Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Vulcan Materials (VMC - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact 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 29, 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 the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis construction materials company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.50 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +2%.
Revenues are expected to be $2.16 billion, up 2.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.61% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. 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 an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
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 Vulcan?For Vulcan, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.89%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Vulcan will beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. 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 Vulcan would post earnings of $1.12 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.35, delivering a surprise of +20.54%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two 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.
Vulcan 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.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Wall Street analysts expect Whirlpool (WHR - Free Report) to post quarterly earnings of $0.08 per share in its upcoming report, which indicates a year-over-year decline of 94%. Revenues are expected to be $3.61 billion, down 4.5% from the year-ago quarter.
Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted downward by 11.9% to its current level. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.
Ahead of a company's earnings disclosure, it is crucial to give due consideration to changes in earnings estimates. These revisions serve as a noteworthy factor in predicting potential investor reactions to the stock. Numerous empirical studies consistently demonstrate a strong relationship between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance 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.
Given this perspective, it's time to examine the average forecasts of specific Whirlpool metrics that are routinely monitored and predicted by Wall Street analysts.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Net Sales- Latin America Major Domestic Appliances' should come in at $907.50 million. The estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +12.6%.
Analysts predict that the 'Net Sales- North America Major Domestic Appliances' will reach $2.42 billion. The estimate indicates a change of -1.1% from the prior-year quarter.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Net Sales- Global Small Domestic Appliances' will reach $226.50 million. The estimate indicates a change of +12.7% from the prior-year quarter.
View all Key Company Metrics for Whirlpool here>>>
Shares of Whirlpool have demonstrated returns of +0.7% over the past month compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.3% change. With a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), WHR is expected to lag the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Harmony Biosciences (HRMY) was a big mover last session on higher-than-average trading volume. The latest trend in earnings estimate revisions might not help the stock continue moving higher in the near term.
Badger Meter's SEC Filings Warned of Generic Risks but Allegedly Failed to Disclose That "Short-Cycle" Demand Variability Was Already Eroding Revenue — Investors Lost Over $95 Per Share Across Three Corrective Disclosures
, /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP examines the adequacy of Badger Meter, Inc.'s (NYSE: BMI) risk disclosures during the period from April 18, 2024 through April 16, 2026. A securities class action has been filed alleging BMI shareholders were harmed by disclosures that omitted specific, known risks. Find out if you qualify to recover losses from inadequate disclosures. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or ☎(212) 363-7500.
BMI shares fell more than 24%, or $36.75 per share, on April 17, 2026, after the company acknowledged that "softer short-cycle municipal customer ordering" caused $15 million to $20 million in revenue shortfalls versus internal expectations. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 3, 2026.
What the Company Disclosed in SEC Filings
Throughout the Class Period, Badger Meter's SEC filings contained standard forward-looking statement disclaimers and boilerplate risk factor language. The company's safe harbor warnings accompanied earnings releases and conference call commentary in which executives described "ongoing favorable industry fundamentals," "secular growth drivers," and a "robust demand environment." These filings did not identify any specific, contemporaneous deterioration in short-cycle municipal ordering patterns or the revenue-depleting effects of order pull-forward practices, the complaint challenges.
What the Complaint Alleges Was Missing
The securities action contends that Badger Meter's disclosures omitted material information that was allegedly known internally:
Short-cycle demand variability "always existed" during 2023-2025 but was never disclosed as a specific risk to reported revenue trends Order pull-forward practices were allegedly inflating current-period results while depleting future revenue The company's backlog was masking weakening near-term order rates rather than reflecting durable demand Management's "high single-digit" growth guidance allegedly ignored internal data showing order deterioration Generic "project pacing" explanations in July 2025 and January 2026 allegedly substituted for specific disclosure of systemic demand weakness Why Generic Warnings May Not Protect
The complaint specifically alleges that Defendants' safe harbor warnings were "ineffective to shield those statements from liability" because, at the time each forward-looking statement was made, the speaker knew the statement was false or misleading. As pleaded in the action, when an executive admitted in April 2026 that short-cycle variability "has always existed, inclusive of [the] 2023 to 2025 time frame" but was "less visible" due to backlog conditions, that admission undercut years of public assurances that demand was "as solid as it's ever been."
The distinction matters: a company that discloses a generic risk that demand "may fluctuate" provides fundamentally different information than a company that specifically identifies an ongoing pattern already affecting reported financials. The complaint charges that Badger Meter's filings fell into the former category while internal reality demanded the latter.
"Generic risk factor language cannot substitute for disclosing specific, known problems that are already affecting a company's operations. When variability is described as something that 'always existed,' the question becomes why it was never specifically disclosed to shareholders who were making investment decisions based on reported growth rates." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Speak with an attorney about whether BMI's disclosures met legal standards or call (212) 363-7500.
LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: August 3, 2026
About Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP, Top 50 securities litigation firm (ISS, seven consecutive years). Over 70 professionals. Hundreds of millions recovered for investors.
Frequently Asked Questions About the BMI Lawsuit
Q: What specific misstatements does the BMI lawsuit allege? A: The complaint alleges Badger Meter made materially false or misleading statements regarding the drivers of its record financial results, demand durability, and growth outlook while failing to disclose that order pull-forward practices were concealing weakening short-cycle demand. When the true state was revealed through three corrective disclosures, the stock price declined sharply.
Q: When did Badger Meter allegedly mislead investors? A: The class period runs from April 18, 2024 to April 16, 2026. The alleged fraud was revealed through corrective disclosures on July 22, 2025, January 28, 2026, and April 17, 2026, each causing significant stock declines.
Q: What if I already sold my BMI shares — can I still recover losses? A: Yes. Eligibility is based on when you purchased, not whether you still hold them. Investors who bought during the class period and sold at a loss may still participate.
Q: Do I need to go to court or give testimony? A: No. The overwhelming majority of class members never appear in court or give depositions. You submit a claim form to receive your portion of recovery.
Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: Nothing. Securities class actions are handled on a pure contingency basis. No upfront fees, no retainer, no out-of-pocket costs.
Q: What if I missed the lead plaintiff deadline? A: The deadline applies only to investors seeking lead plaintiff appointment. Class members who miss it can still participate in any settlement or recovery.
NEW YORK, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds Badger Meter, Inc. (“Badger Meter” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BMI) investors of the August 3, 2026 deadline involving a securities fraud class action lawsuit commenced against the Company.
Should You Join The Badger Meter Class Action Lawsuit:
Do you, or did you, own shares of Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI)?
Did you purchase your shares between April 18, 2024 and April 16, 2026, inclusive?
Did you lose money in your investment in Badger Meter, Inc.?
Investors are encouraged to act promptly and submit a form at Badger Meter, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Investor Relations Manager Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or [email protected].
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the Class, you must file papers by August 3, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on other class members’ behalf in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.
All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.
About The Lawsuit:
A lawsuit was filed on behalf of investors (the “Class”) who purchased or acquired the common stock of Badger Meter between April 18, 2024 and April 16, 2026, inclusive, inclusive, alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its senior officers.
The lawsuit alleges that defendants made materially false and misleading statements and omissions regarding the Company’s business operations, growth prospects, and financial stability. As a result of these alleged misrepresentations, Badger Meter common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period. When the truth was disclosed, investors allegedly suffered significant losses.
About Bernstein Liebhard:
Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal’s “Plaintiffs’ Hot List” thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2026) - National plaintiffs' law firm Berger Montague PC announces a class action lawsuit against Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI) ("Badger Meter" or the "Company") on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired Badger Meter common stock during the period from April 18, 2024 through April 16, 2026 (the "Class Period").
Investor Deadline: Investors who purchased or acquired Badger Meter common stock during the Class Period may, no later than August 3, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. To learn your rights, CLICK HERE.
The Company, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, develops and sells water measurement and management solutions for utilities, municipalities, and industrial users worldwide.
The complaint alleges that during the Class Period, Defendants painted an overly optimistic picture of Badger Meter's business, attributing record results to durable secular growth drivers and strong execution while concealing that the Company had been pulling forward customer orders to accelerate revenue recognition. That practice masked weakening underlying demand and borrowed from revenue otherwise available in future quarters, setting the stage for a series of disappointing results.
According to the suit, the true state of the business began to emerge in July 2025. Second-quarter results missed analyst estimates, revenue growth decelerated, and margins deteriorated. Management guided a sequential sales decline in the third quarter of 2025 while characterizing the shortfall as routine and reaffirming the strength of the demand pipeline. The stock fell $40.42 per share — 16.5% — to close at $204.80 per share on July 22, 2025.
Fourth-quarter 2025 results, reported January 28, 2026, continued the pattern, as the complaint alleges: revenues missed expectations and utility water sales declined 6% sequentially. Management again pointed to project pacing. Shares dropped $18.09 per share, or approximately 11%, to $146.32 per share.
The full scope of the damage allegedly became apparent on April 17, 2026, when, in connection with first-quarter 2026 results, management acknowledged for the first time that softer short-cycle municipal demand had contributed to the results — and conceded that this demand variability had been present throughout the Class Period. Shares fell $36.75, or more than 24%, closing at $115.54 per share on April 17, 2026.
If you are a Badger Meter investor and would like to learn more about this action, CLICK HERE or please contact Berger Montague: Andrew Abramowitz at [email protected] or (215) 875-3015, or Caitlin Adorni at [email protected] or (267) 764-4865.
About Berger Montague
Berger Montague is one of the nation's preeminent law firms focusing on complex civil litigation, class actions, and mass torts in federal and state courts throughout the United States. With more than $2.4 billion in 2025 post-trial judgments alone, the Firm is a leader in the fields of complex litigation, antitrust, consumer protection, defective products, environmental law, employment law, securities, and whistleblower cases, among many other practice areas. For over 55 years, Berger Montague has played leading roles in precedent-setting cases and has recovered over $50 billion for its clients and the classes they have represented. Berger Montague is headquartered in Philadelphia and has offices in Chicago; Malvern, PA; Minneapolis; San Diego; San Francisco; Toronto, Canada; Washington, D.C., and Wilmington, DE.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/306039
Source: Berger Montague
Ready to Announce with Confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
SAN DIEGO, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds stockholders that a class action was filed on behalf of all investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI) common stock between April 18, 2024 and April 16, 2026. Badger Meter manufactures and sells water measurement and management products.
For more information, submit a form, email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003.
What are the allegations?
Shareholders allege that Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) concealed weakening demand and deteriorating near-term order trends. According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants told investors that Badger Meter’s strong financial results reflected “ongoing favorable industry trends,” “secular growth drivers,” and “solid operating execution.” They likewise touted “strong” demand and said they were seeing “robust order pacing and a strong bid pipeline that positions us well for continued sales and earnings growth,” and that Badger Meter possessed a “long runway” for growth.
In truth, rather than reflecting durable, demand-driven growth, Badger Meter’s financial results were driven by the Company’s practice of pulling forward customer orders, which concealed weakening demand and deteriorating near-term order trends.
The truth was revealed to investors over the course of a series of disappointing quarterly financial reports between July 2025 and April 2026. In the last disclosure on April 17, 2026, Badger Meter reported disappointing 1Q 2026 financial results including that total sales were “9% lower than the prior year[],” “[u]tility water sales declined 10% year-over-year,” “[o]perating earnings of $35.2 million, with an operating margin of 17.4%, compared to operating earnings of $49.4 million and an operating margin of 22.2% in the prior year,” and “[d]iluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.93, down from $1.30 in the first quarter of 2025.” On this news, the price of Badger Meter stock fell $36.75 per share, or more than 24%, from $152.29 per share on April 16, 2026, to $115.54 per share on April 17, 2026.
What can shareholders do now? You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Badger Meter, Inc. Shareholders who wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their papers to the court by August 3, 2026. The lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here.
All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.
About Robbins LLP: A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, Robbins LLP has helped restore more than $1 billion in value to shareholders, secured some of the largest recoveries in shareholder derivative litigation history, and achieved governance reforms at over 400 Fortune 1000 companies.
"Behind everything we do is the belief that companies should be governed responsibly, fiduciaries should be held accountable, and shareholders deserve transparency and fairness," said Brian J. Robbins, Founding Partner of Robbins LLP.
To be notified if a class action against Badger Meter, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.
Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Badger Meter (BMI - Free Report) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.02 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.17 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +0.99%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this manufacturer of products that measure gas and water flow would post earnings of $1.2 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.93, delivering a surprise of -22.5%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.
Badger Meter, which belongs to the Zacks Instruments - Control industry, posted revenues of $222.32 million for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.90%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $238.1 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Badger Meter shares have lost about 16.4% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 9.7%.
What's Next for Badger Meter?While Badger Meter has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Badger Meter was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $1.25 on $244.76 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $4.51 on $911.84 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Instruments - Control is currently in the top 20% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
Another stock from the same industry, Sensata (ST - Free Report) , has yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026. The results are expected to be released on July 29.
This maker of sensing, electrical protection, control and power management products is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.93 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +6.9%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
Sensata's revenues are expected to be $964 million, up 2.2% from the year-ago quarter.
Momentum investing is essentially the opposite of the tried-and-tested Wall Street adage -- "buy low and sell high." Investors following this investing style typically avoid betting on cheap stocks and waiting long for them to recover. They believe instead that one could make far more money in lesser time by "buying high and selling higher."
Who doesn't like betting on fast-moving trending stocks? But determining the right entry point isn't easy. Often, these stocks lose momentum once their valuation moves ahead of their future growth potential. In such a situation, investors find themselves loaded up on expensive shares with limited to no upside or even a downside. So, going all-in on momentum could be risky at times.
It could be safer to invest in bargain stocks that have been witnessing price momentum recently. While the Zacks Momentum Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to trends in a stock's price or earnings, is pretty useful in identifying great momentum stocks, our 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen comes handy in spotting fast-moving stocks that are still attractively priced.
Caesars Entertainment (CZR - Free Report) is one of the several great candidates that made it through the screen. While there are numerous reasons why this stock is a great choice, here are the most vital ones:
A dash of recent price momentum reflects growing interest of investors in a stock. With a four-week price change of 2%, the stock of this casino and resort operator is certainly well-positioned in this regard.
While any stock can see a spike in price for a short period, it takes a real momentum player to deliver positive returns for a longer time frame. CZR meets this criterion too, as the stock gained 10% over the past 12 weeks.
Moreover, the momentum for CZR is fast paced, as the stock currently has a beta of 1.76. This indicates that the stock moves 76% higher than the market in either direction.
Given this price performance, it is no surprise that CZR has a Momentum Score of B, which indicates that this is the right time to enter the stock to take advantage of the momentum with the highest probability of success.
In addition to a favorable Momentum Score, an upward trend in earnings estimate revisions has helped CZR earn a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Our research shows that the momentum-effect is quite strong among Zacks Rank #1 and #2 stocks. That's because as covering analysts raise their earnings estimates for a stock, more and more investors take an interest in it, helping its price race to keep up. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Most importantly, despite possessing fast-paced momentum features, CZR is trading at a reasonable valuation. In terms of Price-to-Sales ratio, which is considered as one of the best valuation metrics, the stock looks quite cheap now. CZR is currently trading at 0.53 times its sales. In other words, investors need to pay only 53 cents for each dollar of sales.
So, CZR appears to have plenty of room to run, and that too at a fast pace.
In addition to CZR, there are several other stocks that currently pass through our 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen. You may consider investing in them and start looking for the newest stocks that fit these criteria.
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Key Takeaways GMED grew first-quarter 2026 musculoskeletal sales 27%, with continued U.S. Spine momentum. Globus Medical ended the quarter debt-free with strong cash and operating cash flow supporting investments.GMED faces higher operating costs and foreign exchange swings that may affect near-term results. Globus Medical, Inc. (GMED - Free Report) is gaining market share in the musculoskeletal solutions space, banking on the strong performance of its implantable devices, biologics, accessories and unique surgical instruments used in an expansive range of spinal, orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures. A solid financial health also adds to the stock’s appeal. Meanwhile, unfavorable foreign exchange and dull macro scenario remain concerns for GMED’s operations.
In the past year, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has increased 43.5% against the industry's 10.2% decline. The S&P 500 composite has risen 21% in the same time frame.
The renowned medical device company has a market capitalization of $12.55 billion. Globus Medical has an earnings yield of 6.2% against the industry’s negative 3% yield. GMED’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 26.3%.
Let’s delve deeper.
Upsides for GMED StockMusculoskeletal Share Gains Continue: In the first quarter of 2026, the segment’s worldwide net sales rose 27% year over year, while base business sales, excluding Nevro, increased 13.2%. U.S. Spine marked its third straight quarter of 10% growth, with double-digit growth cited across standard fixation, minimally invasive surgery pedicle screws, expandable transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, anterior lumbar interbody fusion, posterior cervical and cervical plating.
Trauma revenues increased 30.4% in the quarter, helped by continued adoption of the core trauma line and the Precice limb lengthening portfolio, with ANTHEM Elbow continuing to exceed expectations, leading the company to ship additional sets to the field in the second quarter.
Financial Flexibility: Globus Medical ended the first quarter of 2026 with $560.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $68.9 million of short-term marketable securities. The company remains debt-free, which preserves the capacity to fund R&D, sales-force investments and manufacturing expansion without relying on external financing. Liquidity is also being replenished internally, with $202.4 million of operating cash flow generated in the quarter. This supports continued capital spending and buybacks alongside ongoing integration work.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
What Ails GMED?Cost Inflation and Operating Spend Risk: The company operates in an environment of interest-rate uncertainty, inflation and geopolitical complexity that can disrupt supply chains and raise input costs. SG&A was $297.8 million in first-quarter 2026, or 39.2% of sales, up from $242.8 million a year earlier, reflecting higher compensation and benefit costs on higher volume. The company also recorded restructuring costs in the quarter as it continues synergy and integration plans, which could add variability to near-term expense trends.
Currency Exposure Persists: Globus Medical’s International net sales were $155 million in the first quarter of 2026, up 35.6% year over year as reported and 27.8% on a constant currency basis. This gap shows that foreign exchange can swing reported growth, even when underlying demand trends are steadier. The company recorded a $2.1 million foreign currency transaction loss in the quarter, which directly affected other income and expenses. With foreign revenues and expenses concentrated across regions such as Japan, the Eurozone, the United Kingdom and Australia, currency volatility can also affect gross margin and operating expense leverage over time.
Estimate TrendThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for GMED’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) has remained unchanged at $4.74 in the past 30 days.
The consensus estimate for the company’s 2026 revenues is pegged at $3.20 billion, indicating an 8.7% rise from the year-ago reported number.
Key PicksSome better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Alcon (ALC - Free Report) , Integra LifeSciences (IART - Free Report) and Phibro Animal Health (PAHC - Free Report) .
Alcon has an earnings yield of 5.1% against the industry’s negative 2.8% yield. Shares of the company have gained 22.8% compared with the industry’s 4.8% growth. ALC’s earnings topped estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in one, the average surprise being 3.7%.
ALC carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Integra LifeSciences, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, has an earnings yield of 16% against the industry’s negative 3% yield. Shares of the company have gained 22.8% compared with the industry’s 4.8% growth. IART’s earnings topped estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 16.8%.
Phibro Animal Health, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, has an earnings yield of 9.2% compared with the industry’s 2.8% yield. Shares of the company have climbed 43.1% against the industry’s 27.9% decline. PAHC’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 16.3%.
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Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF - Free Report) Established in 1962, Raymond James Financial Inc. is a diversified company based in St. Petersburg, FL. The company along with its subsidiaries – Raymond James & Associates Inc. (RJ&A), Raymond James Financial Services Inc. (RJFS), Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. (RJFSA), Raymond James Ltd. (RJ Ltd.), Eagle Asset Management Inc. (Eagle) and Raymond James Bank N.A. (RJ Bank) – provide financial services mainly in the United States and Canada.
RJF is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 14.18; value investors should take notice.
Five analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $11.84 per share. RJF boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.7%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, RJF should be on investors' short list.
Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when Pilgrim's Pride (PPC - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact 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 29, 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 the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis poultry producer is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.75 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -55.9%.
Revenues are expected to be $4.9 billion, up 3% 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. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
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 Pilgrim's Pride?For Pilgrim's Pride, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -20.00%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #5.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Pilgrim's Pride will beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. 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 Pilgrim's Pride would post earnings of $0.69 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.51, delivering a surprise of -26.09%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two 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.
Pilgrim's Pride 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.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
The market expects Sensata (ST - 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 stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 29. 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 maker of sensing, electrical protection, control and power management products is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.93 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +6.9%.
Revenues are expected to be $964 million, up 2.2% 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. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
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 Sensata?For Sensata, 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 +0.54%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.
So, this combination indicates that Sensata will most likely 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 Sensata would post earnings of $0.84 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.86, delivering a surprise of +2.38%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four 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.
Sensata appears 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.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.
Momentum ScoreMomentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.
VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Landstar System (LSTR - Free Report) Landstar System is an asset-light provider of integrated transportation management solutions, incorporated in 1991. Based in Jacksonville, FL, the company provides services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico as well as other countries in North America. The company delivers safe, specialized transportation services to a broad range of customers by connecting them with over 101,000 third-party capacity owner partners. Its business model is such that a large part of its operating costs is directly proportional to revenues.
LSTR is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.
Momentum investors should take note of this Transportation stock. LSTR has a Momentum Style Score of A, and shares are up 3.2% over the past four weeks.
Seven analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.18 to $5.73 per share. LSTR also boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.6%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, LSTR should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways RRC's Q2 2026 adjusted earnings per share rose 19.7% to 79 cents, while revenues increased 8.5% to $795.3M.Range Resources' strong quarterly results were driven by higher production and stronger price realizations.RRC reduced net debt by 28% and maintained its 2026 production outlook and capital budget. Range Resources Corporation (RRC - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 79 cents per share, up 19.7% from 66 cents a year ago. The figure topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 56 cents by 41.1%.
Quarterly revenues of $795.3 million increased 8.5% from the $732.9 million reported a year ago. The figure topped the consensus estimate of $720 million by 10.5%.
Strong quarterly results are driven by higher production and improved price realization.
RRC's Production & Price PerformanceProduction averaged 2,296.4 million cubic feet equivalent per day (MMcfe/d), up 4.5% from the prior-year quarter’s figure of 2,197.3 MMcfe/d. The figure came in lower than our projection of 2,385.9 MMcfe/d. Natural gas production increased 3%. Over the same time frame, oil production and NGL output increased 1% and 7%, respectively.
With daily production of 1,548.9 million cubic feet, natural gas represented about 67% of total output, while NGLs and oil accounted for the rest. NGL production averaged 118,113 barrels per day (Bbl/d), while oil output was 6,475 Bbl/d.
Range Resources turned 21 wells to sales during the quarter and completed roughly 300,000 lateral feet. The company drilled about 190,000 lateral feet across 11 wells.
Range Resources’ Realizations Strengthen Quarterly ResultsThe average realized price after derivative settlements before third-party transportation costs was $3.53 per Mcfe. Before NYMEX hedges, the realized price was $3.37 per Mcfe, while settled hedges added 16 cents per Mcfe.
Total price realization (excluding derivative settlements and before third-party transportation costs) averaged $3.36 per Mcfe, up 1% year over year. Price realization came in lower than our estimate of $3.41 per Mcfe.
Pre-hedge NGL realizations increased 29% to $29.10 per barrel, a $3.49 premium to the Mont Belvieu equivalent. Natural gas realized $2.42 per Mcf before NYMEX hedges, reflecting a 47-cent discount to the benchmark price. Oil realized price increased 59% to $83.96 per barrel before hedges.
RRC's Costs Reflect Higher Operating ActivityTotal costs and expenses increased 5.5% year over year to $584.9 million from the $554.2 million reported a year ago. Transportation, gathering, processing and compression expense, the largest cost category, rose 4% to $316.8 million. Direct operating expense increased to $27.3 million from $22.6 million.
Total cash unit costs declined 3% to $1.92 per Mcfe from the prior-year figure of $1.97, aided by lower interest expense, which fell 46% to 7 cents per Mcfe from the year-ago figure of 13 cents. Total unit costs, including depletion, depreciation and amortization, decreased 2% to $2.37 per Mcfe.
Range Resources’ Efficiency Supports Development MomentumRange Resources completed a record 1,900 stages with two crews during the quarter. The company posted a single-day completion record of 22 pumping hours and drilled nearly two miles in one day.
Second-quarter drilling and completion spending was $204 million. Range Resources invested another $8 million in acreage and $10 million in infrastructure, pneumatic upgrades and other projects. Total capital spending of $222 million represented about 33% of the annual budget
RRC's Cash Flow Funds Capital ReturnsCash flow from operating activities was $235 million. Cash flow from operations before changes in working capital totaled $332.5 million, up 10.7% from $300.5 million in the year-ago period.
RRC repurchased $78 million of shares and paid $24 million in dividends during the quarter. The company bought back 2 million shares at an average price of about $39.18 and retained $1.4 billion under its authorization.
Range Resources’ Balance Sheet Shows Lower LeverageNet debt was $880.8 million at June 30, 2026, down 28% from $1.22 billion at year-end 2025.
RRC’s 2026 OutlookRRC maintained its 2026 production outlook of 2.35-2.40 Bcfe per day, with liquids expected to account for more than 30% of output. The company retained its capital budget in the range of $650-$700 million.
The natural gas differential outlook improved to 35-40 cents below NYMEX from the prior range of 35-45 cents below NYMEX. NGL guidance was raised to a $2.00-$2.50 premium to the Mont Belvieu equivalent, while the oil and condensate differential improved to $10-$12 below WTI.
RRC’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderRange Resources currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).
Some better-ranked stocks from the energy sector are Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG - Free Report) , Venture Global, Inc. (VG - Free Report) and NOV Inc. (NOV - Free Report) . LNG sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while NOV and VG carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each, at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.
Houston, TX-based Cheniere Energy is primarily engaged in businesses of liquefied natural gas. LNG owns and operates major liquefaction and export facilities on the U.S. Gulf Coast, including the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi terminals.The company is involved in liquefied natural gas and natural gas marketing. With growing demand for cleaner energy, LNG is well-positioned to meet this need through its liquefaction and export facilities. Cheniere Energyis scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on Aug. 6, 2026.
Venture Global is one of the largest cost-efficient liquefied natural gas exporters in the United States, operating major production facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast. VG distinguishes itself through a highly efficient, modular construction approach, which enables faster project delivery and massive volumes of reliable natural gas. This innovative strategy allows the company to rapidly scale and meet the world's rising demand for cleaner energy. Venture Globalis scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on Aug. 11, 2026.
Houston, TX-based NOV is a global leader in the design, manufacture and sale of advanced equipment and components used in the oil and gas drilling, production, and renewable energy sectors. By leveraging its extensive proprietary technology portfolio, the company is well-positioned to reduce marginal costs and capitalize on the growing demand for oil and gas in the coming years. NOV is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on July 28, 2026.
Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when Lithia Motors (LAD - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact 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 29, 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 auto dealership chain is expected to post quarterly earnings of $8.67 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -15.3%.
Revenues are expected to be $9.64 billion, up 0.6% 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. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
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 Lithia Motors?For Lithia Motors, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.31%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Lithia Motors 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 Lithia Motors would post earnings of $7.06 per share when it actually produced earnings of $7.34, delivering a surprise of +3.97%.
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.
Lithia Motors 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.
An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAnother stock from the Zacks Automotive - Retail and Whole Sales industry, Asbury Automotive Group (ABG - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $6.3 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -15.2%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $4.46 billion, up 2.1% from the year-ago quarter.
Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Asbury Automotive has been revised 0.9% down to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of -0.46%, reflecting a lower Most Accurate Estimate.
When combined with a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Asbury Automotive will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.
Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: BJ's Wholesale Club (BJ - Free Report) BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. has emerged as a preferred destination for shoppers focused on essentials and everyday value. The company’s focus on simplifying assortments, expanding its own-brands portfolio, strengthening digital capabilities, and investing in convenience has supported membership growth and renewal trends. The company carries approximately 7,000 active stock-keeping units and positions its value proposition around meaningful savings on a representative basket of manufacturer-branded groceries compared to typical supermarket competitors.
BJ is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 20.46; value investors should take notice.
Three analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2027, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $4.51 per share. BJ also boasts an average earnings surprise of +4.5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, BJ should be on investors' short list.
Key Takeaways Magnolia will acquire WildFire for about $4.06B, expanding its Giddings position to more than 1.25M net acres.MGY expects over $100M in annual synergies, stronger cash flow and improved operating efficiency.Magnolia raised its quarterly dividend 9% and reaffirmed plans to repurchase at least 1% of shares quarterly. Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation (MGY - Free Report) has announced a landmark agreement to acquire WildFire Energy in a transaction valued at approximately $4.06 billion, including assumed debt and customary purchase price adjustments. The acquisition, unanimously approved by Magnolia's board of directors, marks one of the most significant strategic expansions and further strengthens its position in the prolific Giddings region of South Texas. By combining two complementary asset portfolios, MGY expects to enhance production capabilities, generate higher free cash flow, improve operating efficiencies and create greater long-term value for shareholders.
MGY Expands Its Giddings PositionThe acquisition significantly increases MGY's presence in the highly productive Giddings field by adding approximately 810,000 net acres. Following the completion of the transaction, Magnolia will control more than 1.25 million net acres, creating one of the largest and most concentrated acreage positions in South Texas. This expanded footprint provides substantial development opportunities across several proven formations, including the Austin Chalk, Eagle Ford and Woodbine, while also creating a more contiguous operating area that supports greater drilling efficiency and lower operating costs.
Magnolia's extensive technical knowledge and operational experience in the Giddings region have positioned it to maximize the value of these newly acquired assets. Management believes the combination will unlock additional resource potential while extending the company's inventory of high-return drilling locations for many years.
Strategic Benefits Strengthen Long-Term Growth ProspectsThe acquisition aligns closely with Magnolia's disciplined business strategy of acquiring high-quality assets that generate consistent profitability and sustainable free cash flow. Rather than pursuing aggressive production growth, the company intends to maintain its proven capital allocation model by limiting capital expenditures while steadily expanding production through efficient operations.
The additional acreage offers numerous future development opportunities across multiple geological benches, allowing Magnolia to optimize drilling schedules based on commodity prices and operational priorities. This flexibility supports long-term production stability while preserving strong operating margins and maintaining attractive financial returns.
High-Quality Production Enhances Cash Flow GenerationWildFire's assets contribute approximately 53,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with nearly 70% consisting of oil production. This oil-weighted production profile is particularly attractive because crude oil generally delivers stronger margins than natural gas. Furthermore, the acquired assets have a relatively low 29% base oil decline rate, reducing the amount of capital required to sustain production levels over time.
These characteristics complement Magnolia's existing operations by increasing cash flow generation while lowering the overall corporate reinvestment rate. As a result, the combined company expects to generate stronger operating margins and improved financial performance.
Operational Synergies Expected to Deliver Significant SavingsMGY expects the integration of WildFire's operations to generate more than $100 million in annual cost savings and operational synergies. These efficiencies are expected to result from longer horizontal drilling programs, shared infrastructure, improved logistics, lower procurement costs through increased purchasing scale, streamlined field operations and reduced corporate administrative expenses.
Management estimates that the net present value of these anticipated synergies is approximately $700 million, highlighting the substantial long-term economic benefits of combining the two businesses. The overlapping acreage positions further enhance these efficiencies by simplifying development planning and reducing infrastructure duplication.
Infrastructure Assets Add Additional ValueIn addition to valuable upstream assets, the transaction includes important infrastructure that further strengthens Magnolia's competitive position. Among the most notable assets is a sand mine capable of supplying approximately 80% of Magnolia's annual sand requirements, including all of WildFire's operational needs. The facility also generates additional revenues through third-party sand sales, creating another source of cash flow.
The acquisition also includes more than 500 miles of gas gathering pipelines throughout the Giddings region. Ownership of this infrastructure provides greater operational control, reduces transportation costs, improves production efficiency and contributes to stronger operating margins over the long term.
Higher Free Cash Flow Supports Increased Shareholder ReturnsOne of the primary financial benefits of the acquisition is its immediate positive impact on Magnolia's key financial metrics. Management expects the transaction to be highly accretive to cash flow per share, free cash flow per share, earnings per share, operating margins and overall capital efficiency.
Reflecting confidence in the company's enhanced financial outlook, Magnolia announced a 9% increase in its quarterly dividend, raising the payout from 16.5 cents to 18.0 cents per share, beginning in the third quarter of 2026. The company also reaffirmed ongoing commitment to repurchasing at least 1% of its outstanding shares every quarter, continuing the disciplined approach to returning capital to shareholders.
Financial Discipline Remains a Core PriorityAlthough MGY will temporarily increase leverage to finance the acquisition, management emphasized that its conservative financial strategy remains unchanged. The transaction will be funded through cash on hand, newly issued MGY equity, new debt financing, borrowings under the expanded revolving credit facility and the assumption of WildFire's outstanding notes.
Under the terms of the agreement, WildFire owners will receive approximately 32.2 million Magnolia Class A common shares, while MGY will assume roughly $600 million of WildFire's outstanding notes due in 2029. The company has also expanded its secured credit facility to support the acquisition and expects strong free cash flow generation to reduce leverage rapidly after closing.
Strong Q2 Updates Demonstrate Operational MomentumAlongside the acquisition announcement, Magnolia released its second-quarter 2026 operational update. The company reported average production of 106.1 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day, including 41.9 thousand barrels, while drilling and completion capital expenditures totaled $125 million. MGY concluded the quarter with approximately $296 million in cash, reflecting its continued financial strength.
Supported by stronger-than-expected production performance, the company increased its standalone full-year 2026 production growth guidance from 5% to 6%. Updated production and capital guidance for the combined company will be provided after the WildFire acquisition closes, which is expected during the third quarter of 2026.
MGY Positions Itself for Long-Term SuccessThe acquisition of WildFire Energy represents a transformational milestone for MGY. By expanding its premier acreage position, increasing infrastructure ownership, strengthening future drilling opportunities and enhancing operational efficiencies, Magnolia has reinforced its long-term growth strategy. The combined company is expected to generate higher free cash flow, stronger financial returns, improved shareholder distributions and sustainable production growth while maintaining its disciplined approach to capital allocation. As the transaction moves toward completion, MGY is well-positioned to strengthen its competitive standing within the U.S. oil and gas industry while delivering lasting value to investors.
MGY's Zacks Rank & Key PicksCurrently, MGY has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Investors interested in the energy sector might consider some better-ranked stocks, such as Par Pacific (PARR - Free Report) ,Cheniere Energy (LNG - Free Report) , both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Delek US Holdings (DK - Free Report) , carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Par Pacific is valued at 3.89 billion. It is a diversified energy company that owns and operates petroleum refineries, logistics assets and retail fuel businesses across the United States. Par Pacific focuses on refining, transporting and marketing fuel products while serving regional markets with reliable energy solutions.
Cheniere Energy is valued at $55.52 billion. It is a leading U.S. producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”), supplying energy to customers across more than 40 international markets. Cheniere Energy operates major LNG export terminals in Louisiana and Texas and focuses on providing reliable, lower-carbon energy solutions.
Delek US Holdings is valued at $3.96 billion. It is a diversified downstream energy company engaged in petroleum refining, renewable fuels, asphalt production and logistics operations. Delek US Holdings operates multiple refineries in the United States and is committed to delivering safe, reliable energy while investing in cleaner energy initiatives.
NEW YORK, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds Planet Fitness, Inc. (“Planet Fitness” or the “Company”) (NYSE: PLNT) of the September 14, 2026 deadline involving a securities fraud class action lawsuit commenced against the Company.
Should You Join The Planet Fitness Class Action Lawsuit:
Do you, or did you, own shares of Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:PLNT)?
Did you purchase your shares between November 6, 2025 and May 6, 2026, inclusive?
Did you lose money in your investment in Planet Fitness, Inc.?
Investors are encouraged to act promptly and submit a form at Planet Fitness, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Investor Relations Manager Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or [email protected].
If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the Class, you must file papers by September 14, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on other class members’ behalf in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.
All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.
About The Lawsuit:
A lawsuit was filed on behalf of investors (the “Class”) who purchased or acquired the common stock of Planet Fitness between November 6, 2025 and May 6, 2026, inclusive, alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its senior officers.
The lawsuit alleges that defendants made materially false and misleading statements and omissions regarding the Company’s business operations, growth prospects, and financial stability. As a result of these alleged misrepresentations, Planet Fitness common stock traded at artificially inflated prices during the Class Period. When the truth was disclosed, investors allegedly suffered significant losses.
About Bernstein Liebhard:
Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal’s “Plaintiffs’ Hot List” thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.
Planet Fitness investors allegedly suffered a $19.95 per-share loss after the lawsuit claims the Company overstated the effectiveness of its marketing strategy securities fraud issue during the peak sign-up season.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) that a class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of shareholders who purchased securities between November 6, 2025 and May 6, 2026. Find out if you could qualify to recover your losses. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500.
PLNT shares declined 31.19%, or $19.95 per share, after the Company announced first quarter 2026 results and reduced its outlook. Applications to serve as lead plaintiff must be filed by September 14, 2026.
The Alleged Marketing Strategy Securities Fraud Issue
According to the lawsuit, Planet Fitness made materially false and misleading statements about the effectiveness of its national marketing campaign and its ability to achieve projected membership growth. The complaint alleges that the Company's campaign failed to resonate with its core audience of fitness beginners and casual gym-goers, creating a material headwind in net member joins during the Company's critical first-quarter sign-up period.
How Marketing Messaging Allegedly Affected Membership Growth
The lawsuit contends that Planet Fitness presented its marketing strategy as effective and capable of supporting continued growth, while allegedly failing to disclose that the messaging was not producing the necessary customer acquisition results. The alleged problem was especially significant because Planet Fitness' high-value, low-price subscription model depends heavily on new member volume and recurring membership revenue.
"This case presents important questions about marketing strategy disclosure obligations in the fitness subscription sector. The lawsuit alleges that investors were told the campaign was driving joins while the Company was experiencing marketing-related headwinds during its most important seasonal sign-up period." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Key Marketing Strategy Allegations for Shareholders
Planet Fitness allegedly overstated the effectiveness of its national marketing messaging. The campaign allegedly failed to connect with the Company's core beginner-focused customer base. The complaint alleges that marketing headwinds reduced net member joins during the peak sign-up period. The lawsuit claims the Company's projected membership growth and financial targets became unrealistic under existing conditions. Investors allegedly purchased PLNT shares at inflated prices before the May 2026 disclosure. The Peak Sign-Up Season Factor
The complaint alleges that the first quarter carried outsized importance for Planet Fitness because membership joins during that period materially affected full-year subscription revenue. When the Company later disclosed slower-than-expected net member growth and a need to sharpen its marketing strategy, the market allegedly reassessed the Company's growth prospects.
Submit your information here or call (212) 363-7500.
WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions About the PLNT Lawsuit
Q: What is the PLNT class action lawsuit about? A: A securities class action has been filed against Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) alleging materially false and misleading statements between November 6, 2025 and May 6, 2026. Shares fell approximately 31.19% after the Company disclosed slower net member growth, reduced 2026 guidance, withdrew long-term targets, and paused a pricing initiative. Investors who purchased shares during the Class Period and suffered losses may be eligible to seek compensation.
Q: Who is eligible to join the PLNT investor lawsuit? A: Investors who purchased PLNT stock or securities between November 6, 2025 and May 6, 2026 and suffered financial losses may be eligible. Eligibility is based on purchase date and documented losses, not on whether you still hold the shares.
Q: What specific misstatements does the PLNT lawsuit allege? A: The complaint alleges Planet Fitness made materially false or misleading statements regarding the effectiveness of its marketing strategy, its ability to drive net membership joins, and its ability to achieve projected membership growth and financial targets during the Class Period.
Q: What is a lead plaintiff and why does it matter? A: A lead plaintiff is the investor appointed by the court to represent the entire class. Lead plaintiffs are typically investors with the largest documented losses. Being appointed does not increase individual recovery but gives direct oversight of how the case is run.
Q: What documents do I need for a loss review? A: Brokerage statements or trade confirmations showing purchase dates, share quantities, prices paid, and any subsequent sale dates and prices.
Q: What if I already sold my PLNT shares, can I still recover losses? A: Yes. Eligibility is based on when you purchased, not whether you still hold the shares. Investors who bought during the Class Period and sold at a loss may still be eligible to participate.
Q: What if my PLNT losses are small, is it still worth contacting a lawyer? A: Yes. There is no minimum loss amount required to participate as a class member.
Q: Do I need to go to court or give testimony? A: No. The overwhelming majority of class members never appear in court or give depositions. If there is a settlement or recovery, eligible class members generally submit a claim form to seek their portion.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10004
[email protected]
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
In its upcoming report, Eastern Bankshares, Inc. (EBC - Free Report) is predicted by Wall Street analysts to post quarterly earnings of $0.46 per share, reflecting an increase of 12.2% compared to the same period last year. Revenues are forecasted to be $304.32 million, representing a year-over-year increase of 24.3%.
Over the last 30 days, there has been a downward revision of 0.3% in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter, leading to its current level. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe.
Ahead of a company's earnings disclosure, it is crucial to give due consideration to changes in earnings estimates. These revisions serve as a noteworthy factor in predicting potential investor reactions to the stock. Numerous empirical studies consistently demonstrate a strong relationship between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance 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.
With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some Eastern Bankshares metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Efficiency ratio (GAAP)' should come in at 53.0%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 55.9% in the same quarter last year.
Analysts predict that the 'Net interest margin (FTE)' will reach 3.7%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 3.6% in the same quarter last year.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Average Balance - Total interest-earning assets' reaching $28.39 billion. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $23.14 billion.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Total non-performing assets' at $137.70 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $54.70 million in the same quarter last year.
Analysts expect 'Total regulatory capital (to risk-weighted assets)' to come in at 14.3%. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 15.5% in the same quarter of the previous year.
The consensus estimate for 'Tier 1 capital (to average assets) leverage' stands at 11.5%. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of 12.1%.
Analysts forecast 'Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)' to reach 12.8%. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 14.4% in the same quarter of the previous year.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Total non-performing loans' should arrive at $137.70 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $54.70 million.
It is projected by analysts that the 'Net Interest Income' will reach $255.62 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $202.00 million in the same quarter last year.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Total Noninterest Income' of $48.38 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $42.90 million in the same quarter of the previous year.
The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Investment advisory fees' will likely reach $19.12 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $17.30 million.
The consensus among analysts is that 'Net Interest Income (FTE)' will reach $258.99 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $206.80 million.
View all Key Company Metrics for Eastern Bankshares here>>>
Shares of Eastern Bankshares have experienced a change of +9.3% in the past month compared to the +0.3% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), EBC is expected to mirror the overall market performance in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Key Takeaways Orion has outperformed in 2026, supported by improving fundamentals and a growing backlog.Marine, defense, data center and industrial projects support Orion's long-term growth outlook.Orion offers stronger earnings growth and a lower forward P/E than its roadway-focused rival. Infrastructure investment remains one of the strongest long-term themes in the U.S. construction market, supported by federal transportation funding, defense-related spending, data center expansion and continued population growth across high-growth regions. Companies with specialized capabilities, disciplined execution and healthy project pipelines stand to benefit the most. Orion Group Holdings (ORN - Free Report) and Construction Partners (ROAD - Free Report) are two infrastructure-focused companies with distinct business models.
Orion specializes in marine infrastructure and commercial concrete construction, while Construction Partners is a vertically integrated roadway infrastructure contractor concentrated across the Sunbelt. Both operate in attractive niches with favorable long-term demand drivers, making them compelling stocks to compare today.
Let's dive deep and closely compare the fundamentals of the two stocks to determine which one is a better investment now.
The Case for Orion StockOrion has continued to execute well in 2026, supported by strengthening demand across both its Marine and Concrete businesses. The company began the year with double-digit revenue growth, a return to GAAP profitability and positive operating cash flow while reaffirming its full-year outlook. Its growing backlog and massive $24 billion pursuit pipeline provide strong revenue visibility over the next several years.
The biggest attraction remains Orion's exposure to mission-critical marine infrastructure. Rising U.S. defense spending, shipyard modernization, port expansion and coastal resilience projects continue to expand bidding opportunities. Management also highlighted increasing opportunities in energy, petrochemical and export infrastructure, while the recently acquired J.E. McAmis broadens Orion's technical capabilities and geographic reach. The investor presentation further highlights multiple secular tailwinds, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, U.S. Navy projects, LNG infrastructure, manufacturing reshoring and AI-driven data center construction.
Its Concrete business has become another important growth engine. Data centers accounted for roughly 40% of segment revenue during the first quarter, while opportunities are expanding into advanced manufacturing, transportation and cold-storage facilities. Strong bookings, broader service offerings and growing site-development capabilities continue supporting margin improvement.
Nevertheless, Orion still carries execution risks. Marine construction projects tend to be larger, longer duration and inherently more complex than conventional civil projects, making earnings more sensitive to project timing and execution. The J.E. McAmis acquisition also introduces integration risk, while the company continues to operate with relatively modest profitability compared with larger infrastructure peers.
The Case for Construction Partners StockConstruction Partners continues to benefit from one of the strongest operating environments in the U.S. road construction market. The company's vertically integrated model, decentralized operating structure and concentration across fast-growing Sunbelt states have consistently translated into robust execution and expanding profitability.
Fiscal second-quarter 2026 results reinforced this strength. Revenues increased 35%, adjusted EBITDA rose 35%, backlog reached another record of $3.14 billion and management raised full-year guidance across revenue, earnings and EBITDA. Organic revenue growth remained healthy despite substantial acquisition activity, demonstrating strong underlying demand.
Construction Partners also benefits from structural advantages that help protect margins. Vertical integration across asphalt plants, aggregates and liquid asphalt terminals limits commodity cost volatility, while pass-through pricing mechanisms reduce exposure to energy inflation. Management continues to execute a disciplined acquisition strategy, completing multiple acquisitions while expanding organically through new facilities across attractive regional markets. Long-term opportunities remain supported by state transportation spending, federal infrastructure programs and robust commercial activity tied to data centers, warehouses and manufacturing.
The primary challenge is valuation. Despite the recent pullback, ROAD still trades at a premium multiple relative to many construction peers. The company also continues to carry elevated leverage following its acquisition strategy, although management expects leverage to trend lower through strong operating cash generation. Furthermore, acquisition-driven growth requires consistent integration execution to sustain margins over time.
Market Performance Favors ORN StockOrion has significantly outperformed Construction Partners in 2026. ORN shares have gained 34.7% year to date, comfortably beating both the broader Zacks Construction sector, which has advanced 8%, and the S&P 500's 8.7% gain. ROAD, in contrast, has declined 5% during the same period.
ORN vs ROAD Price Performance (YTD)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Among industry peers, Sterling Infrastructure (STRL - Free Report) has delivered even stronger gains, gaining 126.8% YTD, supported by robust demand from data centers and advanced manufacturing, while Granite Construction Incorporated (GVA - Free Report) has generated comparatively moderate returns (gaining 8.1% YTD) on the back of its stable public infrastructure business. Orion's impressive outperformance suggests that investors are increasingly recognizing the company's improving fundamentals, expanding backlog and diversified growth opportunities across marine, concrete and industrial infrastructure.
Valuation Reflects Balanced Risk-RewardBoth ORN and ROAD stocks trade at premium valuations relative to the Zacks Construction sector average forward 12-month P/E of 20.22X, reflecting investors' optimism about long-term infrastructure spending. ORN trades at 25.76X forward earnings, while ROAD commands a higher multiple of 29.15X.
ORN vs ROAD Valuation (P/E F12M)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Compared with the same peers discussed above, STRL stock commands a richer valuation of roughly 30.39X, supported by its premium growth profile and higher-margin exposure to mission-critical infrastructure markets. Granite Construction, meanwhile, trades at a much lower forward P/E of 15.88X, reflecting its steadier but comparatively slower growth outlook. Orion's valuation sits between these two companies, suggesting investors are assigning a premium for its improving earnings trajectory while still leaving room for upside if management continues to execute on its growth strategy.
Earnings Outlook Remains Stronger for Orion StockThe Zacks Consensus Estimate continues to favor Orion. Over the past 60 days, Orion's 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimate has remained stable at 40 cents, while the 2027 estimate has edged down to 62 cents. Even after the minor revision, analysts expect earnings to grow 60% in 2026 and another 55% in 2027, supported by projected revenue growth of roughly 10% in both years.
ORN EPS Estimate Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Construction Partners is also expected to post healthy growth, but estimate revisions have moved in the wrong direction. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027 EPS has both declined over the past 60 days to $2.91 and $3.69, respectively. Although earnings are still projected to increase more than 32% in fiscal 2026, the negative estimate revisions indicate moderating analyst sentiment.
ROAD EPS Estimate Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Which Stock Offers Better Upside?Both Orion and Construction Partners are well positioned to benefit from favorable infrastructure spending trends and possess healthy long-term growth drivers. Construction Partners offers a proven operating model, strong vertical integration and excellent exposure to transportation infrastructure. Orion, meanwhile, is emerging from a successful turnaround with expanding opportunities in marine construction, defense, industrial infrastructure and data centers.
Considering Orion's stronger share-price momentum, improving profitability, attractive project pipeline and relatively more favorable earnings outlook, the stock appears to offer the better risk-reward profile at current levels. ORN stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) versus Construction Partners' Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Overall, Orion has an edge over Construction Partners for investors seeking infrastructure exposure today.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The market expects C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW - 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 29, 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 the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus EstimateThis trucking company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.51 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +17.1%.
Revenues are expected to be $4.37 billion, up 5.6% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.5% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. 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 an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
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 C.H. Robinson?For C.H. Robinson, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -1.23%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that C.H. Robinson will beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. 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 C.H. Robinson would post earnings of $1.24 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.35, delivering a surprise of +8.87%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four 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.
C.H. Robinson 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 PlayerAnother stock from the Zacks Transportation - Services industry, TFI International Inc. (TFII - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $1.59 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +18.7%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $2.17 billion, up 6.7% from the year-ago quarter.
The consensus EPS estimate for TFI International has been revised 3.7% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.76%.
When combined with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), this Earnings ESP indicates that TFI International 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.
3 Dividend Stocks With Growth Potential You Can’t MissCal-Maine Foods NASDAQ: CALM reported a sharp decline in fourth-quarter results as historically low conventional shell egg prices weighed on revenue and margins, while management emphasized progress in diversifying the company through specialty eggs and prepared foods.
President and CEO Sherman Miller said the company faced “one of the most difficult conventional egg pricing environments” it has experienced, driven by industry oversupply rather than weaker demand. He said the company continues to see favorable long-term demand fundamentals for eggs, citing household penetration above 97%, higher retail volume as prices have retreated, and continued consumer interest in protein, nutrition, convenience and value.
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Cal-Maine Foods: A Defensive Play With a Cage-Free FutureFor the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, Cal-Maine reported consolidated revenue of $552.6 million, down 49.9% from the prior-year period. Gross profit was $34.1 million, with a gross margin of 6.2%. The company posted an operating loss of $58.8 million and a net loss attributable to Cal-Maine Foods of $35.9 million, or a diluted loss of $0.76 per share.
New Segment Structure Highlights Shift in Business Mix Vice President and CFO Max Bowman said Cal-Maine revised its internal reporting in the fourth quarter to reflect how management now reviews the business. The company identified three reportable segments: Conventional Shell Eggs, Specialty Shell Eggs and Prepared Foods. Prior-year periods have been recast under the new structure.
Egg Prices Surge: 3 Stocks Set to Benefit from Rising PPI TrendsThe conventional shell egg segment generated fourth-quarter revenue of $210.8 million, down 70% year over year, with an operating loss of $40.6 million. Bowman said the segment reflected a pricing environment that declined steadily through fiscal 2026 and reached historically low inflation-adjusted levels in the fourth quarter.
The specialty shell egg segment reported fourth-quarter revenue of $239.7 million, down 21.4% from the prior year, with operating income of $17.5 million and an operating margin of 7.3%. Prepared foods revenue was $60.4 million, with operating income of $8.8 million and a 14.6% operating margin.
For the full fiscal year, consolidated revenue was $2.912 billion, down 31.7% from the prior year. Net income attributable to Cal-Maine Foods was $316.7 million, or $6.63 per diluted share. Conventional shell eggs generated full-year revenue of $1.348 billion and operating income of $216.6 million. Specialty shell eggs generated $1.070 billion in revenue and $181.5 million in operating income. Prepared foods generated $244.8 million in revenue and $33.9 million in operating income.
Management Points to Oversupply, Not Demand Weakness Miller said industry supply conditions remained elevated, referencing commentary from the American Egg Board and Urner Barry. He said the American Egg Board estimated the U.S. laying flock at 340 million to 347 million hens based on producer assessment data, materially above USDA’s published estimate.
However, Miller said early indicators suggest the market may be starting to rebalance, including slowing breeder activity, increased chick cancellations, softer hatchery demand and more aggressive flock rotations. If accurate, he said those developments are likely to tighten supply in the near term and could suggest moderation over coming quarters.
During the question-and-answer session, Miller said Cal-Maine’s conventional pricing arrangements remained steady, with about half of the business tied to market pricing and the other half tied to grain-based or hybrid structures. He said the company’s market realization was 102% of the Urner Barry market in the quarter, but the benchmark itself was at an “all-time low inflation-adjusted” level.
Miller also said highly pathogenic avian influenza remains an uncertainty, citing recent layer outbreaks in the U.S., continued presence in the U.S. dairy herd and outbreaks in Australia and South Korea. He said the issue should not be considered “a problem of the past.”
Prepared Foods Remains a Growth Focus Management highlighted prepared foods as a key part of Cal-Maine’s strategy to reduce earnings cyclicality and expand into higher-value consumer-facing markets. Prepared foods accounted for 10.9% of consolidated net sales in the fourth quarter and 8.4% for fiscal 2026. Combined specialty eggs and prepared foods represented 53% of fourth-quarter net sales and 44.4% of full-year net sales.
Miller said the company completed several strategic moves during fiscal 2026, including the acquisition of certain assets of Creighton Brothers LLC and affiliates, as well as the Van’s Foods brand acquisition. Subsequent to fiscal year-end, Cal-Maine also expanded its Eggland’s Best franchise territory in the Northeast.
The company announced a new $54 million investment to expand prepared foods production capacity, which Miller said is expected to add about 30% incremental capacity to the segment beginning in the first half of fiscal 2028. Together with previously announced organic capacity growth and capacity added through the Van’s acquisition, management expects prepared foods production capacity to increase more than 60% from the end of fiscal 2026 through the first half of fiscal 2028.
John Zoeller, CFO of Prepared Foods, said previously announced capacity additions for pancakes, scrambled eggs and Crepini products remain on track, with some capacity expected to come online in fiscal 2027 and additional growth continuing into fiscal 2028. He said the newly announced $54 million investment is expected to begin contributing around mid-fiscal 2028.
Balance Sheet, Buybacks and Dividend Policy Bowman said Cal-Maine ended the quarter with $924.1 million in cash and temporary cash investments and remained virtually debt-free. Net cash flow from operations for the quarter was $2.8 million, down 99.3%.
The company repurchased 396,083 shares during the quarter for $30.1 million. Bowman said $320.7 million remains available under the company’s $500 million share repurchase authorization.
Under Cal-Maine’s variable dividend policy, the company will not pay a cash dividend for the fourth quarter or for any subsequent profitable quarter until it is profitable on a cumulative basis from the most recent quarter for which a dividend was paid. As of May 30, 2026, Bowman said the cumulative loss to be recovered before payment of a dividend was $35.9 million.
Company Sees Improving Conditions Beyond Early Fiscal 2027 Looking ahead, Miller said market prices averaged $0.72 during the first five weeks of the first quarter of fiscal 2027, about 54% below the comparable period in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. He described that period as part of the seasonal trough typical of June and July.
More recently, Miller said pricing had strengthened by more than 90% in only a few weeks. He said early indications point to an improving supply-demand balance and a more constructive egg pricing environment heading into the fall, historically a seasonally stronger period.
Miller said Cal-Maine’s long-term strategy is not dependent on any single market environment. He said the company remains focused on disciplined capital allocation, operational execution, specialty egg growth and building a prepared foods platform that extends its egg-focused business into additional product formats and consumption occasions.
About Cal-Maine Foods (NASDAQ:CALM)Cal-Maine Foods, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, grades, packages, markets, and distributes shell eggs. The company offers specialty shell eggs, such as nutritionally enhanced, cage free, organic, free-range, pasture-raised, and brown eggs under the Egg-Land's Best, Land O' Lakes, Farmhouse Eggs, Sunups, Sunny Meadow, and 4Grain brand names. It sells its products to various customers, including national and regional grocery store chains, club stores, independent supermarkets, foodservice distributors, and egg product consumers primarily in the southwestern, southeastern, mid-western, and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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Evropské unii se zřejmě nepodaří splnit cíl mít před zimou naplněné zásobníky plynu z 80 procent. Je to kvůli napjaté situaci na trhu, která přinesla silnou konkurenci asijských odběratelů, řekl v rozhovoru s agenturou Reuters šéf norské společnosti Equinor Anders Opedal. Equinor je největším dodavatelem zemního plynu v Evropě. Objemy zemního plynu v evropských zásobnících jsou teď výrazně nižší než činí pětiletý průměr a jsou na druhé nejnižší úrovni za posledních 15 let.
Opedal řekl, že Evropa bude podle něj tuto zimu více vystavena výkyvům tržních cen než v předchozích zimách. Zásobníky plynu v EU jsou aktuálně naplněny z 54 procent, zatímco loni touto dobou to podle údajů organizace Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) bylo 65 procent.
Válka s Íránem, kterou zahájily Spojené státy spolu s Izraelem, fakticky zastavila lodní dopravu v Hormuzském průlivu, včetně zhruba pětiny globálních dodávek zkapalněného zemní plynu (LNG), který se obvykle dodává asijským odběratelům. Evropa mezitím nemůže využívat ruský plyn dopravovaný plynovody, protože tyto dodávky kvůli válce na Ukrajině utlumuje.
LNG podle Equinoru tvoří asi 30 procent dováženého plynu do Evropy. V současné době jsou ale problémy kvůli výpadkům dodávek. Opedal dodal, že plyn, který měl na začátku roku směřovat z Kataru do Evropy, nyní směřuje do Asie. Katar patří mezi tři největší dodavatele LNG do Evropy.
Cíle pro naplnění zásobníků plynu byly v EU zavedeny v roce 2022, krátce po ruské vojenské invazi na Ukrajinu. Mají zajistit, aby země EU měly rezervu paliva pro zimní měsíce, kdy vrcholí poptávka po plynu k vytápění.
Podíl Ruska na dovozu plynu do EU klesl podle dat unijního statistického úřadu Eurostat ze 45 procent před zahájením invaze na Ukrajinu na 12 procent v roce 2025 s tím, jak sedmadvacítka zavedla sankce a prosazovala diverzifikaci zdrojů. Velkou část výpadku nahradil LNG ze Spojených států a zvýšené dodávky plynu potrubím z Norska.
SoFi Technologies, Inc. (SOFI - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.
Shares of this company have returned +2% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.3% change. The Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry, to which SoFi Technologies belongs, has lost 3.8% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, SoFi Technologies is expected to post earnings of $0.11 per share, indicating a change of +37.5% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +0.4% over the last 30 days.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.59 points to a change of +51.3% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -0.2%.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.8 indicates a change of +34.8% from what SoFi Technologies is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -0.5%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, SoFi Technologies is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of SoFi Technologies, the consensus sales estimate of $1.11 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +29.7%. The $4.66 billion and $5.62 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +29.9% and +20.5%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistorySoFi Technologies reported revenues of $1.09 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +41.1%. EPS of $0.12 for the same period compares with $0.06 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.04 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +4.66%. The EPS surprise was 0%.
Over the last four quarters, SoFi Technologies surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
SoFi Technologies is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about SoFi Technologies. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.
The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.
It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.
#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Equifax (EFX - Free Report) Equifax Inc. is a global data, analytics and technology company. It provides information solutions and human resources business process outsourcing services for businesses, governments and consumers. Its services are based on comprehensive databases of consumer and business information derived from numerous sources, including credit, financial assets, telecommunications and utility payments, employment, income, demographic and marketing data.
EFX is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 20.22; value investors should take notice.
For fiscal 2026, one analyst revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.00 to $8.56 per share. EFX boasts an average earnings surprise of +5%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, EFX should be on investors' short list.
U.S. stock futures were lower this morning, with the Nasdaq 100 futures falling more than 200 points on Wednesday.
Pegasystems reported quarterly earnings of 35 cents per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of 43 cents per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $420.716 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $426.601 million.
Pegasystems shares dipped 16% to $26.00 in pre-market trading.
Here are some other stocks moving lower in pre-market trading.
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Amid the "SaaS Apocalypse," These 3 Names Are Boosting BuybacksPegasystems NASDAQ: PEGA executives said the company faced a challenging first half of 2026 as customer uncertainty around artificial intelligence, a back-half-weighted renewal portfolio and go-to-market execution issues weighed on annual contract value growth.
On the company’s second-quarter earnings call, Founder and CEO Alan Trefler said the software market is undergoing a “fundamental transformation driven by AI,” but that the shift has also created confusion for enterprise buyers. He said organizations are reassessing how software should be designed, built and operated as AI pricing models evolve from low-cost or free access toward usage-based token pricing.
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3 AI and Cloud Stocks With Analyst Conviction and Long Runways“This cost uncertainty is leading many organizations to sort of freeze and try to figure out what’s going on and take a more deliberate approach to technology investments,” Trefler said. He added that decision cycles have lengthened as customers seek clarity on AI strategies and the potential variability of token costs.
ACV Growth Slows as Customers Delay Decisions COO and CFO Ken Stillwell said annual contract value, or ACV, remains one of Pegasystems’ most important operating metrics because it provides a clearer view of business momentum in a subscription model.
Time to Take Notice: PEGA’s GenAI Blueprint Delivers Huge Q3 BeatPega Cloud ACV increased by $165 million year over year, growing 22% both as reported and in constant currency. Stillwell said the cloud business remains the fastest-growing and most important part of the company’s subscription model, although growth moderated from 27% in constant currency at the end of the prior quarter.
Total ACV grew 7% as reported and 8% in constant currency year over year, with gains in Pega Cloud offset by decreases in maintenance ACV and subscription license ACV. Stillwell said Pega Cloud now represents 57% of total ACV and could ultimately reach approximately 75% of the total over time.
Stillwell identified three primary reasons for the slower first-half performance:
A renewal portfolio that is significantly weighted toward the second half of the year, limiting first-half expansion opportunities. Customer uncertainty caused by rapid changes in the software market and AI economics. Slower-than-expected execution on go-to-market changes intended to deepen engagement with clients and prospects. Because a meaningful portion of Pegasystems’ net new ACV comes from cross-selling and upselling into its existing customer base, fewer renewal opportunities in the first half naturally resulted in fewer expansion opportunities, Stillwell said.
Executives Say Pipeline Remains Active Despite Longer Sales Cycles In response to analyst questions, Stillwell said Pegasystems is not seeing customers abandon transformation projects or disengage from the company. Instead, he said many opportunities have elongated rather than disappeared.
“A lot of those pipeline deals in Q2 just didn’t close,” Stillwell said. “They elongated.” He said the company’s pipeline is growing and that late-stage pipeline is “very strong” compared with last year, but acknowledged that the duration of customer uncertainty is difficult to predict.
Trefler said the company saw “movement” in customer conversations after a period of heightened uncertainty in the second quarter. He said customers are still trying to determine how AI fits into their future technology plans, but added that many have “serious things they need to get done.”
Stillwell said Pegasystems had assumed that one-third of its full-year net new ACV additions would occur in the first half of 2026 and two-thirds in the second half. He said the company underachieved that first-half expectation and will work to recover as much of the shortfall as possible, though he described that task as “very difficult.”
Pegasystems Emphasizes AI Cost Predictability A central theme of the call was Pegasystems’ positioning around AI costs. Trefler argued that enterprises are becoming more concerned about opaque token consumption, particularly “reasoning tokens” used internally by large language models. He said these costs can become unexpectedly expensive when AI agents reason through processes repeatedly at runtime.
Pegasystems is emphasizing an alternative approach that uses AI heavily at design time through Pega Blueprint AI, then runs structured workflows predictably at scale with selective AI use at runtime. Trefler compared the approach to a restaurant that designs recipes in advance rather than reinventing every dish for each customer.
“Our goal is simple,” Trefler said. “Help our clients avoid AI chaos and the mess that comes from it by delivering predictable outcomes at predictable costs.”
Stillwell said Pegasystems does not charge customers per token. Instead, he said the company’s AI monetization strategy is based on business value created on the Pega platform. Blueprint is intended to make it faster for customers to create and deploy applications, while advanced AI-powered runtime capabilities can carry a case price uplift.
New Infinity Studio Release Extends Blueprint Trefler highlighted the release of Pega Infinity 2026 and the introduction of Infinity Studio, which he said extends Blueprint AI from design into application development, deployment and ongoing evolution. He said the release allows Pega Cloud and client cloud customers to use Blueprint AI to deploy new applications and improve existing ones.
He said Pegasystems initially focused Blueprint on new customers and new applications, but Infinity 2026 makes the technology available to help existing customers reimagine and modernize current Pega applications. Trefler called Infinity Studio “a really big deal” and said the company will roll it out aggressively through the rest of the year.
Executives also discussed the company’s use of Model Context Protocol, or MCP. Trefler said every workflow in Pega is automatically available through MCP in Infinity 2026, allowing agents built on other platforms to find and invoke Pega workflows.
Free Cash Flow, Buybacks and 2028 Target Despite slower ACV growth, Stillwell emphasized Pegasystems’ cash generation. The company generated $288 million of free cash flow in the first half of 2026, which he described as a record. He said strong cash generation provides flexibility for capital allocation.
In the first half, Pegasystems repurchased 9 million shares for more than $360 million under prior authorizations. Stillwell said the cash spent on repurchases represented well over 100% of free cash flow generated during the period, and that total common shares were reduced by 6 million in the first half.
The company reiterated its expectation to generate more than $700 million of free cash flow in 2028. Stillwell said slower ACV growth in the first half of 2026 does not change that objective, but it will require the company to reevaluate certain investment priorities. He cited cloud scale, mix shift, sales productivity, gross margin improvement and disciplined investment prioritization as levers supporting the target.
Asked about the company’s free cash flow outlook for 2026, Stillwell said any ACV shortfall would put pressure on the company’s ability to reach its $575 million free cash flow outlook for the year, though he said Pegasystems continues to see cash flow durability in the business.
Trefler closed the call by acknowledging the challenging environment but said the company has navigated major technology and market shifts before. “We have a really good understanding of how to react strongly but smartly,” he said.
About Pegasystems (NASDAQ:PEGA)Pegasystems Inc is a software company specializing in customer engagement and digital process automation solutions. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Pegasystems develops enterprise applications designed to help organizations streamline operations, manage customer interactions and automate complex workflows. Its platform supports a wide range of use cases, from sales and marketing optimization to case management and robotic process automation.
The core of Pegasystems' offering is the Pega Platform, a low-code development environment that enables businesses to build and deploy applications with minimal hand-coding.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Should You Invest $1,000 in Pegasystems Right Now?Before you consider Pegasystems, you'll want to hear this.
MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Pegasystems wasn't on the list.
While Pegasystems currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.
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The AI boom is creating opportunities across semiconductors, cloud computing, enterprise software, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and automation.
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For the quarter ended June 2026, TE Connectivity (TEL - Free Report) reported revenue of $5.16 billion, up 13.8% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $2.94, compared to $2.27 in the year-ago quarter.
The reported revenue represents a surprise of +3.14% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5 billion. With the consensus EPS estimate being $2.85, the EPS surprise was +3.16%.
While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.
As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.
Here is how TE Connectivity performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Net Sales- Industrial Solutions: $2.58 billion versus $2.5 billion estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +21.9% change.Net Sales- Transportation Solutions: $2.58 billion versus $2.5 billion estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +6.7% change.Adjusted Operating Income- Transportation Solutions: $541 million versus $539.85 million estimated by two analysts on average.Adjusted Operating Income- Industrial Solutions: $588 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $554.46 million.View all Key Company Metrics for TE Connectivity here>>>
Shares of TE Connectivity have returned +2.9% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.3% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), indicating that it could outperform the broader market in the near term.
Home BancShares, Inc. (HOMB - Free Report) reached a significant support level, and could be a good pick for investors from a technical perspective. Recently, HOMB's 50-day simple moving average broke out above its 200-day moving average; this is known as a "golden cross."
Considered an important signifier for a bullish breakout, a golden cross is a technical chart pattern that's formed when a stock's short-term moving average breaks above a longer-term moving average; the most common crossover involves the 50-day and the 200-day, since bigger time periods tend to form stronger breakouts.
There are three stages to a golden cross. First, there must be a downtrend in a stock's price that eventually bottoms out. Then, the stock's shorter moving average crosses over its longer moving average, triggering a positive trend reversal. The third stage is when a stock continues the upward momentum to higher prices.
A golden cross is the opposite of a death cross, another technical event that indicates bearish price movement may be on the horizon.
Over the past four weeks, HOMB has gained 8%. The company currently sits at a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, also indicating that the stock could be poised for a breakout.
The bullish case only gets stronger once investors take into account HOMB's positive earnings outlook for the current quarter. There have been 3 upward revisions compared to none lower over the past 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has moved up as well.
Given this move in earnings estimates and the positive technical factor, investors may want to keep their eye on HOMB for more gains in the near future.
Analysts on Wall Street project that Glacier Bancorp (GBCI - Free Report) will announce quarterly earnings of $0.76 per share in its forthcoming report, representing an increase of 68.9% year over year. Revenues are projected to reach $324.2 million, increasing 34.8% from the same quarter last year.
The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.4% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. 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 it's common for investors to rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates for assessing how the business may have performed during the quarter, exploring analysts' forecasts for key metrics can yield valuable insights.
With that in mind, let's delve into the average projections of some Glacier Bancorp metrics that are commonly tracked and projected by analysts on Wall Street.
Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)' should arrive at 3.9%. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 3.2% in the same quarter last year.
The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Efficiency Ratio' of 58.0%. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of 62.1%.
Analysts' assessment points toward 'Non-accrual loans' reaching $65.72 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $35.36 million.
According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Total non-performing assets' should come in at $73.31 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $48.61 million in the same quarter last year.
Analysts predict that the 'Average Balances - Total earning assets' will reach $28.90 billion. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $26.40 billion.
Analysts expect 'Total Non-Interest Income' to come in at $39.07 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $32.94 million.
The average prediction of analysts places 'Net interest income (tax-equivalent)' at $284.70 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $211.08 million in the same quarter last year.
The consensus estimate for 'Gain on sale of loans' stands at $5.26 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $4.27 million.
Analysts forecast 'Net Interest Income' to reach $279.91 million. The estimate compares to the year-ago value of $207.62 million.
View all Key Company Metrics for Glacier Bancorp here>>>
Glacier Bancorp shares have witnessed a change of +5.3% in the past month, in contrast to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.3% move. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), GBCI is expected outperform the overall market performance in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
, /PRNewswire/ -- Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (NasdaqGS: STRL) ("Sterling" or "the Company") today announced that it plans to issue its financial results for the second quarter of 2026 on Monday, August 3, 2026, after the stock market closes.
Sterling's management will host a conference call on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 9:00 am ET/8:00 am CT to discuss the second quarter, as well as the 2026 outlook. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing (800) 836-8184. Please call in ten minutes before the conference call is scheduled to begin and ask for the Sterling Infrastructure call. To coincide with the conference call, Sterling will post a slide presentation at www.strlco.com on the Events & Presentations section of the Investor Relations tab.
To listen to a simultaneous webcast of the call, please go to the Company's website at www.strlco.com. If you are unable to listen live, the conference call webcast will be archived on the Company's website for thirty days.
About Sterling
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc., ("Sterling," "the Company," "we," "our" or "us") operates through a variety of subsidiaries within three segments specializing in E-Infrastructure, Transportation and Building Solutions in the United States, primarily across the Southern, Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic and Rocky Mountain regions and the Pacific Islands. E-Infrastructure Solutions provides advanced, large-scale site development services and mission-critical electrical services for data centers, semiconductor fabrication, manufacturing, distribution centers, warehousing, power generation and more. Transportation Solutions includes infrastructure and rehabilitation projects for highways, roads, bridges, airports, ports, rail and storm drainage systems. Building Solutions includes residential and commercial concrete foundations for single-family and multi-family homes, parking structures, elevated slabs, other concrete work, plumbing services, and surveys for new single-family residential builds. From strategy to operations, we are committed to sustainability by operating responsibly to safeguard and improve society's quality of life. Caring for our people and our communities, our customers and our investors – that is The Sterling Way.
Joe Cutillo, CEO, "We build and service the infrastructure that enables our economy to run,
our people to move and our country to grow."
Company Contact:
Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.
Noelle Dilts, VP of Investor Relations and Corporate Strategy
281-214-0795
[email protected]
Shares of MKS (MKSI - Free Report) have been struggling lately and have lost 11.2% over the past four weeks. However, a hammer chart pattern was formed in its last trading session, which could mean that the stock found support with bulls being able to counteract the bears. So, it could witness a trend reversal down the road.
While the formation of a hammer pattern is a technical indication of nearing a bottom with potential exhaustion of selling pressure, rising optimism among Wall Street analysts about the future earnings of this maker of analysis and processing equipment for semiconductor companies is a solid fundamental factor that enhances the prospects of a trend reversal for the stock.
Understanding Hammer Chart and the Technique to Trade ItThis is one of the popular price patterns in candlestick charting. A minor difference between the opening and closing prices forms a small candle body, and a higher difference between the low of the day and the open or close forms a long lower wick (or vertical line). The length of the lower wick being at least twice the length of the real body, the candle resembles a 'hammer.'
In simple terms, during a downtrend, with bears having absolute control, a stock usually opens lower compared to the previous day's close, and again closes lower. On the day the hammer pattern is formed, maintaining the downtrend, the stock makes a new low. However, after eventually finding support at the low of the day, some amount of buying interest emerges, pushing the stock up to close the session near or slightly above its opening price.
When it occurs at the bottom of a downtrend, this pattern signals that the bears might have lost control over the price. And, the success of bulls in stopping the price from falling further indicates a potential trend reversal.
Hammer candles can occur on any timeframe -- such as one-minute, daily, weekly -- and are utilized by both short-term as well as long-term investors.
Like every technical indicator, the hammer chart pattern has its limitations. Particularly, as the strength of a hammer depends on its placement on the chart, it should always be used in conjunction with other bullish indicators.
Here's What Increases the Odds of a Turnaround for MKSIThere has been an upward trend in earnings estimate revisions for MKSI lately, which can certainly be considered a bullish indicator on the fundamental side. That's because a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions usually translates into price appreciation in the near term.
Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 0.3%. What it means is that the sell-side analysts covering MKSI are majorly in agreement that the company will report better earnings than they predicted earlier.
If this is not enough, you should note that MKSI currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), which means it is in the top 5% of more than 4,000 stocks that we rank based on trends in earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises. And stocks carrying a Zacks Rank #1 or 2 usually outperform the market. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Moreover, a Zacks Rank of 1 for MKS is a more conclusive indication of a potential trend reversal, as the Zacks Rank has proven to be an excellent timing indicator that helps investors identify precisely when a company's prospects are beginning to improve.
Sabra (SBRA) was a big mover last session on higher-than-average trading volume. The latest trend in FFO estimate revisions might not help the stock continue moving higher in the near term.
Investing in stocks based on valuation metrics is a proven strategy for identifying companies with strong upside potential. While the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is a popular tool for gauging value, it has its limitations, especially when evaluating companies that are unprofitable or still in their early growth phases.
In such cases, the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio becomes particularly valuable. By comparing a company’s market capitalization to its revenues, the P/S ratio offers a clearer picture of value when earnings are minimal or volatile.
If you are looking for growth at a discount, low P/S stocks can offer compelling opportunities. These stocks often trade below their intrinsic value, making them attractive to investors seeking upside potential without paying a premium. While the P/S ratio alone does not guarantee success, when combined with strong fundamentals and positive business momentum, it can signal a stock poised for a breakout.
Caleres Inc. (CAL - Free Report) , Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (PEB - Free Report) , Boise Cascade Company (BCC - Free Report) , Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc. (APLE - Free Report) and Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (PARR - Free Report) are some companies with low price-to-sales ratios and the potential to offer higher returns.
While a loss-making company with a negative price-to-earnings ratio falls out of investor favor, its price-to-sales ratio can indicate the hidden strength of the business. This underrated ratio is also used to identify a recovery situation or ensure a company's growth is not overvalued.
A stock’s price-to-sales ratio reflects how much investors pay for each dollar of revenues generated by a company.
If the price-to-sales ratio is 1, investors are paying $1 for every $1 of revenues generated by the company. A stock with a price-to-sales ratio below 1 is a good bargain, as investors need to pay less than a dollar for a dollar’s worth.
Thus, a stock with a lower price-to-sales ratio is a more suitable investment than a stock with a high price-to-sales ratio.
The price-to-sales ratio is often preferred over price-to-earnings, as companies can manipulate their earnings using various accounting measures. However, sales are harder to manipulate and are relatively reliable.
However, one should keep in mind that a company with high debt and a low price-to-sales ratio is not an ideal choice. The high debt level will have to be paid off at some point, leading to further share issuance, a rise in market cap and a higher price-to-sales ratio.
In any case, the price-to-sales ratio used in isolation cannot do the trick. One should analyze other ratios like Price/Earnings, Price/Book and Debt/Equity before arriving at any investment decision.
Price-to-Sales less than the Median Price-to-Sales for its Industry: The lower the price-to-sales ratio, the better.
Price-to-Earnings using F(1) estimate less than the Median Price-to-Earnings for its Industry: The lower, the better.
Price-to-Book (Common Equity) less than the Median Price-to-Book for its Industry: This is another parameter to ensure the value feature of a stock.
Debt-to-Equity (Most Recent) less than the Median Debt-to-Equity for its Industry: A company with less debt should have a stable price-to-sales ratio.
Current Price greater than or equal to $5: The stocks must be trading at a minimum of $5 or higher.
Zacks Rank less than or equal to 2: Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) stocks are known to outperform, irrespective of the market environment.
Value Score less than or equal to B: Our research shows that stocks with a Value Score of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2, offer the best opportunities in the value investing space.
Here are five of the 13 stocks that qualified the screening:
Caleres designs, develops, sources, manufactures and distributes footwear in the United States, Canada, East Asia and internationally. The company presents a compelling investment case, backed by strengthening brand momentum, strategic portfolio expansion and disciplined execution. Its leading brands continue to gain market share and deliver solid growth, while the acquisition of Stuart Weitzman enhances its presence in the premium footwear market and offers meaningful long-term synergy opportunities. Encouraging trends at Famous Footwear, coupled with robust e-commerce growth, point to improving consumer demand and healthier sales trends.
At the same time, Caleres remains focused on cost control, inventory optimization and operational efficiencies. These initiatives are expected to support margin expansion, enhance profitability and strengthen the company’s long-term earnings and cash-flow profile. CAL presently carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Value Score of A. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Pebblebrook, an internally managed hotel investment company, continues to demonstrate strong fundamentals, supported by its diverse portfolio of upscale urban and resort hotels. The company’s strategy centers on operational efficiency, disciplined capital allocation and enhancing long-term asset value through targeted redevelopments. Recent property transformations, including the successful repositioning of Newport Harbor Island Resort and the full restoration of LaPlaya Beach Resort, have strengthened portfolio quality and profitability.
Pebblebrook’s focus on productivity initiatives and cost control has helped offset inflationary pressures and protect margins, even amid uneven regional recoveries. With all major redevelopment projects completed, capital needs are expected to moderate, enabling greater free cash flow generation. Pebblebrook remains well-positioned to benefit from resilient travel demand, disciplined expense management and strategic property enhancements that support sustainable, long-term value creation. PEB currently has a Value Score of B and sports a Zacks Rank #1.
Boise, ID-based Boise Cascade is one of North America’s largest producers of engineered wood products and plywood, as well as a leading wholesale distributor of building materials in the United States. Its strong market position across manufacturing and distribution supports a compelling long-term investment case. The company stands to benefit from structural U.S. housing demand driven by a persistent housing shortage, aging housing stock and increased repair and remodeling activity. Its extensive nationwide distribution network, value-added service capabilities and disciplined capital allocation strengthen its competitive position across housing cycles.
Boise Cascade also maintains a strong balance sheet, enabling continued investments in capacity expansion, strategic acquisitions and consistent shareholder returns through dividends and share repurchases. As residential construction activity gradually recovers and renovation spending remains resilient, BCC is well positioned to capitalize on improving demand while delivering healthy cash flows and long-term earnings growth. BCC currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 and has a Value Score of A.
Apple Hospitality is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that owns the largest and most diverse portfolio of upscale, room-focused hotels in the United States. The company offers a fundamentally sound lodging REIT story built on portfolio quality, brand alignment and disciplined execution. It owns a geographically diversified collection of room-focused hotels affiliated with leading brands, giving it broad exposure to leisure, corporate and group demand.
Management has demonstrated prudent capital allocation through selective acquisitions, timely dispositions and consistent reinvestment to keep properties competitive. A flexible balance sheet and ample liquidity provide resilience across cycles. While recent demand softness weighed on its performance, leisure trends remain supportive and operational agility positions the portfolio to benefit as business travel normalizes, supporting long-term cash flow stability and shareholder returns. APLE carries a Value Score of B and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present.
Houston, TX-based Par Pacific offers a compelling investment case, supported by its integrated downstream platform spanning refining, logistics and retail operations. The company combines strong financial flexibility, with $937.7 million in liquidity, an active share repurchase program and lower financing costs, positioning it to create shareholder value through market cycles. Operational execution remains a key strength, highlighted by record Hawaii and Montana throughput, restored Washington operations and completed Rockies maintenance.
Hawaii Renewables provides an additional long-term growth catalyst as renewable diesel production ramps through the second half of 2026, while excess RIN monetization and affiliate earnings further support durable cash flow growth. PARR currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Value Score of A.
Key Takeaways ACHR advances Midnight development, production and flight testing for future air taxi services.ACHR expands its VTOL portfolio through a collaboration with Anduril on autonomous aviation.EH expands autonomous eVTOL applications across urban air mobility, aerial tourism and short-distance travel. Archer Aviation, Inc. (ACHR - Free Report) and EHang Holdings (EH - Free Report) are positioned to benefit from the rapid evolution of the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry as urban transportation shifts toward cleaner and more efficient aviation solutions. Both companies are advancing next-generation electric aircraft, expanding commercialization efforts and strengthening operational capabilities to support the development of future urban air mobility networks.
The eVTOL market is progressing through continued advancements in electric aircraft technology, certification programs, operational testing and supporting infrastructure. Increasing interest in sustainable urban transportation and low-altitude mobility services is encouraging broader adoption of electric aircraft across commercial markets. At the same time, collaboration with regulators, industry partners and public authorities is accelerating commercialization efforts and creating long-term opportunities for companies developing scalable eVTOL platforms and integrated air mobility ecosystems.
Let’s compare the stocks’ fundamentals to determine which one is the better investment option at present.
The Case for ACHR StockArcher Aviation is developing eVTOL aircraft for next-generation passenger transportation. The company is focused on bringing its Midnight aircraft to commercial markets by expanding engineering, production and flight-testing activities. Alongside aircraft development, Archer Aviation is strengthening its manufacturing footprint and working with industry partners to build the operational framework needed for future air taxi services.
On July 20, 2026, Archer Aviation and Anduril unveiled a jointly developed autonomous hybrid VTOL aircraft platform designed to support future autonomous aviation applications. The collaboration combines Archer Aviation's aircraft development capabilities with autonomous technologies to expand the company's advanced VTOL platform portfolio, strengthen its technology leadership and create additional long-term commercialization opportunities.
The Case for EH StockEHang Holdings develops autonomous eVTOL aircraft designed to support urban air mobility, aerial tourism and short-distance passenger transportation. The company continues advancing autonomous flight technologies, aircraft development and operational capabilities while expanding commercial applications for pilotless electric aircraft. Its strategy focuses on building an integrated ecosystem for safe and efficient low-altitude transportation services.
In June 2026, EHang Holdings was selected to participate in Hong Kong's Low-Altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox program with its EH216-S autonomous eVTOL aircraft. The initiative supports demonstration flights and operational testing under Hong Kong's evolving low-altitude aviation framework, enhancing EHang Holdings' commercialization efforts and supporting the broader deployment of its autonomous eVTOL services.
How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for ACHR & EH?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Archer Aviation's 2026 sales indicates a massive rise of 4,144.67%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EHang Holdings’ 2026 sales calls for a decline of 46.53%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Debt Position of ACHR & EHDebt position is an important financial indicator that reflects a company’s financial stability and ability to manage debt obligations efficiently. Currently, ACHR's debt-to-capital ratio is 3.65%, while EH's stands at 29.61%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AVAV & EH’s Price PerformanceOver the past month, ACHR shares have gained 0.6%, while EH shares have declined 18.2%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation for ACHR & EHACHR shares are trading at a forward 12-month Price/Book (P/B TTM) multiple of 1.93 compared with EH’s P/B TTM of 2.82.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Summing UpBoth companies are participating in the expanding eVTOL and urban air mobility market. Archer Aviation is focused on developing electric passenger aircraft, expanding manufacturing capabilities and advancing commercialization through strategic partnerships and operational infrastructure. EHang Holdings specializes in autonomous eVTOL aircraft and low-altitude mobility solutions, with continued efforts to expand commercial operations and pilotless flight services.
Our choice at the moment is Archer Aviation, supported by its substantially stronger sales growth outlook, more attractive valuation, better debt position and stronger recent stock price performance compared with EHang Holdings.
Archer Aviation currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), while EHang Holdings carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
NEW YORK, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP is investigating potential securities violations against GoDaddy Inc. (“GoDaddy” or the “Company”) (NYSE: GDDY).
CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INVESTIGATION
If you are a GoDaddy investor and have suffered losses, or if you have information that could assist in the GoDaddy 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 February 24, 2026, after markets closed, GoDaddy reported fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results. During the Company earnings call to discuss the results, GoDaddy disclosed the “introduc[tion] [of] a promotional price for dotcom domains with a one year term” in the fourth quarter. Further, GoDaddy’s Chief Financial Officer stated “the demand for this offer was greater than [the Company] expected and the shift in term mix combined with the promotional price reduced upfront bookings and near-term revenue.” The Company “also anticipate[s] a modest impact on reported revenue growth rates for the year in both Core Platform and A&C segments as the promotional price is allocated to all products included in the initial purchase.”
The first trading day following this news, the price of GoDaddy stock fell $13.18 per share, over 14%, to close at $79.12 per share on February 25, 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:
CONTACT:
Pamela A. Mayer
KAPLAN FOX & KILSHEIMER LLP
800 Third Avenue, 38th Floor
New York, New York 10022
(646) 315-9003 [email protected]
Laurence D. King
KAPLAN FOX & KILSHEIMER LLP
1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1501
Oakland, California 94612
(415) 772-4704 [email protected]
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.
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 22, 2026) - Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP is investigating potential securities violations against GoDaddy Inc. ("GoDaddy" or the "Company") (NYSE: GDDY).
CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS INVESTIGATION
If you are a GoDaddy investor and have suffered losses, or if you have information that could assist in the GoDaddy 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 February 24, 2026, after markets closed, GoDaddy reported fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results. During the Company earnings call to discuss the results, GoDaddy disclosed the "introduc[tion] [of] a promotional price for dotcom domains with a one year term" in the fourth quarter. Further, GoDaddy's Chief Financial Officer stated, "the demand for this offer was greater than [the Company] expected and the shift in term mix combined with the promotional price reduced upfront bookings and near-term revenue." The Company "also anticipate[s] a modest impact on reported revenue growth rates for the year in both Core Platform and A&C segments as the promotional price is allocated to all products included in the initial purchase."
The first trading day following this news, the price of GoDaddy stock fell $13.18 per share, over 14%, to close at $79.12 per share on February 25, 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.
For the quarter ended June 2026, Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies (WAB - Free Report) reported revenue of $3.18 billion, up 17.5% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $2.76, compared to $2.27 in the year-ago quarter.
The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.08 billion, representing a surprise of +3.2%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +4.94%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $2.63.
While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.
Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.
Here is how Wabtec performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Sales to external customers- Freight Group- Equipment: $737 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $731.64 million.Sales to external customers- Freight Group- Components: $398 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $382.96 million.Sales to external customers- Transit Segment: $936 million versus $885.7 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +18.9% change.Sales to external customers- Freight Group- Services: $748 million compared to the $689.24 million average estimate based on two analysts.Sales to external customers- Freight Segment: $2.24 billion versus the two-analyst average estimate of $2.19 billion. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +16.9%.Sales to external customers- Freight Group- Digital Electronics: $360 million compared to the $393.57 million average estimate based on two analysts.Income (loss) from operations- Freight Segment: $504 million versus $528.26 million estimated by two analysts on average.Adjusted Income (loss) from operations- Transit Segment: $166 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $145.19 million.Adjusted Income (loss) from operations- Freight Segment: $579 million versus the two-analyst average estimate of $566.26 million.Income (loss) from operations- Transit Segment: $146 million compared to the $139.69 million average estimate based on two analysts.View all Key Company Metrics for Wabtec here>>>
Shares of Wabtec have returned -2.5% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.3% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), indicating that it could outperform the broader market in the near term.
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.
The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.
Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.
What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.
Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.
The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:
Value ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.
Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.
Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.
VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.
How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.
Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.
But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.
That's where the Style Scores come in.
You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.
Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.
A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.
Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.
Stock to Watch: Outfront Media (OUT - Free Report) Headquartered in New York, OUTFRONT Media Inc. is a leading provider of out-of-home (OOH) advertisement space in key U.S. markets. With billboard and transit displays, the company provides advertising structures and sites to diverse industries across the largest markets in the United States. Its inventory consists of billboard displays primarily located on heavily traveled highways and roadways in top Nielsen Designated Market Areas and transit advertising displays operated under exclusive multi-year contracts with municipalities in large cities across the United States. The company has displays in approximately 120 markets across the United States, including the 25 largest markets. As of Dec. 31, 2025, the company had approximately 19,100 lease agreements with approximately 17,500 different landlords.
OUT is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.
It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 14.19; value investors should take notice.
One analyst revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.02 to $2.26 per share. OUT boasts an average earnings surprise of +12.1%.
With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, OUT should be on investors' short list.
[url="]Performance Food Group Company[/url] (PFG) (NYSE: PFGC) will host a live audio webcast at 9 a.m. ET Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to discuss fourth-quarter
Executive Accountability: Brian Grass Named as Defendant for Alleged Role in Concealing Project Pegasus Failures While Serving as Both CFO and Interim CEO of Helen of Troy
, /PRNewswire/ -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors that Brian Grass, Helen of Troy Limited's (NASDAQ: HELE) longtime Chief Financial Officer and former Interim CEO, is named as an individual defendant in a securities class action filed on behalf of shareholders who purchased securities between April 24, 2024, and October 8, 2025. Find out if you qualify to recover losses from the HELE securities action. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500.
Helen of Troy shares suffered multiple sharp declines during the Class Period, including a 27.7% single-day drop ($24.68 per share) and a later 22.7% decline ($7.04 per share), as the alleged truth about the Company's flagship restructuring program emerged. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 3, 2026.
Brian Grass's Dual Role During the Class Period
The complaint identifies Grass as occupying a uniquely central position at Helen of Troy. As the Company's longtime CFO, Grass oversaw financial reporting and projections throughout the Class Period. When CEO Noel Geoffroy suddenly departed on May 2, 2025, after only 14 months in the role, Grass assumed the additional title of Interim CEO, a position he held through September 1, 2025. This dual capacity placed Grass at the intersection of both operational leadership and financial disclosure during a period when, the action contends, investors were receiving materially misleading information about the Company's restructuring progress.
What Brian Grass Allegedly Oversaw
As pleaded in the complaint, Grass made specific assurances to investors on multiple occasions:
On July 9, 2024, Grass stated the Company still expected to "expand gross margin year-over-year due to Project Pegasus" even as the Company simultaneously slashed its full-year revenue outlook by over 20% On October 9, 2024, Grass reiterated gross margin expansion expectations and claimed the Tennessee distribution facility remediation was "substantially completed" On January 8, 2025, Grass confirmed Project Pegasus savings targets remained "on track" and that restructuring charges would be "largely completed in fiscal '25" By July 10, 2025, now serving as Interim CEO, Grass conceded the Company had become "too matrixed, too slow" and "too complicated," acknowledging a loss of organizational focus he stated he personally owned "as a leader" The lawsuit asserts that Grass possessed the power and authority to control the contents of Helen of Troy's SEC reports, press releases, and analyst presentations, and that he was provided with copies of these materials prior to or shortly after their issuance.
Grass's Certifications and Liability
As CFO, Grass signed SEC filings containing financial statements and forward-looking projections about Project Pegasus savings. The complaint alleges that these certifications carried personal accountability under the federal securities laws. The action further contends that Grass, by virtue of his high-level positions and direct involvement in day-to-day operations, acted as a controlling person within the meaning of Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
"Individual officers who sign SEC certifications bear personal responsibility for the accuracy of corporate disclosures. When an executive occupies both the CFO and Interim CEO roles during a period of alleged misrepresentation, questions of personal accountability become particularly acute." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Speak with an attorney about whether Brian Grass's alleged role affected your HELE investment or call (212) 363-7500.
LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: August 3, 2026
Submit your information to join the HELE recovery effort or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500.
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP, Top 50 securities litigation firm (ISS, seven consecutive years). Over 70 professionals. Hundreds of millions recovered for investors.
Frequently Asked Questions About the HELE Lawsuit
Q: Who are the defendants named in the HELE lawsuit? A: The complaint names Helen of Troy Limited and individual defendants including senior executives who signed SEC filings, made public statements, or certified financial disclosures under Sarbanes-Oxley. Brian Grass is named both in his capacity as CFO and as former Interim CEO.
Q: What specific misstatements does the HELE lawsuit allege? A: The complaint alleges Helen of Troy made materially false or misleading statements regarding the progress and success of Project Pegasus, a global restructuring program, and the operational health of its Tennessee distribution center during the Class Period. When the true state was revealed, the stock price declined sharply on multiple occasions.
Q: What do HELE investors need to do right now? A: Gather brokerage records including purchase dates, share quantities, and prices paid. Contact Levi & Korsinsky for a free, no-obligation evaluation at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500. No immediate action is required to remain eligible as a class member.
Q: What if I already sold my HELE shares -- can I still recover losses? A: Yes. Eligibility is based on when you purchased, not whether you still hold them. Investors who bought during the class period and sold at a loss may still participate.
Q: Do I need to go to court or give testimony? A: No. The overwhelming majority of class members never appear in court or give depositions. You submit a claim form to receive your portion of recovery.
Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: Nothing. Securities class actions are handled on a pure contingency basis. No upfront fees, no retainer, no out-of-pocket costs.
CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
Joseph E. Levi, Esq.
Ed Korsinsky, Esq.
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor
New York, NY 10004
[email protected]
Tel: (212) 363-7500
Fax: (212) 363-7171
Momentum investing is essentially the opposite of the tried-and-tested Wall Street adage -- "buy low and sell high." Investors following this investing style typically avoid betting on cheap stocks and waiting long for them to recover. They believe instead that one could make far more money in lesser time by "buying high and selling higher."
Who doesn't like betting on fast-moving trending stocks? But determining the right entry point isn't easy. Often, these stocks lose momentum once their valuation moves ahead of their future growth potential. In such a situation, investors find themselves loaded up on expensive shares with limited to no upside or even a downside. So, going all-in on momentum could be risky at times.
A safer approach could be investing in bargain stocks with recent price momentum. While the Zacks Momentum Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system) helps identify great momentum stocks by paying close attention to trends in a stock's price or earnings, our 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen comes handy in spotting fast-moving stocks that are still attractively priced.
There are several stocks that currently pass through the screen and Hudson Pacific Properties (HPP - Free Report) is one of them. Here are the key reasons why this stock is a great candidate.
Investors' growing interest in a stock is reflected in its recent price increase. A price change of 1.2% over the past four weeks positions the stock of this real estate investment trust well in this regard.
While any stock can see a spike in price for a short period, it takes a real momentum player to deliver positive returns for a longer time frame. HPP meets this criterion too, as the stock gained 48.8% over the past 12 weeks.
Moreover, the momentum for HPP is fast paced, as the stock currently has a beta of 1.89. This indicates that the stock moves 89% higher than the market in either direction.
Given this price performance, it is no surprise that HPP has a Momentum Score of A, which indicates that this is the right time to enter the stock to take advantage of the momentum with the highest probability of success.
In addition to a favorable Momentum Score, an upward trend in earnings estimate revisions has helped HPP earn a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Our research shows that the momentum-effect is quite strong among Zacks Rank #1 and #2 stocks. That's because as covering analysts raise their earnings estimates for a stock, more and more investors take an interest in it, helping its price race to keep up. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Most importantly, despite possessing fast-paced momentum features, HPP is trading at a reasonable valuation. In terms of Price-to-Sales ratio, which is considered as one of the best valuation metrics, the stock looks quite cheap now. HPP is currently trading at 0.97 times its sales. In other words, investors need to pay only 97 cents for each dollar of sales.
So, HPP appears to have plenty of room to run, and that too at a fast pace.
In addition to HPP, there are several other stocks that currently pass through our 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen. You may consider investing in them and start looking for the newest stocks that fit these criteria.
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CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tempus AI, Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), a technology company leading the adoption of AI to advance precision medicine and patient care, today announced the national launch of its OneOme pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing solution, delivering advanced genetic insights to optimize medication safety, dosing and toxicity risk assessment. Following its acquisition of OneOme in November 2025, Tempus has fully integrated these capabilities to expand its comprehensive precision medicine po.
Prezident Petr Pavel vetoval spornou novelu, která má změnit zákony upravující sestavování veřejných rozpočtů. Oznámil to dnes ve vyjádření zveřejněném na webu Hradu. Novelu tak dostane k novému projednání Sněmovna, která může veto hlavy státu přehlasovat. Pavel ve svém odůvodnění uvedl, že zákon podstatně mění způsob, jakým stát, tedy současná i budoucí vlády, bude hospodařit s veřejnými penězi. Byl by podle něj ohrožením dlouhodobé udržitelnosti veřejných financí a zároveň by oslabil kontrolu veřejných peněz ze strany Sněmovny ve prospěch vlády.
Sněmovna hlasy vládní koalice svou podobu sporné novely stvrdila před dvěma týdny přehlasováním Senátu. Horní komora do ní chtěla vložit omezující podmínky. Zákon má umožnit vládě kromě jiného navyšovat výdaje na obranu nad Sněmovnou schválený rámec až do roku 2036, o tři roky déle než nyní. Výdaje nad dvě procenta hrubého domácího produktu (HDP) by se podle něj rovněž nezapočítávaly do schválených výdajových rozpočtových rámců. Obdobně by vláda mohla navyšovat výdaje na strategické infrastrukturní stavby.
Prezident Pavel využil svoji pravomoc vrátit zákon Parlamentu potřetí a zároveň poprvé od nástupu vlády Andreje Babiše (ANO). Loni v únoru Pavel vetoval novelu růstu platů vrcholných politiků či soudců a před dvěma lety novelu, podle které soudy přestaly rozhodovat část sporů v senátech s laickými přísedícími. Sněmovna obě předchozí veta přehlasovala.
Prvním důvodem pro veto je podle Pavla ohrožení dlouhodobé udržitelnosti veřejných financí. "Tento zákon umožňuje vládě půjčovat si výrazně víc, než je tomu dnes. V praxi to znamená, že vláda získá větší prostor pro financování výdajů prostřednictvím dluhu," uvedl. Pravidla pro hospodaření státu musí být podle něj nastavena tak, aby ochránila nejen současné, ale i budoucí generace. "Pokud stát vytvoří pravidla, která mu umožní snáze navyšovat výdaje na dluh, konečný účet za tato rozhodnutí poneseme v budoucnu právě my všichni," dodal.
Zákon podle prezidenta zároveň rozšiřuje prostor vlády navyšovat některé výdaje, aniž by k tomu potřebovala souhlas Sněmovny. "V některých případech smí vláda překročit vlastní schválený rozpočet až o deset procent na základě rozhodnutí jen svého vlastního poradního bezpečnostního orgánu," podotkl. Novela to má umožnit v případě zhoršení bezpečnostní situace. Opozice ve Sněmovně poukazovala na to, že by tak mohla učinit pouze na základě doporučení Bezpečnostní rady státu a kritizovala posun rovnováhy mezi mocí výkonnou a zákonodárnou. Vyjadřovala i obavy, že spolu s dalšími změnami v zákoně to umožní vládě nekontrolovaný růst výdajů, a tím i státního dluhu.
Ministryně financí Alena Schillerová (ANO) kritiku opozice opakovaně odmítla. Už dříve ve Sněmovně řekla, že zákon sám o sobě neznamená zvýšení deficitu ani o jednu jedinou korunu. Opakovaně zdůrazňovala závazek vlády udržovat schodek veřejných financí bezpečně pod třemi procenty HDP. Uvedla také, že podle pravidel, která po sobě zanechala bývalá vláda Petra Fialy (ODS), by nebyl státní rozpočet sestavitelný podle zákona. Zákon označila za rozumný, nemá podle ní alternativu.
Pavel v dnešním odůvodnění dále uvedl, že novela umožňuje, aby ministerstvo financí měnilo hospodaření některých nezávislých institucí na základě takzvané dohody. "Nepodezírám vládu, že jí jde o další zásah do působení Ústavního soudu, Veřejného ochránce práv, Kanceláře prezidenta republiky, Nejvyššího kontrolního úřadu nebo Národní rozpočtové rady. Ve skutečnosti si tu ale nejsou obě strany rovné a zákon nově vytváří prostor pro to, aby ministerstvo financí o těchto změnách rozhodovalo z výrazně silnější pozice," řekl.
Dodal, že nejde o zpochybňování významu investic, i ty důležité do dopravy nebo energetiky ale podle něj musí podléhat jasným pravidlům, odpovědnému hospodaření a demokratické kontrole. "Právě ta chrání veřejné finance i důvěru občanů v to, jak stát nakládá s jejich penězi," řekl. Věří, že poslankyně a poslanci budou mít příležitost všechny tyto otázky znovu zvážit a přijmout zákon, který bude lépe chránit odpovědné hospodaření státu i ústavní rovnováhu mezi mocí zákonodárnou a výkonnou, dodal Pavel.
Poslanci mají od poloviny července takzvané parlamentní prázdniny, na další schůzi by se mohli sejít na konci srpna. Právě na ní by mohli vetovanou novelu k veřejným rozpočtům znovu projednat.
The Pentagon's AI Pivot Supercharges Defense StocksBooz Allen Hamilton NYSE: BAH held its 2026 annual meeting of stockholders on July 22, with shareholders approving the company’s three management proposals and rejecting a shareholder proposal seeking to expand the right to act by written consent.
The virtual meeting was led by Jacob Bernstein, Booz Allen’s Deputy General Counsel and Secretary, and Horacio Rozanski, the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Bernstein said a quorum was present and that notice of the meeting and proxy materials had been mailed beginning June 11 to stockholders of record as of June 1.
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Shareholders Approve Management Proposals Catching Falling Knives: Is It Time to Buy These Beaten-Down Stocks?Rozanski said the board recommended that stockholders vote in favor of management proposals one, two and three, and against proposal four, which had been submitted by a stockholder. The transcript did not detail the substance of the first three proposals beyond noting that they were outlined in the company’s proxy statement.
After voting closed, Bernstein said the Inspector of Election had completed a preliminary tabulation. He reported that proposals one, two and three had been “duly approved” by stockholders, while proposal four had not been approved. Bernstein said the final vote tabulation would be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within four business days.
Written Consent Proposal Rejected Booz Allen Hamilton Earnings: 3 Bullish Signals for BAH StockProposal four was presented by John Chevedden, a private investor and shareholder proponent. Chevedden asked shareholders to support a proposal requesting that Booz Allen’s board take steps to permit shareholders to act by written consent with the minimum number of votes required to authorize an action at a meeting where all shareholders entitled to vote were present and voting.
Chevedden argued that the right to act by written consent would allow shareholders to put forward proposals on a timely basis without waiting for the next annual meeting. He said written consent is designed for issues with broad shareholder support and requires formal backing from a majority of all shares outstanding.
“Many companies incorrectly give the impression that written consent gives too much influence to a minority,” Chevedden said, adding that, in his view, a minority’s role would be limited to initiating a proposal capable of attracting broad support.
CEO Cites Technology Shifts and Market Uncertainty Following the formal portion of the meeting, Rozanski offered remarks on Booz Allen’s market positioning and operating environment. He said “American technology leadership has never been more important” and described Booz Allen’s work as focused on national security, homeland defense and essential civilian services.
Rozanski pointed to several technology and market trends, including the development of “agentic” artificial intelligence, increasingly autonomous cyber threats and the convergence of powerful technologies. He also said the government is placing greater emphasis on speed, commercial technology, outcome-based acquisition and accountability.
“Booz Allen has been advocating, preparing, and investing for these types of changes for years,” Rozanski said. He added that the company believes those shifts will be positive for the country, its customers, Booz Allen and its stockholders over time, while acknowledging that large-scale changes can create near-term uncertainty and disruption.
Fiscal 2026 Described as Challenging Rozanski said fiscal 2026, which ended March 31, reflected that uncertainty. He described the year as challenging, with results shaped by “significant market changes and a highly dynamic macro environment.”
He said the company focused on execution, investment and strategic transformation during the period. “As a result, Booz Allen is stronger than we were a year ago,” Rozanski said. “We are more focused, more agile, and better positioned to lead in a market defined by speed, accountability, and technology-driven outcomes.”
Rozanski said Booz Allen believes its investments in artificial intelligence, cyber, defense technology and next-generation technologies will drive “substantial shareholder value in the medium term.”
No stockholder questions were submitted during the meeting’s question-and-answer period, Bernstein said. Ernst & Young representatives Jill Wheeler and Caitlin Bell were present and available to respond to questions concerning the company’s financial statements, according to Rozanski.
About Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:BAH)Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation is a publicly traded management and technology consulting firm headquartered in McLean, Virginia. The company provides a wide range of professional services and solutions in strategy, analytics, digital transformation, engineering and cyber security. Its expertise spans from supporting federal civilian agencies to defense, intelligence and homeland security organizations, as well as select commercial industries.
Key offerings include data analytics and artificial intelligence applications, software development and modernization, systems integration, and cyber risk management.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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Americký výrobce čipů Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) investuje až pět miliard dolarů (105,8 miliardy Kč) do společnosti Anthropic, která vyvíjí systémy umělé inteligence (AI). Firmy zároveň oznámily, že Anthropic nakoupí od AMD nejnovější generaci čipů pro AI s celkovou plánovanou spotřebou elektřiny až dva gigawatty, přičemž dodávky mají začít v první polovině příštího roku. Firmy to oznámily v dnešní tiskové zprávě. Podle listu The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) se hodnota zakázky pohybuje v řádu desítek miliard dolarů.
AMD se tímto krokem snaží upevnit si pozici na rychle rostoucím trhu čipů pro AI, kterému dominuje společnost Nvidia. Anthropic si naopak zajišťuje dostatečný výpočetní výkon, aby dokázal uspokojit rostoucí poptávku po svých službách založených na umělé inteligenci.
Investice AMD je vázána na dosažení určitých milníků. Generální ředitelka AMD Lisa Suová uvedla, že technické týmy obou společností již nějakou dobu spolupracují a AMD si velmi přála stát se součástí infrastruktury společnosti Anthropic.
Anthropic při vývoji a provozu svých systémů AI využívá čipy od různých výrobců. V rámci nové dohody nakoupí část čipů od AMD pro vlastní datová centra a další výpočetní kapacitu si zajistí prostřednictvím velkých poskytovatelů cloudových služeb. Obě firmy nyní společně vybírají datová centra, kde budou nové čipy nasazeny, dodala Suová.
AMD se v posledních letech snaží posílit svoji pozici na trhu čipů pro AI. Těží z prudkého růstu poptávky od vývojářů, kteří nechtějí být závislí pouze na jednom dodavateli. AMD už uzavřelo podobné dohody například s OpenAI nebo společností Meta.
Součástí spolupráce je také společný vývoj. Anthropic poskytne své jazykové modely Claude, které AMD využije ke zlepšení výkonu a fungování svých čipů.
Dohoda zároveň pomůže Anthropicu získat více výpočetního výkonu pro jeho služby. Firma v poslední době čelí prudkému růstu zájmu o své nástroje AI, kvůli němuž musela některým uživatelům omezit přístup a občas se potýkala s výpadky.
Společnost Anthropic založila v roce 2021 skupina manažerů a výzkumníků, kteří odešli z OpenAI kvůli obavám o její další směřování. Anthropic je nejznámější svou řadou modelů umělé inteligence s názvem Claude. Společnost zaznamenává raketový růst tržeb, odhaduje, že letos by mohly činit až 47 miliard dolarů oproti zhruba deseti miliardám dolarů za loňský rok.
V odvětví AI se stále častěji neprodávají čipy na kusy, ale podle jejich celkové spotřeby elektrické energie, protože ta lépe vystihuje velikost výpočetní infrastruktury. Moderní datová centra pro AI obsahují desetitisíce až statisíce čipů. Přesný počet čipů se může měnit podle jejich typu a konfigurace. Pro investory a firmy je důležitější, jak velké datové centrum bude potřeba z hlediska elektřiny a chlazení. Z tohoto důvodu se kapacita často vyjadřuje v megawattech (MW) nebo gigawattech (GW). Dva GW je obrovské množství energie a v závislosti na použité technologii by to mohlo odpovídat řádově řádově stovkám tisíc až více než milionu AI čipů. Přesný počet ale nelze určit, protože záleží na konkrétním typu čipů, serverech i dalších zařízeních v datovém centru.
