margin expanded 100 basis points year over year to 19%.
The improvement came despite pressure from higher U.S. carrier fees. Twilio's non-GAAP gross margin contracted 160 basis points year over year to 49.1% in the second quarter. But management noted that excluding the incremental carrier fees, the gross margin would have increased 60 basis points year over year. This highlights the underlying improvement in the business and the benefits of a richer product mix and cost discipline.
In the second quarter, Twilio generated a record free cash flow of $352.6 million compared with $263.5 million in the year-ago period. Twilio's dollar-based net expansion rate also improved to 116% from 108%, indicating stronger spending from existing customers.
The company’s optimistic outlook is also reflected in its raised full-year guidance. Twilio expects 18-18.5% reported revenue growth and 13-13.5% organic revenue growth in 2026, up from previous 14-15% and 9.5-10.5%, respectively. The company also increased its full-year non-GAAP operating income and free cash flow forecasts. Each metric, non-GAAP operating income and free cash flow, is projected at $1.135-$1.155 billion, up from the earlier stated $1.08-$1.10 billion.
This combination of accelerating growth, expanding profitability and upbeat guidance makes the stock an ideal investment case.
AI Adoption Creates Growth Opportunity for TwilioTwilio's biggest long-term opportunity could come from the rapid adoption of AI applications. The company is positioning its communications platform as infrastructure that enables businesses to connect AI agents with customers across voice, messaging and other channels.
Its new Conversations Layer includes Conversation Memory, Conversation Orchestrator, Conversation Intelligence, Conversation Relay and Agent Connect. Early customer results are encouraging. The U.K.-based digital car finance platform and online broker, Car Finance 247, signed a seven-figure deal after testing the platform during the second quarter. Car Finance 247’s AI assistant, Carla, has handled nearly 300,000 customer conversations. Customers interacting with the Carla AI assistant converted to approved leads 1.6 times faster.
Twilio is also seeing strong demand from AI-focused businesses. During the second quarter, it signed an eight-figure deal with a leading AI company. Eltropy, an agentic AI platform, used Twilio's Conversation Relay to build an AI voice agent, while OpenEvidence switched from a competitor to Twilio for voice infrastructure.
The opportunity is significant because growth of AI agents should increase the demand for reliable communication infrastructure. Twilio can potentially benefit from both the development of these applications and the communications activity they generate.
Twilio's Premium Valuation Looks JustifiableTWLO does trade at a premium. Its forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 35.20X is well above the industry's 27.89X average.
Twilio Forward 12-Month P/E Ratio
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
It also trades above industry peers, including Atlassian, Workiva and DocuSign. Currently, Atlassian, Workiva and DocuSign trade at P/E multiples of 32.60X, 20.03X and 13.37X, respectively.
However, the premium appears justified by Twilio's stronger growth profile and improving profitability. The company is growing organically at a healthy pace, expanding margins, generating substantial free cash flow and gaining traction in AI-related communications. Its 116% dollar-based net expansion rate also shows that existing customers are spending more on the platform.
In addition, Twilio is returning capital to shareholders. It repurchased stocks worth $323 million in the first half of 2026 and had approximately $826 million remaining under its authorized repurchase program as of June 30, 2026.
Conclusion: Buy TWLO Stock Right NowTwilio's 69% YTD gain makes the stock more expensive, but its improving fundamentals suggest that the rally is supported by more than investor enthusiasm.
Accelerating organic growth, stronger operating leverage, record free cash flow, raised guidance and increasing AI adoption provide multiple reasons to remain bullish. While the valuation remains stretched, Twilio's growth opportunity and improving financial profile make its premium multiple justifiable for now.
Twilio currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
MKS ve 2. čtvrtletí překonal odhady: zisk na akcii činil 3,30 USD a tržby vzrostly o 28,3 % na 1,25 miliardy USD. Akcie ale za měsíc od poslední výsledkové zprávy klesly asi o 14,3 %.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for MKS (MKSI - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 14.3% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is MKS due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
MKSI Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Increase Year Over YearMKS Inc. reported second-quarter 2026 non-GAAP earnings of $3.30 per share, up 86.4% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 12.24%.
Revenues rose 28.3% year over year to $1.25 billion and surpassed the consensus mark by 3.06%. Growth was broad-based across all three end markets, led by Electronics & Packaging, while adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 28.6%.
MKSI's Q2 Revenue Mix StrengthensProduct revenues, which accounted for 88.5% of total revenues, increased 30.2% year over year to $1.10 billion. The performance reflected stronger demand across the company’s semiconductor, electronics and packaging and specialty industrial businesses.
Services revenues totaled $144 million, representing 11.5% of revenues. The figure increased 15.2% from the year-ago quarter, supporting the company’s overall double-digit top-line expansion.
MKS' End Markets Post Broad GrowthSemiconductor revenues increased 28.2% year over year to $554 million and represented 44.4% of total revenues. Management highlighted accelerating AI-driven investment across semiconductor and advanced packaging applications, along with rapidly growing order volumes.
Electronics & Packaging revenues increased 44% to $381 million, contributing 30.5% of revenues. Specialty Industrial revenues rose 13.8% to $313 million and accounted for 25.1% of the quarterly total. The gains across each end market underscored the breadth of demand in the quarter.
MKSI's Operating DetailsGross margin expanded 100 basis points year over year to 47.6%. Non-GAAP operating income totaled $320 million, while the non-GAAP operating margin improved 480 basis points to 25.6%.
Non-GAAP operating expenses were $275 million compared with $251 million a year earlier.
Adjusted EBITDA climbed 49.2% year over year to $358 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin rose 390 basis points to 28.6%, reflecting stronger revenue and improved profitability.
GAAP income from operations increased to $251 million from $135 million in the prior-year quarter. The operating margin expanded 620 basis points to 20.1%, benefiting from the higher revenue base and improved gross margin.
MKSI's Cash Flow and Balance SheetAs of June 30, 2026, MKS had cash and cash equivalents of $611 million compared with $569 million as of March 31, 2026.
As of June 30, 2026, long-term debt totaled $2.54 billion.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $243 million in the second quarter, up 47.3% year over year. Capital expenditures totaled $55 million, resulting in free cash flow of $188 million compared with $136 million in the prior-year quarter.
MKS' Q3 Outlook Signals MomentumFor the third quarter of 2026, MKS expects revenues of $1.35 billion, plus or minus $40 million. Gross margin is projected to be 47%, plus or minus 1 percentage point, while non-GAAP operating expenses are expected to be $280 million, plus or minus $5 million.
The company forecasts non-GAAP earnings of $3.58 per share, plus or minus 31 cents.
Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be $395 million, plus or minus $28 million. Management noted that the outlook reflects the current business environment, including U.S. import tariffs and retaliatory actions by other countries.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates revision.
The consensus estimate has shifted 8.69% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, MKS has a nice Growth Score of B, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with an A. However, the stock has a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise MKS has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
Akcie Exelixis za poslední měsíc vzrostly o 13,3 %, ale společnost snížila výhled tržeb na rok 2026 na 2,50–2,55 miliardy USD kvůli pomalejšímu růstu u NET.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Exelixis (EXEL - Free Report) . Shares have added about 13.3% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Exelixis due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Exelixis reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 91 cents in the second quarter, which comfortably beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 86 cents. The company posted adjusted EPS of 75 cents in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted earnings excluded the impact of stock-based compensation expenses.
Including stock-based compensation expense, EPS was 82 cents compared with 65 cents in the year-ago period.
The bottom-line growth can be attributed to higher operating income and a decrease in shares outstanding due to ongoing buybacks.
Revenues rose 10.6% year over year to $628.7 million but missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $635 million.
EXEL's Product Sales Maintain Growth
Net product revenues increased to $573.03 million from $520.01 million in the year-ago quarter, primarily due to higher sales volume.
Cabometyx (cabozantinib) generated revenues of $570.6 million, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $578 million and our model estimate of $575 million. The drug is approved for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and previously treated hepatocellular carcinoma.
Cabometyx remained the leading prescribed tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) in RCC. Its total prescription share within the company’s tracked oral TKI market basket increased to 47% from 45% a year earlier, while prescription volume rose 12%, outpacing the market basket’s 6% growth.
In March 2025, Exelixis obtained FDA approval for the label expansion of Cabometyx for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET). The drug was also approved for adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with previously treated, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, well-differentiated extra-pancreatic NET (epNET).
However, the neuroendocrine tumor indication expanded more gradually than management had projected. Exelixis attributed the slower ramp-up to the relatively indolent nature of NET, less frequent patient scans and longer transitions between therapies.
Cometriq (cabozantinib capsules) generated $2.4 million in net product revenues for treating medullary thyroid cancer.
Collaboration revenues rose 15.4% to $55.7 million. The improvement reflected higher royalties on cabozantinib sales outside the United States by partner Ipsen, partly offset by lower development cost reimbursements. Exelixis earned $53.2 million in royalty revenues from partners Ipsen and Takeda during the quarter.
EXEL's Costs Rise as Operating Income Expands
Research and development expenses increased 5.8% year over year to $211.99 million due to higher clinical trial, manufacturing and collaboration costs as Exelixis continued investing in zanzalintinib and other pipeline candidates.
Selling, general and administrative expenses rose 9.5% to $147.63 million, reflecting higher marketing and personnel costs. Despite the increased spending, operating income climbed 16.3% to $248.41 million, and the operating margin expanded to 39.5% from 37.6%.
Exelixis Lowers Its 2026 Revenue Outlook
Management lowered its 2026 total revenue guidance to $2.50-$2.55 billion from $2.525-$2.625 billion. Net product revenue guidance was lowered to $2.30-$2.35 billion from $2.325-$2.425 billion, primarily because of the slower-than-expected NET ramp-up.
The revised outlook excludes potential revenues from zanzalintinib in previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Exelixis also lowered its R&D expense forecast to $825-$875 million from $875-$925 million. Its SG&A expense projection remained unchanged at $575-$625 million.
EXEL Advances Share Repurchase Program
Exelixis repurchased $311.6 million of the company’s shares in the second quarter, completing the $750 million share repurchase program (SRP) launched in October 2025.
The company also began repurchases under a new $750 million SRP authorized in May 2026, which runs through Dec. 31, 2027. Since launching its first SRP in March 2023, Exelixis has repurchased $2.9 billion of stock, retiring 93.3 million shares at an average price of $31.12 per share as of the end of the second quarter of 2026.
EXEL Advances Its Zanzalintinib Pipeline
The FDA is reviewing zanzalintinib in combination with Roche’s Tecentriq for previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer, with a target action date of Dec. 3, 2026. Its approval would establish zanzalintinib as Exelixis’ second commercial oncology franchise and broaden its portfolio beyond cabozantinib.
In June 2026, Exelixis reported final phase III STELLAR-303 results showing a non-statistically significant overall survival trend favoring zanzalintinib plus Tecentriq over regorafenib in the non-liver metastases (NLM) subgroup of previously treated non-MSI-high metastatic colorectal cancer. The study had previously met its other dual primary endpoint of overall survival in the intent-to-treat population, which included all randomized patients regardless of the presence of active liver metastases, as reported in June 2025.
Roche’s Tecentriq is a cancer immunotherapy that is approved around the world, either alone or in combination with targeted therapies and/or chemotherapies, for various types of cancer.
EXEL has collaborated with Merck to evaluate zanzalintinib, in combination with subcutaneous Keytruda Qlex in the planned phase III STELLAR-316 study for resected stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC).
Under the agreement, Exelixis will sponsor the STELLAR-316 study, while Merck will provide Keytruda Qlex for use in the same. Keytruda is approved for several types of cancer.
Exelixis expects to initiate STELLAR-316 shortly, which will evaluate zanzalintinib with and without Keytruda Qlex in patients with resected stage II/III CRC who, following definitive therapy, have tested positive for molecular residual disease (MRD+) and have no radiographic evidence of disease — a high-risk population with substantial unmet need.
Earlier this year, Exelixis partnered with Natera, a global leader in cell-free DNA and precision medicine, for this study.
Natera will supply its Signatera assay to identify eligible MRD-positive patients for enrollment, further integrating precision medicine into the program.
The Merck partnership extends beyond colorectal cancer. In April 2026, Merck initiated the phase III LITESPARK-034 trial evaluating zanzalintinib plus Welireg versus Welireg and placebo in previously treated advanced RCC patients who progressed after PD-1/L1 and VEGFR-TKI therapies.
This marks the second Merck-sponsored phase III study under the collaboration, following LITESPARK-033 (launched in December 2025), which is assessing the combination against cabozantinib in first-line advanced RCC post-adjuvant immunotherapy.
In May 2026, Exelixis announced the initiation of STELLAR-201, a phase II study evaluating zanzalintinib in patients with recurrent Grade I/II/III meningioma with relapse or progression following radiation and/or surgery or those who are not candidates for these therapies.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates revision have trended upward during the past month.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Exelixis has a strong Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock has a score of B on the value side, putting it in the second quintile for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Notably, Exelixis has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerExelixis is part of the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry. Over the past month, Biogen Inc. (BIIB - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 8.8%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
Biogen reported revenues of $2.74 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +3.4%. EPS of $3.60 for the same period compares with $5.47 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Biogen is expected to post earnings of $2.31 per share, indicating a change of -52% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -4.6% over the last 30 days.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Biogen. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of C.
Joby Aviation ve 2. čtvrtletí vykázala ztrátu 25 centů na akcii, ale tržby 38,6 milionu USD překonaly odhady. Firma zároveň zvýšila celoroční výhled tržeb na 115 až 125 milionů USD.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 16.5% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Joby Aviation, Inc. due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for Joby Aviation, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
JOBY Incurs Loss in Q2Joby Aviation reported a second-quarter 2026 loss of 25 cents per share, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 23 cents per share. In the year-ago quarter, JOBY reported a loss of 41 cents per share.
Quarterly revenues came in at $38.6 million, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $29 million. Revenues were up from $15,000 in the prior-year period, with Blade contributing $36.2 million in the reported quarter amid seasonal demand and strong passenger activity.
In the June-end quarter, total operating expenses increased 78.4% year over year to $299.52 million. Research and development expenses rose 42.7% to $194.66 million, while selling, general and administrative expenses climbed 143.2% to $76.56 million as Joby invested in certification, manufacturing and commercial readiness and supported the growth of Blade.
Adjusted EBITDA in the second quarter of 2026 was a loss of approximately $197 million, compared with a loss of approximately $179 million in the first quarter. Management attributed the sequential change to the quarter's revenue and expense dynamics.
JOBY exited the second quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $629.86 million and total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $2.26 billion. Long-term debt was $701.87 million at June 30, 2026.
JOBY's GuidanceThe company raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to a range of $115 million to $125 million from $105 million to $115 million, citing Blade's continued strength. For the second half of 2026, Joby expects to use between $385 million and $415 million of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.
On the operating front, Joby expects its first flights under the White House-backed eIPP program in Texas in September and continues to target carrying its first passengers in 2026. The company said five aircraft are flying and another 12 are in production, while it recorded its strongest quarterly progress yet in the fifth and final stage of FAA type certification.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
The consensus estimate has shifted -13.04% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Joby Aviation, Inc. has a poor Growth Score of F, a score with the same score on the momentum front. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a grade of F on the value side, putting it in the lowest quintile for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Joby Aviation, Inc. has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Iron Mountain za poslední měsíc oslabil o 5,7 % po silném výsledku za 2. čtvrtletí. Firma zároveň zvýšila celoroční výhled AFFO na 5,87–5,93 USD na akcii.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Iron Mountain (IRM - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 5.7% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Iron Mountain due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Iron Mountain Incorporated before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
Iron Mountain’s Q2 AFFO Beats Estimates on Data Center and ALM Growth, '26 View UpIron Mountain reported second-quarter 2026 AFFO of $1.44 per share, up 16.1% year over year. The figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.9%.
Revenues of $2.03 billion increased 18.5% and beat the consensus mark of $1.97 billion. The upside reflected broad-based strength, with data center revenues advancing 38.8% and asset lifecycle management benefiting from robust enterprise and decommissioning activity.
Iron Mountain’s Revenue Mix Supports Broad GrowthStorage rental revenues rose 12.3% year over year to $1.13 billion. Service revenues increased 27.4% to $894.5 million, underscoring the growing contribution from faster-expanding offerings outside the traditional records storage business.
Organic revenues jumped 16.8% on a constant-currency basis, excluding acquisitions and divestitures. Organic storage rental growth was 11.3%, while organic service growth reached 24.8%, showing that internal execution rather than deal activity drove most of the quarter’s expansion.
Iron Mountain's RIM Business Stays ResilientGlobal Records and Information Management revenues increased 8.3% to $1.43 billion. Storage rental revenues in the segment rose 6.6%, while service revenues advanced 10.9%, supported by revenue management, digital solutions and continued customer activity.
The segment generated adjusted EBITDA of $620.8 million compared with $586.3 million a year earlier. Its adjusted EBITDA margin contracted 100 basis points to 43.3%, as faster service growth carried a different margin profile than the highly recurring storage business.
Global storage volume reached a record 747.9 million cubic feet, up from 735.8 million a year ago. Storage facility utilization improved to 81.6% from 80.6%, while the records management retention rate increased 40 basis points to 93.4%.
Iron Mountain's Data Center Momentum StrengthensGlobal Data Center revenues climbed to $262.9 million from $189.4 million. Storage rental revenues grew 37.5% and the segment’s adjusted EBITDA increased to $137.3 million, with margin expanding 140 basis points to 52.2%.
Iron Mountain signed 13 megawatts of new and expansion leases during the second quarter. Leasing reached 110 megawatts through July after an additional 75 megawatts were signed following quarter-end. The company also cited a backlog supporting $370 million of revenue growth beyond 2026 before including the July leasing.
The operating portfolio had 528.5 leasable megawatts and was 97.1% leased. Management expects roughly 325 megawatts of available-to-lease capacity to become energized over the next 24 months as it works toward total developable capacity of approximately 1.4 gigawatts.
Iron Mountain's ALM and Digital Engines ExpandCorporate and Other revenues surged 67.4% to $332.6 million. Service revenues rose 73.7%, reflecting strong asset lifecycle management performance across enterprise solutions and data center decommissioning.
ALM revenues increased 88% on a reported basis and 82% organically. Management also highlighted record digital revenues and growing traction for Insight DXP, its artificial intelligence-powered platform, including a multi-year managed-services agreement spanning 45 countries.
Iron Mountain's Costs and Balance Sheet Remain ManageableTotal operating expenses increased 14% to $1.66 billion, slower than revenue growth. Operating income advanced 43.7% to $373.5 million, though adjusted EBITDA margin declined 90 basis points to 35.8%, partly reflecting the mix shift toward rapidly growing service businesses.
Net lease-adjusted leverage remained at 4.8 times, within management’s target range of 4.5-5.5 times. Cash and cash equivalents were $204.8 million at quarter-end, while net debt totaled about $17.28 billion.
Iron Mountain Raises 2026 OutlookIron Mountain raised its full-year AFFO per share forecast to $5.87-$5.93 from the earlier guided range of $5.79-$5.86. The midpoint implies approximately 14% growth, supported by continued momentum across records management, data centers, digital solutions and ALM.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Analysts were quiet during the last two month period as none of them issued any earnings estimate revisions.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Iron Mountain has a nice Growth Score of B, a score with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook Iron Mountain has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerIron Mountain is part of the Zacks Business - Information Services industry. Over the past month, TransUnion (TRU - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 7.2%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
TransUnion reported revenues of $1.31 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +14.9%. EPS of $1.23 for the same period compares with $1.08 a year ago.
TransUnion is expected to post earnings of $1.21 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +10%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for TransUnion. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
Kennametal za měsíc po posledních výsledcích odepsal asi 13,1 % a za 4. čtvrtletí fiskálního roku 2026 překonal odhady zisku i tržeb. Firma zároveň pro 1. čtvrtletí fiskálního roku 2027 očekává tržby 745–775 mil. USD a upravený zisk 2,50–2,80 USD na akcii.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Kennametal (KMT - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 13.1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Kennametal due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Kennametal Q4 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Rise Y/YKennametal reported adjusted earnings of $2.96 per share for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, up 770.6% year over year. The bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31 by 28.1%.
Sales rose 42.6% year over year to $736.6 million and surpassed the consensus estimate of $720 million by 2.3%.
Sales Growth Spans End MarketsReported sales growth reflected a 42% organic increase, a 1% favorable foreign-currency impact and a 1% benefit from business days, partly offset by a 1% divestiture drag. The Americas led constant-currency regional growth at 60%, followed by Asia Pacific at 28% and EMEA at 24%.
Energy sales jumped 101% in constant currency, while Earthworks advanced 76%. Aerospace & Defense rose 43%, General Engineering increased 28% and Transportation grew 7%. Management cited higher pricing, strategic wins and better market activity across several end markets.
Kennametal's Margins Expand SharplyIn the fiscal fourth quarter, Kennametal’s cost of goods sold decreased 18.3% year over year to $303.1 million. Operating expenses were $125.6 million, up 18.7% year over year.
Adjusted operating income was $305.7 million, translating into a 41.5% margin, compared with $38.2 million and 7.4% a year earlier. Adjusted EBITDA reached $345 million, with the margin expanding to 46.8% from 14.8%.
The improvement was driven mainly by about $252 million of favorable timing between raw material-related pricing and costs. Non-raw-material pricing, tariff surcharges, higher sales and production volumes and $5 million of restructuring savings also helped. Compensation costs, tariffs and inflation were offsets.
Metal Cutting Segment AdvancesMetal Cutting revenues increased 24% year over year to $397.8 million. Organic sales rose 22%, supported by a 1% currency benefit and a 1% business-days contribution. Constant-currency sales climbed 29% in the Americas, 20% in Asia Pacific and 16% in EMEA.
Adjusted operating income totaled $108.4 million and adjusted operating margin expanded to 27.3% from 7.9%. Results benefited from roughly $54 million of favorable raw-material pricing timing, non-raw-material pricing, tariff surcharges, higher volume and $4 million of restructuring savings.
Kennametal's Infrastructure Results SurgeInfrastructure revenues rose 73% to $338.8 million, while organic sales increased 74%. A 1% currency benefit and a 1% business-days benefit were partly offset by a 3% divestiture impact. Constant-currency growth reached 103% in the Americas, 46% in EMEA and 40% in Asia Pacific.
Adjusted operating income was $197.9 million, with adjusted margin surging to 58.4% from 6.8%. About $198 million of favorable raw-material pricing timing drove the gain, partly offset by lower volume of sales and production, an increase in compensation costs and general inflation.
Cash Flow Feels Working Capital StrainFiscal 2026 cash used in operating activities was $4.0 million against $208.3 million generated in the prior year. Free operating cash flow was negative $79.1 million against positive $121.2 million, reflecting higher working capital needs tied to tungsten-driven inventory values and supplier advances.
Kennametal ended fiscal 2026 with $95.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, down from $140.5 million a year earlier. Inventories increased to $1.11 billion from $538.2 million, while long-term debt rose to $685.3 million from $596.8 million. The company paid $60.8 million in dividends during the year.
Kennametal's Fiscal 2027 OutlookFor the first quarter of fiscal 2027, it expects sales of $745-$775 million and adjusted earnings of $2.50-$2.80 per share. The outlook assumes 1-4% volume growth, 50-53% price and tariff-surcharge realization and a neutral foreign-exchange impact.
For fiscal 2027, sales are projected at $3.33-$3.45 billion, with adjusted earnings of $4.15-$5.15 per share. Management expects free operating cash flow of about 20% of adjusted net income and capital spending near $85 million. Share repurchases will remain on hold until cash flow becomes positive.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates review.
The consensus estimate has shifted 107.54% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Kennametal has a poor Growth Score of F, however its Momentum Score is doing a lot better with an A. Following the exact same course, the stock was allocated a grade of A on the value side, putting it in the top quintile for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Notably, Kennametal has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Charles River zvýšila výhled ne-GAAP EPS pro rok 2026 na 11,15–11,45 USD z 10,80–11,30 USD. Tržby mají nově klesnout o 3,5 % až 2,5 % místo dřívějších 5,5 % až 4 %.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Charles River Laboratories (CRL - Free Report) . Shares have added about 10.5% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Charles River due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
CRL Q2 Earnings and Revenues Top, '26 View UpCharles River reported second-quarter 2026 company-defined non-GAAP earnings of $3.02 per share, down 3.2% year over year. The reported earnings topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.0%.
GAAP net loss was 3 cents per share compared to GAAP earnings of $1.06 per share in the year-ago period.
Revenues of $1 billion declined 2.7% (up 0.1% organically) year over year but beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3%.
Charles River's DSA Business Shows Demand GainsDSA revenues totaled $606.5 million, down 1.9% year over year on a reported basis. Organic revenues increased 0.2%, driven mainly by higher study volume for regulated safety assessment services.
The segment's GAAP operating margin rose 60 basis points to 20.5%, aided by lower intangible-asset amortization and reduced third-party legal costs tied to a non-human primate supply matter. The non-GAAP margin fell 180 basis points to 25.6% because of higher study-related direct costs.
CRL's RMS Sales Decline on North America WeaknessRMS revenues totaled $209.5 million, down 1.8% from the year-ago quarter’s level. Organic revenues declined 1.4% primarily due to lower sales of small research models in North America and weaker research model services, partly offset by growth in China.
The segment's GAAP operating margin improved 50 basis points to 17.3%, mainly because of lower amortization following the Cell Solutions divestiture. The non-GAAP margin contracted 80 basis points to 24.5% on lower volume and an unfavorable geographic revenue mix.
Charles River's Manufacturing Margins ExpandManufacturing revenues amounted to $188.1 million, down 6.3% year over year, mainly because of the CDMO divestiture. Organic revenues rose 1.3%, supported by higher revenues in the Microbial Solutions business.
GAAP operating margin surged to 34.9% from 6% a year earlier. The non-GAAP margin expanded 500 basis points to 37.8%, with the CDMO business and the benefit from its divestiture driving the improvement.
CRL's Margin PerformanceThe gross profit in the reported quarter was $363.4 million, up 1.8% from the prior-year quarter’s level. The gross margin of 36.2% expanded approximately 159 basis points (bps) year over year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 19.5% year over year to $228.9 million. Operating profit totaled $119.9 million, up 19.7% from the prior-year quarter’s level. The operating margin expanded approximately 224 bps to 11.9%.
CRL's Cash Flow and Buyback ActivityCash and cash equivalents amounted to $192 million as of June 27, 2026, compared with $191.8 million at the end of the first quarter. Cumulative net cash provided by operating activities at the end of the quarter was $220.8 million compared with $376.3 million a year ago.
CRL repurchased 0.6 million shares for $100 million during the second quarter at an average price of $174 per share. Year-to-date repurchases totaled $300 million, leaving $700 million available under the company's authorization.
Charles River Raises Its 2026 OutlookCharles River now expects reported revenues to decline 3.5% to 2.5% in 2026, compared with its prior projection for a 5.5% to 4% decrease. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 revenues implies a decline of 3% year over year.
The company raised its non-GAAP earnings guidance to $11.15-$11.45 per share from $10.80-$11.30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the metric is pegged at $11.28 per share.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.
VGM ScoresCurrently, Charles River has a subpar Growth Score of D, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with an F. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, Charles River has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerCharles River is part of the Zacks Medical Services industry. Over the past month, HCA Healthcare (HCA - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 0.1%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
HCA reported revenues of $20.23 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +8.7%. EPS of $7.59 for the same period compares with $6.84 a year ago.
HCA is expected to post earnings of $6.80 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -2.3%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -2.8%.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for HCA. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
HubSpot za poslední měsíc přidal asi 26 % po silných výsledcích za 2. čtvrtletí 2026, když tržby vzrostly o 20 % na 911,7 milionu USD a firma překonala odhady.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for HubSpot (HUBS - Free Report) . Shares have added about 26% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is HubSpot due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent catalysts for HubSpot, Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
HubSpot Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates on Healthy Top-Line Growth
HubSpot reported solid second-quarter 2026 results, with both top and bottom lines surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
The company delivered strong 20% year-over-year revenue growth, supported by continued expansion of its subscription business, healthy customer additions, sustained demand for its artificial intelligence (AI)-powered CRM offerings and growth in professional services.
Net Income
On a GAAP basis, the company recorded a net income of $43.3 million or 86 cents per share against a net loss of $3.3 million or a loss of 6 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. Healthy top-line growth boosted the bottom line during the quarter.
Non-GAAP net income was $164.8 million or $3.26 per share, up from $117.3 million or $2.19 per share in the prior-year quarter. The bottom line comfortably beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.02 per share.
Revenues
Quarterly revenues improved to $911.7 million from $760.9 million reported in the year-ago quarter, supported by robust growth in both the Subscription and Professional services segments. The top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $897.8 million.
Subscription revenues rose to $894 million, up 20% year over year, driven by continued customer acquisition, expansion within the existing customer base, and increased adoption of the company's AI-powered CRM platform. Average subscription revenues per customer increased 4% year over year to $11,800.
Professional services and other revenues totaled $17.7 million, up 8% year over year, reflecting increased demand for implementation, onboarding and customer success services supporting new customer additions and platform expansion.
HubSpot added more than 6,900 net new customers during the quarter, increasing the total customer count to 306,446, up 14% year over year. Calculated billings in the second quarter of 2026 increased 14% year over year to $929.7 million.
Other Details
Gross profit in the quarter was $750.9 million, up from $638.7 million in the year-ago quarter. Total operating expenses were $707.5 million compared with $663.3 million in the year-ago quarter. Non-GAAP operating income improved to $185.3 million from $129.1 million, with respective margins of 20.3% and 17%.
Cash Flow & Liquidity
In the second quarter of 2026, the company generated $222.8 million of cash from operating activities compared with $164.4 million in the year-earlier quarter. In the first six months of 2026, HubSpot generated $421.6 million in cash compared with $325.9 million in the year-ago period. As of June 30, 2026, the company had $958.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, with $98.8 million in other long-term liabilities.
Outlook
For the third quarter of 2026, HubSpot forecasts revenues in the range of $924 million to $925 million, up 14% year over year. The company expects non-GAAP net income per share in the band of $3.25-$3.27. Non-GAAP operating income is expected to be in the range of $187-$188 million, indicating a 20% operating profit margin.
For 2026, management estimates revenues between $3.68 billion and $3.69 billion, up 18% year over year on a reported basis. Non-GAAP operating income is expected to be in the range of $762-$766 million, representing a 21% operating profit margin. Non-GAAP net income per share is likely to be in the range of $13.23-$13.31.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, estimates review have trended downward during the past month.
The consensus estimate has shifted -22.28% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, HubSpot has a great Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a B. However, the stock was allocated a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of B. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, HubSpot has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerHubSpot is part of the Zacks Internet - Software industry. Over the past month, Reddit Inc. (RDDT - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 3.4%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.
Reddit Inc. reported revenues of $804.91 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +61.1%. EPS of $1.25 for the same period compares with $0.45 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Reddit Inc. is expected to post earnings of $1.33 per share, indicating a change of +66.3% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0.8% over the last 30 days.
Reddit Inc. has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of B.
KKR kupuje Integer Holdings za 5,7 miliardy USD; akcionáři by při uzavření obdrželi 127 USD za akcii v hotovosti. Transakce ještě čeká na souhlas většiny akcionářů i regulační povolení.
Key Takeaways Integer shareholders would receive $127 per share in cash if the $5.7 billion KKR acquisition closes.ITGR's deal requires majority shareholder approval plus antitrust and foreign investment clearances.Integer would become privately held and its shares would be delisted from the NYSE after closing. Integer Holdings Corporation (ITGR - Free Report) entered a definitive agreement on Aug. 2, 2026, to be acquired by affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. in a transaction carrying an enterprise value of $5.7 billion.
The deal has shifted investor focus to the proposed $127-per-share cash payment, closing conditions and the consequences of Integer becoming privately held. Operating trends still matter, but transaction execution is now the more immediate issue.
ITGR's Deal Establishes a Defined Cash ConsiderationUnder the merger agreement, each eligible Integer share outstanding immediately before closing would be converted into the right to receive $127 in cash, without interest. That creates a defined potential cash outcome for shareholders.
The consideration is not guaranteed until the transaction closes. Investors must therefore weigh the stated value against the possibility that closing conditions are delayed or not satisfied.
Integer's Buyout Still Faces Closing ConditionsCompletion requires approval and adoption of the merger agreement by holders of a majority of Integer’s outstanding shares. The transaction also requires applicable antitrust and foreign investment clearances, along with other customary conditions.
The acquisition is not subject to a financing condition. KKR’s affiliates have obtained equity and debt financing commitments, although regulatory, stockholder and other closing requirements remain.
ITGR's $307 Million Fee Adds Deal ProtectionThe agreement provides for a $307 million parent termination fee if Integer ends the deal in specified circumstances involving a buyer breach or failure to complete the transaction when required.
That provision gives Integer contractual protection if the buyer fails to perform under covered conditions. It does not remove completion risk because the merger still depends on required approvals and satisfaction of other terms.
Integer's Outlook Is Now Subordinate to the DealInteger withdrew its previously issued financial outlook after announcing the transaction and canceled its scheduled second-quarter earnings conference call and webcast. Merger progress has therefore become more immediate than management’s prior operating targets.
The business still faces pressure. Second-quarter sales fell 2.6% year over year to $464.1 million and gross margin contracted to 24.3% from 27.1%, reflecting weaker adoption of three new products and lower fixed-cost absorption.
Jabil Inc. (JBL - Free Report) provides advanced manufacturing solutions for medical devices, including cardiovascular and electrophysiology applications. Sanmina Corporation (SANM - Free Report) also designs and manufactures complex medical systems for original equipment manufacturers, underscoring the broader outsourced-manufacturing context.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ITGR Would Exit the Public Market After ClosingIf completed, Integer would survive as a wholly owned subsidiary of the buyer. Its securities would be delisted from the NYSE as soon as practicable after the transaction becomes effective.
That change would end public trading in ITGR and convert the company into a privately held business. Eligible shareholders would receive the agreed cash consideration rather than continue participating in Integer as a listed company.
ITGR's Style Scores Add Context Ahead of ClosingThe bottom line is that the pending KKR transaction now dominates the near-term investment case. The $127 cash consideration offers a defined potential outcome, but shareholders remain exposed to closing risk until required conditions are satisfied.
ITGR currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). It has a Value Score of C, a Growth Score of C, a Momentum Score of D and a VGM Score of C. Those readings do not provide strong factor support, particularly on momentum.
Zacks Style Scores complement the Zacks Rank. With a #3 ranking and mostly middle-range Style Scores, a measured stance fits the current setup while investors monitor transaction progress.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Murphy USA (MUSA - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 2.6% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Murphy USA due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Murphy USA Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates on Strong Fuel ContributionMotor fuel retailer Murphy USA reported second-quarter 2026 earnings of $11.27 per share, up 53.1% from $7.36 a year ago and ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.40 by 19.89%. The El Dorado, AR-based company’s total operating revenues surged 36% year over year to $6.81 billion and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.90 billion by 15.34%.
Results benefited from stronger fuel economics, higher total retail volumes and merchandise contribution growth. Same-store fuel volumes increased 0.5%, while total retail gallons advanced 3.9%.
Fuel Economics Drive Strong ContributionTotal fuel contribution increased 32% year over year to $518.8 million. Moreover, the reported figure beat our estimate of $447.4 million. Retail fuel contribution climbed 25% to $448.9 million as retail fuel margins expanded to 35.1 cents per gallon from 29.2 cents in the prior-year quarter. Both Retail fuel contribution and margins exceeded our estimates of $362 million and 29 cents per gallon, respectively.
All-in fuel contribution reached 40.6 cents per gallon, up from 32 cents a year earlier. Fuel supply, including RINs, contributed 5.5 cents per gallon compared with 2.8 cents. Management noted that tighter supply conditions supported stronger spot-to-rack spreads, while higher RIN prices aided results, though that timing benefit is not expected to persist through the second half.
Merchandise Growth Remains ResilientTotal merchandise contribution rose 4% to $227.4 million, supported by higher merchandise sales and improved unit margins. Merchandise sales increased to $1.13 billion from $1.09 billion, while unit margin edged up to 20.1% from 20%.
Nicotine remained the main growth engine. Same-store nicotine sales and margins increased 2.4% and 4.6%, respectively. Cigarette sales and margins returned to growth, while nicotine-pouch unit volume more than doubled. Non-nicotine same-store sales declined 1.4%, although margins improved 0.2%.
Store and other operating expenses increased to $308.7 million from $275.2 million. Higher payment fees accounted for roughly two-thirds of the quarterly increase as higher retail fuel prices raised transaction costs. Employee-related expenses and new-store operating costs also contributed to the increase.
Still, store operating expenses excluding payment fees and rent rose only 1.1% on an average-per-store-month basis to $36,500. SG&A increased to $60.5 million from $50.9 million, primarily reflecting employee-related expenses and higher incentive accruals.
MUSA added six new-to-industry stores during the quarter and ended June with 1,806 locations. At quarter-end, 36 stores were under construction, including 32 new-to-industry sites and four raze-and-rebuild projects.
Management expects 2026 new-store additions to be closer to 45, the low end of its 45-55 range, absent tuck-in acquisitions. The company also reduced planned raze-and-rebuild activity to about 10 stores and is directing more resources toward new development, its land pipeline and stores scheduled to open in 2027.
Balance SheetOperating cash flow totaled $235 million in the quarter. Murphy USA ended June with $175.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and roughly $2.17 billion of long-term debt, with a debt-to-total capital of about 73.6%. Its revolving credit facility was undrawn at quarter-end.
This company repurchased about 143,100 shares for $76.8 million at an average price of $536.60 and paid a quarterly dividend of 64 cents per share. Capital expenditures are now expected near the high end of the $475-$525 million range as spending shifts toward growth, land purchases and proactive maintenance.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates revision.
VGM ScoresAt this time, Murphy USA has a strong Growth Score of A, a score with the same score on the momentum front. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock has a score of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Notably, Murphy USA has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
AST SpaceMobile ve středu posílila téměř o 12 % po zahájení pokrytí ze strany Berenbergu s doporučením Buy a cílovou cenou 92 USD. Firma zároveň čelí regulačním překážkám a slabším výsledkům.
Space-based cellular broadband network provider AST SpaceMobile NASDAQ: ASTS just had its best single-day stock performance since June.
On Wednesday, Sept. 2. ASTS’s nearly 12% gain was welcome news to investors who had endured a brutal slide since shares of the Midland, Texas-based company hit their all-time high (ATH) on May 28.
AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS) Price Chart for Friday, September, 4, 2026
As the SpaceX NASDAQ: SPCX competitor continues to work its way back toward its ATH, shareholders who have grown accustomed to the ups and downs of the rapidly scaling and highly volatile stock just got a shot in the arm.
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A New Tailwind Ahead of AST SpaceMobile’s Next BlueBird Satellite DeploymentThroughout 2026, AST SpaceMobile’s successful (and less successful) low Earth orbit (LEO) BlueBird satellite launches have served as catalysts.
The next cohort slated to join its LEO constellation is nearing completion. BlueBird 14 is ready for launch, while BlueBirds 15 and 16 are undergoing final preparations.
While no launch date has been announced, based on prior schedules—including the Aug. 5 deployment of Bluebirds 11, 12, and 13—that could happen at some point in October. But the Sept. 2 ASTS rally was not rooted in the company’s launch schedule.
Current Price$63.13High Forecast$108.00Average Forecast$86.58Low Forecast$50.80AST SpaceMobile Stock Forecast Details
Rather, AST SpaceMobile took off on Wednesday thanks to Berenberg’s Michael Filatov initiating coverage, which was extremely bullish.
Filatov not only assigned ASTS a Buy rating, but he also gave the stock a 12-month price target of $92—a roughly 47% potential gain from Wednesday's share price—citing AST SpaceMobile’s hard-to-replicate positions in the space-based telecom industry.
ASTS carries a consensus Hold rating with just six of 13 analysts currently covering the stock assigning it a Buy rating, alongside an average 12-month price target of nearly 39%.
The announcement of initiated coverage and an aggressive price target was enough to make AST SpaceMobile the big winner among space stocks on the day.
Filatov also initiated coverage of Rocket Lab NASDAQ: RKLB and Planet Labs PBC NYSE: PL, assigning both Buy ratings, but neither was able to blast off quite like ASTS did.
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$133.86$86.58
Filatov noted that AST SpaceMobile is "the only company to have demonstrated true cellular broadband from space to unmodified smartphones," adding that its more than 60 mobile network operator partnerships cover roughly three billion subscribers.
Those strategic agreements include pacts with communication services sector mainstays AT&T NYSE: T, Verizon NYSE: VZ, Tokyo-based Rakuten OTCMKTS: RKUNF, as well as a strategic relationship with real estate investment trust American Tower NYSE: AMT and the U.S. federal government.
However, while the firm expects to deploy direct-to-device (D2D) commercial services beginning in the first half of 2027, that goal comes with significant caveats.
AST SpaceMobile still faces regulatory hurdles before it can begin commercial D2D service. In August, the FCC granted the company a 30-day authorization, running through Sept. 12, to test D2D connectivity on up to 100 off-the-shelf devices using 800 MHz spectrum.
Meanwhile, a series of weak earnings continues to be an obstacle. AST SpaceMobile missed Q2 earnings and revenue estimates as spending rose sharply to support its satellite buildout, following a galactic Q1 miss.
Despite reaffirming its 2026 revenue outlook and reporting a backlog of about $1.3 billion, expanding at the scale and speed at which AST SpaceMobile is requires the company to spend its cash reserves at an alarming rate.
Analysts forecast a full-year cash burn rate in the range of $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion, driven primarily by R&D, AST SpaceMobile’s vertically integrated BlueBird satellite production, and costly rocket launch service fees, of which SpaceX charges around $55 million to $65 million per launch.
To address that expense, the company is exploring a partnership or potential acquisition of a launch services provider. In a Form 8-K filing on July 15, AST SpaceMobile noted that its $1 billion private offering of convertible senior notes due in 2034 was intended to “further vertically integrate its business and mitigate risks associated with third-party launch providers.”
However, the offering carries concerns about shareholder dilution. AST SpaceMobile ultimately raised $1.15 billion through the convertible notes, which carry an initial conversion price of $79.57 per share. However, the company also entered into capped call transactions designed to reduce potential dilution, resulting in what AST says is an effective conversion price of $149.20 and effective dilution of less than 2%.
Wall Street Sentiment Remains MixedWhile the stock remains highly volatile with a current beta of 2.74 and short interest at 18.67% of the float, or $4.08 billion worth of ASTS shares, institutional investors are buying the stock in rapid succession.
Over the past 12 months, inflows from 384 institutional buyers have totalled more than $5 billion, while outflows from 111 institutional sellers have been limited to just over $400 million. At 60.95%, institutional ownership is still below average, but AST SpaceMobile has seen buying accelerate since Q2 2025.
AST SpaceMobile continues to work its way toward its target of 45 BlueBird satellites in LEO by early 2027. A company press release confirmed that it is well on its way to achieving that goal, with “production advancing through BlueBird satellite 42” as it continues to scale its constellation.
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MarketBeat just released its list of the 7 hottest IPOs expected to hit Wall Street in 2026. See which companies are preparing to go public and why investors are watching closely.
Domino’s schválila čtvrtletní dividendu 1,99 USD na akcii, což je meziroční zvýšení o 15 %. Firma ale zároveň nese téměř 5 mld. USD dluhu a záporný vlastní kapitál.
Domino's has raised its dividend every year for over a decade and just approved another hefty increase, yet the balance sheet carries nearly $5 billion in debt and a stockholders' deficit that would alarm most retirees. Before you count on…
Income investors who own Domino’s Pizza (NASDAQ:DPZ | DPZ Price Prediction) just got their next check confirmed. The board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.99 per share on July 14, 2026, with an ex-dividend date of September 15, 2026 and a payment date of September 30, 2026. That payout sits on top of a trailing twelve month dividend of $7.46 per share, and it caps off one of the more aggressive dividend ramps in the restaurant group.
The tension for a retiree evaluating this stock is right there in the numbers. The dividend is rising quickly, the yield is modest, and the balance sheet carries the kind of leverage that makes conservative income investors nervous. This scorecard works through whether the payout is actually dependable.
A Four-Year Dividend Ramp on Full Display Look at the declared quarterly rate over four years and the pace is unmistakable:
2023: $1.21 per quarter 2024: $1.51 per quarter 2025: $1.74 per quarter 2026: $1.99 per quarter The February 2026 hike from $1.74 to $1.99 represented a 15% year-over-year dividend increase. That is a hefty raise for a mature restaurant chain, and it continues a multi-year growth streak that started when the dividend was initiated in 2013. A fast-rising payout looks great on a screener. It also demands scrutiny on whether cash flow is keeping pace.
Current Yield: Modest Despite the Raises With shares trading at $346.76 as of September 3, 2026, the dividend yield sits at 2.19%. That is not a rich income number. Domino’s has been raising the payout aggressively, but the starting yield is low enough that retirees comparing DPZ to REITs, utilities, or dividend aristocrats with 3.5% to 5% yields will notice the gap. Yield-hungry buyers usually get more elsewhere. What DPZ offers is dividend growth, provided that growth is sustainable.
It’s worth pointing out that DPZ is down 15.8% year to date and 24.2% over the past year, well off a 52-week high of $458.38. The pullback has lifted the yield somewhat but has not turned this into a high-yield name.
Why the Franchise Model Matters for Cash Flow Domino’s does not operate most of its stores. Franchisees do. Domino’s collects royalty streams, supply chain revenue, and franchise fees, then leaves store-level labor, food, rent, and remodel costs on the franchisee’s books. That produces a very asset-light parent company with high margins and consistent cash conversion. Operating margin runs at 19.1% and return on assets at 33.9%.
The upside of that model is what you see in the cash flow statement. In fiscal 2025, Domino’s generated operating cash flow of $792.06 million, spent $120.56 million on capex, and paid out $236.86 million in dividends. Free cash flow of $671.5 million covered the dividend with meaningful room to spare.
Payout Coverage: The Scorecard FY2025 diluted EPS came in at $17.57 against an annualized payout of roughly $7.96 based on the current quarterly rate. Trailing twelve month EPS is $17.96, and Domino’s trades at a 19 PE with a forward PE of 16.
On cash flow, the dividend is also well covered by the roughly $671 million of free cash flow generated last year. The dividend program consumed less than half of free cash flow in 2025.
The catch is that dividends are competing with a very large buyback program. In Q2 2026 alone, Domino’s repurchased 443,917 shares for $156.2 million, and the board authorized an additional $1.0 billion in buybacks in April 2026. Remaining authorization stood at $1.23 billion as of mid-June. Between dividends and buybacks, Domino’s is returning nearly all of its free cash flow to shareholders every year.
Debt on the Books As of the quarter ended June 30, 2026, total liabilities stood at $5.746 billion, long-term debt at $4.876 billion, and total shareholders’ equity at negative $3.98 billion. Domino’s has funded years of buybacks with securitized notes, and the equity account has been in deficit in every annual report from 2006 through 2025.
Cash on hand was $164.8 million at quarter end, down 39.6% year over year. The company carries roughly $4.77 billion in fixed-rate securitized notes. Domino’s regulatory filings have flagged “substantial indebtedness with negative stockholders’ equity” as a repeated risk factor.
For an income investor at or near retirement, that language matters. Negative book value is a byproduct of aggressive share repurchases here, and the interest burden is real. Any material deterioration in same-store sales or franchisee health could tighten the cash flow cushion in a hurry.
Business Behind the Coupon: Comps Decelerate Recent operating results give both bulls and bears something to point at. Q2 2026 revenue rose 4.3% to $1.194 billion, beating the $1.179 billion consensus. Diluted EPS of $4.07 missed the $4.17 consensus. U.S. same-store sales grew a barely visible 0.1%, decelerating from 3.4% in the prior year period. International same-store sales fell 0.1%.
CFO Sandeep Reddy said on the July 20 call: “We had a one-quarter blip on ticket. We’re not going to have another blip.” CEO Russell Weiner, who is transitioning to executive chairman with Joe Jordan taking over as CEO, added: “My conviction in Domino’s long-term growth potential remains as strong as ever.”
Domino’s added 183 international stores during Q2 and expects roughly 800 net international stores for the year, with the U.S. outlook trimmed to approximately 175 net stores.
Risks Retirees Should Weigh Carefully Leverage: roughly $4.9 billion of long-term debt against a stockholders’ deficit means limited balance sheet flexibility if operating results weaken. Same-store sales sensitivity: U.S. comps at +0.1% and international at -0.1% leave very little margin for error. Delivery aggregators: management is pursuing growth on Uber and DoorDash while trying to keep franchisee economics “profit neutral” on those orders. Execution risk is real. Franchisee health: a pressured pipeline and reduced U.S. store outlook reflect franchisee profitability strain. Food and labor inflation: cost pressure at the store level eventually reaches the parent through slower unit growth. Buyback competition: with $1.23 billion in remaining repurchase authorization, buybacks are competing with the dividend and debt service for the same free cash flow. Verdict on Dependability The dividend is dependable in the near and medium term. Free cash flow of $671.5 million comfortably funds the roughly $237 million dividend program, the securitized note structure is fixed rate, and management has an established record of raising the payout. A retiree who owns DPZ for income should expect the check to arrive on September 30, 2026 and expect further raises.
The dividend is less attractive as a primary income vehicle. A 2.19% yield is thin compensation for accepting a stockholders’ deficit, decelerating comps, and buybacks that consume the majority of surplus cash. This is a dividend growth story with balance sheet baggage. It earns a solid dependability grade for the next several years and a cautionary grade for the decade beyond, particularly if same-store sales cannot reaccelerate.
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