Hyperliquid just launched options trading on its PURR common stock on the Nasdaq Options Market.
Yet Another Milestone For Hyperliquid Across the bloc, one question resonates amongst traders, users and onlookers of the crypto space alike: how far can Hyperliquid actually go? The once-underdog now-leading perp DEX reaches for the stars as NewsBTC’s most recent piece recapping Hyperliquid latest achievements already needs updating. Hyperliquid’s treasury firm Hyperliquid Strategies Inc. (HSI) announced on Tuesday that it has rolled out options trading on its PURR common shares on the Nasdaq Options Market.
PURR live on Nasdaq today. The main goals of the launch, as stated by the company’s press release, are to enhance liquidity and price discovery for PURR, give both institutional and retail investors new tools to hedge, express directional views, and run more sophisticated equity‑options strategies around this proxy for the Hyperliquid ecosystem.
David Schamis, CEO of Hyperliquid Strategies Inc, frames this new venture as a “major milestone for the Company”. He believes there wasn’t a better timeline to launch options trading on PURR: from its record-breaking oil perps to fiat on-ramp adoption, HIP-3 markets hitting new all-time highs and even surpassing some major CEX’s derivatives volume, Hyperliquid sits in the spotlight of the crypto market recently.
“As Hyperliquid continues to dominate headlines with record-breaking oil perpetuals and surging Real-World Asset (RWA) adoption, we believe this is a great time to launch options trading on PURR. PURR options allow our investors to better manage risk and participate in the rapid growth of Hyperliquid’s high-performance ecosystem”
HSI’s business model centers on a digital asset treasury platform that builds exposure to HYPE, Hyperliquid’s native token, through staking, yield strategies, and active participation in the ecosystem, all with the goal of maximizing shareholder value.
Hyperliquid is straight-up DOMINATING the perpetuals game
Its 24-hour open interest just smashed nearly $7B, that’s almost 4x Aster’s.
Hyperliquid isn’t just leading… it’s leaving everyone else in the dust https://t.co/wkej3l47Yt pic.twitter.com/SZbqDhkdvo
— Hyperliquid Daily (@HYPERDailyTK) March 25, 2026
What PURR Option Traders Should Look For PURR effectively gives traditional market participants listed‑equity exposure to HYPE and the Hyperliquid ecosystem without touching on‑chain infrastructure directly, which is why options on PURR are being pitched as “capital‑efficient exposure” to HYPE. Moreso, equity options can amplify flows around a crypto‑linked treasury stock through more hedging demand from HSI shareholders, potential volatility sellers and buyers that care more about HYPE fundamentals than about PURR as a standalone name, and the possibility of options‑driven feedback loops in the underlying.
For traders, the key dials to watch now are options volume and open interest in PURR as a tell on institutional positioning, implied volatility as a snapshot of how confident the market really is in Hyperliquid’s growth story, and any spike in correlation between PURR, HYPE, and on‑chain activity on the Hyperliquid DEX, which can flag when equity, token, and protocol flows are all starting to move in the same direction
HYPE's price is on a growing trend, trading for $41 on the daily chart. Source: HYPEUSDT on Tradingview Cover image from Perplexity, HYPEUSDT chart from Tradingview
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:211mo ago
Middle East Conflict Weighs On Core Laboratories' Q1 Outlook
Key Takeaways Core Laboratories cut Q1 2026 guidance due to the Middle East conflict disrupting operations and demand.CLB faces project delays, supply chain issues and restricted mobility, impacting execution timelines.Reservoir Description is hit hardest, while Production Enhancement sees delays but remains resilient. Core Laboratories Inc. (CLB - Free Report) has warned that escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are set to weigh on its first-quarter 2026 financial performance. The company is actively assessing the evolving situation while working closely with clients and local teams to manage operational challenges. Despite mitigation efforts, the rapidly shifting environment has created significant uncertainties, prompting a downward revision of its earlier guidance issued in February 2026.
Core Laboratories’ global footprint has always kept it exposed to geopolitical conflicts, sanctions and trade disruptions that directly impact the demand for its crude assay and laboratory services. During the fourth quarter 2025 earnings call, management acknowledged that sanctions and geopolitical tensions had materially affected its Reservoir Description demand during the whole of 2025 and will remain an ongoing risk in times to come. These factors can lead to project delays and logistics disruption, and also create earnings volatility, limiting the company’s near-term visibility despite otherwise strong long-term fundamentals.
Operational Disruptions Impact CLB’s PerformanceThe conflict has triggered widespread disruptions across the region, directly affecting Core Laboratories’ operations. Key challenges include client-driven project delays, travel restrictions limiting workforce mobility and supply chain disruptions affecting equipment and materials.
Additionally, damage to oil refining infrastructure and storage facilities has reduced regional capacity, forcing some operators to limit or shut in production. This has created a ripple effect across the energy value chain.
Strait of Hormuz Bottlenecks Add PressureLogistical constraints have intensified, particularly in crude oil and refined product transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. These bottlenecks have slowed project execution timelines and complicated coordination efforts.
Such disruptions have made it increasingly difficult for Core Laboratories to maintain smooth operational workflows, especially in projects that rely on the timely movement of samples and equipment.
CLB’s Segment-Wise Impact VariesThe impact of the crisis has not been uniform across Core Laboratories’ business segments.
Reservoir Description Faces Major Challenges: This segment has been the hardest hit due to its reliance on field access, laboratory operations and sample transportation. Disruptions in these areas have significantly hindered its ability to deliver client studies and testing services.
Production Enhancement Shows Relative Resilience: While less affected overall, this segment has still faced delays, particularly in the shipment of energetics products. Some deliveries to certain parts of the region have been temporarily suspended.
CLB’s Revised Q1 2026 GuidanceReflecting these challenges, Core Laboratories has revised its first-quarter 2026 outlook. Total revenues have been brought down to a range between $119 million and $123 million from the earlier expected $124-$130 million. Operating income (ex-items) is now expected to range between $5.7 million and $7.1 million, brought down from the earlier expected $9.7 million to $12.2 million range. Also, earnings per share (ex-items) are now expected to range between 5 and 7 cents, brought down from the earlier expected 11-15 cents.
These figures represent a clear downgrade from earlier expectations, highlighting the material impact of geopolitical instability.
Uncertainty Remains HighAmid the turmoil, Core Laboratories has emphasized that employee safety remains its top priority. The company continues to adapt its operations, working to minimize disruptions while maintaining service quality.
Looking ahead, Core Laboratories plans to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and provide updates as conditions evolve. While mitigation strategies are in place, ongoing instability suggests that near-term visibility will remain limited.
The situation underscores how geopolitical risks can quickly translate into operational and financial challenges for energy service providers operating in sensitive regions.
CLB’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksHouston, Texas-based Core Laboratories is an oilfield services company operating in more than 50 countries. The firm deals with providing reservoir management and production enhancement services to the oil and gas companies. Currently, CLB carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Investors interested in the energy sector may consider some better-ranked stocks like Drilling Tools International Corporation (DTI - Free Report) , TechnipFMC plc (FTI - Free Report) and USA Compression Partners, LP (USAC - Free Report) . While Drilling Tools International and TechnipFMC sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each at present, USA Compression carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Drilling Tools International is a global oilfield services provider focused on supplying downhole tools used in horizontal and directional drilling. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DTI’s 2026 earnings indicates 90% year-over-year growth.
Newcastle & Houston-based TechnipFMC is a leading manufacturer and supplier of products, services and fully integrated technology solutions for the energy industry. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FTI’s 2026 earnings indicates 18% year-over-year growth.
USA Compression Partners is one of the largest independent natural gas compression service providers in the United States, measured by fleet horsepower. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for USAC’s 2026 earnings indicates 30.7% year-over-year growth.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:211mo ago
Quanta vs. MasTec: Which Infrastructure Stock Is the Better Buy?
Key Takeaways Quanta delivered 20% revenue growth in 2025, with a record backlog of about $44B.MasTec posted 16% revenue growth and expects around 19% growth in 2026 with rising backlog.MTZ trades at a lower P/E than Quanta, with a stronger EPS growth outlook and momentum. The U.S. infrastructure space is entering a multi-year expansion cycle, driven by grid modernization, renewable energy investments, data center buildouts and rising electrification demand. Against this backdrop, Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR - Free Report) and MasTec, Inc. (MTZ - Free Report) stand out as two of the most prominent engineering and construction players, both benefiting from strong project pipelines and growing backlog visibility.
Quanta is a leading provider of electric power and utility infrastructure solutions, with a strong focus on transmission, distribution and large-scale energy projects. MasTec, meanwhile, operates across a broader mix of end markets, including communications, pipeline infrastructure, clean energy and power delivery. While both companies are exposed to similar secular tailwinds, their execution strategies, segment mix and growth trajectories differ meaningfully.
The comparison becomes timely for investors looking to position within the infrastructure theme. Let’s dive deep and closely compare the fundamentals of the two stocks to determine which one is a better investment now.
The Case for Quanta StockQuanta continues to position itself at the center of the energy transition and grid modernization cycle. The company delivered another strong year in 2025, with revenues reaching $28.5 billion, up 20% year over year, alongside record adjusted EBITDA and earnings per share. These results highlight Quanta’s consistent execution and ability to compound growth over time.
A key strength lies in its diversified, solutions-based model and deep integration across the value chain. The company has built a strong “total solutions” platform that combines engineering, procurement and construction with self-perform capabilities. This allows Quanta to execute large, complex projects with greater certainty, a critical advantage in an environment where customers prioritize reliability and timelines.
Demand visibility remains a major tailwind. Quanta ended 2025 with a record backlog of about $44 billion, reflecting strong customer demand across electric infrastructure and underground utility segments. Management expects this momentum to continue into 2026, supported by accelerating electricity demand, data center expansion and renewable integration.
The company is also investing in vertical integration, particularly in transformer manufacturing and supply-chain capabilities, which could enhance margins and reduce project execution risks over time. Strategic acquisitions completed in 2025 expanded Quanta’s capabilities in high-growth areas such as data centers, semiconductor infrastructure and utility transmission.
Quanta’s 2026 outlook remains robust. The company expects revenues between $33.25 billion and $33.75 billion and adjusted EPS in the range of $12.65-$13.35, implying continued double-digit growth. This guidance reflects strong backlog conversion and sustained infrastructure spending.
However, Quanta is not without challenges. Its large exposure to utility and energy infrastructure makes it sensitive to regulatory approvals, permitting delays and project timing issues. Elevated valuation levels and execution risks on large-scale projects could limit near-term upside.
The Case for MasTec StockMasTec offers a more diversified infrastructure exposure, spanning communications, pipeline infrastructure, clean energy and power delivery. This multi-segment model allows the company to capture growth across several end markets, reducing reliance on any single vertical.
The company delivered strong financial performance in 2025, with full-year revenues reaching $14.3 billion, up 16% year over year, and adjusted EPS rising sharply. Growth was broad-based, with contributions from communications, pipeline and power delivery segments, highlighting the strength of its diversified portfolio.
One of MasTec’s most compelling strengths is its accelerating growth profile. The company expects approximately 19% revenue growth and 26% adjusted EBITDA growth in 2026, driven by strong demand across energy, communications and infrastructure markets. This reflects a favorable project mix and improving operating leverage.
Backlog visibility is also improving significantly. MasTec ended 2025 with a record 18-month backlog of $19 billion, up 33% year over year, indicating strong demand across all business segments. Backlog growth has been particularly strong in pipeline infrastructure and clean energy, which are expected to drive future earnings.
MasTec is also expanding into newer growth areas such as data center construction and water infrastructure through acquisitions. Management highlighted nearly $1 billion of data center-related work in backlog, signaling increasing exposure to one of the fastest-growing infrastructure segments.
Despite these positives, MasTec faces some challenges. Margin variability across segments, especially in pipeline infrastructure, can create earnings volatility. The company is also more exposed to commodity cycles and project mix fluctuations compared to Quanta, which could impact profitability in certain periods.
Six-Month Stock Performance Review: PWR vs. MTZBoth stocks have delivered strong momentum, significantly outperforming broader markets.
Quanta shares have gained 42.6% over the past six months, while MasTec has rallied even more sharply, up 55% during the same period. In comparison, the broader Zacks Construction sector declined 1%, and the S&P 500 remained largely flat.
MasTec’s stronger recent rally reflects improving sentiment around its growth acceleration and backlog expansion. However, Quanta’s performance underscores steady investor confidence in its long-term infrastructure positioning.
PWR & MTZ Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
PWR or MTZ: Which Stock Looks More Expensive?Valuation remains a key differentiator between the two stocks.
Quanta currently trades at a forward 12-month P/E multiple of 43.2, reflecting a premium valuation supported by its consistent execution, strong backlog and high-quality earnings profile. This premium also captures its leadership in electric infrastructure and positioning in long-duration projects.
MasTec, in contrast, trades at a lower forward P/E of 35.21X. This relative discount suggests that investors may be pricing in higher execution risk or earnings variability. However, it offers a more attractive entry point, particularly given the company’s stronger near-term growth outlook.
PWR vs. MTZ Valuation
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
How Are Earnings Expectations Shifting for PWR & MTZ?Both companies have seen positive estimate revisions, indicating improved earnings visibility. For Quanta, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 EPS has increased to $12.84 from $12.44 over the past 60 days, implying 19.4% growth. Revenues are expected to rise 16.9%, suggesting steady backlog conversion and continued infrastructure demand.
PWR EPS Estimate
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MasTec has witnessed even stronger upward revisions. The 2026 EPS estimate has increased to $8.61 from $8.25, implying robust 31.5% growth. Revenues are expected to grow 19.2%, supported by strong segment momentum and backlog expansion.
The sharper earnings growth outlook gives MasTec a clear edge in near-term earnings momentum.
MTZ EPS Estimate
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Final Verdict: Which Stock Is the Better Buy?Both Quanta and MasTec are well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing infrastructure investment cycle, supported by a strong backlog, favorable demand trends and solid execution.
Quanta stands out for its consistency, execution certainty and leadership in electric infrastructure. Its integrated solutions model, strong backlog and disciplined capital deployment make it a high-quality long-term compounder. However, its premium valuation may limit upside in the near term.
MasTec, on the other hand, offers stronger near-term growth, supported by its accelerating backlog, expanding end-market exposure and improving earnings momentum. Its lower valuation relative to Quanta further enhances its appeal from a risk-reward perspective.
Given these factors, MasTec appears to hold slightly better upside potential at current levels, driven by higher earnings growth and more attractive valuation. However, Quanta remains a more stable, lower-risk choice for investors seeking consistent long-term exposure to infrastructure growth.
With both stocks carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the choice ultimately depends on investor preference — growth-oriented investors may lean toward MasTec, while those prioritizing stability and execution may prefer Quanta. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:211mo ago
Shell-Equinor JV Secures $3B Lending Support for North Sea Operations
Key Takeaways Adura secured a $3B RBL facility, marking its first syndicated financing since its December 2025 formation.The Shell-Equinor JV drew 18 global banks, reflecting strong confidence in its asset base and strategy.Adura combines 12 fields to boost UK energy supply, efficiency and long-term offshore production stability. Shell plc (SHEL - Free Report) and Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) have taken a decisive step toward reshaping the United Kingdom’s offshore energy sector through their joint venture, Adura Energy, which has successfully secured a $3 billion reserve-based lending (“RBL”) facility. This landmark financing arrangement not only underscores the strength of the partnership but also signals a renewed commitment to long-term energy security, operational efficiency and sustainable growth in the U.K. North Sea.
The newly established facility, structured as a seven-year senior-secured loan, marks Adura Energy’s first syndicated bank financing since its formation in December 2025. The deal stands as a powerful validation of the venture’s strategic direction and asset quality, attracting overwhelming interest from the global financial community.
Strategic Financial Milestone Backed by Global Banking ConfidenceThe $3 billion RBL facility was heavily oversubscribed, drawing participation from a syndicate of 18 leading international banks. Notably, all participating institutions represent new banking relationships, highlighting the strong market confidence in Adura Energy’s future, according to the news.
The financing was structured and coordinated by major financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank, DNB, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Natixis CIB and Wells Fargo, each playing a pivotal role in delivering a robust and flexible funding framework.
This level of participation reflects more than just liquidity availability — it demonstrates a collective belief in Adura’s asset portfolio strength, operational capabilities and long-term value creation potential. The facility provides the company with the financial resilience required to navigate market volatility while executing its ambitious growth strategy.
Adura Energy: A Transformational Joint Venture in the U.K. North SeaFormed through the combination of Shell U.K. Limited and Equinor UK Limited’s offshore oil and gas operations, Adura Energy represents a 50/50 joint venture designed to unlock synergies and scale efficiencies. The collaboration has resulted in what is now considered the largest independent producer in the U.K. North Sea.
Headquartered in Aberdeen, Adura Energy is strategically positioned at the heart of the United Kingdom’s offshore energy ecosystem. The organization is staffed by experienced professionals from both parent companies, ensuring a blend of technical expertise, operational excellence and strategic insight.
The venture consolidates interests in 12 producing fields along with key development projects, forming a diversified and high-value asset base that is critical to the United Kingdom’s energy supply.
Core Assets Driving Production and Long-Term ValueAdura Energy’s portfolio includes some of the most significant and productive assets in the region, such as Mariner, Rosebank, Buzzard and Clair. These fields are central to maintaining stable hydrocarbon output while supporting future development opportunities.
The integration of these assets enables Adura Energy to optimize production, reduce costs and enhance recovery rates through coordinated operations. By leveraging shared infrastructure and unified management, the company aims to achieve greater capital efficiency and improved operational performance.
In addition to producing assets, Adura Energy holds exploration licenses that provide a pipeline of future opportunities. This forward-looking approach ensures that the company remains positioned for sustained growth and resource expansion in a competitive energy landscape.
Enhancing Energy Security and Reliability in the United KingdomOne of the primary objectives of Adura Energy is to contribute to a secure and reliable energy supply within the United Kingdom. As domestic production becomes increasingly vital, the venture plays a critical role in reducing import dependency and stabilizing energy markets.
The newly secured RBL facility strengthens Adura Energy’s ability to maintain consistent production levels, invest in infrastructure and respond to demand fluctuations. This financial backing ensures that the company can continue to deliver energy efficiently while adapting to evolving market conditions.
Neil McCulloch, CEO of Adura Energy, emphasized the importance of the milestone, noting that the financing provides the financial strength and flexibility necessary to execute its strategic vision. His statement reinforces the company’s commitment to both operational excellence and national energy priorities.
Strategic Asset Retention by Shell and EquinorWhile Adura Energy encompasses a substantial portion of the U.K. offshore portfolio, both parent companies have retained select assets outside the joint venture to maintain strategic balance.
Equinor continues to hold its cross-border fields, renewable energy projects and low-carbon initiatives, aligning with the broader transition strategy toward sustainable energy solutions. This allows Equinor to maintain a diversified portfolio that spans both traditional and renewable energy sectors.
Shell, on the other hand, retains the key onshore gas infrastructure and Southern North Sea interests, ensuring continued control over critical assets that support its integrated energy operations.
This deliberate asset allocation reflects a dual strategy — maximizing value from traditional hydrocarbon resources while advancing toward energy transition goals.
Positioning for Growth and Energy TransitionAdura Energy is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between conventional energy production and future energy systems. By focusing on cost competitiveness, operational efficiency and asset optimization, the company is laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
The RBL facility not only supports current operations but also provides the flexibility to invest in emerging technologies, improve environmental performance and explore new energy opportunities. This aligns with broader industry trends that emphasize responsible resource management and gradual decarbonization.
As the United Kingdom continues to balance energy security with climate objectives, Adura Energy stands as a critical player capable of delivering a reliable supply and strategic adaptability.
Turning Point for the UK’s Offshore Energy SectorThe successful execution of this $3 billion financing deal marks a defining moment for Adura Energy and the wider U.K. North Sea industry. It highlights the enduring relevance of offshore resources while demonstrating how strategic collaboration can unlock new value. Through the combined strengths of Shell and Equinor, Adura Energy is set to redefine operational standards, enhance financial resilience and contribute meaningfully to the United Kingdom’s energy future. With a strong foundation, a diversified asset base and unwavering financial backing, Adura Energy is poised to become a cornerstone of the region’s energy infrastructure for years to come.
SHEL's Zacks Rank & Key PicksCurrently, SHEL and EQNR have a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) each.
Investors interested in the energy sector might consider better-ranked stocks such as TechnipFMC (FTI - Free Report) and Eni (E - Free Report) , both of which sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
TechnipFMC is valued at $27.31 billion. It is a global energy technology company that provides subsea, surface, and offshore and onshore project solutions to the oil and gas industry. TechnipFMC specializes in integrated engineering, procurement, construction and installation services for complex energy developments.
Eni is valued at $90.15 billion. It is an Italian multinational energy company headquartered in Rome. Eni operates across the entire energy value chain, including oil and gas exploration, production, refining, marketing and growing renewable energy businesses worldwide.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:211mo ago
GNRC Stock Surges 51% in 3 Months: Is There Further Upside Left?
Key Takeaways GNRC stock jumped 50.7% in three months, driven by data center demand and 2026 recovery expectations.GNRC's C&I segment gains from data center growth, with backlog hitting $400M and sales set to rise strongly.GNRC faces risks from residential demand volatility, margin pressure and exposure to data center cycles. Generac Holdings Inc. (GNRC - Free Report) has staged an impressive rally, with the stock having risen 50.9% in the past three months, outpacing the Machinery General Industrial and the broader Industrial Products market rise of 0.2% and 4.7%, respectively. The S&P 500 composite has declined 5.1% over the same time frame.
Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The stock price appreciation reflects improving visibility in key growth areas, particularly data centers, alongside expectations of a residential recovery in 2026.
The stock was up 3.7% yesterday and closed the session at $209.21 while its 52-week high and low are pinned at $241.09 and $99.50, respectively.
This run-up raises a critical question: Does this signal a time to lock in profits, or is the stock poised for further ascent, warranting a continued investment?
Let us do a deep dive into the company's fundamentals, market drivers and valuation to determine if it is the right time to buy, sell or hold GNRC stock.
GNRC’s Rally Buoyed by Multiple TailwindsGenerac's impressive performance has been fueled by a combination of strong demand trends and operational execution.
Improving C&I segment sales is emerging as a key catalyst. Fourth-quarter 2025 C&I revenues totaled $400 million, up 10% year over year, driven mainly by shipments of large megawatt generators to data centers. International sales rose 12% in the fourth quarter.
Management expects its entry in the data-center vertical to be a strong business opportunity in the long term for the C&I segment amid accelerating investment in data centers and the proliferation of AI. The company considers 2026 as an inflection point for its business in this end market and expects that increasing supplies to key hyperscalers should drive the backlog over the next few quarters. Generac’s data center backlog has reached $400 million, with the majority expected to ship in 2026. This materially improves near-term revenue visibility. Generac expects a doubling of C&I product sales in the coming years.
To capitalize on the demand trends, Generac is focused on capacity expansion for large megawatt generators. It has purchased an additional manufacturing facility in Wisconsin in the fourth quarter, while continuing with investments in the existing facilities. Domestic megawatt generator capacity for large megawatt generators is expected to exceed $1 billion by the end of 2026. The company also acquired Enercon Engineering, Inc., to enhance its C&I manufacturing capacity.
The company recently introduced its latest industrial-grade diesel generators - the SD1250 and SD1500. With increasing reliance on digital infrastructure, healthcare systems and heavy industrial operations, power outages can lead to substantial financial losses, operational disruptions and even safety risks.
Generac’s SD1250 and SD1500 generators are strategically designed to address these challenges. By targeting applications such as data centers, healthcare facilities, water and wastewater utilities and heavy commercial and industrial operations, the company is positioning these generators as dependable backbone systems for critical infrastructure.
Driven by data center momentum and the Allmand acquisition, C&I product sales are anticipated to increase 30%. Continued C&I momentum, along with expected capacity expansions, supports a multi-year revenue growth.
Recovery in the Residential Products segment bodes well. While revenues slid 23% in the fourth quarter, due to low outage levels and tough comps, management expects mid-teens growth in home standby generator sales in 2026, driven by normal outage levels for the second half of the year and price realization.
Strength in residential energy technology products is another catalyst. ecobee net sales grew at a mid-teens rate in 2025 and achieved positive EBITDA contribution. Connected home count grew to nearly 5 million residences in the fourth quarter, with increased energy services and subscription sales. With the integration of PWRcell 2, PowerMicro microinverter and next-gen standby generators with ecobee, Generac aims to create a differentiated residential energy ecosystem.
Assuming a return to power outage activity in line with the longer-term baseline and subsequent higher home standby generator price realization and higher shipments, Residential product sales are expected to increase 10% for 2026. Overall, management expects revenues to grow in the mid-teens percent range compared with the sales decline of 2% registered in 2025.
Can GNRC Navigate the Headwinds?Heavy reliance on the Residential business segment is a concern. In the fourth quarter, net sales were $1.09 billion, down 12% year over year. Weaker demand for home standby and portable generators amid a softer outage environment offset increases in sales to data center customers and higher shipments of residential energy technology products. This highlights the company’s continued exposure to weather-driven volatility.
Further, data center market expansion brings its own set of concerns. With increasing reliance on this end market, Generac is exposed to cyclical capital spending cycles in AI and data centers. Any delays in manufacturing capacity expansion can also weigh on growth targets.
Also, Residential energy growth in 2025 was largely driven by Puerto Rico’s energy grant-related program. However, with the completion of the program, Generac expects energy storage systems’ shipments to decline in 2026. The company is also looking to “recalibrate” its investments and expects the solar and storage market to contract in 2026 due to reduced U.S. federal incentives.
Also, margins are not without pressure. In the fourth quarter, gross margins came in at 36.3% from 40.6% in the prior-year quarter. The performance was impacted by an unfavorable sales mix and a certain inventory provision in the current quarter. Higher price realization mostly offset increased input costs and lower manufacturing absorption. For 2026, management expects gross margins to remain relatively flat in the 38-39% range, as pricing actions are offset by cost inflation and unfavorable mix.
Intense competition as well as heavy debt remain concerning. As of Dec. 31, 2025, Generac had $341.4 million of cash and cash equivalents, with nearly $1.26 billion of long-term borrowings and finance-lease obligations.
GNRC’s Valuation & Estimate RevisionGenerac’s forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 23.91X is higher than the industry average of 21.93X observed in the past year.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Bottom Line: Stay InvestedWith both catalysts and headwinds balanced, the stock offers limited upside in the near term. We believe new investors should wait for a better entry point and existing investors should retain GNRC stock, which currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Stocks to ConsiderStocks worth consideration within the same space are Flowserve Corporation (FLS - Free Report) , RBC Bearings Incorporated (RBC - Free Report) and Trimble Inc. (TRMB - Free Report) . While FLS flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), RBC and TRMB carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FLS’ 2026 EPS is pegged at $4.11, unchanged over the past seven days. Flowserve’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 17.3%. Its shares have gained 46.8% in the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RBC’s fiscal 2026 earnings is pinned at $12.42 per share, unchanged in the past seven days. RBC’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 5.3%. Its shares have gained 66.2% in the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TRMB’s 2026 EPS is pegged at $3.53, unchanged in the past seven days. Trimble’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 8.19%. Its shares have declined 5.1% in the past year.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:211mo ago
Digital Realty Enters Milan, Expands Southern Europe Platform
Key Takeaways Digital Realty enters Milan with new campus, boosting its presence in Southern Europe's digital hub network.New 8 MW facility by 2028, with plans to expand up to 84 MW for AI and cloud demand growth.Expansion builds on moves into Lisbon and Sofia, strengthening European connectivity footprint. Digital Realty (DLR - Free Report) recently announced its entry in Milan, solidifying its digital infrastructure across the Mediterranean and Southern Europe. The move strengthens its leadership in one of Europe’s most economically powerful and digitally dynamic regions, connecting key hubs in Athens, Marseille and Sofia, with new sites under construction in Barcelona, Crete and other key markets.
Acquiring two land parcels in Abbiategrasso, southwest of Milan's city center and just one kilometer apart, DLR will develop the new campus at the southwest subsea traffic corridor connecting Milan to Genoa and Savona. Located in proximity to two existing hyperscale regions, the new facility will provide for long-term capacity enhancement for digital services in Northern Italy and beyond.
The company plans to deliver an 8-megawatt (MW) facility with a focus on retail colocation and interconnection requirements at first, anticipated to be ready in 2028. A further expansion of up to 84 MW of capacity is planned on the larger plot to cater to the ongoing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud and other enterprise deployments.
Digital Realty aims to provide the much-needed infrastructure to support Milan’s growth as a digital hub, fostering new content, interconnection and cloud communities while ensuring long-term capacity for AI and hyperscale deployments. Its Milan expansion goes alongside its presence in Rome. The company is building its first facility in this metro, ROM1, expected to be operational in early 2027.
Digital Realty’s Expansionary EffortsDigital Realty has been rapidly making strides in boosting its data center infrastructure to capitalize on the ever-expanding AI frenzy. In early March 2026, it entered Portugal with the acquisition of a data center in Lisbon, expected to support up to 2.4 MW of IT load and likely to be ready for service in early 2027. By establishing a presence in Lisbon, the company gains access to an important connectivity gateway linking Europe with the Americas and Africa.
Further strengthening its European footprint, Digital Realty expanded into Bulgaria through the acquisition of Telepoint, a highly connected interconnection hub in Sofia. The deal adds two data centers to its portfolio and strengthens its presence in Southeast Europe.
Wrapping Up on Digital RealtyThese strategic investments and market entries underscore Digital Realty’s focus on scaling its platform and strengthening its presence in key global connectivity hubs. Such initiatives are likely to position the company well to capture the rising demand for digital infrastructure in the coming years.
Over the past month, shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have rallied 12.8% compared with the industry's gain of 0.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks from the broader REIT sector are Chatham Lodging Trust REIT (CLDT - Free Report) , sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Terreno Realty (TRNO - Free Report) , carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CLDT’s 2026 FFO per share is pegged at $1.20, which indicates year-over-year growth of 17.7%.
The consensus estimate for TRNO’s full-year FFO per share is pinned at $2.79, which calls for a marginal increase from the year-ago period.
Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represents funds from operations (FFO) — a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:211mo ago
Can High-NA EUV Adoption Accelerate ASML's Long-Term Revenue Growth?
Key Takeaways ASML's High-NA EUV is in early adoption, with Intel accepting its EXE:5200 for volume manufacturing. ASML sees advanced-node and AI demand supporting EUV bookings, backlog, and future tool demand.High-NA remains early-stage, but broader EUV demand is key to ASML's long-term revenue growth. ASML Holdings’ (ASML - Free Report) High-NA EUV is starting to move from development to early adoption. The company has shipped its first High-NA systems, and Intel has accepted its EXE:5200 tool for high-volume manufacturing. Other customers are still in testing and qualification stages. Management stated that key performance metrics, such as imaging and overlay, are meeting expectations. This suggests that the technology is ready, which reduces some execution risk as adoption scales.
ASML's customers are moving from 4 nanometers (nm) to 3nm, and some are also ramping 2nm. The transition to advanced nodes requires more EUV layers and higher precision and is driving the demand for ASML's High-NA EUV tools. At the same time, AI demand is driving capacity expansion in logic and memory. ASML noted that its customers have become more confident about long-term AI demand and are increasing investment plans. This supports demand for advanced lithography tools, including High-NA EUV tools, over time.
From a financial standpoint, EUV remains the main growth driver. Bookings at the end of the fourth quarter were €13.2 billion, out of which €7.4 billion was from EUV. In 2025, ASML's backlog stood at €38.8 billion, which included €25.5 billion in EUV. In 2026, ASML expects revenues to be in the range of €34-€39 billion. Here, the company's EUV business is expected to grow significantly on a year-over-year basis.
The above-mentioned factors show that High-NA EUV is important for ASML’s long-term revenue growth, especially as the company targets €44-€60 billion in revenues by 2030. For now, High-NA EUV adoption is still in the early stages, where the company long-term growth depends on broader EUV demand rather than High-NA alone. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASML's 2026 and 2027 revenues indicates year-over-year growth of 18.9% and 18.2%, respectively.
How Competitors Fare Against ASMLASML competes with companies like Applied Materials (AMAT - Free Report) and Lam Research (LRCX - Free Report) in the wafer fabrication equipment space.
Applied Materials recently expanded its partnership with Micron to build better memory chips for AI. Here, the goal is to develop next-generation DRAM, high-bandwidth memory and NAND solutions to increase speed and performance while reducing power use. The work will be done at AMAT’s EPIC Center in Silicon Valley and Micron’s R&D center in Boise, ID. Teams from both companies will work together to speed up development and move ideas into production faster.
Lam Research and IBM have signed a five-year agreement to work on chip technology below 1 nanometer. Under this agreement, LRCX and IBM will focus on developing new materials, new manufacturing processes, and High-NA EUV lithography to support future logic chips. Both companies will focus on solving the next set of challenges needed for High NA EUV and sub-1nm chips.
ASML’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of ASML have surged 47% in the past six months compared with the Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s decline of 1.7%.
ASML 6-Month Performance Chart
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, ASML trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 12.01X, higher than the sector’s average of 5.91X.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ASML’s 2026 and 2027 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 21.7% and 22.5%, respectively. The consensus estimate for fiscal 2026 and 2027 has been revised upward in the past 30 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
ASML currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:241mo ago
BBHY: Simple High-Yield Corporate Bond ETF, Good Performance, Improved Credit Spreads
SummaryJPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corp Bd ETF is a simple, cheap, effective high-yield bond index ETF, with a 7.4% yield, and a solid track-record.Credit spreads have recently widened due to geopolitical events, increasing the risk-return profile of these investments, including that of BBHY.BBHY is a solid fund, and it seems like a good time to buy.This idea was discussed in more depth with members of my private investing community, CEF/ETF Income Laboratory. Learn More » tumsasedgars/iStock via Getty Images
The JPMorgan BetaBuilders USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (BBHY) is a simple high-yield corporate bond index ETF. BBHY's strong 7.4% dividend yield, good performance track-record, and a recent increase in credit spreads, make the fund a buy. (For reference, our last article on it was
11.47K Followers
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NBIS, NVDA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:251mo ago
Apollo Stock Is Down 22% This Year as Private Credit Cracks Show
Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO) is sitting on $938 billion in assets under management after a record year, yet shares have fallen 22.06% year to date, and Reddit’s r/investing community has turned decisively negative. The sentiment score has dropped from 38 on March 14 to 22 by March 25, indicating a firm bearish tone, driven by one alarming story: Apollo’s private credit fund honored fewer than half of investor withdrawal requests.
The trigger was a post by r/investing user DustInside6861, which accumulated 710 upvotes and 128 comments within days. The post described how Apollo’s $25 billion private credit fund received withdrawal requests totaling 11.2% this quarter and honored only 5%, capped at 5%. The framing was blunt: “This is now happening simultaneously across the entire $1.8 trillion private credit industry. The structural problem is simple: these funds hold illiquid corporate loans that can’t be quickly sold, so when everyone wants out at once, the math doesn’t work.”
Apollo Just Gave Investors Only 45% of Requested Withdrawals. BlackRock, Morgan Stanley, and Blue Owl Are Doing the Same Thing.
by u/DustInside6861 in r/investing Withdrawal Restrictions Hit Apollo’s Retail Strategy at the Worst Time Apollo’s bull case has rested on bringing private credit to retail and wealth-channel investors. A second r/investing post summarizing a Wall Street Journal investigation captured the damage: “Retail capital is going to be a lot more cautious. In the short-term, there is not going to be one financial adviser allocating money to them,” according to newsletter author Leyla Kunimoto. Apollo’s Global Wealth channel had just posted a record $18 billion in annual inflows, making that warning sting harder.
Three compounding pressures define the bearish case:
Net spread compression has reached 17 basis points year over year, pushing Apollo’s net spread to 1.20%, while the cost of funds surged 30.9% in Q4 alone, squeezing the yield engine powering Athene’s retirement business. With 86.7% revenue growth in Q4 2025, net income rose 11.3% to $1.54 billion year over year in the same quarter, signaling real profitability The withdrawal cap has exposed the structural liquidity mismatch inside semi-liquid private credit funds, with Rubric Capital’s David Rosen warning investors to exit the asset class entirely, calling Cliffwater’s fund “the canary in the coal mine.” Strong Results With a Catch The business delivered genuinely strong results, as full-year 2025 revenue reached $32 billion, up 22.73%, and CEO Marc Rowan declared “record origination activity exceeding $300 billion and inflows of more than $225 billion.” Q4 adjusted EPS came in at $2.47, well above the $2.04 consensus. Apollo raised its 2026 dividend by 10% to $2.25 per share and authorized a new $4 billion share repurchase program.
Wall Street analyst views remain constructive as 15 analysts rate APO a Buy or Strong Buy against just 5 Holds and zero Sells, with a consensus price target near $154. As of March 25, 2026, shares are trading around $109.92, well below the 52-week high of $157.
Private Credit’s Liquidity Stress Test Is Just Beginning Blue Owl is down more than 41% this year, and Blackstone’s credit fund saw net withdrawals for the first time. Apollo’s scale makes it the most visible name in this industry-wide liquidity test. Whether withdrawal pressure accelerates into Q2 2026 or stabilizes will determine whether the retail wealth channel Apollo spent years building becomes an asset or a liability.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:251mo ago
Sims Limited (SMSMY) Analyst/Investor Day Transcript
Sims Limited (SMSMY) Analyst/Investor Day March 24, 2026 9:00 AM EDT
Company Participants
Stephen Mikkelsen - Group CEO, Director & MD
Robert Thompson - President of North America Metals
Chris Cicconi
Ryan Smith
Mark Sweetman - Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Secretary
Conference Call Participants
Lee Power - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Tyler Adams
Conversation
Stephen Mikkelsen
Group CEO, Director & MD
Well, good morning, everyone, and welcome to Houston. Today, it's going to be a challenging day. The wait times at the airport are 4.5 hours. So we've done a slight alteration to today's schedule. Pretty much a lot of it as we present. So 8:00, we'll go through the NAM business. We're allowing around about 40 minutes for the presentation, 20 minutes of Q&A. 9:00, we'll move over to the SAR business, again, same sort of broad format. It says there we're going to leave on the bus at 10:30. Let's make sure we're on the bus at 10.00 to be frank, because even at that point, I think we still got a reasonable chance of missing our flight. Fortunately, there is another couple of flights after hours.
So I'm going to first take a quick introduction on NAM and then hand over to Rob. I think we need to address this question right upfront. I'm sure it's on everybody's mind. What has been the impact of the Middle East on our operations. Well, to date, that impact has been very limited. We've had some increase, obviously, in oil, and with the increase in oil, we've had an increase in freight costs. So let's go through -- I really just wanted to concentrate on the top line because I'm sure you can read this slide. What is the current impact on Sims. So very limited disruption to bulk ferrous volumes. We don't send bulk ferrous through all the various choke points in that part of
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:251mo ago
Reed's, Inc. (REED) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Good morning, and welcome to Reed's Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call for the 3 and 12 months ended December 31, 2025.
My name is Joelle, and I will be your conference call operator for today. We will have prepared remarks from Neal Cohane, Reed's Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer; and Doug McCurdy, Reed's Chief Financial Officer. Following their remarks, we will take your questions.
Before we begin, please take note of the company's cautionary statements. Today's call will include forward-looking statements, including statements about Reed's business plans. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties and only reflect management's view as of today, March 25, 2026, and the company is under no obligation to update them. When discussing results, the presenters may refer to non-GAAP measures, which exclude certain items from reported results.
Please refer to Reed's fourth quarter and full year 2025 earnings release on Reed's investor website at investor.reedsinc.com and its annual report on Form 10-K for the 2025 fiscal year for the period ended December 31, 2025, expected to be available on the website soon for definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP measures and additional information regarding results, including a discussion of factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from forward-looking statements.
I will now turn the call over to Mr. Cohane.
Neal Cohane
Chief Operating Officer
Thank you, Joelle, and appreciate everybody joining us today for the call, the fourth quarter and full year 2025 results. Before diving in to our results, I'd like to briefly address the leadership transition.
As announced in our earnings press release, Cyril Wallace has stepped
, /PRNewswire/ -- Ecopetrol S.A. (BVC: ECOPETROL; NYSE: EC) announces that its Board of Directors concluded a meeting on March 24, 2026, during which, among other matters, the following issues were discussed:
The communication sent by the UNIÓN SINDICAL OBRERA ("USO") titled "Request for Dr. Ricardo Roa Barragán to Be Removed from His Position as President of Ecopetrol." In this letter, the union expressed its position regarding the current situation of Mr. Ricardo Roa Barragán as President of Ecopetrol S.A. and indicated that a nationwide workers' mobilization may be convened if the Board does not take the requested actions. Requests submitted by minority shareholders, which make reference, among others, to the public disclosure—of the decision issued by the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia, regarding the formal charges against the President, the Board of Directors' analyses of this situation, and questions about the possible activation of default clauses in existing contracts and potential non-compliance with regulations applicable to Ecopetrol. The statement from attorney Diego Henao Vargas, legal representative of Luis Enrique Rojas Cuéllar, former President of Hocol S.A. ("Hocol"), a subsidiary of the Ecopetrol Group, who issued a response to Hocol's statement titled "Hocol Rejects Unfounded Allegations by a Former Company Official," demanding—as far as Ecopetrol is concerned—the resignation of Ecopetrol's current president. This statement was in response to Hocol's press release and included, among other matters, a call for the resignation of Ecopetrol's current President. After a thorough and diligent review of these matters, the Board of Directors states the following:
The Board recognizes its responsibilities under the applicable standards of due diligence and has been assessing the risks to the Company arising from various news reports concerning Dr. Roa. This assessment has been supported by relevant internal departments—particularly the Corporate Compliance Directorate—and by external expert advisors from both Colombia and the United States. The Board has also implemented and is maintaining appropriate monitoring measures in accordance with a dedicated protocol implemented for this purpose. The Board gives great importance to the views of the employees represented by the USO, a historic labor union for the country and the Company. Ecopetrol reaffirms its commitment to constructive dialogue with stakeholders, to maintain operational continuity, and to create value for all its shareholders. With regards to the communication from minority shareholders, the Board addressed each issue raised, noting that on March 11, 2026, and through this channel, Ecopetrol disclosed the decision of the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia regarding the formal charges against the President. The Board also referenced the analyses conducted in relation to this matter, confirmed that, as of this date, there have not been violations of regulations governing Ecopetrol, nor breaches of credit agreements or other material contracts as a result of this situation, and stated that the Company has not received any notifications of requirements, investigations, orders, or ongoing proceedings from the competent securities market authorities. The Company is continuously monitoring proceedings of various types initiated against Ecopetrol and/or its legal representative. This ongoing monitoring underscores senior management's commitment to ensuring that investors and the public receive complete, accurate, and sufficient information. Ecopetrol's Board of Directors remains fully committed to safeguarding the interests of the Company and the rights of its shareholders, while upholding the highest standards of transparency and good corporate governance.
Ecopetrol is Colombia's largest company and one of the leading integrated energy companies in the Americas, with more than 19,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of hydrocarbon production, most of the hydrocarbon transportation, logistics, and refining system, and has leading positions in petrochemicals and gas distribution. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, it participates in energy transmission, real-time systems management (XM), and the Barranquilla-Cartagena coastal road concession. Internationally, Ecopetrol has a presence in strategic basins in the Americas, with E&P operations in the United States (Permian Basin and Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico. Through ISA and its subsidiaries, it holds leading positions in the energy transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, as well as in road concessions in Chile and telecommunications.
For more information, please contact:
Investor Relations Department
Email: [email protected]
Media Relations (Colombia)
Marcela Ulloa Beltrán
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE Ecopetrol S.A.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:261mo ago
Can Starbucks' $2B Cost-Savings Plan Reignite Margin Expansion?
Key Takeaways Starbucks unveiled a $2B cost-savings plan to improve efficiency across its business over two years.SBUX targets savings via G&A, procurement and tech-driven operational improvements.Margin recovery may build in H2 FY26, supported by cost actions, easing pressures and sales leverage. Starbucks Corporation (SBUX - Free Report) is advancing a multi-year cost optimization initiative as part of its broader efforts to improve efficiency across the business. Management outlined plans to identify approximately $2 billion in cost savings over the next two years. The company indicated that this program spans multiple areas of the business, with opportunities to enhance efficiency across its cost structure.
During the fiscal first quarter, Starbucks stated that the cost-saving initiative is being implemented across the income statement, including general and administrative expenses, procurement and broader operational processes. The company highlighted the role of technology in supporting these efforts, noting opportunities to improve efficiency across its coffeehouse operations and support functions. It also emphasized that the program consists of multiple initiatives with defined execution plans and accountability.
These efforts are being executed alongside ongoing investments under the company’s “Back to Starbucks” plan, which includes enhancements to service, marketing and operational capabilities. Management indicated that the company is continuing to invest in key areas while pursuing cost efficiencies, rather than implementing broad-based cost reductions.
In the fiscal first quarter, Starbucks reported a consolidated operating margin of 10.1%, contracting 180 basis points year over year. The decline was primarily due to investments in its turnaround initiatives and cost pressures, including product and distribution inflation. Management noted that some of these pressures are expected to moderate in the second half of the fiscal year.
Looking ahead, management indicated that margin improvement is supported by several factors, including the anniversary of prior investments, continued execution of cost initiatives and sales leverage as Starbucks builds on its top-line momentum. The company also noted that margin progression is expected to be weighted toward the back half of the fiscal year, reflecting the timing of these factors.
Starbucks’ cost-savings program is part of its broader efforts to improve operational efficiency while supporting growth initiatives. As the company continues to execute on identified cost opportunities and refine its operating model, operating margin trends remain a key metric to monitor in evaluating the impact of these initiatives.
SBUX’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of Starbucks have dropped 6.2% in the past year compared with the industry’s fall of 7.1%. In the same time frame, other industry players like Dutch Bros Inc. (BROS - Free Report) and Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG - Free Report) have declined 23.4% and 34.6%, respectively.
SBUX’s One-Year Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, SBUX trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 2.65, below the industry’s average of 3.56. Conversely, industry players, such as Dutch Bros and Chipotle, have P/S multiples of 4.05 and 3.22, respectively.
SBUX’s P/S Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SBUX’s fiscal 2026 earnings per share has remained unchanged in the past 30 days.
EPS Trend of SBUX Stock
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company is likely to report strong earnings, with projections indicating an 8.5% rise in fiscal 2026. Conversely, industry players like Chipotle are likely to witness a decline of 2.6%, year over year, in 2026 earnings. Meanwhile, Dutch Bros’ 2026 earnings are likely to witness a rise of 18.4% year over year.
SBUX stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:261mo ago
APA's New Gas Discovery Strengthens Egypt's Energy Outlook
Key Takeaways APA announced a major gas discovery in Egypt's Western Desert at the SKAL-1X well.APA reported initial output near 26 MMcf/d gas and 2,700 barrels/day condensate from tests.APA benefits from proximity to infrastructure, lowering costs and speeding development timelines. APA Corporation (APA - Free Report) has announced a significant natural gas discovery in Egypt’s Western Desert, marking another step forward in the country’s efforts to enhance domestic energy production and reduce reliance on imports. The find comes from the SKAL-1X exploratory well in the South Kalabsha area and highlights the success of ongoing exploration initiatives in the region.
Strong Initial Production ResultsPreliminary tests from the SKAL-1X well indicate promising output levels, with production reaching approximately 26 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, along with 2,700 barrels per day of condensate. These figures suggest that the discovery has the potential to contribute meaningfully to Egypt’s gas supply, particularly as the country seeks to stabilize and grow its energy output.
Strategic Location Lowers Costs and Speeds DevelopmentOne of the most notable advantages of this discovery is its proximity to existing infrastructure and production facilities. This strategic positioning allows APA to accelerate the development timeline while minimizing capital expenditure. By leveraging nearby assets, the company can quickly integrate the new production into its existing operations, improving overall project economics.
APA’s Continued Collaboration Driving Exploration SuccessThe discovery is part of APA’s long-standing partnership with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation. This collaboration has been instrumental in unlocking new resources in the Western Desert, including a previous discovery at the Gomana-1 well. The joint efforts reflect a broader strategy to maximize resource potential through coordinated exploration and development activities.
Government Incentives Fuel Investment MomentumEgypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has played a key role in encouraging exploration through targeted incentives and policy measures. These initiatives have helped attract investment and support companies like APA in expanding their operations, particularly in areas adjacent to existing concessions. The latest discovery underscores the effectiveness of these policies in revitalizing upstream activity.
APA’s Continued GrowthLooking ahead, APA plans to drill 34 exploration and development wells in 2026, with an estimated investment of $150 million. The company is targeting production levels of around 500 million cubic feet per day, signaling strong confidence in the region’s resource potential and its long-term growth prospects.
Supporting Egypt’s Energy Security GoalsThis latest discovery aligns with Egypt’s broader objective of boosting domestic gas production and reducing its import bill. By bringing new resources online quickly and cost-effectively, APA’s efforts contribute to offsetting natural declines from mature fields while strengthening the country’s overall energy security.
APA’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksHouston, TX-based APA is one of the world's leading independent energy companies engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. Currently, APA carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Investors interested in the energy sector may consider some better-ranked stocks like Drilling Tools International Corporation (DTI - Free Report) , TechnipFMC plc (FTI - Free Report) and USA Compression Partners, LP (USAC - Free Report) . While Drilling Tools International and TechnipFMC sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each at present, USA Compression carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Drilling Tools International is a global oilfield services provider focused on supplying downhole tools used in horizontal and directional drilling. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DTI’s 2026 earnings indicates 90% year-over-year growth.
Newcastle & Houston-based TechnipFMC is a leading manufacturer and supplier of products, services and fully integrated technology solutions for the energy industry. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FTI’s 2026 earnings indicates 18% year-over-year growth.
USA Compression Partners is one of the largest independent natural gas compression service providers in the United States, measured by fleet horsepower. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for USAC’s 2026 earnings indicates 30.7% year-over-year growth.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:261mo ago
KPTI Stock Down on Mixed Phase III Myelofibrosis Combo Study Data
Key Takeaways Karyopharm Therapeutics stock fell 18% after mixed phase III SENTRY results in myelofibrosis.KPTI combo met the SVR35 endpoint with 50% response but missed the symptom score improvement goal.Karyopharm Therapeutics saw similar symptom scores vs Jakafi, while the survival trend needs longer follow-up. Shares of Karyopharm Therapeutics (KPTI - Free Report) plunged 18.3% on Tuesday after the company reported mixed top-line results from a late-stage study evaluating a 60 mg dose of selinexor in combination with Incyte’s (INCY - Free Report) Jakafi (ruxolitinib) to treat frontline myelofibrosis.
The phase III SENTRY study enrolled 353 patients who were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either receive 60 mg of selinexor once weekly plus Jakafi or placebo plus Jakafi. Jakafi dosing was selected according to patients’ baseline platelet counts in line with prescribing guidelines.
The study achieved its first co-primary endpoint, showing a statistically significant improvement in spleen volume reduction of 35% or more (SVR35) in patients treated with the selinexor/Jakafi combination, with rapid, deep and sustained responses observed in the combination arm. However, it failed to meet the second co-primary endpoint of absolute total symptom score (Abs-TSS). At week 24, mean changes in Abs-TSS from baseline were comparable between the two arms, indicating similar symptom improvement, but the difference did not reach statistical significance.
Karyopharm Therapeutics’ selinexor is already FDA-approved and is marketed under the brand name Xpovio as a combination therapy for treating adult patients across two multiple myeloma indications and as a monotherapy for adults with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The monotherapy indication is approved under the FDA’s accelerated pathway, and continued approval is contingent upon the verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory study. The drug is also marketed in the EU and the United Kingdom, under the brand name Nexpovio, for the multiple myeloma indications.
KPTI’s Phase III Myelofibrosis Study Data in DetailThe combination of selinexor plus Incyte’s Jakafi demonstrated a clear benefit in spleen volume reduction. At week 24, 50% of patients in the combination arm achieved a statistically significant improvement in SVR35 compared with 28% with Jakafi alone. Responses were rapid, with nearly half of combination-treated patients reaching SVR35 as early as week 12, and remained durable through week 36.
In contrast, symptom improvement was similar across both treatment arms. At week 24, reductions in Abs-TSS were comparable, with patients in the combination arm reporting a 9.89-point improvement compared with a 10.86-point improvement for those in the Jakafi arm, indicating no meaningful differentiation in symptom relief.
In the past six months, shares of Karyopharm Therapeutics have lost 20.8% compared with the industry’s 10.3% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The combination therapy showed a promising overall survival (OS) trend, with a hazard ratio of 0.43, suggesting a potential survival advantage. Additionally, post-hoc analyses indicated that achieving SVR35 at weeks 12 and 24 may correlate with improved survival outcomes, though longer follow-up is needed to confirm these findings.
Exploratory analyses pointed to possible disease-modifying effects, as a higher proportion of patients in the combination arm achieved meaningful reductions in variant allele frequency. However, as of the Feb. 20, 2026, data cut-off, no significant differences were observed across other secondary endpoints, including progression-free survival, hemoglobin stabilization and bone marrow fibrosis, between the study arms, with further evaluation planned as data mature.
Karyopharm Therapeutics also reported that the combination therapy showed a manageable safety and tolerability profile consistent with the known effects of selinexor and Jakafi individually, with no new safety signals identified.
Incyte’s Jakafi is a first-in-class JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, approved for polycythemia vera, myelofibrosis and refractory acute graft-versus-host disease. Jakafi is marketed by Incyte in the United States and by Novartis (NVS - Free Report) as Jakavi in ex-U.S. markets. Incyte receives royalty payments from Novartis on Jakavi sales.
KPTI’s Next Steps in the Myelofibrosis ProgramDespite mixed results, Karyopharm Therapeutics believes the findings reinforce the need to expand treatment approaches in myelofibrosis beyond JAK inhibition. While JAK inhibitors remain foundational, the company highlights that further progress will depend on targeting additional biological pathways, with selinexor’s XPO1 inhibition offering a differentiated and complementary mechanism of action. The SENTRY data support selinexor’s potential to enhance outcomes and advance the myelofibrosis treatment landscape through novel combination strategies.
Karyopharm Therapeutics is gearing up to engage with the FDA to review the full phase III SENTRY study dataset and discuss its supplemental regulatory filing plan. KPTI also intends to present additional SENTRY study data at an upcoming medical conference.
Besides the myelofibrosis indication, selinexor is simultaneously being evaluated both as a combination and a monotherapy across several oncology indications in separate mid to late-stage studies. Beyond selinexor, Karyopharm Therapeutics has another candidate in its pipeline, eltanexor, currently undergoing mid-stage development for myelodysplastic neoplasms.
KPTI’s Zacks Rank & Stock to ConsiderKaryopharm Therapeutics currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
A better-ranked stock in the biotech sector is Catalyst Pharmaceuticals (CPRX - Free Report) , sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Over the past 60 days, estimates for Catalyst Pharmaceuticals’ 2026 EPS have risen from $2.55 to $2.87. CPRX shares have gained 20.5% over the past six months.
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals’ earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 35.19%.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:281mo ago
TCPC INVESTOR DEADLINE APPROACHING: Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Reminds BlackRock TCP Capital Investors of the Securities Class Action Lawsuit Deadline on April 6, 2026
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In BlackRock TCP To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options
If you purchased or acquired securities in BlackRock TCP between November 6, 2024 and January 23, 2026 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
[You may also click here for additional information]
NEW YORK, March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. (“BlackRock TCP” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: TCPC) and reminds investors of the April 6, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.
As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) the Company’s investments were not being timely and/or appropriately valued; (2) the Company’s efforts at portfolio restructuring were not effectively resolving challenged credits or improving the quality of the portfolio; (3) as a result, the Company’s unrealized losses were understated; (4) as a result, the Company’s NAV was overstated; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
On February 27, 2025, before the market opened, the Company issued a press release announcing financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. The press release disclosed that the Company’s portfolio had significantly weakened during the 2024 fiscal year. Specifically, the press release revealed the number of portfolio companies on non-accrual status had more than doubled, and as a result, debt investments on non-accrual status at cost increased by 289% (from 3.7% to 14.4% of the portfolio). Moreover, the press release revealed that the Company’s net asset value (“NAV”) had fallen 22.44% year over year to $9.23 per share. Total losses, both realized and unrealized, were revealed to have ballooned to $194,895,042 for the fiscal year, a 186% increase year over year, in large part due to a newly added $72.3 million net unrealized loss within the fourth quarter. Despite this, the press release alleged the NAV of the Company was accurate at $9.23 per share, and that “the vast majority of [the Company’s] portfolio continued to perform well,” and the Company was “working closely with [its] borrowers and sponsors to resolve the portfolio issues.”
On this news, the Company’s stock price fell $0.90, or 9.64%, to close at $8.44 per share on February 27, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.
On January 23, 2026, after market hours, BlackRock TCP disclosed certain fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results, including that the Company’s NAV per share as of December 31, 2025 was in fact in the range of $7.05 to $7.09, 19% less than reported the prior quarter and 23.4% less than reported the prior year.
On this news, BlackRock TCP’s stock price fell $0.76, or 12.97%, to close at $5.10 per share on January 26, 2026, on unusually heavy trading volume.
The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding BlackRock TCP’s conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.
To learn more about the BlackRock TCP class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/TCPC or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.
Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f60c456-51b6-4096-a862-d5d3beda6cc5
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:291mo ago
MDST: High Yield, Limited Alpha -- Why It's A Decent Hold, Not A Buy
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:301mo ago
ReFrame Analysis of IMDbPro Data Finds Rollback in Gender-Balanced Hiring on Both Sides of the Camera in the Top Films of 2025
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ReFrame, the initiative launched in 2017 by Sundance Institute and WIF to advance gender equity in the screen industries, and IMDbPro, the essential resource for entertainment industry professionals, today announced that 26 of the IMDbPro 100 most popular films of 2025 will be awarded the ReFrame Stamp for gender-balanced production. The findings of the 2025 ReFrame Report, which examines hiring across key roles on all 100 films based on IMDbPro data, can be viewed.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:301mo ago
SMX Turns Recycled Plastic into A Cost Advantage Through Digital Verification Framework
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 25, 2026 / SMX (Security Matters) PLC (NASDAQ:SMX) has created a new economic framework for plastics by combining molecular marking with blockchain infrastructure-positioning recycled plastic as a cost advantage in a market increasingly shaped by energy volatility. As oil and gas prices continue to drive uncertainty in the cost of virgin plastic, SMX enables companies to shift toward verified, traceable recycled materials with a more stable and efficient cost profile.
Plastic remains fundamentally tied to energy markets. When oil and gas prices move, the cost of producing virgin plastic follows-impacting packaging, apparel, and a wide range of consumer goods. In today's geopolitical environment, that linkage is becoming more pronounced, introducing sustained volatility into material costs across global supply chains.
SMX introduces a different system.
By embedding a permanent, invisible molecular marker into plastic, SMX links each material to a secure digital record that captures origin, composition, and lifecycle data. This information travels with the material itself, allowing it to be verified instantly-without reliance on paperwork, third-party claims, or fragmented tracking systems.
This transforms plastic into a verifiable data asset.
Once recorded within SMX's blockchain-enabled infrastructure, each unit of recycled plastic becomes part of a structured digital system, where lifecycle events-production, recovery, and reuse-are captured and authenticated. This forms the basis of the Plastic Cycle Token, a digital representation of real-world recycling activity grounded in measured, verifiable material flows.
This shift directly addresses one of the biggest inefficiencies in the plastics market.
Historically, recycled plastic has carried a premium due to inconsistent quality, contamination risk, and costly verification processes. By embedding proof into the material and digitizing its lifecycle, SMX removes key sources of friction-enabling faster procurement, clearer attribution, and more consistent material performance.
The result is a more efficient cost structure:
Verification becomes immediate and system-based
Material quality is attributable and auditable
Supply chain uncertainty is significantly reduced
As these inefficiencies are eliminated, recycled plastic moves closer to cost alignment with virgin material-and in certain market conditions, becomes increasingly competitive as energy-driven costs continue to impact traditional production.
At the same time, SMX introduces a new layer of economic value.
Through the Plastic Cycle Token framework, verified recycled plastic can be digitized into a structured asset linked directly to physical material performance. This creates a system where recycling activity is not only operationally efficient, but also measurable and economically recognized.
The model operates on two levels:
A more efficient, verifiable material system that reduces cost friction
A digital value layer tied to authenticated recycling activity
For manufacturers and brands navigating volatile input costs, this represents a meaningful shift. Reducing dependence on virgin plastic-exposed to energy price swings-while increasing reliance on verified recycled inputs introduces greater control, predictability, and efficiency into procurement strategies.
SMX is building the infrastructure to support that transition.
By embedding proof into materials and connecting them to a digital system of record, SMX is enabling plastics to be tracked, verified, and valued in entirely new ways.
And in doing so, it is reshaping the economics of one of the world's most essential materials.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Boston Scientific To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options
If you purchased or acquired securities in Boston Scientific between July 23, 2025 and February 3, 2026 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
[You may also click here for additional information]
NEW YORK, March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Boston Scientific Corporation (“Boston Scientific” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BSX) and reminds investors of the May 4, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.
Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.
As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose true state of Boston Scientific’s U.S. EP segment; notably, that management was aware that the segment’s growth rate was unsustainable and that it was approaching an earlier tipping point than the market was anticipating. Due to Defendants’ statements of confidence and lofty expectations, investors and analysts were left surprised by Boston Scientific’s net income miss and underwhelming guidance for the first half of fiscal 2026.
On February 4, 2026, Boston Scientific published a press release announcing fourth quarter and full year 2025 results, including a pertinent disappointment in U.S. EP sales, and issued guidance for fiscal 2026 that fell well below expectations. The Company attributed its results and dismal guidance on a combination of slower than expected market growth alongside increased competition, despite management’s previous claims of a “growing” EP business and assertions they “have a very good understanding of what competition we will face and in what time frame.”
On this news, Boston Scientific’s stock price fell $16.12, or 17.6%, to close at $75.50 per share on February 4, 2026, thereby injuring investors.
The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Boston Scientific’s conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.
To learn more about the Boston Scientific class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/BSX or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.
Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f60c456-51b6-4096-a862-d5d3beda6cc5
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:301mo ago
AAR Q3 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Sales Increase Year Over Year
Key Takeaways AAR reported Q3 EPS of $1.25, beating estimates and rising 26.3% year over year.AIR sales rose 24.6% to $845.1M, driven by strong new parts distribution growth.AAR saw Parts Supply surge 45%, while margins improved on higher volume and profitability. AAR Corp. (AIR - Free Report) reported third-quarter fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.25 per share, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21 by 3.3%. The bottom line also improved 26.3% from the year-ago quarter’s level of 99 cents.
The company reported GAAP earnings of $1.71 per share compared with a loss of 25 cents per share in the prior-year quarter.
The year-over-year improvement in the bottom line can be attributed to strong sales growth.
AIR’s Total SalesIn the quarter under review, AAR generated net sales of $845.1 million. The reported figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $807 million by 4.7%. The figure also increased 24.6% from $678.2 million recorded in the year-ago quarter.
The year-over-year improvement can be attributed to the double-digit growth across new parts distribution within the company's Parts Supply segment.
AAR: Segment DetailsIn the fiscal third quarter, sales in the Parts Supply segment totaled $392.5 million, up 45% year over year.
Repair & Engineering reported sales of $265.3 million, up 22.9% from the prior-year period’s level.
Integrated Solutions sales amounted to $167.8 million, up 3% from the year-ago quarter’s reported number.
Expeditionary Services recorded sales of $19.5 million, down 32.1% year over year.
AIR’s Operational UpdateAIR’s adjusted operating margin increased from 9.7% to 10.2%, driven by higher volume and profitability in new parts distribution activities.
Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $89.8 million compared with $61.3 million a year ago.
Net interest expenses for the quarter totaled $17.1 million compared with $18.1 million in the year-ago period.
Financial Details of AARAs of Feb. 28, 2026, AAR’s cash and cash equivalents amounted to $78.5 million compared with $96.5 million as of May 31, 2025.
The company’s long-term debt totaled $888.3 million as of Feb. 28, 2026, up from $968 million as of May 31, 2025.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2026, net cash from operating activities was $74.7 million against the net cash used of $18.7 million in the year-ago period.
AIR’s Zacks RankAAR currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Recent Defense ReleasesThe Boeing Company (BA - Free Report) incurred an adjusted loss of $1.91 per share in the fourth quarter of 2025, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 40 cents. However, the bottom line improved from the year-ago quarter’s reported loss of $5.90 per share.
Revenues amounted to $23.95 billion, which outpaced the consensus estimate of $21.73 billion by 8%. The top line also surged 57.1% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure of $15.24 billion.
RTX Corporation’s (RTX - Free Report) fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted EPS of $1.55 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.46 by 5.9%. The bottom line also improved 0.6% from the year-ago quarter’s level of $1.54.
RTX’s fourth-quarter sales totaled $24.24 billion, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $22.74 billion by 6.6%. The top line also surged a solid 12.1% from $21.62 billion recorded for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC - Free Report) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings of $7.23 per share, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7 by 3.3%. The bottom line also increased 13.1% from $6.39 registered in the prior-year quarter.
NOC’s total sales of $11.71 billion in the fourth quarter beat the consensus estimate of $11.62 billion by 0.8%. The top line also rose 9.6% from $10.69 billion reported in the year-ago quarter.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:301mo ago
Will High Dry Dock & Regulatory Costs Weigh On CCL's Earnings Growth?
Key Takeaways CCL expects unit costs to rise about 3.25% in FY26 due to dry dock activity and regulatory expenses.Carnival plans 604 dry dock days, with reclassified spending adding roughly 0.6 pts to cost growth.CCL projects over $3.45B net income, with efficiency gains and yield growth offsetting cost pressures. Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL - Free Report) enters fiscal 2026 with cost pressures expected to remain a key factor shaping its earnings trajectory, particularly from higher dry dock expenses and incremental regulatory costs. Management has guided for cruise costs, excluding fuel per available lower berth day, to increase approximately 3.25% year over year, or about 2.5% on a normalized basis. This follows relatively measured cost growth in fiscal 2025, where unit costs rose around 2.6%, supported by efficiency initiatives that helped mitigate inflation and other operating pressures.
Dry dock activity is expected to be a meaningful contributor to the projected cost increase. The company plans for 604 dry dock days in fiscal 2026, with a larger portion of associated spending classified as operating expense rather than capital expenditure. While total dry dock spending is expected to remain broadly consistent with fiscal 2025 levels, this change in classification will impact year-over-year cost comparisons. Management indicated that dry dock-related expenses account for approximately 0.6 percentage points of the normalized cost increase.
Regulatory costs are also expected to contribute to the cost outlook. The company highlighted incremental expenses related to emission allowances as well as higher income taxes associated with global minimum tax frameworks. These factors are projected to impact fiscal 2026 earnings by approximately $0.11 per share, reflecting both the step-up to full emission allowance requirements and changes in tax structures.
At the same time, Carnival continues to emphasize cost mitigation initiatives and operational efficiencies. Management expects approximately 1.1% in cost mitigation from efficiency measures and scale benefits, which are intended to partially offset inflation and other expense drivers. Additional support is expected from lower net interest expense, along with favorable fuel and currency dynamics, supporting earnings.
For fiscal 2026, Carnival is guiding for net income of more than $3.45 billion, representing an increase of over 12% year over year, alongside continued yield growth of approximately 2.5% to 3%. The company’s outlook incorporates both the anticipated cost increases and the associated mitigation efforts in its guidance. Based on current guidance, while these cost pressures are expected to increase the expense base, they are not anticipated to prevent earnings growth in fiscal 2026.
CCL’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of Carnival have declined 17.1% in the past three months compared with the industry’s fall of 10.4%. In the same time frame, other industry players like Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL - Free Report) and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH - Free Report) have lost 4.3% and 13.8%, respectively, while OneSpaWorld Holdings Limited (OSW - Free Report) has gained 7.4%.
CCL Stock’s Three-Month Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CCL stock is currently trading at a discount. It is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 10.18, well below the industry average of 15.36. Conversely, industry players, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise and OneSpaWorld have P/E ratios of 14.64, 8.18 and 19.83, respectively.
CCL’s P/E Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carnival’s fiscal 2026 earnings per share has declined in the past 30 days.
EPS Trend of CCL Stock
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company is likely to report solid earnings, with projections indicating a 7.6% rise in fiscal 2026. Conversely, industry players like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise and OneSpaWorld are likely to witness a rise of 15.7%, 11.4% and 13.1%, respectively, year over year in 2026 earnings.
CCL stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:301mo ago
Comfort Systems vs. AECOM: Which Infra Play is the Smarter Buy?
Key Takeaways Comfort Systems benefits from strong data center demand, with backlog up 99.3% to $11.94B in 2025.FIX's growth is driven by modular expansion, acquisitions and 45% revenue exposure to tech markets.AECOM leverages global backlog growth and AI-driven efficiencies to boost margins and project wins. The demand for AI solutions and data center-related infrastructure is proving to be the core growth pillar for infrastructure solution providers like Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (FIX - Free Report) and AECOM (ACM - Free Report) . The peak position of the United States’ public funding program has fueled the already outperforming market demand despite lingering inflation risks and geopolitical unrest.
Comfort Systems offers comprehensive mechanical and electrical contracting services serving commercial, industrial and institutional end markets. On the other hand, AECOM provides professional, technical and management solutions for diverse industries across end markets like transportation, facilities, government, as well as those in environmental, energy and water businesses.
Let’s dive deep and closely compare the fundamentals of the two stocks to determine which one is a better investment now.
The Case for Comfort Systems StockComfort Systems is gaining from a robust public spending scenario in the United States, mainly due to its exposure to large-scale projects. Strong project activity and robust execution across its mechanical and electrical businesses are the main highlights, thanks to modular expansion and substantial organic construction and service growth.
Notably, the Technology end market, which is dominated by data center work, was 45% of FIX’s 2025 revenues, an increase from 33% in 2024. Currently, the company’s modular capacity is about 3 million square feet, which is expected to increase to approximately 4 million square feet by the end of 2026, with planned additions in Texas and North Carolina. The company is consistently working on expanding its modular footprint, alongside investing in technology, equipment and training for its amazing workforce.
Besides, the acquisitions of Feyen-Zylstra Holdings, LLC (Michigan) and Meisner Electric, Inc. (Florida) are an encouraging step toward expanding its market footprint. The transactions were made on Oct. 1, 2025, and are included in FIX’s Electrical segment. In 2025, the company’s consolidated revenues grew 29.5% year over year, which included a 3.4% increase related to the Feyen Zylstra, Meisner, Right Way, Century, Summit and J&S acquisitions. As of Dec. 31, 2025, backlog stood at $11.94 billion, up year over year by 99.3% from $5.99 billion. Within the total backlog, the Mechanical Segment contributed 75.6% while the Electrical Segment contributed 24.4%.
The operational momentum, disciplined bidding and favorable project mix continue to fuel growth for Comfort Systems. In 2025, the company paid its shareholders $217.9 million through share repurchases and $68.8 million through dividends. Also, it declared a quarterly dividend of 70 cents per share ($2.80 per share annually), reflecting 16.7% growth. It is payable on March 17, 2026, to stockholders as of March 6.
The Case for AECOM StockBesides witnessing strong public infrastructure momentum in the US, AECOM is also gaining from similar market trends outside the national borders. The recent 10-year infrastructure strategy announcement by the U.K. government highlights investments of GBP 725 billion across key sectors, including transportation, water and energy, reflecting heightened opportunities for the company in the upcoming term. Moreover, in Australia, ACM’s backlog reached a new multiyear high, supported by its selection as the delivery partner for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In the domestic market, AECOM is also leveraging incentives from the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and ongoing "resharing" initiatives, which are creating new opportunities with several years of visibility ahead. Furthermore, national defense budgets are meaningfully increasing, with defense now representing approximately 10% of AECOM's NSR. During the fiscal first quarter of 2026, NSR grew 2.7% on an adjusted basis to $1.85 billion, with NSR in the Americas segments growing year over year by 9%. As of the fiscal first quarter of 2026, the total backlog was $25.96 billion, up 8.7% from $23.88 billion reported in the prior-year quarter. For the long term, the company aims to achieve 5-8% organic NSR growth annually, projecting a margin run-rate exceeding 20% by fiscal 2028.
Notably, AECOM has spent the past 18 months building a dedicated AI ecosystem through hiring specialists, partnerships and targeted acquisitions. It is now deploying AI-powered engineering models (AI agents) across projects aimed at accelerating design timelines, improving accuracy and cutting project costs by 10-20% through optimized designs. ACM is combining AI capabilities with its design, program management and advisory services to capture a larger share of client spending across the full project lifecycle. This “end-to-end” model strengthens its role in planning, designing and executing complex data center and AI infrastructure projects worldwide.
However, risks remain because, as AI investments are still ramping up, benefits may take time to fully materialize. Nonetheless, with a clear focus on high-margin advisory services, AECOM’s AI strategy, alongside market trends, is expected to support sustained profitability in the upcoming period.
Stock Performance & ValuationAs witnessed from the chart below, in the past six months, Comfort Systems’ share price performance stands significantly above AECOM’s and the broader Construction sector.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Considering valuation, over the last five years, Comfort Systems has been trading above AECOM on a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio basis.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Overall, from these technical indicators, it can be deduced that FIX stock offers an incremental growth trend but with a premium valuation, while ACM stock offers a declining growth trend with a discounted valuation.
Comparing EPS Estimate Trends: FIX vs. ACMThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for FIX’s 2026 and 2027 EPS indicates 26.7% and 12% year-over-year growth, respectively. The 2026 and 2027 EPS estimates have moved up in the past 30 days.
FIX's EPS Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The earnings estimate for ACM’s fiscal 2026 has trended upward in the past 60 days, while those for fiscal 2027 have moved up in the past 30 days. The revised estimates for fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2027 imply year-over-year growth of 13.5% and 12%, respectively.
ACM's EPS Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Return on Equity (ROE) of FIX & ACM StocksComfort Systems’ trailing 12-month ROE of 48.5% significantly exceeds AECOM’s average, underscoring its efficiency in generating shareholder returns.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Which Stock to Pick Now: FIX or ACM?Comfort Systems and AECOM are well-positioned to capitalize on the accelerating demand for AI-driven infrastructure and data centers. However, their investment appeal differs in terms of growth intensity and risk-reward balance.
Comfort Systems, which currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), exuberates growth momentum, driven by its deep exposure to late-stage data center construction and modular expansion. Strong execution, disciplined bidding and margin expansion have further boosted profitability. Upward earnings estimate revisions and a high ROE position reinforce confidence in the near-term upside of FIX stock, albeit at a premium valuation.
Conversely, AECOM, which currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), offers a more diversified and globally balanced growth profile. Its $25.96 billion backlog, expanding opportunities across the global market and increasing exposure to defense and advisory services provide steady long-term visibility. However, with a comparatively lower EPS growth trajectory, ACM stock does not offer near-term upside, but rather a long-term opportunity.
Thus, for investors seeking higher growth and stronger near-term upside, FIX stock appears the better pick compared with ACM stock now. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:301mo ago
Can Communications Segment Strength Support MasTec's 2026 Growth?
Key Takeaways MasTec's Communications segment revenues rose 23% YoY in Q4 2025 on strong wireless and wireline demand.MTZ growth driven by broadband expansion, fiber deployment and rising wireless infrastructure investment.Communications backlog hit $5.5B, up 20% YoY, signaling strong demand and improved revenue visibility. MasTec, Inc.’s (MTZ - Free Report) Communications segment is gaining traction as demand for wireless and fiber networks remains strong. The telecommunications market is evolving as customers increase investments to support broadband expansion and connectivity needs. The company is focusing on selective project execution to improve returns while maintaining growth. This shift reflects a move toward disciplined growth rather than pure volume expansion, supported by strong customer demand across multiple end markets.
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Communications revenues increased 23% year over year, supported by strength in both wireless and wireline activities. Growth was driven by investments in broadband delivery, including fiber deployment and wireless infrastructure. The company also saw a contribution from middle-mile work, which is linked to rising data connectivity demand. However, margins were slightly affected due to start-up costs on new programs, which are expected to improve as projects mature.
Backlog trends highlight improving visibility. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Communications backlog reached $5.5 billion, reflecting an 8% sequential increase and a 20% year-over-year rise. This indicates strong demand across telecommunications markets and provides a stable base for future revenues. The company noted that growth visibility continues to improve, supported by multiple demand drivers across residential and commercial broadband needs.
MasTec is also managing growth carefully by balancing legacy relationships with new opportunities. The company is aligning resources to capture demand in both wireless and fiber markets while focusing on efficiency. With continued investment in connectivity and expanding telecommunications infrastructure, the Communications segment remains a key contributor to MasTec’s overall growth prospects.
MasTec’s Competitive PositionWithin energy and infrastructure construction markets, MasTec competes with several well-established engineering and construction providers, including Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL - Free Report) and Quanta Services, Inc. (PWR - Free Report) .
Sterling Infrastructure is also benefiting from strong demand in mission-critical infrastructure. The company continues to see project activity across data centers, manufacturing facilities and e-commerce distribution networks. Growth in Sterling Infrastructure’s E-Infrastructure Solutions business remains an important driver, supported by steady project flow and ongoing demand for digital and logistics infrastructure.
Conversely, Quanta maintains its strongest competitive position in electric power infrastructure, supported by unmatched transmission and distribution capabilities and long-standing relationships with major North American utilities. Quanta's gross profit increased to $1.22 billion in the fourth quarter from $1.06 billion in the prior-year period, a trajectory supported by higher revenue volume and consistent project execution.
MTZ Stock’s Price Performance & Valuation TrendShares of this Florida-based infrastructure construction company have surged 55% in the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Building Products - Heavy Construction industry, the broader Zacks Construction sector and the S&P 500 Index.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MTZ stock is currently trading at a premium compared with its industry peers, with a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 35.21, as shown in the chart below.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
EPS Trend Favors MTZFor 2026 and 2027, MTZ’s earnings estimates have trended upward in the past 30 days. The revised estimated figures for 2026 and 2027 imply 31.5% and 28.1% year-over-year growth, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
MasTec currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2026-03-25 15:341mo ago
2026-03-25 11:301mo ago
Can Rigetti's NVIDIA Partnership Unlock Quantum-AI Breakthroughs?
Key Takeaways Rigetti's NVIDIA partnership integrates its quantum processors into hybrid CPU-GPU systems.RGTI's fast gate speeds support real-time interaction in hybrid quantum-classical setups.Rigetti sees quantum boosting AI use cases like drug discovery and optimization problems. Rigetti Computing’s (RGTI - Free Report) partnership with NVIDIA, announced in October 2025, is shaping up to be more than just a collaboration, it is a strategic bridge between quantum computing and the rapidly scaling AI ecosystem. By working on NVIDIA’s NVQLink platform, Rigetti is positioning its quantum processors not as standalone experimental systems, but as accelerators within hybrid computing environments. This is critical because the near-term commercial viability of quantum computing hinges on the ability to integrate with existing CPU-GPU infrastructure rather than replace it.
Rigetti’s superconducting architecture, with gate speeds in the tens of nanoseconds, is already approaching the latency requirements needed for real-time interaction with classical systems. This gives it a practical edge in hybrid deployments, where slower modalities would struggle to keep up.
More importantly, this collaboration could unlock a meaningful breakthrough in how complex computational problems are solved. Rigetti’s management frames quantum as a “simultaneous computing” layer that complements GPUs, particularly for problems involving massive variable interactions where classical systems fail to converge efficiently. If successfully integrated, this hybrid model could accelerate use cases across drug discovery, materials science and optimization problems, areas already heavily reliant on AI infrastructure.
The NVIDIA partnership not only validates this vision but also increases the likelihood of early enterprise adoption, as customers can experiment within familiar HPC environments. Over time, as Rigetti scales toward higher qubit counts and improved fidelity, this hybrid approach could transition from experimental to economically valuable workloads.
For investors, this partnership signals a clear go-to-market pathway, embedding quantum into AI and high-performance computing workflows rather than waiting for a fully standalone quantum advantage.
Peers UpdatesIonQ’s (IONQ - Free Report) long-term strategy centers on its trapped-ion architecture, which is recognized for enabling high qubit fidelity and extended coherence times — key factors in the pursuit of scalable quantum systems. The company has continued to advance its roadmap, recently introducing the AQ 64 Tempo system and achieving a record 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity. Alongside these technical milestones, IonQ is broadening its capabilities through acquisitions like Oxford Ionics and Vector Atomic, enhancing presence across quantum computing, networking, sensing and cybersecurity, while expanding the total addressable market.
Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT - Free Report) has entered 2026 with several growth drivers in place, led by its February acquisition of Luminar Semiconductor, which is expected to start contributing revenues from the first quarter. The deal strengthens Quantum’s capabilities in semiconductor design, fabrication and packaging while adding an established customer base. Meanwhile, the company is scaling its Fab 1 photonic chip facility, which has already begun generating early revenues and is likely to gain traction in 2026. QUBT is also advancing across emerging areas such as photonic AI (Neurawave), quantum authentication and sensing, while exploring AI infrastructure opportunities through partnerships like POET Technologies.
Rigetti’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of RGTI have lost 51.4% in the past six-month period compared with the industry’s decline of 24.3%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Rigetti trades at a price-to-book ratio of 9.5, above the industry average. RGTI carries a Value Score of F.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Rigetti’s 2026 earnings implies a significant 74.3% improvement from the year-ago period.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:201mo ago
Gold rises as oil falls, but Iran contradictions and currency developments complicate gold's path – ING
Kitco NEWS has a diverse team of journalists reporting on the economy, stock markets, commodities, cryptocurrencies, mining and metals with accuracy and objectivity. Our goal is to help people make informed market decisions through in-depth reporting, daily market roundups, interviews with prominent industry figures, comprehensive coverage (often exclusive) of important industry events and analyses of market-affecting developments.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:201mo ago
Can Strong Optical Demand Continue Driving Ciena's Revenue Growth?
Key Takeaways Ciena posts record $1.43B Q1 2026 revenue, up 33% YoY, driven by strong optical demand.Backlog jumps by $2B to $7B, reflecting rising AI-driven network investments and visibility.CIEN targets $5.9B-$6.3B 2026 revenue, backed by cloud, hyperscaler and telecom upgrades. Ciena Corporation (CIEN - Free Report) is experiencing strong momentum, supported by robust optical demand and accelerating AI-driven network investments, which are increasingly shaping its revenue trajectory. In first-quarter fiscal 2026, the company delivered a record revenue of $1.43 billion, marking a 33% year-over-year increase, driven by exceptional demand across cloud providers, hyperscalers and service providers. Optical revenue, in particular, showed notable strength, benefiting from rising bandwidth needs and large-scale AI workloads. This demand environment has translated into a significant expansion in backlog, which rose by approximately $2 billion to reach $7 billion, reflecting strong visibility into future revenue streams.
The company continues to benefit from structural growth drivers such as increasing network traffic, cloud adoption and AI use cases. Its Cloud and Service Provider customers are prioritizing network upgrades to support AI-driven traffic, creating sustained demand for its optical systems and interconnect solutions. The company is aligning its strategy accordingly, focusing investments on coherent optical systems, routing, switching and data center interconnect technologies, while scaling back less strategic areas.
Ciena has been diversifying its footprint in data center connectivity. This has expanded its reach into a broader end-to-end optical and data equipment market. It is investing in the data and optical fiber market to cash in on the huge growth opportunity presented by bandwidth demand from network service providers. Network upgrades by telecom carriers to meet demand bode well for the company’s long-term growth prospects. It is one of the leading suppliers of 40G and 100G optical transport technology. Ciena is currently the only provider offering a 1.6 terabit WAN solution and anticipates maintaining this lead in next-generation optical technology for at least two years. It is progressing on industry-first wins with cloud providers.
Solutions like DCOM, initially developed with hyperscalers, are gaining traction across multiple data center deployments, while interconnect products are seeing strong adoption in AI-driven environments. Additionally, increasing deployments of managed optical fiber networks (MOFN), particularly in high-growth regions like India, are emerging as a key long-term revenue contributor.
For fiscal 2026, Ciena expects revenue in the range of $5.9 billion to $6.3 billion, indicating a higher growth outlook supported by sustained demand. Despite ongoing supply constraints, the company remains confident in its ability to scale capacity and capitalize on multiyear AI and optical networking opportunities. Strong optical demand, backed by AI-led infrastructure expansion, positions Ciena to sustain its revenue growth momentum in the coming years.
Taking a Look at Factors Driving Competitors’ RevenueCisco Systems, Inc.’s (CSCO - Free Report) business model is benefiting from strong product orders from hyperscalers, enterprises, the public sector, service providers and cloud customers. Splunk's acquisition enhances CSCO’s recurring revenue base. The buyout significantly expands Cisco’s portfolio of software-based solutions. The launch of AI-powered Hypershield, which combines security and networking, strengthens its security portfolio. Cisco expects to take AI orders in excess of $5 billion and to recognize more than $3 billion in AI infrastructure revenue from hyperscalers in fiscal 2026. For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, Cisco expects revenues to be in the range of $15.4 billion-$15.6 billion. For fiscal 2026, Cisco expects revenues between $61.2 billion and $61.7 billion.
Arista Networks, Inc. (ANET - Free Report) is gaining from innovative product launches and steady customer additions backed by the company’s best-in-class portfolio strength, which led to top-line expansion, while steady margin improvement contributed to earnings growth. The company surpassed shipments of 150 million cumulative ports in the fourth quarter of 2025 with healthy momentum from the Arista 2.0 strategy. For the first quarter of 2026, management expects revenues to be approximately $2.6 billion, driven by healthy growth momentum and solid demand trends. Revenues for 2026 are likely to grow 25% year over year.
CIEN Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of CIEN have surged 202.5% in the past six months compared with the Communications - Components industry’s growth of 128.1%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Valuation-wise, CIEN seems attractive, as suggested by the Growth Score of B. CIEN trades at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 74.42, above the industry’s 48.43.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CIEN earnings for fiscal 2026 has been revised upward over the past 60 days.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CIEN currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:211mo ago
Crude Oil Price Analysis – Oil Still in Range Despite Potential Peace
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2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:221mo ago
Molson Coors Could Drop Another 3% as Barclays Slashes Target to $40 With Underweight Rating
This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.
Molson Coors (NYSE:TAP) has been under sustained pressure heading into 2026. Shares are down nearly 2.00%% over the past week, and more than 13% year to date. Over the past year, TAP has fallen 30.05%, well off its 52-week high of $63.50. The stock closed most recently at $41.16.
While the Street’s consensus target sits at $47.67, Barclays is taking a decidedly more cautious stance. The firm cut its price target on Molson Coors to $40 from $47, maintaining an Underweight rating. At current levels, that target implies roughly 3% additional downside from where shares trade today. But can TAP realistically reach $40 by the end of 2026?
Barclays’ $40 TAP Prediction Barclays’ bearish call is grounded in Molson Coors’ own forward guidance. Management projected underlying EPS to decline 11% to 15% in 2026 versus 2025, with underlying income before income taxes expected to fall 15% to 18%. Compounding that, approximately $35 million in unfavorable Midwest Premium aluminum surcharges hit Q4 alone, and elevated aluminum costs are expected to remain a meaningful headwind throughout 2026.
Key Drivers of TAP Stock Performance Volume Deterioration in the Americas: Americas financial volumes fell 8.5% in Q4 and U.S. brand volumes declined 5.1%, driven by industry softness and share losses in premium segments. Sustained volume erosion in the core business limits earnings recovery potential. Cost Savings Program as an Offset: Management launched a three-year cost savings program targeting up to $450 million, with savings beginning in 2026. This initiative, alongside a $4 billion share repurchase authorization through December 31, 2031, provides a floor for long-term capital return. Dividend Stability Amid Earnings Pressure: Molson Coors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.48 per share, supported by full-year free cash flow of $1.14 billion. The 4.48% dividend yield provides income while investors wait for operational stabilization. What Will It Take for TAP to Reach $40? With 175.6 million shares outstanding, a $40 price target implies continued multiple compression as earnings decline, representing continued multiple compression as earnings decline. For Barclays’ target to materialize, three conditions likely apply: 2026 EPS comes in at the low end of the guided 11% to 15% decline range, aluminum cost headwinds persist beyond management’s expectations, and U.S. volume trends fail to stabilize.
The primary risk to this bearish call is a faster-than-expected resolution in Midwest Premium aluminum pricing, which management itself noted is “not reflective of longer-term performance.” Still, with 12 analysts currently rating TAP a Hold and 4 rating it a Strong Sell or Sell, Barclays’ $40 target reflects a broadly cautious Wall Street view on a stock facing structural headwinds alongside the stock’s income appeal.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:231mo ago
Homebuilding Stock Suffers Another Blow After Earnings
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2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:251mo ago
Elon Musk asks judge to recuse herself in Tesla shareholder case, saying she hearted post about him losing a lawsuit
Elon Musk said that he is looking at xAI's interview history to scan for missed talent. Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images 2026-03-25T14:25:11.607Z
Elon Musk's lawyers have asked Delaware Chancery Court's top judge to recuse herself from a case. They say she hearted a LinkedIn post criticizing him. The judge says she never read the post and reported her emoji reaction as "suspicious activity." A Delaware judge overseeing a lawsuit against Elon Musk has appeared in at least one LinkedIn search — from his lawyers.
Attorneys for the Tesla CEO have asked Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick to recuse herself from a shareholder lawsuit against him because of her reactions to a LinkedIn post criticizing him.
"In light of the Court's recent public support of LinkedIn posts that create a perception of bias against Mr. Musk in these cases, recusal is necessary and warranted," they wrote in a Tuesday night court filing. "These cases should be re-assigned to another random-drawn judicial officer of this Court."
The recusal motion was filed in a set of lawsuits brought by Tesla shareholders who allege Musk lied about selling his Tesla shares in the lead-up to his 2022 purchase of Twitter, enabling him to profit illegally. Musk has denied wrongdoing.
According to the Tuesday filing, McCormick reacted positively to a LinkedIn post from a lawyer who won a separate case in California, accusing Musk of misleading Twitter shareholders. The post celebrated the law firm that brought the case for "standing up for the little guy against the richest man in the world."
Musk's attorneys said McCormick, who has ruled against Musk in other high-profile cases, put effort into reacting to one of the posts criticizing him. She chose to react with "Support" rather than a mere "Like," they wrote.
"The particular reaction selected by Chancellor McCormick's account — 'Support,' symbolized by a heart hovering in an outstretched hand— requires deliberate selection, an effort beyond clicking the generic 'like' button," they wrote. "Of about 121 reactions to the post, 93 chose the default 'like' and only one selected the outstretched heart in hand to 'support' the post."
Delaware Chancellor Kate McCormick put effort into reacting to a LinkedIn post criticizing Elon Musk by not simply "liking" it, his lawyers say. Delaware Court of Chancery McCormick's LinkedIn account appeared to be deactivated on March 23, the lawyers wrote. Business Insider was unable to locate her account. McCormick's chambers declined to comment.
In her own letter dated Tuesday, McCormick said she didn't recall even seeing the post.
"LinkedIn recently reported that I hit the heart-in-hand icon intended to show a sign of 'support' concerning a LinkedIn post about Mr. Musk," she wrote. "I do not 'support' the post. I also have not read the post, aside from the text visible in the screenshot that was sent by text to me last night."
The judge said she "reported the suspicious activity to LinkedIn" and was then locked out of her account.
McCormick serves as the chancellor — effectively, the chief judge — of the Delaware Court of Chancery. She has previously overseen two other cases involving Musk, neither of which turned out as he hoped.
In 2022, she oversaw a case Twitter brought against Musk to force him to go through with his purchase of the social media company after he tried to back out. After McCormick ruled in Twitter's favor early in the litigation, Musk agreed to go through with the purchase before the case concluded.
McCormick also sided with shareholders in a 2024 ruling that struck down Musk's $55 billion Tesla pay package for himself, though Delaware's Supreme Court later overturned her ruling.
McCormick's decision spurred Musk to move his companies from Delaware to Texas, which has become a minor trend in the business world.
Musk's attorneys said the LinkedIn shenanigans extended throughout McCormick's chambers.
In their filing, they said a member of McCormick's staff "liked" a LinkedIn post from an attorney who posted a screenshot of a news article about Musk's testimony in the California case.
In that case, the now-X Corp. CEO testified that he believed McCormick was "extremely biased" against him.
"So many people who should be so deeply ashamed of themselves seem incapable of being so, and I don't think it's great for civil society," the attorney who posted the screenshot wrote in the LinkedIn post that was "liked" by a member of the judge's staff.
Musk lost the case.
Elon Musk lawsuit Tesla More
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Arm Stock Gaps Higher After Unveiling First In-House Chip
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2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:281mo ago
EZA: Gold's Bounce Bodes Well For South African Stocks After A Bruising Decline
SummaryThe iShares MSCI South Africa ETF remains a "Buy" as gold rebounds and valuation stays compelling at a 10-11x P/E.The ETF’s 45% Materials weighting and top holdings in gold miners make gold price action critical for EZA’s outlook.Despite a 24% recent drawdown, EZA sits at its 200-day moving average with a bullish long-term trend and potential double-bottom support.EZA offers a high 6.6% yield, a low PEG ratio under 0.7x, and concentrated exposure to large/mid-cap South African equities. Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision via Getty Images
Gold’s Monday morning low this week looks increasingly durable. That may sound like a bold call, considering that it was barely more than 48 hours ago as of this writing. But the move to official technical bear-market territory came on a sharp decline
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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:291mo ago
FIVN Investor News: Rosen Law Firm Announces Investigation of Breaches of Fiduciary Duties by the Directors and Officers of Five9, Inc. - FIVN
, /PRNewswire/ -- Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and officers of Five9, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVN).
If you currently own shares of Five9, Inc. stock, please visit the firm's website at https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32046 for more information. You may also contact Phillip Kim of Rosen Law Firm toll free at 866-767-3653 or via email at [email protected].
Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
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SummarySurge Energy delivered strong 2025 results, with robust free cash flow and a well-covered 6.1% dividend at $65 oil.SGY's production mix remains oil-weighted (88% liquids), minimizing exposure to weak natural gas prices and supporting resilient cash generation.2026 guidance assumes $65 WTI, with C$95 million free cash flow; higher realized prices could boost FCFPS to C$1.75 if oil averages $85.Current hedging limits near-term upside, but prudent risk management and potential for additional hedges in 2027 enhance stability.Looking for more investing ideas like this one? Get them exclusively at European Small-Cap Ideas. Learn More » Max Zolotukhin/iStock via Getty Images
Introduction Surge Energy (SGY:CA) (ZPTAF) is a Canadian oil and gas producer with a very decent output of approximately 23,000 barrels of oil-equivalent per day. With an average WTI oil price below US$60/barrel on a WTI basis
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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of SGY:CA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
I also have a long position in the debentures
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:301mo ago
5 Wall Street Pros Weigh in on Cloud Provider Braze After Q4 Earnings
Braze (NASDAQ:BRZE) delivered a strong close to fiscal 2026, and six Wall Street analysts responded with updated price targets that reflect genuine confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, tempered by valuation discipline in a compressed multiple environment. The stock had traded as high as $43.89 over the past 52 weeks before gaining more than 20% on March 25 in the wake of its earnings call. That makes the analyst target range of $30 to $40 a significant implied recovery.
Firm Analyst Rating Old Target New Target Barclays Raimo Lenschow Overweight $29 $31 BTIG N/A Buy $25 $30 Canaccord David Hynes Buy $43 $40 Goldman Sachs N/A Buy $45 $40 Mizuho Siti Panigrahi Outperform $50 $40 Stifel J. Parker Lane Buy $40 $35 What Drove the Quarter Braze reported Q4 revenue of $205.2 million, beating the consensus estimate of $198.23 million by 3.50% and marking 27.9% year-over-year growth. That acceleration is the story: revenue growth has climbed from 19.6% to 23.8% to 25.5% to 27.9% over four consecutive quarters. Quarterly bookings surged over 50% year-over-year, and the enterprise customer count, those spending $500K or more in annual recurring revenue, grew 34.8%. Remaining performance obligations crossed $1 billion for the first time.
The Analyst Divide Barclays raised its target to $31 from $29, with analyst Raimo Lenschow pointing to three consecutive quarters of improved dollar-based net retention and organic revenue acceleration as catalysts for renewed investor interest. BTIG lifted its target to $30 from $25, citing the magnitude of upside in Braze’s FY2027 growth outlook and the robust bookings that sent the stock up roughly 20% in after-hours trading following the report.
Three firms trimmed targets despite maintaining bullish ratings. Canaccord’s David Hynes cut to $40 from $43, noting that initial FY2027 guidance calls for 20% growth and roughly 400 basis points of margin expansion, well ahead of the Street’s prior 16% growth estimate. Goldman Sachs reduced its target to $40 from $45 but kept Braze among its top picks, arguing the company can sustain accelerated share gains as legacy competitors struggle to deliver on AI promises. Mizuho’s Siti Panigrahi moved to $40 from $50, citing multiple contraction across the software sector while calling Braze’s AI momentum “promising.” Stifel’s J. Parker Lane trimmed to $35 from $40, noting Braze “closed the year on a high note” but reflecting sector-wide multiple compression.
What to Watch The tension between accelerating fundamentals and a compressed valuation environment defines Braze’s current setup. Dollar-based net retention slipped to 109% from 111% year-over-year, and GAAP gross margin narrowed to 65.5% from 69.3%.
FY2027 full-year revenue guidance of $884 million to $889 million and non-GAAP EPS of $0.61 to $0.65 will be the benchmarks analysts track to determine whether target resets reflect a floor or a ceiling.
The pace of BrazeAI product adoption, particularly the Agent Console and Operator tools that launched ahead of schedule in February, will be a key signal in the quarters ahead.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Wall Street Analysts See GE (GE) as a Buy: Should You Invest?
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about GE Aerospace (GE - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.
GE currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.40, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 20 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.40 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 20 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 16 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 80% and 10% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for GE
Check price target & stock forecast for GE here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying GE, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Is GE Worth Investing In?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for GE, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $7.44.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for GE. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for GE.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Wall Street Analysts Look Bullish on Camtek (CAMT): Should You Buy?
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Camtek (CAMT - Free Report) .
Camtek currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.85, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 13 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.85 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 13 recommendations that derive the current ABR, seven are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 53.9% and 7.7% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for CAMT
Check price target & stock forecast for Camtek here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying Camtek, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is CAMT a Good Investment?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for Camtek, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $3.47.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Camtek. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Camtek.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Wall Street Bulls Look Optimistic About Cipher Digital Inc. (CIFR): Should You Buy?
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?
Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Cipher Digital Inc. (CIFR - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.
Cipher Digital Inc. currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.50, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 16 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.50 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 16 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 12 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 75% and 12.5% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for CIFR
Check price target & stock forecast for Cipher Digital Inc. here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying Cipher Digital Inc., it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Is CIFR a Good Investment?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for Cipher Digital Inc., the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at -$0.9.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Cipher Digital Inc. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Cipher Digital Inc.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Is Interactive Brokers (IBKR) a Buy as Wall Street Analysts Look Optimistic?
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR - Free Report) .
Interactive Brokers currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.25, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by eight brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.25 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the eight recommendations that derive the current ABR, seven are Strong Buy, representing 87.5% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for IBKR
Check price target & stock forecast for Interactive Brokers here>>>
The ABR suggests buying Interactive Brokers, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is IBKR Worth Investing In?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for Interactive Brokers, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $2.35.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Interactive Brokers. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Interactive Brokers.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Brokers Suggest Investing in Twilio (TWLO): Read This Before Placing a Bet
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?
Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Twilio (TWLO - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.
Twilio currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.81, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 27 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.81 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 27 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 17 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 63% and 3.7% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for TWLO
Check price target & stock forecast for Twilio here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying Twilio, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Should You Invest in TWLO?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Twilio, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $5.38.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Twilio. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Twilio.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Wall Street Bulls Look Optimistic About Applied Materials (AMAT): Should You Buy?
Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?
Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Applied Materials (AMAT - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.
Applied Materials currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.53, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 37 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.53 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 37 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 25 are Strong Buy and four are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 67.6% and 10.8% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for AMAT
Check price target & stock forecast for Applied Materials here>>>
The ABR suggests buying Applied Materials, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Should You Invest in AMAT?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for Applied Materials, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 0% over the past month to $11.11.
Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Applied Materials. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Applied Materials may serve as a useful guide for investors.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Wall Street Analysts Think Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) Is a Good Investment: Is It?
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (ISRG - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.
Intuitive Surgical currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.65, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 31 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.65 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 31 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 21 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 67.7% and 6.5% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for ISRG
Check price target & stock forecast for Intuitive Surgical here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying Intuitive Surgical, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Should You Invest in ISRG?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Intuitive Surgical, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 0.6% over the past month to $10.06.
Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Intuitive Surgical. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Intuitive Surgical may serve as a useful guide for investors.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Is Dell Technologies (DELL) a Buy as Wall Street Analysts Look Optimistic?
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Dell Technologies (DELL - Free Report) .
Dell Technologies currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.70, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 23 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.70 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 23 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 15 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 65.2% and 8.7% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for DELL
Check price target & stock forecast for Dell Technologies here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying Dell Technologies, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Is DELL a Good Investment?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Dell Technologies, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 12.3% over the past month to $12.77.
Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Dell Technologies. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Dell Technologies may serve as a useful guide for investors.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Wall Street Analysts Think Seanergy Maritime Holdings (SHIP) Is a Good Investment: Is It?
Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?
Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp (SHIP - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.
Seanergy Maritime Holdings currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.00, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by five brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.00 indicates Strong Buy.
Of the five recommendations that derive the current ABR, five are Strong Buy, representing 100% of all recommendations.
While the ABR calls for buying Seanergy Maritime Holdings, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is SHIP a Good Investment?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Seanergy Maritime Holdings, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 5.4% over the past month to $1.96.
Analysts' growing optimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to soar in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) for Seanergy Maritime Holdings. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Seanergy Maritime Holdings may serve as a useful guide for investors.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Wall Street Analysts See Take-Two (TTWO) as a Buy: Should You Invest?
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Take-Two Interactive (TTWO - Free Report) .
Take-Two currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.27, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 30 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.27 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 30 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 25 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 83.3% and 6.7% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for TTWO
Check price target & stock forecast for Take-Two here>>>
The ABR suggests buying Take-Two, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
In other words, their interests aren't always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock's price movement.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is TTWO Worth Investing In?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Take-Two, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $3.91.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Take-Two. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Take-Two.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Recently Broke Out Above the 200-Day Moving Average
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE - Free Report) reached a significant support level, and could be a good pick for investors from a technical perspective. Recently, HPE broke through the 200-day moving average, which suggests a long-term bullish trend.
The 200-day simple moving average helps traders and analysts determine overall long-term market trends for stocks, commodities, indexes, and other financial instruments. The indicator moves higher or lower along with longer-term price moves, serving as a support or resistance level.
HPE could be on the verge of another rally after moving 18% higher over the last four weeks. Plus, the company is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock.
The bullish case solidifies once investors consider HPE's positive earnings estimate revisions. No estimate has gone lower in the past two months for the current fiscal year, compared to 7 higher, while the consensus estimate has increased too.
Given this move in earnings estimate revisions and the positive technical factor, investors may want to keep their eye on HPE for more gains in the near future.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Winnebago (WGO) Q2 Earnings: How Key Metrics Compare to Wall Street Estimates
For the quarter ended February 2026, Winnebago Industries (WGO - Free Report) reported revenue of $657.4 million, up 6% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.27, compared to $0.19 in the year-ago quarter.
The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $625.03 million, representing a surprise of +5.18%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +7.14%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.25.
While investors closely watch year-over-year changes in headline numbers -- revenue and earnings -- and how they compare to Wall Street expectations to determine their next course of action, some key metrics always provide a better insight into a company's underlying performance.
Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.
Here is how Winnebago performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
Unit deliveries - Marine - Boats: 992 compared to the 1,125 average estimate based on two analysts.Unit deliveries - Total Towable RV: 6,615 versus 7,218 estimated by two analysts on average.Unit deliveries - Total Motorhome RV: 1,518 compared to the 1,015 average estimate based on two analysts.Net Revenues- Motorhome RV: $304.7 million versus the four-analyst average estimate of $235.66 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of +29.3%.Net Revenues- Marine: $79.2 million versus $84.83 million estimated by four analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a -3.1% change.Net Revenues- Towable RV: $262.4 million versus the four-analyst average estimate of $288.78 million. The reported number represents a year-over-year change of -9%.View all Key Company Metrics for Winnebago here>>>
Shares of Winnebago have returned -20.2% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -4.7% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
2026-03-25 14:331mo ago
2026-03-25 10:311mo ago
Earnings Growth & Price Strength Make Bank of America (BAC) a Stock to Watch
Here at Zacks, we offer our members many different opportunities to take full advantage of the stock market, as well as how to invest in ways that lead to long-term success.
One of our most popular services, Zacks Premium offers daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank; full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List; Equity Research reports; and Premium stock screens like the Earnings ESP filter. All are useful tools to find what stocks to buy, what to sell, and what are today's hottest industries.
It also includes the Focus List, a long-term portfolio of top stocks that have all the elements to beat the market.
Breaking Down the Zacks Focus ListBuilding an investment portfolio from scratch can be difficult, so if you could, wouldn't you take a peek at a curated list of top stocks?
That's what the Zacks Focus List, a portfolio of 50 stocks, offers investors. Not only does it serve as a starting point for long-term investors, but all stocks included in the list are poised to outperform the market over the next 12 months.
What makes the Focus List even more helpful is that each selection is accompanied by a full Zacks Analyst Report, which explains the reasoning behind every stock's selection and why we believe it's a good pick for the long-term.
The portfolio's past performance only solidifies why investors should consider it as a starting point. For 2020, the Focus List gained 13.85% on an annualized basis compared to the S&P 500's return of 9.38%. Cumulatively, the portfolio has returned 2,519.23% while the S&P returned 854.95%. Returns are for the period of February 1, 1996 to March 31, 2021.
Focus List MethodologyWhen stocks are picked for the Focus List, it reflects our enduring reliance on the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Brokerage analysts are in charge of determining a company's growth and profitability expectations, or earnings estimates. These analysts work together with company management to evaluate all factors that may affect future earnings, like interest rates, the economy, and sector and industry optimism.
Investors also need to look at what a company will earn down the road. This is why earnings estimate revisions are so important.
The stocks that receive positive changes to earnings estimates are more likely to receive even more upward changes in the future. Take this example: if an analyst raised their estimates last month, they'll probably do so again this month, and other analysts will follow.
Harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions is where the Zacks Rank comes in. The Zacks Rank is a unique, proprietary stock-rating model that utilizes changes to a company's quarterly earnings expectations to help investors build a winning portfolio.
The Zacks Rank consists of four main pillars: Agreement, Magnitude, Upside, and Surprise. Each one is given a raw score, which is recalculated every night and compiled into the Rank. Then, stocks are classified into five groups, ranging from "Strong Buy" to "Strong Sell," using this data.
The Focus List is comprised of stocks hand-picked from a long list of #1 (Strong Buy) or #2 (Buy) ranked companies, meaning that each new addition boasts a bullish earnings consensus among analysts.
It can be very profitable to buy stocks with rising earnings estimates, as stock prices respond to revisions. By adding Focus List stocks, there's a great chance you'll be getting into companies whose future earnings estimates will be raised, which can lead to price momentum.
Focus List Spotlight: Bank of America (BAC - Free Report) Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Bank of America Corporation (incorporated in 1874) is one of the largest financial holding companies in the United States. With total assets worth $3.41 trillion as of Dec. 31, 2025, it provides a diverse range of banking and non-banking financial services and products through 3,628 financial centers and 14,909 automated teller machines (ATMs) across the country.
BAC, a #3 (Hold) stock, was added to the Focus List on January 9, 2017 at $22.68 per share. Since then, shares have increased 112.26% to $48.14.
Two analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.02 to $4.32. BAC boasts an average earnings surprise of 7.4%.
Earnings for BAC are forecasted to see growth of 13.4% for the current fiscal year as well.
Reveal Winning StocksUnlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. You'll quickly identify which stocks to buy, hold and sell, and target today's hottest industries, to help improve the performance of your portfolio. Gain full access now >>