RBC Bearings Stock is Rolling ForwardRBC Bearings NYSE: RBC reported a record fiscal fourth quarter for 2026, with management pointing to strong aerospace and defense demand, steady industrial growth and continued debt reduction as key themes from the period.
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Michael Hartnett said fourth-quarter net sales increased 18.3% year over year to $518 million, driven by “continued momentum” in aerospace and defense and steady gains in the company’s industrial businesses. Adjusted diluted earnings per share rose to $3.62 from $2.83 in the prior-year period, while adjusted EBITDA increased 21% to $168.9 million.
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The company generated $67.5 million of free cash flow during the quarter and paid down an additional $116 million of debt. Chief Financial Officer Rob Sullivan said RBC Bearings paid off another $27 million after the quarter ended and remains on track to pay off the remainder of its term loan by November 2026.
Aerospace and defense drives growth RBC Bearings said approximately 43% of fourth-quarter revenue came from its aerospace and defense segment, while 57% came from industrial. Aerospace and defense revenue increased 41.2% from the prior-year quarter. Excluding the VACCO acquisition, aerospace and defense sales increased 22.8%, which Sullivan said reflected continued strength in legacy commercial and defense markets.
Hartnett said the aerospace and defense backlog has continued to expand and now stands at approximately $2.3 billion. For the full year, aerospace and defense revenue increased 32%, including 19.1% organic growth. Commercial aircraft revenue increased 17.8%, including 17.3% organic growth, while defense revenue rose 65.4%, including 22.1% organic growth.
Management highlighted several areas supporting the aerospace and defense outlook, including submarines, missiles, space and commercial aircraft production. Hartnett said marine has been a significant contributor to backlog growth, driven by the build-out of the submarine fleet, including Virginia and Columbia class programs and fleet spares. He said the company is adding machinery and floor space to support higher production rates.
“We are definitely going to double our revenues in that sector over the next 24 to 36 months,” Hartnett said during the question-and-answer portion, referring to the marine business.
Missiles and space remain key end markets Hartnett said missile-related revenue exceeded $45 million for the fiscal year, with some of the gain coming from the VACCO acquisition. He said the growth reflects increased content across several leading missile programs and expanding demand tied to current global conditions.
In response to a question from Morgan Stanley analyst Kristine Liwag, Hartnett said VACCO provides components used to manage fuel systems, particularly where liquid propulsion is involved, and noted usage on “significant programs like the Tomahawk.” He also said RBC Bearings has content on a broad range of systems, including Patriot, GMLRS, Tomahawk, Standard Missile, JAGM, ASTER and hypersonic missile programs.
Hartnett said RBC Bearings is expanding production capability to support those programs and is also working to increase ship-set content, though he noted that increasing mix can take longer because it requires tooling.
Space revenue came in just above $70 million for the year, including $30 million from eight months of VACCO contribution. Hartnett contrasted that with about $4 million of space-related revenue in 2021. He said customers include both traditional aerospace and defense companies and newer space companies, citing Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, Raytheon, Collins, SpaceX, Blue Origin and Rocket Lab among those serving the sector.
Asked by Deutsche Bank analyst Scott Deuschle whether SpaceX’s Starship production ramp could accelerate RBC Bearings’ space revenue growth, Hartnett said the impact would be “modest” based on the current outlook.
Industrial business posts steady gains In the industrial segment, Hartnett said performance remained “steady and up,” with original equipment manufacturer revenue increasing 7.8% and distribution revenue growing 4.5% during the quarter. The company cited strength in aggregates, warehousing, food and beverage, grain and semiconductor end markets.
Hartnett said industrial momentum that began earlier in the year had held up into the first quarter, though he characterized it as modest. He also linked strength in aggregates to infrastructure and construction activity tied to artificial intelligence and server farm build-outs, saying RBC Bearings’ aggregate business was up around 17% to 20%.
On industrial automation, Hartnett said RBC Bearings’ exposure as a supplier is relatively small, in the range of $40 million to $50 million annually. He said semiconductor-related demand, including robotic components for chip manufacturing, has been strong and is expected to become a more significant contributor in fiscal 2027. He described humanoid robot activity as still small and primarily related to samples and industry development, with no volume yet visible.
Margins improve as debt reduction continues Consolidated gross margin was 44.4% in the fourth quarter, or 45.3% on an adjusted basis, compared with 44.2% in the same period last year. Sullivan said aerospace and defense gross margin was 41.6%, or 44.2% adjusted, while industrial margins were 46.5%, or 46.2% adjusted. Excluding VACCO, aerospace and defense gross margin was 43.7%.
Sullivan said margin improvement in aerospace and defense has been supported by increased efficiencies, higher volumes and newly awarded contracts, though he said the benefits would flow through gradually. He also said SG&A totaled $86.9 million, or 16.8% of net sales, in the quarter. In response to a question, Sullivan said higher SG&A was driven primarily by personnel costs, compensation items, stock compensation and other administrative costs.
Interest expense declined 12.5% year over year to $11.2 million, reflecting improved leverage and lower interest rates, Sullivan said. For the full fiscal year, free cash flow was $342.6 million, with conversion of 119.1%, compared with $243.8 million and 99% in the prior year.
Company issues first-quarter guidance For the first quarter of fiscal 2027, RBC Bearings guided for revenue of $500 million to $510 million, representing year-over-year growth of 14.7% to 17%. The company expects adjusted gross margin of 45.25% to 45.5% and SG&A as a percentage of net sales of 16.5% to 16.75%.
Sullivan said the guidance reflects a range of outcomes across aerospace and industrial markets, as well as the faster growth of aerospace and defense, which can have a dilutive impact on consolidated margins because industrial margins are higher. For the full year, he said RBC Bearings believes it can expand consolidated gross margins by about 50 basis points.
Hartnett said the company expects commercial aerospace growth of more than 15% in fiscal 2027, while defense and space together are expected to grow faster than commercial aerospace. He also said RBC Bearings has not yet seen headwinds in the commercial aerospace aftermarket from airlines tightening spending amid higher jet fuel prices, though management is watching the issue.
Asked about mergers and acquisitions, Hartnett said the preferred target profile would be a mechanical products company serving a customer base similar to RBC Bearings’ existing customers, preferably distressed and in a geography that would be easy for the company to access and repair.
About RBC Bearings NYSE: RBCRBC Bearings Incorporated is a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered precision bearings and components for extreme applications. The company's product portfolio includes cylindrical roller bearings, spherical plain bearings, ball bearings, track rollers, and engineered components such as metal-to-metal and polymer bearings. These products are tailored to meet the demanding requirements of aerospace, defense and industrial customers where reliability under severe conditions is critical.
The company's bearings and components find application in aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, landing gear systems, space and missile programs, industrial gas turbines, oil and gas drilling equipment, and heavy machinery.
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Top Headline
RBC Bearings Inc (NYSE:RBC) reported upbeat earnings for the first quarter on Friday.
The company posted quarterly earnings of $3.62 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $3.32 per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $518.000 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $506.590 million.
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The NY Empire State Manufacturing Index rose to 19.6 in May from 11 in the previous month, also topping market estimates of 7.5. U.S. industrial production rose 0.7% in April, after falling 0.3% in March. Photo via Shutterstock
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Key Takeaways RBC Bearings Q4 EPS jumped 27.9% and beat estimates as revenues rose 18.3%.RBC Aerospace & Defense sales surged 41.2%, supported by strong demand momentum.Backlog reached $2.3 billion as margins and operating cash flow improved year over year. RBC Bearings Incorporated’s (RBC - Free Report) fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended March 28, 2026) adjusted earnings of $3.62 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.31. The figure increased 27.9% from the year-ago adjusted earnings of $2.83 per share, supported by higher revenues.
RBC’s Revenue DetailsRBC Bearings’ revenues were $518 million, which increased 18.3% year over year. Also, the figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $505 million.
While exiting the reported quarter, RBC had a backlog of $2.3 billion compared with $2.1 billion at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026 (ended Dec. 27, 2025).
For fiscal 2026, RBC’s net sales totaled $1.87 billion, reflecting an increase of 14.3% year over year. Adjusted earnings came in at $12.39 per share, up 23.8% from the previous fiscal year.
RBC Bearings’ Segmental DetailsThe company currently has two reportable segments, namely Aerospace/Defense and Industrial. Its segmental performance for the fiscal fourth quarter is briefly discussed below:
Industrial revenues of $295.9 million (representing 57.1% of the quarter’s revenues) were up 5.5% year over year. The consensus estimate for the Industrial segment’s revenues was pegged at $260 million.
Aerospace & Defense revenues totaled $222.1 million (42.9%), up 41.2% year over year. The consensus estimate for the Aerospace/Defense segment’s revenues was pegged at $289 million.
RBC’s Margin ProfileThe company’s cost of sales rose 17.9% year over year to $288 million. Gross profit (on a reported basis) grew 18.9% to $230 million. The gross margin was up 20 bps from the year-ago figure to 44.4%. However, the adjusted gross margin increased 110 bps to 45.3%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) were $86.9 million, up 20.5% year over year. Adjusted EBITDA jumped 20.8% to $168.9 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin was 32.6%, up 70 bps year over year.
Adjusted operating income increased 22.3% year over year to $124.3 million. The adjusted margin increased 80 bps to 24%. Net interest expenses were $11.2 million compared with $12.8 million in the year-ago quarter.
RBC Bearings’ Balance Sheet and Cash FlowAt the time of exiting the fiscal fourth quarter, RBC had cash and cash equivalents of $57.3 million compared with $36.8 million at the end of fiscal 2025. Long-term debt (less current portion) was $701.7 million, down from $918.4 million at the end of fiscal 2025.
In fiscal 2026, the company generated net cash of $415.7 million from operating activities, which increased 41.6% on a year-over-year basis. Capital expenditure of $73.1 million increased 46.8% year over year.
RBC’s OutlookFor the first quarter of fiscal 2027 (ending June 2026), management anticipates net sales to be in the range of $500.0-$510.0 million, indicating an increase of 14.7-17% from the prior-year figure of $436 million. On an organic basis (excluding VACCO), net sales are projected to increase 8.3-10.6%.
It expects the gross margin to be in the band of 45.25-45.50% and SG&A (as a percentage of net sales) to be in the range of 16.50-16.75%.
RBC’s Zacks Rank & Other Key PicksThe company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Some other top-ranked stocks from the same space are discussed below:
Tennant Company (TNC - Free Report) presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Tennant’s earnings surpassed the consensus estimate by 141.7% in the last reported quarter. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for TNC’s 2026 earnings has increased 6.2%.
Helios Technologies (HLIO - Free Report) presently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. Helios Technologies’ earnings surpassed the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. The average earnings surprise was 15.7%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Helios Technologies’ fiscal 2026 earnings has increased 4%.
Nordson Corporation (NDSN - Free Report) currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. Nordson’s earnings topped the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. The average earnings surprise was 2.5%. In the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Nordson’s fiscal 2026 earnings has increased 0.7%.
On May 18, 2026, RBC Bearings Inc (RBC) shares fell 3.1% today, bringing the current price to $551.12. Over the past week, the stock has dropped 10.2%, and in t
Key Takeaways RBC projects 14.2% earnings growth this year as estimates edged up over the past 60 days.HLIO expects 14.2% earnings growth, with next-year earnings estimates rising 4%.LXFR and PRLB saw earnings estimates rise as AI demand and factory output strengthened. The U.S. manufacturing sector, which struggled for nearly three years, is finally trying to make a rebound. Rising inflation, high oil prices and higher tariffs remain a challenge for the sector. Yet, robust demand for goods has been helping the sector make a solid recovery.
A jump in manufacturing activity and industrial production is proof that the sector is on track for solid growth in the near term.
Given the positive sentiment, it would be ideal to invest in four stocks from the manufacturing sector — RBC Bearings Incorporated (RBC - Free Report) , Helios Technologies, Inc. (HLIO - Free Report) , Luxfer Holdings PLC (LXFR - Free Report) and Proto Labs, Inc. (PRLB - Free Report) — that we have detailed below. Each of these stocks carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and assures good returns. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Industrial Production JumpsU.S. industrial production rose a solid 0.6% sequentially in April, surpassing the consensus estimate of a rise of 0.2% and the largest increase since February 2025, according to data from the Federal Reserve. This follows an upwardly revised rise of 0.1% in March.
On a year-over-year basis, industrial production rose 1.3% in April. The jump in April was primarily driven by a surge in output of motor vehicles and parts, which rose 3.7%.
Also, robust demand for technology goods, especially computers and peripherals, boosted factory output. Output of high-technology industries jumped 1% in April after rising 0.5% in the prior month. Durable goods production rose 1.2% in April.
The Fed’s report came days after the ISM Manufacturing Index showed that the PMI reading rose to 52.7 in April. Manufacturing accounts for 9.4% of the overall economy. Billions of dollars are being pumped into development toward artificial intelligence (AI), as an increasing number of businesses adapt to AI.
Output of semiconductors and related electronic components jumped 1%. Production of communications equipment gained 0.6%.
High inflation, owing to the ongoing Iran war and the impact of tariffs, remains a headwind for the overall economy. However, robust demand, thanks to the robust spending on AI, has been boosting the manufacturing sector.
4 Industrial Products Stocks With UpsideRBC Bearings IncorporatedRBC Bearings Incorporated manufactures and distributes engineered bearings and precision components. RBC’s bearings are tools that reduce damage and energy loss, and enable proper power transmission in most machines and mechanical systems.
RBC Bearings’expected earnings growth for the current year is 14.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 0.5% over the past 60 days. RBC has a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
Helios TechnologiesHelios Technologies, Inc. is an industrial technology company. HLIO develops and manufactures hydraulic and electronic control solutions. Helios Technologies’ operating subsidiaries include Sun Hydraulics, Enovation Controls and Faster Group.
Helios Technologies’ expected earnings growth for the current year is 14.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for next year's earnings has improved 4% over the past 60 days. Currently, HLIO has a Zacks Rank #2.
Luxfer HoldingsLuxfer Holdings PLC is a materials technology company specializing in the design, manufacture and supply of high-performance materials, components and gas cylinders. LXFR had two divisions, Elektron and Gas Cylinders. The Elektron division focuses on specialty materials based on magnesium, zirconium and rare earths. The Gas Cylinders division manufactures products made from aluminum, composites and other metals using technically advanced processes.
Luxfer Holdings’ expected earnings growth for the current year is 8.1%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for next year's earnings has improved 7.1% over the past 60 days. LXFR currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.
Proto LabsProto Labs, Inc. is an online and technology-enabled quick-turn manufacturer of custom parts for prototyping and short-run production. PRLB produces CNC-machined and injection-molded plastic parts.
Proto Labs’ expected earnings growth for the current year is 24.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 15% over the past 60 days. PRLB currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
Key Takeaways RBC Aerospace and Defense revenues surged 41.2% year over year in fiscal Q4 2026.RBC's defense market sales jumped 64.5% on strong marine and missile application demand.RBC exited fiscal Q4 with a $2.3 billion backlog supporting future aerospace growth. RBC Bearings Incorporated (RBC - Free Report) is witnessing solid momentum in aerospace and defense markets. Persistent strength in the commercial aerospace market, driven by strong growth in orders from the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and the aftermarket verticals, is driving the company’s Aerospace & Defense segment. In the fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended March 28, 2026), revenues from the segment surged 41.2% year over year.
The robust backlog level of $2.3 billion, exiting the fiscal fourth quarter, along with the company’s strong execution on incremental orders in the commercial aerospace market, is expected to act as a tailwind for the segment.
Growth in demand for the company’s bearings and engineered component products in the defense market, supported by growth in marine and missile applications orders, will likely continue to augur well for the segment in the quarters ahead. Within the segment, revenues from the commercial aerospace market increased 17.8%, while those from the defense market were up 64.5% in the fourth quarter.
RBC Bearings’ aerospace and defense unit is poised to maintain solid demand momentum in the quarters ahead, supported by robust budgetary provisions for the U.S. defense sector and strength in air travel.
Segment Snapshot of RBC’s PeersHowmet Aerospace Inc. (HWM - Free Report) has also been witnessing positive momentum in the defense sector, cushioned by steady government support. Howmet has been witnessing robust orders for engine spares for legacy fighters. In the first quarter, revenues from the defense aerospace market surged 10% year over year, constituting 16% of the company’s revenues.
Improving commercial air passenger traffic has been benefiting Textron Inc.’s (TXT - Free Report) Aviation business unit. Strong fleet utilization, backed by improving commercial air travel, contributed to Textron Aviation unit’s revenue growth of 22% in the first quarter. Thanks to growing air travel, Textron has also been witnessing strong order activity, which resulted in a backlog of $8 billion (exiting first quarter) for the Aviation segment.
RBC's Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of RBC Bearings have surged 31.9% in the past six months compared with the industry’s growth of 2.4%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, RBC is trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 39.23X, above the industry’s average of 21.30X. RBC Bearings carries a Value Score of F.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RBC’s fiscal 2027 (ending March 2027) earnings has been on the rise over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
RBC Bearings currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE: RBC), a leading international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings, components and essential systems for the industrial, aerospace and defense industries, today announced that Daniel Bergeron, Director, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Robert Sullivan, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in three upcoming investor conferences, including:
KeyBanc Capital Markets Industrials & Basic Materials Conference on May 28, 2026, in Boston, MA William Blair 46th Annual Growth Stock Conference on June 3, 2026, in Chicago, IL 2026 Truist Securities Industrials & Services Conference on June 16, 2026, in New York, NY Materials shared during the conference will be available online at: https://investor.rbcbearings.com.
About RBC Bearings
RBC Bearings Incorporated is an international manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered precision bearings, components and essential systems. Founded in 1919, the Company is primarily focused on producing highly technical or regulated bearing products and components requiring sophisticated design, testing, and manufacturing capabilities for the diversified industrial, aerospace and defense markets. The Company is headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260526863754/en/
OXFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE: RBC), a leading international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings, components and essential systems for the industrial, aerospace and defense industries, today announced that Daniel Bergeron, Director, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Robert Sullivan, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in three upcoming investor conferences, including: KeyBanc Capital Markets Industrials &a.
The Zacks Manufacturing – General Industrial industry is benefiting from solid momentum in the manufacturing sector, increased investments in product development and technological advancements. The industry participants’ efforts to digitalize business operations and expand market presence through strategic acquisitions are also expected to support the industry’s growth.
However, cost inflation and challenges due to a shortage of skilled labor have marred the industry's outlook. RBC Bearings Incorporated (RBC - Free Report) , IDEX Corporation (IEX - Free Report) , Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (WTS - Free Report) and Helios Technologies, Inc. (HLIO - Free Report) are a few industry participants that are likely to capitalize on the prevalent opportunities.
About the Industry The Zacks Manufacturing – General Industrial industry comprises companies that produce a wide range of industrial equipment. Some industry players offer power transmission products, bearings, engineered fluid power components and systems, industrial rubber products, vapor-abrasive blasting equipment, vehicle-powered truck refrigeration systems, adhesive, gel coat equipment, flow-control components and linear motion components. Industrial manufacturing companies also reconstruct and assemble pumps, valves, speed reducers and hydraulic motors. The companies provide services to original equipment manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul customers. These end users belong to the mining, oil and gas, forest products, agriculture and food processing, fabricated metals, chemicals and petrochemicals, transportation and utilities industries.
Major Trends Shaping the Future of the Manufacturing General Industrial Industry Strength in the Manufacturing Sector: The industry has been benefiting from an increase in manufacturing activities. After witnessing a contraction in economic activities for 10 successive months till December 2025, the manufacturing sector expanded for the fourth consecutive month in April. Per the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) report, the Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index touched 52.7% in April. A figure more than 50% indicates an expansion in manufacturing activity. Also, the New Orders Index expanded, registering 54.1% in the same month.
Investments in Innovation & Technological Advancements: The industry participants’ constant focus on innovation, product upgrades and the development of new products to stay competitive in the market should drive growth. With the gradual development of business models and cutting-edge technologies, several industry players have been banking on digitizing their business operations for a while now. Digitization enables industry participants to boost their competitiveness through enhanced operational productivity, product quality and better cost management.
Acquisition-Based Growth Strategy: The industry players rely on an acquisition-based growth strategy to broaden their customer base and enhance their product portfolio. This helps them foray into new markets and solidify their competitive position. Exposure to various end markets helps industrial manufacturing companies offset risks associated with a single market.
Rising Costs Hurt Margins: Industry participants have been encountering input cost inflation and other expenses, which have been denting profitability. Also, supply-chain issues might increase raw material and other logistics expenses. The latest ISM report’s Supplier Deliveries Index reflects slower deliveries for the fifth straight month in April. The rise in expenses, along with a tough labor market, poses a threat to margins. However, companies have been focused on cost management initiatives to mitigate cost-related challenges. These efforts include simplifying operations, improving supply-chain efficiency and applying disciplined pricing strategies.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Prospects The Zacks Manufacturing – General Industrial industry, housed within the broader Zacks Industrial Products sector, currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #74. This rank places it in the top 30% of 245 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of the member stocks, indicates bright near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than two to one.
Given the industry’s bright near-term prospects, we will present a few promising stocks for your portfolio. But before that, it is worth taking a look at the industry’s stock market performance and current valuation.
Industry Lags Sector and the S&P 500 The Zacks Manufacturing – General Industrial industry has underperformed the broader sector and the Zacks S&P 500 composite index over the past year. Over this period, the industry has grown 11.7% compared with the sector and the S&P 500 Index’s rise of 26.3% and 31.4%, respectively.
One-Year Price Performance
Industry's Current Valuation On the basis of forward 12-month Price-to-Earnings (P/E), which is a commonly used multiple for valuing manufacturing stocks, the industry is currently trading at 21.62X compared with the S&P 500’s 22.18X. It is above the sector’s P/E ratio of 21.59X.
In the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 24.77X and as low as 20.68X, with the median being 21.69X, as the chart below shows.
Price-to-Earnings Ratio vs. SP500
Price-to-Earnings Ratio vs. Sector
4 Manufacturing-General Industrial Stocks Leading the Pack Helios Technologies: This Sarasota, FL-based company supplies engineered motion control and electronic controls technology solutions in the Americas, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Asia Pacific. Strength in the mobile end market, aided by infrastructure-driven construction activity, is supporting HLIO’s performance. Also, recovery in the agriculture end market and improved distributor inventory levels bode well for the company.
The consensus estimate for this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company’s 2026 earnings has been revised 4% upward over the past 60 days. The company outpaced estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average earnings surprise being 15.7%. Shares of Helios surged 174.7% in the past year. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Price and Consensus: HLIO
IDEX: Headquartered in Lake Forest, IL, IDEX is an applied solutions company that specializes in a diverse range of applications such as fluid and metering technologies, health and science technologies and fire, safety and other products. The company is benefiting from strength in the Fluid & Metering Technologies segment, driven by an increase in demand for products across the municipal water end market. Higher demand for mining application solutions is also supporting the company’s performance.
This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has gained 15.3% in the past year. The company outpaced estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average earnings surprise being 6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its 2026 earnings has been revised 2.9% upward over the past 60 days.
Price and Consensus: IEX
RBC Bearings: Headquartered in Oxford, CT, RBC Bearings manufactures and distributes engineered bearings and precision components. RBC is well-positioned to gain from solid momentum in its Aerospace/Defense segment, driven by strength in the commercial aerospace market. An increase in demand for the company’s bearings and engineered component products in the defense market is expected to be beneficial as well.
Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 company have gained 58.2% in the past year. The company outpaced estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average earnings surprise being 6.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2027 earnings has been revised 0.5% upward over the past 60 days.
Price and Consensus: RBC
Watts Water: Headquartered in North Andover, MA, Watts Water designs, manufactures and sells various water safety and flow control products to promote safety, energy efficiency and water conservation for commercial and residential buildings. It is well-positioned to gain from pricing discipline, productivity under the One Watts performance system and integration of recent acquisitions. Also, solid demand for data center cooling applications bodes well.
Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 company have gained 28.3% in the past year. WTS outpaced estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average earnings surprise being 11.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings has been revised 2.2% upward over the past 60 days.
Vitrafy Life Sciences, Inc., a life sciences company redefining cryopreservation, today announced a partnership with Vitalant Innovation Center for testing services as Vitrafy seeks to advance, approve, and deploy its next-generation cryopreservation ecosystem. The Innovation Center is part of Vitalant, one of the largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations in the United States. The collaboration addresses a pivotal industry transition: as glycerol-based frozen red blood cell (RBC) technology reaches the expected end of its operational life, the U.S. blood community requires a successor to preserve and build upon decades of established capability.
A Generational Transition for Cryopreserved Blood
Glycerol-based cryopreservation has been the foundation of frozen RBC programs in the United States for decades, reliably supporting rare-donor programs, mass-trauma preparedness, and military forward deployment. Each year, more than 13.6 million units of whole blood and apheresis RBCs are collected to sustain these capabilities across the civilian and military blood system.
That technology is now reaching the natural end of its serviceable life. The processing equipment and materials that enable glycerol-based cryopreservation are being phased out, and no approved replacement currently exists. Preserving the frozen blood capabilities the U.S. blood system has come to depend on — and extending them — requires a new generation of technology to be validated and deployed before the transition is complete.
“The Vitalant Innovation Center is designed to support testing and process development for innovative ideas. As glycerol-based cryopreservation reaches end of life, we are pleased to partner with Vitrafy to support what can come next through our testing services at the Vitalant Innovation Center,” said Susanne Marschner, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Scientific Programs, Vitalant Innovation Center.
Vitrafy’s proprietary cryopreservation ecosystem integrates freezing technology, software, formulations, and workflows into a unified, liquid nitrogen–free solution. Designed to be deployed close to the point of collection, the platform enables mobile, decentralized cryopreservation with the speed, consistency, and quality control that civilian healthcare and military operations require.
Vitalant Innovation Center brings both the clinical depth and operational scale needed to generate a robust, multi-environment evidence base as the platform advances toward broad commercial deployment. The partnership builds on Vitrafy’s existing industry collaborations and is structured to produce outcomes that benefit the wider blood community, not just a single network.
Beyond replacing existing capability, the platform’s portability and independence from fixed cold-chain infrastructure point toward an expanded future for frozen blood. Settings where current cryopreservation methods have never been practical — including pre-hospital environments and austere forward-deployed locations — represent a meaningful and largely unserved opportunity. As the technology matures through regulatory and clinical validation, the possibility of bringing frozen blood to these settings for the first time is a horizon Vitrafy and its partners are actively working toward.
“Vitalant is a pioneer in the U.S. blood market and one of the most respected organizations in the sector — there is no better partner to help establish what next-generation cryopreservation looks like at scale. But this work is bigger than any single partnership. The platform we’re building is designed to serve the entire blood community, and we genuinely hope other blood networks will join us in shaping it. We welcome that collaboration, and we look forward to government, regulatory, and military stakeholders engaging as the program moves forward,” said Brent Owens, CEO, Vitrafy Life Sciences.
An Open Invitation to the Blood Community
Under the partnership agreement, Vitrafy and Vitalant Innovation Center will execute a phased program covering planning, technology integration, and evaluation of frozen RBC outcomes against defined performance, regulatory, and operational milestones. The intent is for the in vitro findings to determine regulatory pathways and scaled deployment approaches that extend nationally and beyond this collaboration.
Vitrafy welcomes engagement from other blood services organizations, federal agencies, regulatory and standards bodies, and military and civilian leaders who wish to contribute to — or benefit from — the development of a next-generation cryopreservation standard for the United States. Vitrafy believes that a challenge of this scale is best solved together, and the program has been structured with that in mind.
About Vitrafy Life Sciences
Vitrafy Life Sciences, Inc. is focused on the development and commercialization of a decentralized cryopreservation ecosystem for blood and cell-based products. Vitrafy’s technology is designed to address critical supply, availability, and scalability challenges across the blood and advanced therapy sectors.
About the Vitalant Innovation Center
The Vitalant Innovation Center helps turn promising ideas into real-world solutions by providing the infrastructure and agility to test, validate and implement new technologies, helping to shape the future of transfusion medicine. The Innovation Center is part of Vitalant, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply, specialized laboratory services, transfusion medicine expertise and world-renowned research.For more information, visit research.vitalant.org.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260602801171/en/
Key Takeaways U.S. manufacturing PMI rose to 54 in May, its highest level in four years, signaling expansion.New Orders Index reached 56.8% and Production Index rose to 54.3%, extending growth trends.HLIO, LXFR, RBC and WTS were highlighted as manufacturing stocks with earnings growth prospects. The U.S. manufacturing sector is making a solid rebound after months of struggle. Although supply constraints have shown signs of growing lately, manufacturing activity increased at a rapid pace in May after growing in the past three months.
So far, it has been an impressive show by the manufacturing sector in 2026. Higher prices remain a challenge, but robust demand has been boosting manufacturing activity.
Given the positive sentiment, it would be ideal to invest in four stocks from the manufacturing sector — Helios Technologies, Inc. (HLIO - Free Report) , Luxfer Holdings PLC (LXFR - Free Report) , RBC Bearings Incorporated (RBC - Free Report) and Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (WTS - Free Report) — that we have detailed below.
Manufacturing Activity Grows SteadilyThe ISM Manufacturing PMI jumped to 54 in May, to hit its highest level in four years, after increasing to 52.7 in April. May’s reading also surpassed analysts’ expectations of the PMI rising to 53.
Any reading above 50 suggests an expansion. This was also the fifth straight month that the PMI was above the 50 reading, indicating that the sector is on track for a steady recovery. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs weighed on manufacturing activity last year, but the sector has still managed to grow owing to robust demand.
Sixteen industries reported growth in May, led by textile mills. Also, other industries like electrical equipment, paper products and appliances grew at an impressive pace last month. Although tariffs remain a concern, the New Orders Index grew for the fifth straight month, with a reading of 56.8%, up 2.7% from 54.1% in April. The Production Index came up with a reading of 54.3%, increasing 0.9% sequentially.
Oil prices have surged nearly 40% since the beginning of the Iran war, which has resulted in a spike in inflation. However, investors are hopeful that a deal with Iran could be reached soon after Trump hinted at making a decision on ending the war.
4 Industrial Products Stocks With UpsideHelios TechnologiesHelios Technologies, Inc. is an industrial technology company. HLIO develops and manufactures hydraulic and electronic control solutions. Helios Technologies’ operating subsidiaries include Sun Hydraulics, Enovation Controls and Faster Group.
Helios Technologies’ expected earnings growth for the current year is 12.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for next year's earnings has improved 4% over the past 60 days. Currently, HLIO has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Luxfer HoldingsLuxfer Holdings PLC is a materials technology company specializing in the design, manufacture and supply of high-performance materials, components and gas cylinders. LXFR had two divisions, Elektron and Gas Cylinders. The Elektron division focuses on specialty materials based on magnesium, zirconium and rare earths. The Gas Cylinders division manufactures products made from aluminum, composites and other metals using technically advanced processes.
Luxfer Holdings’ expected earnings growth for the current year is 8.1%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for next year's earnings has improved 7.1% over the past 60 days. LXFR currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.
RBC Bearings IncorporatedRBC Bearings Incorporated manufactures and distributes engineered bearings and precision components. RBC’s bearings are tools that reduce damage and energy loss, and enable proper power transmission in most machines and mechanical systems.
RBC Bearings’expected earnings growth for the current year is 14.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 0.5% over the past 60 days. RBC has a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
Watts Water TechnologiesWatts Water Technologies, Inc. designs, manufactures and sells various water safety and flow control products to promote safety, energy efficiency, and water conservation for commercial and residential buildings.
Watts Water Technologies’ expected earnings growth for the current year is 12.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 2.2% over the past 60 days. WTC has a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
During the first quarter of 2026, the largest portfolio sector weightings were Health Care and Industrials. RBC Bearings Incorporated, Cognex Corporation and Nebius Group were among the top contributors to performance. Repligen Corporation, Agilysys, Inc., and GeneDx Holdings Corp. were among the top detractors from performance.
Blair William and Co. IL trimmed its holdings in shares of Confluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFLT) by 10.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 144,126 shares of the company's stock after selling 16,449 shares during the quarter. Blair William
Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG - Get Free Report) and Confluent (NASDAQ: CFLT - Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, dividends, valuation, risk and analyst recommendations. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of
Alight Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in Confluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFLT) in the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm acquired 200,000 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $3,960,000. Alight Capital Management LP owned approximately 0.06%
Bamco Inc. NY lowered its holdings in Confluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFLT) by 60.6% in the undefined quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 65,000 shares of the company's stock after selling 100,000 shares during the quarter. Bamco Inc. NY's holdings in Confluent were worth
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna discusses the company's completion of its $11 billion acquisition of Confluent. Speaking with Caroline Hyde on "Bloomberg Open Interest," Krishna also says AI is a tailwind for the company and hasn't resulted in a net decrease in workers.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. ("Confluent" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Confluent and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 30, 2025, Confluent reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Among other items, Confluent disclosed that "an AI-native customer has been making a broad-based move towards self-management of internal data platforms." Confluent advised that this shift resulted in reduced usage of Confluent Cloud, and while the Company secured a Confluent Platform deal with the client in Q3 to continue supporting their streaming needs, the transition "represents a significant reduction in total spending with Confluent starting in Q4." Consequently, the change is "expected to dampen [Confluent's] Q4 cloud revenue growth rate by low single digits."
On this news, Confluent's stock price fell $8.67 per share, or 32.86%, to close at $17.73 per share on July 31, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Confluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFLT - Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of "Hold" from the thirty-three brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, twenty-eight have issued a hold recommendation, three have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a
NEW YORK, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. (“Confluent” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Confluent and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 30, 2025, Confluent reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Among other items, Confluent disclosed that “an AI-native customer has been making a broad-based move towards self-management of internal data platforms.” Confluent advised that this shift resulted in reduced usage of Confluent Cloud, and while the Company secured a Confluent Platform deal with the client in Q3 to continue supporting their streaming needs, the transition “represents a significant reduction in total spending with Confluent starting in Q4.” Consequently, the change is “expected to dampen [Confluent's] Q4 cloud revenue growth rate by low single digits.”
On this news, Confluent’s stock price fell $8.67 per share, or 32.86%, to close at $17.73 per share on July 31, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. ("Confluent" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Confluent and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 30, 2025, Confluent reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Among other items, Confluent disclosed that "an AI-native customer has been making a broad-based move towards self-management of internal data platforms." Confluent advised that this shift resulted in reduced usage of Confluent Cloud, and while the Company secured a Confluent Platform deal with the client in Q3 to continue supporting their streaming needs, the transition "represents a significant reduction in total spending with Confluent starting in Q4." Consequently, the change is "expected to dampen [Confluent's] Q4 cloud revenue growth rate by low single digits."
On this news, Confluent's stock price fell $8.67 per share, or 32.86%, to close at $17.73 per share on July 31, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
NEW YORK, March 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. (“Confluent” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Confluent and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 30, 2025, Confluent reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Among other items, Confluent disclosed that “an AI-native customer has been making a broad-based move towards self-management of internal data platforms.” Confluent advised that this shift resulted in reduced usage of Confluent Cloud, and while the Company secured a Confluent Platform deal with the client in Q3 to continue supporting their streaming needs, the transition “represents a significant reduction in total spending with Confluent starting in Q4.” Consequently, the change is “expected to dampen [Confluent's] Q4 cloud revenue growth rate by low single digits.”
On this news, Confluent’s stock price fell $8.67 per share, or 32.86%, to close at $17.73 per share on July 31, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
NEW YORK, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. ("Confluent" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext.
Capricorn Fund Managers Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Confluent, Inc. (NASDAQ: CFLT) during the undefined quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 130,391 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $3,943,000. A number of other institutional investors have also modified
NEW YORK, April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. (“Confluent” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
International Business Machines Corp (NYSE:IBM) is expected to report first-quarter results largely in line with forecasts on April 22, but Bank of America is adjusting estimates following the earlier-than-expected closing of its Confluent acquisition The bank said it anticipates an “inline quarter,” with recently acquired Confluent contributing roughly $50 million in revenue during the period after the deal closed on March 17, about one quarter earlier than previously assumed. Bank of America said IBM is likely to keep its full-year 2026 guidance unchanged, as management is expected to offset near-term dilution from the acquisition with a combination of additional revenue contribution and cost synergies.
NEW YORK, April 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. (“Confluent” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. ("Confluent" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
The investigation concerns whether Confluent and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here for information about joining the class action]
On July 30, 2025, Confluent reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Among other items, Confluent disclosed that "an AI-native customer has been making a broad-based move towards self-management of internal data platforms." Confluent advised that this shift resulted in reduced usage of Confluent Cloud, and while the Company secured a Confluent Platform deal with the client in Q3 to continue supporting their streaming needs, the transition "represents a significant reduction in total spending with Confluent starting in Q4." Consequently, the change is "expected to dampen [Confluent's] Q4 cloud revenue growth rate by low single digits."
On this news, Confluent's stock price fell $8.67 per share, or 32.86%, to close at $17.73 per share on July 31, 2025.
Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
NEW YORK, April 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Confluent, Inc. (“Confluent” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CFLT). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.
May 01, 2026 12:30 ET | Source: Confluent Medical Technologies
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., May 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Confluent Medical Technologies, Inc. (“Confluent”), a leading medical device and materials science contract manufacturer specializing in Nitinol and polymer components, today announced that Tom Testa, has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer ("COO") for the company, effective April 29th, 2026.
"We are thrilled to welcome Tom to Confluent," said Dean Schauer, Confluent’s President, CEO, and Chairman. "Tom has exceptional experience in all aspects of Executive Leadership in the Medical Device Manufacturing and Development space as well as leadership across multiple, successful, MedTech organizations. As Confluent continues its significant growth, the addition of Tom to our company will further enhance the strength of our industry-leading team."
As COO, Mr. Testa’s responsibilities will span global operations, and he will oversee Confluent’s operations, supply chain, global product development, and environmental health & safety.
Mr. Testa joins Confluent from Corza Medical where he served as CEO and CFO. Prio to that, Tom served as Vice President & General Manager of the Nordson Medical business which he joined following the acquisition of the Vention Medical Advanced Technologies Business where he served as President. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology as well as an MBA in Finance from New York University.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Testa said: “I’m excited to join Confluent at such a pivotal moment in its growth. The company has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner to leading medical device innovators, grounded in its differentiated materials science expertise and vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities. I look forward to working with this talented team to further strengthen operational excellence, expand our global footprint, and help drive the next phase of sustainable growth for our customers and the patients they serve.”
About Confluent Medical Technologies, Inc.:
Confluent Applies Materials Science to MedTech Innovation. Confluent specializes in the expert design, development, and large-scale manufacturing of interventional catheter-based devices and implants. Customers rely on Confluent’s expertise in Nitinol material and components, balloon and complex catheters, high-precision polymer tubing, and implantable textiles. With facilities in Fremont and Orange County, California; Warwick, Rhode Island; Windham, Maine; Austin, Texas; Chattanooga, Tennessee; San Jose, Costa Rica; and Hyderabad, India, Confluent has earned the confidence of the leaders in the medical device community through a proven track record of innovative materials science, engineering, and manufacturing. For more information, visit confluentmedical.com.
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Confluent, an IBM Company and the data streaming pioneer, today announced new capabilities in Confluent Intelligence and Confluent Cloud that streamline how real-time artificial intelligence (AI) applications are built and secured. These updates remove the security and complexity barriers that stop organizations from moving AI workloads into the real world: Confluent unifies the AI life cycle with tools that developers already live in, integrating Apache Flink® pipeline.
Whether you're a value, growth, or momentum investor, finding strong stocks becomes easier with the Zacks Style Scores, a top feature of the Zacks Premium research service.
On April 20, 2026, Cousins Properties Inc (CUZ) shares rose 3.1% to a current price of $24.83. The stock has experienced significant volatility over the past ye
ATLANTA, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Properties (NYSE: CUZ) has released its first quarter 2026 results. Please visit the Investors section of Cousins' website at www.cousins.com to access the Earnings Release and Supplemental Information.
ATLANTA, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cousins Properties Incorporated (the "Company") (NYSE: CUZ) announced today that its Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $500 million of its outstanding common stock under its share repurchase program, increasing the total authorization under the program by $250 million. Under its current share repurchase program, the Company has repurchased approximately 3.9 million shares of its outstanding common stock at an average price of $23.36 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $90 million.
Cousins Properties (CUZ) came out with quarterly funds from operations (FFO) of $0.73 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.71 per share. This compares to FFO of $0.74 per share a year ago.
Although the revenue and EPS for Cousins Properties (CUZ) give a sense of how its business performed in the quarter ended March 2026, it might be worth considering how some key metrics compare with Wall Street estimates and the year-ago numbers.
Technology-led demand gives the REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry a strong growth path. Data centers, communication infrastructure and quality assets across office, industrial, health care, life sciences and storage are gaining importance as tenants seek reliable, efficient and service-rich space. Better systems and stronger properties should support resilient demand. Amid this, Prologis, Inc. (PLD - Free Report) , Cousins Properties Incorporated (CUZ - Free Report) and Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (SHO - Free Report) are well-poised to benefit.
Still, the industry faces pressure from higher construction costs, labor constraints, power limits, supply-chain delays and cautious lenders. Tenant demand can shift, so future gains will depend on disciplined funding, cost control and execution.
About the Industry The Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Other sector comprises a diverse collection of REIT stocks representing various asset categories, including industrial, office, lodging, healthcare, self-storage, data centers, infrastructure and more. Equity REITs lease out space within these properties to tenants, generating income through rental payments. Economic growth assumes a central role within the real estate sector as economic expansion directly correlates with higher demand for real estate, increased occupancy rates and greater bargaining power for landlords to command higher rental rates. The performance of Equity REITs hinges on the specific dynamics of their underlying assets and the geographic location of their properties. As such, real estate is becoming more closely tied to how companies operate, how technology grows and how people use specialized spaces.
What's Shaping the Future of the REIT and Equity Trust - Other Industry? Technology-Led Demand Is Becoming a Major Growth Driver: A major positive is the growing need for real estate that supports technology and connectivity. Data centers and communication infrastructure are becoming more important as businesses rely more on cloud platforms, artificial intelligence, mobile traffic and secure digital operations. These assets are not optional for many tenants. They sit behind everyday business activity, from storing information to moving it quickly and safely. This creates a strong role for landlords that can offer reliable power, scale, technical know-how and locations that help tenants expand. As technology keeps moving deeper into business life, this part of real estate should remain one of the clearest growth engines.
Quality Space Is Gaining Share Across Several Property Types: Across office, industrial, health care, life sciences and storage-related assets, the stronger properties are standing out. Tenants are being more selective, but they are still willing to choose buildings that help them operate better. In offices, that means modern, well-located and service-rich workplaces that support in-person work and employee experience. In industrial, it means efficient facilities that help companies manage supply chains and automation. In health care and life sciences, demand is supported by long-term needs tied to care delivery, research and specialized operations. Even in storage, operators are using pricing tools, customer data and disciplined expansion to protect value. The common theme is that better assets, better systems and better service are becoming more important than simply owning more space.
Costs and Execution Risks Remain a Real Pressure Point: The outlook is not without strain. Many REITs are dealing with higher construction costs, labor pressure, power constraints, supply-chain delays and more careful lenders. Some tenants are still cautious, and in a few property types, demand can shift quickly depending on business confidence or customer activity. Development also requires more discipline because new projects need the right tenant interest, funding and timing to make sense. This means the industry’s future may favor owners that can control expenses, raise capital wisely and avoid chasing growth for its own sake. The opportunity is there, but it will reward careful execution rather than broad optimism.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Prospects The Zacks REIT and Equity Trust - Other industry is housed within the broader Finance sector. It carries a Zacks Industry Rank #81, which places it in the top 33% of around 250 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates healthy near-term prospects. 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.
The industry’s positioning in the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of the northward revision of funds from operations (FFO) per share outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate FFO per share estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gaining confidence in this group’s growth potential of late. Since February-end, the industry’s FFO per share estimates for 2026 have moved north.
Before we present a few stocks that you might want to consider for your portfolio, let’s take a look at the industry’s recent stock market performance and valuation picture.
Industry Lags Stock Market Performance The REIT and Equity Trust - Other Industry has underperformed the S&P 500 composite and the broader Zacks Finance sector in a year.
The industry has risen 8% during this period compared with the S&P 500’s growth of 29% and the broader Finance sector’s 9% increase.
One-Year Price Performance
Industry's Current Valuation On the basis of the forward 12-month price-to-FFO ratio, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing REIT - Others, we see that the industry is currently trading at 16.31 compared with the S&P 500’s forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) of 22.09. However, the industry is trading above the Finance sector’s forward 12-month P/E of 15.61. This is shown in the chart below.
Forward 12 Month Price-to-FFO (P/FFO) Ratio
Over the last five years, the industry has traded as high as 22.27X and as low as 12.86X, with a median of 15.81X.
3 REIT and Equity Trust - Other Stocks to Buy Sunstone Hotel Investors: This is a lodging REIT focused on owning, operating and improving a high-quality portfolio of 14 hotels with around 7,000 rooms. Its properties are largely affiliated with nationally recognized brands and positioned in attractive resort, urban and convention markets, giving the company a balanced platform for long-term value creation.
Sunstone’s investment case is supported by strong portfolio momentum, disciplined cost control and active capital allocation. The company reported a solid first quarter, raised its 2026 outlook, and continues to benefit from growth assets such as Andaz Miami Beach, recovering resort demand in Maui, and opportunistic share repurchases that support earnings and shareholder value.
SHO currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 revenues calls for a year-over-year increase of 4.49%. The stock has rallied 8.2% in the past three months. The consensus mark for 2026 FFO per share has been revised upward over the past month to 91 cents, suggesting a 5.81% increase year over year. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Price and Consensus: SHO
Prologis: This is a leading global industrial REIT focused on high-quality warehouses and supply chain infrastructure in key consumption markets. Its platform supports major customers across e-commerce, retail, transportation and manufacturing, with a portfolio designed around resilient demand and long-term customer relationships.
The company’s pitch is its scale, disciplined execution and expanding growth avenues. Prologis delivered strong leasing momentum in first-quarter 2026, maintained high occupancy and is investing in attractive areas such as data centers and energy. It recorded 64 million square feet of lease signings and 75.8% retention. It is also scaling data centers, with $1.3 billion of build-to-suit starts, while about $6.7 billion in liquidity supports disciplined expansion and capital flexibility. Its strong balance sheet and global customer base position it well for steady cash flow growth.
Prologis currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PLD’s 2026 revenues calls for 4.92% increase year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 FFO per share suggests a 6.20% rise. The stock has appreciated 14.8% in the past six months.
Price and Consensus: PLD
Cousins Properties: This is an Atlanta-based, fully integrated REIT focused on Class A office buildings in high-growth Sun Belt markets. Founded in 1958, the company builds value through development, acquisitions, leasing and management of high-quality real estate, with a strategy centered on a simple platform, trophy assets and opportunistic investments.
The investment case is built on improving office demand, limited new supply and Cousins’ strong positioning in lifestyle-oriented workplaces. Recent results show healthy leasing momentum, rising occupancy and confidence from management, while portfolio upgrades and selective capital recycling support future growth. First-quarter 2026 leasing totaled 932,000 square feet, and portfolio occupancy improved to 88.9%.
CUZ currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 FFO per share has been raised marginally over the past two months, suggesting 3.17% year over year increase. The stock has risen 6.7% over the past three months.
Price and Consensus: CUZ
Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO) — a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.
Cousins Properties (CUZ) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.
Investors looking for stocks in the REIT and Equity Trust - Other sector might want to consider either Cousins Properties (CUZ) or NETSTREIT (NTST). But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks?
Key Takeaways CUZ signed 932,000 sq. ft. of Q1 leases, with more than half from new and expansion deals.Cousins' second-generation cash rents climbed 15.2% in Q1, signaling pricing power in top-tier space.CUZ is recycling assets, buying 300 South Tryon and selling properties, to sharpen its portfolio mix. Office real estate is still a tough sector, but not every office landlord is facing the same story. Older buildings in weaker locations remain under pressure, while newer, well-located and amenity-rich properties are getting a bigger share of tenant demand. Cousins Properties (CUZ - Free Report) sits on the stronger side of that divide.
The company focuses on high-quality office assets in Sun Belt markets such as Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Nashville, TN, Dallas and Phoenix. These cities continue to attract businesses and workers, helped by job growth, population gains and a lower-cost operating environment compared with many coastal markets.
This makes CUZ an interesting stock for investors who believe the best office properties can keep recovering. Its latest results showed stronger leasing, rising rents and steady portfolio upgrades. The stock has gained 13.2% over the past three months, while the industry has slipped 0.7%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Analysts also seem optimistic about this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for both its 2026 and 2027 FFO per share being revised marginally upward over the past 60 days. The figures also suggest an increase of 3.17% and 4.03%, respectively, year over year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Here are five reasons to consider buying Cousins Properties stock.
Factors That Make CUZ Stock a Solid PickLeasing Momentum Is Strong: One of the foremost reasons to like Cousins is tenant demand. The company signed 932,000 square feet of office leases in the first quarter, one of its best leasing quarters in years. More than half of that activity came from new and expansion leases, which suggests demand is not just about holding on to existing tenants. Management also pointed to a healthy late-stage leasing pipeline, giving investors confidence that occupancy can keep moving higher.
Rents Are Moving in the Right Direction: Cousins is not filling buildings by cutting prices. Second-generation cash rents rose 15.2% in the quarter, extending a long streak of positive rent growth. This is important because it shows pricing power in a market where top-tier space is becoming harder to find. If supply stays tight, the company is expected to have room to keep pushing rents over time.
Sun Belt Strategy Holds Potential: Cousins owns Class A office properties in Sun Belt markets, which continue to benefit from population growth, job creation and corporate migration. Companies looking for talent, lower costs and better business climates are still expanding in these markets, and Cousins is positioned in the type of buildings those tenants want.
Balance Sheet Gives Management Flexibility: Cousins has an investment-grade profile, access to unsecured debt markets and a larger credit facility. The company has solid liquidity, helped by a new $1.2 billion unsecured credit facility and a $500 million bond issue that addresses its 2026 refinancing needs. Leverage was 5.66X in the first quarter, but management expects it to move back toward the low-5X range as planned asset sales are completed. This gives CUZ room to fund acquisitions, buy back shares and improve the portfolio without taking on too much financial risk.
Portfolio Upgrades Can Support Future Growth: The company is actively improving its asset mix. It bought 300 South Tryon in Charlotte, sold Harborview Plaza in Tampa and is under contract to sell One Eleven Congress in Austin. This steady recycling is expected to leave Cousins with a cleaner, higher-quality portfolio. For investors who believe the best office assets will keep separating from the rest, CUZ offers a focused way to play that trend.
Other Stocks to ConsiderSome other top-ranked stocks from the broader REIT sector are Prologis, Inc. (PLD - Free Report) and W. P. Carey Inc. (WPC - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Prologis’ 2026 FFO per share suggests a 6.37% increase year over year.
The consensus mark for W. P. Carey’s 2026 FFO per share has been revised six cents upward to $5.26 over the past month.
Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO), a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.
Cousins Properties remains a buy, supported by Q1 earnings beat, Sunbelt-focused portfolio growth, and resilient 5-year revenue trends. Q1 saw new office leases executed, with 52% from new and expansion leases, highlighting strong leasing momentum. CUZ's acquisition of a 638,000-square-foot Charlotte property further strengthens its Sunbelt presence and portfolio optimization strategy.
