Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

IBM (NYSE:IBM | IBM Price Prediction) currently trades at $212.67, while the average Wall Street price target sits at $273.75, leaving a gap of roughly 29% between current levels and analyst consensus.

That gap widened sharply this week. IBM runs the mainframes, hybrid cloud stack, and consulting practice most Fortune 500 companies depend on. Wall Street had treated it as a durable AI beneficiary through Red Hat and watsonx, making the past few trading sessions a shock.

Wedbush’s Dan Ives maintains a $350 target that implies more than 64% upside, roughly double consensus.

A Preannounced Miss Triggered the Worst Session Since 1968 IBM plunged more than 26% in one week after management preannounced Q2 results well below consensus. CEO Arvind Krishna attributed the shortfall to customers redirecting IT budgets toward AI servers and memory amid a global shortage, with additional pressure from the z17 mainframe program launch.

The reaction was severe. IBM had beaten estimates for four consecutive quarters, and trailing free cash flow for Q1 2026 had softened to $2.22 billion, down 44.15% year over year. A Wall Street Zen downgrade to sell accelerated the selling.

Software peers Salesforce and ServiceNow sold off alongside IBM on the same news, while semiconductor names rallied.

Why Ives and Most of the Street Are Not Blinking The bull thesis treats this as an execution stumble, not structural decay. Ives views IBM as a core holding on his “IVES AI 30” list and is betting the Q2 miss is isolated rather than evidence of lost enterprise AI runway anchored by watsonx, automated AI agents, and consulting. Wedbush has chosen to freeze active adjustments and hold the $350 line until the formal Q2 call on July 22.

Fundamentals support this view. IBM Z mainframe revenue grew 51% year over year in Q1 2026, and the generative AI book of business crossed $12.5 billion inception-to-date by Q4 2025. Management reaffirmed FY2026 guidance for more than 5% constant currency revenue growth and roughly $1 billion of free cash flow improvement.

The sell side remains constructive. Alpha Vantage’s tracker shows 3 Strong Buy, 12 Buy, 7 Hold, 0 Sell, and 1 Strong Sell ratings across 23 analysts. With implied upside north of 40% to the Ives call, the July 22 earnings report is the next real test.

How the Enterprise IT Peer Group Compares The peer set diverged sharply. IBM and Oracle got crushed, Accenture is deep in a bear market, and HPE rallied on AI networking demand.

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Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) trades at $126.41 after a 30.88% one-month drawdown, versus a $251.85 average target. That is nearly 99% implied upside with a 8 Strong Buy, 29 Buy, 5 Hold, 1 Sell posture. It carries the largest analyst-implied gap in the group.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN) sits at $143.57, down 45.07% year to date, against a $179.13 target, implying roughly 25% upside. Ratings tilt neutral at 2 Strong Buy, 12 Buy, and 13 Hold, with recent revisions trimming rather than raising.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) is the outlier, up 92.46% year to date at $45.82, versus a $64.13 target for about 40% upside. Ratings sit at 4 Strong Buy, 8 Buy, 10 Hold.

Oracle carries the widest upside, but IBM’s setup is cleaner: less capex burn, an existing free cash flow machine, and a target reflecting a return toward its $332.46 52-week high rather than uncharted territory.

IBM’s Current Valuation and Setup IBM trades at $212.67 with a market cap of roughly $200 billion. Consensus $273.75 target across 23 analysts implies about 29% upside, while Ives’ $350 print target pushes that to roughly 65%. The stock is down 27.26% year to date, against a 9% gain for the S&P 500 over the same window.

Valuation looks reasonable at a forward P/E of 17, backed by a 3.07% dividend yield and a 31st consecutive year of dividend increases. Polymarket is pricing 82.6% odds of an earnings miss on July 22.

The Path Forward The bull case strengthens if the July 22 call reframes the preannouncement as a mainframe timing issue rather than lost enterprise wallet share, if Krishna reaffirms the $1 billion FCF improvement and 5%+ constant currency growth, and if the AI book of business shows sequential improvement. That path gets the stock toward $273 and gives Ives’ $350 legitimate runway.

The bear case strengthens if consulting growth stalls further, if memory-driven capex crowding-out proves durable through FY2027, and if shrinking free cash flow becomes the trend. A dividend aristocrat with weakening cash generation is how a value trap starts. The setup looks cautiously constructive at these levels, though the July 22 earnings report remains the key catalyst to watch.

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Key Takeaways SAP reports Q2 2026 results on July 23 as cloud growth, AI progress and margins remain in focus.SAP is seeing strong demand for cloud ERP, AI offerings and S/4HANA migrations supporting growth.SAP faces slower cloud tailwinds, geopolitical risks and declining software support revenue. SAP SE (SAP - Free Report) is scheduled to post results for the second quarter of 2026 on July 23, after market close.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter earnings is $2 per share, indicating a 17.6% increase from the year-ago reported number. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is currently pinned at $11.4 billion, implying a 11.4% jump from the year-ago figure.

SAP's earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average beat of 6.5%. Shares of the company have plunged 48.2% in the past year compared with the Computers - Software industry's loss of 29.4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Cloud Momentum, AI Strategy & Margins Under the SpotlightSAP’s cloud-first strategy, successful migration of customers to subscription-based offerings and disciplined cost management are likely to have cushioned its performance in the second quarter. The rapid adoption of Rise with SAP and Grow with SAP solutions is driving sales, while SAP Business AI, Business Data Cloud and Sovereign Cloud are gaining solid traction. In the first quarter, the cloud backlog rose 25% and cloud revenue increased 27%. Cloud ERP Suite revenue accelerated 30%, driven by strong demand, with more than 70% of order entry coming from public cloud solutions.

Another major focus will be customer adoption of SAP S/4HANA, the company's next-generation ERP platform. Every successful migration not only increases cloud revenue but also creates opportunities to cross-sell additional SAP products. Key indicators include the number of S/4HANA customers, cloud migration rates, new enterprise wins and expansion within existing customers. AI monetization strategy is also paying off. SAP believes broader adoption of its AI-powered autonomous suite across industries will accelerate long-term growth. It is leveraging AI across engineering, customer support and sales to boost productivity and streamline operations, targeting €2 billion in efficiencies by 2028 through AI-driven transformation.

In May, SAP made plans to make its sustainability AI agents generally available by the end of 2026. Currently in beta, the agents have delivered strong results, including a 50% reduction in packaging compliance review time, scenario simulations cut from a day to 20 minutes, up to 80% less manual GHS classification effort and more than 20% fewer packaging compliance errors.

SAP's frequent acquisitions strengthen its master data governance capabilities across SAP and non-SAP environments, while its open-platform strategy protects proprietary expertise and enables partner and customer innovation. In May, SAP agreed to acquire Prior Labs to strengthen its leadership in Tabular Foundation Models. As part of the deal, SAP will invest more than €1 billion over the next four years to help Prior Labs grow into a leading AI research lab focused on structured business data, while continuing to operate independently. SAP also agreed to acquire Dremio to strengthen SAP Business Data Cloud with faster, real-time analytics and AI capabilities by better integrating SAP and non-SAP data. Financial details were not disclosed, and the deal is awaiting regulatory approval.

Profitability has become an equally important investment theme. SAP has undertaken significant restructuring efforts over the past two years aimed at improving operational efficiency while reallocating resources toward high-growth cloud and AI initiatives. In the first quarter, non-IFRS cloud gross profit increased 20% year over year, while operating profit rose 17%, boosting the margin to 30%.

However, quarter-specific cloud revenue tailwinds may lead to slower growth in the second quarter. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, especially the Middle East conflict, could disrupt supply chains, delay customer spending decisions and adversely impact deal activity. While SAP is not fully protected from these disruptions, the increased economic uncertainty also makes it more difficult to accurately predict the company’s quarterly performance. 

Although SAP maintains a strong position and pipeline in this area, these more complex, regulated deals—particularly in government, defense and sensitive industries—take longer to negotiate, deploy and scale compared to standard cloud offerings. Some of its businesses also rely on an operational cyberspace, which exposes them to issues resulting from cybersecurity breaches, affecting both their reputation and the time and resources needed to resolve legal claims. Meanwhile, complex data integration, hybrid ERP environments and strict compliance demands make AI implementation more difficult, potentially slowing enterprise adoption.

Furthermore, software support revenue is likely to decline faster as more customers shift to the cloud.

What Our Model Predicts for SAPOur proven model does not predict an earnings beat for SAP this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. This is not the case here.

SAP has an Earnings ESP of -1.25% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our  Earnings ESP Filter.

Stocks With Favorable CombinationHere are some companies with the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat in their upcoming releases.

Cincinnati Financial Corporation (CINF - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +7.22% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

CINF is set to report quarterly numbers on July 27, after market close. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cincinnati Financial’s second-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $1.82 per share, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 7.6%. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the past four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 27.5%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CINF's revenues is pegged at $3.01 billion, indicating an 8.4% increase from the year-ago reported figure.

The Allstate Corporation (ALL - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +10.88% and a Zacks Rank #3 at present. ALL is gearing up for quarterly results on Aug. 5, after market close.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Allstate’s second-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $5.33 per share, indicating a year-over-year decrease of 10.3%. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters, delivering an average surprise of 51.1%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ALL's revenues is pegged at $17.73 billion, indicating a 5.7% increase from the year-ago reported figure.

Chubb Limited (CB - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.09% and a Zacks Rank of #3 at present. CB is set to report quarterly earnings on July 21, after market close.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chubb’s second-quarter 2026 earnings is pegged at $6.6 per share, indicating a year-over-year increase of 7.5%. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the last four reported quarters, delivering an average surprise of 12.4%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chubb's revenues is pegged at $15.89 billion, indicating a 7.3% increase from the year-ago reported figure.

Key Takeaways TMUS is expected to post higher Q2 revenue on postpaid subscriber gains and broadband growth.TMUS expanded business and value offerings with SuperBroadband and a Mint Mobile Internet bundle.T-Mobile faces pressure from competition, higher promotional spending and rising operating expenses. T-Mobile, US, Inc. (TMUS - Free Report) is set to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 23, before the opening bell. In the trailing four quarters, the company delivered an earnings surprise of 12.27%, beating estimates on all occasions.

The wireless service provider is expected to witness year-over-year revenue growth, driven by steady postpaid subscriber additions, growing broadband adoption and continued demand for premium wireless services. However, intense competition, higher promotional spending and increased operating expenses are likely to have weighed on the bottom line.

Factors at PlayDuring the quarter, T-Mobile introduced SuperBroadband, a next-generation business Internet solution that integrates wireless, fiber and satellite connectivity with managed network services. The launch is expected to have contributed to second-quarter 2026 revenues by broadening the company's enterprise connectivity portfolio, attracting new business customers and increasing adoption of integrated broadband solutions.

T-Mobile's increased focus on the small business segment is likely to have provided an additional boost to revenues in the quarter under review. Stronger demand for its business wireless plans and connectivity solutions is expected to have expanded its business customer base and raised average revenue per account.

During the to-be-reported quarter, T-Mobile strengthened its value-focused offerings by expanding Mint Mobile's portfolio with a $45 Home Internet and Wireless Bundle. The new bundle is likely to have encouraged customer additions, accelerated home Internet adoption and enhanced T-Mobile's position in the value broadband market.

T-Mobile also launched the new motorola razr lineup during the quarter with attractive promotional offers and financing options. This is expected to have supported revenue growth by stimulating smartphone upgrades, attracting new wireless subscribers and increasing device sales across its retail and online channels.

Despite top-line growth, T-Mobile's earnings are expected to have declined in the June quarter due to higher promotional spending, elevated device subsidies associated with smartphone launches, and increased customer acquisition costs amid intense competition. Continued investments in expanding its 5G and broadband infrastructure are also likely to have raised operating expenses and depreciation costs.

Overall ExpectationsFor the June quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for total revenues is pegged at $22.8 billion, indicating an improvement from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure of $21.1 billion. The consensus estimate for adjusted earnings per share is pegged at $2.52, indicating a decline from $2.84 reported a year ago.

Earnings WhispersOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for T-Mobile for the second quarter. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. However, that is not the case here.

Earnings ESP: Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is -7.23%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: T-Mobile carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are some other stocks you may want to consider, as our model shows that these, too, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this season:

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (SIMO - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +7.68% and sports a Zacks Rank #1 at present. It is set to release its second-quarter 2026 numbers on July 29.

The Earnings ESP for Celestica Inc. (CLS - Free Report) is +1.86%, and it carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. The company is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 numbers on July 27.

The Earnings ESP for Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. (MPWR - Free Report) is +1.08%, and it carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. The company is slated to report second-quarter 2026 numbers on July 30.

Key Takeaways NextEra Energy's Q2 revenues are projected to rise 18.92% year over year to $7.97 billion.Florida demand, customer growth and new renewable projects are expected to support quarterly earnings.Premium valuation and costly natural gas projects remain concerns despite stronger-than-industry ROE. NextEra Energy (NEE - Free Report) is scheduled to release its second-quarter 2026 results on July 24, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is currently pegged at $1.08 per share on revenues of $7.97 billion.

Second-quarter earnings estimates have remained unchanged over the past 60 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues indicates a year-over-year increase of 18.92%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

NEE Stock’s Earnings Surprise HistoryNextEra Energy’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 6.18%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

What the Zacks Model UnveilsOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for NextEra Energy this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. That is not the case here, as you can see below.

You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

NEE’s Earnings ESP: NextEra Energy has an Earnings ESP of -0.47%.

Zacks Rank of NEE: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Some companies in the same industry with the right combination of the two factors for an earnings beat this season are Edison International (EIX - Free Report) , Duke Energy (DUK - Free Report) and PPL Corporation (PPL - Free Report) . EIX, DUK and PPL currently have an Earnings ESP of +20.45%, +0.08% and +4.23%, respectively. EIX and DUK carry a Zacks Rank #2 each, while PPL has a Zacks Rank #3.

Factors Likely to Have Boosted NEE Stock’s Q2 ResultsNextEra Energy’s subsidiary, Florida Power & Light (“FPL”), continues to capitalize on Florida’s robust economic growth, driving consistent customer additions. Strategic investments in grid infrastructure support reliable service while keeping electricity rates about 25% below the national average. Competitive pricing and the ongoing shift toward renewable energy are improving customer retention and reducing fuel expenses, supporting long-term earnings growth. Improving electricity demand from this region is expected to have a positive impact on earnings.

NextEra Energy’s other unit, Energy Resources, is benefiting from the new additions to its renewables and storage portfolio. After placing 0.7 gigawatts (GWs) of new projects into service during the first quarter, its backlog stood at nearly 28 GWs. Energy Resources' second-quarter earnings are expected to benefit from the addition of new renewable generation in its portfolio.

Strategic investment in its infrastructure and strong demand from AI and data centers operating in the service region will continue to drive NextEra Energy's performance. New projects placed into service are likely to have contributed to second-quarter earnings.

However, developing natural gas projects has become costly compared with renewable and battery storage and at times, procuring gas turbines for natural gas projects becomes difficult for the company, which can escalate operating costs and adversely impact earnings per share.

NEE Stock Returns Better Than Its IndustryReturn on equity (“ROE”) is a financial ratio that measures how well a company uses its shareholders’ equity to generate profits. The company's current ROE indicates that it is using shareholders’ funds more efficiently than peers.

NextEra Energy’s trailing 12-month ROE is 12.25%, ahead of the industry average of 11.21%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

NEE Stock’s Price PerformanceNEE’s shares have gained 16.6% in the past year compared with the Zacks Utility – Electric Power industry’s rise of 16.5%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

NextEra Energy’s Shares Trading at a PremiumThe company is currently valued at a premium compared with its industry on a forward 12-month P/E basis. NextEra Energy is trading at 21.12X compared with its industry’s 15.4X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Investment ThesisFlorida’s improving economic conditions are driving higher electricity demand and supporting steady customer growth for NextEra Energy. Continued investments in renewable energy and battery storage are further enhancing its ability to provide reliable and sustainable power.

Through disciplined cost control, the company keeps utility bills significantly below the national average, improving affordability and helping attract additional customers. Demand from data centers is going to create fresh opportunities for the company.

Although the company’s ROE is better than the industry, its premium valuation and costly natural gas projects compared with renewables are a concern.

Wrapping UpAlthough NextEra Energy’s second-quarter earnings are likely to come in below estimates, its long-term outlook remains solid. Ongoing investments in renewable energy and Florida’s robust economic expansion continue to create new growth opportunities.

With increasing power demand and a steadily expanding customer base, the company is well positioned to deliver sustainable growth, making the stock an appealing investment at current valuations.

Wall Street analysts expect Moody's (MCO - Free Report) to post quarterly earnings of $4.23 per share in its upcoming report, which indicates a year-over-year increase of 18.8%. Revenues are expected to be $2.09 billion, up 10% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has undergone a downward revision of 0.1% in the past 30 days, bringing it to its present level. This represents how the covering analysts, as a whole, have reassessed their initial estimates during this timeframe.

Before a company reveals its earnings, it is vital to take into account any changes in earnings projections. These revisions play a pivotal role in predicting the possible reactions of investors toward the stock. Multiple empirical studies have consistently shown a strong association between trends in earnings estimates and the short-term price movements of a stock.

While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as a yardstick to evaluate the company's quarterly performance, scrutinizing analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics can offer a more comprehensive perspective.

That said, let's delve into the average estimates of some Moody's metrics that Wall Street analysts commonly model and monitor.

Analysts forecast 'Revenue- Total external customers- Moody's Analytics' to reach $929.43 million. The estimate indicates a change of +4.7% from the prior-year quarter.

The consensus estimate for 'Revenue- Total external customers- Moody's Investor Services' stands at $1.15 billion. The estimate points to a change of +14% from the year-ago quarter.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Revenue- Moody's Analytics- Data and Information' reaching $241.11 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +6.7%.

It is projected by analysts that the 'Revenue- Moody's Analytics- Research and Insights' will reach $264.16 million. The estimate suggests a change of +6.1% year over year.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Revenue- Moody's Analytics- Decision Solutions' at $427.30 million. The estimate suggests a change of +3.5% year over year.

Analysts expect 'Revenue- Moody's Investor Services- Recurring' to come in at $369.50 million. The estimate suggests a change of +6.5% year over year.

Analysts predict that the 'Revenue- Moody's Investor Services- Transaction' will reach $782.03 million. The estimate suggests a change of +18% year over year.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Revenue- Moody's Investor Services- Ratings- Corporate finance (CFG)- High-yield' will likely reach $100.63 million. The estimate suggests a change of +18.4% year over year.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Revenue- Moody's Investor Services- Ratings- Corporate finance (CFG)- Investment-grade' will reach $184.30 million. The estimate points to a change of +29.8% from the year-ago quarter.

According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Revenue- Moody's Investor Services- Ratings- Corporate finance (CFG)- Other accounts' should come in at $194.05 million. The estimate points to a change of +3.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Revenue- Moody's Investor Services- Ratings- Structured finance (SFG)- Asset-backed securities' should arrive at $40.00 million. The estimate indicates a change of +14.3% from the prior-year quarter.

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Revenue- Moody's Investor Services- Ratings- Structured finance (SFG)- RMBS' of $33.40 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +15.2%.

View all Key Company Metrics for Moody's here>>>

Over the past month, Moody's shares have recorded returns of +13.4% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.6% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), MCO will likely outperform the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

Key Takeaways Intuit lost DIY customers after its pricing fell short for filers earning less than $50,000 annually.INTU plans simpler products and more competitive pricing to rebuild its DIY tax user base.Intuit aims to grow revenues through Credit Karma and financial services alongside tax products. Intuit Inc.'s (INTU - Free Report) latest tax season highlights a major shift in its TurboTax business. While TurboTax Live continues to post impressive growth, the company's lower-priced DIY tax products lost customers as price-sensitive filers turned to competing options.

The standout performer was TurboTax Live, Intuit's assisted tax offering that combines AI-powered tools with access to human tax experts. The company expects TurboTax Live revenues to climb 36% to nearly $2.8 billion in fiscal 2026, with customer growth of 38%. Live is also projected to account for about 53% of total TurboTax revenues, underscoring how assisted tax preparation has become the company's primary growth engine.

However, the picture is less encouraging for DIY tax filing. Intuit expects total TurboTax Online units to decline about 2% after admitting it "lost on price" among customers earning less than $50,000 annually. Management acknowledged that its pricing strategy was not competitive enough for budget-conscious users, leading to lower e-file market share and fewer free users entering the TurboTax ecosystem.

To address the weakness, Intuit plans to introduce more competitive pricing and simpler product options for basic tax filers. At the same time, it aims to generate more value through Credit Karma, refund products and other financial services rather than relying solely on tax-preparation fees. Customers using both TurboTax and Credit Karma already generate about 30% more revenues, giving Intuit a strong incentive to rebuild its DIY user base while continuing to expand its higher-margin assisted tax business.

How Are Intuit’s Competitors Faring?H&R Block (HRB - Free Report) reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 revenues of $2.4 billion, up 5.3% year over year, driven by higher pricing and volume in U.S. assisted tax preparation. Its assisted-channel market share improved for a third consecutive year, while net income increased 17.4%, indicating healthy demand for expert-led filing services and support.

Paychex’s (PAYX - Free Report) tax-related business, included in its Management Solutions segment (payroll processing, tax filing and compliance), delivered strong momentum in third-quarter fiscal 2026, with revenues rising 23% year over year to $1.4 billion. Growth was driven by higher client volumes, increased revenue per client and sustained demand for payroll tax compliance services, supported by the Paycor acquisition.

INTU’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of Intuit have risen 12.9% over the past month, outperforming both the broader industry and the S&P 500 composite.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

In terms of forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S), Intuit is currently trading at 3.35X, which is at a discount to the industry average of 5.18X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Intuit’s estimate revisions reflect a positive trend. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 EPS has been revised upward by a cent over the past month. The consensus mark for 2026 calls for 18.4% growth year over year.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Currently, Intuit carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways Micron, Texas Instruments, NVIDIA and Broadcom stand out for strong AI exposure and cash generation.Micron posted $29.9B in trailing free cash flow as HBM demand stayed sold out through calendar year 2026.Texas Instruments, Broadcom and NVIDIA generated trailing 12M FCF of $4.4B, $32.8B and $119B, respectively. The stock market has remained highly volatile throughout 2026 as investors continue to deal with a challenging macroeconomic backdrop. Geopolitical tensions, ongoing wars, tariff-related uncertainties, elevated fuel prices, persistent inflation and still-high interest rates have created a difficult environment for equities.

Semiconductor stocks, despite being at the center of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, have also witnessed sharp swings as investors worry about whether massive AI infrastructure spending by hyperscalers will generate returns quickly enough to justify current investment levels.

During such uncertain periods, companies with strong cash-generating abilities tend to stand out. Robust free cash flow provides businesses with the financial flexibility to continue investing in research and development, expand manufacturing capacity, repurchase shares, raise dividends and pursue strategic acquisitions without relying heavily on external financing. It also creates a cushion against economic slowdowns and tighter credit conditions.

The AI boom has dramatically strengthened the financial position of several leading chipmakers. Surging demand for AI accelerators, high-bandwidth memory (HBM), networking chips and data center infrastructure has fueled record revenues and profitability. As a result, these companies are producing billions of dollars in cash every quarter, reinforcing their competitive advantages while rewarding shareholders.

Against this backdrop, investors looking to navigate ongoing market uncertainties should focus on financially strong AI chip leaders. Micron Technology, Inc. (MU - Free Report) , Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN - Free Report) , NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA - Free Report) and Broadcom Inc. (AVGO - Free Report) combine powerful AI-driven growth opportunities with impressive cash generation, making them well-positioned to outperform when market sentiment improves. These stocks have a favorable combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy), offering solid investment opportunities.

Our PicksMicron Technology has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI infrastructure buildout. The rapid adoption of generative AI has significantly increased demand for HBM and high-capacity DRAM, where Micron Technology has strengthened its technology leadership. Its HBM products have been sold out through calendar year 2026, reflecting exceptionally strong customer demand from leading AI accelerator manufacturers.

The company has also benefited from improving pricing across the broader memory market following the industry's recovery from the previous downturn. Higher average selling prices, disciplined industry supply and increasing AI server deployments have driven strong revenue growth and expanding margins. In the last reported results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, Micron Technology’s revenues and non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) surged 346% and 1,215%, respectively, year over year.

This massive growth has translated into substantial free cash flow generation, enabling Micron Technology to increase manufacturing investments while returning substantial cash to shareholders. The company generated adjusted free cash flow of $18.3 billion in the third quarter and $29.9 billion in the trailing 12 months.

Currently, Micron Technology sports a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Growth Score of A. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Texas Instruments’ analog and embedded semiconductor portfolio makes it a critical supplier across industrial, automotive and communications markets. AI-enabled factories, robotics, electric vehicles and intelligent power systems all require the company's analog chips and embedded processors.

Texas Instruments has consistently generated strong operating cash flows through business cycles due to its diversified customer base, long product lifecycles and efficient manufacturing strategy. The company's ownership of internal manufacturing facilities provides better cost control while supporting long-term profitability.

In the first quarter of 2026, Texas Instruments’ revenues and non-GAAP EPS jumped 19% and 31%, respectively, year over year. The company generated $1.4 billion of free cash flow in the first quarter and $4.4 billion in the trailing 12 months.

Texas Instruments sports a Zacks Rank #1 at present and has a Growth Score of B.

NVIDIA remains the undisputed leader in AI computing. Its graphics processing units (GPUs) have become the standard platform for training and deploying large language models, making the company the biggest beneficiary of surging AI infrastructure spending by hyperscalers, cloud providers and enterprises.

The company's Blackwell platform has attracted extraordinary customer demand as organizations race to build next-generation AI data centers. Beyond GPUs, NVIDIA continues expanding its ecosystem through networking, AI software, enterprise platforms and accelerated computing solutions, creating multiple long-term growth engines. The company’s first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenues surged 85% year over year, while non-GAAP EPS jumped 140%.

Explosive revenue growth has resulted in enormous free cash flow generation, allowing NVIDIA to invest heavily in research, expand product development and return significant capital to shareholders. The company generated free cash flow of $48.6 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and approximately $119 billion in the trailing 12 months.

NVIDIA carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present and has a Growth Score of A.

Broadcom has successfully transformed itself into one of the most diversified AI infrastructure companies. While its custom AI accelerators have become a major growth driver, the company also benefits from strong demand for AI networking chips that help connect thousands of GPUs inside massive data centers.

Its custom silicon business continues gaining momentum as several hyperscale cloud companies develop proprietary AI chips to complement commercially available accelerators. This creates a long runway for sustained semiconductor revenue growth for the company. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, revenues and non-GAAP EPS surged 48% and 54%, respectively, year over year.

Broadcom's software business, strengthened by the VMware acquisition, further diversifies cash flows while generating recurring revenues. The combination of semiconductor leadership and enterprise software has significantly boosted free cash flow generation. The company generated free cash flow of $10.3 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 and approximately $32.8 billion in the trailing 12 months.

Broadcom carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present and has a Growth Score of B.

Did you analyze how Fastenal (FAST - Free Report) fared in its international operations for the quarter ending June 2026? Given the widespread global presence of this maker of industrial and construction fasteners, scrutinizing the trends in international revenues becomes imperative to assess its financial strength and future growth possibilities.

In the modern, closely-knit global economic landscape, the capacity of a business to access foreign markets is often a key determinant of its financial well-being and growth path. Investors now place great importance on grasping the extent of a company's dependence on international markets, as it sheds light on the firm's earnings stability, its skill in leveraging various economic cycles and its broad growth potential.

Participation in global economies acts as a defense against economic difficulties at home and a pathway to more rapidly developing economies. However, it also comes with the complexities of dealing with fluctuating currencies, geopolitical risks and different market dynamics.

While delving into FAST's performance for the past quarter, we observed some fascinating trends in the revenue from its foreign segments that are commonly modeled and observed by analysts on Wall Street.

For the quarter, the company's total revenue amounted to $2.39 billion, experiencing an increase of 14.7% year over year. Next, we'll explore the breakdown of FAST's international revenue to understand the importance of its overseas business operations.

Trends in FAST's Revenue from International MarketsOf the total revenue, $83.4 million came from Other foreign countries during the last fiscal quarter, accounting for 3.5%. This represented a surprise of +16.14% as analysts had expected the region to contribute $71.81 million to the total revenue. In comparison, the region contributed $79.1 million, or 3.6%, and $66.1 million, or 3.2%, to total revenue in the previous and year-ago quarters, respectively.

During the quarter, Canada and Mexico contributed $333.7 million in revenue, making up 14% of the total revenue. When compared to the consensus estimate of $325.21 million, this meant a surprise of +2.61%. Looking back, Canada and Mexico contributed $306.3 million, or 13.9%, in the previous quarter, and $281.4 million, or 13.5%, in the same quarter of the previous year.

Anticipated Revenues in Overseas MarketsFor the current fiscal quarter, it is anticipated by Wall Street analysts that Fastenal will post revenues of $2.44 billion, which reflects an increase of 14.3% the same quarter in the previous year. The revenue contributions are expected to be 3.1% from Other foreign countries ($74.23 million), and 13.6% from Canada and Mexico ($331.64 million).

For the full year, a total revenue of $9.23 billion is expected for the company, reflecting an increase of 12.5% from the year before. The revenues from Other foreign countries and Canada and Mexico are expected to make up 3.1%, and 13.7% of this total, corresponding to $289.41 million, and $1.27 billion, respectively.

Key TakeawaysFastenal's leaning on foreign markets for its revenue stream presents a mix of chances and challenges. Therefore, a vigilant watch on its international revenue movements can greatly aid in projecting the company's future direction.

In an era of growing international interdependencies and escalating geopolitical disputes, Wall Street analysts are vigilant in tracking these trends for businesses with a global reach, in order to refine their predictions of earnings. It should be noted, however, that a multitude of other elements, such as a company's domestic position, also play a significant role in shaping the earnings forecasts.

Here at Zacks, we put a great deal of emphasis on a company's changing earnings outlook, as empirical research has shown that's a powerful force driving a stock's near-term price performance. Quite naturally, the correlation is positive here -- an upward revision in earnings estimates drives the stock price higher.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool - the Zacks Rank - harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions and serves as an effective indicator of a stock's near-term price performance.

Fastenal currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), indicating that it could outperform the broader market in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

A Review of Fastenal's Recent Stock Market PerformanceOver the past month, the stock has lost 0.9% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's 0.6% increase. The Zacks Industrial Products sector, of which Fastenal is a part, has declined 2.5% over the same period. The company's shares have increased 1.8% over the past three months compared to the S&P 500's 5% increase. Over the same period, the sector has risen 1.1%

Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - Xperi Inc. (NYSE: XPER): Stonegate Capital Partners Initiates Coverage on Xperi Inc. (NYSE: XPER). Xperi's 1Q26 results increased confidence that its earnings inflection is underway. Topline benefited from earlier contract signings in Consumer Electronics and Connected Car, but the more meaningful change was the cost base as adjusted operating expense fell 14%, lifting adjusted EBITDA margin to 22.1% from 14.4%. Management said first-quarter expenses are a fair run rate, giving the Company room to translate Media Platform growth into earnings without relying on further large cost actions. TiVo One's expanding audience is beginning to support advertising revenue, reinforcing the shift toward post-deployment monetization. We are keeping our eye on TiVo One ARPU, the second-half advertising ramp, and the first AutoStage data licenses as markers of continued progress.

To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here.

Key Takeaways:

The cost reset materially improves earnings visibility: A 14% reduction in adjusted operating expense establishes a lower run-rate cost base and supports sustained operating leverage toward the 17%-19% EBITDA margin target.

Media Platform is emerging as the core growth and mix driver: TiVo One audience growth, expanding advertising demand, and broader programmatic capabilities support a higher-quality, recurring monetization model.

Execution milestones should drive the next leg of the story: TiVo One ARPU expansion, the second-half advertising ramp, and initial AutoStage data licensing are the key catalysts for earnings upside and multiple expansion.

Click image above to view full announcement.

About Stonegate

Stonegate Capital Partners is a leading capital markets advisory firm providing investor relations, equity research, and institutional investor outreach services for public companies. Our affiliate, Stonegate Capital Markets (member FINRA) provides a full spectrum of investment banking, equity research and capital raising for public and private companies.

Source: Stonegate, Inc.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/305770

Source: Stonegate, Inc.

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Key Takeaways ALGN is set to report Q2 2026 results on July 29, with revenues expected to grow 3.9% year over year. ALGN's Clear Aligner segment is expected to benefit from higher volumes across regions and patient groups.Align Technology's digital tools, scanner adoption and ART pilot may support second-quarter revenue growth. Align Technology, Inc. (ALGN - Free Report) is set to release second-quarter 2026 results on July 29, after the closing bell.

In the last reported quarter, the company posted adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.58, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 14.16%. Align Technology beat on earnings in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, the average surprise being 7.80%.

ALGN’s Q2 EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.05 billion, which suggests 3.9% growth from the year-ago reported figure.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pinned at $2.56 per share, which implies a 2.8% rise from the year-ago recorded actuals.

Estimate Revision Trend Ahead of ALGN’s Q2 EarningsEstimates for second-quarter earnings have remained unchanged at $2.56 per share in the past 30 days.

Here’s a brief overview of the company’s performance leading up to this announcement.

Factors Shaping ALGN’s Q2 PerformanceClear Aligner

The segment is likely to have benefited from higher Clear Aligner volumes, with particular strength across the EMEA, APAC and Latin America, with continued stability in North America. Both orthodontists and GP dentist channels may have seen volume growth, driven by growth across adults, teens and growing kids. From a product standpoint, it is likely to have seen strong contributions from Invisalign First and the Invisalign Palatal Expander with Mandibular Advancement with Occlusal Blocks. 

Dental and orthodontic service organizations (DSOs) must have remained a key, scalable growth channel in the to-be-reported quarter, with continued strong progress across all major regions. Meanwhile, the doctor subscription program (DSP), which includes retention, touch-up and relapse cases, is expected to have maintained strong momentum during the quarter. 

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Clear Aligner revenues indicates 6.3% year-over-year growth.

Align Technology, Inc. Price and EPS SurpriseImaging Systems & CAD/CAM Services (Systems and Services)

Within this segment, revenues are likely to have benefited from higher volumes across all regions and continued adoption of iTero Lumina scanner. In the first quarter, the total installed base of active scanners exceeded 125,000 globally. We expect this trend to have continued in the to-be-reported quarter as well. 

exocad achieved strong revenue growth, reinforcing the company’s strategy to integrate orthodontics and restorative dentistry within a customer and patient-centric digital platform. We expect this trend to have persisted in the second quarter as well. Following the successful launch of Invisalign Advanced Restorative Treatment (ART) pilot in the EMEA, Align recently began an Invisalign ART pilot in the United States with labs and doctors beginning training in several markets. We expect the development to have contributed to the company’s top-line growth. 

The company’s growing suite of digital diagnostic tools, including Align Oral Health Suite and Align X-ray Insights, helps doctors identify conditions earlier and deliver clearer, more informed treatment recommendations. We expect all these tools to have positively impacted Align Technology’s revenues in the second quarter.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the segment’s revenues implies a decrease of 5.5% on a year-over-year basis.

What Our Quantitative Model Predicts for ALGNPer our proven model, stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), along with a positive Earnings ESP, have a higher chance of beating estimates. However, this is not the case here, as you can see below:

Earnings ESP: Align Technology has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Stocks Worth a LookHere are some medical stocks worth considering, as these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time around:

Hinge Health Inc. (HNGE - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +4.24% and a Zacks Rank #1. The company is expected to release second-quarter 2026 results soon.

In the trailing four quarters, HINGE delivered an average surprise of 179.54%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter EPS implies a decrease of 11.9% from the year-ago quarter’s figure.

Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +40.60% and a Zacks Rank #1 at present. The company is expected to release second-quarter 2026 results soon.

NBIX’s earnings surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in one, the average surprise being 9.08%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s second-quarter EPS calls for an increase of 112.3% from the year-ago quarter’s figure.

West Pharmaceutical Services (WST - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.09% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. The company is slated to release second-quarter 2026 results on July 23. 

WST’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 19.37%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WST’s second-quarter EPS implies a rise of 13% from the year-ago reported figure.

Key Takeaways ROP is expected to report Q2 revenues of $2.10 billion, up 7.9%, with adjusted EPS of $5.29.ROP may benefit from SaaS demand, GenAI solutions and recurring revenues across software units.ROP's Subsplash acquisition may aid revenues, while high costs and a stronger U.S. dollar remain headwinds. Roper Technologies, Inc. (ROP - Free Report) is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 results on July 23, before market open.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Roper Technologies’ second-quarter earnings has remained steady in the past 30 days. The company has an impressive earnings surprise history, having outperformed the consensus estimate in each of the preceding four quarters, with an average surprise of 1.7%.

The consensus estimate for the company’s revenues is pegged at $2.10 billion, indicating growth of 7.9% from the prior-year quarter’s figure. The consensus estimate for adjusted earnings is pinned at $5.29 per share, indicating 8.6% growth from the year-ago quarter’s number.

Let’s see how things have shaped up for Roper Technologies this earnings season.

Factors to Note Ahead of ROP’s Q2 ResultsROP’s Application Software segment’s second-quarter performance is expected to have benefited from strength across its Aderant, Deltek, Vertafore, PowerPlan and CentralReach businesses. The growing adoption of SaaS solutions and continued GenAI innovation are likely to have been key catalysts to Aderant's business growth. The Deltek business is likely to have gained from the strong demand for SaaS solutions in the private sector.

The Vertafore business is anticipated to have performed well, driven by excellent enterprise delivery capabilities to the large customers in the market. The adoption of new SaaS solutions, along with strong customer retention, is expected to drive the PowerPlan business’ results. Strength in the CentralReach business, driven by higher recurring revenues, is expected to have acted as a tailwind for the segment. For the second quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the Application Software segment’s revenues is pegged at $1.18 billion, indicating an 8.1% increase from the year-ago reported number.

Roper Technologies’ Network Software segment is expected to have benefited from strong momentum across alternate site healthcare, construction and freight match markets. Solid demand for Gen AI-powered solutions within the ConstructConnect business is likely to have driven the segment. Increased average revenue per user (ARPU), driven by a rise in product packaging and continued customer cross-sell activity, is likely to have supported the DAT business. Strength in SoftWriters and Subsplash businesses is also likely to have aided the segment. For the second quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the segment’s revenues is pegged at $437 million, indicating a 13.5% rise on a year-over-year basis.

The performance of the Technology Enabled Products segment is likely to have been driven by continued demand for ultrasonic meters and rising demand for cloud-based data and billing software solutions. Solid momentum in the Verathon and NDI businesses, supported by strength across single-use BFlex & GlideScope offerings and cardiac, neurology & orthopedic precision measurement solutions, is likely to have been another tailwind. However, softness in the water meter technology business is expected to have put up a weak show in the quarter. For the second quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the segment’s revenues is pegged at $159 million, indicating a 3% decline from the year-ago reported number.

Nevertheless, ROP has remained focused on expanding its product offerings and market presence through buyouts, which is expected to have boosted its top line. In July 2025, Roper Technologies acquired Subsplash, a provider of cloud-based solutions. The inclusion of Subsplash’s modern technology platform, strong recurring revenue base and software-led payments capability is expected to aid ROP’s second-quarter results.

However, rising operating costs, owing to higher costs related to the amortization of acquired assets, are expected to have affected the company’s bottom line.

Also, given Roper Technologies’ extensive geographic presence, its operations are exposed to foreign exchange headwinds. A stronger U.S. dollar is likely to have hurt its overseas business.

Earnings WhisperOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for ROP this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is not the case here, as elaborated below.

Earnings ESP: Roper Technologies has an Earnings ESP of -0.22% as the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $5.29 per share, higher than the Most Accurate Estimate of $5.28. You can uncover the best stocks before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: ROP presently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.

Stocks With the Favorable CombinationHere are three companies, which according to our model, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this season.

Vertiv (VRT - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +3.28% and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. The company is slated to release second-quarter 2026 results on July 29. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Vertiv’s earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being a negative 14.7%.

EPAM Systems, Inc. (EPAM - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.23% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 6.

EPAM Systems’ earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the preceding four quarters, the average surprise being 3.8%.

Leidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +3.54% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present. The company is slated to release second-quarter 2026 results on Aug. 4.

Leidos’ earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the preceding four quarters, the average surprise being 13.8%.

JetBlue Airways has won Spirit Airlines slots at New York's LaGuardia Airport and is looking to move back into the failed budget carrier's old home, a major reshuffling at the congested airport less than three months after the discounter collapsed in the biggest U.S. airline failure in decades.

The slots at the tightly controlled airport are for 12 round-trip flights and are still subject to final court and regulatory approvals, JetBlue said.

Slots and gates are valuable in congested airports like LaGuardia because tight airspace restrictions and crowded airports in a big city like New York cap airline growth.

Carriers have turned to using larger planes that fit more passengers to boost their capacity in some cases because infrastructure is so limited.

JetBlue told staff in a note Monday, which was seen by CNBC, that it's now turning to "evaluating our plans for the slots as we consider opportunities for our network strategy" noting that any expansion won't happen until 2027.

According to the note, JetBlue wants to move to Terminal A, also known as the Marine Air Terminal, an Art Deco facility that Spirit operated out of until it shut down in early May. JetBlue previously operated out of the space before relocating to a newer terminal years ago.

"It's a convenient terminal travelers love," JetBlue said of the Marine Air Terminal.

Read more CNBC airline newsDelta launches ‘basic business’ fares without lounge access, seat selectionRecord heat, crowds drive offseason boom in international travelDelta expects higher airfare to last, bringing 2026 profit goal in reach'Bring 'em on': Delta wants United's crown over the Pacific, tooSpirit's collapse, high fuel prices test limits of summer vacation spendingMeet the pilots flying Spirit Airlines' yellow jets to the desertThe New York-based airline, which is in the midst of a big expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, last month said it would reduce its staffing footprint at LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and ramp up service in Fort Lauderdale.

The carrier didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Spirit's airport assets are now winding their way through U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.

watch now

Key Takeaways NTAP's Public Cloud revenue grew 11% in Q4 fiscal 2026, led by first-party and marketplace services.NetApp expanded AI cloud use cases, helping customers scale secure hybrid and multi-cloud deployments.NTAP expects enterprise IT spending and AI adoption to sustain cloud storage demand in fiscal 2027. NetApp, Inc. (NTAP - Free Report) is benefiting from rising demand for public cloud services as enterprises continue expanding their cloud environments and increasing AI adoption. The company’s Public Cloud business maintained strong momentum in fiscal 2026, supported by growing demand for hyperscaler first-party and marketplace storage services. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Public Cloud revenue increased 11% year over year to $182 million, while excluding the prior-year contribution from the divested Spot business, revenue grew 18%. Management attributed this performance to strong demand for first-party and marketplace storage services, reflecting customers’ continued adoption of NetApp’s cloud offerings.

For fiscal 2026, Public Cloud revenue reached $688 million. Management stated that first-party and marketplace cloud services grew 30% during the year, driven by increasing demand from both new and existing customers that are extending NetApp’s capabilities deeper into their cloud environments. Customers are using NetApp to simplify and scale hybrid and multi-cloud deployments through unified data management capabilities that provide operational consistency and agility.

The company also noted that its expanding cloud portfolio is creating new opportunities across AI and additional industry verticals. Examples include an insurance company connecting Azure Databricks directly to data stored in Azure NetApp Files for secure financial risk modeling and data science, and an engineering company deploying a GenAI chatbot on AWS using FSx for NetApp ONTAP to enable secure, permission-aware access to data while reducing operational overhead.

Management also emphasized the profitability of the Public Cloud business, with fourth-quarter gross margin reaching 85.7%, driven by continued margin expansion. The company believes that continued growth in Public Cloud can provide additional earnings leverage as the business becomes a larger part of the overall revenue mix.

NetApp’s fiscal 2027 outlook assumes continued momentum in enterprise IT spending alongside increasing AI activity. Management expects these trends to support cloud use cases that connect governed enterprise data with AI and analytics services while sustaining strong demand for first-party and marketplace cloud storage services.

Taking a Look at NTAP’s CompetitorsSeagate Technology Holdings plc (STX - Free Report) is strengthening its position in cloud infrastructure as hyperscale customers continue expanding AI-driven data center capacity. In the March quarter, cloud demand helped data center revenue rise 55% year over year to $2.5 billion, accounting for 80% of total revenues. The company is accelerating the rollout of its Mozaic platform, with shipments reaching 75% of leading global cloud customers and full qualification expected soon. Its HAMR-based high-capacity drives provide a cost- and power-efficient solution for large-scale cloud storage, while long-term supply agreements, build-to-order contracts and sustained hyperscaler investments support strong demand and revenue visibility through 2028 and beyond.

Western Digital Corporation (WDC - Free Report) is strengthening its cloud storage business by delivering high-capacity HDD technologies that support the rapid expansion of AI and hyperscale data centers. The company is working closely with leading cloud providers, shipping 222 exabytes in the quarter, up 34% year over year, while accelerating adoption of its ePMR, UltraSMR and upcoming HAMR technologies. It has secured firm purchase orders with its top seven customers through 2026 and multi-year agreements extending into 2028. Western Digital also continues qualifying next-generation HDDs and PCIe Gen5 data center SSDs with major cloud companies, positioning it to benefit from sustained cloud infrastructure investments.

NTAP Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of NetApp have gained 3.8% in the past month against the Computer-Storage Devices industry’s decline of 36.9%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Regarding the price/book ratio, NTAP is trading at 23.77, higher than the sector’s multiple of 15.11.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NTAP’s earnings for fiscal 2027 has been revised upward over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

NTAP currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways Blackstone's Q2 revenues are estimated at $3.34 billion, up 8.7% year over year.BX's total AUM is projected to rise 10.2% to $1.34 trillion, supported by higher inflows.Blackstone estimated realization revenues topped $500 million from April 1 through June 23. Blackstone (BX - Free Report) is scheduled to announce second-quarter 2026 results on July 23, before the opening bell. As the world’s leading alternative asset manager, the company's results are likely to be closely watched for insights into how it and its peers deployed capital amid macroeconomic volatility.

In the first quarter, BX delivered a decent performance, with assets under management (AUM) and revenue growth despite private credit concerns. This time, the company is expected to have recorded a similar performance. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $3.34 billion, which implies an 8.7% year-over-year improvement.

In the past seven days, the consensus estimate for the company’s earnings has been revised 1.5% lower to $1.31. This indicates 8.3% growth.

Estimate Revision Trend
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

BX has an impressive earnings surprise history. The company’s earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average beat being 12.63%.

Earnings Surprise History
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Major Factors to Impact BX’s Q2 EarningsBlackstone has been recording an increase in fee-earning AUM and total AUM on the back of its diversified product and revenue mix, superior position in the alternative investments space and net inflows. Given the high market volatility and increased client activity in the second quarter, the company is expected to have witnessed a rise in the AUM balance as inflows grew. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for total AUM of $1.34 trillion indicates growth of 10.2% from the prior-year quarter. The consensus estimate for total fee-earning AUM of $962.3 billion suggests a rise of 8.5%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for total management and advisory fees (segment revenues) is pegged at $2.12 billion, which indicates a 5.2% increase. The consensus estimate for fee-related performance revenues (segment revenues) of $514.7 suggests a jump 9% because of robust market performance during the second quarter.

Additionally, Blackstone expects profits from deal exits to have been solid in the to-be-reported quarter. Per the company’s preliminary estimate, revenues from realization activities were more than $500 million between April 1 and June 23, 2026.

 The consensus estimate for realized performance revenues and realized principal investment income is pegged at $705.7 million and $40.1 million, respectively. In the second quarter of 2025, Blackstone generated $553.1 million of realized performance revenues and $29.4 million of principal investment income.

Blackstone’s expenses have been increasing over the past few years, mainly because of higher general, administrative and other expenses. As the company has continued to invest in franchises, expenses are expected to have risen to some extent in the second quarter.

What Our Model Unveils for BlackstonePer our proven model, the chances of Blackstone beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings this time are high. This is because it has the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold), which is required to be confident of an earnings beat.

BX has an Earnings ESP of +0.16%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Blackstone carries a Zacks Rank #3 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

BX’s Price PerformanceBlackstone shares have gained 2.3% in the second quarter compared with the industry’s rally of 4%. The stock has underperformed Apollo Global (APO - Free Report) , but outpaced KKR & Co. (KKR - Free Report) .

2Q26 BX Price Performance
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Apollo Global is slated to report quarterly results on Aug. 4, before the opening bell, while KKR & Co. is scheduled to report results on July 30.

Over the past seven days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Apollo Global’s second-quarter 2026 earnings has been unchanged at $2.21. The consensus estimate for KKR & Co.’s second-quarter 2026 earnings has been revised upward to $1.43 over the past week. At present, both APO and KKR also carry a Zacks Rank #3.

In its upcoming report, CME Group (CME - Free Report) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $2.92 per share, reflecting a decline of 1.4% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $1.68 billion, representing a year-over-year decrease of 0.5%.

The current level reflects a downward revision of 0.7% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days. This demonstrates how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reappraised their initial projections over this period.

Prior to a company's earnings release, it is of utmost importance to factor in any revisions made to the earnings projections. These revisions serve as a critical gauge for predicting potential investor behaviors with respect to the stock. Empirical studies consistently reveal a strong link between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as indicators of quarterly business performance, exploring analysts' projections for specific key metrics can offer valuable insights.

With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some CME metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street.

According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Revenues- Other' should come in at $114.67 million. The estimate indicates a change of +8.3% from the prior-year quarter.

Analysts expect 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees- Energy' to come in at $192.96 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -11.2%.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees- Metals' will reach $87.14 million. The estimate suggests a change of +2.4% year over year.

Analysts predict that the 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees' will reach $1.36 billion. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -1.7%.

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Revenues- Clearing and transaction fees- Interest rates' of $440.14 million. The estimate indicates a change of -4.7% from the prior-year quarter.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Average daily volume' should arrive at 30.30 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 30.22 million.

It is projected by analysts that the 'Average daily volume- Metals' will reach 1.05 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 943.00 thousand in the same quarter last year.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Average daily volume- Interest rates' reaching 14.96 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 15.47 million.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Average daily volume- Equity indexes' at 8.47 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 7.66 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

The consensus estimate for 'Average daily volume- Foreign exchange' stands at 1.01 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 1.10 million.

Analysts forecast 'Average daily volume- Energy' to reach 2.78 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 3.08 million.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Average daily volume- Agricultural commodities' will likely reach 2.03 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 1.96 million in the same quarter last year.

View all Key Company Metrics for CME here>>>

Shares of CME have experienced a change of -0.5% in the past month compared to the +0.6% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. With a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), CME is expected to underperform the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

Key Takeaways ConocoPhillips agreed to terms to acquire a 42% stake in BP's unit redeveloping four Iraqi oil fields.The $25 billion project covers fields with more than 3 billion boe of initial gross recoverable resources.Existing production lowers execution risk, while exploration upside may support long-term growth. ConocoPhillips (COP - Free Report) , a leading U.S.-based exploration and production player, has announced that it has agreed to acquire a 42% stake in BP Energy Company of Kirkuk Limited (BP ECKL), a subsidiary of the British energy major BP plc (BP - Free Report) . The subsidiary is involved in the redevelopment of four large oil fields with producing wells in the Kirkuk region of Iraq. Through this partnership, COP will support the ongoing redevelopment efforts for these oil fields. The announcement mentioned that the agreement is anticipated to be signed during Iraq’s Prime Minister al-Zaidi's visit to Washington, D.C., in the United States.

BP ECKL operates under the Development and Production Contract (DPC), which enables it to develop and produce oil from the prominent Baba and Avanah domes of the Kirkuk oil field. The DPC also covers the Bai Hassan, Jambur and Khabbaz oil fields, all of which are currently producing. These fields have an estimated initial gross recoverable resource surpassing 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe), highlighting significant resource potential.

The companies intend to recover these reserves via rehabilitation and upgradation of existing field infrastructure, redevelopment activities and optimization of field operations to improve efficiency. The joint venture project at the giant Kirkuk oil field is estimated to cost around $25 billion.

In addition to raising output from the existing fields, the contract area has exploration potential, suggesting the region may contain untapped oil and gas resources that could be developed later, supporting long-term production growth. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, pending necessary regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

COP believes that the oil fields included in this project are high-quality assets capable of generating attractive returns. The company’s CEO noted that this redevelopment opportunity aligns with ConocoPhillips’ disciplined approach to capital allocation, while providing exposure to a high-quality, long-life and large asset base that can benefit the company. The project leverages an existing production base, making it capital-efficient, while reducing execution risk and enabling it to generate returns faster. The deal will expand the company’s international portfolio of assets and is expected to boost its total production in the future. The company noted that the redevelopment of these large, established oilfields meets its low cost of supply criteria, while offering exploration upside.

Zacks Rank & Key PicksConocoPhillips and BP currently carry a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Some better-ranked stocks from the energy sector are Par Pacific Holdings (PARR - Free Report) and Valero Energy (VLO - Free Report) . While Par Pacific currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Valero Energy carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.

Par Pacific Holdings operates an integrated downstream energy business across the United States, with fuel retail operations in Hawaii, Washington and Idaho, refining operations in Hawaii, Wyoming, Washington and Montana, and a supporting logistics network. Its refineries have a combined crude oil throughput capacity of 219,000 barrels per day and produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, marine fuels, asphalt and other petroleum products.

Valero Energy is a leading refining player with a robust network of 14 refineries located across the United States, Canada and Peru. The company has a combined high-complexity throughput capacity of 3 million barrels per day, which distinguishes it from other independent refiners. Valero’s refineries have a combined Nelson Complexity Index of 11.5, which implies that they can process a wide variety of feedstocks, convert it into higher-value products and shift product yields according to market conditions.

Key Takeaways Otis is expected to post higher Q2 sales, driven by Service growth and modernization demand.OTIS may face lower earnings from labor, material, tariff and geopolitical cost pressures.OTIS' Q2 EPS estimate slipped to $1.00, while revenues are projected to rise 3.5% year over year. Otis Worldwide Corporation (OTIS - Free Report) is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 22, before the opening bell.

In the last reported quarter, the company’s earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.2%, while net sales topped it by 2%. On a year-over-year basis, the bottom line declined 3.3%, while the top line grew 6.4%.

OTIS’ earnings surpassed the consensus mark in two of the trailing four quarters, missed on one occasion and met on the remaining occasion, with an average surprise of 1.4%.

How Are Estimates Placed for OTIS Stock?For the second quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share (EPS) has trended downward to $1.00 from $1.01 in the past 30 days. The estimated figure indicates a 4.8% decline from the year-ago adjusted EPS of $1.05.

The consensus mark for net sales is pegged at $3.72 billion, indicating 3.5% growth from the year-ago figure of $3.6 billion.

Key Factors to Note for OTIS’ Q2 EarningsSales

Otis’ second-quarter top line is likely to have gained year over year, driven by the increased contributions from the Service segment (which contributed 67.8% to first-quarter 2026 net sales). The Service segment is expected to have gained due to favorable market trends for maintenance and repair demand, alongside an improvement in the modernization business. The company’s focus on its modernization strategy has been boding well for its prospects and is likely to have added incremental value to its orders and backlog during the quarter, thus boosting the top line.

Besides, the company’s investments in digital connectivity and product innovation are likely to have added to the top-line growth. Recent initiatives like Otis ROBUST and Viva Solutions, alongside major investments in WeMaintain, an AI-enabled service provider, support long-term differentiation and higher-value service opportunities for OTIS.

However, weak performance in the New Equipment segment (which contributed 32.2% to first-quarter 2026 net sales) is likely to have restricted the top-line growth to some extent during the second quarter due to ongoing demand softness and pricing pressure, mainly in China and the broader Asia Pacific region.

For the second quarter, our Zacks model predicts the Service segment’s net sales to increase year over year by 7.5% to $2.49 billion, with the New Equipment segment’s net sales declining 2.5% to $1.24 billion.

Margins

The bottom line of OTIS is expected to have decreased in the second quarter due to elevated labor and material costs, investments in field and sales resources, and an unfavorable portfolio mix toward lower-value units. Ongoing tariff uncertainties, shipment delays linked to geopolitical issues, project delays in the Middle East and growing inflationary pressures are likely to have been taking a toll on OTIS’ margins and profitability structure.

Although through the UpLift transformation, Otis continues to enhance operating efficiency and cost structure, the current macro headwinds are pulling back near-term profitability prospects.

We expect the adjusted operating margin in the Service and New Equipment segments to contract 100 basis points (bps) and 180 bps year over year to 23.9% and 3.5%, respectively.

Moreover, the selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses in the quarter are likely to have increased due to annual wage increases, higher costs from organizational initiatives, costs supporting ongoing operational execution and the impacts from foreign exchange. For the to-be-reported quarter, our model expects SG&A expenses to increase year over year by 4.3% to $520.6 million.

What Our Model Unveils for OTISOur proven model does not predict an earnings beat for Otis this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. However, it is not the case here.

OTIS’ Earnings ESP: The company has an Earnings ESP of -0.57%. You can uncover the best stocks before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

OTIS’ Zacks Rank: Currently, the stock carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Stocks With the Favorable CombinationHere are some stocks from the Zacks Industrial Products sector, which per our model, have the right combination of elements to deliver an earnings beat this time around.

Crane Company (CR - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +4.73% and a Zacks Rank of 2.

 Crane’s earnings topped the consensus mark in all of the last four quarters, with the average surprise being 11.3%. Earnings for the company’s second quarter of 2026 are expected to grow 11.4% year over year.

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (GWW - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +2.50% and a Zacks Rank of 2.

 Grainger’s earnings topped the consensus mark in three of the last four quarters and missed on the remaining occasion, with the average surprise being 4.2%. Earnings for the company’s second quarter of 2026 are expected to increase 13.1% year over year.

 Caterpillar Inc. (CAT - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +3.82% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

 Caterpillar’s earnings topped the consensus mark in three of the last four quarters and missed on the remaining occasion, with the average surprise being 9.6%. Earnings for the company’s second quarter of 2026 are expected to grow 32.4% year over year.

Key Takeaways United Rentals is expected to post higher Q2 revenues, driven by rental demand and specialty growth.URI is likely to benefit from higher fleet productivity and rate management despite inflationary costs.URI's Q2 EPS is projected to rise 11.5%, while revenues are expected to increase 7.3% year over year. United Rentals, Inc. (URI - Free Report) is scheduled to report its second-quarter 2026 results on July 22, after market close.

In the last reported quarter, the company’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) and total revenues topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.8% and 2.9%, respectively. Also, year over year, the metrics grew 9.6% and 7.2%, respectively.

URI’s earnings surpassed estimates in one of the trailing four quarters and missed on the other three occasions, with a negative average surprise of 1.5%.

How are Estimates Placed for URI Stock?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter EPS has inched down to $11.67 from $11.68 in the past seven days. However, the estimated figure indicates an 11.5% increase from the year-ago quarter’s earnings of $10.47 per share.

The consensus estimate for total revenues is pegged at $4.23 billion, indicating growth of 7.3% from the prior-year quarter’s level.

Factors at Play for United Rentals’ Q2 ResultsRevenues

The top-line performance of United Rentals is expected to have grown year over year from favorable secular trends in non-residential construction, infrastructure modernization, power, manufacturing, mining and data center development. These are likely to have resulted in healthy equipment rental demand, thus boosting the contributions from the General Rentals business segment (which contributed 67.3% to first-quarter 2026 total revenues) and the Specialty business segment (which contributed 32.7% to first-quarter 2026 total revenues).

Specialty rentals, which offer higher margins and remain central to United Rentals’ expansion strategy, are expected to have supported revenue growth both organically and through cold starts that added capacity in new markets. The company has also broadened its presence through strategic acquisitions and the introduction of new products, further strengthening the specialty offerings and market reach.

Moreover, URI’s extensive and diverse fleet allows it to manage its rental fleet through a life-cycle approach that focuses on satisfying customer demand and optimizing utilization levels. This business approach is expected to have enabled the company to serve large customers that require a wide range of equipment. Also, acquisitions and joint ventures are likely to have catalyzed the growth trends in the to-be-reported quarter.

For the second quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues from General Rentals and Specialty business segments is pegged at $2.82 billion and $1.41 billion, reflecting year-over-year growth of 4.7% and 13.2%, respectively. The consensus mark for revenues from equipment rentals is expected to increase to $3.67 billion from $3.42 billion reported a year ago.

Earnings & Margins

United Rentals is expected to report year-over-year bottom-line growth in the second quarter, attributable to higher fleet productivity and disciplined rate management. These factors, along with continued cost control, are likely to have contributed to improved profitability and earnings performance.

 Although inflationary pressures and elevated delivery costs are likely to have partly offset these gains, the ongoing in-house initiatives by URI and elevated top-line leverage are expected to have more than overpowered the headwinds.

The consensus estimates for equipment rentals gross profit under the General Rentals and Specialty business segments are pegged at $846 million and $590 million, indicating year-over-year growth from $796 million and $525 million, respectively.

What the Zacks Model Indicates for URIOur proven model conclusively predicts an earnings beat for United Rentals this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat.

URI’s Earnings ESP: URI has an Earnings ESP of +1.39%. You can uncover the best stocks before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank of URI: The company currently has a Zacks Rank of 2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Other Stocks Poised to Beat EarningsHere are some other companies in the Zacks Construction sector, which according to our model, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat.

Boise Cascade Company (BCC - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +6.50% and a Zacks Rank of 1 at present.

Boise Cascade’s earnings beat estimates in two of the last four quarters, missed on one occasion and met on the remaining occasion, the average surprise being 40.8%. The company’s earnings for the second quarter of 2026 are expected to decline 25% year over year.

Dycom Industries, Inc. (DY - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.47% and a Zacks Rank of 1.

Dycom’s earnings beat estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 25%. The company’s earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2027 are expected to increase 39.3% year over year.

CRH plc (CRH - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +4.08% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

CRH’s earnings beat estimates in two of the last four quarters, missed on one occasion and met on the remaining occasion, the average surprise being 0.7%. The company’s earnings for the second quarter of 2026 are expected to inch up 1% year over year.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP is investigating potential securities violations against The Ensign Group, Inc. ("Ensign" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: ENSG).

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INVESTIGATION

If you are an Ensign investor and have suffered losses, or if you have information that could assist in the Ensign investigation, you may CLICK HERE to contact us. You may also contact Kaplan Fox by emailing [email protected] or by calling (646) 315-9003.

On June 8, 2026, Hunterbrook Media published a report entitled "Ensign: The Nursing Home Empire Built On Fatal Neglect." The report alleges that "Ensign's business model relies on delivering inadequate care to patients while gaming data on quality, according to Hunterbrook's five-month investigation." The report further alleges "[f]ormer employees in different states described systematic misrepresentations."

Following this news, the price of Ensign stock fell $13.88 per share, or 8.15%, to close at $156.42 per share on June 8, 2026.

WHY CONTACT KAPLAN FOX?

Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP is a nationally recognized law firm focused on complex litigation, with offices in New York, Oakland, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Jersey. Founded in 1956, the firm has spent more than 50 years prosecuting securities, antitrust, and consumer protection actions in federal and state courts nationwide, recovering more than $10 billion for clients and the classes it has represented.

Kaplan Fox is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier plaintiffs' securities litigation firms and has received recognition from Chambers and Partners, Benchmark Litigation, Super Lawyers, and Lawdragon. Serving as lead or co-lead counsel in many landmark cases, the firm has secured some of the largest recoveries in the history of securities litigation, including a $2.425 billion recovery on behalf of Bank of America shareholders in In re Bank of America-the largest recovery ever obtained for claims under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act-$800 million recovered for the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System and other pension funds in ATRS v. Allianz Global Investors, and a $475 million settlement in In re Merrill Lynch.

For decades, Kaplan Fox has represented public pension funds, institutional investors, businesses, and individuals in high-stakes litigation. Through its successful advocacy and precedent-setting victories, the firm has helped shape important areas of securities and corporate law while advancing accountability and protecting investor interests.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

If you have any questions about this investigation, please contact:

Contacting or submitting information to Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor an obligation on the part of Kaplan Fox to retain you as a client.

https://www.kaplanfox.com/case/the-ensign-group-inc-class-action-alert-learn-more-now/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/305766

Source: Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP

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

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 27, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.46 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +37.7%.

Revenues are expected to be $198.31 million, up 13.7% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Bank of Hawaii?For Bank of Hawaii, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +1.37%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4.

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Bank of Hawaii would post earnings of $1.33 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.30, delivering a surprise of -2.26%.

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

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

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

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

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerFirst Hawaiian (FHB - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Banks - West industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $0.6 for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of +3.5%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $227.91 million, up 4.8% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for First Hawaiian has been revised 1.3% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.84%.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), suggests that First Hawaiian will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

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

Key Takeaways FIVE integrated premium products into core categories after eliminating the standalone Five Beyond section.FIVE pairs simpler pricing with stronger merchandising, in-stock levels and seasonal product showcases.FIVE posted 22.7% growth in comparable sales in Q1 fiscal 2026, with 15 of 18 departments growing. Five Below, Inc. (FIVE - Free Report) is making meaningful progress with its pricing simplification strategy, an initiative designed to create a more intuitive shopping experience while reinforcing its value proposition. Management believes that simpler pricing, paired with stronger merchandising, is making stores easier to navigate, boosting customer engagement and supporting sustainable long-term sales growth.

A major step in this effort was eliminating the standalone Five Beyond section. Instead of placing products priced above $5 in a separate area, the retailer now integrates them into the respective merchandise worlds. For example, a $35 floor mirror is displayed in the Room section rather than a dedicated premium space. Management said this better aligns with how customers shop, improves product visibility and has led to stronger performance for higher-priced merchandise.

The company has also streamlined its pricing architecture while staying true to its value roots. More than 80% of Five Below's assortment remains priced at $5 and below, while products above that level are introduced selectively and must deliver meaningful "wow value" through quality, functionality or trend appeal. Management noted that customers have embraced these offerings because they provide compelling value rather than simply carrying higher prices.

Pricing simplification is supported by broader store enhancements, including improved visual merchandising, stronger in-stock positions and six seasonal "curtain-up" moments that showcase curated product stories. These initiatives are making stores easier and more enjoyable to shop while encouraging customers to explore multiple merchandise categories during each visit.

The strategy is delivering tangible results. In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Five Below posted a 22.7% comparable sales increase, driven primarily by a 19% rise in transactions, with 15 of its 18 merchandising departments reporting positive comparable sales growth. Five Below expects fiscal 2026 comparable sales growth of 6-8%, reflecting management's confidence that its customer-centric initiatives, including pricing simplification, will continue supporting demand.

ULTA & BBWI’s Pricing Strategy vs. FIVEUlta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA - Free Report) is maintaining a balanced pricing strategy that emphasizes value without sacrificing its premium positioning. As consumers remain increasingly value-focused, Ulta Beauty is leveraging its broad assortment spanning mass and prestige brands, targeted promotions and personalized loyalty rewards to offer options for every budget. Rather than relying on broad discounting, Ulta Beauty is using data-driven offers and competitive pricing across its portfolio to strengthen customer engagement, protect merchandise margins and support long-term profitable growth.

Bath & Body Works, Inc. (BBWI - Free Report) is pursuing a disciplined pricing strategy centered on delivering stronger value through product innovation rather than deeper promotions. Bath & Body Works believes value extends beyond price, emphasizing higher-quality products, clearer consumer benefits and premium fragrance experiences to support pricing power. At the same time, Bath & Body Works is maintaining a promotional cadence similar to last year while focusing on innovation-led pricing, helping improve average unit retail without compromising brand equity or long-term profitability.

FIVE’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesFIVE shares have rallied 44.8% over the past year against the industry’s decline of 12.7%. 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, Five Below is trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 2.22X, up from the industry average of 1.57X. It has a Value Score of B.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Five Below’s fiscal 2026 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 35.1%, while the same for fiscal 2027 indicates an uptick of 9.9%. Estimates for fiscal 2026 and 2027 have been revised upward by 5 cents and 10 cents, respectively, over the past 30 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Five Below currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Key Takeaways SJM raised its quarterly dividend 2% to $1.12, marking 25 straight fiscal years of growth.SJM generated $1.2B in fiscal 2026 free cash flow, paid $465M in dividends and repaid $720M of debt.SJM balances investments, debt reduction and shareholder returns through disciplined capital allocation. The J.M. Smucker Co. (SJM - Free Report) continues to reinforce the shareholder-friendly capital allocation strategy, underscoring confidence in its cash-generating ability despite an evolving consumer and cost environment. The latest dividend hike also extends the company's long-standing record of rewarding investors.

The company announced a 2% increase in its quarterly dividend to $1.12 per common share from $1.10. The dividend will be paid on Sept. 1, 2026, to its shareholders of record as of Aug. 14. The latest increase marks the 25th consecutive fiscal year of dividend growth, highlighting SJM's consistent focus on returning capital to its shareholders through regular payouts.

The dividend announcement comes on the back of a year marked by solid cash generation. In fiscal 2026, The J.M. Smucker generated $1.5 billion in operating cash flow and $1.2 billion in free cash flow, while returning approximately $465 million to its shareholders through dividends. In fiscal 2026, the company also repaid $720 million of debt, reflecting a balanced approach toward strengthening its balance sheet while maintaining shareholder distributions.

Operationally, the business ended fiscal 2026 on a strong note. Fiscal fourth-quarter net sales increased 6% year over year to $2.3 billion, while adjusted earnings per share climbed 20% to $2.77. Growth was supported by pricing actions, resilient demand across key categories and improved profitability, leading to stronger operating cash flow. For fiscal 2027, SJM projects adjusted earnings per share of $9.75-$10.25 and approximately $1 billion in free cash flow, providing continued financial flexibility to support investments, debt reduction and shareholder returns.

Although fiscal 2027 sales are projected to decline 3-4% due to lower coffee pricing and softer volume/mix, the company's strong cash generation, disciplined debt reduction and consistent dividend growth underscore the resilience of its business model. The latest dividend increase reinforces confidence in SJM's ability to sustain shareholder returns while navigating commodity cost fluctuations and evolving consumer demand.

The J.M. Smucker’s Zacks Rank & Share Price PerformanceShares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 6.5% over the past year, outperforming the broader Consumer Staples sector’s growth of 1.3% and the industry’s decline of 21.7%. However, the figure is down from the S&P 500’s 21.2% growth during the same period.

SJM Stock's Past Year Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Is SJM a Value Play Stock?The J.M. Smucker currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 11.09, which is lower than the industry average of 14.62. This suggests the stock is trading at a modest discount relative to its peers.

SJM P/E Ratio (Forward 12 Months)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stocks to ConsiderUnited Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI - Free Report) distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. At present, United Natural sports a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The consensus estimate for United Natural’s current fiscal-year earnings implies growth of 254.9% from the year-ago figures. UNFI delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.9%, on average.

Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) manufactures and markets fresh deli-prepared foods in the United States. At present, MAMA holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). Mama's Creations delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 129.2%, on average.

The consensus estimate for Mama's Creations’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 30% and 73.3%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.

Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL - Free Report) develops, processes and distributes various meat, nuts and other food products to foodservice, convenience store and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. It carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. HRL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 3.2%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hormel Foods’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 1.4% and 9.5%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels.

Key Takeaways Zentalis advanced azenosertib with pivotal studies targeting cyclin E1-positive PROC.ZNTL expects DENALI enrollment completion and topline data by the end of 2026 to support approval efforts.Zentalis is expanding azenosertib into combination studies and additional tumor types, including TNBC. Zentalis Pharmaceuticals'(ZNTL - Free Report) shares have gained 28% over the past three months, fueled by investor optimism surrounding its lead oncology candidate, azenosertib.

Azenosertib Drives ZNTL's Ovarian Cancer PushAzenosertib is Zentalis’ potential first-in-class WEE1 inhibitor being developed as a biomarker-driven oral therapy for ovarian cancer and additional tumor types. Based on interim data from part 2a, which demonstrated a favorable benefit-risk profile, Zentalis selected the 400 mg once-daily, 5-days-on/2-days-off (400 mg QD 5:2) regimen in April as the pivotal dose for azenosertib monotherapy for its registration-intended DENALI phase II clinical program to treat patients with cyclin E1-positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC).

Management expects to complete enrollment across all DENALI part 2 cohorts and announce top-line data by the end of 2026, which could support an accelerated approval pathway, subject to positive data and FDA feedback.

Further supporting its regulatory strategy, Zentalis dosed the first patient in the phase III ASPENOVA confirmatory study in May. The study compares azenosertib monotherapy with the investigator's choice of standard-of-care chemotherapy in patients with cyclin E1-positive PROC and is designed to support the full FDA approval and potential global regulatory filings.

The FDA granted previously Fast Track Designation to azenosertib for the treatment of patients with cyclin E1-positive PROC.

Year to date, Zentalis shares have skyrocketed 278.5% compared with the industry’s 3% growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Broadening Pipeline Boosts ZNTL's ProspectsBeyond its pivotal monotherapy program, the ongoing multi-part phase Ib MUIR study is evaluating azenosertib-based combination therapies in ovarian cancer to expand the candidate's potential beyond monotherapy. While part one is assessing azenosertib in combination with multiple chemotherapy regimens in patients with PROC, the currently enrolling part two dose-expansion cohort is evaluating azenosertib plus bevacizumab as a maintenance therapy for patients with second-line platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer whose disease progressed during first-line PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy.

Encouraging preclinical data showed that azenosertib combinations demonstrated activity in ADC-resistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), supporting its expansion beyond ovarian cancer.

ZNTL’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderZentalis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX - Free Report) , Amarin Corporation (AMRN - Free Report) and Liquidia Corporation (LQDA - Free Report) , each currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Over the past 60 days, estimates for Neurocrine Biosciences’ 2026 earnings per share have risen from $9.15 to $9.44. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have increased from $10.23 to $10.79. NBIX shares have gained 20.5% year to date.

Neurocrine Biosciences’ earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, the average surprise being 9.08%.

Over the past 60 days, loss per share estimates for Amarin have narrowed from $6.36 to 65 cents for 2026. Over the same period, estimates for loss per share have also narrowed from $4.64 to 51 cents for 2027. AMRN shares have lost 0.1% year to date.

Amarin’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, the average surprise being 50.02%.

Over the past 60 days, estimates for Liquidia’s 2026 earnings per share have increased to $3.02 from $2.97. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have risen to $4.92 from $4.81. LQDA shares have soared 131.8% year to date.

Liquidia’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, the average surprise being 54.40%.

Wall Street analysts forecast that Deckers (DECK - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $0.88 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year decline of 5.4%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $1.02 billion, exhibiting an increase of 5.4% compared to the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This reflects how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reevaluated their initial estimates during this timeframe.

Before a company reveals its earnings, it is vital to take into account any changes in earnings projections. These revisions play a pivotal role in predicting the possible reactions of investors toward the stock. Multiple empirical studies have consistently shown a strong association between trends in earnings estimates and the short-term price movements of a stock.

While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.

That said, let's delve into the average estimates of some Deckers metrics that Wall Street analysts commonly model and monitor.

According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Net Sales by brand- HOKA brand wholesale- Total' should come in at $705.84 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +8.1%.

Analysts predict that the 'Net Sales by brand- Other brands wholesale- Total' will reach $36.66 million. The estimate indicates a change of -20.8% from the prior-year quarter.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Net Sales by brand- UGG brand wholesale- Total' at $278.20 million. The estimate indicates a change of +4.9% from the prior-year quarter.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Net Sales by brand- HOKA brand wholesale- Wholesale' will likely reach $465.60 million. The estimate points to a change of +7.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Net Sales by channel- Total Wholesale' reaching $677.09 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +3.8%.

Analysts forecast 'Net Sales by brand- UGG brand wholesale- Direct-to-Consumer' to reach $82.57 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +4.2%.

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Net Sales by channel- Direct-to-Consumer' of $327.80 million. The estimate suggests a change of +5% year over year.

The consensus estimate for 'Net Sales by brand- HOKA brand wholesale- Direct-to-Consumer' stands at $238.53 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +9%.

Analysts expect 'Net Sales by brand- UGG brand wholesale- Wholesale' to come in at $195.66 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +5.3%.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Net Sales by brand- Other brands wholesale- Direct-to-Consumer' should arrive at $10.07 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -28%.

The consensus among analysts is that 'Net Sales by location- International' will reach $512.38 million. The estimate indicates a change of +10.6% from the prior-year quarter.

It is projected by analysts that the 'Net Sales by location- Domestic' will reach $507.95 million. The estimate points to a change of +1.3% from the year-ago quarter.

View all Key Company Metrics for Deckers here>>>

Over the past month, shares of Deckers have returned -2.4% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.6% change. Currently, DECK carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), suggesting that it may outperform. the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

July 20, 2026 09:00 ET  | Source: Goosehead Insurance, Inc.

WESTLAKE, Texas, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goosehead Insurance, Inc. (“Goosehead” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: GSHD), a rapidly growing, independent personal lines insurance agency, today announced that the company will host a 2026 Investor Day at the Company's headquarters in Westlake on Friday, November 13, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. EST.

The event will include presentations from Goosehead’s executive leadership team outlining the company’s vision, long-term growth plans, and strategic priorities.

A live webcast and replay following the event will be available at Goosehead Investor Relations.

About Goosehead
Goosehead (NASDAQ: GSHD) is a rapidly growing and innovative independent personal lines insurance agency that distributes its products and services through corporate and franchise locations throughout the United States. Goosehead was founded on the premise that the consumer should be at the center of our universe and that everything we do should be directed at providing extraordinary value by offering broad product choice and a world-class service experience. Goosehead represents over 200 insurance companies that underwrite personal and commercial lines. For more information, please visit goosehead.com or goosehead.com/become-a-franchisee

Contacts
Investor Contact:
Maddie Middleton
Goosehead Insurance - Senior Director of Investor Relations
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

PR Contact:
Mission North for Goosehead Insurance
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]