Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Progyny delivers fertility benefits to major employers; a key insider recently trimmed their stake, according to SEC filings.

Finding stocks expected to beat quarterly earnings estimates becomes an easier task with our Zacks Earnings ESP.

Four industrial stocks, Stanley Black, Illinois Tool, Parker-Hannifin and Hubbell. are poised to beat Q1 earnings, driven by strong end-market demand and pricing gains.

Shelton, CT, April 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HUBBELL REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2026 RESULTS

While the top- and bottom-line numbers for Hubbell (HUBB) give a sense of how the business performed in the quarter ended March 2026, it could be worth looking at how some of its key metrics compare to Wall Street estimates and year-ago values.

Shelton, CT, May 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hubbell to Acquire NSI Industries A leading manufacturer of electrical fittings, connectors, components and wire management products serving industrial, infrastructure and commercial end markets Complementary product offerings enhance Hubbell's Electrical Solutions portfolio Attractive financial profile expected to be accretive to Hubbell and HES adjusted operating margins and long-term organic growth $3.0 billion transaction to be financed with cash on hand and debt; purchase price represents ~15.5x anticipated 2026 EBITDA Anticipate adjusted EPS accretion in 2026 Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire NSI Industries, a portfolio company of Sentinel Capital Partners and a leading provider of electrical fittings, connectors, components and wire management products, for $3.0 billion in cash, subject to customary adjustments. “We are excited to add a high growth business in NSI to Hubbell's Electrical Solutions portfolio,” said Gerben Bakker, Chairman, President and CEO.

Transformation to a Pure-Play Electrical Platform Drives Value Creation NEW YORK, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in promising midmarket companies, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to sell NSI Industries, a leading manufacturer and supplier of branded electrical products, to Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) for $3.0 billion. NSI is a category-leading provider of branded replenishment electrical power components serving industrial, infrastructure, and commercial end markets.

Shelton, CT, May 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) today announced that Gerben Bakker, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will appear at the Wells Fargo Industrials Conference. The event will be webcast and is scheduled to begin at 9:30AM CDT on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Value Creation Resulted from Pure-Play Transformation of the Business NEW YORK, June 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm that invests in promising midmarket companies, today announced the sale of NSI Industries, a leading manufacturer and supplier of branded electrical products, to Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) for $3.0 billion. Sentinel acquired NSI in November 2024.

Hubbell Incorporated (HUBB) Presents at 16th Annual Wells Fargo Industrials & Materials Conference Transcript

BICKLETON, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avangrid, Inc., a leading energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, today announced the signing of a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) for the Big Horn I project in Klickitat County, Washington. With a nameplate capacity of 199.5 Megawatts (MW), Big Horn I can generate enough electricity for about 70,000 homes annually. This expands the relationship between Avangrid and PSE, representing the fourth PPA executed by t.

HighPeak Energy (HPK) installed a new CEO from Diamondback Energy to address operational inefficiencies and restore market confidence. HPK's legacy strategy prioritized rapid production growth over cost control. The new capital budget emphasizes margin expansion through operational optimization.

HighPeak Energy is projected to generate $155 million in 2026 free cash flow at the current $81 to $82 strip and its guidance midpoint. It is significantly hedged on oil in 2026 and is projected to have $109 million in 2026 hedging losses. HighPeak's oil cut went from 72% in Q1 2025 to 64% in Q4 2025.

FORT WORTH, Texas, April 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HighPeak Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: HPK) (“HighPeak Energy”), today announced that it plans to release its 2026 first quarter financial and operating results after the close of trading on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Rancher Energy (OTCMKTS:TRXO - Get Free Report) and HighPeak Energy (NASDAQ: HPK - Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, valuation, dividends, risk and profitability. Institutional and Insider Ownership 24.1% of HighPeak Energy

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HighPeak Energy, Inc. (“HighPeak” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: HPK) today announced financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

HighPeak Energy, Inc. (HPK) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

HighPeak's oil sales volumes increased by 10% quarter-over-quarter, while its lease operating and workover expenses per BOE dropped 22%. Free cash flow should improve later in 2026 due to reduced capex and higher oil prices (despite significant hedges). HighPeak's oil cut may decline from 67.6% in Q1 2026 due to fewer new wells being turned in-line, though.

Key Takeaways Sprouts Farmers topped Q1 sales and EPS estimates, aided by strong new-store productivity.SFM comps fell 1.7%, but e-commerce rose 10% to nearly 16% of sales; private label topped 26%.Sprouts Farmers opened six stores, entered New York, plans 40 in 2026, and raised EPS outlook. Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM - Free Report) reported first-quarter 2026 results, wherein both top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company benefited from solid new-store productivity, continued strength in private-label offerings and growth in e-commerce sales despite a challenging consumer backdrop and tough year-over-year comparisons.

SFM’s Sales Mix Leans on Digital and New StoresSprouts Farmers reported quarterly earnings of $1.71 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.67. The bottom line rose from $1.81 in the same period last year.

Net sales of this Phoenix, AZ-based natural and organic grocery retailer were $2,329.2 million, coming marginally ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,326 million. The figure increased 4% year over year, driven by strong new-store contributions, partially offset by lower comparable-store sales.

Comparable store sales declined 1.7% during the quarter, reflecting tough comparisons and a cautious consumer environment. Traffic remained soft, while basket size was modestly positive. We had expected a 2.3% decline in comparable store sales.

E-commerce sales rose 10% and accounted for nearly 16% of total sales, highlighting continued omnichannel momentum. Sprouts’ private-label products also remained a key growth driver, contributing more than 26% of total sales.

Sprouts Farmers leaned into its differentiation playbook, highlighting a robust pipeline of emerging brands and a fast-scaling loyalty program. Management said that it has already launched 1,500 new items this year, reinforcing the chain’s role as a preferred launch partner for health-and-wellness innovation.

Taking a Sneak Peek Into SFM’s MarginsGross profit increased to $917.3 million from $886.4 million in the year-ago quarter. However, the gross margin contracted 20 basis points to 39.4%, mainly due to loyalty program investments and higher shrink, partially offset by benefits from self-distribution initiatives. We had expected gross margin expansion of 60 basis points.

Operating income came in at $215.3 million, down from $226.3 million last year, while operating margin declined to 9.2% from 10.1% in the prior-year period, in line with our expectations.

SG&A expenses increased 5.7% year over year to $658.8 million. As a percentage of net sales, the metric deleveraged 42 basis points to 28.3% owing to fixed-cost deleverage from lower comparable-store sales, partially offset by cost discipline.

Sprouts Farmers’ Store UpdateSprouts Farmers opened six new stores during the quarter, ending with 483 stores across 25 states, including entry into New York. Management highlighted strong performance from newer stores and a robust pipeline, with plans to open 40-plus new stores in 2026.

The company also made progress in its supply-chain transformation, with self-distribution of meat nearly complete, which is expected to support margins over time.

Sprouts Farmers Keeps Balance Sheet FlexibleSprouts Farmers’ cash generation continued to support self-funded growth and shareholder returns. Operating cash flow was $235.3 million in the quarter, funding $98 million of capital expenditures (net of landlord reimbursement) while still allowing meaningful buybacks.

The company repurchased 1.9 million shares for $140 million (excluding excise tax) and ended the quarter with $252.2 million in cash and cash equivalents. Sprouts Farmers had no balance on its $600 million revolving credit facility, while long-term debt and other finance obligations stood at $97 million.

SFM Raises 2026 Earnings View, Maintains Sales OutlookManagement maintained its full-year 2026 outlook on a 52-week basis, calling for net sales growth of 4.5% to 6.5% and comparable-store sales between down 1% and up 1%. Earnings before interest and taxes are still expected between $675 million and $695 million, while capital expenditures (net of landlord reimbursements) are projected within $280 million to $310 million.

This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company now anticipates full-year earnings between $5.32 and $5.48 per share, up from the prior guided range of $5.28-$5.44, and assumes at least $300 million in share repurchases. For second-quarter 2026, SFM expects comparable store sales in the range of down 2% to flat. Management guided earnings in the band of $1.32-$1.36 per share for the quarter.

Management also reiterated that 2026 will be a 53-week year, with the extra week expected to add about $200 million in sales and 21 cents to earnings per share.

Final Take on SFMSprouts Farmers delivered a modest earnings beat in the first quarter, navigating a challenging macro environment and tough comparisons. While near-term pressures persist, particularly on comparable store sales and margins, the company’s strong innovation pipeline, expanding store base and improving operational initiatives position it well for gradual recovery through 2026.

Shares of Sprouts Farmers have risen 6.4% over the past three months against the industry’s decline of 4%.

Stocks Looking Red HotWalmart Inc. (WMT - Free Report) , an omnichannel retailer, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). WMT has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 0.8%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Walmart’s current financial-year sales and EPS calls for growth of 5% and 9.5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

Post Holdings, Inc. (POST - Free Report) , a consumer-packaged goods holding company, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. POST has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 19.6%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Post Holdings’ current financial-year sales and EPS suggests growth of 2.7% and 0.1%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

Casey's General Stores, Inc. (CASY - Free Report) , a leading convenience store chain in the United States, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. CASY has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 20%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Casey's current financial-year sales and EPS indicates growth of 8.2% and 24%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

Sprouts' growth is set to accelerate in the second half of 2026. Management sees a path to over 1,000 stores, up from less than 500 today.

Sprouts Farmers Market is now a value-driven opportunity after a ~50% decline, with risks largely priced in. SFM maintains FY26 guidance: 5.5% revenue growth, flat comps, $675–$695M EBIT, and raised EPS to $5.32–$5.48. Valuation is compelling at 14.8x FY26 P/E and 10.7x EV/EBIT, a significant discount to the S&P 500.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) Presents at 21st Annual Global Farm to Market Conference Transcript

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFM) today announced the addition of Andrew Jhawar to its board of directors. “We are excited to welcome Andy Jhawar to our board of directors,” said Joseph Fortunato, chairman of the board of Sprouts. “Andy's unparalleled depth of experience in the consumer and retail industry will be invaluable to the company as we continue to execute on our long-term growth strategy.” Jhawar was formerly a partner at Apollo Global Management, In.

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

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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.

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Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.

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Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

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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.

#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.7% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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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.

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

Stock to Watch: Sprouts Farmers (SFM - Free Report) Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc., which operates in a highly fragmented grocery store industry, has a unique model that features fresh produce, food section, and a vitamin department focused on overall wellness. Moreover, the company has been diversifying its offerings to meet the changing preferences of consumers, who are looking for more health and wellness products. These products are generally plant-based, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and grass-fed. The company has been focusing on natural and organic food, which is one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry.

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

It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 15.88; value investors should take notice.

Four analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.04 to $5.57 per share. SFM boasts an average earnings surprise of +5%.

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

On May 27, 2026, Sprouts Farmers Market Inc SFM shares rose 3.6% today, bringing the current price to $88.70. The stock has experienced significant fluctuations over the past year, with a 52-week high of $182.00 and a low of $64.75.

GF Value™ verdict: The current price of $88.70 is 5.7% below the GF Value™ of $94.05, indicating a potential upside.GF Score™: SFM has a strong GF Score™ of 88/100, suggesting it has favorable long-term return potential.Most notable signal: Insiders sold $10.8M worth of shares while only purchasing $0.4M in the last 3 months, indicating caution among insiders. Is SFM Overvalued or Undervalued? According to the GF Value™, Sprouts Farmers Market Inc is currently assessed as fairly valued, with a current price of $88.70 compared to a GF Value™ of $94.05. This 5.7% margin of safety indicates that the stock has some room for appreciation, making it a potentially attractive opportunity for investors looking for value. GF Value™ is GuruFocus' proprietary measure of intrinsic value, calculated from historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates.

However, the stock's significant decline of 46.0% over the past year raises concerns about its stability and future growth prospects. While the current valuation suggests an opportunity, potential investors should consider the broader market dynamics and the company's recent performance trends before committing capital.

How Does SFM's Valuation Compare to Its History? MetricCurrentHistorical P/E (TTM)17.1x15.8x Forward P/E16.0x- The current P/E (TTM) of 17.1x is 8% above its 5-year median of 15.8x, suggesting that the stock is trading above its historical valuation metrics. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, which indicates that while SFM may be undervalued relative to its GF Value™, it is currently trading at a premium compared to its historical trading multiples.

What Does SFM's GF Score™ Tell Us? MetricRating GF Score™88 Financial Strength7/10 Profitability9/10 Growth10/10 Valuation10/10 Momentum2/10 The GF Score™ of 88/100 highlights SFM's potential for strong long-term returns, particularly in terms of growth (10/10) and valuation (10/10). However, the momentum rank of 2/10 suggests that the stock may be experiencing negative trends in price performance. Overall, while Sprouts Farmers Market Inc shows strength in profitability and growth, the weak momentum indicator raises questions about its short-term performance.

What Are Insiders Doing with SFM Stock? In the last three months, insiders at Sprouts Farmers Market Inc have sold $10.8 million worth of shares while only purchasing $0.4 million. This pattern of insider selling, significantly outweighing insider buying, may suggest a lack of confidence among executives about the company's near-term prospects. Such behavior can often serve as a cautionary signal for potential investors.

What This Means for Investors Based on the GF Value™, Sprouts Farmers Market Inc is currently undervalued, presenting an opportunity for investors. However, the recent insider selling and the stock's substantial decline over the past year should not be overlooked. Potential investors may want to proceed with caution and consider the implications of insider activity alongside the valuation metrics.

For the complete analysis, visit the Sprouts Farmers Market Inc SFM stock page. You can also explore the GF Value™ page for detailed valuation methodology, or use the GuruFocus Stock Screener to find similar opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions What is SFM's GF Score™?

SFM has a GF Score™ of 88/100, indicating strong long-term return potential based on key financial metrics.

Is SFM overvalued or undervalued?

According to the GF Value™, SFM is currently undervalued with a price of $88.70, which is 5.7% below its GF Value™ of $94.05.

What is SFM's P/E ratio?

SFM's P/E (TTM) is 17.1x, which is 8% above its 5-year median of 15.8x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation metrics.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].