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Heron Bay Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU – Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 1,068 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock, valued at approximately $1,233,000.

A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Callan Family Office LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Micron Technology in the second quarter valued at $56,285,000. Gambit Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Micron Technology in the second quarter valued at $223,000. Fund Advisors of America Inc FL acquired a new position in Micron Technology during the 2nd quarter worth $3,646,000. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Micron Technology during the 2nd quarter worth $667,000. Finally, Laidlaw Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Micron Technology during the 2nd quarter worth about $391,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.84% of the company’s stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently issued reports on MU. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Micron Technology from $1,220.00 to $1,525.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, June 25th. Wolfe Research set a $1,500.00 target price on shares of Micron Technology in a report on Thursday, June 25th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on shares of Micron Technology from $550.00 to $1,500.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, June 18th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of Micron Technology from $1,050.00 to $1,200.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Thursday, June 25th. Finally, Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Micron Technology from $1,175.00 to $2,000.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, June 25th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-one have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $1,295.63.

View Our Latest Research Report on MU Micron Technology Price Performance Shares of NASDAQ MU opened at $933.44 on Wednesday. The stock’s 50-day simple moving average is $944.21 and its 200-day simple moving average is $724.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.05 trillion, a PE ratio of 21.13 and a beta of 2.22. Micron Technology, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $114.25 and a fifty-two week high of $1,255.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 2.98 and a current ratio of 3.42.

Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, June 24th. The semiconductor manufacturer reported $25.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $21.39 by $3.72. The firm had revenue of $41.46 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $35.91 billion. Micron Technology had a return on equity of 71.13% and a net margin of 55.91%.The firm’s quarterly revenue was up 345.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.91 earnings per share. Micron Technology has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 30.000-32.000 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Micron Technology, Inc. will post 72.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Micron Technology Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 21st. Stockholders of record on Monday, July 6th were issued a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 6th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.1%. Micron Technology’s dividend payout ratio is presently 1.36%.

Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Sumit Sadana sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $934.29, for a total value of $14,014,350.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 191,021 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $178,469,010.09. This trade represents a 7.28% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP April S. Arnzen sold 40,000 shares of Micron Technology stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,083.94, for a total transaction of $43,357,600.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 85,737 shares in the company, valued at $92,933,763.78. This represents a 31.81% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 177,204 shares of company stock worth $182,156,264. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Key Micron Technology News Here are the key news stories impacting Micron Technology this week:

Positive Sentiment: Analyst earnings upgrades and optimism about Micron’s AI memory opportunity supported the bullish case. Bernstein reportedly maintained a Buy rating with a $1,300 price target, while other published targets extend as high as $2,000. Micron Technology Gains Driven by Earnings Upgrades Positive Sentiment: Micron’s latest results significantly exceeded expectations, with quarterly revenue of $41.46 billion and earnings of $25.11 per share. Revenue increased more than 345% year over year, reinforcing confidence in the current memory and AI infrastructure cycle. Positive Sentiment: Reports argue that high-bandwidth memory capacity is sold out through 2026 and supported by long-term customer agreements. This could provide unusually strong revenue visibility and help protect margins despite concerns about new competitors. Why China’s Memory Chip Breakthrough Won’t Crash the Market Positive Sentiment: Investors remain focused on the possibility that AI demand has structurally altered Micron’s historically cyclical memory business. Some commentary describes the recent pullback as an opportunity because demand for AI-related wafer capacity continues to exceed supply. Neutral Sentiment: China’s CXMT reportedly began small-batch production of HBM3E and plans LPDDR6 production, creating a longer-term competitive and geopolitical consideration. However, analysts argue that its initial output is too small to ease the global AI memory shortage in the near term. MU and SNDK Face New China Memory Challenge Neutral Sentiment: Broader semiconductor weakness, higher bond yields, oil-price volatility, and uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs have reduced investors’ willingness to pay elevated valuations for technology stocks. Negative Sentiment: Unions representing roughly two-thirds of Micron’s Taiwan workforce, or nearly 10,000 employees, threatened possible strike action unless the company increases bonuses and profit sharing. A walkout could disrupt manufacturing, raise labor costs, and delay shipments. Micron’s Taiwan Unions Threaten Strike Over Bonus Dispute Negative Sentiment: Micron’s heavy manufacturing exposure to Taiwan adds geopolitical and operational risk, while reports of widespread insider selling may reinforce investor caution after the stock’s substantial run-up. Micron Technology Company Profile (Free Report)

Micron Technology, Inc is a global semiconductor company that designs and manufactures memory and storage solutions. Its product portfolio includes dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), NAND flash memory, solid-state drives (SSDs), memory modules and embedded memory solutions for a wide range of computing and electronic devices. Micron supplies components used in data centers, enterprise and cloud infrastructure, client computing, mobile devices, automotive systems and industrial applications, and also markets consumer-facing products under the Crucial brand.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Micron has grown into an international manufacturer with research, development and production facilities across multiple regions.

Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than Micron Technology Dutch Bros Sell-Off Creates a Growth Opportunity NVIDIA’s MediaTek Bet Shows How It Plans to Defend Its AI Moat Is Abercrombie & Fitch’s Hot Streak Just Getting Started? Medtronic’s Stars Are Aligning for a Price Recovery Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU – Free Report).

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C M Bidwell & Associates Ltd. purchased a new position in Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU – Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 1,341 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock, valued at approximately $1,548,000.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of MU. High Note Wealth LLC grew its holdings in Micron Technology by 65.4% in the fourth quarter. High Note Wealth LLC now owns 86 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Kohmann Bosshard Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Micron Technology during the 1st quarter worth $27,000. Bayban purchased a new stake in shares of Micron Technology in the 4th quarter worth about $29,000. Luken Investment Analytics LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Micron Technology in the 4th quarter worth about $31,000. Finally, WealthCollab LLC grew its stake in Micron Technology by 4,500.0% in the 2nd quarter. WealthCollab LLC now owns 276 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares during the last quarter. 80.84% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Micron Technology Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ:MU opened at $933.44 on Wednesday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $944.21 and a two-hundred day moving average of $724.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.05 trillion, a PE ratio of 21.13 and a beta of 2.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 3.42 and a quick ratio of 2.98. Micron Technology, Inc. has a 12 month low of $114.25 and a 12 month high of $1,255.00.

Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, June 24th. The semiconductor manufacturer reported $25.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $21.39 by $3.72. Micron Technology had a return on equity of 71.13% and a net margin of 55.91%.The business had revenue of $41.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $35.91 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.91 EPS. The company’s revenue was up 345.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Micron Technology has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 30.000-32.000 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Micron Technology, Inc. will post 72.93 earnings per share for the current year. Micron Technology Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 21st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 6th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 6th. Micron Technology’s payout ratio is currently 1.36%.

Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CAO Scott R. Allen sold 879 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,000.00, for a total transaction of $879,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 34,958 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $34,958,000. This represents a 2.45% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Sanjay Mehrotra sold 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $968.90, for a total value of $38,756,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 264,503 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $256,276,956.70. This represents a 13.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 177,204 shares of company stock valued at $182,156,264. 0.24% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In MU has been the subject of several recent research reports. Susquehanna raised their target price on shares of Micron Technology from $1,750.00 to $2,000.00 and gave the company a “positive” rating in a report on Thursday, June 25th. TD Cowen reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Micron Technology in a research report on Friday, July 10th. Seaport Research Partners restated a “buy” rating on shares of Micron Technology in a research report on Friday, August 14th. Rosenblatt Securities increased their price objective on Micron Technology from $1,200.00 to $1,500.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, June 25th. Finally, Mizuho cut their target price on shares of Micron Technology from $1,375.00 to $1,300.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 25th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-one have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Micron Technology currently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus target price of $1,295.63.

View Our Latest Report on Micron Technology

Key Micron Technology News Here are the key news stories impacting Micron Technology this week:

Positive Sentiment: Analyst earnings upgrades and optimism about Micron’s AI memory opportunity supported the bullish case. Bernstein reportedly maintained a Buy rating with a $1,300 price target, while other published targets extend as high as $2,000. Micron Technology Gains Driven by Earnings Upgrades Positive Sentiment: Micron’s latest results significantly exceeded expectations, with quarterly revenue of $41.46 billion and earnings of $25.11 per share. Revenue increased more than 345% year over year, reinforcing confidence in the current memory and AI infrastructure cycle. Positive Sentiment: Reports argue that high-bandwidth memory capacity is sold out through 2026 and supported by long-term customer agreements. This could provide unusually strong revenue visibility and help protect margins despite concerns about new competitors. Why China’s Memory Chip Breakthrough Won’t Crash the Market Positive Sentiment: Investors remain focused on the possibility that AI demand has structurally altered Micron’s historically cyclical memory business. Some commentary describes the recent pullback as an opportunity because demand for AI-related wafer capacity continues to exceed supply. Neutral Sentiment: China’s CXMT reportedly began small-batch production of HBM3E and plans LPDDR6 production, creating a longer-term competitive and geopolitical consideration. However, analysts argue that its initial output is too small to ease the global AI memory shortage in the near term. MU and SNDK Face New China Memory Challenge Neutral Sentiment: Broader semiconductor weakness, higher bond yields, oil-price volatility, and uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs have reduced investors’ willingness to pay elevated valuations for technology stocks. Negative Sentiment: Unions representing roughly two-thirds of Micron’s Taiwan workforce, or nearly 10,000 employees, threatened possible strike action unless the company increases bonuses and profit sharing. A walkout could disrupt manufacturing, raise labor costs, and delay shipments. Micron’s Taiwan Unions Threaten Strike Over Bonus Dispute Negative Sentiment: Micron’s heavy manufacturing exposure to Taiwan adds geopolitical and operational risk, while reports of widespread insider selling may reinforce investor caution after the stock’s substantial run-up. Micron Technology Company Profile (Free Report)

Micron Technology, Inc is a global semiconductor company that designs and manufactures memory and storage solutions. Its product portfolio includes dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), NAND flash memory, solid-state drives (SSDs), memory modules and embedded memory solutions for a wide range of computing and electronic devices. Micron supplies components used in data centers, enterprise and cloud infrastructure, client computing, mobile devices, automotive systems and industrial applications, and also markets consumer-facing products under the Crucial brand.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Micron has grown into an international manufacturer with research, development and production facilities across multiple regions.

Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Micron Technology Dutch Bros Sell-Off Creates a Growth Opportunity NVIDIA’s MediaTek Bet Shows How It Plans to Defend Its AI Moat Is Abercrombie & Fitch’s Hot Streak Just Getting Started? Medtronic’s Stars Are Aligning for a Price Recovery

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AI Squared Management Ltd purchased a new stake in Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU – Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 5,300 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock, valued at approximately $6,118,000. Micron Technology comprises 3.3% of AI Squared Management Ltd’s portfolio, making the stock its 14th largest holding.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in MU. Heritage Trust Co boosted its position in shares of Micron Technology by 9.7% in the 4th quarter. Heritage Trust Co now owns 15,026 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $4,289,000 after purchasing an additional 1,323 shares during the last quarter. Castleark Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Micron Technology during the first quarter worth $3,709,000. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. increased its holdings in Micron Technology by 16.0% in the second quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 48,520 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock valued at $56,006,000 after purchasing an additional 6,702 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Wealth Management LLC MS lifted its stake in Micron Technology by 73.3% in the second quarter. Legacy Wealth Management LLC MS now owns 3,544 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock valued at $4,091,000 after buying an additional 1,499 shares during the period. Finally, Financial Synergies Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in Micron Technology in the fourth quarter valued at about $1,316,000. 80.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on MU shares. KeyCorp restated an “overweight” rating on shares of Micron Technology in a research report on Monday, July 20th. Raymond James Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Micron Technology from $1,100.00 to $1,500.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research note on Thursday, June 25th. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on shares of Micron Technology in a report on Friday, August 21st. They set an “outperform” rating and a $1,300.00 price objective for the company. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on shares of Micron Technology from $1,050.00 to $1,200.00 and gave the company an “overweight” rating in a research note on Thursday, June 25th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein set a $1,300.00 target price on shares of Micron Technology in a report on Monday, June 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-one have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average target price of $1,295.63.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Micron Technology Insider Activity In related news, CEO Sanjay Mehrotra sold 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $968.90, for a total transaction of $38,756,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 264,503 shares in the company, valued at approximately $256,276,956.70. This trade represents a 13.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Sumit Sadana sold 15,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $934.29, for a total value of $14,014,350.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 191,021 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $178,469,010.09. This trade represents a 7.28% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 177,204 shares of company stock worth $182,156,264. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Micron Technology News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Micron Technology this week:

Positive Sentiment: Analyst earnings upgrades and optimism about Micron’s AI memory opportunity supported the bullish case. Bernstein reportedly maintained a Buy rating with a $1,300 price target, while other published targets extend as high as $2,000. Micron Technology Gains Driven by Earnings Upgrades Positive Sentiment: Micron’s latest results significantly exceeded expectations, with quarterly revenue of $41.46 billion and earnings of $25.11 per share. Revenue increased more than 345% year over year, reinforcing confidence in the current memory and AI infrastructure cycle. Positive Sentiment: Reports argue that high-bandwidth memory capacity is sold out through 2026 and supported by long-term customer agreements. This could provide unusually strong revenue visibility and help protect margins despite concerns about new competitors. Why China’s Memory Chip Breakthrough Won’t Crash the Market Positive Sentiment: Investors remain focused on the possibility that AI demand has structurally altered Micron’s historically cyclical memory business. Some commentary describes the recent pullback as an opportunity because demand for AI-related wafer capacity continues to exceed supply. Neutral Sentiment: China’s CXMT reportedly began small-batch production of HBM3E and plans LPDDR6 production, creating a longer-term competitive and geopolitical consideration. However, analysts argue that its initial output is too small to ease the global AI memory shortage in the near term. MU and SNDK Face New China Memory Challenge Neutral Sentiment: Broader semiconductor weakness, higher bond yields, oil-price volatility, and uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs have reduced investors’ willingness to pay elevated valuations for technology stocks. Negative Sentiment: Unions representing roughly two-thirds of Micron’s Taiwan workforce, or nearly 10,000 employees, threatened possible strike action unless the company increases bonuses and profit sharing. A walkout could disrupt manufacturing, raise labor costs, and delay shipments. Micron’s Taiwan Unions Threaten Strike Over Bonus Dispute Negative Sentiment: Micron’s heavy manufacturing exposure to Taiwan adds geopolitical and operational risk, while reports of widespread insider selling may reinforce investor caution after the stock’s substantial run-up. Micron Technology Price Performance NASDAQ MU opened at $933.44 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 2.98 and a current ratio of 3.42. The stock has a market cap of $1.05 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.13 and a beta of 2.22. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $944.21 and a 200 day simple moving average of $724.85. Micron Technology, Inc. has a 52-week low of $114.25 and a 52-week high of $1,255.00.

Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, June 24th. The semiconductor manufacturer reported $25.11 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $21.39 by $3.72. Micron Technology had a net margin of 55.91% and a return on equity of 71.13%. The company had revenue of $41.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $35.91 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.91 earnings per share. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 345.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Micron Technology has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 30.000-32.000 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Micron Technology, Inc. will post 72.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Micron Technology Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, July 21st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 6th were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 6th. Micron Technology’s dividend payout ratio is 1.36%.

Micron Technology Company Profile (Free Report)

Micron Technology, Inc is a global semiconductor company that designs and manufactures memory and storage solutions. Its product portfolio includes dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), NAND flash memory, solid-state drives (SSDs), memory modules and embedded memory solutions for a wide range of computing and electronic devices. Micron supplies components used in data centers, enterprise and cloud infrastructure, client computing, mobile devices, automotive systems and industrial applications, and also markets consumer-facing products under the Crucial brand.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Micron has grown into an international manufacturer with research, development and production facilities across multiple regions.

Read More Five stocks we like better than Micron Technology Dutch Bros Sell-Off Creates a Growth Opportunity NVIDIA’s MediaTek Bet Shows How It Plans to Defend Its AI Moat Is Abercrombie & Fitch’s Hot Streak Just Getting Started? Medtronic’s Stars Are Aligning for a Price Recovery

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Taipei is selling political reliability while overseas expansion tests whether TSMC can preserve extraordinary fabrication economics. Summary

Trust wins orders; global factories must preserve margins.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing TSM, the world's largest contract chipmaker, inched roughly 0.2% higher to $414.62 Wednesday as Taiwan turned political stability into a semiconductor selling point. President Lai Ching-te said democracy and the rule of law underpin the island's position as a trusted chip supplier. In a fragile global supply chain, trust has become a competitive weapon.

The numbers make that weapon even stronger. TSMC's second-quarter results showed revenue rocketing 33.7% to $40.2 billion. Gross margin hit 67.7%, operating margin reached 60.3% and net margin climbed to 55.6%. Better still, its cutting-edge two-nanometer process already contributed 3% of wafer revenue. The next chip cycle is not approaching—TSMC is already monetizing it.

Now comes the expensive part. TSMC plans approximately $265 billion of U.S. manufacturing investment while joining a €3.5 billion German facility. These factories spread geopolitical risk, but higher overseas labor, construction and utilization costs could squeeze the margins investors love. The picture captures that tension: at $414.62, the stock trades 32.12% above its $313.81 GF Value estimate. The market already believes in TSMC's dominance. Now the company must prove that global expansion will not weaken the profit machine.

Disclosures I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.

Click for the complete disclosure

Jupiter Topco LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 8,075,934 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock, valued at approximately $732,788,000. Jupiter Topco LLC owned approximately 0.47% of Abbott Laboratories as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ABT. Brighton Jones LLC raised its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 51,719 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $5,850,000 after purchasing an additional 4,755 shares during the period. Sivia Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 3.5% during the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 4,768 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $648,000 after buying an additional 162 shares during the period. United Bank grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 7.4% during the second quarter. United Bank now owns 29,004 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $3,945,000 after buying an additional 2,001 shares in the last quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 13.6% during the second quarter. Main Street Financial Solutions LLC now owns 11,894 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock worth $1,618,000 after buying an additional 1,428 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its position in Abbott Laboratories by 25.6% in the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 1,435,683 shares of the healthcare product maker’s stock valued at $195,267,000 after buying an additional 292,547 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Abbott Laboratories Price Performance NYSE:ABT opened at $108.86 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $188.37 billion, a PE ratio of 35.23, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.59. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $81.97 and a 1-year high of $137.49. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $103.43 and a 200 day simple moving average of $100.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 16th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.28 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $12.59 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.52 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 11.65% and a return on equity of 17.69%. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.26 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 1.380-1.46 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.450-5.60 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.52 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 15th were paid a $0.63 dividend. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratories’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 81.55%.

Abbott Laboratories News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Abbott Laboratories this week:

Positive Sentiment: New infant formula expands Abbott’s nutrition portfolio. Abbott launched Similac 360 Total Care Made With Whole Milk, described as the first commercially sterile, ready-to-feed liquid whole-milk infant formula available in the U.S. The product targets growing parental interest in whole-milk formulas while offering convenience at a price similar to Similac’s powdered formula. Wider distribution and consumer adoption could provide incremental growth for Abbott’s Nutrition segment. Abbott launches whole-milk liquid infant formula Positive Sentiment: Analysts remain optimistic despite relative underperformance. Coverage notes that ABT has lagged the broader healthcare sector over the past year, but Wall Street analysts continue to express confidence in the company’s outlook. Recent earnings also showed revenue growth, an earnings-per-share beat and reaffirmed 2026 guidance, supporting the bullish view. Abbott stock and healthcare-sector performance Neutral Sentiment: Abbott is positioning the launch around changing consumer and policy preferences. The whole-milk formula introduction aligns with interest in “Make America Healthy Again” themes, but the financial impact will depend on demand, pricing and market share gains. Abbott and the Make America Healthy Again movement Negative Sentiment: Formula-related advertising scrutiny remains a risk. In a challenge brought by Abbott, the National Advertising Division supported certain Kendamil whole-milk claims but recommended that other nutritional, ingredient and heritage claims be modified or discontinued. The decision is not a direct finding against Abbott, but it highlights competitive scrutiny in the infant-formula market. NAD decision on Kendamil infant formula claims Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on ABT shares. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $115.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 25th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $110.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday, July 17th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $108.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, July 17th. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a “sell (d+)” rating to a “hold (c-)” rating in a research note on Thursday, August 6th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $121.00 to $113.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 27th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $119.50.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ABT

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions.

In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability.

Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Abbott Laboratories Dutch Bros Sell-Off Creates a Growth Opportunity NVIDIA’s MediaTek Bet Shows How It Plans to Defend Its AI Moat Is Abercrombie & Fitch’s Hot Streak Just Getting Started? Medtronic’s Stars Are Aligning for a Price Recovery Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT – Free Report).

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The best dividend stocks usually share two traits: durable business models and plenty of free cash flow. When you find those qualities in tech companies riding the data center boom, you can get both income today and growth potential over time.

Texas Instruments (TXN +1.09%) and Qualcomm (QCOM +1.50%) fit that profile. Each has a real competitive edge in semiconductors, and each should be able to support and grow its dividend for years to come.

Image source: Getty Images.

Texas Instruments Texas Instruments has been around since 1930 and has built a massive scale in analog chips and embedded processors. Those components handle power management and signal conversion in everything from factories and cars to consumer electronics and data centers. High margins and strong free cash flow have helped TI raise its dividend for 22 consecutive years.

Analog chips account for most of TI's revenue, and the market for these chips is less competitive than markets like GPUs. Many of TI's parts remain in production for years, strengthening customer relationships and reducing the need for constant innovation.

That advantage shows up in profitability. In the second quarter, revenue rose 23% year over year to $5.5 billion, driven by improving demand in industrial, data center, and automotive markets. Net income was nearly $2 billion, highlighting the high margins that support growing dividend payments.

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The company has raised the dividend at a compound annual rate of 8% over the last five years. At the current quarterly payout of $1.42, the stock offers a forward yield of roughly 2.2%. If the recovery in its end markets continues, that yield looks especially attractive going into September.

TI's moat is also built on a wide product portfolio, long product lifecycles, and in-house manufacturing. Together, those strengths are hard for competitors to replicate.

The biggest risk is the usual cyclicality in semiconductors, especially when the economy slows. Over the past five years, softness in autos and consumer markets has limited growth, with revenue rising about 4% annually.

Even so, TI's scale has allowed it to keep investing while still returning cash to shareholders. Over the last year, the company generated $5.5 billion in free cash flow on $19.5 billion in revenue, and it continues to follow its policy of returning virtually all free cash flow to investors through dividends.

Qualcomm Qualcomm is a leading supplier of wireless chips and connectivity solutions. Its Snapdragon processors power many Android smartphones, and the company's high profitability supports a dividend yield of about 2.2%.

What makes Qualcomm interesting today is that it's working to reduce its reliance on handsets by expanding into data centers, automotive, and other AI-driven markets. That shift, combined with the stock's recent pullback, creates a potentially compelling entry point.

Handsets still generate most of the company's revenue. The segment posted a 20% year-over-year decline in revenue last quarter, reflecting a weak smartphone market and lost business from Apple's upcoming iPhone. Much of that concern appears priced in, with shares down 36% from a recent high.

The longer-term story is diversification. Qualcomm is using its expertise in power-efficient computing to serve industrial devices, robotics, and data centers, where it could see accelerating growth. Management expects non-handset revenue to represent more than half of its chip business by fiscal 2029.

Specifically, management expects non-handset revenue to reach $40 billion by 2029, including $15 billion from data centers. The company is also gaining traction in the automotive sector, recently signing a deal with BMW to supply chips for next-generation driver-assistance and digital cockpit systems.

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Qualcomm's ability to pivot is backed by scale and cash generation. Even with soft handset revenues, it still produced $10.4 billion in free cash flow over the last year on $44 billion of revenue. That's a healthy free cash flow margin of about 24%.

What's more, the company paid out only 36% of free cash flow as dividends over the last four quarters. The dividend has grown at a 6.5% annualized rate over the past five years, with the current quarterly payment at $0.92 per share. Its relatively low payout leaves room for future dividend increases while Qualcomm funds its expansion into new markets.

With a 2.2% forward yield and shares still off their highs, Qualcomm looks like an appealing buy on the dip.

Key Takeaways ServiceNow's Aramco pact expands AI workflow opportunities across more than 50 countries.NOW's AI ACV topped $1 billion in Q2 2026, with net new AI ACV up over 40% sequentially.ServiceNow faces growing AI workflow competition from Salesforce and Microsoft. ServiceNow (NOW - Free Report) announced yesterday that it signed a collaboration agreement with Aramco Digital to advance artificial intelligence (AI)-powered enterprise transformation across the broader Aramco ecosystem. Aramco Digital plans to use the ServiceNow AI Platform to standardize and govern digital workflows across its affiliates, subsidiaries and joint ventures spanning more than 50 countries. The collaboration broadens NOW’s opportunity across AI automation, customer experience, shared services and enterprise resource planning (ERP) modernization. It could also strengthen ServiceNow’s competitive position against Salesforce (CRM - Free Report) and Microsoft (MSFT - Free Report) as enterprises increasingly seek unified platforms for AI governance, workflow automation and business transformation.

The collaboration should deepen ServiceNow’s presence across a large and complex enterprise environment. The ServiceNow AI Platform integrates data, AI, workflows and security across Technology, Core Business, CRM and Industry, and Creator workflows. Its single data fabric and integrated data layer are designed to connect fragmented systems and streamline processes across departments. Wider adoption across the Aramco ecosystem could therefore create opportunities for ServiceNow to attach additional AI, workflow, data, security and automation products as deployments expand across business functions.

ServiceNow’s open architecture could further strengthen its prospects within Aramco’s diverse technology landscape. AI Control Tower is designed to discover, govern and manage AI agents and systems across heterogeneous environments instead of limiting governance to ServiceNow technologies. The company has introduced Action Fabric, which enables NOW and third-party AI systems to securely execute actions through ServiceNow workflows. Context Engine and Autonomous Data Analytics provide governed enterprise information that autonomous agents can use to make decisions and complete tasks. These capabilities could position NOW as a common orchestration layer across Aramco’s multiple applications, AI models and business systems.

The agreement complements ServiceNow’s accelerating AI adoption. ServiceNow AI annual contract value (ACV) crossed $1 billion in the second quarter of 2026, while net new AI ACV increased more than 40% sequentially. Deals containing five or more ServiceNow AI products grew 5.5 times year over year and the number of customers with Agentic AI in production increased ninefold over nine months. Subscription revenues rose 24.5% year over year to $3.88 billion, while current Remaining Performance Obligations (cRPO) and Remaining Performance Obligations (RPO) reached $13.2 billion and $29 billion, respectively. Successful expansion within Aramco could support cross-selling and longer-term subscription commitments.

NOW Faces Tough CompetitionSalesforce is pushing aggressively into areas traditionally associated with ServiceNow. Agentforce annual recurring revenues (ARR) reached $1.5 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2027, while accounts with agents in production increased 70% sequentially. Notably, Agentforce IT Service already has more than 450 customers, including conversions from ServiceNow. CRM is expanding into back-office and supply-chain automation through Agentforce Ops. Its broader platform architecture combines AI, data, integration and business applications across sales, service, marketing, analytics, supply chain and IT service workflows, giving Salesforce a platform that increasingly overlaps with NOW’s enterprise workflow ambitions.

Microsoft poses a significant challenge through its extensive enterprise AI ecosystem. Agent 365 has nearly 40 million agents registered across tens of thousands of companies, while Microsoft 365 Copilot has more than 30 million paid seats. Dynamics 365 exposes more than 650,000 model context protocol (MCP) actions across sales, finance, supply chain, HR and customer service, enabling agents to operate using existing business data, permissions, security controls and audit trails.

NOW’s Share Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of ServiceNow have declined 6.7% year to date against the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s 16.8% growth.

NOW’s Stock Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

NOW stock is trading at a premium, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 30.55 compared with the broader sector’s 20.65. ServiceNow has a Value Score of D.

NOW’s Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NOW’s earnings is currently pegged at $1.03 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days, suggesting 7.29% year-over-year growth.

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

Key Takeaways Schwab is expanding beyond brokerage into wealth management, banking, lending, active trading and crypto.First-half revenues rose 18% to a record $13.6B, while adjusted earnings climbed 41% to $3.05 per share.Schwab trades at 7.73X tangible book, above the 3.32X industry average, as earnings prospects improve. Charles Schwab (SCHW - Free Report) is expanding beyond traditional brokerage services into wealth management, banking, lending, active trading and digital assets. Given the company’s large client base, this strategy could support growth through deeper client relationships and cross-selling without requiring proportionate increases in customer acquisition costs.

At the end of July 2026, Schwab had $13.04 trillion in total client assets, 39.9 million active brokerage accounts, 5.9 million workplace plan participant accounts and 2.4 million banking accounts. Core net new assets of $58.1 billion in July increased 24% year over year, highlighting continued organic asset-gathering strength.

1H26 Select Highlights
 

Image Source: The Charles Schwab Corporation

SCHW’s Broader Investment Offerings to Boost EngagementSchwab continues to strengthen its investment and active-trading platform, offering equities, ETFs, mutual funds, fixed income, options and futures, along with advanced capabilities through thinkorswim.

In May 2026, Schwab expanded into digital assets by launching Schwab Crypto, providing retail clients direct access to Bitcoin and Ethereum trading. In the coming months, the company plans to add three more tokens – Solana, Avalanche and Chainlink – to the Schwab Crypto platform. It has also introduced Portfolio Insights, a generative AI-powered tool designed to help investors better understand portfolio performance.

Trading engagement remains strong. Daily average trades reached 10.9 million in the first half, up 46% year over year, while trading revenues increased 24% to $2.3 billion. Continued product innovation could help Schwab capture more client activity and strengthen its appeal among active and younger investors.

Schwab’s Wealth Management Offers Recurring Revenue PotentialSchwab is also deepening its wealth management capabilities. First-half net flows into Managed Investing Solutions increased almost 50% year over year.

Asset management and administration fees rose 16% to $3.6 billion, supported by organic asset growth and greater adoption of managed solutions. Higher advisory penetration is expected to generate more recurring, asset-based revenues and reduce Schwab’s dependence on trading activity.

Banking and Lending to Increase SCHW’s Wallet ShareSchwab’s banking and lending expansion provides another avenue for growth. Bank loan balances reached $67 billion as of June 30, 2026, up 33% year over year, while Pledged Asset Line balances surged 59% to $33.4 billion.

Bank Lending Balances (EOP)
 

Image Source: The Charles Schwab Corporation

As such, bank deposit account fee revenues grew 28% year over year to $628 million in the first six months of 2026. By combining investing, advisory, liquidity and borrowing solutions, Schwab can potentially capture a larger share of clients’ financial activity while improving retention and increasing switching costs.

Diversification Strengthens Schwab’s Revenue MixThe benefits are already visible. First-half revenues rose 18% year over year to a record $13.6 billion, driven by higher net interest revenue, asset management and administration fees, and trading revenue. Hence, adjusted earnings climbed 41% to $3.05 per share.

A broader revenue base is expected to help offset Schwab’s sensitivity to interest rates, client cash allocation and trading volumes. Its scale also provides an advantage, as new products can be distributed across tens of millions of existing accounts. Driven by these factors, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales for 2026 and 2027 implies year-over-year growth of 18.3% and 12.1%, respectively.

Sales Estimates
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Still, competition, technology and compliance costs, market volatility and uncertain monetization of newer offerings such as crypto remain major risks.

How to Approach Schwab Stock Now?So far this year, shares of Schwab have gained 8.4%, trailing the industry’s 10.9% rally. Over the same period, Interactive Brokers (IBKR - Free Report) has surged 40.5%, while Robinhood Markets (HOOD - Free Report) has declined 8.5%.

YTD Price Performance
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, Schwab appears relatively expensive compared with the industry. The stock is currently trading at a price-to-tangible book (P/TB) multiple of 7.73X, well above the industry average of 3.32X.

P/TB TTM
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Among its peers, Interactive Brokers trades at a P/TB multiple of 1.83X, while Robinhood trades at 10.75X. Thus, SCHW commands a substantial premium to Interactive Brokers but remains less expensive than Robinhood. Its elevated valuation relative to the broader industry suggests that investors are already pricing in a meaningful portion of Schwab’s growth prospects.

Nevertheless, the earnings outlook remains encouraging. Analysts have raised their earnings estimates for 2026 and 2027 over the past two months. The Zacks Consensus Estimate implies year-over-year earnings growth of 32.7% in 2026 and 21.2% in 2027.

Earnings Estimates
 

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Schwab’s expanding product ecosystem, strong organic asset gathering, rising adoption of advisory solutions and growing lending activity provide multiple avenues for long-term growth. Its ability to deepen relationships with its massive client base and capture a greater share of clients’ financial activity are expected to support a more diversified revenue mix and sustained earnings expansion.

While the stock’s premium valuation warrants some caution, improving earnings prospects and continued momentum across its businesses support a favorable investment case. Therefore, investors seeking exposure to a large-scale brokerage and wealth management franchise can consider adding Schwab shares to their portfolios.

At present, SCHW carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Key Takeaways ADM's Human Nutrition profit rose 51% as Flavors posted strong sales across every key region.Flavors is growing about 20% year over year in Asia Pacific, led by local customers across Asian markets.ADM expects Flavors to deliver mid-single-digit growth, with operating profit growing slightly faster. Archer Daniels Midland Company’s (ADM - Free Report) Flavors business is emerging as an important growth driver for its Human Nutrition segment. Strong demand for flavor solutions, particularly from beverages such as energy drinks and ready-to-drink products, is supporting sales and profitability. The company is also benefiting from growing consumer preference for natural, clean-label and healthier food and beverage products, which is increasing demand for innovative flavor solutions.

The company’s Human Nutrition business delivered strong improvement in second-quarter 2026, with operating profit increasing 51% year over year to $139 million, primarily driven by immense strength in Flavors. Flavors sales increased in every key region, with particularly strong performance in EMEA and a record quarter in Asia Pacific. The strongest indication that Flavors can remain a growth driver comes from Asia Pacific, where Flavors has been growing about 20% year over year, driven by local customers across China and other Asian markets.

ADM’s investments and acquisitions have strengthened its Flavors capabilities and broadened its product portfolio, enabling it to cater to a wider range of customer applications. Management expects Flavors to deliver at least mid-single-digit growth over the medium term, with operating profit likely to grow slightly higher due to operating leverage. This underscores ADM’s view of Flavors as a sustainable, long-term growth driver for the business.

Archer Daniels is building additional Human Nutrition growth engines. Specialty Ingredients is improving, with Decatur East recovering volumes and emulsifiers performing better. The company is also seeing increased interest in postbiotics and fiber, although the supplement market has faced some pressure as consumers become more affordability-conscious and shift toward functional foods and beverages.

Archer Daniels’ broader Nutrition segment continues to exhibit strength, driven by strong execution in Human Nutrition’s Flavors business and the ongoing progress at Decatur East. Flavors is therefore well-positioned to sustain growth in Human Nutrition, supported by robust regional demand, particularly in Asia Pacific, and an expanding applications pipeline. Continued demand for innovative, healthier food and beverage products could enable Flavors to further support Human Nutrition’s revenue growth, margins and overall performance.

ADM’s PeersDole plc (DOLE - Free Report) is benefiting from strong demand for fresh produce, disciplined pricing actions and improved operational execution. The company is strengthening its vertically integrated supply chain by investing in farming operations, packing facilities, ripening centers and logistics infrastructure, helping improve efficiency, product quality and supply reliability. Dole is also investing in high-growth categories such as cherries and citrus by increasing production capacity and upgrading packing operations to meet rising customer demand.

Adecoagro S.A. (AGRO - Free Report) is a leading South American agribusiness and renewable energy player, strengthening its position across the broader consumer and agricultural markets. AGRO’s ability to flex production between sugar and ethanol based on market conditions provides greater operational flexibility and helps optimize returns. Adecoagro is also investing in digital transformation, renewable energy and precision agriculture to enhance productivity, improve efficiency and optimize costs.

ADM’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesArcher Daniels shares have gained 26% in the past six months compared with the industry’s 7.2% growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, ADM trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.58X compared with the industry’s average of 14.91X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ADM’s 2026 and 2027 earnings per share (EPS) indicates year-over-year growth of 52.2% and 3.5%, respectively. The company’s EPS estimate for 2026 and 2027 has increased in the past 30 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

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

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Snap (SNAP - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 7.6% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Snap due for a breakout? Well, first let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for Snap Inc. before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.

SNAP's Q2 Revenues Climb 19% Y/Y, Adjusted EBITDA Surges 505%Snap reported second-quarter 2026 net loss of 10 cents per diluted share. Adjusted earnings came in at 6 cents per share compared with the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 7 cents.

Revenues rose 19% year over year to $1.59 billion and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.31%. The figure exceeded the top end of the company's prior guidance range of $1.52-$1.55 billion.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 505% year over year (a $208 million increase) to $250 million from $41 million a year earlier and came above the high end of the company's prior guided range of $175-$200 million. Operating loss narrowed 34% year over year to $171 million from $260 million.

Top-Line DetailsRevenues from North America (59% of total revenues) rose 15% year over year to $943 million. Revenues from Europe (22% of revenues) climbed 33% year over year to $354 million. Revenues from the Rest of World (ROW) (19% of revenues) rose 17% year over year to $302 million.

Average revenue per user (ARPU) increased 13% year over year to $3.25. North America's ARPU climbed 23% year over year to $10.26, Europe's ARPU rose 36% year over year to $3.62, and ROW's ARPU increased 4% year over year to $1.

Advertising revenues rose 9% year over year to $1.28 billion, reflecting improved momentum with large advertisers in North America, broader adoption of the company's AI-powered Smart Campaign Solutions, and continued strength among small and medium-sized businesses. Other Revenue, which includes Snapchat+ subscriptions, Memories Storage and Lens+, jumped 85% year over year to $316 million. The company noted that less than 3% of its monthly active users are currently paying subscribers, indicating room for continued direct-revenue growth through premium features and additional subscription products.

User Engagement MetricsSnap's global community reached 493 million daily active users (DAU) in the second quarter, up 5% year over year and from 483 million in the prior quarter. Snap reported 971 million monthly active users (MAU), up 4% year over year, moving closer to the company's long-stated goal of 1 billion MAUs.

In the United States, the number of people posting to Spotlight grew more than 115% year over year, while Spotlight daily active viewers grew more than 20% year over year, supported by continued investment in creators and AI-powered recommendations.

The company also noted that its U.S. audience continues to broaden quarter over quarter, led by users aged 35 and older, increasing Snapchat's relevance in categories such as automotive, healthcare, home goods, financial services, insurance and business-to-business services, and helping diversify the advertiser base.

Advertising DetailsAI-driven advertising tools drove efficiency gains during the quarter. For app advertisers, cost per install declined 8% year over year, cost per purchase decreased 18% year over year, and app purchase volume increased 128% year over year. Dynamic Product Ads revenues grew 43% year over year on greater adoption by retailers. Advertisers increased spending across native surfaces such as Sponsored Snaps, where roughly one-third of Snapchatters reached were incremental to other surfaces on Snapchat.

Citing an independent study from Measured, the company noted that Snapchat delivered approximately 19.3% higher incremental return on ad spend for the brands in that portfolio, versus the blended incremental return across their social advertising overall.

AI-Driven Operating EfficiencySnap highlighted several internal efficiency gains tied to its AI investments during the quarter. Code commits per engineer increased 75% year over year, while major reliability issues declined 57% year over year. The company's internal AI code reviewer now covers approximately 90% of pull requests and has saved an estimated 30,000 hours of code-review time. Its AI-powered support agent answers approximately 3.9 million Snapchatter questions per month and has cut support ticket volume by approximately 62% since the start of the year. In advertising operations, first-pass image-review automation rose from 40% in the second quarter of 2025 to nearly 90% in the second quarter of 2026, improving advertiser approval speed and content safety while lowering operating costs.

Operating Details

GAAP gross margin expanded seven percentage points year over year to 58%, while adjusted Gross Margin reached 59%. The company's total adjusted cost structure increased just 4% year over year, as operating efficiencies offset continued investment in long-term revenue drivers.

Balance Sheet and Cash FlowSnap ended the second quarter with approximately $2.7 billion in cash and marketable securities. Operating cash flow was $176 million for the quarter, up 99% year over year, and $919 million on a trailing-12-month basis. Free Cash Flow was $121 million for the quarter, up 407% year over year, and $706 million on a trailing-12-month basis.

GuidanceSnap expects third-quarter 2026 revenues in the range of $1.70-$1.74 billion, implying growth of approximately 19% year over year at the midpoint. The company projects adjusted EBITDA between $300 million and $350 million for the third quarter, with personnel-cost savings from its recently completed restructuring expected to be more fully reflected in the third quarter and beyond.

Snap raised its full-year infrastructure cost guidance to $1.65-$1.7 billion, from a prior range of $1.60-$1.65 billion, reflecting additional investment in AI and machine-learning infrastructure needed to support revenue growth. All Other Cost of Revenue, excluding Infrastructure Costs, is still expected to represent 16-17% of revenues for the full year. Full-year adjusted Operating Expenses are expected at approximately $2.75 billion, with stock-based compensation expected at approximately $1.05 billion.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a flat trend in fresh estimates.

The consensus estimate has shifted -125% due to these changes.

VGM ScoresCurrently, Snap has a great Growth Score of A, a score with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock has a score of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

Outlook Snap has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.

Performance of an Industry PlayerSnap belongs to the Zacks Internet - Software industry. Another stock from the same industry, CCC Intelligent Solutions Holdings Inc. (CCC - Free Report) , has gained 14.4% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.

CCC Intelligent Solutions reported revenues of $285.93 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +9.8%. EPS of $0.10 for the same period compares with $0.09 a year ago.

For the current quarter, CCC Intelligent Solutions is expected to post earnings of $0.11 per share, indicating a change of +22.2% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

CCC Intelligent Solutions has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) based on the overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions. Additionally, the stock has a VGM Score of B.

Key Takeaways Chubb's middle-market and small commercial premiums rose 8.9% to $2.3 billion in Q2 2026.CB's overseas commercial P&C premiums increased 8.8%,supporting growth as property exposure declines.P&C underwriting income rose 18.8%, while the combined ratio improved to 83.8% in Q2 2026. Chubb Limited (CB - Free Report) is benefiting from strong commercial insurance growth in its middle-market and international businesses, helping offset pressure in large-account property.

Chubb’s P&C net premiums written increased 3% year over year to $12.8 billion in the second quarter. Excluding large-account and E&S property, P&C premiums grew 6.3%, highlighting stronger underlying growth.

Within North America Commercial P&C, middle-market and small commercial business remained a key growth driver. In the second quarter of 2026, net premiums written in this business increased 8.9% year over year to $2.3 billion. Its agency reach, product breadth and technology-enabled access to smaller distributors create a structural advantage in an underpenetrated market. In contrast, net premiums written in major accounts and specialty declined 9%, primarily due to underwriting actions in property. Excluding large-account and E&S property, this business increased 0.4%

Chubb’s strategy of reducing exposure to less attractive property risks while expanding in middle-market and small commercial business could support more sustainable growth. The insurer’s diversified portfolio also provides an advantage as pricing conditions moderate across parts of the commercial market. In the second quarter of 2026, overseas commercial P&C premiums rose 8.8%.

CB’s P&C underwriting income rose 18.8%, and the combined ratio improved to 83.8% in the second quarter. Strong underwriting performance continues to support earnings.

Chubb continues to invest in middle-market and small commercial businesses through broader distribution, industry-specific underwriting, digital capabilities and localized service. Its strong middle-market and overseas commercial growth, combined with disciplined underwriting, should help it navigate softer market conditions while maintaining profitable growth.

What About Its Peers?W.R. Berkley Corporation (WRB - Free Report) continues to benefit from its strong presence in commercial and specialty insurance. In the second quarter of 2026, pre-tax underwriting income increased 21.8% to $317.5 million, and the reported combined ratio improved to 90%. WRB is focusing on disciplined underwriting and selective growth as competition increases across parts of the commercial market.

Travelers Companies (TRV - Free Report) is also benefiting from continued demand across its commercial businesses, particularly in the middle-market segment. Strong new business activity and disciplined pricing are supporting growth, while its diversified commercial portfolio provides resilience as insurance pricing moderates.

Chubb s’ Price PerformanceShares of Chubb have gained 22.4% in the past year, outperforming the industry’s growth of 1.4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

CB’s Premium ValuationShares of CB are trading at a premium compared with the industry. Its trailing 12-month price-to-book value of 1.62X is higher than the industry average of 1.42X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

CB’s Growth ProjectionThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chubb’s 2026 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year increase of 10.3%.

The consensus estimate for revenues is pegged at $64.37 billion, implying a year-over-year improvement of 7.3%.

The consensus estimate for 2027 EPS and revenues indicates an increase of 5.6% and 4.1%, respectively, from the corresponding 2026 estimates.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings has moved up 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, over the past 30 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

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

Jupiter Topco LLC bought a new position in shares of Crown Castle Inc. (NYSE:CCI – Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 56,942 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock, valued at approximately $4,310,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cooke & Bieler LP raised its holdings in shares of Crown Castle by 21.2% in the 4th quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 2,930,797 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $260,460,000 after purchasing an additional 511,763 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc grew its position in Crown Castle by 7.2% in the fourth quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 6,025,433 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $535,480,000 after buying an additional 403,943 shares during the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Crown Castle by 1.0% in the fourth quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 5,506,580 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $489,370,000 after buying an additional 54,078 shares in the last quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Crown Castle by 14.2% in the fourth quarter. Swiss Life Asset Management Ltd now owns 101,289 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $9,002,000 after buying an additional 12,610 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in shares of Crown Castle by 123.8% during the 4th quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 36,080 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $3,206,000 after acquiring an additional 19,962 shares during the last quarter. 90.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Crown Castle Stock Performance Crown Castle stock opened at $75.70 on Wednesday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $76.60 and a 200 day moving average price of $83.73. Crown Castle Inc. has a 52 week low of $69.72 and a 52 week high of $100.50. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.43, a P/E/G ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 0.95.

Crown Castle (NYSE:CCI – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.39 by ($0.17). Crown Castle had a negative return on equity of 51.60% and a net margin of 20.71%.The firm had revenue of $1.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $995.05 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.67 earnings per share. The company’s revenue for the quarter was down 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. Crown Castle has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.530-4.650 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Crown Castle Inc. will post 4.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Crown Castle Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.0625 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 15th. This represents a $4.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.6%. Crown Castle’s payout ratio is currently 215.74%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Crown Castle In related news, VP Robert Sean Collins sold 1,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Friday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.89, for a total transaction of $113,835.00. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 5,113 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $388,025.57. The trade was a 22.68% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.09% of the company’s stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets CCI has been the subject of several research reports. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on Crown Castle from $95.00 to $87.00 and set a “hold” rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 28th. Wolfe Research lowered Crown Castle from an “outperform” rating to a “peer perform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 20th. Citigroup reaffirmed a “market outperform” rating on shares of Crown Castle in a report on Friday, July 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Crown Castle from $95.00 to $85.00 and set a “neutral” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 23rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on Crown Castle from $88.00 to $82.00 and set a “hold” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $95.13.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Crown Castle

About Crown Castle (Free Report)

Crown Castle is a U.S.-focused communications infrastructure company organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, operates and leases shared wireless infrastructure. Its primary business consists of providing tower-based site leases, small cell networks and fiber solutions that support mobile voice and data transmission for wireless carriers, cable companies and other enterprise customers. The company’s assets are positioned to enable network coverage and capacity, including the densification projects associated with 4G LTE and 5G deployments.

Its product and service offerings include ground-based tower sites that host multiple wireless operators, distributed small cell nodes and associated fiber backhaul used to connect sites into carrier networks, and site development and maintenance services.

See Also Five stocks we like better than Crown Castle Dutch Bros Sell-Off Creates a Growth Opportunity NVIDIA’s MediaTek Bet Shows How It Plans to Defend Its AI Moat Is Abercrombie & Fitch’s Hot Streak Just Getting Started? Medtronic’s Stars Are Aligning for a Price Recovery

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Dell just posted the largest AI order quarter in enterprise hardware history, yet shareholders sent the stock lower. The reason buried in the earnings report explains everything about whether this AI boom actually pays.

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Dell (NYSE:DELL | DELL Price Prediction) just reported one of the largest single-quarter guidance raises in enterprise hardware history, and the number under the microscope is the one Jeff Clarke put front and center: $60.9 billion in AI server orders booked in a single quarter, with an ending AI backlog of $95 billion. Dell Technologies also said its pipeline is still larger than its backlog, a claim worth interrogating rather than repeating.

The load-bearing question for investors is whether an AI server business scaling this fast can also carry acceptable margins, because assembling NVIDIA-powered racks has historically been thin-margin work compared with Dell’s storage and traditional server portfolio. Shares closed down 6.8% to $425 despite the beat, suggesting the market is already asking the same question.

An Order Book That Dwarfs the Peers Dell recognized $16.4 billion in AI-optimized server revenue, roughly double the prior year, and lifted full-year revenue guidance by $25 billion to $192 billion. The AI server outlook now sits at $74 billion for the year, up 200% year over year. Non-GAAP EPS came in at $7.04 against a $4.8994 consensus, per Dell’s 8-K exhibit.

The single-quarter order intake sits awkwardly next to Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:SMCI), which booked over $60 billion in new orders across all of fiscal 2026. Dell captured a similar figure in three months.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) offers another useful contrast, with cumulative AI systems bookings of $16.4 billion reported through its fiscal Q2, roughly what Dell just recognized in a single quarter. HPE’s Juniper-driven networking angle matters for its own thesis, but the raw compute pipeline is not a fair comparison.

Speaking on CNBC on September 2, 2026, Dell’s COO framed the momentum this way: “AI demand is still accelerating, with a record $60.9 billion in orders in our fiscal Q2 and a record $95 billion backlog.”

Testing the Non-Commodity Claim Dell’s CEO said, “These aren’t just commodity server deployments.” That claim is testable, and the evidence partly cooperates. Infrastructure Solutions Group operating margin expanded to 15.0% from 8.8% year over year, with operating income up 225%. Mix and pricing discipline are genuinely improving as volume increases.

Management said some engagements require upwards of 50 unique designs across power, cooling, and data center layout (the same non-chip suppliers we profiled in a free report on the AI buildout, here), and Dell shipped the first rack systems on the NVIDIA Vera Rubin platform. Its AI customer count exceeds 6,500, with 3,300 added in the last three quarters.

Concentration remains the harder question. A headline customer count says little about where the dollars actually sit, and sovereign and neocloud deals in this market routinely run into the billions each. Broadening demand into enterprise is a claim management is making, and one that will show up cleanly in ISG margin durability over the next two quarters or not at all.

NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) benefits upstream from every Dell rack shipped. Jensen Huang referenced Dell systems directly on his fiscal Q2 call, and NVIDIA’s Vera Rubin production shipments began earlier in August. Dell functions as one of NVIDIA’s most important enterprise distribution channels.

Working Capital and the Memory Tax The uncomfortable number sits below the top line. Free cash flow fell to $986 million, down 47.22% year over year, even as revenue set a record. Building this much hardware consumes inventory and supplier prepayments long before customers settle.

NVIDIA warned on its own call about extreme pricing conditions in memory that are set to rise into next year. Dell is supply-constrained across both AI and traditional servers, which puts pressure on the mix story because DRAM and HBM inflation hits Dell’s balance sheet before it flows through to customer pricing.

Dell also carries negative shareholders’ equity of $1.427 billion, a long-running feature of the post-EMC capital structure. It is not a solvency concern given cash generation, although it does constrain how aggressively management can lean into working capital without adding debt.

Capital returns continued regardless. Dell sent $4.3 billion back to shareholders in the quarter, including 9.5 million shares repurchased at an average price of $401.

Where DELL Stock Stands Dell shares are up 240.76% year to date and 252.39% over the past year, which explains why a 43.69% EPS beat did not push the stock higher. Expectations had already caught up to the fundamentals.

Super Micro is the more speculative alternative, up 25.42% year to date, with GAAP gross margin volatility Dell simply does not exhibit. HPE at 113.67% year-to-date carries a networking-led thesis for investors focused on Juniper synergies.

Dell is the higher-quality operator among the three, with a better margin trajectory, deeper deployment capabilities, and a capital return program that its peers cannot match. Memory cost pressure and working capital drag are real, although the guidance raise suggests management is pricing them in.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Medifast (MED - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 7.6% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Medifast due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.

Medifast Q2 Loss Narrower Than Expected, Coach Productivity ImprovesMedifast reported second-quarter 2026 results, wherein both the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. However, both metrics declined year over year.

Medifast's Quarterly Performance: Key InsightsThe company posted a loss per share of 28 cents, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 67 cents per share. The company posted earnings of 22 cents per share in the prior-year period.

Revenues declined 27.6% year over year to $76.4 million from $105.6 million, slightly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $76 million. Higher revenues generated by each active earning coach reflected continued improvements in coach productivity despite a smaller coach network.

Medifast ended the quarter with approximately 11,700 active earning coaches, down 48.7% from 22,800 a year earlier. Management said that the decline in coaches remained the primary factor behind the year-over-year revenue decrease. The company noted that slower client acquisition continues to reflect broader industry pressures, including the rapid adoption of GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

Average revenue per active earning coach increased 41% year over year to $6,529 from $4,630, marking the third consecutive quarter of productivity improvement. Management continues to view stronger coach productivity as an early indicator of future business improvement, noting that historically it has been followed by higher client acquisition, coach growth and revenue expansion.

Medifast's Margin & Cost PerformanceGross profit fell 30.3% year over year to $53.4 million from $76.6 million, due to lower sales volumes. Gross margin contracted 270 basis points to 69.9% from 72.6%, primarily due to reduced leverage on fixed costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $57.7 million, declining 25.7% year over year from $77.7 million. The decrease reflected $12.6 million of lower coach compensation, $2.3 million of reduced employee salary and benefit expenses and $2 million of lower company-led marketing costs. SG&A expenses represented 75.6% of revenues, up 200 basis points from 73.6% a year ago. The increase primarily reflected fixed-cost deleverage and expenses associated with the Trilivy Reset product launch, partly offset by lower marketing spending.

The operating loss widened to $4.3 million from $1.1 million in the year-ago quarter.

MED's Other Financial InformationMedifast ended June 2026 with $169.8 million in cash, cash equivalents and investment securities compared with $167.3 million at Dec. 31, 2025. The company remained debt-free.

Sneak Peek Into MED's Future OutlookFor the third quarter of fiscal 2026, Medifast expects revenues of $60-$80 million and a loss of 15-65 cents per share, excluding one-time costs related to the Catalyst cost-savings program.

Management expects the active earning coach count to continue declining in the near term but anticipates further improvement in coach productivity on both a year-over-year and sequential basis during the third quarter.

For fiscal 2026, Medifast reaffirmed its revenue outlook of $270-$300 million and now expects a loss in the range of 25 cents to $1.75 per share compared with the previous guidance of a loss of $1.55-$2.75 per share.

The company continues to expect progress toward returning to profitability beginning in the fourth quarter of 2026 following the launch of its new product line, with further earnings improvement targeted through 2027 and beyond. Management also expects working capital to exceed $145 million by year-end. 
The company noted that its Catalyst program is expected to generate savings through facility rationalization, AI-related efficiencies and other operational initiatives.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, fresh estimates have trended upward during the past month.

The consensus estimate has shifted 33.33% due to these changes.

VGM ScoresAt this time, Medifast has a average Growth Score of C, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with a B. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock has a score of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

OutlookEstimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of this revision looks promising. It comes with little surprise Medifast has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.

Performance of an Industry PlayerMedifast is part of the Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry. Over the past month, Chefs' Warehouse (CHEF - Free Report) , a stock from the same industry, has gained 5%. The company reported its results for the quarter ended June 2026 more than a month ago.

Chefs' Warehouse reported revenues of $1.17 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +12.9%. EPS of $0.78 for the same period compares with $0.52 a year ago.

Chefs' Warehouse is expected to post earnings of $0.61 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +22%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +11.7%.

The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) for Chefs' Warehouse. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of C.

LAM Trade Finance Group II, in which U.S. bank Jefferies (JEF.N) holds a minority stake, is set to sue iron ore trader Radiant ​World in London, according to court records.

Radiant World has come under pressure ‌in recent weeks due to concerns that invoices provided to its banks may not have been valid. The firm has strongly denied the allegations, which have prompted some ​counterparties and lenders to halt or restrict business with it.

LAM Trade ​Finance Group II filed a pre-action application with London's High ⁠Court on August 27, court records show. The nature of the application ​or what it sought was not clear from the court file, which contained ​no publicly available documents.

As well as Radiant World, its founder Pinkesh Nahar, Sapphire Minmetals Corp - another trading firm that used to be part of Radiant World - and Sapphire Minmetals ​Chairman Rakesh Sethi were named as defendants in the filing. No further ​information was available.

The CEO of commodity trader Glencore (GLEN.L), Gary Nagle, said last month the ‌company considered ⁠Radiant World and Sapphire Minmetals to be part of the same group, although Sethi has denied this is the case.

Radiant World, Jefferies and Sethi did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. Nahar could not immediately ​be reached for ​comment.

Jefferies was told ⁠that some of the invoices underpinning its financing to Sapphire Minmetals were not genuine, Bloomberg News reported last month.

The London ​High Court filing marks the first litigation in Britain in ​the ⁠Radiant World saga.

Mizuho Bank, the banking unit of Mizuho Financial Group (8411.T), has filed a case against the Singapore operating entity of Radiant World, according to the website ⁠of Singapore's ​Supreme Court.

Another creditor, trade-finance firm Incomlend, is ​suing Radiant World and Nahar in Singapore for $34 million, Bloomberg News reported last month.

The summer of the space economy is turning into a pumpkin of a fall. Rocket Lab (RKLB -0.48%) -- a space stock that saw its shares soar around the Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) initial public offering -- has now seen its shares fall 57% from its highs in just a few months.

Today, it trades at a market cap of $38 billion and is slated to try to close its massive deal for Iridium Communications soon. I remain bullish on the company's business prospects as it tries to become the second space economy prime contractor alongside SpaceX.

However, I am still not buying unless shares reach a lower level this year. Here's why.

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Ambitious growth plans It is difficult to boil down Rocket Lab's ambitions for the space economy into just a few paragraphs. The company already has a solid footing in the rocket launch business with its small Electron rocket. As of the latest quarterly results, 90+ contracts have now been signed for Electron launches, the highest level in the company's history.

Other revenue today comes from the growth of Rocket Lab's space systems segment, which builds systems for third parties and the U.S. government that can be deployed into space. For example, it just won a contract with the Space Force to build multiple geostationary satellites. This is just one of the many contracts being won in this division, which is why the company's total backlog has now grown to $2.3 billion.

Rocket Lab is not resting on its laurels with these existing business lines. It is in the process of acquiring Iridium Communications, a satellite internet provider that will help Rocket Lab more directly compete with SpaceX, for $8 billion in a half-stock, half-cash deal. Lastly, Rocket Lab is working hard on debuting its Neutron rocket, which has been years in development and is much larger than the Electron. It will either debut with its first full test flight later this year or in early 2027.

Image source: Getty Images.

Path to profitability Despite all these investments, Rocket Lab is not profitable, with a negative free cash flow of $371 million over the last 12 months.

There are a few ways it can scale up to profitability. First, the acquisition of Iridium will be an immediate boost, as the company generated $288 million in positive free cash flow over the last 12 months. Second, once the Neutron starts launching for customers, it will go from a science-project money pit to a revenue generator for the business. Third, the continued scaling of the space systems and Electron business will lead to operating leverage.

All of these feats may take a few years to achieve, but Rocket Lab is well on its way.

RKLB Free Cash Flow data by YCharts

Why Rocket Lab is not yet a buy, but should be on your watch list As a space economy winner, Rocket Lab is most frequently compared to SpaceX. Right now, before the Iridium acquisition closes, Rocket Lab stock has a market cap of $38 billion. SpaceX is approaching $2 trillion. This is a bit of a misleading comparison, because SpaceX is trying to become an artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure player, which Rocket Lab has never mentioned it wants to do.

A good way to value Rocket Lab stock today is on a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, which takes out any comparisons to megacap stocks and strictly starts to focus on the fundamentals. On a trailing basis, Rocket Lab trades at a P/S ratio of 48. To be fair, there is a lot of growth coming down the line from the Neutron and this massive backlog, but right now, Rocket Lab trades at a steep revenue multiple. The S&P 500 average is just 3.8, and that is at a record high.

Rocket Lab is a promising business, and I think it will generate billions in revenue in the years ahead. However, I would wait to buy until a much lower price materializes, maybe half of today's level, even though the stock is already down more than 50% from its highs in the last three months.

Key Takeaways WPM's Antamina mine produced 2.3 million ounces of silver in Q2'26, up 56% y/y.The Antamina PMPA lifted Wheaton Precious Metals' attributable silver to 67.5% from April 1, 2026.WPM expects output weighted to H2 and targets 1.2 million GEOs annually by 2030. Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. (WPM - Free Report) has delivered solid performance so far this year. The upside was driven by the addition of the precious metals purchase agreement (“PMPA”) with BHP Group Limited (BHP - Free Report) .

The BHP Antamina precious metals purchase agreement (“PMPA”) became effective as of April 1, 2026, lifting Wheaton Precious Metals’ attributable silver to 67.5% and adding another 33.75% of payable silver until delivery thresholds step down. The $4.3-billion Antamina stream deal with BHP Group marks Wheaton Precious Metals’ largest transaction, adding long-life silver exposure and requiring ongoing payments equal to 20% of the spot silver price.

Antamina’s production fell short of WPM’s expectations in the second quarter of 2026 due to lower silver grades and the decision to pull a planned July maintenance shutdown forward into June. Despite the headwinds, the mine’s production increased 56% year over year to 2.3 million ounces of silver.

WPM’s attributable gold-equivalent production increased 13.8% year over year to 414,755 ounces in the first six months of 2026. The company reaffirmed the 2026 attributable production guidance of 860,000-940,000 GEOs, with output expected to be weighted to the second half of 2026. This indicates a rise of 30% at the mid-point from the 2025 production of 692,000 ounces. Wheaton Precious Metals expects production of 1.2 million GEOs by 2030 and averaging around that level through 2035. The BHP Group Antamina PMPA, alongside the ramp-up of newer mines and contributions from assets, will likely drive the upside.

Performance of Wheaton Precious Metals’ PeersSSR Mining Inc. (SSRM - Free Report) remains the third-largest U.S. gold producer, anchored by the two high-quality, long-lived assets, Marigold in Nevada and CC&V in Colorado. In 2026, Marigold’s production is expected to be 55-60% weighted to the second half, as higher grades stacked midyear are expected to lift production later in the year. 

SSR Mining produced 101,959 gold-equivalent ounces in the second quarter of 2026. SSR Mining expects 2026 production to be 450,000-535,00 ounces, with production weighted to the second half of 2026.

AngloGold Ashanti PLC (AU - Free Report) gold production dipped 4% year over year in the first half of 2026, reflecting the sale of Serra Grande mine in December 2025. Lower second-quarter production at Obuasi due to a contractor fatality in April 2026 and planned mine sequencing and maintenance across certain operations also led to the decline. However, AngloGold Ashanti expects second-half 2026 production to be higher than that reported in the first half. AngloGold Ashanti maintains gold production expectations between 2.80 million and 3.17 million ounces for 2026.

WPM’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesWheaton Precious Metals shares have jumped 43.5% in a year compared with the industry's 50.6% growth. In comparison, the Zacks Basic Materials sector and the S&P 500 have returned 33.6% and 23.2%, respectively.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

WPM is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings multiple of 31.24X, a premium to the industry average of 17.16X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Wheaton Precious Metals’ 2026 sales is $3.66 billion, indicating a 58.1% year-over-year jump. The consensus mark for the year’s earnings is pegged at $4.79 per share, suggesting a year-over-year rally of 58.1%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2027 sales implies a 0.3% year-over-year rise. The same for earnings suggests a dip of 4.8%.

EPS estimates for 2026 and 2027 have moved south over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

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

Key Takeaways Interactive Brokers' client DARTs rose 23% y/y to 4.28 million in August 2026.IBKR gained from market volatility tied to monetary policy, inflation and geopolitical developments.Interactive Brokers' net new accounts jumped 49% y/y, while total accounts increased 35%. Interactive Brokers (IBKR - Free Report) announced the Electronic Brokerage segment’s (deals with the clearance and settlement of trades for individual and institutional clients globally) performance metrics for August 2026. Supported by a favorable trading environment, total client Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) increased 23% year over year to 4,276,000.

In the reported month, investor activity benefited from sizable moves across equity, fixed-income and commodity markets amid shifting expectations for U.S. monetary policy, inflation concerns and geopolitical developments. Toward the end of August, renewed U.S.-Iran tensions pushed oil prices and interest rates higher, while the Federal Reserve policy expectations shifted following hawkish commentary, creating additional market uncertainty and trading opportunities.

Beyond a favorable trading backdrop, Interactive Brokers benefited from company-specific strengths. Its low-cost structure, competitive margin rates, ongoing product enhancements, streamlined account-opening process and highly efficient operating model supported strong client acquisition. At the end of August, net new accounts were 143,200, which jumped 49% year over year and total customer accounts touched 5.46 million, increasing 35%.

If we look at the other metrics, total options contracts were 138.3 million in August 2026, up 2% year over year. Futures contracts increased 1% to 17.4 million. Client equity was $962.8 billion, which jumped 35% year over year. Client credit balances of $185.6 billion increased 27%, whereas the company's customer margin loan balance of $101.5 billion grew 41%.

IBKR’s efforts to broaden its addressable market by adding new products and capabilities will likely further deepen client engagement and increase wallet share. At the same time, the company’s efforts to expand its international platform positions it to capitalize on growing cross-border investing activity and wealth creation across global markets. Together, these factors are expected to aid sustained revenue growth. Over 2020-2025, Interactive Brokers’ total net revenues saw a compound annual growth rate of 22.8%, aided by higher interest income, commission revenues and business expansion.

Business Diversification Efforts of IBKR’s PeersIBKR’s key competitors, Charles Schwab (SCHW - Free Report) and Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD - Free Report) , have also been continuously rolling out products and services to bolster market share.

Schwab is diversifying beyond brokerage through wealth management, banking, asset management, lending and alternative investments. This is broadening Schwab’s revenue base and deepening client relationships. These offerings attract more assets and encourage clients to consolidate finances on its platform, supporting higher engagement and creating additional opportunities for trading activity.

Robinhood is diversifying beyond traditional stock trading through crypto, retirement, credit cards, advisory services, prediction markets and international expansion. This broader ecosystem attracts new customers and assets while increasing platform engagement, creating cross-selling opportunities at Robinhood. This is supporting higher trading activity across equities, options, futures and digital assets.

IBKR’s Price Performance & Zacks RankShares of Interactive Brokers have rallied 30.2% in the past six months compared with the industry’s growth of 19%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Currently, Interactive Brokers sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Key Takeaways Centene shares surged 117% in a year as pricing, cost controls and underwriting trends improved.CNC raised 2026 premium and service revenue guidance to $173-$177B while its HBR improved.CNC trades below industry and key-peer forward P/E levels despite sharply improving 2026 earnings estimates. Centene Corporation (CNC - Free Report) shares have jumped 117% over the past year, far ahead of the industry’s 22.3% growth. The S&P 500 has gained 20.6% over the same period, while peers UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH - Free Report) and Elevance Health, Inc. (ELV - Free Report) have returned 28.8% and 25.4%, respectively.

Much of Centene’s rally reflects a recovery from a depressed level. The stock came under heavy pressure after the company withdrew its 2025 earnings guidance in July 2025. Management found that Marketplace members were considerably sicker than expected, which reduced projected risk-adjustment revenues and hurt earnings expectations. Rising medical costs in both Marketplace and Medicaid plans added to the concern and weakened confidence in the company’s outlook.

The picture has improved since then. Profitability stabilized faster than investors expected, corrective pricing in the Marketplace business began to take hold, and Centene reduced exposure to plans that were not priced adequately. Management also raised its outlook several times. As a result, investors have moved from fearing prolonged losses and uncontrolled medical costs to expecting better margins, firmer pricing and more predictable earnings.

One-Year Price Performance: CNC, UNH, ELV, Industry & S&P 500 Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Operating Trends Point to a RecoveryCentene’s second-quarter health benefits ratio (HBR) improved 340 basis points year over year to 89.6%. Premium revenues increased 4.4% to $43.6 billion, supported by higher premium yields, growth in the prescription drug plan business and rate increases across Medicaid and Marketplace products.

The balance sheet also strengthened. Long-term debt fell 7.6% from year-end 2025 to $16 billion, while cash and cash equivalents rose 35% to $24.2 billion. Net cash provided by operations reached $8 billion in the first half of 2026, up 142.4% from the prior-year period, although favorable timing contributed to the increase.

Management raised its 2026 premium and service revenue guidance to $173-$177 billion from $171-$175 billion. The company now expects a HBR of 90.5-91.3% for 2026, compared with 91.9% in 2025 and 88.3% in 2024. The projected improvement suggests that recent pricing and cost actions are starting to support underwriting results.

Earnings Expectations Have Turned Sharply HigherThe Zacks Consensus Estimate calls for 2026 earnings of $4.89 per share, up 135.1% from the previous year. Analysts expect earnings to rise another 9.2% in 2027 to $5.34 per share.

Revenue growth is expected to remain modest. The consensus estimate points to revenues of $196.29 billion in 2026, up 0.8%, followed by a slight decline to $192.58 billion in 2027. This outlook shows that the recovery is centered more on margins and execution than on rapid sales growth.

Centene has also topped earnings estimates in each of the past four quarters, producing an average surprise of 151.3%.

CNC’s ValuationThe rebound has lifted Centene’s valuation. CNC now trades at 12.56X forward earnings, above its five-year median of 11.31X. Even so, the multiple remains below the industry average of 15.69X. It also trails UnitedHealth’s 18.31X and Elevance Health’s 14.11X. Centene carries a Value Score of A, indicating that the stock still offers a reasonable mix of valuation and earnings potential.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Centene currently trades below the average analyst price target of $71.94, suggesting an upside of 11.8%. The range is wide, with the high target at $85 and the low at $56, reflecting different risk views.

Risks Have Eased, but They Have Not DisappearedCentene remains dependent on government-sponsored healthcare programs. Its results can therefore shift with changes in federal and state funding, reimbursement rates and regulation across Medicaid, Medicare and Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans.

Expenses deserve attention. Total operating costs rose 5.5% in 2023, 5.8% in 2024 and 26.6% in 2025. They increased another 6.6% year over year in the first half of 2026. Pricing actions and tighter cost controls should help, but elevated medical expenses and continued investment could slow the pace of margin gains.

Capital efficiency remains another weak spot. Centene’s trailing 12-month return on capital is 6.8%, below the industry average of 9.9%, showing room for better capital efficiency.

Why Centene’s Recovery Could ContinueSeveral trends support the longer-term outlook. An aging population and rising chronic-disease prevalence should support long-term demand across Centene’s health plans.

Centene is also reshaping its membership mix. Total membership declined to 25.9 million at the end of the second quarter as the company reshaped its book, but prescription drug plan membership rose 12.2% year over year, while Individual and Commercial Group membership rose 10.5%, showing growth in selected areas of the portfolio.

The company is strengthening fraud prevention and payment integrity through AI-based analytics that can flag unusual claims earlier and improve oversight. It is also using advanced analytics in medical-cost forecasting, pricing and operating decisions.

Centene is working with states to secure rates that better match member needs, utilization trends and the risk profile of the population after eligibility redeterminations. These steps, together with firmer Marketplace pricing and tighter cost control, give the company a clearer path to steadier margins.

Should Investors Buy CNC Stock Now?Centene’s sharp rebound increasingly has fundamental support rather than relying on momentum alone. Corrective Marketplace pricing, better Medicaid rate alignment, tighter cost controls and stronger PDP growth are helping margins recover, while repeated guidance increases point to better earnings visibility.

Risks tied to medical costs, regulation and government funding remain, and the stock is no longer as cheap as it was a year ago. Still, earnings estimates are moving higher, underwriting trends are improving, and valuation remains below key peers. With these factors supporting further upside, Centene currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), making the stock worth considering for investors. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Jupiter Topco LLC purchased a new stake in Flowserve Corporation (NYSE:FLS – Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 57,767 shares of the industrial products company’s stock, valued at approximately $4,285,000.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in Flowserve in the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Flowserve during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $38,000. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Flowserve in the 4th quarter worth approximately $36,000. BOKF NA purchased a new position in shares of Flowserve in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Finally, Keating Financial Advisory Services Inc. bought a new position in shares of Flowserve in the second quarter valued at approximately $48,000. Institutional investors own 93.93% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth FLS has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. TD Cowen lowered Flowserve from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $85.00 to $70.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 24th. Weiss Ratings lowered Flowserve from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “hold (c+)” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 25th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Flowserve from $92.00 to $94.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, July 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $82.00 price target on shares of Flowserve in a research report on Thursday, July 30th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $93.00 price objective on shares of Flowserve in a research report on Friday, July 31st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $86.60.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on FLS Flowserve Stock Down 3.2% FLS stock opened at $76.56 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 1.58 and a current ratio of 2.15. The company has a market capitalization of $9.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.86, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.25. Flowserve Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $48.71 and a fifty-two week high of $92.41. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $75.09 and a 200-day moving average of $77.01.

Flowserve (NYSE:FLS – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 29th. The industrial products company reported $0.95 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.86 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $1.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.16 billion. Flowserve had a return on equity of 21.42% and a net margin of 8.01%.The firm’s revenue for the quarter was down 1.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.91 EPS. Flowserve has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.050-4.200 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Flowserve Corporation will post 4.1 earnings per share for the current year.

Flowserve Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 9th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 25th will be given a $0.22 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 25th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. Flowserve’s payout ratio is 30.88%.

Flowserve Company Profile (Free Report)

Flowserve Corporation (NYSE: FLS) is a leading provider of fluid motion and control products and services. The company designs, manufactures and services engineered and industrial pumps, mechanical seals, valves and related flow management equipment. Flowserve’s offerings are utilized across a broad spectrum of end markets, including oil and gas, power generation, chemical processing, water management, pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing, as well as mining and general industrial applications.

Flowserve’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, high-performance control valves, butterfly and ball valves, as well as mechanical seals and seal support systems.

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Brown Forman NYSE: BF.A said its first-quarter fiscal 2027 results were largely in line with expectations, as growth from ready-to-drink products and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry helped offset pressure in used barrel sales, tequila and several developed international markets.

President and Chief Executive Officer Lawson Whiting said innovation remains a key growth engine for the company amid selective consumer spending and continued softness in the broader spirits market. Brown-Forman reaffirmed its full-year outlook, including expectations for approximately flat organic net sales and a 3% to 5% decline in organic operating income.

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“Innovation is creating meaningful growth opportunities across our portfolio,” Whiting said, pointing to New Mix, the company’s RTD portfolio and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry as major contributors during the quarter.

RTDs and Blackberry Support Sales New Mix delivered strong double-digit organic net sales growth in Mexico, where it has benefited from consumer interest in flavor, convenience and affordability. The product’s U.S. demand has exceeded Brown-Forman’s expectations since launch, according to Whiting, and the company is expanding into additional markets while adding flavors and package options.

New Mix is currently available in nine U.S. states, particularly areas with substantial Mexican American populations, Whiting said during the question-and-answer session. Despite its limited distribution, it has become the eighth-largest contributor to the RTD category in Nielsen data, he said.

Brown-Forman’s el Jimador Spritz also had a strong U.S. start. Based on recent Nielsen data, the company’s RTD portfolio contributed about one point of value growth to its overall U.S. performance.

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry, meanwhile, contributed more than two points of U.S. value growth based on Nielsen takeaway trends. The flavor is now available in more than 30 international markets, with strong growth in Brazil, France and the United Arab Emirates. Brown-Forman is supporting the launch with broader distribution and additional pack sizes, while also extending the product into an RTD Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Blackberry & Lemonade offering.

Whiting said the Tennessee Blackberry rollout was designed as a two-year launch. The first year centered largely on the U.S. 750-milliliter format, while the current phase includes international expansion and additional U.S. sizes.

Barrel Sales, Tequila and International Markets Remain Pressured Growth initiatives were partly offset by a more than 60% decline in organic net sales for Brown-Forman’s non-branded and bulk business, primarily used barrel sales. Whiting said used barrel sales have fallen from more than $100 million two years ago to about $30 million, as demand from Scotch and Irish whiskey producers has remained below prior elevated levels.

The company expects used barrel sales to remain under pressure, though management expects the year-over-year dollar impact on net sales to moderate through the rest of fiscal 2027.

Brown-Forman’s full-strength tequila portfolio, including Herradura and el Jimador, posted a low-teens organic net sales decline. Whiting said the company is working to improve performance through marketing, clearer brand positioning and commercial execution.

Management cited improving U.S. takeaway trends for el Jimador, which has gained standing within the $15 to $30 tequila price range. Herradura faces a more difficult backdrop in higher-priced tequila segments, although Whiting said Brown-Forman plans to introduce new initiatives for the brand.

Emerging international markets generated 9% organic net sales growth, led by Mexico and the UAE. The UAE benefited from shipment timing, while Brazil faced a difficult comparison following prior-year supply chain disruptions and continued to run below last year despite recovering trends.

Developed international markets declined 8% organically. Australia grew 4%, helped by ordering patterns for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and RTD innovation, including the Australia-exclusive Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Serve whiskey-and-cola RTD. However, consumer demand remained weak across Germany, France and the U.K. In Canada, U.S.-produced spirits remained off shelves in most provinces, and Brown-Forman assumes the restrictions will continue for the rest of the fiscal year.

Profitability and Cash Flow Gross margin expanded 40 basis points to 60.2%, primarily due to lower costs related to timing and favorable portfolio changes. The improvement was partly offset by foreign exchange, including the stronger Mexican peso, and product mix pressure from fast-growing RTDs.

Chief Financial Officer Jim Peters said the first-quarter margin level could represent the high point for the year. The company expects higher-cost whiskey inventory produced during a period of elevated inflation to increasingly affect results, along with higher input costs and the impact of lower production volumes.

Organic advertising expense declined 4%, primarily due to timing, while organic selling, general and administrative expenses increased 5%, largely reflecting organizational changes aimed at reducing complexity and accelerating decision-making.

Reported operating income declined 3%. Organic operating income increased 4%. Earnings per share rose 6% to $0.38. Cash flow from operations increased $13 million to $173 million. Free cash flow increased $32 million to $161 million. The company repaid €300 million of 1.2% senior notes that matured July 7, 2026. Brown-Forman continues to expect fiscal 2027 capital expenditures of $60 million to $70 million and an effective tax rate of roughly 20% to 22%.

Leadership Transition and Outlook Whiting reiterated that he plans to retire after a successor is named, following nearly 30 years with Brown-Forman. The board’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is considering internal and external candidates, and the company has not provided a timeline. Whiting expects to support the transition in an advisory capacity after a successor is appointed.

Management said it remains encouraged by U.S. trends, though Whiting characterized the improvement as gradual. The company expects depletions to exceed shipments for the full fiscal year as shipment timing benefits from the prior-year distributor transition and Tennessee Blackberry launch normalize.

“We feel good about our business,” Whiting said. “We feel more confident about our business today, and we’re going to continue to grow and do it on our own and create the most value that we can.”

About Brown Forman (NYSE:BF.A)Brown-Forman Corporation manufactures, bottles, imports, exports, markets, and sells various alcoholic beverages. It provides spirits, wines, whiskey spirits, whiskey-based flavored liqueurs, ready-to-drink and ready-to-pour products, ready-to-drink cocktails, vodkas, tequilas, champagnes, brandy, bourbons, and liqueurs. The company offers its products primarily under the Jack Daniel's, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, GlenDronach, BenRiach, Glenglassaugh, Old Forester, Early Times, Slane Irish Whiskey, Coopers' Craft, el Jimador, Herradura, New Mix, Pepe Lopez, Antiguo, Finlandia, Korbel Champagne, and Sonoma-Cutrer brands.

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It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Inspire Medical Systems (INSP - Free Report) . Shares have lost about 4.1% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.

But investors have to be wondering, will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Inspire due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.

Inspire Medical Q2 Earnings Beat Estimates, ’26 View Raised

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of 14 cents, down 58.8% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 22 cents by 163.6%.

GAAP earnings per share in the quarter were 1 cent compared to GAAP loss per share of 12 cents in the year-ago quarter.

INSP’s Q2 Revenues in Detail

Inspire Medical registered revenues of $200.6 million in the second quarter, down 7.6% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.9%.

The decline in sales was primarily caused by a decrease in U.S. revenues due to coding and reimbursement challenges. This was partly offset by an increase in international revenues.

As of June 30, 2026, INSP operated 280 U.S. sales territories and employed 301 field clinical representatives compared with 295 territories and 275 representatives at the end of 2025.

INSP’s Q2 Revenue Mix Reflects U.S. Pressure

In the second quarter, U.S. revenues totaled $187.3 million, down 9.6% year over year. Management attributed the weakness primarily to the evolving coding and reimbursement environment, which slowed prior-authorization activity and procedure volumes.

International revenues totaled $13.3 million, up 33.6% year over year. The overseas gain partly offset the domestic decline, but the United States remained the dominant contributor to quarterly sales.

INSP’s Margin Analysis

In the second quarter, Inspire Medical’s gross profit decreased 6% year over year to $171.5 million. The gross margin expanded 150 basis points to 85.5%, primarily driven by a higher sales mix of the Inspire V system.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 7.7% year over year to $147.3 million. Research and development expenses declined 5.8% to $24.7 million. Operating expenses of $171.9 million decreased 7.4% year over year.

Adjusted operating profit decreased 66.8% year over year to $3.2 million. The adjusted operating margin contracted 280 basis points to 1.6%.

Inspire Medical’s Financial Position

Inspire Medical exited the second quarter of 2026 with cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $320.7 million compared with $283.8 million at the end of first-quarter 2026.

Cumulative net cash provided by operating activities at the end of second-quarter 2026 was $36.1 million, compared with the cumulative net cash used in operating activities of $4 million a year ago.

Inspire Medical Raises 2026 Outlook

Inspire Medical has updated its revenue and earnings per share outlook for 2026.

The company raised its revenue guidance to $835 million-$875 million from the previously projected $825 million-$875 million. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $851.2 million.

INSP now expects adjusted earnings per share for 2026 in the range of $1.05-$1.45, up from the prior guidance of $0.75-$1.25. The company projects an adjusted operating margin of 4-6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $1.24 per share.

How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates revision.

The consensus estimate has shifted -49.19% due to these changes.

VGM ScoresAt this time, Inspire has a average Growth Score of C, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a D. Charting a somewhat similar path, the stock was allocated a grade of C on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.

Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.

OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Inspire has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.

Performance of an Industry PlayerInspire belongs to the Zacks Medical Info Systems industry. Another stock from the same industry, Tempus AI (TEM - Free Report) , has gained 32.4% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.

Tempus reported revenues of $382.49 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +21.6%. EPS of -$0.04 for the same period compares with -$0.22 a year ago.

Tempus is expected to post a loss of $0.07 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +36.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +3.3%.

The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Tempus. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of F.

Highlights

Curaleaf Offers a 45% Premium and Meaningful Future Upside: Aurora shareholders can realize immediate value alongside the opportunity to participate in the upside of a substantially larger, more diversified cannabis platform. Aurora Promotes a "Debt-Free" Balance Sheet While Overlooking Years of Shareholder Dilution to Fund It: Since September 2020, Aurora has raised $398 million in capital at the expense of shareholders through equity issuances, resulting in massive shareholder dilution. Additional dilution continues through its existing "At the Market" (ATM) program. Aurora's Board Doesn't Believe Its Own Valuation Argument: Within the last two quarters, Aurora's Board sold shares through its ATM program diluting shareholders at average prices of US$3.57 and US$3.09 per share, materially below the price it now argues is inadequate.  Aurora's Own Outlook Points to a Business Going Backwards, without any Go-Forward Vision: Management's own guidance calls for fiscal 2027 revenue to return to approximately fiscal 2025 levels, with adjusted EBITDA expected to decline precipitously from fiscal 2026; whereas Curaleaf has presented a clear vision to create value. Aurora's Business is Not Generating Cash, It is Burning It: Operating cash flow was negative in the June quarter, and shareholders remain exposed to substantial additional equity dilution through existing ATM programs. Curaleaf has generated $157 million of operating cash in the LTM period. Aurora's Never-Ending Transformation is Not Working: A six-year program is not a transformation. It is the business model. The current CEO was appointed in September 2020, and business transformation costs have been charged in seven consecutive years.  Aurora's Attacks Ignore Curaleaf's Superior Fundamentals: Curaleaf generates operating cash flow, is well positioned to benefit from multiple industry and regulatory catalysts and invests for growth. Access to institutional debt markets reflects lender confidence in this positioning. Curaleaf Offers a Stronger Business and a Better Platform. Shareholders receive equity in a company with broad exposure across U.S. medical and adult-use markets, positive cash flow generation, an international footprint with expansion opportunities, and multiple regulatory catalysts, with a strong growth profile and future cash-generating ability.  , /PRNewswire/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf"), a leading international provider of consumer and medical cannabis products, today responded to misleading statements contained in Aurora Cannabis Inc.'s (TSX: ACB) (NASDAQ: ACB) ("Aurora") Directors' Circular and reiterated its belief that the Curaleaf offer represents the most compelling path forward for Aurora shareholders.

"Aurora's continued refusal to engage in a meaningful price discussion regarding this transaction is disappointing and shows disregard for the interests of the Company's own shareholders. Not once has there been a counteroffer presented to us, which shows managements' motives to preserve their own positions versus creating value for shareholders," said Boris Jordan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Curaleaf. "Rather than working constructively to evaluate a proposal that delivers immediate value and a substantial premium, Aurora's Board has chosen to rely on hollow arguments that are contradicted by its own actions."

Jordan continued: "Aurora's response sidesteps the fundamental question facing shareholders: if management's plan creates greater value than our offer, where is the evidence? Aurora's own guidance points to declining revenue and EBITDA, continued cash burn and further shareholder dilution. By contrast, Curaleaf offers shareholders a 45% premium and immediate exposure to one of the largest and most diversified cannabis companies in the world."

"We remain ready and willing to engage constructively with Aurora to discuss this offer at any point," Jordan concluded.

FAIR VALUE IS SET BY THE MARKET

Aurora argues that Curaleaf's offer fails to reflect the sum of its parts and points to historical trading levels as evidence of intrinsic value, while also stating that the $5 cap limits incremental upside.

We disagree and Aurora's own actions demonstrate they do as well. Here are the facts:

The offer represents a 45% premium to Aurora's unaffected trading price, which is among the 63rd percentile of Canadian M&A premiums paid over the last 10 years. Excluding cash, the premium represents 110%.  This premium is despite Aurora's management guiding to a smaller, less profitable business in fiscal 2027. In addition to the premium, the offer represents an implied CY2026E Adjusted EBITDA multiple of 12.0x, more than 68% higher than comparable Canadian peers. Aurora's Board approved dilutive equity issuances through its ATM program at average prices of US$3.57 during fiscal 2026 and more recently US$3.09 during the June quarter, prices materially below the Curaleaf offer and the value it now claims shareholders should reject. Aurora's share price has hit all-time lows under the current management team. Constant restructuring and inventory impairment charges presented as non-recurring for seven consecutive years. Aurora's management has consistently failed to properly integrate acquisitions and auditors have reported ineffective controls over inventory and biological assets in each year since FY2020 (KPMG resigned as Aurora's auditor in April 2024). The US$5.00 cap represents an 82% premium to Aurora's 30-day VWAP on the unaffected date of August 10, 2026 and a 197% premium on an ex-cash basis. Aurora's criticism of the cap structure is trying to deflect attention from the underlying significant and compelling premium the US$5.00 cap represents. The US$5.00 cap price represents an implied premium within the 92nd percentile of Canadian M&A premiums over the last 10 years. The proposed structure encourages Aurora shareholders to complete a transaction as soon as possible to lock in the exchange ratio and participate in the potential upside with Curaleaf. This is the same structure that Aurora itself used in its prior hostile M&A activity and its cap value had already been hit when the bid was launched publicly. The question shareholders must ask the Board is simple – If Aurora's assets were worth substantially more apart than together why haven't those separation opportunities been pursued after six years of strategic reviews and repositioning efforts by the same management team?

THE DECEMBER 2025 SHARE PRICE IS IRRELEVANT

Aurora highlights that its shares traded above US$5.00 as recently as December 2025.

Shareholders should focus on where the business is headed, not where the share price traded nine months ago. Since December 2025:

Canadian medical revenue has declined significantly and will continue to suffer as the reimbursement rates by Veterans Affairs Canada have been reduced by almost 30%; German regulators have removed insurance reimbursement, a meaningful contributor to Aurora's German business; Quarterly adjusted EBITDA has fallen by 63%; Operating cash flow has turned negative; Management has guided fiscal 2027 revenue to decline toward fiscal 2025 levels; and Fiscal 2027 adjusted EBITDA is expected to be significantly below fiscal 2026 levels. The market is a forward looking mechanism and Aurora's unaffected share price reflected weakening fundamental prospects for fiscal 2027 and beyond prior to our bid.

THE REAL QUESTION IS NOT BALANCE SHEET BUT EQUITY DILUTION

Aurora frequently emphasizes that it has no debt.

This argument omits a critical distinction: Equity shareholders have financed that balance sheet through multiple dilutive ATM programs through which Aurora has sold stock.

Since September 2020 alone, approximately US$398 million has been raised through dilutive share issuances, diluting shareholders by approximately 31%. Aurora maintains additional ATM capacity, while the business continues to rapidly burn cash. Operating cash flow was negative C$4.4 million in the June quarter. Debt can be repaid through cash flow. Equity dilution is permanent. Shareholders should decide for themselves which approach has better preserved ownership value.

CURALEAF'S BUSINESS IS LARGER, MORE DIVERSIFIED AND BETTER POSITIONED

Aurora has sought to characterize Curaleaf's capital structure, tax position, exchange listing, and dual-class share structure as disadvantages.

This argument belies the vastly superior fundamentals of Curaleaf's business. The facts are straightforward:

Curaleaf generated $50 million in operating cash flow and $17 million in free cash flow during the first half of 2026 while continuing to invest $33 million in growth. Curaleaf successfully raised US$500 million of senior secured notes from sophisticated institutional investors, reflecting lender confidence in the durability of its business and future cash flows. CURALEAF'S UNCERTAIN TAX POSITION (UTP) ADDRESSED THROUGH FEDERAL RESCHEDULING

Uncertain tax positions related to IRC section 280E are a well understood phenomenon in the U.S. cannabis market and are captured as liabilities in the valuations and trading multiples of U.S. Cannabis MSOs. The reclassification of medical cannabis from Schedule I to III on April 23, 2026 has removed the 280E tax treatment and ceased future accruals of the liability. The rescheduling of adult use cannabis is currently in process by the DEA and a similar outcome is expected. Curaleaf's UTP balance as a percentage of TEV (13%) is one of the lowest relative to the U.S. cannabis peer average of ~30%. CURALEAF'S DEBT POSITION IS WELL MANAGED AND SUPPORTED BY OPERATING CASH FLOWS

Curaleaf generated US$145 million of operating cash flow over the LTM period ended June 30, 2026, and has the highest revenue and is one of the most profitable operators based on EBITDA amongst its U.S. cannabis peers. Net debt [excluding UTP] represents ~25% of the Company's total capitalization which is below the peer average of 37%. Curaleaf's operating cash flow is expected to grow to approximately US$165 million by FY27E which represents growth of ~20% over FY25 operating cash flow of US$138 million, significantly above the peer average of approximately 3%. Curaleaf's profitability and continued growth of operating cash flows allow for rapid de-leveraging from ~3.3x net debt to LTM adjusted EBITDA to 2.7x by FY2027E. On a pro forma basis, synergies and consolidated operating cash flows will further support de-leveraging. TSX-LISTED CURALEAF LIQUIDITY HAS PROVEN TO EXCEED THAT OF NASDAQ-LISTED AURORA

The TSX is among the largest exchanges globally with more than 2,200 listed issuers making up over C$7 trillion of market capitalization, an exchange that Aurora also trades on; The TSX is the leading exchange for cannabis issuers, representing more than US$6 billion of market capitalization across the sector, almost double the aggregate market capitalization of cannabis companies listed on the tech-heavy NASDAQ. On a 2026 YTD[1] basis, Curaleaf has traded more value on the TSX (US$297 million) relative to Aurora's value traded on the NASDAQ (US$99 million). 2026 YTD1 value traded across all Canadian listings was US$527 million for Curaleaf and US$511 million for Aurora across all ancillary US listings. Ultimately, a company's performance is a more significant driver of its performance vs. the exchange on which it trades.  CURALEAF'S DUAL CLASS STRUCTURE IS A BENEFIT AS INCENTIVES ARE ALIGNED WITH SHAREHOLDERS

Management and other Curaleaf insiders own 21 million subordinate voting shares and 31 million multiple voting shares, representing an economic interest of ~20% and approximately US$500 million of value, significantly more than Aurora's insider ownership of ~1%. Some of the largest, founder owned, sector leaders, including some of the most notable companies in the world (Alphabet, Meta, Shopify, Palantir, DoorDash, among others, as well as other U.S. MSOs such as Green Thumb Industries and Trulieve) have multi-class voting structures.  In general, Multi-Class Issuers on the TSX have had a track record of outperforming the broader S&P / TSX Composite index with returns2 of 295% vs. 152% for the broader index. Since being appointed CEO on August 16, 2024, Boris Jordan has led Curaleaf's relative share price outperformance exceeding U.S. cannabis peers by ~42 percentage points and outperformance of Aurora by ~57 percentage points over the same period. Boris Jordan has also invested significant personal wealth into building his nearly 20% stake in Curaleaf, making it into the global leader it is today.  As such, management incentives are properly aligned with shareholders.  He works in the company's headquarters with his executive team overseeing the day-to-day activities of the business, while Aurora's CEO runs a business based in Canada from his home in the U.S. SHAREHOLDERS DESERVE AN ALTERNATIVE TO YEARS OF VALUE DESTRUCTION

Aurora's management argues that it inherited historical challenges and continues to execute a transformation.

This is now the third major strategic repositioning in roughly six years. At some point, transformation ceases to be a temporary phase and becomes the operating model.

The time is up for Aurora's management team to deliver value through their strategic plan – they have had six years to execute their standalone business plan, during which Aurora: Generated cumulative operating cash flow losses of more than C$480 million. Recorded more than C$400 million of inventory impairments and business transformation costs. Taken more than five years to exit its unprofitable and eroding consumer segment. Share price declined 97%, significantly underperforming peers. The Board has maintained one of the most expensive executive compensation packages among industry peers. We encourage all shareholders to ask the following of the Board and its Special Committee:

What is different this time than the last six years? If their current iteration of the business plan and transformation is going to work, why does management's own forecast anticipate lower revenue and lower EBITDA next year? If Aurora is truly committed to maximizing value for shareholders, why have they refused to engage in a single constructive conversation regarding this shareholder maximizing transaction? Importantly, Aurora shareholders are being offered ownership in one of the largest and most diversified cannabis companies globally, with exposure to:

U.S. medical markets; U.S. adult-use markets; European medical cannabis growth; International pharmaceutical distribution; and Potential value creation associated with continued U.S. federal reform. Curaleaf's proposal delivers immediate value, participation in future growth, exposure to significant regulatory catalysts and ownership in a substantially larger and more diversified business.

We believe Aurora shareholders deserve the opportunity to evaluate the Curaleaf proposal and decide for themselves which path offers the better future.

Aurora shareholders are urged to read the offer documents carefully and in their entirety. They are also available on Curaleaf's website and on SEDAR+ (sedarplus.ca) and EDGAR (sec.gov), and Aurora shareholders are encouraged to visit https://grow.curaleaf.com/ for additional information regarding the offer, including the strategic rationale for the offer, expected benefits of the combination of the two companies, FAQs, and other relevant materials. 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of such statements under applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the terms of the Offer, the expected benefits of the Offer to the combined company and the financial and strategic benefits of the Offer noted above, synergies and efficiencies that may be achieved upon a combination of the businesses of Aurora and Curaleaf; and expectations with respect to business and geographical diversification of the combined entity. Various assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions or making the projections contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this press release, including assumptions based upon Aurora's publicly disclosed information, and that there will be no change in the business, prospects or capitalization of Aurora or Curaleaf. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly 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 expressly required by applicable law. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company appears in the Company's Annual Information Form and continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Statement Respecting Aurora Information

The information concerning Aurora contained in this press release has been taken from, or is based upon, publicly available information filed by Aurora with securities regulatory authorities in Canada prior to the date of this press release and other public sources. Aurora has not reviewed this press release and has not confirmed the accuracy and completeness of the Aurora information contained herein. Neither Curaleaf, nor any of its officers or directors, assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such Aurora information. Curaleaf has no means of verifying the accuracy or completeness of any of the Aurora information contained in this press release.

Notice to U.S. Holders

The Offer is being made for the securities of a company formed outside of the United States. The Offer is subject to disclosure requirements of Canada that are different from those of the United States. Financial statements included in the documents, if any, will be prepared in accordance with Canadian accounting standards and may not be comparable to the financial statements of United States companies.

It may be difficult for a securityholder in the United States to enforce his/her/its rights and any claim a securityholder may have arising under the U.S. federal securities laws, since the issuer is located in Canada, and some or all of its officers or directors may be residents of Canada or another country outside of the United States. A securityholder may not be able to sue a Canadian company or its officers or directors in a court in Canada or elsewhere outside of the United States for violations of U.S. securities laws. It may be difficult to compel a Canadian company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. court's judgment.

Securityholders should be aware that the issuer may purchase securities otherwise than under the Offer, such as in open market or privately negotiated purchases.

About Curaleaf Holdings

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf") is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to enhance lives by cultivating, sharing and celebrating the power of the plant. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, Grassroots, Find, Dark Heart, and Anthem provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult use markets. Curaleaf International is powered by a strong presence in all stages of the supply chain. Its unique distribution network throughout Europe, Canada and Australasia brings together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF. For more information, please visit https://ir.curaleaf.com.

Contacts

Media Contact
Kekst CNC
[email protected]

Investor Contact
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
[email protected]

Shareholder Contact 
Carson Proxy Advisors
North American Toll Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
Local (Collect outside North America): 416-751-2066
Email: [email protected]

1 Trading activity from January 1, 2026 to August 10, 2026
2 Returns excluding dividends

SOURCE Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.

Canada Pension Plan Investment Board bought a new position in Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HTH – Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 14,800 shares of the financial services provider’s stock, valued at approximately $574,000.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of HTH. Strategic Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Hilltop in the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Hilltop by 584.7% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,075 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 918 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP boosted its position in shares of Hilltop by 37.3% during the 4th quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,153 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. Danske Bank A S purchased a new position in shares of Hilltop during the third quarter worth about $43,000. Finally, Signaturefd LLC grew its holdings in shares of Hilltop by 276.4% during the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 1,370 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $53,000 after purchasing an additional 1,006 shares in the last quarter. 57.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Hilltop Stock Down 0.8% Shares of NYSE:HTH opened at $37.75 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $2.16 billion, a PE ratio of 13.98 and a beta of 0.88. The company’s fifty day moving average is $38.86 and its 200 day moving average is $37.75. Hilltop Holdings Inc. has a 52 week low of $30.78 and a 52 week high of $40.41.

Hilltop (NYSE:HTH – Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.63 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.14. Hilltop had a return on equity of 7.40% and a net margin of 10.17%.The business had revenue of $315.81 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $306.18 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.57 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Hilltop Holdings Inc. will post 2.59 EPS for the current year. Hilltop Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 21st. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 7th were given a $0.22 dividend. This is a boost from Hilltop’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.20. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 7th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. Hilltop’s payout ratio is presently 32.59%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently commented on HTH. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Hilltop from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Saturday, May 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price objective on shares of Hilltop from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Wednesday, August 5th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Hilltop in a research report on Wednesday, August 19th. Finally, Piper Sandler reissued a “neutral” rating and issued a $42.00 target price on shares of Hilltop in a research note on Tuesday, July 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $40.00.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Hilltop

Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Rhodes R. Bobbitt sold 5,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Monday, August 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.80, for a total transaction of $194,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 25,641 shares in the company, valued at approximately $994,870.80. This represents a 16.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 52,555 shares of company stock worth $2,087,714. 5.40% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hilltop Profile (Free Report)

Hilltop Holdings, Inc (NYSE: HTH) is a Dallas, Texas–based financial holding company offering commercial banking, mortgage lending and capital markets services through its three primary subsidiaries: PlainsCapital Corporation, PrimeLending and HilltopSecurities. PlainsCapital provides deposit, lending and treasury management solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, professionals and individuals. PrimeLending specializes in home purchase and refinance loans, serving retail, wholesale and correspondent channels.

Read More Five stocks we like better than Hilltop Dutch Bros Sell-Off Creates a Growth Opportunity NVIDIA’s MediaTek Bet Shows How It Plans to Defend Its AI Moat Is Abercrombie & Fitch’s Hot Streak Just Getting Started? Medtronic’s Stars Are Aligning for a Price Recovery Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HTH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hilltop Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HTH – Free Report).

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Key Takeaways GEHC's Photonova Spectra received CE Mark, expanding access across Europe and other CE markets.Deep Silicon enables ultra-high-definition imaging, spectral imaging and fast, wide-coverage scans.GEHC is collaborating with European institutions to evaluate Photonova Spectra across specialties. GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. (GEHC - Free Report) recently announced that its Photonova Spectra advanced photon-counting computed tomography (PCCT) system has received CE Mark, expanding access to the technology across Europe and other CE Mark-observing markets. The regulatory milestone follows FDA 510(k) clearance and Japanese regulatory approval in March 2026.

Powered by GEHC’s proprietary Deep Silicon detector technology, Photonova Spectra is designed to deliver ultra-high definition imaging, on-demand spectral and spatial imaging, and fast, wide-coverage acquisition to support disease detection, characterization and monitoring.

Per management, clinicians across Europe are seeking imaging solutions that can address growing demand while enhancing diagnostic confidence. Deep Silicon photon-counting CT combines high image clarity with the efficiency required for consistent clinical use. With the CE Mark for Photonova Spectra, GE HealthCare is expanding access to the technology among European care teams, combining Deep Silicon, ultra-high-definition imaging and wide detector coverage to support fast and comprehensive acquisitions.

GEHC Stock Trend Following the NewsGEHC stock has lost 1.1% since the announcement on Monday. Year to date, the stock has fallen 14.2% compared with the industry’s 17% decline. However, the S&P 500 has risen 10.8% in the same timeframe.

The CE Mark expands GEHC’s commercial opportunity in the growing photon-counting CT market and strengthens its premium imaging portfolio. The system’s regulatory progress across the United States, Japan, Europe and other CE Mark-recognizing markets demonstrates the company’s ability to advance innovative imaging technologies. Increasing commercial opportunities, supported by clinical collaborations and strong innovation capabilities, could contribute to revenue growth and strengthen GE HealthCare’s imaging business.

GEHC currently has a market capitalization of $32.17 billion.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

More on Photonova SpectraA major differentiator of Photonova Spectra is its proprietary Deep Silicon detector technology, which enables precise photon energy measurement and supports advanced spectral imaging. The system provides 80 mm detector coverage and a rapid 0.23-second rotation speed, enabling fast acquisitions while improving visualization of subtle tissue variations, small lesions and vascular structures. Its one-scan, full-fidelity approach allows spectral and spatial imaging to be accessed on demand without requiring exam-specific protocols.

Using NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platform and CUDA-optimized reconstruction, the system is engineered to manage data volumes up to 50 times greater than conventional CT while delivering timely images. Automated features, including Auto Positioning and the CT ONE operator environment, further aim to improve consistency and simplify CT workflows.

Its clinical potential spans multiple specialties, including neurology, oncology, musculoskeletal, thoracic imaging and cardiology. Applications include visualization of tiny anatomical structures, lesion characterization, iodine mapping, detection of small fractures, high-detail chest imaging, and assessment of coronary stents, plaque and myocardium.

GEHC is also collaborating with UZ Brussel – Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Rigshospitalet to evaluate Photonova Spectra across cardiology, oncology, neurology, spectral imaging and musculoskeletal imaging. These collaborations could generate clinical evidence and support research into quantitative imaging, tissue characterization and spectral biomarkers, broadening the system’s clinical applications.

Industry Prospects Favoring the MarketGoing by the data provided by Business Research Insights, the global photon counting CT market is valued at $0.5 billion in 2026 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 29.4% through 2035.

Factors like regulatory approvals, strategic collaborations, rising demand for advanced diagnostic imaging and competitive innovation are boosting the market’s growth.

Other NewsGE HealthCare recently announced three additions to its Vivid cardiovascular ultrasound portfolio — Vivid Explorer, Vivid Advanced and Vivid Focus — designed to support cardiac imaging and workflow needs across different care settings.

All three new systems use cSound, a software-based imaging architecture designed to enhance contrast, resolution and tissue visualization. AI-enabled tools, including AI Auto Measure 2D, Easy AutoEF, Easy AFI LV and AI Cardiac Auto Doppler, are designed to reduce manual steps and simplify cardiac measurements.

GEHC’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksCurrently, GEHC carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are Globus Medical (GMED - Free Report) , Veracyte (VCYT - Free Report) and West Pharmaceutical (WST - Free Report) .

Globus Medical, currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reported a second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.34, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 19.6%. Revenues of $789.6 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.4%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

GMED has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 12.4%. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 27.9%.

Veracyte, currently flaunting a Zacks Rank #1, reported a second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of 54 cents, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 25.6%. Revenues of $150.3 million beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.1%.

VCYT has an estimated earnings growth rate of 8.4% for 2026. The company’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 41.8%.

West Pharmaceutical, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted EPS of $2.37, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 13.9%. Revenues of $872.3 million surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.2%.

WST has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 16%. WST’s earnings surpassed estimates in the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 17.4%.