Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

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

It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

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

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

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

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

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

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

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

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

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

Stock to Watch: Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) Colorado-based Newmont Corporation is one of the world's largest producers of gold with several active mines in Nevada, Peru, Australia and Ghana. As of Dec 31, 2025, Newmont had attributable gold reserves of 118.2 million ounces and resources of 148.7 million ounces. Its attributable gold production for 2025 was around 5.89 million ounces.

NEM is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Momentum investors should take note of this Basic Materials stock. NEM has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 1.6% over the past four weeks.

Five analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.94 to $9.72 per share. NEM also boasts an average earnings surprise of +33.6%.

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

Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) closed at $109.81 in the latest trading session, marking a +1.46% move from the prior day. This move outpaced the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.22%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.72%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.21%.

Prior to today's trading, shares of the gold and copper miner had lost 2.57% lagged the Basic Materials sector's gain of 2.87% and the S&P 500's gain of 6.04%.

Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Newmont Corporation in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $2.3, showcasing a 60.84% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $6.19 billion, up 16.38% from the year-ago period.

NEM's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of $9.72 per share and revenue of $27.25 billion. These results would represent year-over-year changes of +41.07% and +20.2%, respectively.

It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Newmont Corporation. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.

Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has shifted 3.75% upward. Currently, Newmont Corporation is carrying a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Valuation is also important, so investors should note that Newmont Corporation has a Forward P/E ratio of 11.14 right now. This signifies a premium in comparison to the average Forward P/E of 9.54 for its industry.

The Mining - Gold industry is part of the Basic Materials sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 156, placing it within the bottom 37% of over 250 industries.

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

To follow NEM in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

Newmont Corporation remains a Buy, supported by robust financials, a new $6B buyback authorization, and long-term gold price tailwinds. NEM delivered a record $3.14B FCF in Q1 despite a >15% production drop, maintaining strong liquidity and advancing organic growth projects. 2026 is expected to be a production trough, with growth resuming in 2027 as key projects come online, and management targets 6M oz gold output.

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

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

Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.

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

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

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

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

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

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

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

For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.

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

Stock to Watch: Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) Colorado-based Newmont Corporation is one of the world's largest producers of gold with several active mines in Nevada, Peru, Australia and Ghana. As of Dec 31, 2025, Newmont had attributable gold reserves of 118.2 million ounces and resources of 148.7 million ounces. Its attributable gold production for 2025 was around 5.89 million ounces.

NEM is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 10.85; value investors should take notice.

For fiscal 2026, seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $1.37 to $9.91 per share. NEM boasts an average earnings surprise of +33.6%.

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

Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $99.71, moving -7.96% from the previous trading session. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 2.65%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 1.35%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 4.18%.

Shares of the gold and copper miner have depreciated by 4.55% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Basic Materials sector's gain of 4.79%, and the S&P 500's gain of 5.47%.

The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of Newmont Corporation in its upcoming release. The company is expected to report EPS of $2.25, up 57.34% from the prior-year quarter. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $6.19 billion, up 16.38% from the year-ago period.

NEM's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of $9.91 per share and revenue of $27.25 billion. These results would represent year-over-year changes of +43.83% and +20.2%, respectively.

It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Newmont Corporation. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.

Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 7.53% higher. Newmont Corporation is holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now.

In the context of valuation, Newmont Corporation is at present trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 10.94. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 9.45, so one might conclude that Newmont Corporation is trading at a premium comparatively.

We can also see that NEM currently has a PEG ratio of 1.8. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. The Mining - Gold industry currently had an average PEG ratio of 1.01 as of yesterday's close.

The Mining - Gold industry is part of the Basic Materials sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 152, finds itself in the bottom 38% echelons of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Be sure to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and many more, on Zacks.com.

Key Takeaways NEM reported Q1 gold production of 1.3M ounces, down 16% year over year and 10% sequentially.NEM expects 2026 gold production of 5.26M ounces, below 5.89M ounces recorded in 2025.NEM forecasts second-quarter production to be below the first-quarter level. Newmont Corporation (NEM - Free Report) saw lower gold production in the first quarter of 2026, partly linked to its strategic divestment of non-core assets. NEM reported a roughly 16% year-over-year and 10% sequential decline in attributable gold production to 1.3 million ounces.

Newmont expects second-quarter 2026 production to be below the first-quarter level. For 2026, the company anticipates gold production at about 5.26 million ounces, indicating a year-over-year decline from 5.89 million ounces in 2025. NEM expects lower production from Penasquito and Cadia in 2026 due to the site transitions. It also sees lower-than-expected production from Nevada Gold Mines and Pueblo Viejo. These will be partly offset by contributions from the newly commissioned Ahafo North mine.

Lower production is also expected to lead to higher unit costs in 2026. NEM expects all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) — a critical cost metric for miners — to be $1,680 per ounce on a by-product basis, a notable increase from $1,358 per ounce in 2025. This is expected to stem from lower sales volumes as a result of planned mine sequencing, higher royalties and production taxes, deferral of sustaining capital from 2025 into 2026 and inventory changes. The production decline and higher costs could undercut the company’s profitability goals.

Looking across the competitive landscape, Barrick Mining Corporation (B - Free Report) saw a 5% year-over-year decline in first-quarter gold production to 719,000 ounces. First-quarter production also fell 17% from 871,000 ounces in the fourth quarter of 2025. Barrick expects production to increase sequentially throughout the remainder of 2026, with second-quarter gold production projected in the band of 730,000-770,000 ounces. Barrick reaffirmed its production forecast for 2026, with attributable gold production expected in the range of 2.9-3.25 million ounces.

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited’s (AEM - Free Report) gold production fell nearly 6% year over year in the first quarter to 825,109 ounces, impacted by reduced output at Macassa and Meadowbank on lower grades. AEM expects gold production to be weighted to a stronger second half. For full-year 2026, Agnico Eagle maintained gold production expectations between 3.3 million and 3.5 million ounces.

The Zacks Rundown for NEMShares of Newmont have shot up 84.9% in the past year against the Zacks Mining – Gold industry’s rise of 49.6%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, NEM is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 9.58, a modest 0.4% discount to the industry average of 9.62X. It carries a Value Score of B.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

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

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM ) stock was last seen up 2.4% to trade at $95.01, poised to snap its four day losing streak. The 260-day moving average rushed in as support, keeping losses in check. 

This trendline has yielded bullish returns in the past. According to Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White, NEM is trading within 0.75 times the 260-day moving average's 20-day average true range (ATR), after spending at least 80% of the previous two weeks and 80% of the prior 42 trading sessions above that trendline. This setup has appeared 11 times during the last decade, after which the stock was higher one month later 55% of the time, averaging a 6% gain. A comparable rally from current levels would place Newmont stock at $100.71. 

The stock also sports a lofty Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) of 80 out of 100, suggesting the equity has consistently realized higher-than-expected volatility as of late.

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) ("Newmont" or the "Company") announced today that its wholly owned indirect subsidiary ("Newmont Subsidiary") has received 16,099,564 common shares (the "Common Shares") in the capital of LunR Royalties Corp. ("LunR") by way of a dividend-in-kind from Lundin Gold Inc. ("Lundin Gold").

Lundin Gold previously acquired 50,505,051 common shares of LunR (the "Consideration Shares") as consideration in connection with LunR's acquisition of a life-of-mine silver stream on Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte mine in Ecuador. Pursuant to a distribution agreement dated April 2, 2026, Lundin Gold agreed to distribute the Consideration Shares to its registered shareholders by way of a dividend-in-kind. On May 28, 2026, Lundin Gold declared a special dividend-in-kind to distribute all of the Consideration Shares to eligible Lundin Gold shareholders, payable on June 11, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 4, 2026. Newmont Subsidiary, as a shareholder of Lundin Gold, received 16,099,564 Common Shares of LunR as part of the foregoing distribution.

As a result of the distribution, Newmont beneficially owns and exercises control or direction over 16,099,564 Common Shares, representing approximately 13.32% of the issued and outstanding common shares of LunR on a non-diluted basis. No cash consideration was paid by Newmont or its subsidiaries to acquire the Common Shares.

The Common Shares are held for investment purposes. Newmont will continue to evaluate its investment in LunR from time to time and may, based on such evaluation, market conditions and other circumstances, increase or decrease its shareholdings through market transactions, private agreements or otherwise, subject to applicable securities laws.

This press release is being issued pursuant to the early warning provisions of Canadian securities legislation. An early warning report will be filed by Newmont in accordance with National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues. To obtain a copy of the early warning report, please contact Newmont Investor Relations at +1 (303) 837-5002 or [email protected].

Newmont's address is 6900 E. Layton Avenue, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80237. LunR is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and its head office is located at Suite 2800 – 1055 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V7X 1L2.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which reflect Newmont's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts and can often be identified by the use of words such as "believe", "anticipate", "project", "expect", "intend", "plan", "will", "may", "estimate", or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans, or intentions. These statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the number of Common Shares acquired, Newmont's ownership percentage in LunR, and Newmont's intentions with respect to its ownership in LunR.

Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and estimates, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions and other factors described in Newmont's filings with Canadian securities regulators.

There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Newmont disclaims any obligation to update or revise such statements, except as required by applicable securities laws.

About Newmont

Newmont is the world’s leading gold company and producer of copper, zinc, lead, and silver. The Company’s world-class portfolio of assets, prospects and talent is anchored in favorable mining jurisdictions in Africa, Australia, Latin America & Caribbean, North America, and Papua New Guinea. Newmont is the only gold producer listed in the S&P 500 Index and is widely recognized for its principled environmental, social, and governance practices. Newmont is an industry leader in value creation, supported by robust safety standards, superior execution, and technical expertise. Founded in 1921, the Company has been publicly traded since 1925. To learn more about Newmont’s sustainability strategy and initiatives, go to www.newmont.com.

Chord Energy Corporation (CHRD - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $4.56 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.35 per share. This compares to earnings of $4.04 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.

This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +36.12%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post earnings of $1.17 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.28, delivering a surprise of +9.4%.

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

Chord Energy Corporation, which belongs to the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry, posted revenues of $1.15 billion for the quarter ended March 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.79%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $1.22 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.

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

Chord Energy Corporation shares have added about 61% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 5.2%.

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

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

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

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

It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $5.35 on $1.3 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $16.94 on $4.69 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.

Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States is currently in the top 5% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.

One other stock from the same industry, Mach Natural Resources LP (MNR - Free Report) , is yet to report results for the quarter ended March 2026. The results are expected to be released on May 7.

This company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.53 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -22.1%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 5.8% higher over the last 30 days to the current level.

Mach Natural Resources LP's revenues are expected to be $399.32 million, up 76.1% from the year-ago quarter.

Here at Zacks, our focus is on the proven Zacks Rank system, which emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find great stocks. Nevertheless, we are always paying attention to the latest value, growth, and momentum trends to underscore strong picks.

Of these, perhaps no stock market trend is more popular than value investing, which is a strategy that has proven to be successful in all sorts of market environments. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are undervalued, leaving room for profits.

Luckily, Zacks has developed its own Style Scores system in an effort to find stocks with specific traits. Value investors will be interested in the system's "Value" category. Stocks with both "A" grades in the Value category and high Zacks Ranks are among the strongest value stocks on the market right now.

One company to watch right now is Chord Energy Corporation (CHRD - Free Report) . CHRD is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), as well as a Value grade of A. The stock holds a P/E ratio of 11.01, while its industry has an average P/E of 11.35. Over the last 12 months, CHRD's Forward P/E has been as high as 12.38 and as low as 6.26, with a median of 8.29.

Value investors also use the P/S ratio. The P/S ratio is calculated as price divided by sales. Some people prefer this metric because sales are harder to manipulate on an income statement. This means it could be a truer performance indicator. CHRD has a P/S ratio of 1.5. This compares to its industry's average P/S of 1.96.

Investors could also keep in mind SM Energy (SM - Free Report) , another Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States stock with a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) and Value grade of A.

SM Energy also has a P/B ratio of 0.64 compared to its industry's price-to-book ratio of 3.50. Over the past year, its P/B ratio has been as high as 1.30, as low as 0.53, with a median of 0.79.

These are just a handful of the figures considered in Chord Energy Corporation and SM Energy's great Value grade. Still, they help show that the stock is likely being undervalued at the moment. Add this to the strength of its earnings outlook, and we can clearly see that CHRD and SM is an impressive value stock right now.

© Panchenko Vladimir / Shutterstock.com

The Amplify Energy & Natural Resources Covered Call ETF (NYSEARCA:NDIV) sells call options against a basket of energy and natural resources equities to convert commodity volatility into monthly cash distributions. Investors hold NDIV for the income, but covered-call funds live and die by two things: the dividends and option premiums coming in, and whether NAV holds up underneath. NDIV closed at around $35, after a 34% year-to-date gain, so the distribution story is currently being underwritten by one of the strongest commodity tapes in years.

How NDIV Turns Commodities Into Cash The fund collects two income streams. The first is the underlying dividends paid by gold miners, oil and gas producers, and midstream operators it owns. The second comes from writing call options on those positions, which generates premium upfront in exchange for capping upside if the stocks rally past the strike. When volatility is elevated, premiums fatten. When prices rip higher, the calls get exercised and NDIV gives up the gains above the strike.

The CBOE Volatility Index sits at 17.39, down 28% over the past month from a March spike to 31.05. Premium income is moderating from earlier-2026 highs, though sector-specific volatility in energy names remains elevated.

The Dividend Engine Inside the Fund Start with the gold miners. Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM | AEM Price Prediction) raised its quarterly payout to $0.45 per share for June 2026, a 13% increase after holding $0.40 for four years. With trailing EPS of $10.63 against $1.65 in annual dividends, the payout consumes a fraction of earnings. Q1 free cash flow of $732 million and a $2.92 billion net cash position mean the dividend is among the safest in the holdings list.

Alamos Gold (NYSE:AGI) lifted its quarterly dividend to $0.04 from $0.025, a 60% bump backed by Q1 adjusted earnings of $232 million versus $59.8 million a year earlier. The yield is small, roughly 0.3%, so AGI contributes more to NDIV through option premium and price appreciation than dividend cash.

The energy side is where sustainability questions sharpen. Chord Energy (NASDAQ:CHRD) has paid a $1.30 base quarterly dividend for five straight quarters. The company guides to roughly $1.4 billion in 2026 adjusted free cash flow at $80 WTI. With WTI at around $110, coverage is comfortable. The risk is mechanical: oil sat at around $55 in mid-December 2025, and Chord historically slashed special dividends fast when prices fell. The base looks defensible, but anyone counting on prior-year totals should anchor expectations to the $1.30 floor.

Antero Midstream (NYSE:AM) yields 4.1% and has held its $0.225 quarterly distribution since 2021. Q1 adjusted EBITDA rose 5%, and 2026 guidance points to $330 to $390 million in free cash flow after dividends. The HG Energy acquisition pushed leverage near 3x, but coverage is solid.

Total Return Versus the Yield NDIV is up 45% over the trailing year, a rare result for a covered-call fund and a sign the calls have not capped all the upside in this commodity rally. Underlying winners outran NDIV: AEM gained 62%, CHRD 61%, and AGI 57%. That gap is the cost of the income overlay.

The Verdict NDIV’s distribution looks well supported today. Gold producers are flush, midstream cash flow is contracted, and Chord’s base dividend clears coverage at current oil. The real risks are cyclical: a drop in WTI toward $60, a fade in gold, and a VIX retreat below 15 would all compress income simultaneously. Investors who want exposure to energy and resources with a richer income stream than the underlyings provide can rely on NDIV’s distribution in this environment, provided they accept that NAV will track commodities downward when the cycle turns.

Chord Energy remains undervalued despite a 40% share price increase, offering substantial value at normalized $70 WTI crude pricing. CHRD consistently generates over 20% free cash flow yields at current prices, driven by improved supply-demand dynamics in crude oil. The 4-mile well development program has unlocked 4% year-over-year production growth within a CAPEX budget set at $60 WTI.

AUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MaverickX announced today that it has closed a strategic capital round with Chord Energy, the largest exploration and production company in the Bakken. In addition, MaverickX has secured additional investment Olive Tree Capital, an existing MaverickX investor.

The strategic investment will support continued development and optimization of PetroX Boost™, MaverickX’s production enhancement solution designed to increase oil recovery from shale wells. As part of the investment, Chord has committed to multiple early field deployments of PetroX Boost across its operated assets.

Chord Energy is actively evaluating PetroX Boost as a potential solution to address one of shale’s core challenges: lower recovery factors, where a sizable portion of hydrocarbons remain trapped underground despite modern completion techniques.

“We are constantly evaluating the newest technologies in the market, and PetroX from MaverickX is one of the more promising solutions we’ve seen,” said Jason Swaren, Senior Vice President of Production at Chord Energy. “PetroX has a real chance to materially impact recovery factors in shale, and we are excited to invest in and work with MaverickX as they advance this technology in the field. It is one of the more unique solutions I have seen.”

MaverickX’s early results with PetroX Boost on core samples have increased recovery factors by up to 20%. PetroX Boost is engineered and intended to enhance production from existing wells by increasing hydrocarbon mobility and improving reservoir performance – a critical opportunity in mature shale plays where incremental recovery can drive outsized returns. It’s an advanced permeability enhancer for tight formations, breaking down illite, smectite, and other silicate clays responsible for swelling and flow restriction in shale reservoirs.

“This investment validates the need for new, scalable technologies that can unlock more value from existing wells,” said Eric Herrera, CEO and Co‑founder of MaverickX. “Having Chord Energy – one of the most technically sophisticated operators in the Bakken – team up with us strategically is a powerful endorsement of PetroX Boost and our broader technology platform. Coupled with Olive Tree’s continued support, this round positions MaverickX for its next phase of commercial scale‑up.”

Beyond capital, the collaboration with Chord provides MaverickX with direct operational collaboration, data feedback, and deployment opportunities that will accelerate product optimization and commercialization.

“This round was intentionally structured as strategic capital,” said Jesse Evans, COO and Co‑founder of MaverickX. “Chord brings not only investment, but deep operational expertise and real‑world deployment opportunities that help us refine PetroX Boost faster and more effectively. With recovery factors in shale still remarkably low, we believe PetroX Boost can play a meaningful role in reshaping how producers think about production enhancement and long‑term value creation.”

This funding builds on recent milestones for MaverickX, including expanded production capacity (announced its new production facility in Pleasanton, Texas, earlier this month) and accelerating commercial demand for its PetroX product line across multiple oil‑producing basins.

For more information about MaverickX visit: MaverickX.com.
To learn more about the PetroX product line, visit: https://www.maverickx.com/oil-gas.

About MaverickX
MaverickX is an Austin, Texas-based technology company developing advanced chemistry and enzymatic solutions to decarbonize and modernize resource extraction. MaverickX is focused on turning stranded and depleted wells into productive, low-impact sources of both hydrocarbons and critical metals by combining PetroX with LithX green chemistry extraction platform.

About Chord Energy
Chord Energy Corporation is an independent exploration and production company with quality and sustainable long-lived assets primarily in the Williston Basin. The Company is uniquely positioned with a best-in-class balance sheet and is focused on rigorous capital discipline and generating free cash flow by operating efficiently, safely and responsibly to develop its unconventional onshore oil-rich resources in the continental United States. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.chordenergy.com.

Media Contact
Tad Druart
Pierpont Communications
(512) 448-4950
[email protected]

Momentum investing revolves around the idea of following a stock's recent trend in either direction. In "long context," investors will be essentially be "buying high, but hoping to sell even higher." With this methodology, taking advantage of trends in a stock's price is key; once a stock establishes a course, it is more than likely to continue moving that way. The goal is that once a stock heads down a fixed path, it will lead to timely and profitable trades.

While many investors like to look for momentum in stocks, this can be very tough to define. There is a lot of debate surrounding which metrics are the best to focus on and which are poor quality indicators of future performance. The Zacks Momentum Style Score, part of the Zacks Style Scores, helps address this issue for us.

Below, we take a look at Chord Energy Corporation (CHRD - Free Report) , a company that currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B. We also talk about price change and earnings estimate revisions, two of the main aspects of the Momentum Style Score.

It's also important to note that Style Scores work as a complement to the Zacks Rank, our stock rating system that has an impressive track record of outperformance. Chord Energy Corporation currently has a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy). Our research shows that stocks rated Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and #2 (Buy) and Style Scores of "A or B" outperform the market over the following one-month period.

You can see the current list of Zacks #1 Rank Stocks here >>>

Set to Beat the Market?Let's discuss some of the components of the Momentum Style Score for CHRD that show why this company shows promise as a solid momentum pick.

A good momentum benchmark for a stock is to look at its short-term price activity, as this can reflect both current interest and if buyers or sellers currently have the upper hand. It is also useful to compare a security to its industry, as this can help investors pinpoint the top companies in a particular area.

For CHRD, shares are up 8.76% over the past week while the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry is up 2.68% over the same time period. Shares are looking quite well from a longer time frame too, as the monthly price change of 14.12% compares favorably with the industry's 2.56% performance as well.

While any stock can see its price increase, it takes a real winner to consistently beat the market. That is why looking at longer term price metrics -- such as performance over the past three months or year -- can be useful as well. Over the past quarter, shares of Chord Energy Corporation have risen 42.63%, and are up 58.14% in the last year. In comparison, the S&P 500 has only moved 7.46% and 24.67%, respectively.

Investors should also take note of CHRD's average 20-day trading volume. Volume is a useful item in many ways, and the 20-day average establishes a good price-to-volume baseline; a rising stock with above average volume is generally a bullish sign, whereas a declining stock on above average volume is typically bearish. Right now CHRD is averaging 739,322 shares for the last 20 days..

Earnings OutlookThe Zacks Momentum Style Score also takes into account trends in estimate revisions, in addition to price changes. Please note that estimate revision trends remain at the core of Zacks Rank as well. A nice path here can help show promise, and we have recently been seeing that with CHRD.

Over the past two months, 5 earnings estimates moved higher compared to none lower for the full year. These revisions helped boost CHRD's consensus estimate, increasing from $6.81 to $19.11 in the past 60 days. Looking at the next fiscal year, 5 estimates have moved upwards while there have been no downward revisions in the same time period.

Bottom LineGiven these factors, it shouldn't be surprising that CHRD is a #1 (Strong Buy) stock and boasts a Momentum Score of B. If you're looking for a fresh pick that's set to soar in the near-term, make sure to keep Chord Energy Corporation on your short list.

The proven Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find winning stocks. Nevertheless, we know that our readers all have their own perspectives, so we are always looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong picks.

Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the broader market. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are undervalued, leaving room for profits.

On top of the Zacks Rank, investors can also look at our innovative Style Scores system to find stocks with specific traits. For example, value investors will want to focus on the "Value" category. Stocks with high Zacks Ranks and "A" grades for Value will be some of the highest-quality value stocks on the market today.

One stock to keep an eye on is Chord Energy Corporation (CHRD - Free Report) . CHRD is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), as well as an A grade for Value.

Value investors also love the P/S ratio, which is calculated by simply dividing a stock's price with the company's sales. This is a preferred metric because revenue can't really be manipulated, so sales are often a truer performance indicator. CHRD has a P/S ratio of 1.46. This compares to its industry's average P/S of 1.91.

These are only a few of the key metrics included in Chord Energy Corporation's strong Value grade, but they help show that the stock is likely undervalued right now. When factoring in the strength of its earnings outlook, CHRD looks like an impressive value stock at the moment.

For those looking to find strong Oils-Energy stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Has Chord Energy Corporation (CHRD - Free Report) been one of those stocks this year? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.

Chord Energy Corporation is a member of the Oils-Energy sector. This group includes 238 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #3. The Zacks Sector Rank gauges the strength of our 16 individual sector groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups.

The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. Chord Energy Corporation is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CHRD's full-year earnings has moved 328.5% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.

Our latest available data shows that CHRD has returned about 51.1% since the start of the calendar year. Meanwhile, the Oils-Energy sector has returned an average of 28.3% on a year-to-date basis. As we can see, Chord Energy Corporation is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.

Another Oils-Energy stock, which has outperformed the sector so far this year, is Crescent Energy (CRGY - Free Report) . The stock has returned 45.4% year-to-date.

For Crescent Energy, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 100.6% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Breaking things down more, Chord Energy Corporation is a member of the Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry, which includes 34 individual companies and currently sits at #93 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 26.5% so far this year, so CHRD is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns.

Crescent Energy, however, belongs to the Alternative Energy - Other industry. Currently, this 50-stock industry is ranked #105. The industry has moved +17.7% so far this year.

Going forward, investors interested in Oils-Energy stocks should continue to pay close attention to Chord Energy Corporation and Crescent Energy as they could maintain their solid performance.

Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M) reported first quarter results that beat Wall Street expectations for both earnings and revenue, while also raising its full-year guidance, which saw its shares edge about 1% higher on Wednesday.

For Q1, the company reported adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.13, compared with analyst estimates of $0.03. Net sales totaled $4.68 billion, versus expectations of $4.61 billion.

Macy’s said comparable sales increased 3.0% in the quarter, driven by gains across all three of its main banners.

Macy’s comparable sales rose 1.6%, Bloomingdale’s increased 10.2%, and Bluemercury climbed 6.4%. Net sales rose 1.8% year over year to approximately $4.7 billion.

The company also raised its full-year outlook, increasing guidance for net sales, comparable sales, and adjusted EPS. Macy’s now expects full-year adjusted earnings per share of $2.00 to $2.20, up from $1.90 to $2.10 previously, and net sales of $21.5 billion to $21.75 billion.

“We’re off to a strong start to the year, exceeding expectations for the fifth consecutive quarter as our Bold New Chapter strategy continues to build momentum,” Macy’s CEO Tony Spring said in a statement.

“Customers are responding – driving comparable sales growth at Macy’s and another standout quarter at Bloomingdale’s, underscoring its leadership in modern luxury. 

Jefferies analysts wrote that the results represented a “strong beat” with a raised fiscal 2026 guide, pointing to continued strength at Bloomingdale’s, positive Macy’s comparable sales, and accelerating performance at Bluemercury.

The firm noted that Macy’s banner comps improved from the prior quarter, while Bloomingdale’s maintained double-digit growth and Bluemercury showed further acceleration.

They highlighted that while full-year guidance was raised, second-quarter EPS guidance of $0.29 to $0.34 came in below consensus expectations of $0.36 at the midpoint, even as comparable sales guidance for the quarter remained positive. Jefferies suggested this could reflect a conservative outlook, with implied second-half performance roughly flat.

Jefferies also pointed to Macy’s maintained its adjusted EBITDA margin outlook of 7.7% to 7.9%, noting offsetting pressures from higher fuel costs and lower tariff assumptions. The firm added that expectations had already improved into the print but still sees potential upside to estimates and valuation going forward.

Macy's, Inc. (M) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

The conglomerate appears to be betting on Macy's shrinking competition and its new leadership focused on the store experience.

Shares of Macy's (M +1.32%) stock rose 11% in May, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. It got a boost from Berkshire Hathaway's new stake, and it reported a solid earnings beat.

Changing with the times Macy's owns the largest department store in the world in Herald Square in New York City, but while massive stores used to generate massive sales, the retail climate has drastically changed in recent years. The advent of e-commerce and the shift to smaller, more agile shopping venues have been a major drag on Macy's sales, and it has struggled to stay relevant.

Image source: Macy's.

It has been trying to pump oxygen into the business for years, with muted success. It has closed a significant percentage of stores to allocate resources to the better-performing ones, it has renovated stores that remain open, and it has shifted focus to e-commerce and omnichannel shopping. Management calls its strategy the "Bold new chapter," and it also involves becoming more efficient through technology.

There's been progress, and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.13 in the 2026 fiscal first quarter (ended May 3), a full dime higher than the $0.03 expected by Wall Street analysts. Comparable sales (comps) were up 3% year over year, the best result in four years, driven by an oustanding 10.2% increase at Bloomingdale's; Macy's also owns cosmetics retailer Bluemercury, which was also strong with a 6.4% comps increase.

The company reported a comps increase for the full 2025 after several years of declines, and it's expecting positive comps in 2026 as well.

Too cheap to ignore? Macy's stock has been slammed over the past few years as sales declined and it seemed to be on the way to irrelevance. But Greg Abel is Warren Buffett's disciple, and part of the Buffett way is to find undervalued stocks. Macy's still has plenty of assets, and its new strategy is breathing life into the business, which means it could be primed for a comeback.

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The stock is 70% off its high from a decade ago, and it's trading at less than nine times trailing 12-month earnings. It's easy to see why this combination could look compelling if you believe Macy's has a way forward.

Berkshire Hathaway's stake is only a tiny fraction of its portfolio, and it accounts for 1.2% of Macy's stock, so investors should take this with a grain of salt. Macy's does pay an attractive dividend, though, that yields 3.4% at the current price.

Jennifer Saibil has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Key Takeaways Macy's Q1 adjusted EPS was $0.13, up y/y from $0.11, as net sales rose 1.8% to $4.682B.Macy's comps rose 3%, with Bloomingdale's up 10.2% and Bluemercury up 6.4% in the quarter.Macy's raised its FY26 view to net sales of $21.5-$21.75B and adjusted EPS of $2-$2.20. Macy’s, Inc. (M - Free Report) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results, wherein earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Also, both metrics increased from the year-ago quarter.

The company delivered its strongest fiscal first-quarter comparable-sales performance in four years, supported by positive sales growth across all three nameplates — Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury. Management highlighted that the company’s Bold New Chapter strategy continues to gain traction, driving broad-based operational and financial improvements.

Encouraged by the strong fiscal first-quarter performance and positive second-quarter trends, management raised its fiscal 2026 outlook for net sales, comparable sales and adjusted earnings per share, reflecting confidence in the momentum of its go-forward business.

More on Macy’s Q1 ResultsThe company reported adjusted earnings of 13 cents per share, comfortably surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 2 cents and improving from adjusted earnings of 11 cents in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per share were 23 cents compared with 13 cents in the prior-year period.

Net sales of $4,682 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4,623 million. The top line increased 1.8% year over year, benefiting from positive comparable sales across all three nameplates. Comparable sales rose 3%, marking the company’s strongest fiscal first-quarter comparable-sales performance in four years. We expected comparable sales to increase 1% in the quarter under review.

M’s go-forward business comps, including go-forward locations and digital platforms across Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury, increased 3.1% on an owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace basis.

Net credit card revenues were $172 million, up 11.7% year over year, driven by the company’s healthy credit portfolio and prudent management of net credit card losses. The metric represented 3.7% of net sales compared with 3.3% in the year-ago quarter.

Macy’s Media Network revenues were $38 million, down 5% year over year, indicating the timing of advertising spending on a year-over-year basis. The metric represented 0.8% of net sales compared with 0.9% in the prior-year quarter.

Update on M’s Brand PerformanceComps across the Macy’s brand increased 1.6% year over year on an owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace basis. Reimagine 200 locations continued to outperform, with comps rising 2.4%, marking positive comparable-sales growth in eight of the last nine quarters.

At the Bloomingdale’s brand, comps increased 10.2% on an owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace basis, marking its seventh consecutive quarter of growth and delivering the highest first-quarter sales volume in the brand’s 154-year history.

Comps at the Bluemercury brand rose 6.4% on an owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace basis, driven by strength in makeup, dermatological skincare and fragrance categories. New and remodeled stores continued to outperform during the first quarter.

Insight Into Macy’s Margins & ExpensesThe gross margin in the fiscal first quarter was 38.9%, which beat our estimate of 38.6%. This represented a year-over-year decline of 30 basis points. Management indicated that tariffs negatively impacted the gross margin by approximately 30 basis points, and excluding this impact, the gross margin would have been flat with the prior-year period.

The Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company reported selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses of $1.95 billion, up 2% year over year. The increase reflected continued investments in the Bold New Chapter strategy, including Reimagine 200 locations, Bloomingdale’s and digital capabilities across nameplates. These investments were partially offset by ongoing cost-management efforts. As a percentage of total revenues, SG&A expenses remained flat at 39.9% compared with the prior-year quarter. We estimated SG&A expenses to increase 2.4% year over year in the fiscal first quarter.

Macy’s reported adjusted EBITDA of $290 million, down from $304 million in the year-ago quarter. The adjusted EBITDA margin was 5.9% of the total revenues compared with 6.3% in the prior-year period, representing a year-over-year decline of 40 basis points.

M’s Financial Snapshot: Cash, Inventory & Equity OverviewThe company ended the first quarter of fiscal 2026 with cash and cash equivalents of $1.29 billion, and total debt of $2.43 billion. Macy’s also had $2 billion of available borrowing capacity under its asset-based credit facility. The company does not face any material long-term debt maturities until 2030, underscoring its strong liquidity position.

Merchandise inventories increased 3.6% year over year. Management stated that both the composition and level of inventory are well-positioned heading into the summer season, supported by increased newness across price points and lower aged inventories relative to last year.

During the fiscal first quarter, the operating cash flow was an inflow of $292 million against an outflow of $64 million in the prior-year quarter. The free cash flow was an inflow of $140 million against an outflow of $203 million a year ago, reflecting significantly improved cash generation. Capital expenditure totaled $177 million, while monetization proceeds were $25 million.

Through its capital-return program, Macy’s returned $100 million to shareholders during the quarter, including $50 million in dividends and $50 million in share repurchases. The company repurchased 2.6 million shares for $50 million during the quarter. As of the end of the fiscal first quarter, $1.1 billion was available under its $2-billion share repurchase authorization.

Macy’s Q2’26 OutlookFor the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Macy’s expects net sales of $4.75-$4.80 billion. The outlook incorporates the impacts of fiscal 2025 store closures, which contributed roughly $35 million to sales during the comparable prior-year period. Comparable sales are projected to be flat to up 1% on an owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace basis.

The company expects the adjusted EBITDA margin between 6.9% and 7.2%, while adjusted earnings per share are forecast to be 29-34 cents. Management noted that tariffs and fuel costs are expected to remain a headwind in the fiscal second quarter, with the combined impacts anticipated to reduce earnings by 3-4 cents per share and pressure the gross margin by 20-40 basis points.

Sneak-Peek Into Macy’s FY26 GuidanceFollowing its better-than-expected fiscal first-quarter performance, Macy’s raised its fiscal 2026 outlook. Management noted that the updated guidance reflects stronger-than-anticipated fiscal first-quarter results and a modest increase in expected sales for the remainder of the year.

The company continues to acknowledge macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties that could influence discretionary spending and has maintained flexibility within its business model to respond to changes in the competitive landscape and external environment. The outlook assumes a larger tariff impact in the first half of the year than in the second half and does not include any tariff refunds. The guidance also reflects continued investments in Reimagine 200 locations and the company’s luxury nameplates to support long-term growth.

Macy’s expects net sales of $21.5-$21.75 billion, up from the previously mentioned $21.4-$21.65 billion. The outlook continues to reflect the impacts of fiscal 2025 store closures, which reduced annual net sales by approximately $145 million. The company also expects other revenues of $920 million.

Comparable sales (owned-plus-licensed-plus-marketplace) are projected to increase 0.5-1.2% compared with the prior stated range of a decline of 0.5% to growth of 0.5%. The improved outlook reflects continued momentum across the company’s go-forward business and positive customer response to its strategic initiatives.

The gross margin is anticipated to be 38.4-38.6%, indicating a 20-30 basis-point headwind from tariffs and fuel costs. SG&A expenses are expected to increase 1-2% on a dollar basis compared with fiscal 2025, with the expense rate anticipated to be in line with the prior year in the fiscal second and fourth quarters, and higher in the third quarter due to the timing of growth investments.

M Stock Past 3-Month Performance

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The adjusted EBITDA margin is expected between 7.7% and 7.9%. Adjusted earnings per share are anticipated to be $2.00-$2.20, up from the previously mentioned $1.90-$2.10. This incorporates an estimated 10-20-cent combined impact of tariffs and fuel costs. The outlook does not include the impacts of any future share repurchases under the company's existing authorization.

M shares have gained 14.8% in the past three months compared with the industry’s 2.2% growth.

Stocks to ConsiderWe have highlighted three better-ranked stocks in the retail space, namely, Tapestry, Inc. (TPR - Free Report) , Dillard's Inc. (DDS - Free Report) and Ross Stores Inc. (ROST - Free Report) .

Tapestry is the designer and marketer of fine accessories and gifts for women and men in the United States and internationally. The company flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tapestry’s current fiscal-year earnings and sales indicates growth of 36.3% and 13.8%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. TPR delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 15.6%.

Dillard's is a large departmental store chain featuring fashion apparel and home furnishings. It currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Dillard's current fiscal-year earnings and sales suggests growth of 6.3% and 2.1%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. DDS delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 27.9%.

Ross Stores operates as an off-price retailer of apparel and home accessories, primarily in the United States. The company has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ross Stores’ current fiscal-year earnings and sales indicates growth of 15.6% and 8.2%, respectively, from the year-ago actuals. ROST delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 10.2%.

Macy's Inc. NYSE: M kicked off the first quarter of 2026 with better-than-expected performance across the board, offering further evidence that the retailer's Bold New Chapter turnaround strategy is gaining traction.

The strong results also prompted the department store chain to raise its full-year outlook. Despite the good news, Wall Street's reaction was muted, with shares closing slightly higher following the report.

Get Macy's alerts:

Q1 Beat Fueled by Strength Across BrandsMacy's Q1 adjusted earnings came in at 13 cents per share, down from 16 cents a year ago but well ahead of Wall Street expectations of 2 cents per share. Revenue of $4.89 billion increased 1.8% year over year, topping analyst estimates of $4.61 billion.

Macy's Today

M

Macy's

$25.40 +0.37 (+1.46%)

As of 03:59 PM Eastern

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

52-Week Range$10.54▼

$25.65Dividend Yield3.03%

P/E Ratio10.50

Price Target$20.30

Growth was broad-based across Macy's portfolio. Performance at Bloomingdale's was particularly strong, with comparable sales (comps) rising 10.2% year over year, marking the best first quarter in the brand's history. Comps at the Macy's nameplate rose 1.6%, though the retailer's reimagined stores, which account for roughly 60% of the store base, saw comps grow 2.4%. At Bluemercury, which sells luxury beauty brands, comps increased 6.4%.

"In the first quarter, we delivered enterprise-wide growth, better than expected performance across all key metrics, and our best comparable sales in four years with all nameplates and channels positive," Chief Executive Tony Spring said on the earnings call.

He added, "These broad-based operational and financial improvements reflect the strength and viability of the Bold New Chapter strategy."

Macy's Raises Full-Year OutlookMacy's issued second-quarter guidance and raised its full-year outlook, citing better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and revenue results, as well as a modest increase in its sales expectations for the remainder of the year.

For the second quarter, the company expects net sales of approximately $4.75 billion to $4.8 billion, with comparable sales ranging from roughly flat to up 1%. Adjusted diluted earnings are expected to be between 29 cents and 34 cents per share.

For the full year, Macy's now anticipates net sales of $21.5 billion to $21.75 billion, up from its previous forecast of $21.4 billion to $21.65 billion. Comparable sales are expected to increase 0.5% to 1.2%, compared with prior guidance of down 0.5% to up 0.5%. Adjusted diluted earnings are now projected to be between $2 and $2.20 per share, up from the previous range of $1.90 to $2.10.

Macy's said the updated outlook reflects revised tariff and fuel assumptions, which it expects will have a roughly net-neutral impact on results this year. The guidance also provides flexibility to account for potential changes in the competitive landscape, as well as ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Wall Street Reaction Remains MutedDespite the strong quarter and optimistic outlook, Wall Street's reaction was relatively muted following the report, with shares closing up just 0.4% to $21.76.

Investors may be taking a breather after the stock's strong run over the past year. Fueled by a series of better-than-expected earnings reports that have bolstered confidence in the company's turnaround strategy, shares had already gained roughly 90% over the prior 12 months.

Macy's, Inc. (M) Price Chart for Friday, June, 12, 2026

After reaching a 52-week intraday high above $24 in December, the stock pulled back during the first few months of 2026. Momentum appeared to return in March after Macy's delivered stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, giving shares a boost. However, the company's outlook prompted some analysts to lower their price targets. Still, over the three months leading up to the Q1 release, the stock rose 19%.

Macy's Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$20.30
-20.09% Downside

Reduce
Based on 14 Analyst Ratings

Current Price$25.41High Forecast$27.00Average Forecast$20.30Low Forecast$9.00Macy's Stock Forecast Details

Analysts Remain Cautious Despite Turnaround ProgressDespite signs that Macy's turnaround strategy is working, Wall Street remains cautious on the stock. The consensus rating is Reduce, with two Sell ratings, 11 Hold ratings, and one Buy rating. The average price target is approximately $19.90, roughly 15% below the current share price. The highest price target on Wall Street is $27, while the remaining targets range from $9 to $23.

The cautious stance may reflect concerns about whether Macy's can sustain its momentum, as well as broader uncertainty surrounding consumer spending and the macroeconomic environment.

Short Interest Climbs as Some Investors Remain SkepticalShort interest in the stock has also risen over the last several months. As of May 15, roughly 33.5 million shares, or 12.8% of the float, were sold short. That is up from approximately 21.1 million shares, or 8.2% of the float, on Jan. 15.

From a valuation standpoint, Macy's looks inexpensive relative to the broader retail industry. The stock currently trades at roughly 10X earnings, below the retail industry average of 11.3X. On a price-to-sales basis, shares trade at 0.27X compared with the industry average of 0.84X.

Although Wall Street remains cautious, Macy's latest quarter clearly highlighted continued progress in its turnaround efforts. Investors will be watching closely to see whether the company can continue to build on that progress in the quarters ahead.

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In partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Macy’s is helping expand access to the game across New York City

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This summer, Macy’s brings the world’s game to life with Macy's World Soccer HQ – a dynamic, omnichannel experience designed to connect fans to the sport through product, storytelling and community.

As soccer’s popularity surges across the U.S., access to the sport has not kept pace - particularly in under-resourced neighborhoods. Across New York City, thousands of young people still lack safe, accessible places to play, contributing to what organizations call “soccer deserts.”

Macy’s is addressing this gap by partnering with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, turning its World Soccer HQ platform into a vehicle for both engagement and impact - connecting customers to the sport while supporting increased access for local youth.

Rooted in the belief that soccer is more than a game, Macy’s World Soccer HQ brings together commerce, culture and community. Through immersive retail experiences, storytelling and youth-focused initiatives, the campaign invites fans not only to celebrate the sport, but to be part of growing it.

“We’re honored to celebrate this global sport by bringing Macy’s World Soccer HQ to life, a one-stop destination where fans can discover everything they need to show their passion for the sport,” said Daniel Leppo, SVP, Merchandising, Men’s and Kids, Macy’s. “Featuring assortments from Nike, adidas, Puma and more, this experience reflects our belief that Celebrations Start at Macy’s, offering customers a place to shop, connect and support something bigger than the game itself.”

A Destination for Every Fan

At Macy’s Herald Square flagship, guests can step into an immersive world soccer marketplace inspired by the energy and global spirit of the game. The space brings together vibrant, country-driven displays, full-family assortments, and interactive moments in one cohesive experience.

Visitors can explore a curated collection spanning soccer jerseys, training apparel, accessories and collectibles from leading global brands, alongside lifestyle pieces influenced by soccer’s impact on fashion and culture. The destination also comes to life through a range of engaging in-store elements - including athlete-inspired photo opportunities, immersive tunnel moments, and digital activations - creating a social, high-energy environment where fans can shop and celebrate.

Macy’s World Soccer HQ extends beyond Herald Square to Macys.com and select stores nationwide, making the assortment accessible to fans everywhere. The assortment also serves as a Father’s Day gifting destination, with options ranging from official team kits to everyday fan essentials.

Macy’s Partners with U.S. Soccer Foundation

Through its partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Macy’s is supporting efforts to expand access to the sport in underserved communities. The initiative includes a kick-start donation to the Foundation and a dedicated soccer experience for local youth, helping introduce and grow the game at the grassroots level while raising awareness of soccer deserts across New York City.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Macy’s to expand access to soccer for young people,” said Diana Martin, Chief External Relations Officer at the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “By creating more safe places to play and connecting youth with trained coach-mentors, we’re helping more kids thrive—on and off the field.”

To expand access to the game in under-resourced communities, the U.S. Soccer Foundation has installed 88 mini-pitches across the greater New York City metro area. Made possible through a range of partnerships since 2015, these spaces provide safe places for youth to play and grow. The Foundation has also reached more than 571,000 young people in the region through its proven school-based and after-school programs and has trained 3,000 coach-mentors to deliver high-quality youth programming.

Celebrations Start at Macy’s

Macy’s is extending the excitement nationwide through a series of retail experiences and community activations that bring fans closer to the game.

On Saturday, June 13, Macy’s Celebration Saturdays will serve as a cornerstone of the program, featuring athlete appearances, live entertainment and on-site product customization, alongside curated offerings highlighted in Macy’s Father’s Day Gift Guide to inspire fans shopping for the occasion.

On Saturday, June 20, fans in Atlanta, Miami and the New York Metro area, will have the opportunity to win tickets to their local world soccer playoff by entering to win in-store at Macy’s Lenox Square, Macy’s Aventura and Macy’s Garden State Plaza. There is no purchase necessary to enter the sweepstakes. Official Rules will be available in store.

About Macy’s

Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc. (NYSE: M), helps customers celebrate – from everyday moments to life’s biggest occasions – with a curated assortment across apparel, home, beauty, accessories and more. Each year, Macy’s brings the nation together through two of its most beloved traditions: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, entertaining millions. Celebrate big and small moments in stores nationwide, at macys.com, or on the Macy’s app. For more information on Macy’s, Inc., visit www.macysinc.com.

About the U.S. Soccer Foundation

As the national leader for sports-based youth development in under-resourced areas, the U.S. Soccer Foundation is on a mission to let soccer do what it does: change absolutely everything. Founded as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, the Foundation provides underserved communities access to innovative play spaces and evidence-based soccer programs that instill hope, foster well-being, and help youth achieve their fullest potential. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information visit www.ussoccerfoundation.org or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Macy's, Inc. to Participate in Jefferies Consumer Conference.

Malls and department stores are seen by many as fading relics of the past, but don't tell that to Macy's (M +1.32%).

The clothing retail store chain just had its best first quarter in years, and its stock price is up 85% over the past 12 months. It even caught the attention of Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA +0.76%) (BRKB +0.55%), which added its first-ever stake in Macy's in the first quarter.

Revenue increased 2% in the quarter to $4.9 billion, while its comparable (or same-store) sales rose 3%. Macy's store comp sales were up 1.6%, but the company's Bloomingdale stores saw comp sales surge 10.2% while its beauty property, Blue Mercury, saw same-store sales jump 6.4%.

Net income rose 66% to $63 million while earnings per share increased 77% to $0.23 per share.

Image source: Getty Images.

The retailer has now had two straight quarters of earnings growth after declining earnings for much of the previous three years. Here are three reasons why Macy's stock is headed in the right direction.

1. A bold new chapter Much of the improvement stems from its Bold New Chapter initiative, launched two years ago. It focused on cutting costs by reducing the number of underperforming stores and focusing on a core group of 350 stores. That meant closing roughly 150 locations.

At the same time, the plan called for opening new locations of its luxury brands, Bloomingdale's and Blue Mercury, as both have been in high demand. We watched that play out in Q1 as these two brands saw comp sales surge.

The target was low single-digit sales growth, expenses rising by less than 2% to 3%, mid-single digit adjusted annual EBITDA growth, and free cash flow back to pre-pandemic levels. Macy's is hitting its sales and expense targets, and still progressing toward EBITDA and free-cash flow targets.

2. Reimagined stores As part of the Bold New Chapter strategy, Macy's plans to reimagine 200 stores to improve the customer experience. Initially, the company planned to open 125 reimagined stores, but it has been so successful that management upped the number to 200.

The 200 reimagined Macy's locations posted comparable sales increases of 2.4%, higher than the 1.6% comp sales increase for Macy's overall in Q1.

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The first quarter's success led Macy's to raise sales and earnings guidance for this fiscal year. The chain now expects $21.5 to $21.75 billion in net sales, up from the previous guidance of $21.4 to $21.65 billion. Further, comp sales are slated to increase 0.5% to 1.5% this fiscal year, up from the previous range of -0.5% to 0.5%.

In addition, adjusted earnings are targeted at $2.00 to $2.20 per share, up from a range of $1.90 to $2.10 per share.

3. A cheap stock price The turnaround plan caught the attention of Berkshire Hathaway, and I'm certain Macy's low valuation was a major reason why Berkshire Hathaway opened a new position.

Macy's stock is trading at 9 times earnings and 10 times forward earnings, making it dirt cheap. Further, the price-to-sales ratio is just 0.27, so Macy's stock is extremely attractive from a valuation standpoint.

As an added bonus, Macy's stock offers a strong dividend yielding 3.45%.