Citigroup se stal clearingovým členem LPMCL a rozšířil vypořádání Loco London pro zlato, stříbro, platinu a palladium. Posiluje tím své poplatkové služby na trhu s drahými kovy.
Key Takeaways Citigroup became an LPMCL clearing member, adding Loco London settlement for four precious metals.C can now offer broader fee-based metals clearing services and strengthen institutional client offerings.Citigroup's expanded clearing role boosts its competitive position in the London bullion market. Citigroup (C - Free Report) is strengthening its presence in the global precious metals market after becoming a clearing member of London Precious Metals Clearing Limited (LPMCL). The designation enables the bank to provide Loco London settlement services for gold, silver, platinum and palladium, expanding its role in one of the world’s largest over-the-counter bullion markets.
The membership enhances Citigroup’s ability to deliver end-to-end precious metals solutions by integrating clearing and settlement with its existing commodities franchise.
Direct participation in the clearing process is expected to improve execution efficiency for institutional clients while reinforcing the bank’s market infrastructure capabilities and deepening client relationships.
While the move is not expected to have a meaningful impact on near-term earnings, it supports Citigroup’s broader strategy of expanding capital-light, fee-generating businesses.
As demand for efficient clearing, settlement and liquidity services continues to grow, the enhanced offering strengthens the bank’s competitive position and could increase its relevance among bullion dealers, financial institutions and other institutional market participants.
Citigroup’s Price Performance & Zacks RankOver the past six months, C shares have gained 19.3%, outperforming the industry’s 4.4% rise.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Currently, Citigroup carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
C’s Competitive LandscapeCitigroup’s closest peers in this space are JPMorgan (JPM - Free Report) and Goldman Sachs (GS - Free Report) , both of which have well-established institutional commodities franchises.
JPM is a long-standing participant in the London bullion market, offering precious metals trading, clearing, custody and vaulting services, whereas Goldman Sachs is a leading dealer in precious metals, providing trading, financing and risk-management solutions to institutional clients worldwide.
Citigroup’s entry into LPMCL strengthens its ability to compete more effectively with these Wall Street rivals by expanding its precious metals clearing capabilities and enhancing its suite of fee-based market services.
NVDY vyplácí mnohem nižší výplaty než v roce 2024: z 2,62 USD na akcii v březnu 2024 klesly na 0,0984 USD na akcii k ex-date 2. července 2026. Fond tak obětuje růst NVIDIA za hotovost.
YieldMax NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSEARCA:NVDY) monetizes NVIDIA‘s (NASDAQ:NVDA | NVDA Price Prediction) volatility through a synthetic covered-call strategy, converting option premiums into weekly cash distributions. The fund once ranked among the highest-yielding listed ETFs, but the critical question is whether those distributions represent durable income or a slow-motion return of your own capital. The answer, based on the May 2026 fact sheet and recent distribution data, is more nuanced than the headline yield suggests.
How NVDY Manufactures Its Yield NVDY holds a small slice of NVIDIA stock (11.5% of net assets) and uses options to synthetically replicate exposure, then sells short-dated calls at strikes near NVIDIA’s spot price to harvest premium. The rest of the portfolio, over 80% in Treasury Bills and a First American Government Obligations money market position, sits as collateral and earns short-term interest.
The income you receive blends option premium (which scales with implied volatility) and T-Bill yield. When NVIDIA trades around 40 vol, premiums are rich and distributions swell. When volatility compresses or NVIDIA rallies past the short strike, the math turns against holders. NVDY caps upside at the sold strike, meaning if NVIDIA rises 15% in a month, the fund captures 3% to 5% while the call is assigned or rolled at a loss.
The Distribution Trend Tells the Real Story NVDY’s payout history is the single most important safety signal. In March 2024, the fund paid $2.62 per share in a single month. By mid-2024, monthly distributions were still running above $1.00. By the July 2, 2026 ex-date, and the weekly payment was $0.0984, with recent weeks clustering between $0.08 and $0.15. Even annualized across 52 weekly payments, the current run-rate falls well short of the 2024 pace.
That decline reflects two forces. NVIDIA’s realized volatility has moderated as the stock matured into a mega-cap, compressing the premiums NVDY can harvest. Meanwhile, the fund had to fund several distributions during periods when NVIDIA rallied through the short strike, which erodes NAV to make the payment whole. NAV erosion is the covered-call ETF‘s silent tax: the yield looks fine on paper, but the price per share drifts lower over time.
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Total Return, Not Just Yield NVIDIA itself returned roughly 24% over the past year and more than 854% over five years. NVDY, by design, cannot match that because every meaningful upside move is capped. Investors who bought NVDY at inception seeking “Nvidia income” have collected large distributions but watched share price decline while NVIDIA rallied. The tradeoff is real cash today for surrendered compounding tomorrow.
The 1.09% expense ratio compounds that drag. On $1.37 billion in net assets, that is meaningful friction versus simply holding Nvidia and selling covered calls in a personal account.
The Verdict The distribution mechanics work. The Treasury collateral is safe, and premium income will keep flowing as long as NVIDIA trades with reasonable volatility. What is at risk is the size of the check. Distributions have already fallen sharply from 2024 highs, and there is no structural reason to expect a return to those levels absent a fresh volatility regime.
For investors who understand they are trading upside for cash flow and are comfortable with a slowly eroding NAV, NVDY works as an income sleeve. For anyone treating it as a proxy for owning NVIDIA, the past year has been an expensive lesson. A lower-yielding alternative such as a broad dividend growth ETF, or simply holding NVIDIA and selling covered calls selectively, will usually produce better total returns.
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NVIDIA uvedla, že ve 2. čtvrtletí fiskálního roku 2027 čeká tržby 91,0 miliardy USD při hrubé marži 75,0 %, přičemž odhad nezahrnuje žádné příjmy z Číny. Společnost zároveň schválila dalších 80,0 miliardy USD na zpětný odkup akcií.
I keep hitting the buy button on NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA | NVDA Price Prediction), and after the June pullback I hit it again. I bought near $225 in May, I bought near $212 in June, and I added last week close to $194.83. The story that got me into this position keeps getting louder.
Here is what pulls me back every time. NVIDIA sells the picks and shovels for what CEO Jensen Huang calls “the buildout of AI factories, the largest infrastructure expansion in human history.” The checks his customers are writing agree with him, and the numbers behind those checks are why I own more shares this week than I did last month.
The Valuation Has Quietly Compressed Forward earnings sit near 20x, and the trailing multiple prints at 30. For a business that just delivered 85.2% year-over-year revenue growth to $81.61 billion at a 75.0% non-GAAP gross margin, that reads like a mature-industrial multiple on a platform running every frontier AI model. Shares are down 12.46% over the past month and sit 28% below the 52-week high of $236.26, even as Q1 non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.87 against a $1.7738 consensus.
The Cash Machine Behind The Buyback Q1 free cash flow was $48.554 billion, roughly 59.5% of revenue turning directly into cash. Full-year FY2026 free cash flow hit $96.575 billion, up 58.7%. Management returned $41.1 billion to shareholders in FY2026 and another $20.0 billion in Q1, then approved an additional $80.0 billion buyback authorization on top of $38.5 billion still remaining. The dividend jumped from $0.01 to $0.25, a 25x raise declared May 18, 2026. Owners are getting paid while Blackwell 300, Vera Rubin, and BlueField-4 get funded out of the same wallet.
The Demand Book Is Booked The $119.0 billion in supply-related commitments that spooks the bears reads differently when you know the customer list. Meta committed to millions of Blackwell and Rubin GPUs. OpenAI signed for at least 10 GW of NVIDIA systems. Anthropic is scaling on 1 GW of initial capacity. CoreWeave is building 5+ GW of AI factories by 2030. Sovereign deals with the UK, South Korea, and Germany layer on top. Q2 FY27 guidance calls for $91.0 billion in revenue at a 75.0% gross margin, and that number excludes any China Data Center compute.
The Real Risk China exposure is real. H20 Data Center compute revenue from China is zero in the guide, versus $4.6 billion in the year-ago quarter. A cash tax step-up hits in Q2. And $119.0 billion in supply commitments cuts both ways if hyperscaler capex ever cools. I sat with all of it. My answer is that Data Center networking revenue grew 199% year over year, hyperscalers are roughly half of Data Center revenue with sovereign, enterprise, and industrial buyers filling the other half, and multi-year cloud service commitments have grown to $30.0 billion. The book keeps deepening.
Why The Buy Button Stays Warm Analyst consensus sits at a $301.62 price target with 58 buys against one sell. I focus on the free cash flow, the platform, and the runway of a company that just went from a penny dividend to a quarter and told me another $80.0 billion of buybacks is coming. When the market sells the picks-and-shovels vendor of the biggest capex cycle of my lifetime at roughly 20x forward earnings, I keep buying.
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Mastercard se posouvá od karetní sítě k multi-rail platební infrastruktuře pro účty, sítě v reálném čase i blockchain. Ve 1. čtvrtletí 2026 vzrostl čistý výnos o 16 % a přeshraniční objem o 13 %.
Key Takeaways MA is expanding beyond cards with multi-rail payments across accounts, real-time networks and blockchain.MA's Q1 2026 net revenues grew 16%, with cross-border volume up 13% and services revenues up 22%.Mastercard is expanding Agent Pay and Mastercard Move to support AI, cross-border and real-time payments. Mastercard Incorporated (MA - Free Report) is steadily evolving from a card network into a multi-rail payments company, enabling transactions across cards, bank accounts, real-time payment networks and blockchain-based rails. The strategy allows consumers, businesses and financial institutions to move money through the most suitable payment method while remaining within MA's ecosystem. As payment preferences continue to evolve, this broader infrastructure is helping the company extend its role beyond traditional card payments.
Mastercard has accelerated this transformation with several recent initiatives. The company launched Agent Pay to support secure payments initiated by AI agents and added Verifiable Intent to authenticate AI-driven transactions. It continues expanding Mastercard Move, a unified platform that connects cross-border, domestic and real-time capabilities, making its network more interoperable and adaptable to diverse money-movement needs.
The strategy is also translating into solid financial performance. In the first quarter of 2026, MA’s net revenues rose 16% year over year, while cross-border volume increased 13% on a local-currency basis. Value-added services and solutions net revenues climbed 22%, highlighting the growing contribution of services and newer payment capabilities alongside the company's core card business.
Rather than relying solely on card transactions, Mastercard is building infrastructure that supports real-time payments, account-to-account transfers, AI-enabled commerce and regulated stablecoin settlement. As businesses seek faster, more flexible and interoperable ways to move money globally, this multi-rail approach positions the company to deepen its role in cross-border and domestic payment flows and to expand its addressable market.
How Are Competitors Faring?Some of MA’s competitors in the payments space include Visa Inc. (V - Free Report) and American Express Company (AXP - Free Report) .
Visa is pursuing a similar multi-rail strategy by expanding Visa Direct, account-to-account payments and stablecoin settlement capabilities. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, V’s total cross-border volume increased 12% year over year, while value-added services revenues grew 27%, reflecting strong demand for diversified payment solutions.
American Express is strengthening its payments ecosystem by expanding tokenization, digital wallet integrations and commercial payment capabilities. AXP is also leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences and payment security. In the first quarter of 2026, network volumes grew 11% year over year to $486.3 billion, supported by resilient consumer and business spending.
Mastercard’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesOver the past year, MA’s shares have declined 5.3% compared with the industry’s fall of 17.3%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, MA trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 25.15, above the industry average of 18.50. MA carries a Value Score of D.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mastercard’s 2026 earnings implies 15.3% growth from the year-ago period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Mastercard currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Walmart WMT shares are on the rise following the announcement of thousands of summer Rollbacks across various categories, including grocery, household essentials, outdoor products, toys, and apparel. Additionally, over 250 price reductions have been introduced at Sam’s Club. This positive market response indicates that investors view these initiatives as a strategic move to enhance WMT’s value proposition, attract customers, and increase market share, rather than a sign of widespread inventory issues.
Price Investment: WMT is continuing its value strategy, which included approximately 7,200 Rollbacks in Q1, marking a year-over-year increase of over 20% across grocery and discretionary categories. Competitive Advantage: Walmart's purchasing scale, supply chain efficiency, and diverse product offerings allow it to lower prices more effectively than many competitors, helping to maintain customer traffic and loyalty. Margin Backdrop: In Q1, Walmart U.S. gross margin increased by 29 basis points, even as the company absorbed around $175 million in unexpected fuel costs instead of passing them onto consumers. While fuel inflation remains a concern, recent results indicate WMT's ability to invest in value without sacrificing overall margin improvement. Profit Cushion: Higher-margin sectors are bolstering WMT's model, with global advertising up 37%, U.S. advertising up 36%, membership fee revenue rising over 17%, and U.S. marketplace sales climbing nearly 50%. These Commerce Solutions businesses lessen WMT’s dependence on traditional merchandise margins. Core Demand: In Q1, Walmart U.S. comparable sales rose 4.1%, enterprise eCommerce sales increased by 26%, delivery sales grew by 45%, and general merchandise saw mid-single-digit growth with the strongest market share gains in five years. These trends suggest that the Rollbacks aim to further enhance already-strong demand rather than address a significant sales shortfall. Guidance and Inventory Watch: The Q2 adjusted EPS guidance of $0.72-0.74 fell short of the $0.75 FactSet Consensus, but WMT upheld its FY27 outlook of $2.75-2.85. Investors will be looking for assurance that inventory levels align with sales and that promotional activities do not escalate to the point of impacting earnings. Today's market response indicates that investors are recognizing WMT's strategic use of pricing to enhance its competitive position, rather than perceiving the Rollbacks as a warning sign. With its scale, procurement capabilities, and growing advertising, membership, and marketplace segments, WMT has more flexibility than many retailers to fund promotions while maintaining profitability. This initiative could further enhance customer traffic, retention, and market share across both grocery and discretionary sectors, especially as consumers remain focused on value. The upcoming earnings report will need to demonstrate that this strong value proposition translates into healthy comparable sales without compromising gross margin, inventory management, or the full-year profit forecast.
This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
Disclosures I/We may personally own shares in some of the companies mentioned above. However, those positions are not material to either the company or to my/our portfolios.
JPMorgan Chase čeká 14. července výsledky za 2. čtvrtletí; analytici čekají EPS 5,61 USD při výnosech 49,56 miliardy USD. Akcie byly v úterý nahoře o 0,78 % na 340,34 USD.
JPMorgan Chase stock is trading at elevated levels. What’s the outlook for JPM shares? What To Watch Ahead of JPM Earnings on July 14JPMorgan is set to report second-quarter earnings before the opening bell on Tuesday, July 14, and analysts are calling for EPS of $5.61 on revenue of $49.56 billion, versus $4.96 and $44.91 billion in the prior-year period.
The company also said Monday it supports a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, while warning that the rules could carry risks—especially for stablecoins and yield-producing products.
What Is Driving JPMorgan’s Dividend and Buyback Boost?CEO Jamie Dimon framed the move as enabled by excess capital and liquidity, positioning JPMorgan to keep returning cash while maintaining balance-sheet strength and staying a “pillar of strength,” a message that helped fuel the prior breakout.
JPM Stock: Critical Resistance and Support LevelsJPM is pressing toward the top of its 52-week range ($279.10 to $343.45), with price now just below nearby resistance at $343.50—an area that lines up with the recent 52-week high zone where breakouts can stall on the first try.
Trend structure still looks constructive: the stock is trading 4.2% above its 20-day SMA ($327.16) and 10.4% above its 200-day SMA ($308.78), and the 20-day SMA remains above the 50-day SMA—typical of an uptrend that’s still being defended on pullbacks.
For momentum, MACD is above its signal line and the histogram is positive, which points to improving upside pressure versus the prior downswing; in plain terms, that usually means buyers are gaining control even if the stock pauses near resistance.
Key Resistance: $343.50 — a nearby pivot/52-week high area where rallies can stall before a clean breakout Key Support: $293.50 — a prior buyer-defense zone that sits well below current price, acting as a deeper "line in the sand" if the trend breaks JPM Earnings Preview: July 2026 EstimatesThe countdown is on: JPMorgan Chase & Co. is set to report earnings on July 14, 2026 (confirmed).
EPS Estimate: $5.59 (Up from $4.96 YoY) Revenue Estimate: $49.39 Billion (Up from $45.68 Billion YoY) Valuation: P/E of 16.2x (Suggests fair valuation relative to peers) Analyst Consensus & Recent Actions: The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price target of $350.00 across 17 analysts. Recent analyst moves include:
UBS: Buy (Raises Target to $384.00) (July 7) Evercore ISI Group: Outperform (Raises Target to $360.00) (July 6) Wells Fargo: Overweight (Raises Target to $360.00) (July 6) JPMorgan Chase Edge Rankings: Strengths and WeaknessesBelow is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for JPMorgan Chase, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:
The Verdict: JPMorgan Chase’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a growth-leaning profile with middling momentum and a weaker quality read. For traders, that often means the chart can keep working higher, but earnings execution and guidance tone may matter more than usual near resistance.
JPM Stock Price Activity on TuesdayJPM Stock Price Activity: JPMorgan Chase shares were up 0.78% at $340.34 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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Exxon Mobil za poslední rok vzrostl o 19,5 % a míří na těžbu 1,8 milionu barelů ropného ekvivalentu denně v Permské pánvi letos. Přesto působí nadhodnoceně, když se obchoduje na EV/EBITDA 9,06x.
Key Takeaways ExxonMobil has gained 19.5% in the past year, nearly matching the industry's 19.4% rise.XOM is on track to grow Permian output to 1.8 million oil-equivalent barrels this year.Softer crude prices and a 9.06x EV/EBITDA multiple make ExxonMobil look overvalued. Exxon MobilCorporation (XOM - Free Report) has surged 19.5% over the past year, almost in line with the 19.4% improvement of the composite stocks in the industry. BP plc (BP - Free Report) and Chevron (CVX - Free Report) , two other integrated players in the same space, have gained 19.6% and 9.7%, respectively, over the same time frame.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Since XOM is a large integrated energy giant, investors interested in the stock might have been assessing how the ongoing oil pricing environment is impacting its business fundamentals. Let’s delve deeper into ExxonMobil’s business outlook before concluding on whether to invest in the stock.
Can XOM's Upstream Business Thrive With Oil Below $70?ExxonMobil has a massive footprint in the Permian, the most prolific oil and gas play in the United States, and offshore Guyana. In the Permian, the integrated giant has been employing lightweight proppant technology and hence is capable of boosting its well recoveries by up to as much as 20%.
According to the data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the shut-in price for existing wells in the Midland, a sub-basin of the Permian, is $42 per barrel. For Delaware, another sub-basin, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas estimated the price at $34 per barrel.
With West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) crude oil trading below the $70-per-barrel mark, significantly above the shut-in prices, it makes sense for XOM to continue production in the wells. On the first-quarter earnings call, XOM mentioned that it is on track with its plan of growing its production in the most prolific basin to 1.8 million oil-equivalent barrels this year.
ExxonMobil’s Robust Balance & Dividend CommitmentInvestors should also keep in mind that XOM has a strong balance sheet, on which it could rely during an unfavorable business environment. The debt-to-capitalization of ExxonMobil is 15.4%, which is significantly lower than 29.6% of the industry’s composite stocks.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Coming to the integrated energy giant’s dividend commitment story, over the past 43 years, ExxonMobil has been rewarding shareholders with annual dividend hikes at an average rate of 5.8%.
Should Investors Bet on the Stock Now?Before concluding, we should also consider that WTI crude oil is now significantly down from the more than $100-per-barrel mark reached in May this year. With upstream operations responsible for XOM’s significant earnings generation, softer commodity prices are likely to have hurt the company’s bottom line, as they are affecting both BP and CVX.
Also, XOM is currently trading at a premium. The stock is trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA multiple of 9.06x, which is higher than the broader industry average of 5.49x. BP and CVX, two other integrated majors, are valued at 2.83x and 8.82x, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Thus, investors shouldn’t rush to bet on the overvalued ExxonMobil stock right away. Those who have already invested may hold the stock. Currently, XOM carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Goldman Sachs čeká za čtvrtletí zisk 14,01 USD na akcii a tržby 16,31 miliardy USD, což by znamenalo meziroční růst o 28,4 % a 11,8 %. Analytici navíc po úpravách odhadů vidí vyšší šanci na překonání konsenzu.
Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Goldman Sachs (GS - 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 stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 14. 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 investment bank is expected to post quarterly earnings of $14.01 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +28.4%.
Revenues are expected to be $16.31 billion, up 11.8% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.62% 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 the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Goldman?For Goldman, 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 +2.07%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.
So, this combination indicates that Goldman will most likely 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 Goldman would post earnings of $16.34 per share when it actually produced earnings of $17.55, delivering a surprise of +7.41%.
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.
Goldman 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.
PayPal rozšiřuje BNPL, aby podpořil branded checkout a růst plateb; objem BNPL v 1. čtvrtletí meziročně vzrostl o 23 %. Firma říká, že služba je v její uživatelské základně stále málo rozšířená.
Key Takeaways PayPal is expanding BNPL to strengthen branded checkout and support checkout growth.PYPL's first-quarter BNPL volume rose 23% year over year, reflecting strong consumer adoption.PayPal sees BNPL as underpenetrated across its user base, leaving significant room for future growth. PayPal Inc. (PYPL - Free Report) is strengthening its buy now, pay later (BNPL) offering to enhance branded checkout, attract new customers and help merchants generate higher basket sizes. As consumers increasingly seek flexible payment options, BNPL is becoming an important driver of PayPal's checkout growth strategy.
PayPal identified checkout as a major growth opportunity, noting that digital wallets continue to gain traction as consumers prioritize convenience, security, rewards, loyalty benefits and flexible payment options like BNPL. The company also described BNPL as an important driver of customer acquisition and said the offering remains underpenetrated across its user base, leaving significant room for growth.
Beyond driving customer acquisition, BNPL benefits merchants by encouraging larger basket sizes and improving checkout conversion, supporting higher payment volumes across PayPal's platform. The momentum is reflected in operating performance. During the first quarter, BNPL volume increased 23% year over year, highlighting strong consumer adoption.
PayPal is also investing in expanding BNPL usage. Management said transaction margin growth was partially offset by strategic investments aimed at improving customer habituation and selection rates across branded checkout and BNPL. Likewise, transaction take rate declined partly due to product mix and continued investments in branded checkout and BNPL.
However, BNPL also brings credit and funding considerations. As part of PayPal's broader credit receivables business, its growth depends on effective credit risk management and the successful sale of receivables to third parties. Balancing these risks with continued adoption will be key to sustaining BNPL's long-term contribution to checkout growth.
How Are PYPL’s Competitors Fairing?Affirm Holdings (AFRM - Free Report) offers transparent installment loans, checkout financing and merchant integrations across retail, travel, electronics and e-commerce. Affirm’s latest quarter showed $11.6 billion gross merchandise value (GMV), up 35% YoY, $1.04 billion in revenues, up 33%, and 26.8 million active customers, strengthening AFRM’s BNPL position.
Klarna Group (KLAR - Free Report) offers BNPL at a global scale. In first-quarter 2026, Klarna reported $33.7 billion GMV, up 33% YoY, $1 billion in revenues, up 44%, and $68 million in adjusted operating profit. KLAR’s merchant network, app tools and U.S. growth make KLAR relevant to PayPal.
PYPL’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of PayPal have declined 1.6% over the past three months, underperforming both the broader industry and the S&P 500 Index.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In terms of forward 12-month P/E, PYPL stock is trading at 8.14X, which is at a significant discount to the Zacks Financial Transaction Services industry’s 18.5X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PayPal’s estimate revisions reflect a positive trend. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for full-year 2026 EPS has been revised upward over the past week.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PayPal currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Mastercard v 1. čtvrtletí 2026 překonal odhady, když EPS dosáhl 4,60 USD a tržby vzrostly o 15,8 % na 8,398 miliardy USD. PayPal také překonal odhady, ale varoval pro rok 2026 před plochým až mírně nižším výhledem.
Mastercard (NYSE:MA | MA Price Prediction) and PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) just closed Q1 2026 reports that look like mirror opposites. Mastercard delivered accelerating services growth and margin expansion from a position of dominance. PayPal beat low expectations under brand-new CEO Enrique Lores, but guided to a flat-to-down 2026. Both stocks trade below where they started the year, and investors are asking which discount is real.
Services Carry Mastercard. A New CEO Carries PayPal. Mastercard reported EPS of $4.60 against a $4.41 consensus, its fourth consecutive beat, on revenue up 15.8% to $8.398 billion. The engine is diversification: value-added services and solutions grew 22%, well ahead of the 12% payment network line. CEO Michael Miebach framed it plainly, saying the company is “advancing agentic commerce with Mastercard Agent Pay and expanding our stablecoin solutions through the planned acquisition of BVNK.”
PayPal beat too, posting $1.34 EPS versus a $1.27 estimate on $8.353 billion in revenue. But the quality was thinner. GAAP operating margin contracted 182 basis points to 17.8%, and net income fell 13.52% year over year. Lores called the moment an opportunity to “sharpen our strategy, simplify our organization, and improve both our growth trajectory and cost structure.” Translation: cleanup.
A Duopoly Network vs. a Commoditized Checkout The strategic gap is wider than the tickers suggest.
Lens Mastercard PayPal Q1 revenue growth 15.8% 7.2% Operating margin 60.8% 17.8% 2026 EPS trajectory Growth continuing Flat to slightly lower vs. $5.31 Core bet Agentic commerce, stablecoins, cross-border Branded checkout turnaround Mastercard sits on a global rail with 13% cross-border volume growth and a rising services layer. PayPal is defending share against Apple Pay, Shop Pay, and every embedded wallet, while active accounts fell 0.2 million sequentially. The Q4 2025 admission that branded checkout “has not been where it needs to be” still hangs over the story.
What Actually Decides 2026 For Mastercard, keep an eye on whether services growth stays north of 20% and whether the BVNK stablecoin deal answers the disintermediation worry directly. For PayPal, the tell is transaction margin dollars and whether Lores can stabilize branded checkout without another guide-down. Q2 EPS is already guided to decline roughly 9% against last year’s $1.40.
Why I Would Own Mastercard Here For me, this comparison has a clear answer. Mastercard is down 5.21% year to date despite compounding EPS and expanding margins, which reads as a rare discount on a duopoly asset. PayPal, off 21.62% YTD and down 84.2% over five years, trades at a forward PE near 9 for a reason: it must spend aggressively just to defend commoditized checkout share. If you want deep-value optionality on a Lores-led turnaround, PayPal fits. I would rather own the toll road. Mastercard’s $11.7 billion buyback authorization and expanding digital services moat give me a cleaner path to double-digit upside without needing a strategy reboot to work.
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Pfizer má dividendový výnos 7 %, ale text varuje, že není tak bezpečná, jak se zdá. Firma v roce 2025 nevygenerovala dostatek hotovosti na pokrytí dividend a chybělo jí asi 700 milionů USD.
It's hard not to love high dividend yields. Who doesn't want more dividends for their money? Pfizer (PFE +1.31%) and its current yield of 7% will certainly grab your attention.
But remember that the company sets the dividend amount, and the market sets the stock's yield. A yield as high as Pfizer's can be a warning that Wall Street sees problems and trades the stock at a price that reflects those risks.
The problem for investors is that it's difficult to see any obvious red flags in Pfizer's dividend -- right now. Here's why it's far riskier than it might look.
Image source: The Motley Fool
Pfizer's dividend looks and sounds safe, on the surface Wall Street analysts estimate that the pharmaceutical giant will earn approximately $2.99 per share this year. That's good news. Pfizer pays out $1.72 in dividends, so, at least based on earnings, the payout ratio is healthy at 57%. Additionally, the management team has been quite vocal about the dividend. Pfizer noted that preserving and supporting its dividend is a priority as recently as its first-quarter 2026 earnings call in May.
That will resonate with investors. The company benefited from selling COVID-19 vaccines and treatments in the early years of the pandemic, but has struggled since then as that windfall dried up. Pfizer's dividend, especially at a 7% yield, genuinely moves the needle for investors who might be sitting on some unrealized capital losses. The stock is still 60% below its 2022 high.
Unfortunately, there are risks now and on the horizon Pfizer is facing the dreaded patent cliff over the next few years, when patents on some key products expire; these include Eliquis, its top seller in 2025, with roughly $8 billion in sales. Its COVID-related products Comirnaty and Paxlovid, combined, generated $6.7 billion in sales last year but continue to decline sharply. Industry analysts estimate that Pfizer could lose $17 billion in revenue from its existing portfolio by 2030.
The company is working to plug that hole with new drugs from its pipeline, but Pfizer's financial profile could dramatically shift soon. On top of that, the company didn't earn enough cash flow to cover its dividends in 2025, falling approximately $700 million short. Dividends are a cash expense, so that's a red flag, regardless of what earnings based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) say.
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What should investors do? Pfizer seems committed to the dividend for now. The company has $13 billion in cash on hand, so dipping into that last year to cover its payouts isn't the end of the world. However, it's difficult to place much confidence in the dividend from one quarter to the next, because the cash payout ratio is tight and uncertainty about the next few years looms over Pfizer's business.
If you're buying Pfizer stock for its dividend, you'll want to weigh these risks, because the dividend isn't as ironclad as it looks.
Athleta v 1. čtvrtletí snížila tržby o 12 % na 270 mil. USD a srovnatelné tržby klesly o 11 %, protože Gap dál čistí staré zásoby. Nové kolekce Journey a Elation ale vzbudily silný zájem zákazníků.
Key Takeaways Athleta's sales fell 12% to $270M, with comps down 11% as legacy inventory clearance weighed on Q1 results.Gap says 2026 is a transition year for Athleta, focused on product, positioning and merchandising.New Journey travel collection and Elation leg silhouettes showed strong engagement and sell-through. Gap Inc.’s (GAP - Free Report) turnaround has gained traction across much of its portfolio, but Athleta remains the notable exception. While Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic continue to post positive comparable sales growth, Athleta is still in the early stages of a multiyear rebuilding effort. Management has been clear that 2026 is a transition year for the brand, with the priority on rebuilding product, brand positioning and merchandising rather than pursuing near-term sales growth. The key question for investors is whether these foundational changes can translate into sustainable momentum over the coming quarters.
The first-quarter results highlighted the work still ahead. Athleta's net sales declined 12% year over year to $270 million, while comparable sales fell 11%, missing the company's expectations. Management attributed the weakness primarily to efforts to clear legacy inventory, a process that has taken longer than anticipated and weighed on top-line performance. Despite the sales pressure, Gap noted that introducing a cleaner assortment remains essential before the brand can return to more consistent growth.
Encouragingly, early signs suggest the strategy may be gaining traction beneath the surface. Gap reported positive customer response to Athleta's new Journey travel collection in select locations, with strong engagement and sell-through rates. New leg silhouettes across core franchises such as the Elation line have also performed well, giving management greater confidence in its future product direction. The company plans to continue clearing older inventory through the second quarter before introducing a broader assortment that better reflects Athleta's long-term positioning in the fall season.
While Athleta is likely to remain a drag on Gap's overall performance in the near term, management expects gradual improvement in the second half as new products gain a larger share of the assortment. Leadership continues to view Athleta as an important long-term growth engine and is investing in product, talent and creative capabilities to strengthen the brand's competitive position. The pace at which these initiatives translate into stronger comparable sales will likely determine whether Athleta can become a meaningful contributor to Gap's next phase of growth.
GAP’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have lost 31.9% in the past six months compared with the industry’s decline of 12.8%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, GAP trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 7.90X compared with the industry’s average of 14.44X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GAP’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies year-over-year growth of 1.2% and 9.9%, respectively. For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate indicates a 1.9% rise in sales and 10.8% growth in earnings. The company’s EPS estimate for both fiscal years has remained stable in the past seven days.
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Key PicksRoss Stores (ROST - Free Report) , a leading U.S. off-price retailer operating Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS stores, sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. ROST delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.2%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The consensus estimate for Ross Stores’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 9.1% and 17.1%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.
Five Below, Inc. (FIVE - Free Report) , which operates as a specialty value retailer, currently flaunts a Zacks Rank #1. FIVE delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 70.1%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Five Below’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 14.36% and 34.3%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.
Tapestry, Inc. (TPR - Free Report) provides accessories and lifestyle brand products in North America, Greater China, the rest of Asia and internationally. At present, TPR sports a Zacks Rank of 1. TPR has delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 15.6%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 13.8% and 36.3%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures.
Carnival snížil výhled růstu tržeb pro fiskální rok 2026 asi o jeden procentní bod, což znamená tlak na EPS ve výši 14 centů. Přesto má pro fiskální rok 2027 historicky vysoké rezervace i ceny.
Key Takeaways CCL is facing near-term yield pressure in Europe, particularly across Mediterranean deployments.Carnival cut its FY26 yield growth outlook by about one point, creating a 14-cent EPS headwind.CCL's FY27 booked position is at historical highs for both pricing and occupancy. Carnival Corporation (CCL - Free Report) is navigating near-term yield pressure from Europe, but its forward booking profile suggests that the setback may be temporary rather than structural. The pressure has been most visible in European deployments, particularly the Mediterranean, where prolonged Middle East-related volatility, elevated airfares and reduced international flight capacity for North American guests weighed on demand momentum.
The impact is reflected in the company’s revised fiscal 2026 yield outlook. Carnival lowered its full-year yield growth expectation by roughly one percentage point from its prior guidance, reducing earnings per share (EPS) by 14 cents due to operational headwinds. The revision includes both ticket and onboard revenues, with part of the pressure tied to slightly lower occupancy expectations in Europe.
Even so, the broader demand picture remains constructive. Carnival had already built a stronger booked position and pricing profile in Europe before demand softened, giving it flexibility to protect price integrity. While this trade-off may weigh on near-term occupancy, it supports revenue quality and prioritizes long-term pricing strength over short-term volume recovery.
CCL’s booked position also remains healthy. For fiscal 2026, 93% of the business is already on the books, with less inventory left to sell than last year and record pricing across the remaining quarters. For fiscal 2027, Carnival’s book position is at historical highs for both price and occupancy, reinforcing confidence in the underlying cruise demand environment. European deployments for fiscal 2027 were up in the mid-teens percentage range at higher prices.
Overall, Carnival’s fundamentals support the view that Europe-led pressure is more transitory than structural. The company’s disciplined revenue management, cost-control initiatives, measured capacity growth, expanded destination portfolio and improving leverage profile provide support to the earnings setup. Barring renewed geopolitical or air-travel disruptions, CCL appears well positioned to absorb the near-term European setback and sustain its longer-term yield recovery.
CCL’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of Carnival have dropped 1.3% in the past three months against the industry’s 1.8% growth. In the same time frame, other industry players like Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL - Free Report) have gained 3.6%, while Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH - Free Report) has lost 4.4%.
CCL Stock’s Three-Month Price Performance
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CCL stock is currently trading at a discount. It is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 11.27, well below the industry average of 16.89. Then again, other industry players, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise, have P/E ratios of 15.47 and 10.37, respectively.
CCL’s P/E Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival’s fiscal 2026 earnings per share has declined from $2.25 to $2.20 over the past 30 days.
EPS Trend of CCL Stock
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The company is likely to report dismal earnings, with projections indicating a 2.2% year-over-year fall in fiscal 2026. Conversely, industry players like Royal Caribbean are likely to witness growth of 10.4% year over year in 2026 earnings. NCLH is likely to project a fall of 19.4% year over year in 2026 earnings.
CCL stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Salesforce uvedl, že Agentforce ARR vzrostl meziročně o 205 % na 1,2 miliardy USD a AI a Data ARR se více než ztrojnásobily na 3,4 miliardy USD. Výnosy ve 1. čtvrtletí fiskálního roku 2027 stouply o 13,3 %.
Key Takeaways CRM's 5.8% drop trails industry gains as AI, interest rates, inflation and geopolitics weigh on software.Salesforce's Agentforce ARR surged 205% to $1.2B, while AI and Data ARR more than tripled to $3.4B.Salesforce expects 10-11% Q2 revenue growth and about 11% for FY27, while valuation looks cheaper. Salesforce Inc. (CRM - Free Report) shares have declined 5.8% over the past three months, underperforming the Zacks Internet – Software industry’s 5.7% gain. While the weak performance may concern investors, Salesforce is far from being the only software stock under pressure.
Several enterprise software names, including SAP SE (SAP - Free Report) , Adobe Inc. (ADBE - Free Report) and Workiva Inc. (WK - Free Report) , have also struggled during the same period. SAP, Adobe and Workiva have fallen 5.1%, 8.7% and 9.9%, respectively. The broad-based weakness suggests that investors are reassessing the software sector rather than losing confidence in Salesforce alone.
Salesforce 3-Month Price Return Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The biggest overhang is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, particularly agentic AI. These AI systems can automate complex business tasks with minimal human intervention, prompting investors to question whether the traditional software-as-a-service (SaaS) pricing model, which largely depends on per-user subscriptions, could face pressure over time. If enterprises eventually require fewer software users, subscription growth could slow across the industry.
At the same time, software companies continue to deal with a difficult macroeconomic backdrop. Higher interest rates, persistent inflation and geopolitical uncertainty have made businesses more cautious about technology spending. Many enterprises are taking longer to approve large software purchases, resulting in extended sales cycles across the industry.
Salesforce is naturally exposed to these trends because most of its revenues come from enterprise customers. Slower IT spending could delay new customer wins and reduce expansion opportunities. However, the recent pullback appears to reflect broader market concerns rather than any meaningful deterioration in Salesforce's business.
Salesforce Is Becoming More Than a CRM CompanySalesforce remains the global leader in customer relationship management software, according to Gartner. However, the company is no longer relying solely on its customer relationship management software for growth. It is transforming into a broader enterprise AI platform by combining customer data, collaboration tools and AI-powered automation.
This strategy has been built through both large and small acquisitions. Slack strengthened Salesforce's collaboration platform, and Informatica expanded its data management capabilities, while newer acquisitions such as Doti AI and Spindle AI are enhancing its AI offerings.
The company's biggest growth engine today is Agentforce. In the first quarter of fiscal 2027, Agentforce’s annual recurring revenues (ARR) surged 205% year over year to $1.2 billion, highlighting strong customer demand for Salesforce's AI agents.
The momentum extends beyond Agentforce. Combined AI and Data ARR, including Agentforce, Data 360 and Informatica Cloud, reached $3.4 billion in the first quarter, more than tripling from the year-ago period. Nearly half of Agentforce and Data 360 bookings came from existing customers, showing that Salesforce is successfully expanding relationships within its large installed customer base.
That matters because selling more products to existing customers is typically more profitable than acquiring new ones. It also demonstrates that enterprises are willing to spend more on Salesforce's AI platform despite the uncertain economic environment.
CRM’s Revenue Growth Shows Signs of ImprovementOne of the biggest investor concerns has been Salesforce's slowing growth. As the company became larger, revenue growth naturally moderated from the high-growth rates seen several years ago, leading many investors to believe Salesforce had entered a mature phase.
Recent results paint a more encouraging picture. First-quarter fiscal 2027 revenues increased 13.3% year over year, marking a noticeable acceleration from recent quarters. While Salesforce is still way behind its earlier hypergrowth phase, double-digit growth remains impressive for a company of its scale.
Management's guidance also reflects confidence in demand. Salesforce expects revenues to grow 10-11% in the fiscal second quarter and approximately 11% for the full fiscal year. Those projections are largely in line with Zacks Consensus Estimates and suggest that growth remains healthy despite a cautious enterprise spending environment.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Salesforce’s Valuation Leaves Room for UpsideThe recent share price weakness has also made Salesforce's valuation more attractive. CRM currently trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.26, well below the industry average of 26.32.
Salesforce Forward 12-Month P/E Ratio
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Compared with peers, Salesforce also appears reasonably valued. SAP and Workiva trade at forward P/E multiples of 17.74 and 16.24, respectively, while Adobe trades at 8.36 times forward earnings. Although Adobe is cheaper, Salesforce's valuation looks attractive considering its improving growth profile and expanding AI business.
Final Thoughts: CRM Stock Seems Worth HoldingSalesforce still faces legitimate challenges. The software industry is adjusting to the rise of AI, enterprise customers remain cautious about spending, and macroeconomic uncertainty could continue to weigh on near-term demand.
However, the recent decline appears to reflect investor sentiment more than weakening fundamentals. Salesforce is rapidly building one of the industry's strongest enterprise AI platforms and is showing early signs of reaccelerating revenue growth. At the same time, its expanding AI ecosystem is creating new monetization opportunities while strengthening customer relationships.
With the stock trading at a meaningful discount to the broader software industry, much of the near-term uncertainty already appears to be reflected in the valuation. While volatility may persist, the company's long-term growth story remains intact. For existing investors, holding the stock continues to look like the more sensible strategy than selling into the recent weakness.
Salesforce carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Snowflake uzavřela 1. čtvrtletí fiskálního roku 2027 s RPO ve výši 9,21 miliardy USD, meziročně o 38 % více, což bylo rychlejší tempo růstu než u tržeb. Firma zároveň zvýšila celoroční výhled produktových výnosů na 5,84 miliardy USD.
Snowflake’s title bet references an $80 billion data opportunity, but the number in the Q1 FY27 filing that actually validates the thesis is the size of the contracted backlog. That contracted figure is what long-term holders should anchor on.
The Number Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW | SNOW Price Prediction) closed Q1 FY27 with $9.21 billion in remaining performance obligations, up 38% year over year. The company reported the figure on May 27, 2026. RPO represents contracted business Snowflake has booked with customers but has not yet recognized as revenue. This figure grew faster than the 33.48% quarterly revenue increase, which is the tell.
What It Means RPO is the backlog. When this number accelerates past revenue growth, customers are signing longer, larger contracts. Product revenue for the quarter came in at $1.33 billion, up 34% year over year, which management described as the strongest sequential dollar growth in the company’s history. Net revenue retention held at 126%, meaning existing customers spent 26% more than a year ago.
Perhaps more important is the count of customers generating more than $1 million in trailing product revenue. This figure reached 779 this past quarter (up 29% YoY), with Snowflake adding 616 net new customers (up 38% YoY), and showcasing 13,600+ accounts are now using Snowflake AI capabilities.
Market Reaction Shares closed at $260.15 on July 2, 2026, up 18.6% year to date from a start of $219.36 on December 31, 2025. On a one-week view, SNOW rose 14.57%, moving from $227.06 on June 25, 2026 to $260.15 on July 2, 2026. On the one-year view, the stock is up 19.7% from $217.34 on July 2, 2025. Following the Q1 earnings report, shares moved from $177.4949 at filing to $255.55 one day after.
Bull Case The $9.21 billion backlog is the foundation. Management raised full-year FY27 product revenue guidance to $5.84 billion, implying 31% growth, up from prior guidance of $5.66 billion at 27%. Non-GAAP operating margin guidance rose to 13.5%, from 12.5%, and non-GAAP adjusted free cash flow margin is guided at 23.0%. Q2 FY27 product revenue is guided to $1,415 million to $1,420 million, or 30% growth.
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AI adoption is doing the work behind those raises. Cortex Code is now inside 7,100+ accounts, and Snowflake Intelligence accounts more than doubled quarter over quarter. Some of Snowflake’s strategic moves included a $6 billion multi-year AWS agreement, a deepened OpenAI partnership, general availability of SAP partnership capabilities, and the acquisition of Natoma, an enterprise Model Context Protocol platform for AI agents.
CEO Sridhar Ramaswamy called Q1 “a milestone quarter” and framed the company’s AI product suite as the company becoming “the control plane for the Agentic Enterprise.” Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.39 versus a $0.3198 estimate, a 21.95% beat, the fourth consecutive quarter of beating consensus. Free cash flow reached $232.77 million, up 26.93% YoY, and Snowflake repurchased $300.03 million of its own stock in the quarter. TD Cowen reiterated a Buy rating with a $300 price target on June 2, 2026.
Bottom Line For retirement-focused holders, RPO growing faster than revenue is the metric that matters most. It signals longer contract durations and stronger customer conviction, and it gives management visibility to keep raising guidance.
The AI attach rate across 13,600+ accounts is converting into contracted dollars on the balance sheet. Shares have already caught a bid, up 18.6% year to date, but Snowflake’s backlog compounds independent of any single quarter’s headlines. The next catalyst is the Q2 FY27 report, and the number to keep an eye on is whether RPO growth stays ahead of product revenue growth. If it does, the raised full-year outlook is unlikely to be the last one this fiscal year.
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Tržby Costco ve fiskálním roce 2025 vzrostly na 275,24 miliardy USD, meziročně o 8,17 %. Ve 3. čtvrtletí FY2026 tržby vzrostly na 70,53 miliardy USD, o 11,58 %.
$275.24 billion. That is what Costco (NASDAQ:COST | COST Price Prediction) rang up in revenue for fiscal year 2025, representing a +8.17% year-over-year haul that pushed the warehouse operator past a quarter-trillion dollars in annual sales. The company followed this impressive report with a Q3 FY2026 quarter that showed this growth machine is still accelerating in the right direction, posting $70.53 billion in revenue, up 11.58% year over year.
What It Means A quarter-trillion-dollar retailer that keeps compounding sales at a double-digit clip is a rare animal. Costco is making this happen, while continuing to open physical stores. Management ended Q3 with 931 warehouses across 14 countries and told investors it now targets “30-plus net new openings per year in the coming years”, with roughly 12 new warehouses still scheduled for the remainder of FY2026.
The company’s membership model is what makes Costco’s top line so durable. Membership fees hit $1.37 billion in the quarter, up 10.7% year over year, on a 89.7% worldwide renewal rate and 82.9 million paid members. Executive memberships now account for 75.0% of net sales. Additionally, comparable sales rose 9.8% (6.6% adjusted for gas and FX), with digitally enabled comps up 21.5% and e-commerce site and app traffic up 37%.
Profitability is scaling with the company’s top line. FY2025 net income reached $8.099 billion (+9.94%), operating cash flow rose to $13.335 billion (+17.6%), and free cash flow expanded 18.22% to $7.837 billion. Q3 FY2026 net income came in at $2.19 billion, up 15.19%, on $4.93 diluted EPS that edged the $4.923 consensus.
Bull Case I think Costco’s bull case rests on three data points that keep pointing the same direction.
First, membership economics. A 89.7% worldwide renewal rate paired with 92.2% in the U.S. and Canada means members overwhelmingly keep paying to shop. Executive memberships grew 9.6% year over year to 41.2 million, and CFO Gary Millerchip told the call the company is “seeing increases in membership upgrades from gold to executive”. That is recurring, high-margin income that flows straight through to the company’s bottom line.
Second, unit growth. Costco’s 30-plus net new openings per year cadence, backed by approximately $6.5 billion in FY26 capital expenditure, gives investors a physical, measurable growth lever. CEO Ron Vachris described a runway that stretches well beyond North America, with “very strong international expansion over the next five to ten years” across Canada, China, Korea, Japan, France, Spain, and the U.K.
Third, balance sheet and digital flywheel. Cash and equivalents jumped 36.93% year over year to $18.95 billion, and shareholders’ equity climbed 23.54% to $33.51 billion. Importantly, the company’s digital segment is compounding on top of the physical footprint. In fact, digitally-enabled comps were up 21.5%, same-day delivery averaging under 45 minutes in the U.S. with a 4.8 out of 5 satisfaction rating, and triple-digit growth in AI-search-driven traffic with the highest conversion rate of any channel.
Even the macro cross-currents work in Costco’s favor. Consumer sentiment sits at a 44.8 reading, well below the 60 recessionary threshold, yet May 2026 total PCE reached $22,059.8 billion, with food spending at $1,566.8 billion versus $1,518.3 billion a year earlier. Nervous households trade down to value, and Costco is the value.
Bottom Line A retailer that clears $275.235 billion in annual revenue while still growing comps 9.8%, adding 30-plus warehouses per year, and renewing members at 89.7% is compounding on multiple axes at once.
Long-term holders should watch three data points from here: the pace of the remaining 12 FY2026 warehouse openings toward the 940 target, the trajectory of executive membership penetration above 75.0% of net sales, and any decision on the special dividend that Millerchip described as “typically the most effective way to return excess cash”. The quarter-trillion-dollar strategy is still adding warehouses, members, and cash faster than it is spending them.
AbbVie získala v EU schválení rozšířeného použití Tepkinly v kombinaci s rituximabem a lenalidomidem pro dospělé s relabujícím nebo refrakterním folikulárním lymfomem po alespoň jedné systémové léčbě.
Key Takeaways AbbVie won EU approval for Tepkinly R2 in adult patients with R/R FL after prior therapy.ABBV's phase III study showed a 79% lower risk of progression or death versus R2 alone, with higher responses.AbbVie and Genmab continue to advance epcoritamab across blood cancers through late-stage clinical studies. AbbVie (ABBV - Free Report) announced that the European Commission (EC) approved the expanded use of Tepkinly (epcoritamab) for the relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL) indication. The EC approved the drug in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide (Tepkinly+R2) for adult patients with R/R FL after at least one line of systemic therapy.
The approval represents Tepkinly's third indication in the European Union (EU) and marks the first EU approval of a bispecific-based, chemotherapy-free therapy for second-line relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma.
To remind investors, ABBV markets epcoritamab under the brand name Epkinly in the United States and Japan, and as Tepkinly in the EU.
Tepkinly is already approved as monotherapy for adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and R/R FL after two or more lines of systemic therapy in the EU.
The FDA approved Epkinly in combination with rituximab and lenalidomide for a similar indication in the United States in November 2025.
Year to date, ABBV shares have rallied 11.5% compared with the industry’s 13.8% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ABBV's Tepkinly Combo EU Nod Backed by Phase III StudyThe EU approval is based on data from the pivotal phase III EPCORE FL-1 study, which demonstrated that Tepkinly+R2 significantly improved outcomes compared to the standard-of-care R2 alone in second-line patients with R/R FL. The combination reduced the risks of disease progression or death by 79% and achieved higher overall and complete response rates versus R2 alone. Its safety profile was consistent with the known profiles of the previous individual therapies, with no new safety signals identified.
The most common adverse events included neutropenia, rash, infections, fatigue, diarrhea, COVID-19 and cytokine release syndrome, while serious adverse events occurred in 44% of patients.
Follicular lymphoma is a slow-growing type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and the second most common subtype of the disease. Although treatment can induce remission, FL remains incurable, with many patients experiencing relapses and requiring additional therapies over time. The disease is more prevalent in European populations than in non-European populations.
AbbVie has partnered with Genmab (GMAB - Free Report) to jointly develop epcoritamab under the companies' oncology collaboration agreement. While both companies share commercialization rights in the United States and Japan, AbbVie is responsible for commercialization in other global markets. AbbVie and Genmab continue to advance their global development and regulatory expansion while evaluating the therapy as a monotherapy and in combination regimens across multiple hematologic malignancies through several late-stage clinical studies.
ABBV’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderAbbVie currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are Immunocore (IMCR - Free Report) and Amarin Corporation (AMRN - Free Report) , each currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Over the past 60 days, estimates for Immunocore’s 2026 bottom line have improved from a loss per share of 88 cents to earnings of 6 cents per share. Over the same period, EPS estimates for 2027 have risen from 24 cents to 87 cents. IMCR shares have lost 8% year to date.
Immunocore’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, the average surprise being 46.66%.
Over the past 60 days, loss per share estimates for Amarin have narrowed from $15.20 to 65 cents for 2026. Over the same period, estimates for loss per share have also narrowed from $13.00 to 51 cents for 2027. AMRN shares have risen 12.5% year to date.
Amarin’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in the remaining one, the average surprise being 50.02%.
Etsy rozšiřuje AI nástroje pro prodejce, aby automatizovala listingy a správu obchodů. Aktivní prodejci v 1. čtvrtletí meziročně vzrostli o 3,3 % na 5,6 milionu.
Key Takeaways Etsy is expanding AI listing assistance and shop tools to automate tasks and improve seller decisions.Active sellers rose 3.3% year over year to 5.6 million in the first quarter.Etsy shares jumped 39.1% in three months, outpacing the industry's 5.1% rise. Etsy, Inc. (ETSY - Free Report) is placing renewed emphasis on improving the seller experience, recognizing that marketplace growth depends in part on helping merchants spend less time on manual tasks and more time creating products that attract buyers. After several years of limited investment in seller-facing capabilities, management is shifting more focus toward tools that simplify listing creation and shop management. The objective is straightforward. Reduce friction for sellers so they can spend more time creating and connecting with buyers, and improving the quality of inventory on the platform.
Etsy is expanding AI-powered listing assistance and introducing shop management tools that help sellers make better decisions, access relevant resources and automate routine tasks. During the first quarter of 2026, the company also developed a seller-focused AI Shop Assistant designed to provide actionable insights while reducing operational complexity. Management noted that these tools are intended to remove time-consuming activities that add little value, allowing sellers to devote greater attention to product innovation and customer relationships.
The early impact is beginning to appear in marketplace metrics. Active sellers increased year over year for the first time since Etsy introduced its seller setup fee, while management highlighted improving seller retention and healthier seller quality as more merchants completed sales and remained active on the platform. Active sellers grew 3.3% year over year to 5.6 million during the first quarter.
Management believes better seller tools will reinforce this trend by making it easier to operate successful shops and consistently introduce fresh inventory. This matters because Etsy’s growth depends on the quality and freshness of what sellers bring to the platform. If new tools help sellers list products faster and manage shops with less friction, Etsy could improve its inventory depth without relying solely on buyer-side initiatives.
How eBay & Shopify Compare With EtsyeBay Inc. (EBAY - Free Report) is also investing heavily in seller productivity, but with a stronger emphasis on reducing selling friction to expand supply. During the first quarter of 2026, eBay highlighted that its latest AI-powered magical listing experience significantly simplified listing creation by automatically generating titles, categories, pricing guidance and item specifics. eBay said the rollout increased new listing creation, improved seller retention, and lifted sold items and GMV per lister. Beyond AI, eBay continues to streamline consumer selling experiences and remove friction across key markets, reinforcing its seller-to-buyer flywheel and supporting long-term marketplace growth.
Shopify Inc. (SHOP - Free Report) is approaching the same opportunity through merchant enablement rather than marketplace optimization. Shopify expanded AI capabilities with Sidekick, which helps merchants automate tasks, create custom apps, generate workflows and proactively recommends actions through Pulse. Shopify also emphasized that AI-powered commerce tools, its structured product catalog and growing discovery channels are designed to help merchants operate more efficiently while reaching more buyers. As Shopify continues investing in merchant-facing AI and automation, it aims to strengthen merchant success and support durable platform growth over time.
What the Latest Metrics Say About EtsyEtsy has seen its shares jump 39.1% over the past three months compared with the industry’s 5.1% rise.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Etsy's forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio stands at 12.81, lower than the industry’s ratio of 21.40. ETSY is also trading below its 12-month median level of 20.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Etsy's earnings per share has seen a downward revision. The consensus estimate for the current fiscal year has fallen from $5.55 to $5.41, while the estimate for the next fiscal year has declined from $6.40 to 6.29 over the past seven days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Etsy currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
AMC spustí v červnu 2026 Arena One ve více než 300 kinech v USA a přenese do nich živé koncerty. V 1. čtvrtletí tržby stouply o 21,2 % na 1,05 miliardy USD.
Key Takeaways AMC will launch Arena One in June 2026, bringing live concerts to more than 300 U.S. theaters.AMC's Q1 revenues rose 21.2% y/y to $1.05B as attendance increased 13.6%.AMC aims to diversify revenues, boost theater use and create incremental traffic with Arena One. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC - Free Report) is expanding beyond traditional movie exhibition with the launch of Arena One at AMC, a new platform that will bring live concerts into its theaters nationwide. While the ongoing recovery in the box office remains the company's primary growth engine, Arena One reflects management's broader strategy of maximizing the earning potential of its theater network by introducing alternative content. The initiative raises an important question for investors: whether live concert programming can become a meaningful contributor to AMC's long-term growth.
Management announced that Arena One at AMC will launch in June 2026 across more than 300 theaters in the United States, allowing fans to experience live concerts on the big screen simultaneously across the country. According to the company, the initiative opens AMC's theaters "not only to moviegoers but also to fans of live concerts," representing another step in broadening the company's entertainment offerings.
The launch also comes at a favorable time for the exhibition industry. AMC reported that the North American box office increased 22% year over year during the first quarter of 2026, with management expressing confidence that the 2026 film slate will produce the strongest post-pandemic box office performance. The company also highlighted renewed commitments from major studios to maintain exclusive theatrical windows of at least 45 days, supporting a healthier exhibition environment. Rather than replacing movies, Arena One complements this improving backdrop by providing another reason for consumers to visit theaters.
AMC's improving financial performance further supports its ability to pursue new initiatives. During the first quarter of 2026, revenues increased 21.2% year over year to $1.05 billion, attendance rose 13.6%, and adjusted EBITDA improved by $96 million to $38.3 million, marking the company's strongest first-quarter adjusted EBITDA since before the pandemic. At the same time, management continued strengthening the balance sheet through debt refinancing, debt-to-equity conversions and equity issuance, improving financial flexibility as it invests in strategic growth opportunities.
Nevertheless, Arena One represents a logical extension of AMC's broader strategy to transform its theaters into multi-purpose entertainment destinations rather than venues dedicated solely to movies. By leveraging its nationwide premium-screen network to host live concerts, the company is seeking to diversify revenue streams, improve theater utilization and create incremental customer traffic. While movies will remain the foundation of the business, the successful execution of Arena One could provide an additional growth avenue that strengthens AMC's earnings potential over the long term.
Exhibitors Look Beyond Movies to Drive Higher Theatre UtilizationAMC's Arena One initiative reflects a broader industry focus on maximizing theater traffic and enhancing the overall guest experience. Other exhibitors, including The Marcus Corporation (MCS - Free Report) and Reading International, Inc. (RDI - Free Report) , are also investing in initiatives that encourage more frequent visits and improve spending per guest, even though their strategies remain centered on the traditional theatrical experience.
Marcus continues to focus on strengthening theater economics through digital enhancements and premium guest experiences. During the first quarter of 2026, MCS completed the rollout of tap-to-pay terminals across its theaters, expanded in-seat QR code food ordering at all dine-in locations and is developing a redesigned digital food-and-beverage ordering platform to increase basket sizes and improve customer convenience. Management also highlighted ongoing investments in premium large-format screens, strategic ticket pricing and merchandise sales to drive higher per-capita spending while benefiting from a stronger film slate.
Reading International is pursuing a complementary strategy by enhancing the in-theater experience and optimizing its cinema portfolio. Management emphasized premium cinema offerings, luxury seating upgrades and operational initiatives aimed at improving attendance and profitability while capitalizing on a stronger release schedule. RDI also expects an improving film slate to support higher theater utilization and operating performance over the next several quarters.
AMC’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of AMC have gained 29.8% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry, the broader Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500 Index.
AMC Stock’s Three-Month Price Performance
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From a valuation standpoint, AMC stock trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 0.28, below the industry’s average of 2.72.
AMC’s P/s Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AMC’s bottom-line estimates for 2026 and 2027 reflect a loss per share of 23 cents and 11 cents, respectively, which have narrowed over the past 30 days. However, the revised estimates for 2026 and 2027 indicate year-over-year growth of 76% and 51.1%, respectively.
EPS Trend of AMC Stock
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AMC currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
MercadoLibre rozšiřuje AI napříč obchodem i fintech; LLM vyhledávání v Brazílii, Mexiku a Argentině zlepšilo relevanci, konverze i prokliky u sponzorovaných nabídek. AI podporuje také Seller Assistant, logistiku, Mercado Pago a interní vývoj.
Key Takeaways MercadoLibre is expanding AI across commerce and fintech to boost efficiency, UX and revenues.MercadoLibre's LLM search improved relevance, conversions and sponsored listing click-throughs.MercadoLibre uses AI in Seller Assistant, logistics, Mercado Pago and internal development. MercadoLibre, Inc. (MELI - Free Report) is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across its commerce and fintech ecosystem, with management highlighting AI as an increasingly important tool for improving efficiency, enhancing user experiences and generating incremental revenues. The company is embedding AI across multiple parts of its business to improve customer experiences and increase productivity.
One of the most notable developments in the first quarter of 2026 was the rollout of an AI-powered search experience built on large language models. The new system moves beyond traditional keyword-based searches by better understanding customer intent. Management said the rollout in Brazil and Mexico improved product relevance, resulting in higher conversion rates and stronger click-through rates for sponsored listings, which generated incremental revenues.
During the first-quarter earnings call, management added that the technology is already live in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina, where it is enhancing product discovery, strengthening user engagement and improving ad returns through more relevant search results.
Beyond search, artificial intelligence is increasingly supporting operational efficiency across the business. MercadoLibre reported that daily active users of its Seller Assistant grew more than 40% month over month in March. Within its logistics network, an AI-powered assistant provides representatives with real-time process information and insights into operational challenges, helping improve productivity across fulfillment.
In Brazil, Mercado Pago's AI assistant has become more proactive by alerting users to negative balances in accounts connected through Open Finance and identifying funds held elsewhere that could earn higher yields with Mercado Pago. It can also move balances between accounts within seconds, enabling users to act immediately on those opportunities.
Internally, AI adoption is also improving software development efficiency, with productivity metrics growing seven to 10 times faster than headcount growth, while code rollbacks have declined materially year over year. MercadoLibre has also deployed Claude Cowork to approximately 31,000 employees, supporting broader AI adoption across the organization.
What the Latest Metrics Say About MercadoLibreMercadoLibre, which competes with Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN - Free Report) and Sea Limited (SE - Free Report) , has seen its shares jump 3.7% over the past three months compared with the industry’s 8.9% rise. While shares of Amazon have rallied 14.4%, those of Sea Limited have advanced 28.9% in the aforementioned period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, MercadoLibre's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 35.52, higher than the industry’s ratio of 21.40. The stock is also trading above its 12-month median level of 34.47.
MercadoLibre is trading at a premium to Amazon (with a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 25.72) and Sea Limited (21.29).
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MercadoLibre’s current financial-year sales and earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 39.7% and 4%, respectively. For the next fiscal year, the consensus estimate indicates a 26.6% rise in sales and 47% growth in earnings.
The consensus estimate for earnings per share for the current and next fiscal year has fallen by $6.87 and $6.95 to $40.97 and $60.22, respectively, over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MELI currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). The rank reflects near-term earnings pressure despite the company’s strong top-line momentum. Although revenues increased 49% year over year in the first quarter, operating margin fell to 6.9% from 12.9% a year ago, and Net Interest Margin After Losses declined to 17.8% from 22.7% as the credit portfolio expanded. With accelerated investments continuing to weigh on profitability, earnings leverage may remain limited in the near term. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter earnings calls for a 15.7% year-over-year decline.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Tyson Foods ve 2. čtvrtletí zvýšil tržby divize Prepared Foods o 4,8 % na 2,51 mld. USD a upravený provozní zisk o 7 % na 352 mil. USD. Firma potvrdila výhled upraveného provozního zisku 1,25 až 1,35 mld. USD pro fiskální rok 2026.
Key Takeaways Tyson Foods' Prepared Foods sales rose 4.8% to $2.51B in Q2, with adjusted operating income up 7%.Tyson Foods gained share across bacon, lunchmeat, dinner sausage and snacking categories.AI-driven insights and Jimmy Dean higher-protein products are helping attract younger consumers. Tyson Foods, Inc.’s (TSN - Free Report) Prepared Foods business continued to stand out in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 as steady execution, brand strength and consumer-focused innovation continued to support its long-term growth.
The segment delivered sales of $2.51 billion, up 4.8% year over year, while volume increased 0.4%. Adjusted segment operating income rose 7% to $352 million, and the adjusted operating margin expanded to 14% from 13.7% a year ago. Notably, the improvement came despite roughly $50 million of higher commodity costs in the quarter.
The performance reflected strong consumer demand, disciplined execution and continued market share gains. In the quarter, Tyson Foods gained share in volume, dollars and units. Volume share increased 70 basis points and dollar share rose 50 basis points. Distribution gains, product innovation, improved promotional efficiency and targeted marketing and promotion investments supported the results. The company also recorded share gains across bacon, lunchmeat, dinner sausage and snacking categories.
Innovation remained another important driver. Tyson Foods is using AI-driven consumer insights to identify emerging preferences and accelerate product development. The company recently launched its Jimmy Dean higher-protein breakfast platform, including protein sandwiches, bowls and high-protein waffles. These products are delivering stronger consumer takeaway, attracting younger consumers and already capturing meaningful retail share.
Operational discipline has also helped offset inflationary pressures. While commodity inputs for Prepared Foods increased during the quarter and packaging costs moved higher, disciplined pricing, value engineering and supplier programs helped mitigate these cost increases.
Tyson Foods reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 adjusted operating income outlook of $1.25 billion to $1.35 billion for the Prepared Foods segment. The combination of resilient demand, value-added offerings and operational discipline continues to position the business as an important driver of the company’s long-term growth.
Tyson Foods’ Zacks Rank & Share Price PerformanceShares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 3.1% in the past month compared with the broader Consumer Staples sector and the S&P 500 index’s growth of 4.8% and 0.7%, respectively. TSN has outperformed the industry’s decline of 1.3% during the same period.
TSN Stock's Past Month Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Is Tyson Foods a Value Play Stock?Tyson Foods currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 13, which is up from the industry average of 12.36. This valuation places the stock at a premium relative to peers, indicating broader market expectations around its business stability and ability to navigate current cost and demand dynamics.
TSN P/E Ratio (Forward 12 Months)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stocks to ConsiderUnited Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI - Free Report) distributes natural, organic, specialty, produce and conventional grocery and non-food products in the United States and Canada. At present, United Natural sports a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The consensus estimate for United Natural’s current fiscal-year earnings implies growth of 254.9% from the year-ago figures. UNFI delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.9%, on average.
Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) manufactures and markets fresh deli-prepared foods in the United States. At present, MAMA holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). Mama's Creations delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 129.2%, on average.
The consensus estimate for Mama's Creations’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 30% and 73.3%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.
Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL - Free Report) develops, processes and distributes various meat, nuts and other food products to foodservice, convenience store and commercial customers in the United States and internationally. It carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. HRL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 3.2%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hormel Foods’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 1.5% and 9.5%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels.
Accenture snížil výhled růstu tržeb pro fiskální rok 2026 na 3 % až 4 % z 3 % až 5 % poté, co ve 3. čtvrtletí tržby zaostaly za odhady. Akcie za tři měsíce klesly o 29,3 %.
Key Takeaways Accenture's shares fell 29.3% in three months, worse than the IT services industry's 7.9% decline. Accenture cut its fiscal 2026 revenue growth outlook after revenues lagged estimates in Q3. AI disruption concerns, soft bookings and Middle East conflict costs are weighing on Accenture. Accenture’s (ACN - Free Report) shares are having a tough time of late and are down in double digits (% wise) over the past three months. This significant decline in the ACN stock (29.3% to be exact) has resulted in it performing worse than the Zacks Computers – IT Services industry’s 7.9% decline. ACN’s shares are also lagging those of fellow Computers IT Services players like Vertiv Holdings (VRT - Free Report) and Serve Robotics (SERV - Free Report) .
While Serve Robotics’ shares have declined roughly 23%, those of Vertiv Holdings have performed well, gaining in double digits (13.3%) over the past three months.
3-Month Price ComparisonImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
Revenue Growth Outlook Hurts ACN StockThe chief contributor to the stock’s recent disappointing performance on the bourse is the revenue growth outlook provided by management when it released the third-quarter fiscal 2026 (ended May 31, 2026) results last month.
The consulting and technology services company lowered the upper end of its fiscal 2026 revenue growth outlook, overshadowing the fact that the third-quarter earnings per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
The company now expects fiscal 2026 revenue growth of 3% to 4% in local currency, down from its previous forecast of 3% to 5%. The disappointing outlook, coupled with the fact that revenues lagged expectations in the fiscal third quarter, naturally disappointed investors.
AI Disruption Concerns: A Major Headwind for ACNArtificial Intelligence or AI-related disruptions were reflected in the company’s fiscal third-quarter results, causing a 2% in U.S. dollars (3% in local currency) year-over-year drop in new bookings. The below-par quarterly sales and soft bookings further give rise to concerns that AI is disrupting demand across consulting and managed services.
Fears that AI may render the services offered by firms like Accenture have been huge concerns. The double-digit decline highlighted above is mainly due to the skepticism about the impact of artificial intelligence on its business.
Although Accenture has invested heavily in artificial intelligence, many businesses are still unsure about how much value AI can deliver. Instead of rushing into large AI projects, companies are taking more time to evaluate the potential benefits, improve their data systems and manage costs in an uncertain economic environment.
As a result, many clients are starting with small AI pilot programs rather than committing to larger transformation projects. Moreover, many companies are spending mainly on essential AI and cybersecurity projects while cutting back on other technology investments. This is reducing demand for Accenture's broader consulting and IT services, weighing on its revenue growth and putting pressure on the stock.
This cautious approach is slowing the pace of new business for Accenture. This makes it harder for the company to quickly turn a strong interest in AI into higher revenues.
Geopolitical Uncertainty Represents Another ChallengeEven with the interim agreement between the United States and Iran, economic turbulence remains firmly in place. Hopes of a final deal continue to be shrouded in uncertainty.
At Accenture, revenues were impacted to the tune of roughly $100 million in the fiscal third quarter due to the Middle East conflict. Similar headwind is expected in the fiscal fourth quarter as well. Macroeconomic pressures have resulted in many key outsourcing contracts being delayed, thereby highlighting the growth concerns at Accenture.
How Is the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Earnings Faring?Due to the headwinds mentioned above, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter fiscal 2026, first-quarter fiscal 2027, full-year fiscal 2026 and 2027 has moved south over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ACN: Valuation Looks AppealingAccenture is currently trading at a significant discount, with a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S) of 1.2X compared with its industry’s 11.53X. It also appears to be highly undervalued compared with fellow industry players Serve Robotics and Vertiv Holdings. Accenture has a Value Score of A.
ACN Stock Looks CheapImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
How to Approach ACN Stock?Accenture’s top-line weakness and dim outlook, macroeconomic woes and AI-related concerns make the investment case risky. Concerns that generative AI may reduce the need for traditional IT consulting and outsourcing, leading to fewer projects for Accenture, in turn slowing its growth, have put pressure on the stock price
In view of the above, it appears prudent for investors to avoid Accenture for now rather than buy or hold the stock solely owing to the promising valuation picture. The company carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) currently.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Accenture ve spolupráci se ServiceNow spustila společnou AI kyberbezpečnostní nabídku, která automatizuje řízení rizik, sledování dodavatelů i regulací. Cílem je zkrátit přechod z legacy platforem a snížit náklady i narušení provozu.
Key Takeaways Accenture launched a joint AI-powered cybersecurity offering with ServiceNow to modernize risk management. The solution uses agentic AI to automate workflows, monitor vendors and track regulatory changes. Accenture's AI migration tools aim to cut legacy platform transition time, disruption and costs. Accenture (ACN - Free Report) has inked a deal with ServiceNow (NOW - Free Report) by introducing a joint AI-powered cybersecurity offering aimed at helping enterprises modernize their risk management operations. The new solution combines managed security services built on the ServiceNow AI Platform with Accenture's AI-driven migration capabilities, addressing two major challenges organizations face when replacing legacy cybersecurity systems — high costs and implementation complexity.
The partnership with ServiceNow comes at a time when cybersecurity threats are becoming more severe and expensive. Data breach costs in the United States reached a record $10.22 million per incident in 2025, while advances in artificial intelligence have significantly reduced the time between the discovery of software vulnerabilities and their exploitation by cybercriminals. To help organizations respond faster, the new offering uses agentic AI to automate risk management, strengthen cyber resilience and improve enterprise-wide security operations.
The joint solution includes AI-powered services for integrated risk management, third-party risk management, operational technology security and regulatory compliance. AI agents continuously monitor vendors, track regulatory changes and automate routine workflows, enabling organizations to identify and address risks more efficiently. In addition, Accenture's AI-powered migration solution simplifies the transition from legacy cybersecurity platforms to the ServiceNow AI Platform, reducing implementation time, minimizing business disruption and lowering migration costs.
The collaboration also builds on Accenture's growing recognition in the cybersecurity consulting market. The company was recently named a Leader in IDC MarketScape's Worldwide Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance Consulting Services 2025-2026 Vendor Assessment, with the report highlighting Accenture's ability to combine technology, automation and strategic partnerships, including its alliance with ServiceNow, to deliver scalable risk management solutions.
The new partnership is expected to benefit Accenture by strengthening its presence in the fast-growing cybersecurity and AI services market, where enterprise spending has remained resilient despite broader weakness in discretionary IT budgets. The new offering is likely to create additional consulting, implementation and recurring managed-services opportunities while making it easier for customers to adopt the ServiceNow platform.
A deeper relationship with one of its most important strategic partners also enhances Accenture's cross-selling opportunities across AI, cloud and cybersecurity services. Although the announcement does not include any financial projections or major customer wins, it reinforces Accenture's long-term growth strategy by expanding the portfolio of AI-enabled enterprise solutions and further strengthening its competitive position in digital transformation services.
ACN's Rich Partner Base to Drive ProspectsAccenture’s growing partner base, which includes the likes of ServiceNow and NVIDIA (NVDA - Free Report) , is expected to drive its long-term growth prospects. NVIDIA utilizes Accenture’s proven AI scaling frameworks and deep industry expertise, along with the NVIDIA AI software and accelerated computing, for delivering rapid, scalable AI-driven reinvention.
Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAccenture has lost nearly 50% so far this year compared with a 24% decline in its industry.
YTD Price ComparisonImage Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, ACN trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.2, way below the industry’s 11.66.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for ACN’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ACN’s Zacks RankACN currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Applied Materials oznámila rekordní tržby 7,91 miliardy USD ve fiskálním 2. čtvrtletí, meziročně o 11 % více, a zisk na akcii vzrostl o 20 % na rekordních 2,86 USD. Firma zároveň čeká, že její podnikání v oblasti zařízení pro výrobu polovodičů v roce 2026 poroste o více než 30 %.
Key Takeaways AMAT surged 283.7% from its 52-week low, while fiscal second-quarter revenues hit a record.AMAT expects its semiconductor equipment business to grow more than 30% in calendar 2026.AMAT returned $765 million to shareholders while funding capacity and supply-chain investments. Applied Materials (AMAT - Free Report) stock’s 52-week low was recorded at $154.47 on Sept. 3, 2025. Since then, AMAT stock has climbed 283.7%. Year to date, AMAT stock has surged 130.6%, outperforming the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry’s growth of 42.7%.
AMAT YTD Performance Chart
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The massive rise in the stock price has made AMAT trade at a premium. Currently, Applied Materials has a price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 12.06X, which is much above the industry’s P/S of 8.93X. AMAT’s value score of D also suggests its overvaluation.
AMAT Forward 12-Month (P/S) Valuation Chart
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Given the rise in share price and valuation combination, investors might ask: Should they buy, sell or hold the stock? Let’s discuss the fundamentals in detail.
AMAT Gains From Traction Across its Broad Product PortfolioApplied Materials has an unmatched breadth across semiconductor manufacturing. Applied Materials offers solutions across deposition, materials engineering, etch, metrology, inspection, packaging and process integration, allowing customers to optimize manufacturing flows using a single vendor across multiple stages of production. AMAT’s semiconductor systems segment delivered record revenues of $5.97 billion during the second quarter of fiscal 2026, representing 10% year-over-year growth and 16% sequential growth.
Revenue composition further highlights the shift toward AI-driven semiconductor investment. Foundry, logic and other applications contributed 67% of segment revenue, DRAM accounted for 29%, and flash memory represented just 4%. The higher contribution from foundry-logic and DRAM is increasingly driving demand for leading-edge logic chips, high-bandwidth memory, and advanced packaging technologies.
Management believes that leading-edge foundry-logic, DRAM and advanced packaging will account for more than 80% of the year-over-year growth in wafer fabrication equipment spending during 2026. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, AGS generated $1.665 billion of revenues, up from $1.42 billion a year earlier, while its gross margin improved to 34.7% and its operating margin rose to 29.2%.
AMAT’s broad portfolio positions the company to capture a larger share of customer spending as semiconductor manufacturing becomes increasingly materials-intensive while also keeping its competitors like KLA Corporation (KLAC - Free Report) , Lam Research (LRCX - Free Report) and Camtek (CAMT - Free Report) at bay. The breadth of Applied Materials' portfolio also reduces its dependence on any single semiconductor technology cycle and supports stronger pricing power.
KLA Corporation remains a dominant player in process control, wafer inspection and yield management solutions, while Camtek focuses on semiconductor inspection, metrology, advanced packaging and high-performance computing applications. Lam Research competes with Applied Materials across deposition and etch technologies, including advanced atomic layer deposition systems used in leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing.
AMAT’s CapEx Spend & AI Demand Signal Future Cash Flow StrengthIn the second quarter of fiscal 2026, AMAT’s operating cash flow declined to $845 million from $1.686 billion in the prior quarter, and free cash flow decreased to $210 million from $1.04 billion in the prior quarter. AMAT’s expanding manufacturing capacity and strengthening supply chain readiness can be a probable reason.
AMAT is investing in building plans, inventory positions and logistics capacity to ensure that it can meet accelerating customer demand. Customers are providing longer-term demand forecasts, allowing Applied Materials to prepare manufacturing resources well in advance and support expected industry growth through 2027 and beyond.
The company also expects its semiconductor equipment business to grow more than 30% in 2026 as customers expand cleanroom capacity and accelerate equipment pull-ins. This demand mix aligns with Applied Materials’ stated leadership positions and supports a more durable multi-year spending cycle than prior compute-driven upturns, suggesting future cash flow strength.
Beyond all these, Applied Materials’ ability to generate sufficient cash to return capital to shareholders is a green flag. During the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Applied Materials distributed $765 million through $400 million of share repurchases and $365 million in dividends while simultaneously funding investments in production capacity and supply chain capabilities.
The favorable mix shift toward AI-driven markets is already translating into stronger financial performance. Applied Materials reported record fiscal second-quarter 2026 revenues of $7.91 billion, up 11% year over year, while non-GAAP earnings per share increased 20% to a record $2.86. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings currently implies growth of 29%. The estimates have been revised upward in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Conclusion: Buy AMAT Stock NowAMAT’s broad portfolio, rising AI-driven WFE demand, expanding semiconductor equipment business and investments in manufacturing capacity support further growth. Strong earnings momentum, upward estimate revisions and continued shareholder returns reinforce the bullish case. Therefore, investors should consider buying AMAT stock for long-term growth potential. Given these factors, we suggest that investors should accumulate this Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Mondelez rozšiřuje inovace v čokoládě, sušenkách i cukrovinkách, aby podpořil poptávku. V 1. čtvrtletí 2026 organické čisté tržby vzrostly o 3 %, ale objem/mix klesl o 0,5 %.
Key Takeaways Mondelez is expanding innovation across chocolate, biscuits, baked snacks and candy. Biscoff, Milkinis and Toblerone launches show momentum across key markets and channels. Organic net revenues rose 3% in Q1 2026, while volume/mix fell 0.5% on package downsizing. Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ - Free Report) is sharpening its innovation agenda to support consumer demand and improve volume trends across its global snacking portfolio. The company’s product pipeline is focused on new occasions, stronger brand relevance and momentum across chocolate, biscuits, baked snacks and candy.
As part of its first-quarter innovation update, Mondelez highlighted Cadbury Biscoff Egg, expanding the Biscoff platform with Cadbury chocolate, Biscoff spread and biscuit pieces. The platform has already exceeded expectations across many markets. Mondelez also introduced Milkinis in India, while Toblerone Very Limited Editions sold out in World Travel Retail despite premium pricing.
The innovation push is also visible in biscuits and baked snacks. Ritz Drizzled adds a sweet-and-salty twist to classic Ritz crackers and helped Ritz gain 0.2 percentage points of share year to date. In candy, Sour Patch Kids Chews expanded the brand’s portfolio, while Sour Patch Kids share is growing approximately 1 percentage point year to date.
These launches come as Mondelez works to balance pricing-led growth with healthier volume performance. In the first quarter of 2026, organic net revenues grew 3%, with pricing contributing 3.5 percentage points and volume/mix declining 0.5 percentage points. The volume/mix decline was due to package downsizing in select markets, with underlying volume/mix positive after excluding that impact.
Overall, MDLZ’s innovation pipeline gives the company a clear lever to rebuild demand beyond pricing. While volume recovery is still developing, broader product activity across key categories, distribution gains and stronger channel execution may support more balanced growth over time.
MDLZ Stock Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of Mondelez International have tumbled 13.2% over the past year compared with the industry’s decline of 20.7%. MDLZ currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
MDLZ Price Performance Versus Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, MDLZ trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.31, higher than the industry’s average of 14.77.
MDLZ Valuation Compared to Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MDLZ’s current and next fiscal-year earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 4.8% and 11.2%, respectively.
Better-Ranked Stocks to ConsiderUnited Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI - Free Report) , a major food wholesaler serving grocery retailers, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for United Natural’s current and next fiscal-year earnings per share suggests a year-over-year increase of 254.9% and 21.4%, respectively. UNFI delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.9%, on average.
B&G Foods, Inc. (BGS - Free Report) manufactures, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of shelf-stable, frozen and specialty food products. BGS carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for B&G Foods’ current and next fiscal-year EPS calls for a year-over-year jump of 11.8% and 15.8%, respectively.
Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) , a maker of refrigerated prepared foods for retail and foodservice, carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mama's Creations’ current and next fiscal-year EPS suggests growth of 73.3% and 46.2%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels. MAMA delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 129.2%, on average.
Lumentum rozšiřuje své portfolio co-packaged optics (CPO) pro AI infrastrukturu a podle plánu vyrábí ultra-výkonné laserové čipy. CPO a OCS mají s rostoucím nasazením přinášet dodatečné příjmy.
Key Takeaways Lumentum is expanding CPO as a potential long-term growth driver for AI infrastructure.LITE is scaling ultra-high-power laser chips, with production progressing on schedule.Lumentum's AI portfolio includes pump lasers, EML chips, cloud transceivers and OCS. Lumentum Holdings (LITE - Free Report) is expanding its co-packaged optics (CPO) portfolio, positioning the technology as a potential long-term growth driver as AI infrastructure investments accelerate. The company expects CPO, alongside Optical Circuit Switches (OCS), to contribute incremental revenues as commercial deployments ramp, supporting both revenue and earnings growth.
The company is scaling production of ultra-high-power laser chips specifically designed for CPO applications, with manufacturing progressing on schedule and commercial contributions expected to increase as deployments expand. These investments build on Lumentum's leadership in optical components, allowing it to leverage its expertise in semiconductor lasers and photonic technologies rather than entering an entirely new market.
Beyond CPO, the strategy complements Lumentum's broader AI networking portfolio, including pump lasers, narrow-linewidth laser assemblies, EML laser chips, cloud transceivers and OCS, strengthening its position across multiple layers of next-generation AI data-center infrastructure.
The opportunity is supported by structural industry trends. As hyperscale AI clusters become larger and more power-intensive, traditional electrical interconnects face bandwidth and energy-efficiency limitations, increasing the need for optical technologies such as CPO. Lumentum's ongoing investments in manufacturing capacity and high-performance laser technologies position it to benefit as customers transition toward these advanced architectures.
If adoption accelerates as expected, CPO could emerge as another significant growth engine alongside Lumentum's fast-growing AI networking business, supporting the company's robust growth outlook. The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects revenues to increase 81.9% in fiscal 2026 and 86.4% in fiscal 2027 year over year.
Lumentum's Rivals in Co-Packaged OpticsMarvell Technology (MRVL - Free Report) competes with Lumentum through its broad silicon photonics platform, supporting both CPO and NPO architectures. MRVL leverages partnerships, Tier 1 hyperscaler engagements and multiple photonic technologies to capture scale-up networking opportunities. While Lumentum focuses on laser chips and CPO modules, MRVL distinguishes itself through integrated interconnect, switching, and custom silicon capabilities, thereby strengthening its position in AI infrastructure.
Broadcom Inc. (AVGO - Free Report) rivals Lumentum by combining CPO with Ethernet switching, DSPs, CW and EML lasers, offering an end-to-end AI networking platform. AVGO positions its CPO portfolio as the industry standard while benefiting from leadership in networking silicon and hyperscaler relationships. Compared with Lumentum's laser-focused strategy, AVGO gains scale through tightly integrated semiconductor and networking solutions. It continues expanding this advantage.
LITE’s Share Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of Lumentum have skyrocketed 700% over the past year, outperforming the Zacks Communication - Components industry’s appreciation of 304.8% and the broader Computer and Technology sector’s growth of 35%.
LITE’s One-Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, LITE trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 40.61, below the industry’s average of 44.03. LITE carries a Value Score of F.
LITE’s Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Lumentum’s fiscal 2027 earnings is pegged at $17.81 per share, suggesting robust year-over-year growth of approximately 118.77%. Notably, earnings estimates have moved higher over the past 30 and 60 days, reflecting improving analyst confidence in the company's growth outlook.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Lumentum stock sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Key Takeaways Lumentum shares soared 700% in a year, far outpacing its industry and key optical peers.AI and cloud demand is driving optical connectivity, Components momentum, CPO and OCS growth.Strong cash, rising estimates and premium valuation support LITE as a growth-oriented buy. Lumentum Holdings’ (LITE - Free Report) shares have delivered extraordinary gains over the past year, soaring 700%, far outpacing the industry's 304.8% rally and the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector's 35% growth.
Lumentum's gains have also significantly exceeded those of key industry peers, including Ciena (CIEN - Free Report) , Corning (GLW - Free Report) and Viavi Solutions (VIAV - Free Report) . The industry's strong momentum has been mirrored in stellar stock performance, with Ciena, Corning and Viavi Solutions gaining 452.8%, 270.1% and 312.2%, respectively, over the same period.
The remarkable growth has been driven by surging AI and cloud infrastructure demand, which has accelerated the adoption of its optical connectivity solutions. The company is also benefiting from exceptional momentum in its Components business, supported by strong demand for AI networking products. Investor confidence has further strengthened as Lumentum expands its portfolio of next-generation optical networking technologies, including Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and Optical Circuit Switches (OCS), which are expected to become important long-term growth drivers.
LITE’s One-Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Following such an exceptional run, investors might be wondering whether the stock remains an attractive investment or if the optimism surrounding its prospects is already priced in. Let's examine Lumentum’s fundamentals, growth prospects and valuation.
LITE Benefits From Strong AI and Cloud Infrastructure DemandLumentum is benefiting from the rapid expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure, as hyperscalers continue investing heavily in next-generation optical networking to support increasingly complex AI workloads. Demand remains broad across transceivers, EML laser chips and data center interconnect (DCI) components, while shipments of narrow-linewidth laser assemblies grew for the ninth consecutive quarter and pump laser shipments increased 80% year over year in the third quarter of fiscal 2026.
As hyperscalers build larger AI clusters, they are increasingly adopting distributed "scale-across" architectures that require high-bandwidth optical interconnects between data centers, creating a long runway for Lumentum's pump lasers, wavelength-selective switches (WSS) and precision laser technologies.
The long-term opportunity extends well beyond current demand. Lumentum is ramping 1.6T transceivers, expanding ultra-high-power laser production for co-packaged optics (CPO) and advancing optical circuit switching (OCS), supported by a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar purchase agreement. Several AI-focused products remain supply-constrained and effectively sold out, highlighting demand that exceeds current manufacturing capacity. Management also emphasized that scale-up CPO — its largest long-term growth driver — is still in its early stages, while cloud modules, EML lasers and scale-across products continue to gain momentum. These factors position Lumentum to benefit from sustained AI infrastructure spending and support continued revenue growth, margin expansion and long-term earnings potential.
LITE's Financial Strength Supports Long-Term GrowthLumentum's strong financial position provides the flexibility to continue investing for long-term growth while capitalizing on the expanding opportunities in AI and cloud infrastructure. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026, the company held $3.17 billion in cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, an increase of more than $2 billion sequentially, primarily driven by the issuance of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The strengthened balance sheet equips Lumentum to fund capacity expansion, support strategic investments and maintain the manufacturing scale needed to meet rising demand for AI networking products.
The company's financial strength is accompanied by improving operating performance and disciplined execution. Operating cash flow surged to $388.4 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2026, while record revenues, favorable product mix and higher manufacturing utilization drove meaningful gross and operating margin expansion. Management also continues to invest in critical research and development programs serving cloud and AI customers without compromising cost discipline, demonstrating the scalability of its business model.
Driven by ample liquidity, rising profits and sustained investment in cutting-edge technologies — such as co-packaged optics (CPO), optical circuit switching (OCS) and high-speed optical components — Lumentum is well-positioned to execute its long-term growth strategy and capitalize on ongoing investment opportunities within the artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure sector.
LITE’s Healthy Capital ReturnsLumentum demonstrates strong profitability, as reflected by its trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) of 36.22%, well above the industry average of 19.12%. A higher ROE indicates the company's ability to generate greater profits by efficiently utilizing shareholders' capital.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LITE’s Strong Top- & Bottom-Line ProspectsThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s fiscal first quarter 2027 revenues is pegged at $1.13 billion, indicating a robust 112.3% year-over-year increase. For fiscal 2027, the top line is anticipated to rise 86.4% year over year.
On the earnings front, the consensus estimate for fiscal first-quarter 2027 is pegged at $3.46 per share, reflecting a substantial 214.5% year-over-year increase, while fiscal 2027 earnings are expected to surge 118.7%.
Notably, analysts have raised their earnings estimates for both the fiscal first quarter and full-year fiscal 2027 over the past 60 days. These upward estimate revisions underscore growing confidence in Lumentum's strong business model, expanding AI-driven growth opportunities and its ability to deliver sustained financial performance.
LITE Deserves a Premium for Its Growth ProspectsThe company’s strong exposure to rapidly growing AI infrastructure markets, expanding demand for optical networking products and leadership in co-packaged optics (CPO), laser chips and cloud photonics technologies justify a premium valuation, as suggested by a Value Score of F.
Lumentum is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 10.1X, well above both the broader technology sector and its industry peers. By comparison, the sector trades at 6.88X, while Ciena, Corning and Viavi Solutions trade at 8.35X, 8.32X and 5.47X, respectively.
Price/Sales Ratio (F12M)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
LITE Stock: A Strong Buy for GrowthGiven Lumentum's impressive growth, strong financial position and expanding opportunities in AI and cloud infrastructure, we recommend a buy. The company has demonstrated strong profitability, supported by healthy returns on equity. Its leadership in optical networking technologies, including CPO, OCS and high-speed photonics, continues to drive growth. With ample liquidity and upward earnings estimate revisions, Lumentum is well positioned for sustained long-term growth. Although the stock commands a premium valuation, its fundamentals justify it, making LITE a strong buy for growth-oriented investors.
LITE stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Vicor zvýšil výhled tržeb za 2. čtvrtletí na 142 mil. USD z 126 mil. USD díky růstu produktů a novému licenčnímu partnerovi. Zájem táhne AI, průmysl i obrana a backlog dosahuje 300,6 mil. USD.
Key Takeaways Vicor raised its Q2 revenue outlook to $142M from $126M on product growth and an added licensee.VICR sees demand from AI, industrial, aerospace and defense, with backlog boosted by strong bookings.VICR is expanding capacity and licensing, while higher margins and backlog support its growth outlook. Vicor Corporation (VICR - Free Report) shares have surged 160.3% year to date, outperforming the Zacks Electronic Miscellaneous Components industry's return of 74.9% and the broader Computer and Technology sector's appreciation of 14.7%. The rally has outpaced peers, such as Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR - Free Report) , Analog Devices (ADI - Free Report) and Texas Instruments (TXN - Free Report) , shares of which have returned 48.5%, 43.4% and 74.9%, respectively, over the same period.
VICR shares are benefiting from a positive outlook as the company expects second-quarter revenues of $142 million, raised from a prior estimate of $126 million, on the back of rising product revenues and an additional licensee to its patented power system technology. Strong bookings across high-performance computing, industrial and aerospace and defense markets have driven backlog sharply higher, reinforcing confidence in the growth trajectory. Let us find out whether investors should buy VICR stock right now.
VICR Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
VICR Benefits From the AI Power Delivery RampVICR designs and manufactures modular power components and complete power systems, with vertical power delivery increasingly central to its growth. Vicor's lead high-performance computing customer is in the midst of a steep production ramp for its wafer-scale engine, and a generational transition is expected in the second half of 2026. The company's second-generation Vertical Power Delivery (VPD) solution combines a thin package format with high current density and current multiplication, attributes that competing approaches have struggled to match.
Chipmakers and hyperscalers are pushing toward wafer-scale and multi-die chiplet packaging, increasing the need for pure vertical power delivery at the point of load. VICR's positioning at the center of this shift, combined with capacity earmarked for existing strategic customers, supports continued above-industry growth as engagement with additional high-performance computing customers follows the lead customer's generational transition.
VICR Ramps Up Capacity and Licensing to Expand ShareVICR is strengthening its position through capacity expansion and a significant licensing program. The company has identified opportunities to raise capacity at its Andover facility toward a $1.5 billion annual revenue run rate, up from a prior $1 billion target, aided by reduced cycle times and the ability to redeploy certain process steps to a nearby facility as a bridge to a second fab. This contrasts with the more measured capacity additions typical of Texas Instruments, whose scale is already largely built out.
VICR's licensing business is also emerging as a durable growth driver. The company has signed an all-inclusive licensing agreement with an additional original equipment manufacturer covering its full patent portfolio, including Factorized Power and Vertical Power Delivery architectures. Licensing carries near-full-margin economics, and management continues to expect licensing income could eventually reach as much as 50% of product revenues, a structural advantage that Analog Devices does not share to the same degree.
VICR's broad industrial base is also a source of strength, particularly among semiconductor test equipment customers, while aerospace and defense spending are rising amid geopolitical developments and higher defense budgets. These end markets diversify VICR's revenue base beyond any single compute customer, distinguishing it from Monolithic Power Systems, whose exposure remains concentrated primarily in AI server and data center applications.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS is pegged at $2.94 per share, up by 23 cents over the past 30 days, indicating year-over-year growth of 12.64%.
VICR's Valuation is Backed by FundamentalsVICR currently trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales multiple of 16.26X, well above the industry average of 4.08X and the broader sector average of 6.88X. The premium also exceeds peers Texas Instruments and Analog Devices, which trade at 12.66X and 11.96X, respectively, though it is roughly in line with Monolithic Power Systems at 16.16X.
The premium looks justified given VICR's differentiated position in VPD, its expanding high-margin licensing business and a current backlog of $300.6 million that provides revenue visibility well beyond the current quarter. Gross margin reached 55.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, up 800 basis points year over year, underscoring the strength of VICR's growth trajectory relative to more diversified analog peers.
VICR's P/S F12M Ratio
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ConclusionDespite VICR's remarkable rally year to date, its long-term growth story remains intact. Rising demand for vertical power delivery across AI compute, along with steady strength in industrial and aerospace and defense markets, continues to support favorable demand conditions. Capacity expansion and an expanding licensing program position it for continued above-industry growth as second-generation VPD adoption broadens beyond its lead customer. With backlog building and margins expanding, VICR's premium valuation appears reasonably supported, making the stock a compelling buy for investors seeking exposure to the AI power delivery supply chain.
Vicor carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Union Pacific a Norfolk Southern podaly první část odpovědí STB k plánované fúzi. Tvrdí, že propojení sítí přinese transkontinentální službu a úspory pro dopravce ve výši 3,5 miliardy USD ročně.
OMAHA, Neb. & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today submitted the first portion of their responses to the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) May 28, 2026, request for additional information to support their accepted merger application.
Today’s filing addresses the STB’s questions regarding Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA), Kansas City Terminal Railway (KCT) and TTX Company. These entities are jointly owned with other Class I railroads, operated by independent management teams and governed by non-discrimination policies. Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern do not control these companies today and remain firm in their commitment that they will not control them post-merger. The merger application and today’s supplemental filing provide the STB with options to implement this commitment, up to and including divestiture.
In particular, for the TRRA, the filing provides clear evidence that the other Class I railroads who are vocally opposing the merger are using the TRRA as a pawn in their efforts to stop or delay the merger. This includes failing to appear at a properly convened special meeting for the sole purpose of discussing ways to reduce Union Pacific’s ownership in TRRA post-merger. Only Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern board members attended the meeting called by TRRA’s corporate secretary, while members from BNSF, CSX and Canadian National did not show.
Connecting Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern’s end-to-end networks will finally give American shippers single-line transcontinental rail service, creating a stronger alternative to long-haul trucking, making the entire supply chain more competitive, and putting downward pressure on truck and rail prices. The opportunities opened by the merger for shifting freight from truck to rail are projected to save shippers an estimated $3.5 billion annually.
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have consistently welcomed rigorous regulatory review of the proposed merger, and today’s submission reflects that commitment. The responses to the STB’s other requests for additional information will follow by July 27, 2026.
The STB accepted as complete the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger application on May 28, a positive step toward creating America’s first transcontinental railroad. The railroads are committed to working constructively with the STB toward a mid-2027 completion. For more information, visit AmericasGreatConnection.com.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable, and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.
About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a 22-state freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver approximately 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S. It serves a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as major ports across the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com
Certain statements in this communication are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These statements relate to future events or future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause Union Pacific’s, Norfolk Southern’s or the combined company’s actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements or those of the railroad industry to be materially different from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words like “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “pro forma,” or any variations or other comparable terminology.
While Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have based these forward-looking statements on those expectations, assumptions, estimates, beliefs and projections they view as reasonable, such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond Union Pacific’s, Norfolk Southern’s or the combined company’s control, including but not limited to, in addition to factors disclosed in Union Pacific’s and Norfolk Southern’s respective filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”): the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the definitive merger agreement between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern providing for the acquisition of Norfolk Southern by Union Pacific (the “Transaction”); the risk that potential legal proceedings may be instituted against Union Pacific or Norfolk Southern and result in significant costs of defense, indemnification or liability; the possibility that the Transaction does not close when expected or at all because required Surface Transportation Board or other approvals and other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the Transaction); the risk that the combined company will not realize expected benefits, cost savings, accretion, synergies and/or growth from the Transaction, or that such benefits may take longer to realize or be more costly to achieve than expected, including as a result of changes in, or problems arising from, general economic and market conditions, tariffs, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern operate; disruption to the parties’ businesses as a result of the announcement and pendency of the Transaction; the costs associated with the anticipated length of time of the pendency of the Transaction, including the restrictions contained in the definitive merger agreement on the ability of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, respectively, to operate their respective businesses outside the ordinary course during the pendency of the Transaction; the diversion of Union Pacific’s and Norfolk Southern’s management’s attention and time from ongoing business operations and opportunities on merger-related matters; the risk that the integration of each party’s operations will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected or that the parties are otherwise unable to successfully integrate each party’s businesses into the other’s businesses; the possibility that the Transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; reputational risk and potential adverse reactions of Union Pacific’s or Norfolk Southern’s customers, suppliers, employees, labor unions or other business partners, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Transaction; the dilution caused by Union Pacific’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in connection with the consummation of the Transaction; the risk of a downgrade of the credit rating of Union Pacific’s indebtedness, which could give rise to an obligation to redeem existing indebtedness; a material adverse change in the financial condition of Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern or the combined company; changes in domestic or international economic, political or business conditions, including those impacting the transportation industry (including customers, employees and supply chains); Union Pacific’s, Norfolk Southern’s and the combined company’s ability to successfully implement its respective operational, productivity, and strategic initiatives; a significant adverse event on Union Pacific’s or Norfolk Southern’s network, including, but not limited to, a mainline accident, discharge of hazardous materials, or climate-related or other network outage; the outcome of claims, litigation, governmental proceedings and investigations involving Union Pacific or Norfolk Southern, including, in the case of Norfolk Southern, those with respect to the Eastern Ohio incident; the nature and extent of Norfolk Southern’s environmental remediation obligations with respect to the Eastern Ohio incident; new or additional governmental regulation and/or operational changes resulting from or related to the Eastern Ohio incident; and a cybersecurity incident or other disruption to our technology infrastructure.
This list of important factors is not intended to be exhaustive. These and other important factors, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in Norfolk Southern’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC on February 9, 2026 (available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000702165/000162828026006268/nsc-20251231.htm) and Norfolk Southern’s subsequent filings with the SEC, Union Pacific’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as filed with the SEC on February 6, 2026 (available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/100885/000010088526000037/unp-20251231.htm) and Union Pacific’s subsequent filings with the SEC, may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. References to Union Pacific’s and Norfolk Southern’s website are provided for convenience and, therefore, information on or available through the website is not, and should not be deemed to be, incorporated by reference herein. The forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date they were first issued, and unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law or regulation.
Ciena a Telefónica Deutschland dokončily konceptuální test automatizace sítě pomocí AI prostřednictvím Blue Planet AI Studio. Integrace do stávajících workflow má podpořit orchestraci služeb a růst v enterprise 5G.
Key Takeaways Ciena and Telefonica Deutschland completed an AI-driven network automation PoC using Blue Planet AI Studio.CIEN integrated AI into existing operational workflows to support multi-domain service orchestration.Ciena sees AI and enterprise 5G growth potential, while Nokia and Cisco intensify competition. AI is becoming a core component of network operations in the telecommunications industry. As CSPs roll out increasingly sophisticated 5G services, the operational complexity associated with designing, provisioning and managing these services continues to rise. Against this backdrop, the successful proof of concept (PoC) between Telefónica Deutschland (TELFY - Free Report) and Blue Planet, a division of Ciena Corporation (CIEN - Free Report) , demonstrates how AI-driven automation can transform network operations while strengthening Ciena's growth prospects.
The Blue Planet division was established from the 2015 Cyan Networks acquisition, integrating Cyan’s software with Ciena’s SDN/NFV controllers to develop an open, multi-vendor network automation platform. This platform was later improved through acquisitions like Packet Design and Centina for advanced analytics and closed-loop automation.
The PoC employed Blue Planet AI Studio, an OSS-native platform that allows the development and deployment of AI agents directly within operational workflows. Instead of functioning as an isolated AI experiment, the platform was integrated into Deutschland's existing Multi-Domain Service Orchestration framework. The successful deployment showcases several competitive advantages for CIEN, which has steadily expanded its software portfolio via Blue Planet. By advancing AI-driven network orchestration, the collaboration enhances Ciena's software growth opportunities, customer retention and exposure to the rapidly growing enterprise 5G market.
Ciena is already benefiting from strong investments in AI infrastructure, particularly from hyperscale cloud providers building massive data centers. AI-driven network slicing complements this trend by creating another avenue for growth within telecom networks. However, heavy investments by rivals such as Nokia (NOK - Free Report) and Cisco Systems (CSCO - Free Report) in AI-driven network automation may limit Ciena's pace of monetizing its technological edge.
Competitive Woes in the AI-Led Networking Space Temper CIENNOK benefits from a broad 5G IP portfolio, an expanding enterprise business and growing opportunities in AI-driven networking. Demand from AI and cloud customers supported IP Networks growth in first-quarter, while Nokia launched an AI Networking Innovation Lab to accelerate development of next-generation AI-native data center networking solutions alongside ecosystem partners. The initiative expands its presence in a structurally attractive infrastructure market and strengthens its position in AI-driven connectivity. In June, Nokia, t3 Broadband and Aureon partnered to deploy a hyperscale-class AI connectivity network using ultra-high-capacity optical technology, enabling high-speed, reliable data transmission to support the rising demand for AI and cloud infrastructure.
Cisco continues to expand AI data center offerings, including Nexus innovations, intelligent packet flow and configurable AI pods, which can sustain a higher mix in networking through fiscal 2026. In June, Cisco introduced Cisco Cloud Control, a unified platform that enables human operators and AI agents to collaboratively manage and secure critical IT infrastructure. The platform supports natural-language application and agent creation, integrates with third-party tools and enhances cybersecurity through innovations such as Live Protect, Quantum Ready Assessments and Cisco IQ, helping organizations operate securely at AI-driven speed and scale. Furthermore, its rich partner base supports expansion in AI infrastructure and security.
CIEN Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of CIEN have gained a whopping 451.5% in the past year compared with the Communications - Components industry’s surge of 304.8%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CIEN trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 57.86, above the industry’s 43.98.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CIEN’s earnings for fiscal 2026 has been revised upward over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CIEN currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Columbia Financial zahájila úpis akcií za pevnou cenu 10,00 USD za kus v rámci druhého kroku konverze. Z nabídky očekává výnos z prodeje akcií ve výši zhruba 281 mil. až 769 mil. USD.
FAIR LAWN, N.J., July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Columbia Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLBK), a Delaware corporation and the mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank (the “Holding Company” or “Columbia”), announced today that Columbia Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Company”) and the proposed successor to the Holding Company, has commenced a firm commitment underwritten offering to sell shares of common stock not subscribed for in its second-step conversion subscription offering to the general public at $10.00 per share.
Between the orders received in the subscription offering and the increased orders received in the previously announced resolicitation of maximum purchasers in the subscription offering, which concluded on June 30, 2026, the Company received approximately $1.1 billion in the subscription offering, excluding shares to be issued to Columbia Bank’s employee stock ownership plan. Accordingly, the Company expects to sell in the firm commitment underwritten offering between approximately $281 million and $769 million of its common stock.
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., A Stifel Company, will serve as the lead-left book running manager, Piper Sandler & Co. will act as co-book running manager and Brean Capital, LLC will act as co-manager for the firm commitment underwritten offering.
Completion of the second-step conversion remains subject to (1) the receipt of all required final regulatory approvals, including the final independent appraisal, and (2) the sale of at least 142,375,000 shares of common stock, including shares that may be issued as merger consideration to stockholders of Northfield Bancorp, Inc. (“Northfield”).
About Columbia
The Holding Company is a Delaware corporation organized as Columbia Bank’s mid-tier stock holding company and is a majority-owned subsidiary of Columbia Bank MHC. The Company is a newly formed Maryland corporation that will be the successor to the Holding Company upon closing of the second-step conversion. Columbia Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Fair Lawn, New Jersey that operates 70 full-service banking offices and offers traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in its market area. For more information about Columbia Bank, please visit www.columbiabankonline.com.
Disclaimer and Caution About Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook and expectations of Columbia and Northfield, respectively, with respect to the proposed transaction, the strategic benefits and financial benefits of the proposed transaction, including the expected impact of the proposed transaction on the combined company’s future financial performance (including anticipated accretion to earnings per share, the tangible book value earn-back period and other operating and return metrics), the timing of the closing of the proposed transaction, and the ability to successfully integrate the combined businesses. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualified words (and their derivatives) such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “project” and “intend,” as well as words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgment of Columbia or Northfield or their respective management about future events.
Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the time they are made and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, include, among others, the following: (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the merger agreement; (ii) the possibility that the proposed transaction does not close when expected or at all because approvals and the other conditions to closing are not received or satisfied on a timely basis or at all; (iii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Columbia or Northfield; (iv) the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including anticipated cost savings and strategic gains, are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of changes in, or problems arising from, general economic and market conditions, interest and exchange rates, monetary policy, laws and regulations and their enforcement, and the degree of competition in the geographic and business areas in which Columbia and Northfield operate; (v) the possibility that the integration of the two companies may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (vi) Columbia’s ability to successfully complete its second-step conversion; (vi) the possibility that the final independent appraisal of Columbia will differ from the preliminary independent appraisal of Columbia; (viii) the impact of purchase accounting with respect to the proposed transaction, or any change in the assumptions used regarding the assets acquired and liabilities assumed to determine their fair value and credit marks; (ix) the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive or take longer to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (x) the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; (xi) potential adverse reactions of Columbia’s or Northfield’s customers or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the proposed transaction; (xii) a material adverse change in the financial condition of Columbia or Northfield; (xiii) changes in Columbia’s or Northfield’s share price before closing; (xiv) risks relating to the potential dilutive effect of shares of Columbia’s common stock to be issued in the proposed transaction; (xv) general competitive, economic, political and market conditions, including the impact of any potential government shutdown; (xvi) major catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods or other natural or human disasters, including infectious disease outbreaks; and (xvii) other factors that may affect future results of Columbia or Northfield, including, among others, changes in asset quality and credit risk; the imposition of tariffs and any retaliatory responses; the inability to sustain revenue and earnings growth; changes in interest rates; deposit flows; inflation; customer borrowing, repayment, investment and deposit practices; the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; capital management activities; and other actions of the Federal Reserve Board and legislative and regulatory actions and reforms.
These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause Columbia’s, Northfield’s or the combined company’s actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements. Other factors, including unknown or unpredictable factors, also could harm Columbia’s, Northfield’s or the combined company’s results.
Although each of Columbia and Northfield believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions based on its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results of Columbia or Northfield will not differ materially from any projected future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in Columbia’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents subsequently filed by Columbia with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and in Northfield’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, and its other filings with the SEC and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents subsequently filed by Northfield with the SEC. The actual results anticipated may not be realized or, even if substantially realized, they may not have the expected consequences to or effects on Columbia, Northfield or each of their respective businesses or operations. Investors are cautioned not to rely too heavily on any such forward-looking statements. Columbia and Northfield urge you to consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating all such forward-looking statements made by Columbia and Northfield. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and Columbia and/or Northfield undertake no obligation to update or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. For purposes of this section, references to Columbia include both Columbia Financial, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the current mid-tier holding company for Columbia Bank, and Columbia Financial, Inc., a Maryland corporation and the proposed successor holding company of Columbia Bank.
Important Additional Information About the Transaction and Where to Find It
Columbia Financial, Inc. has filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Form S-1 Registration Statement”) that includes a prospectus of Columbia Financial, Inc. and other relevant documents concerning the proposed second-step conversion. In addition, Columbia Financial, Inc. has also filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Form S-4 Registration Statement”) that includes a joint proxy statement/prospectus concerning the proposed second-step conversion and the merger.
BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF COLUMBIA AND NORTHFIELD ARE URGED TO READ THE FORM S-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE FORM S-4 REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.
A copy of the Form S-1 Registration Statement and the Form S-4 Registration Statement, Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about Columbia and Northfield may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). You may also obtain these documents, free of charge, by directing a request to Columbia Investor Relations, 19-01 Route 208 North, Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410, or by calling (833) 550-0717, or to Northfield by directing a request to Northfield Investor Relations, 581 Main Street, Suite 810, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095 or by calling (732) 499-7200 x2519. The information on Columbia’s or Northfield’s respective websites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this communication or incorporated into other filings either company makes with the SEC.
Columbia Financial, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
(833) 550-0717
Peabody získala financování od amerického ministerstva energetiky na rozvoj těžby a zpracování vzácných zemin a kritických minerálů. Projekt se týká jejího ložiska v Powder River Basin ve Wyomingu.
Resources Investor Relations Journalists Agencies Client Login Send a Release News Products Contact , /PRNewswire/ -- Peabody (NYSE: BTU) today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has selected the company for funding to advance the production of rare earth elements and critical minerals. The selection supports Peabody's ongoing efforts to evaluate and advance the recovery of rare earth elements and critical minerals from its extensive resource base in Wyoming's Powder River Basin.
"Coupled with the Wyoming Energy Authority grant awarded earlier this year, this selection reflects the meaningful progress Peabody has made in advancing promising unconventional rare earth and critical mineral opportunities," said Peabody President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Grech. "I thank the Trump Administration, including the Department of Energy and Secretary Wright for supporting this project as we continue advancing the technical and economic viability of a domestic rare earth and critical mineral supply chain."
The company's efforts are focused on supporting the development of a secure domestic supply chain for materials that are increasingly important to U.S. energy, technology and national security objectives.
Peabody moves more earth annually across its Powder River Basin operations than any other coal miner, providing a unique combination of scale, infrastructure and ready access to a vast resource base with promising concentrations of rare earth elements and critical minerals.
Peabody is a leading coal producer, providing essential products for the production of affordable, reliable energy and steel. Our commitment to sustainability underpins everything we do and shapes our strategy for the future.
Federal Signal dosáhl nového 52týdenního maxima 134,51 USD a za poslední měsíc vzrostl o 25,2 %. Firma navíc překonala odhady zisku v každém z posledních čtyř čtvrtletí.
Have you been paying attention to shares of Federal Signal (FSS - Free Report) ? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 25.2% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $134.51 in the previous session. Federal Signal has gained 23.3% since the start of the year compared to the -5.2% move for the Zacks Auto-Tires-Trucks sector and the -4.4% return for the Zacks Automotive - Domestic industry.
What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, having beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on April 29, 2026, Federal Signal reported EPS of $1.18 versus consensus estimate of $0.89.
For the current fiscal year, Federal Signal is expected to post earnings of $4.94 per share on $2.63 in revenues. This represents a 16.78% change in EPS on a 20.65% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $5.52 per share on $2.8 in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 11.71% and 6.55%, respectively.
Valuation MetricsFederal Signal may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level.
On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). The individual style scores for Value, Growth, Momentum and the combined VGM Score run from A through F. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.
Federal Signal has a Value Score of D. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A.
In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 27.1X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is a premium to the peer industry average of 18.9X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 23.9X versus its peer group's average of 8.3X. Additionally, the stock has a PEG ratio of 1.93. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.
Zacks RankWe also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Federal Signal currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.
Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Federal Signal passes the test. Thus, it seems as though Federal Signal shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.
Sunrun prosazuje virtuální elektrárnu s více než 16 GW rychle nasaditelné kapacity z domácích baterií, termostatů, ohřívačů vody a solárních systémů. Ve Virginii má hned k dispozici přes 300 MW.
Sunrun shares are showing limited movement. What’s next for RUN stock? Sunrun is pitching its virtual power plant initiative as more than 16 gigawatts of fast-to-deploy capacity by coordinating home batteries, thermostats, water heaters, and solar systems, using "millions of existing home energy devices" including flexibility from more than 8 million smart thermostats and devices managed by Renew Home.
The company also flagged Virginia as an early deployment area with more than 300 megawatts available immediately and a target of at least 500 megawatts by 2030, plus capacity committed into PJM’s proposed Reliability Backstop Process that it says could unlock over a gigawatt immediately.
Sunrun’s AI-demand framing is getting sharper as Goldman Sachs pegs global data-center electricity demand up 220% by 2030 to 1,350 TWh (a 905 TWh increase).
Sunrun also has a concrete "why now" hook: the Tesla/Sunrun/Renew Home effort is positioned to free enough capacity to support the equivalent of 17 large data centers during peak periods.
In the background, Tesla is a read-through for the theme because it helps validate residential batteries as a grid resource, which can pull Sunrun into "grid support" rotations when that narrative heats up.
RUN Stock: Key Technical Levels To WatchFrom a longer-term trend perspective, RUN is still fighting overhead supply: at $13.00 it’s trading 0.2% below the 20-day SMA ($13.07), 4.4% below the 50-day SMA ($13.65), 6.7% below the 100-day SMA ($13.98), and 20.6% below the 200-day SMA ($16.43). That keeps the bigger-picture posture cautious, especially with the death cross that formed in April (50-day SMA below the 200-day SMA) still in place.
Momentum looks more "range-bound than trending" right now, with RSI at 46.42 (neutral), which typically lines up with consolidation and quick reversals rather than sustained directional runs. RSI is essentially saying the stock isn’t stretched enough to force a mean-reversion bounce, but it also isn’t washed out like it was around the oversold signal in March.
Key Resistance: $13.50 — a nearby round-number zone that also sits close to the 20-day EMA ($13.35), where rebounds can stall Key Support: $11.50 — a nearby floor to watch if price slips back toward the lower end of the recent range How Sunrun Operates in the Solar MarketSunrun is engaged in the design, development, installation, sale, ownership, and maintenance of residential solar energy systems in the United States. It acquires customers directly and through relationships with various solar and strategic partners, and many customers sign 20- to 25-year agreements to use its systems.
That long-duration model can make the stock sensitive to financing conditions and execution, but it also creates a large installed base. The virtual power plant pitch matters because it tries to turn that installed base—solar, batteries, and managed devices—into dispatchable grid capacity that utilities and hyperscalers may need "in months, not years."
Sunrun’s Benzinga Edge: Growth vs. MomentumBelow is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for Sunrun, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:
Momentum: Weak (Score: 17.07) — The stock’s recent tape is lagging, which fits with price still sitting below key longer-term moving averages. Growth: Strong (Score: 93.93) — The market is still assigning Sunrun a high growth profile, which helps explain why "virtual power plant" headlines can move the stock quickly. The Verdict: Sunrun’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a growth-heavy profile with weak momentum, a mix that often leads to sharp rallies that struggle to hold unless the chart improves. For longer-term bulls, the cleaner setup would be momentum turning up alongside a reclaim of the 50-day and 100-day moving averages.
RUN Stock Price Movement During PremarketRUN Stock Price Activity: Sunrun shares were up 0.08% at $12.98 during premarket trading on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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Společnost Analog Devices dokončila akvizici společnosti Empower Semiconductor, čímž posiluje své postavení v oblasti napájení pro AI a rozšiřuje svůj adresovatelný trh.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) today announced the completion of its acquisition of Empower Semiconductor. The combination further strengthens ADI's position as a leading strategic, system-level grid-to-core power partner across the entire AI ecosystem, expanding ADI's total addressable market and capabilities in AI compute power delivery.
Commentary
Analog Devices completes acquisition of Empower Semiconductor "Today marks an exciting milestone as we welcome the Empower team to ADI and take an important step forward in solving one of the most complex challenges in modern electronics – power delivery for the AI era," said Vincent Roche, CEO and Chair at ADI. "AI infrastructure is fundamentally reshaping how power must be delivered, with energy now one of the most persistent constraints to scaling next-generation systems. Empower's breakthrough technology is designed to directly address this bottleneck, unlocking new levels of efficiency and performance for AI processors. Leveraging ADI's technology and scale, we will help customers rearchitect their power systems and achieve the compute densities next-generation AI demands. The impact will extend well beyond AI data centers to any domain where energy constrains what is possible." About Analog Devices, Inc.
Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, AI, and software technologies into solutions that combat climate change, reliably connect humans and the world, and help drive advancements in automation and robotics, mobility, healthcare, energy and data centers. With revenue of more than $11 billion in FY25, ADI ensures today's innovators stay Ahead of What's Possible. Learn more at www.analog.com and on LinkedIn and X.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which address a variety of subjects including, for example, the expected benefits of the transaction; ADI's expected product offerings and benefits of those offerings, product development, and technical advances resulting from the transaction; and other future events. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on our current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following important factors and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements: unforeseen or unknown liabilities; costs or expenses related to the transaction; the inability to retain key personnel; difficulties in integrating the acquired business; the risk that expected benefits of the transaction may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; and uncertainty as to the long-term value of our common stock. For additional information about factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements represent management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
CONTACT:
Jeff Ambrosi
Senior Director, Investor Relations
Analog Devices
[email protected]
(781) 461-3282
Ferda Millan
Global PR and External Communications
Analog Devices
[email protected]
(408) 373-1854
Cognizant rozšiřuje partnerství s Google Cloud a nasazuje Gemini Enterprise i Google Workspace napříč firmou. Cílí na 100 000 zaměstnanců letos a později na 200 000.
Collaboration pairs Cognizant's Frontier Certified Engineers, who deploy and scale AI in client environments, with a rollout of Gemini Enterprise and Google Workspace across Cognizant
, /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Google Cloud, broadening how the companies bring Gemini Enterprise to clients and deepening Cognizant's own internal use of the technology.
Through the expanded collaboration, which builds on the dedicated Gemini Enterprise practice announced in April, Cognizant and Google Cloud are bringing together jointly delivered solutions, a portfolio of reusable agents and certified Cognizant Frontier Certified Engineers who work directly within client environments to accelerate time to value on Gemini deployments. The work focuses on helping clients realize the value of their investments across the Google Cloud AI portfolio, including Gemini Enterprise, Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience and Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform.
Central to the expanded partnership is Cognizant's Frontier Certified Engineer delivery model. Frontier Certified Engineers pair deep technology fluency with industry and operational context to audit existing workflows, run evaluations on agents and deploy them into production. The approach underlines Cognizant's AI Builder strategy to help clients close the gap between what AI can do and the value enterprises put into production.
"This partnership reflects exactly what our AI Builder strategy is built to do," said Ravi Kumar S, CEO, Cognizant. "Our Frontier Certified Engineers work directly alongside Google Cloud's teams, solving real problems in production. We have built this capability, proven it inside our own business, and are now bringing it to joint clients at scale."
To build proven, scalable delivery models for its clients, Cognizant is adopting Google Cloud technologies internally, deploying Gemini Enterprise and Google Workspace across its global organization. Internal use cases span software engineering, delivery operations, agentic workforce solutions and customer support.
In software engineering, global teams are using Antigravity 2.0 and Gemini Enterprise capabilities for code explanation, automated test generation and legacy application modernization, helping accelerate software development velocity by up to 30 percent in internal Cognizant benchmarks. In delivery, associates from project managers to delivery professionals use Gemini Enterprise to streamline processes, track milestones and automate documentation. Across prioritized functions, Cognizant is deploying role-based agents that can automate up to 60 to 70 percent of manual effort within targeted workflows, and its own engineers are using Gemini Enterprise to transform internal support experiences.
Cognizant aims to deploy Gemini Enterprise to 100,000 associates this year, with plans to scale to 200,000, and is certifying a minimum of 10,000 Cognizant professionals on the platform.
Client work is already showing results: A leading US communications and entertainment provider modernized its contact center operations with Cognizant and Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience, lifting its first-contact resolution rate by 17 percent, as measured against pre-deployment baselines, and resolving nearly one-third of appointment requests through AI-powered automation. Gemini-powered AI agents were deployed in three months, with more than 500 AI model optimizations in the first year.
"Cognizant is leading by example by integrating Gemini Enterprise and Google Workspace across its own global workforce," said Karthik Narain, Chief Product and Business Officer, Google Cloud. "This deep, first-hand experience uniquely positions Cognizant to help our joint customers scale agentic AI solutions and accelerate time-to-value."
As part of the expanded partnership, Cognizant and Google Cloud are also taking a portfolio of core offerings jointly to market, designed to move enterprises from AI experimentation to measurable business outcomes. The joint go-to-market strategy focuses on high-impact sectors including retail and consumer goods, healthcare and life sciences, communications, media and technology, and financial services.
The offerings include a Frontier Certified Engineer delivery model that places senior engineering talent alongside Google Cloud teams; an agentic employee platform that deploys AI agents into specific enterprise roles to compress deployment timelines from quarters to weeks; contact center solutions powered by Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience; and rapid agent development through Cognizant's Agent Foundry, which has built more than 2,000 agents to date, to shorten multi-month development cycles into two-week sprints. The companies plan to deepen the collaboration across additional industries and solution areas in the coming months.
To learn more about this partnership, visit Cognizant's Google Cloud partner page.
About Cognizant
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Tržby Flowers Foods ve značkovém maloobchodu v 1. čtvrtletí 2026 meziročně vzrostly o 3,4 % na 1 045,4 mil. USD díky cenám, mixu a akvizici Simple Mills. Objem ale klesl o 4,2 %.
Key Takeaways Flowers Foods' Branded Retail sales rose 3.4% as pricing, mix and Simple Mills offset lower volume. Simple Mills performed ahead of expectations on strong demand, portfolio momentum and innovation launches. Nature's Own relaunch and brands like Dave's Killer Bread support growth in differentiated categories. Flowers Foods, Inc. (FLO - Free Report) is leaning on the strength of its branded portfolio to navigate a difficult bakery backdrop, with pricing, mix, Simple Mills and innovation supporting branded retail sales despite softer volumes and continued pressure in traditional loaf.
Branded Retail net sales increased 3.4% year over year to $1,045.4 million in the first quarter of 2026. The gain was driven by 4% favorable pricing and mix and a 3.6% contribution from the Simple Mills acquisition, which more than offset a 4.2% decline in volume.
The momentum reflects Flowers Foods’ sharper focus on leading, differentiated brands and faster-growing areas of the portfolio. Premium loaf, buns and rolls, breakfast, cake and snacks delivered encouraging performance, helping balance weakness in the traditional loaf category. Simple Mills also performed ahead of expectations, supported by broad-based portfolio momentum, strong consumer demand and positive early response to innovation launches.
Flowers Foods is also investing in product renovation. The relaunch of Nature’s Own brings fewer, simpler ingredients and Non-GMO Project Verified products to the brand. At the same time, the company continues to build around brands such as Dave’s Killer Bread, Canyon Bakehouse, Nature’s Own Keto and Simple Mills, which give it exposure to organic, gluten-free, keto and better-for-you snacking categories.
The key takeaway is that Flowers Foods’ branded retail growth is being driven by pricing and mix, the addition of Simple Mills, brand renovation and targeted growth in differentiated categories. Volume pressure remains a clear headwind, but the branded portfolio is helping FLO defend sales momentum in a challenging consumer environment.
The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company’s shares have risen 6% over the past three months compared with the industry’s growth of 5.4%.
Better-Ranked Stocks to ConsiderUnited Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI - Free Report) , a major food wholesaler serving grocery retailers, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for United Natural’s current and next fiscal-year earnings per share suggests a year-over-year increase of 254.9% and 21.4%, respectively. UNFI delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.9%, on average.
B&G Foods, Inc. (BGS - Free Report) manufactures, markets and distributes a broad portfolio of shelf-stable, frozen and specialty food products. BGS carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for B&G Foods’ current and next fiscal-year EPS calls for a year-over-year jump of 11.8% and 15.8%, respectively.
Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) , a maker of refrigerated prepared foods for retail and foodservice, carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mama's Creations’ current and next fiscal-year EPS implies growth of 73.3% and 46.2%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels. MAMA delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 129.2%, on average.
EMA zahájila průběžný přezkum daraxonrasibu od Revolution Medicines, aby urychlila posouzení léku na rakovinu slinivky břišní. Firma zároveň dokončuje podání NDA u FDA.
Phased review by EMA aims to accelerate assessment of company's investigational drug daraxonrasib in pancreatic cancer based on unprecedented clinical results from pivotal Phase 3 RASolute 302 trial
Rolling submission of NDA for daraxonrasib to U.S. FDA under Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program nearing completion
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Revolution Medicines, Inc. (Nasdaq: RVMD), a late-stage clinical oncology company developing targeted therapies for patients with RAS-addicted cancers, today announced that European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has started a phased review of data on daraxonrasib, the company's investigational RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor. A phased review aims to accelerate the assessment of a medicine by evaluating the data in phases as they become available, ahead of the submission of a full marketing authorization application. Daraxonrasib was designated by the EMA as an orphan medicinal product for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and has been recognized as a high priority under EMA’s Cancer Medicines Pathfinder project based on its potential to address a high unmet medical need.
In addition, the company continues to make significant progress on its rolling submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) for daraxonrasib to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program, which is intended to accelerate the development and review of therapies aligned with U.S. national health priorities.
“As our rolling submission of an NDA to the FDA nears completion, we are encouraged by the strong engagement we've received from health authorities around the world,” said Mark A. Goldsmith, M.D., Ph.D., chief executive officer and chairman of Revolution Medicines. “The EMA's decision to include daraxonrasib in its new phased review process is an important step toward making this medicine available to patients globally as quickly as possible. We believe this milestone underscores both the significant unmet medical need in pancreatic cancer and the potential of daraxonrasib to address that need.”
The company continues to engage in discussions with regulatory authorities around the world as it prepares for submissions in additional territories. The ongoing FDA review and planned regulatory submissions in other territories are supported by the positive results from the pivotal Phase 3 RASolute 302 trial, which demonstrated unprecedented improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival compared to standard of care cytotoxic chemotherapy in patients with previously treated metastatic PDAC, with or without an identified tumor RAS mutation. In the trial, daraxonrasib exhibited a manageable safety profile and patients treated with daraxonrasib reported significantly delayed deterioration in cancer-related pain, overall global health status and quality of life, compared to those treated with chemotherapy.
About Daraxonrasib
Daraxonrasib is an investigational, oral RAS(ON) multi-selective, non-covalent tri-complex inhibitor. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted daraxonrasib Breakthrough Therapy Designation and Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) harboring G12 mutations. In addition, daraxonrasib was selected for the FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program, which is intended to accelerate the development and review of therapies aligned with U.S. national health priorities.
Daraxonrasib is designed to target cancers driven by a broad range of common RAS mutations, including PDAC, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and colorectal cancer. Daraxonrasib is being advanced through a global Phase 3 registrational program comprising four trials, including the completed RASolute 302 trial and three additional trials in patients with PDAC and metastatic RAS mutant NSCLC.
Daraxonrasib works by suppressing RAS signaling through inhibition of the interaction between both wild-type and mutant RAS(ON) proteins and their downstream effectors.
About Pancreatic Cancer and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, characterized by its typically late-stage diagnosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and high mortality rate. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, or PDAC, is the most common form of pancreatic cancer.1
Due to the lack of early symptoms and detection methods, approximately 80% of patients are diagnosed with PDAC at an advanced or metastatic stage. PDAC is the most commonly RAS-driven malignancy of all major cancers, with more than 90% of patients having tumors that harbor RAS mutations.2 Metastatic PDAC remains one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., with a five-year survival rate of approximately 3%.3, 4
About Revolution Medicines, Inc.
Revolution Medicines is a late-stage clinical oncology company developing novel targeted therapies for patients with RAS-addicted cancers. The company’s R&D pipeline comprises RAS(ON) inhibitors designed to suppress diverse oncogenic variants of RAS proteins. The company’s RAS(ON) inhibitors daraxonrasib (RMC-6236), a RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitor; elironrasib (RMC-6291), a RAS(ON) G12C-selective inhibitor; zoldonrasib (RMC-9805), a RAS(ON) G12D-selective inhibitor; and RMC-5127, a RAS(ON) G12V-selective inhibitor, are currently in clinical development. Additional development opportunities in the company’s pipeline focus on RAS(ON) mutant-selective inhibitors, including RMC-0708 (Q61H) and RMC-8839 (G13C). For more information, please visit www.revmed.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be considered “forward-looking statements,” including without limitation statements regarding progression of clinical studies and findings from these studies, including the tolerability, safety, and potential efficacy of the company’s candidates being studied; the company’s regulatory strategy and the timing, status and progress of any regulatory submissions; discussions with regulatory agencies including the EMA and FDA; and the potential for daraxonrasib to address unmet medical needs.
Forward-looking statements are typically, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “aims,” “anticipate,” "believe," “continues,” “intend,” “nears,” "plan," “potential,” and other similar terminology indicating future results. Such forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s development programs, future results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include without limitation risks and uncertainties inherent in the drug development process, including the company’s programs’ development stages, the process of designing and conducting preclinical and clinical trials, the regulatory approval processes, the timing of regulatory filings, the challenges associated with manufacturing drug products, the company’s ability to successfully establish, protect and defend its intellectual property, other matters that could affect the sufficiency of the company’s capital resources to fund operations, reliance on third parties for manufacturing and development efforts, changes in the competitive landscape, and the effects on the company’s business of global events, such as international conflicts or global pandemics. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Revolution Medicines in general, see Revolution Medicines’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 6, 2026, and its future periodic reports to be filed with the SEC. Except as required by law, Revolution Medicines undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events, or circumstances, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
1 Siegel RL, Giaquinto AN, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2024. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024;74(1):12-49. doi:10.3322/caac.21820
2 Lee JK, Sivakumar S, Schrock AB, et al. Comprehensive pan-cancer genomic landscape of KRAS altered cancers and real-world outcomes in solid tumors. NPJ Precis Oncol. 2022;6(1);91. doi:10.1038/s41698-022-00334-z.
3 Halbrook CJ, Lyssiotis CA, Pasca di Magliano M, Maitra A. Pancreatic cancer: Advances and challenges. Cell. 2023;186(8):1729-1754. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.014
4 American Cancer Society. Survival Rates for Pancreatic Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/pancreatic-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Accessed March 2026.
Kyndryl oznámil přezkum správy hotovosti a vnitřních kontrol po žádostech Komise pro cenné papíry a burzy (SEC) a uvedl, že nestihne včas podat čtvrtletní zprávu za 3. čtvrtletí 2026. Akcie po zveřejnění spadly o 55 %.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP advises Kyndryl Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KD) investors that the firm is investigating potential legal claims arising from alleged false and misleading statements about the company's cash management practices and the effectiveness of its internal controls. Current shareholders are encouraged to contact the firm here: http://www.classactionlawyers.com/kyndryl.
On February 9, 2026, Kyndryl announced that following its receipt of voluntary document requests from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, it was reviewing its cash management practices, related disclosures, the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting, and certain other matters. Kyndryl also disclosed that it would not be able to timely file its quarterly report with the SEC for the third quarter of 2026 and that it anticipated reporting material weaknesses in the company's internal controls over financial reporting. Kyndryl further announced that its CFO and General Counsel had both departed the company, effective immediately. Kyndryl's stock price fell 55% following these disclosures.
We are investigating potential wrongdoing by Kyndryl's directors and officers in connection with these allegations.
If you own Kyndryl stock, you may have legal options. Visit http://www.classactionlawyers.com/kyndryl to learn more.
About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP
Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents consumers in class actions and shareholders in derivative actions against corporate officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco and, with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide.
Contact
Dustin L. Schubert
[email protected]
Tel: 415-788-4220
, /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. today announced the acquisition of Burnaby, British Columbia-based Wilson M. Beck Insurance Services Inc. ("WMB"). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
WMB provides retail insurance brokerage services to commercial clients primarily in Western Canada, with industry focuses of construction, commercial real estate, surety bonding, hospitality and mining. The WMB team, led by David Beck, will remain in their current locations under the direction of Dave Partington, head of Gallagher's retail property/casualty brokerage operations in Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
"WMB's excellent reputation for niche industry expertise will enhance our retail brokerage capabilities in Canada," said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman and CEO. "I am very pleased to welcome David, his partners and associates to Gallagher."
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.
Tetra Tech získala od LADWP pětiletou vícezakázkovou zakázku za 15 milionů USD na inženýrské a technické služby pro program omezení prašnosti na Owens Lake. Firma uvedla, že program už snížil emise prachu o 99,4 %.
PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tetra Tech, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTEK), a leading provider of high-end consulting and engineering services in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, announced today that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has selected Tetra Tech for a 5-year, $15 million, multiple-award contract to provide high-end engineering design and technical services for the Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program, the largest dust mitigation and control program in the United States.
Owens Lake is a historic dry lakebed, requiring EPA-approved best available control measures, that preserve the ecosystem while mitigating dry season wind effects across a 48.6 square-mile area. Tetra Tech engineers and digital automation specialists will provide consulting and design services for dust mitigation measures that may include geotechnical investigations; advanced GIS mapping and hydraulic modeling; civil, structural, mechanical engineering design; and SCADA, instrumentation, and electrical engineering design services. These services will improve existing dust control methods and provide for the design of new dust control mitigation measures.
“Tetra Tech has supported LADWP in implementing the Owens Lake Dust Mitigation Program for more than 15 years. Through this important program, with support from Tetra Tech, LADWP has successfully reduced dust emissions by 99.4 percent,” said Roger Argus, Tetra Tech Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to continuing to use our Leading with Science® approach and leverage the latest technologies to provide exceptional results for this critical program that protects both human health and the environment.”
About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With more than 25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, and design sustainable and resilient infrastructure. For more information about Tetra Tech, please visit tetratech.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Any statements made in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made in this release represent management’s best judgment as to what may occur in the future. However, Tetra Tech’s actual outcome and results are not guaranteed and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions ("Future Factors"), and may differ materially from what is expressed. For a description of Future Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, see the discussion under the section "Risk Factors" included in the Company’s Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Key Takeaways ASTS faces margin pressure from heavy investment, launch timing uncertainty and supply shocks.Competition from Starlink and Globalstar forces AST SpaceMobile to customize and spend more to keep up.Plans to deploy 45-60 satellites by the end of 2026; acquisitions add integration and management strain. AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (ASTS - Free Report) has surged 77.4% over the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 42.2%. It has outperformed peers like Aviat Networks, Inc. (AVNW - Free Report) and Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (CMTL - Free Report) . While Aviat has declined 13.2%, Comtech fell 22.2% over the same period.
One-Year ASTS Stock Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ASTS Gears Up for Bluebird 11, 12 & 13 LaunchesAST SpaceMobile is likely to strengthen its position as one of the leading space-based cellular broadband service providers in the market with the proposed deployment of three satellites in its direct-to-device (D2D) constellation in August. The company is slated to launch BlueBird 11, 12, and 13 satellites from Cape Canaveral, FL.
Utilizing large phased array antennas measuring approximately 2,400 square feet, AST SpaceMobile's technology is backed by more than 3,800 patents and patent-pending claims. It aims to deliver worldwide cellular coverage by eradicating dead zones and providing space-based connectivity to areas that lack broadband service. By connecting directly to standard smartphones at broadband speeds, these advanced phased arrays eliminate the need for special equipment, enhancing current mobile networks while ensuring seamless use of existing mobile phones.
Uncertain Business Conditions Hurt ASTSDespite the buzz, AST SpaceMobile continues to navigate a challenging operating environment, plagued by margin and macroeconomic headwinds. The company operates in a capital-intensive phase, requiring substantial investments in satellite deployment, network infrastructure and commercialization efforts, which are difficult to secure amid a volatile geopolitical scenario. In addition, execution-related challenges, including launch timing uncertainties, supply chain disruptions and potential cost inflation, are likely to dent its growth prospects.
Unfavorable macroeconomic conditions, including rising inflation, higher interest rates, capital market volatility, tariff imposition and geopolitical conflicts, have adversely impacted AST SpaceMobile. These have led to continued fluctuations in satellite material prices, resulting in increased capital costs and pressure on the company’s financial performance.
Depleting Margins Add to the WoesThe company faces severe competition from existing and new industry leaders like Space Exploration Technologies Corp.’s (SPCX - Free Report) Starlink and Globalstar. To combat such competitive pressure, AST SpaceMobile has to continuously customize its network offerings, enhance the cost-effectiveness of its products and services and boost its satellite data networks to remain ahead of the competition, which often results in higher operating costs.
Due to high infrastructure setup costs and research and development expenses for highly sophisticated satellite technology, AST SpaceMobile expects significant expenditures in the coming months to build and launch the next crop of satellites, in line with its expansion plans to serve the full spectrum of U.S. subscribers. This is largely because the company is slated to deploy about 45-60 satellites in orbit by the end of 2026.
In addition, AST SpaceMobile continues to acquire a large number of companies. While this improves revenue opportunities, it adds to integration risks. These include adverse legal, organizational and financial challenges, loss of key customers and distributors and increased demands on management’s time.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Estimate Revision TrendEarnings estimates for AST SpaceMobile for 2026 and 2027 have narrowed 65.2% and 200% to a loss of $1.47 and a loss of 38 cents per share, respectively, over the past year. The negative estimate revision depicts bearish sentiments about the stock’s growth potential.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
End NoteThe successful launch of the Bluebird satellites will likely transform network connectivity and help bridge the digital divide, significantly expanding its global presence and enhancing AST SpaceMobile’s capabilities in providing ubiquitous connectivity.
However, the downtrend in estimate revisions portrays skepticism about the business model. Stiff competitive pressure and an uncertain geopolitical environment are headwinds for the company. High operating expenses remain an overhang as well. Consequently, it might be a prudent investment decision to avoid the stock at the moment.
AST SpaceMobile carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Altimmune získala 535 mil. USD a má zajištěné financování pro fázi 3 studií MASH až do roku 2029. Klíčovým blízkým katalyzátorem jsou data z fáze 2 pro AUD.
SummaryAltimmune, Inc. is upgraded to Buy following successful fundraising, providing $535m to fund Phase 3 MASH trials through 2029.Pemvidutide's Phase 2b data showed statistically significant MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement, but competition from semaglutide, resmetirom, and others remains intense.ALT's near-term catalyst is the Phase 2 AUD data, with potential for partnership if results demonstrate differentiation in heavy drinking reduction and liver outcomes.ALT's investment case hinges on pemvidutide's ability to show clear superiority or unique benefits versus established GLP-1 therapies in upcoming trials.Looking for more investing ideas like this one? Get them exclusively at Haggerston BioHealth. Learn More » Tom Werner/DigitalVision via Getty Images
Investment Overview In my last note on Altimmune, Inc. (ALT), a biotech developing its lead candidate pemvidutide to treat patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (“MASH”), alcohol use disorder ("AUD"), or alcohol-associated liver disease ("ALD"), I downgraded its stock
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Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
NuScale jmenovala ENTRA1 svým exkluzivním globálním komerčním partnerem pro technologii SMR. ENTRA1 a TVA zároveň připravují návrh na až 6 GW nové jaderné kapacity.
Key Takeaways NuScale named ENTRA1 its exclusive global commercialization partner for SMR technology.ENTRA1 will develop, finance, own and operate plants using NuScale's approved SMR technology.ENTRA1 and TVA are working on a proposal for up to 6 GW of new nuclear capacity. NuScale Power Corporation’s (SMR - Free Report) partnership with ENTRA1 Energy has become an important part of its strategy to bring small modular reactors (SMRs) to market. Instead of only supplying its reactor technology, NuScale has named ENTRA1 as its exclusive global commercialization partner. Under this arrangement, NuScale provides its U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission-approved SMR technology, while ENTRA1 is responsible for developing, financing, owning and operating the power plants.
This partnership helps address one of the biggest challenges facing advanced nuclear projects: turning proven technology into commercial power plants that can be built and financed. It also simplifies the process for customers by offering a single, integrated solution instead of requiring them to work with multiple companies for development, financing and operations.
ENTRA1's role goes beyond building nuclear power plants. The company aims to provide complete energy solutions by offering different ownership and financing options, such as long-term power purchase agreements or transferring plant ownership to customers. ENTRA1 also plans to use NuScale's SMR technology for a wide range of applications, including electricity generation, hydrogen production, water desalination and industrial heating. This broad approach expands the potential market for NuScale's reactors and helps meet the growing demand for reliable, around-the-clock, carbon-free energy across different industries.
The partnership is already moving from planning to execution. ENTRA1 is continuing to work with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) on a proposal to develop up to 6 gigawatts of new nuclear generating capacity using NuScale Power Modules. If completed, it could become one of the largest nuclear power projects in U.S. history. ENTRA1 is also working toward a long-term power purchase agreement with TVA and expects to benefit from funding opportunities under the U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement. As these projects move forward, ENTRA1 could play a key role in bringing NuScale's SMR technology into commercial use on a much larger scale.
NuScale is not the only company working to commercialize advanced nuclear technology. While its strategy combines approved SMR technology with commercialization through ENTRA1, other nuclear developers are pursuing different reactor designs to meet the growing demand for reliable, carbon-free power.
How Other Advanced Nuclear Companies are Approaching the Market
Oklo Inc. (OKLO - Free Report) is developing liquid-metal-cooled fast reactors that use metal fuel, a technology with decades of operating history. OKLO says its reactors rely on inherent safety features that allow them to respond naturally to changing conditions. OKLO is also building capabilities in fuel recycling, allowing used nuclear fuel to become a future energy source. Beyond electricity generation, OKLO is expanding into advanced fuel services and radioisotope production, creating a broader long-term business model.
NANO Nuclear Energy (NNE - Free Report) is developing compact microreactors designed for applications where large nuclear plants are impractical. NANO Nuclear's portfolio includes the KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor, the ZEUS battery reactor and the portable LOKI microreactor. NANO Nuclear is targeting data centers, industrial facilities, military sites, remote communities and microgrids. By focusing on smaller, modular reactor designs, NANO Nuclear aims to provide reliable, carbon-free power that can be deployed more quickly and flexibly than traditional nuclear plants.
The Zacks Rundown on NuScale Power
Shares of SMR have lost more than 50% over the past six months.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
NuScale Power currently has an average brokerage recommendation of 2.56 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 18 brokerage firms.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for SMR’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Klarna uzavřela dlouhodobé partnerství se Southwest Airlines, které od později letos nabídne zákazníkům při rezervaci flexibilní platby včetně čtyř bezúročných splátek. Týká se to webu Southwest.com i aplikace.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Klarna, the global digital bank and payments provider, and Southwest Airlines® today announced a long-term partnership to bring new flexible, transparent payment options to millions of Southwest® customers across the United States.
More than one in four Americans say they're more likely to book when flexible payment options are available at checkout1. Starting later this year, travelers booking on Southwest.com® and the Southwest® app will be able to choose from Klarna’s range of payment options at checkout, including paying in full, splitting the cost into four interest-free installments, or financing their trip over time.
"Southwest has spent over 50 years making flying accessible to more Americans, and we're proud to be the partner that takes that mission one step further," said David Sykes, Chief Commercial Officer at Klarna. "Whether booking a long weekend or a cross-country trip, millions of travelers will now have access to Klarna's flexible payment options at checkout, providing a smart booking experience that gives travelers more choice in how they pay."
The partnership places Klarna in front of one of the largest travel audiences in the country. Southwest carries more nonstop domestic passengers than any other U.S. airline, serving over 134 million customers in 2025.2 For Klarna, the deal marks another milestone in its push to become the default payment choice for travel. No other player in the space matches Klarna's global scale or the breadth - 119 million consumers across 26 countries - of its financial products, from flexible payments to savings and spending tools. Known for its transparent pricing and customer-first approach, Southwest is a natural partner for Klarna as it continues to scale its presence in travel.
“Southwest is focused on giving more choice to Customers when they travel with us,” said Corbitt Burns, Managing Director Loyalty & CoBrand at Southwest Airlines. “With Klarna’s flexible payment options, customers gain another convenient way to book flights and enjoy our industry-leading reliability and Hospitality.”
1 https://www.empower.com/the-currency/money/buy-now-pay-later-statistics
2 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q4 2025
Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future financial performance, business strategy, growth objectives and market opportunities. Words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "will," "may," "could," "estimate," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements reflect our views as of the date of this release and are based on information currently available to us. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and should review the risk factors in our filings with the SEC for a more complete discussion of risks.
About Klarna
Klarna is a global digital bank and flexible payments provider. With over 119 million global active Klarna users and 3.4 million transactions per day, Klarna’s AI-powered payments and commerce network is empowering people to pay smarter with a mission to be available everywhere for everything. Consumers can pay with Klarna online, in-store and through Apple Pay & Google Pay. More than one million retailers trust Klarna’s innovative solutions to drive growth and loyalty, including Uber, H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macy’s, Ikea, Expedia Group, Nike and Airbnb. Klarna is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: KLAR). For more information, visit Klarna.com.
Akcie SanDisk v úterý spadly o 8 % kvůli výprodeji v sektoru paměťových čipů, který se rozšířil z Koreje na americké trhy. Za poslední tři obchodní dny už odepsaly více než 23 %.
Shares of SanDisk Inc. SNDK fell sharply in trading on Tuesday as a broad selloff in memory-chip stocks spread from South Korea to US markets despite strong preliminary earnings from Samsung Electronics.
SanDisk shares declined 8% after falling 23% over the previous three trading sessions.
The stock has been one of the strongest performers in the US technology sector this year, gaining about 635% year to date and more than 3,750% over the past 12 months.
The decline came as investors took profits across the memory-chip sector following steep gains in semiconductor stocks driven by artificial intelligence demand.
The selling pressure followed Samsung Electronics' preliminary second-quarter earnings announcement.
The South Korean technology company projected operating profit of 89.4 trillion won ($58.44 billion), representing a 19-fold increase from the same period a year earlier. Samsung also forecast revenue of 171 trillion won, up 129% year over year.
Despite the stronger-than-expected results, Samsung shares fell 6.9% in South Korean trading as investors appeared to lock in gains after a prolonged rally. The stock has risen about 380% over the past year.
SK Hynix also declined 6.1%, with the two companies together accounting for more than half of the Kospi index's market capitalization.
The broader South Korean market came under pressure as heavy selling in chipmakers pushed the Kospi down as much as 8.2% during the session, briefly placing the index in bear market territory before trimming some losses.
The weakness in South Korea quickly spread to US semiconductor stocks.
Micron Technology and Western Digital fell 7.3% and 8.14% respectively in trading.
The Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM), whose largest holdings include Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron, dropped 6.2%.
The selloff extended beyond memory-chip companies. Intel and Advanced Micro Devices each declined more than 6%, while Nvidia slipped 1.5%.
Investors appeared to be taking profits after a prolonged rally in semiconductor shares, particularly in companies benefiting from growing demand for AI-related memory and storage products.
SanDisk's recent decline comes after an extended period of exceptional gains.
Although the stock has fallen more than 20% over the past three trading sessions, it remains one of the best-performing US technology stocks over the past year.
The company has previously experienced similar pullbacks, including a four-day losing streak in May and a five-day decline in March before resuming its broader upward trend.
Profit-taking was also evident across the memory sector.
Micron and SanDisk are now trading well below the highs they reached last month, while the Roundhill Memory ETF has declined 19% from its June 22 peak.
Investors are also preparing for another potential catalyst later this week, with South Korean memory-chip maker SK Hynix scheduled to begin trading on the Nasdaq on Friday.
The upcoming listing could keep attention focused on the memory-chip sector as investors continue to assess whether recent declines represent a pause in the AI-driven rally or the beginning of a broader correction following months of outsized gains.
Ucore vyrobil 99,9% oxid dysprosia v zařízení v Kingstonu pro plánovanou kvalifikaci u zákazníků v Japonsku, Jižní Koreji a USA. Firma to označila za krok k budoucím dodávkám pro plánovaný komplex v Louisianě.
Ucore has produced 99.9% dysprosium ("Dy") oxide generated at its Commercialization and Demonstration Facility ("CDF") in Kingston, Ontario, for planned Japanese, South Korean, and US customer qualifications
The shortage of heavy rare earth oxides, namely Dy and terbium ("Tb"), represents one of the most challenging requirements of forging a Western rare earth permanent magnet industry independent of geopolitical supply turbulence
The qualification work is intended to support the development of structured definitive supply and offtake agreements aligned with Ucore's planned Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex ("SMC"), including downstream market development under the Company's previously announced strategic cooperation framework with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - July 7, 2026) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has produced commercial-grade 99.9% dysprosium ("Dy") oxide for planned qualification samples to major rare earth permanent magnet and electronics manufacturers for technical evaluation.
The Dy qualification sample material represents a significant milestone in Ucore's strategy to connect its planned Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex's ("SMC") rare earth separation outputs directly with downstream magnet, metal, alloy, and advanced materials supply chains. Dy oxide is a critical heavy rare earth element ("REE") material used in high-performance electronics and rare earth permanent magnets, particularly where magnets must retain performance, coercivity, and stability at elevated operating temperatures. These requirements are essential across electric vehicles, robotics, industrial automation, renewable energy systems, aerospace, and defense applications.
Together with Ucore's previously announced NdPr oxide qualification samples, this Dy oxide production advances Ucore's broader product qualification strategy for the light and heavy rare earth oxides required by the Western oxide and permanent magnet industries.
Figure 1: 99.9% dysprosium (Dy) oxide generated at Ucore's Commercialization and Demonstration Facility (CDF) in Kingston, Ontario
To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1119/304231_330ae978e470c8cc_002full.jpg
Heavy Rare Earths: The Critical Gap in Western Magnet Independence
Ucore believes that the Western rare earth supply chain challenge is defined by the ability to reliably separate, refine, qualify, and deliver the individual rare earth oxides required by downstream manufacturers.
This challenge is especially acute for heavy rare earths. NdPr provides the primary magnetic foundation for NdFeB permanent magnets, while Dy and Tb are used in smaller quantities but are essential for many high-temperature and high-performance magnet applications. Without qualified sources of Dy and Tb oxide outside of China, Western and Western-allied magnet producers remain exposed to supply concentration risk even when light rare earth supply and magnet manufacturing capacity are being expanded.
"The first-mover advantage in the Western market is not primarily about heavy rare earth production volume alone. It is about qualification status," stated Pat Ryan, P.Eng., Chairman and CEO of Ucore. "A proven modular and scalable processing platform, such as RapidSX™, can deliver high-purity material into customer qualification programs, begin to establish downstream customer relationships, defense and commercial industry confidence, and business alignment into 2030 and beyond.
"Dysprosium is one of the defining materials in the race to build an independent Western permanent magnet and oxide supply chain. Producing 99.9% Dy oxide and providing access to that material to major manufacturers is a significant step for Ucore. It demonstrates that our Kingston CDF is not simply validating a separation concept. It is generating the customer-specific materials required to move from technical demonstration toward commercial supply alignment."
Ucore's Commercialization and Demonstration Facility Technology Center
The work at Ucore's Commercialization and Demonstration Facility ("CDF") technology center in Kingston, Ontario, has focused on expanding the West's knowledge of heavy rare earth processing, through:
Developing front-end leaching and impurity removal processes from real-world sourcesConstructing two conventional solvent-extraction ("CSX") pilot-scale circuits of 52 and 80 stages eachDirectly comparing over 16,000 samples produced from RapidSX™ vs. those produced from the CSX circuits and proving that the chemistry of CSX and RapidSX™ is identicalWhile proving RapidSX™ is faster and more efficientAdapting the modular and scalable RapidSX™ technology platform to suit the required solvent-extraction chemistry while noting that, for given chemical conditions, the purity achieved is simply a function of the number of functional group stages (i.e., extraction, scrub, strip, wash, and saponification)Optimizing the solvent-extraction chemistry to recover both light and heavy REEs, primarily from heavy REE feedstocksDemonstrating ESG standards for solids and liquids handling and reagent recoveriesDeveloping the back-end oxalate and oxide production processesScaling the RapidSX™ hardware for full-scale operation and factory acceptance testingCustomer Qualification: A Critical Step in Project Development
The evaluation work by major downstream prospective customers focuses on confirming that Ucore's Dy oxide meets the technical, quality, consistency, traceability, and compliance requirements for use in their manufacturing supply chains.
This qualification process is a key step toward elevating strategic relationships currently under discussion or toward forming the framework for structured commercial arrangements. It allows downstream manufacturers and advanced materials customers to evaluate whether Ucore's separated heavy rare earth oxide products meet their internal manufacturing and procurement specifications before finalizing larger-volume supply commitments.
"For downstream customers, dysprosium oxide quality is about much more than individual oxide parameters," stated Mike Schrider, P.E., Ucore's Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "These samples will provide potential customers with the material they need to evaluate Ucore's Dy oxide against their own technical and compliance requirements. Customer feedback from this qualification work is being directly integrated to support the engineering and commercial planning of the Louisiana SMC.
"Once again, the Kingston CDF continues to serve as the bridge between RapidSX™ commercialization work and the product specifications, quality systems, and operating knowledge required for commercial deployment in Louisiana."
The Dy oxide qualification sample material was produced at Ucore's CDF technology center. As noted above, work at the CDF is integral to Ucore's commercial development plans and to understanding and exploiting solvent extraction chemistry. The noted Dy oxide sample material started with approximately 2 tonnes of mixed rare earth oxide ("MREO") derived from a third-party Western ionic clay source and was first processed through the Company's 52-stage RapidSX™ Demonstration Plant ("Demo Plant") through a multi-step separation campaign and then through a complementary solvent extraction circuit to provide additional polishing capacity through more available stages. As Ucore announced on May 28, 2026, at the Louisiana SMC the Company's initial Machine A (the first component within Production Line 1) will alone consist of ≈118 RapidSX™ stages.
Strategic Alignment with the Louisiana SMC and Allied REE Supply Chains
Ucore has previously announced strategic relationships with industry participants working to expand Western and allied rare earth supply chains. These relationships are intended to position Ucore as a midstream supplier of separated rare earth oxides to strategically important downstream manufacturers in Europe, Japan, North America, South Korea, and other allied markets.
On June 15, 2026, Ucore announced a strategic cooperation framework with Sumitomo Corporation of Americas to support the development of a diversified rare earth supply chain across North America and allied markets. Under that framework, the parties intend to collaborate on rare earth feedstock sourcing for Ucore's planned Louisiana SMC and downstream offtake development for selected middle and heavy rare earth elements critical to high-performance magnets and advanced materials applications.
# # #
About Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore's vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry.
Through strategic partnerships, Ucore aims to support the development of a more diversified and resilient North American REE supply chain through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the US State of Louisiana, subsequent SMCs in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore's 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA ("Bokan").
Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "UCU" and in the United States on the OTC Markets' OTCQX® Best Market under the ticker symbol "UURAF."
For further information, please visit www.ucore.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this release (other than statements of historical facts) that address future business development, technological development and/or acquisition activities (including any related required financings), timelines, events, products to be produced at the Louisiana SMC, or developments that the Company is pursuing are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or results, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements in this release include, without limitation, statements regarding the development or execution of definitive supply, offtake agreements or other commercial agreements; the acceptability of rare earth oxide samples to magnet makers and other end users of product; the ability to provide high-purity materials or on-spec product to customers on an on-going basis; and the acceptability of the referenced samples to potential customers.
For additional risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, its business activities, its ability to qualify for and receive any additional funding from any U.S. or Canadian government, the CDF and the aforementioned projects (generally), see the risk disclosure in the Company's MD&A for Q1-2026 (filed on SEDAR+ on May 29, 2026) (www.sedarplus.ca) as well as the risks described below.
Regarding the disclosure above in the "About Ucore Rare Metals Inc." section, the Company has assumed that it will be able to procure or retain additional partners and/or suppliers, in addition to Innovation Metals Corp. ("IMC"), as suppliers for Ucore's expected future SMCs. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be found to continue and complete the ongoing research and development work required at the CDF and also later prepare a new National Instrument 43-101 technical report that demonstrates that Bokan is feasible and economically viable for the production of both REE and co-product metals and the then prevailing market prices based upon assumed customer offtake agreements. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be secured to continue the development of the specific engineering plans for the SMCs and their construction and eventual commissioning and operations.
Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material assumptions, including, without limitation: the successful completion and accuracy of baseline, front-end-engineering design and detailed engineering studies; the ability to complete further engineering, procurement, and construction activities as currently contemplated; the availability, cost, and timely delivery of equipment, materials, utilities, labour and construction services; the Company's ability to secure sufficient financing on acceptable terms; the receipt and timing of all required permits and approvals; the successful scale-up and commercial deployment of RapidSX™ technology from demonstration to commercial operation; the availability of qualified feedstock from third-party suppliers; successful customer qualification and offtake discussions; continued support from governmental partners; and general economic, market, and industry conditions, including assumptions regarding rare earth oxide prices, which are subject to significant volatility..
Although the Company believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate or that the anticipated results, performance, or achievements will be realized. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation: risks associated with the development, scale-up, and commercialization of new or unproven technologies; the risk that RapidSX™ may not perform at commercial scale as expected; engineering design changes; inaccuracies in capital or operating cost estimates; cost escalation due to inflation, supply chain disruption, or market conditions; delays or failures in procurement, construction, or commissioning; the inability to obtain or maintain required permits, approvals, or regulatory authorizations; challenges in securing adequate financing; adverse capital market conditions; variability in feedstock supply, quality, or pricing; failure to secure or maintain commercial relationships, customer qualification, or offtake arrangements; fluctuations and uncertainty in rare earth oxide prices and demand; the risk that indicative or quoted market prices, including for ex-China markets, may not be realized; operational risks once in production, including equipment failures or lower-than-expected recoveries; geopolitical risk; changes in applicable laws or regulations; environmental or permitting challenges; loss of key personnel; and general economic, business, or competitive conditions.
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined by the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304231
Source: Ucore Rare Metals Inc.
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WELL Health plánuje vyčlenit WELLSTAR na TSXV a současně získat zhruba C$50 milionů v navazujícím financování. WELLSTAR očekává v roce 2026 tržby asi C$95 milionů.
Not for distribution to United States news wire services or for dissemination in the United States.
WELLSTAR is expected to become a publicly listed company through a TSXV listing, supported by a Concurrent Financing with gross proceeds of approximately $50 million anchored by strong institutional subscription from a large Canadian bank-owned asset manager and continued support from existing shareholders. The proposed public listing is expected to crystallize the value of WELLSTAR's underlying assets through an independent public market valuation, while providing a dedicated acquisition currency to support its long-term growth strategy.WELLSTAR is a high growth, profitable pure-play healthcare technology company with a historical three-year organic revenue CAGR of over 20% and expected 2026 Adjusted EBITDA margin of 21%. The Company serves over 40% of providers across Canada with high quality technology and services that significantly reduce providers’ administrative burden, and is expected to generate approximately $95 million of revenue in 2026.Following the listing, WELL is expected to remain a significant long-term controlling shareholder and growing customer, reinforcing its commitment to WELLSTAR while unlocking value for WELL shareholders and providing WELLSTAR continued access to one of Canada's largest outpatient clinic networks to support WELLSTAR's continued growth.The Concurrent Financing is being led by TD Securities Inc., RBC Capital Markets and Stifel, on behalf of a syndicate of agents, with proceeds used to fund strategic acquisitions, AI-driven product innovation, organic growth initiatives, and general corporate purposes, further strengthening WELLSTAR’s position as a leading healthcare technology platform. Purchasers will receive subordinate voting shares in WELLSTAR, each of which will subsequently be exchanged for one freely tradeable Resulting Issuer SVS in connection with the completion of the Transaction expected to occur in mid-September 2026. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF) (“WELL”), a digital health company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare practitioners and their patients globally, together with 1587818 B.C. Ltd. (“818”), are pleased to announce that WELL’s subsidiary, WELLSTAR Technologies Corp. (“WELLSTAR” or the “Company”), has entered into an amalgamation agreement dated as of the date hereof (the “Amalgamation Agreement”) with 818, pursuant to which WELLSTAR and 818 will amalgamate under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (such amalgamated entity, the “Resulting Issuer”) (the “Transaction”) and intends to apply to concurrently list the Resulting Issuer’s subordinate voting shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”).
The Transaction is currently expected to close on or about September 16, 2026. Following completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the Resulting issuer will carry on the business of WELLSTAR and the subordinate voting shares of the Resulting Issuer (the “Resulting Issuer SVS”) will be listed on the TSXV.
WELL is also pleased to announce that, in connection with, and as a condition to closing of, the Transaction, WELLSTAR is undertaking a brokered private placement (the “Concurrent Financing”) of subscription receipts (“Subscription Receipts”). TD Securities Inc., RBC Capital Markets and Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc. (“Stifel” and together with TD Securities Inc. and RBC Capital Markets, the “Lead Agents”), on behalf of a syndicate of agents (collectively with the Lead Agents, the “Agents”) will support WELLSTAR on a best efforts basis in offering the Subscription Receipts. The Concurrent Financing is expected to raise aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$50 million at a price of C$10.00 per Subscription Receipt (the “Issue Price”)1. WELLSTAR has also granted the Agents an option (the “Agents’ Option”), exercisable in whole or in part at any time up until 48 hours prior to the date of closing of the Concurrent Financing, to place at the Issue Price up to such number of additional Subscription Receipts as is equal to 15% of the Subscription Receipts issuable under the Concurrent Financing. The Concurrent Financing is anchored by strong institutional subscription from a large Canadian bank-owned asset manager and continued support from existing shareholders, continuing WELLSTAR's successful track record of financing independently. Closing of the Concurrent Offering is expected to occur on or about July 29, 2026 (the “Subscription Receipt Closing Date”).
Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and CEO of WELL, commented, “This transaction is a significant milestone in WELL's strategy to unlock the value of our healthcare technology assets while retaining a meaningful ownership position in one of Canada's leading digital health platforms. WELLSTAR's electronic medical records, AI-enabled clinical tools and practice management solutions are the technology foundation powering a significant portion of our clinics across Canada, and that clinical environment in turn strengthens WELLSTAR's products, a symbiotic relationship that will endure as WELL remains a significant long-term shareholder. A standalone public listing will give WELLSTAR enhanced strategic flexibility, greater access to growth capital and increased visibility with investors, positioning it to create long-term value for both WELL and WELLSTAR shareholders.”
Amir Javidan, CEO of WELLSTAR, further commented, “Today's announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for WELLSTAR as we prepare to become a publicly listed healthcare technology company. We are encouraged by the strong interest we've already received from institutional investors, which reflects confidence in our business, our leadership team and our long-term vision. Access to the public markets, together with the capital raised through this financing, will enhance our strategic flexibility and position us to accelerate product innovation, expand our AI capabilities, execute on our acquisition pipeline and continue delivering solutions that empower healthcare providers and improve patient outcomes.”
Concurrent Financing
In connection with the Transaction, WELLSTAR is undertaking a brokered private placement of Subscription Receipts. The Concurrent Financing is expected to raise aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$50 million at a price of C$10.00 per Subscription Receipt, reflecting the 818 Consolidation and WELLSTAR Consolidation. The net proceeds of the Concurrent Financing will be released to WELLSTAR on the closing of the Transaction and be used by WELLSTAR for potential future acquisitions, AI-related innovation, organic growth initiatives and general corporate purposes.
Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder, without payment of any additional consideration or further action on the part of the holder, and subject to adjustment in certain events, upon satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions (as defined in the Subscription Receipt Agreement, the “Escrow Release Conditions”) in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, and following the 818 Consolidation and WELLSTAR Consolidation (as defined below), to receive one subordinate voting share of WELLSTAR (“WELLSTAR SVS”), which will subsequently be exchanged for one freely tradeable Resulting Issuer SVS in connection with the completion of the Transaction. The Subscription Receipts issued in connection with the Concurrent Financing are subject to a statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities legislation, however, the Resulting Issuer SVS will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to Canadian securities laws and will be listed on the TSXV.
The Agents will receive a cash commission payable by WELLSTAR to the Agents, equal to 6% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Concurrent Financing, reduced to 2% of the aggregate gross proceeds for investors on a president’s list agreed between the Lead Agents and WELLSTAR (the “Agents’ Commission”).
On the Subscription Receipt Closing Date, the gross proceeds of the Subscription Receipts, less 50% of the Agents’ Commission and all of the expenses of the Agents not yet paid as of such date, will be delivered to and held by the Subscription Receipt Agent and invested in an interest bearing account until satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions or the Escrow Deadline (as defined below) (the “Escrowed Proceeds”, and together with all interest and other income earned thereon, referred to as the “Escrowed Funds”).
If (i) the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied prior to 90 days from the Subscription Receipt Closing Date or such later date as may be agreed to by not less than 66 2/3% of the votes of holders of the Subscription Receipts (the “Escrow Deadline”) or, (ii) if prior to the Escrow Deadline, the Amalgamation Agreement is terminated or WELLSTAR has advised the Subscription Receipt Agent and the Lead Agents, or announced to the public, that the Transaction will not be completed (the date upon which such event occurs, the “Termination Date”), within five business days following the Termination Date, the Escrowed Funds shall be returned to the holders of Subscription Receipts pro rata. To the extent that the Escrowed Funds are not sufficient to satisfy the Issue Price of each such Subscription Receipt, WELLSTAR will contribute such amounts as are necessary to satisfy any shortfall.
On the date on which the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied (the “Escrow Release Date”), the Subscription Receipt Agent shall release from the Escrowed Funds: (i) to the Agents, an amount equal to the balance of the Agents’ Commission and all remaining expenses of the Agents not previously paid (collectively, the “Agents’ Payment”), and (ii) following release of the Agents’ Payment, all remaining Escrowed Funds shall be released to the Resulting Issuer.
The securities to be offered in the Concurrent Financing have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Transaction Details
Share Consolidations
Immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, each of 818 and WELLSTAR intend to undertake certain share consolidations on exchange ratios to be finally determined and subject to receipt of necessary corporate approvals (the “818 Consolidation” and the “WELLSTAR Consolidation”, respectively).
Preferred Share Conversion
The Transaction and Concurrent Financing together will constitute an Automatic Conversion Event under the terms of the WELLSTAR Series A Preferred Shares and WELLSTAR Series B Preferred Shares. Immediately prior to the completion of the Transaction, WELLSTAR will convert all issued and outstanding WELLSTAR Series A Preferred Shares and WELLSTAR Series B Preferred Shares into fully paid and non-assessable WELLSTAR SVS (the “Preferred Share Conversion”).
Amalgamation
The Amalgamation Agreement between WELLSTAR and 818 provides, among other things, that (i) WELLSTAR and 818 will amalgamate pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), (ii) all of the outstanding WELLSTAR SVS, including those issued in connection with the Preferred Share Conversion, will be cancelled and, in consideration therefor, the holders thereof will receive Resulting Issuer SVS on the basis of one Resulting Issuer SVS for each WELLSTAR SVS held, (iii) all of the outstanding multiple voting shares of WELLSTAR (“WELLSTAR MVS”) will be cancelled and, in consideration thereof, the holders thereof will receive multiple voting shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer (“Resulting Issuer MVS”) on the basis of one Resulting Issuer MVS for each WELLSTAR MVS held and (iv) all of the outstanding shares of 818 post-818 Consolidation (“Post-Consolidation 818 Shares”) will be cancelled and, in consideration thereof, the holders thereof will receive Resulting Issuers SVS on the basis of one Resulting Issuer SVS for each Post-Consolidation 818 Share held.
Closing Conditions
Completion of the Transaction will be subject to certain customary conditions, including among others: (i) that holders of WELLSTAR SVS and WELLSTAR MVS have passed a special resolution in writing with respect to the Amalgamation Agreement; (ii) that holders of shares of 818 have passed a special resolution with respect to the Amalgamation Agreement; (iii) that 818 will have instituted a dual class share structure; (iv) that 818 will have completed the 818 Consolidation; (v) that WELLSTAR will have completed the WELLSTAR Consolidation; (vi) that WELLSTAR will have completed the Preferred Share Conversion; (vii) the completion of the Concurrent Financing; (vii) the execution and delivery of the filing statement of 818 and receipt of conditional acceptance of such filing statement and of the Transaction by the TSXV; (viii) that 818 shall not be in default of the requirements of the TSXV and any securities commission and no order shall have been issued that would prevent the Transaction or the trading of any securities of 818 or the Resulting Issuer; (ix) the receipt of all consents, orders and approvals necessary or desirable for the completion of the Transaction; and (x) that 818 shall have been a reporting issuer for at least four months and one day prior to the closing date of the Transaction.
Resulting Issuer Share Capital
Upon completion of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer’s articles will provide for three classes of shares: Resulting Issuer SVS, Resulting Issuer MVS and preferred shares issuable in series. Upon completion of the Transaction, the Concurrent Financing, the Preferred Share Conversion and reflecting the 818 Consolidation and WELLSTAR Consolidation, an aggregate of 23.3 million Resulting Issuer SVS, 25.8 million Resulting Issuer MVS (24.1 million Resulting Issuer SVS and 25.8 million Resulting Issuer MVS if the Agents’ Option is exercised in full) and no preferred shares are expected to be issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding Resulting Issuer MVS will be held by WELL.
Each Resulting Issuer SVS will be entitled to one vote and each Resulting Issuer MVS will be entitled to four votes. After giving effect to the Transaction, the Concurrent Financing and the Preferred Share Conversion, the Resulting Issuer SVS will collectively represent 47.5% of the Resulting Issuer’s issued and outstanding shares and 18.4% of the voting rights attached to all of the issued and outstanding shares (48.3% and 18.9%, respectively, if the Agents’ Option is exercised in full) and the Resulting Issuer MVS will collectively represent 52.5% of the Resulting Issuer’s issued and outstanding shares and 81.6% of the voting rights attached to all of the issued and outstanding shares (51.7% and 81.1%, respectively, if the Agents’ Option is exercised in full).
Other Key WELLSTAR Agreements
WELL and WELLSTAR are parties to a shared services agreement pursuant to which WELL provides information technology, cybersecurity, human resources administration, tax, legal, marketing, accounts payable and such other services as may be agreed by the parties. This agreement will remain in place following completion of the Transaction.
Upon completion of the Transaction, WELL intends to enter into an investor rights agreement (the “Investor Rights Agreement”) with the Resulting Issuer providing for, among other things, certain director nomination rights and customary demand and piggyback registration rights with respect to future public offerings by the Resulting Issuer, subject to the terms and conditions to be included in the Investor Rights Agreement.
Upon completion of the Transaction, WELL will enter into a customary coattail agreement with the Resulting Issuer and a trustee (the “Coattail Agreement”). The Coattail Agreement will contain provisions customary for dual-class, TSXV-listed issuers.
The Investor Rights Agreement and Coattail Agreement will be available for review under the Resulting Issuer’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com on completion of the Transaction.
Stock Exchange Matters
As at the date hereof, neither the WELLSTAR SVS nor the 818 Shares are listed on any stock exchange. A condition to completion of the Transaction is the fulfillment by the Resulting Issuer of all of the minimum listing requirements of the TSXV and obtaining conditional approval for the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the TSXV. A filing statement in respect of the Resulting Issuer Shares, which will include further details of the Transaction, will be filed on 818’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca provided TSXV’s conditional approval of the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares has been obtained. There can be no assurance that the TSXV will grant such conditional approval or that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
About WELLSTAR
About the Business
WELLSTAR is a digital healthcare company focused on positively impacting health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower healthcare providers and their patients. WELLSTAR offers innovative technology and services to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. WELLSTAR’s digital technologies are contributing to the transformation of the future of healthcare through a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to meet the needs of healthcare providers and patients. WELLSTAR’s suite of solutions can be divided into three principal business units: (i) Clinical Platform Group; (ii) Digital Health Networks; and (iii) Billing and Practice Management.
WELLSTAR is currently a partially-owned subsidiary of WELL. WELLSTAR’s close strategic relationship with WELL, one of the largest operators of outpatient medical clinics in Canada, provides WELLSTAR with industry insight and expertise in optimizing clinical workflows, enhancing patient engagement, and streamlining administrative processes.
A summary of certain financial information for WELLSTAR is included in the tables below:
CAD Millions As at March 31, 2026(1)Cash and Cash Equivalents (2)$75 Debt (Deferred Acquisition Costs)($3)Net Cash$72 WELLSTAR Shareholders’ Equity$48 Non-Controlling Interest$8 Total Equity$56 (1) Unaudited.
(2) Pro forma adjusted to give effect to the repayment of a $10 million loan to WELL, as if received on March 31, 2026.
2026E(2)2025(2)2024(2)Revenue$95 $72 $45 Adjusted Gross Profit(1)$72 $54 $36 Adjusted EBITDA(1)$20 $16 $10 Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1)21%23%22%Net lossN/A(3)($6)($4)Free Cash Flow(1)$11 $10 $6 Q1 2026(2)Q1 2025(2)YoY ChangeRevenue$22 $17 26%Adjusted Gross Profit(1)$16 $12 29%Adjusted EBITDA(1)$3.9 $3.6 10%Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1)18%21%-300 bpsNet loss($8)($1)571% (1) These measures are unaudited, are not recognized under IFRS and do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS. Refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” below for a definition of these measures and “Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures” for reconciliations of these measures to standardized IFRS measures.
(2) Full year 2024 and 2025 financial information is audited. Q1 2025, Q1 2026 and 2026E financial information is unaudited.
(3) Net income (loss) is not forecasted for 2026.
Further financial information will be included in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction. An investor presentation relating to information in respect of the WELLSTAR business can be found on the Company’s website at investors.wellstar.health.
Proposed Directors and Senior Management Team
The current Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of WELLSTAR, Amir Javidan and Darren Hoegler, each of whom was appointed to their current roles at WELLSTAR in December 2024, will be the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Resulting Issuer. Hamed Shahbazi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WELL and current Chairman of the WELLSTAR board of directors, will be the Chairman of the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer with the board of directors also including Amir Javidan, Evelyn Sutherland, Matt Mattox and Sue Paish (each currently a member of the WELLSTAR board of directors). Other members of the WELLSTAR executive team are expected to remain in their current roles at the Resulting Issuer following the Transaction.
WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
Per: “Hamed Shahbazi”
Hamed Shahbazi
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director
About WELL Health Technologies Corp.
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) is Canada’s largest outpatient healthcare company and a leading provider of technology-enabled healthcare solutions. WELL is building the infrastructure for a healthier Canada, where every patient gets better care, every provider is empowered by AI, and every piece of health data is protected. WELL owns and operates approximately 270 clinics in Canada, supporting more than 5 million annual patient visits. Through its subsidiary WELLSTAR, WELL provides electronic medical records, AI-powered clinical tools, patient engagement platforms and IT management services. WELL provides cybersecurity services through its CYBERWELL subsidiary. WELL is publicly traded on the TSX under the symbol “WELL” and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol “WHTCF”. To learn more, please visit: www.well.company.
Non-IFRS Measures
Adjusted Gross Profit
Adjusted Gross Profit is defined as revenue less cost of sales, excluding depreciation and amortization. Adjusted Gross Profit should not be construed as an alternative for revenue or net income (loss) determined in accordance with IFRS. WELLSTAR does not present gross profit in its consolidated combined financial statements as it is a non-IFRS financial measure. WELLSTAR believes that Adjusted Gross Profit is a meaningful metric that is often used by readers to measure a company's efficiency of selling its products and services.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less net rent expense on premise leases accounted for as right-of-use leases under IFRS 16, and before share-based compensation expense, time-based earnout expense, foreign exchange gains and losses, change in fair value of financial assets and liabilities, impairment charges, transaction, restructuring and integration costs and gains/losses that are not reflective of ongoing operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue.
WELLSTAR considers Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin to be financial metrics that measure cash flow that WELLSTAR can use to fund working capital requirements and fund future growth initiatives. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin should not be considered alternatives to net income (loss), cash flow from operating activities or other measures of financial performance defined under IFRS.
Free Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow is defined as Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures (including hosting payments treated as right-of-use leases under IFRS), cash interest and cash taxes. Free Cash Flow should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities or other measure prepared in accordance with IFRS.
Reconciliation of Non-IFRS Measures
Reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA
2026
2025
2024
CAD in 000sQ1 Q1FY25 Net loss(8,211) (1,223)(6,195) (3,963)Depreciation and amortization2,296 1,560 6,728 5,511 Interest expense, net5,768 1,850 7,705 510 Income tax expense550 (573)1,355 236 EBITDA per financial statements403 1,614 9,593 2,294 Adjustments: Share-based compensation1,784 156 2,241 2,398 Foreign exchange (gain) loss3 1 (12) 8 Time-based earnout expense344 1,161 5,111 5,080 Gains (losses) on fair value of financial assets833 - (1,404) - Rent expense on right-of-use assets(169) (124)(623) (516)M&A transaction and integration costs396 553 1,190 168 Restructuring and other costs287 172 399 419 Adjusted EBITDA3,881 3,533 16,495 9,851 Revenue21,521 17,046 72,227 44,716 Adjusted EBITDA Margin %18.0% 20.7%22.8% 22.0% Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Free Cash Flow
2025
2024
CAD in 000s Adjusted EBITDA16,495 9,851 Adjustments: Capital expenditures(4,825) (2,496)Hosting lease payments- (880)Cash tax payments(2,089) (780)Free Cash Flow9,581 5,695 Reconciliation of Revenue to Adjusted Gross Profit
2026 2025 2024CAD in 000sQ1 Q1FY25 Revenue21,521 17,04672,227 44,716Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)5,361 4,56718,274 9,042Adjusted Gross Profit16,160 12,47953,953 35,674 Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain “Forward-Looking Information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including, without limitation: the terms and conditions of the Transaction and the Concurrent Financing, including with respect to the terms of the Subscription Receipts issued pursuant thereto; use of proceeds from the Concurrent Financing; expectations regarding the 818 Consolidation and the WELLSTAR Consolidation, including the terms and timing thereof; expectations regarding the timing of closing of the Transaction and the Concurrent Financing; the expected benefits of the Transaction; expectations regarding the Resulting Issuer’s share capital; the terms and conditions of the Shared Services Agreement, Investor Rights Agreement and Coattail Agreement; future plans of the Resulting Issuer; and the proposed directors and senior management of the Resulting Issuer. Forward-Looking Information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Forward-Looking Information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, “estimate”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “believe” or “continue”, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-Looking Information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information and the Forward-Looking Information are not guarantees of future performance. WELL’s comments expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and conditions, many of which are outside of WELL ‘s control, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-Looking Information are qualified in their entirety by inherent risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: satisfaction or waiver of all applicable conditions to the completion of the Transaction (including receipt of all necessary shareholder, stock exchange and regulatory approvals or consents, and the absence of material changes with respect to the parties and their respective businesses) and the Concurrent Financing; ability to close the Concurrent Financing on the proposed terms or at all; the synergies expected from the Transaction not being realized; business integration risks; market for the Resulting Issuer SVS; market price of the Resulting Issuer SVS; the Amalgamation Agreement may be terminated by WELLSTAR or 818 in certain circumstances; WELLSTAR and 818 may incur costs even if the Transaction or Concurrent Financing is not completed; the requirements that accompany being a publicly traded company may put a strain on the Resulting Issuer’s resources, divert attention from management, and adversely affect its ability to maintain and attract management and qualified board members; uncertainty of use of proceeds; liquidity risk; leverage risk; and share price fluctuations; adverse market conditions and the ability to complete acquisitions; risks inherent in the primary healthcare sector in general; continued patient and consumer demand for WELLSTAR’s products and services; regulatory and legislative changes; that future results may vary from historical results; the inability to obtain any requisite future financing on suitable terms; any inability to realize the expected benefits and synergies from acquisitions; that market competition may affect the business, results and/or financial condition of WELLSTAR and other risk factors identified in documents filed by WELL under its profile at www.sedarplus.com, including its most recent Annual Information Form. Except as required by securities laws, 818, WELL and WELLSTAR do not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.
This news release contains future oriented financial information (collectively, “FOFI”) about WELLSTAR, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set out in the above paragraph. In addition, the FOFI has been prepared based on a number of assumptions, including assumptions regarding: the Company’s 2026 outlook; continued demand for the Company’s product and service offerings; continued growth in subscription and recurring revenue; expected levels of new customer acquisition, customer retention and renewal rates; anticipated expansion revenue from existing customers through upselling and cross-selling activities; the implementation of planned pricing increases across certain products and services; the successful negotiation, execution and closing of one or more potential tuck-in acquisition transactions currently under letter of intent; the timing and success of new product releases, enhancements and go-to-market initiatives; the continued availability, reliability and performance of third-party technology infrastructure and service providers; no significant cybersecurity incidents, service disruptions or data breaches; continued competitive intensity in the markets in which the Company operates; no significant legal, regulatory or compliance developments affecting the Company’s business; and no significant deterioration in general economic conditions. The actual financial results of WELL may vary from the amounts set out herein and such variation may be material. WELL and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s best estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, WELL undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this news release was made as of the date hereof and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about WELL’s anticipated future business operations on an annual basis. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
Neither the TSX, the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX or TSXV, respectively) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.
Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon.
For further information:
Pardeep Sangha
Vice President Investor Relations [email protected]
604-628-7266
___________________________
1 The $10.00 issue price has been presented to reflect an approximate $1.03 subscription price (prior to the WELLSTAR Consolidation).
SpaceX začne v červenci uvolňovat insiderské lockupy postupně, ne jednorázově. První část téměř 20 % se otevře po zveřejnění výsledků za 2. čtvrtletí v pozdním červenci.
When a company goes public, it's important to know that the shares sold in the offering are a fraction of the existing shares. The rest, the stakes held by employees, early backers, and executives, sit behind a lockup -- an inability to sell for a set stretch after the debut.
For Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX 4.92%), the first stretch lifts in late July, and the design of the release tells you more than the date does. Most IPOs use one 180-day lockup, so a wall of shares might hit the market on a single morning.
SpaceX built something different. The first slice, nearly 20% of locked shares, is freed up after the company reports second-quarter results in late July. Smaller tranches of around 7% each follow through August, September, and October, with a larger release tied to third-quarter earnings, and the 180-day batch clears in December. Instead of one flood, supply arrives in steps.
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The SpaceX price triggers worth watching One tranche, about 10% of the locked pool, is unlocked if the stock trades at 30% above the $135 IPO price, or $175.50. That condition ties insider selling to strength rather than weakness. If shares are unlocked this way, more supply reaches the market, but it reaches the market because the stock has climbed. Think of this mechanism as a built-in brake: The plan releases the most shares when demand can absorb them.
What the lockup expiration means for the stock Two forces are at play here. More sellable shares can cap gains, and the late-July window is the first real test of how many insiders want out at a $2 trillion valuation. On the other side, the staggered format spreads the pressure across months rather than one session, and the largest holder sits out of every July move. Elon Musk's 6.4 billion shares stay locked until June 2027, with no early release provision. The overhang that could matter most is a year down the road.
Image source: Getty Images.
The takeaway for investors The July expiration is a signal, not a cliff, and the difference shapes how you read the rest of the year. A staggered lockup lets the market price in each release as it comes rather than absorb one shock, so the second-quarter report in late July becomes the first honest look at insider appetite. If early backers and employees hold their shares through that window, it says something about how the people closest to SpaceX view a $2 trillion price tag; if they sell into the opening, their exit says the opposite.
Rostoucí ceny paměťových a úložných čipů nutí Apple zdražovat některé iPady a MacBooky, ale slabší konkurence může jeho produkty relativně zlevnit. Firma zatím nezvýšila ceny iPhonů.
Memory and storage prices are climbing sharply, which means consumers will be paying more for many tech products. Apple (AAPL +0.35%) recently said that it was raising the price of some iPad and MacBook products to offset rising costs. While this may seem like it's bad news for Apple, the supply shortage may actually help the business in the long run and be a positive catalyst for the stock. Here's why.
Image source: Getty Images.
Apple's products may suddenly look more affordable Earlier this year, Apple introduced a series of lower-priced products that aimed at gaining market share by appealing to a broader customer base. The MacBook Neo and iPhone 17e were among the most notable. The tech company said its MacBook Neo was its "most affordable laptop ever." And the iPhone 17e offers consumers a cost-effective way to upgrade and access the company's latest and greatest artificial intelligence capabilities.
By introducing lower-priced products, Apple has suddenly narrowed the gap between its devices and those of cheaper alternatives. And as other companies need to raise prices significantly due to rising memory and storage costs, Apple may not feel as much pressure to do so, given its strong margins. While it has announced price increases for some products, including the MacBook Neo, it has held off on raising iPhone prices for the time being. Other companies that don't have Apple's financial might may not have that same luxury. And as the gap between Apple's products and lower-priced options diminishes, consumers may be more inclined to simply buy an Apple product.
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The stock has been doing just fine this year, but can it continue rising? Apple's stock is up 15% since the start of the year, as concerns about rising prices don't appear to be weighing on the business. While higher prices may negatively impact demand for some of its premium-priced products, there's still hope that Apple might be able to capture greater sales on its lower-priced products and, in doing so, potentially attract more consumers into its ecosystem, leading to more future growth.
The business still looks to be in strong financial shape, but with a price-to-earnings multiple of 38, this is not a cheap stock to own, given the uncertainty amid both challenging economic conditions and rapidly rising memory and storage prices. While it may be a solid long-term investment for investors who just want to buy and hold for years, I'd hold off on buying the stock for now, as I think there are better options in the tech sector today.
David Jagielski, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
