Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

3 Stocks Using Bitcoin to Grow Their Treasury ReservesAlliance Resource Partners NASDAQ: ARLP reported higher third-quarter 2026 revenue, earnings and adjusted EBITDA, supported by stronger coal shipments, the return of longwall production at its Hamilton mine and the first full-quarter contribution from its AllDale III and IV oil-and-gas royalty acquisition.

Total revenue increased 5.5% from a year earlier to $603 million. Net income attributable to ARLP rose 46.8% to $139.6 million, or $1.08 per basic and diluted limited partner unit, while adjusted EBITDA attributable to ARLP increased 26.3% to $233.9 million.

Get ARLP alerts:

Peabody Energy is a Double Threat Energy and Steel Play Results also improved sequentially from the second quarter. Revenue rose 9.3%, net income increased 75.5%, and adjusted EBITDA attributable to ARLP grew 26.4%.

The partnership said net income benefited from a $16.5 million increase in the fair value of digital assets and a $6.3 million non-cash gain from remeasuring its prior equity interest in AllDale III following the acquisition of AllDale III and IV. Those gains were partly offset by higher income-tax expense and a $7.3 million loss on derivative instruments assumed in the acquisition, including $6.7 million that was unrealized.

3 High-Yield Energy MLPs: A Stable Way to Invest in EnergyBeginning this quarter, ARLP changed its adjusted EBITDA presentation to include non-controlling interests and report adjusted EBITDA attributable to ARLP, excluding amounts attributable to non-controlling interests in AllDale III and IV and Cavalier Minerals. Prior-period figures were adjusted to conform with the revised presentation.

Coal operations benefit from higher volumes and lower costs Coal sales volumes reached 9.3 million tons, up 7.4% year over year and 9.2% sequentially. Coal segment adjusted EBITDA increased 18.6% from the prior-year quarter to $186.8 million, as higher volumes and lower expenses per ton outweighed lower average realized pricing.

Average coal sales price declined 8.3% year over year to $53.93 per ton, primarily because of a larger mix of lower-priced Tunnel Ridge volumes. Segment adjusted EBITDA expense per ton improved 13.1% to $35.64. The resulting spread between sales price and EBITDA expense widened to $18.29 per ton from $16.19 per ton in the second quarter.

In the Illinois Basin, volumes increased 6.4% year over year to 7 million tons, driven by Hamilton’s resumption of longwall production. Illinois Basin adjusted EBITDA rose 32.6% to $139.8 million, while adjusted EBITDA expense per ton fell 10.2% to $31.77.

Appalachia coal sales volumes climbed 10.7% to 2.3 million tons on strong Tunnel Ridge sales. However, average pricing in the region fell 25.1% to $62.35 per ton due to the larger Tunnel Ridge sales mix. Appalachia expense per ton improved 19.9% to $46.25.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Craft said Hamilton set monthly production records in July and August after returning from an extended move and was the company’s lowest-cost operation during the quarter. He said the fourth quarter’s Illinois Basin cost performance should be comparable, while 2027 should benefit from a full year of Hamilton production.

Mettiki agreement restores production plans ARLP also announced a new multiyear coal supply agreement for its Mettiki operation, which had suspended mining after the partnership issued a WARN notice during the first quarter. The agreement will allow the mine and nearly 150 miners to return to production.

The mine is transitioning from longwall mining to two room-and-pillar sections operating two shifts per day by the end of the first quarter of 2027. ARLP expects Mettiki’s 2027 production to be about 550,000 tons higher than its 2026 production, with lower EBITDA expense per ton.

Craft said the agreement with Mettiki’s largest historical customer reflected the mine’s importance to the customer’s security of coal supply as it evaluates electricity demand tied to data-center contracts. He added that the revised mining approach could provide flexibility to participate selectively in the export metallurgical coal market.

ARLP said it added 4.2 million committed and priced coal tons through 2028 during the quarter. It has 31.7 million tons committed and priced for 2027, including 700,000 tons related to Mettiki’s new agreement. Export commitments total 3.7 million tons for 2026 and 3 million tons for 2027.

Craft said export volumes have exceeded expectations, although barge capacity constraints and higher transportation costs could limit growth. If logistics conditions improve, he said ARLP could potentially exceed this year’s coal sales volumes by 500,000 to 1 million tons without additional investment or operational changes.

Royalty business posts record revenue and volumes Total royalty revenue rose 52.5% year over year to $87.5 million, while royalty segment adjusted EBITDA attributable to ARLP increased 40% to $61.8 million.

The oil-and-gas royalty segment recorded quarterly records of $59.8 million in revenue and 1.45 million barrels of oil equivalent in volumes, largely reflecting the AllDale III and IV acquisition. Oil-and-gas royalty adjusted EBITDA attributable to ARLP increased 61.4% from a year earlier to $43.6 million.

Average sales price per barrel of oil equivalent rose 15.5% year over year to $41.21, as higher realized crude prices more than offset a greater natural-gas weighting after the acquisition. Sequentially, the average price declined 16.6% due to lower realized crude prices and the higher natural-gas mix.

Chief Financial Officer Cary Marshall said ARLP expects volume growth in 2027 even without further acquisitions, while also continuing to pursue royalty acquisitions and reinvest cash flow from the business. The partnership is completing reserve studies and expects to provide 2027 guidance with fourth-quarter results in February.

Cash flow strengthens as company tightens outlook Free cash flow totaled $198.6 million in the quarter, while distributable cash flow rose about 29% from a year earlier to $136.8 million. Distribution coverage increased to 1.76 times.

At Sept. 30, total debt and finance leases stood at $679.9 million, with net debt of $595 million. Total and net leverage were 0.89 times and 0.78 times trailing 12-month adjusted EBITDA attributable to ARLP, respectively. The partnership ended the quarter with $430.8 million of liquidity and held 673 Bitcoin valued at $56.3 million.

Marshall said ARLP expects to amortize a new $150 million, 18-month minerals debt facility using cash flow from its minerals business. Craft said the partnership intends to maintain distribution coverage of at least 1.5 times on a sustained basis before considering an increase in its distribution.

For 2026, ARLP tightened its coal guidance and now expects sales volumes of 34.5 million to 35.5 million tons, coal sales pricing of $54.25 to $54.75 per ton, and segment adjusted EBITDA expense of $37.50 to $38.50 per ton.

About Alliance Resource Partners (NASDAQ:ARLP)Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. NASDAQ: ARLP is a diversified natural resource company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company's primary business is the production and marketing of coal, which it supplies to electric utilities and industrial customers in the United States.

Alliance Resource Partners operates coal mines in the Illinois Basin and Appalachia, producing primarily thermal coal used for electricity generation. Its operations include underground and surface mining, coal processing, transportation and marketing activities.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

Should You Invest $1,000 in Alliance Resource Partners Right Now?Before you consider Alliance Resource Partners, you'll want to hear this.

MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. MarketBeat has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and Alliance Resource Partners wasn't on the list.

While Alliance Resource Partners currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

MarketBeat just released its list of the 7 hottest IPOs expected to hit Wall Street in 2026. See which companies are preparing to go public and why investors are watching closely.

Get This Free Report

Continue following MarketBeat

Add MarketBeat as your preferred source on Google to see our latest stories in your feed.

Tyler Technologies heads into earnings with cloud migration, AI-powered government software and recurring revenue growth.

Key Takeaways SMCI is expanding AI rack-scale systems and liquid cooling, but rising inventory remains a concern.Fabrinet's fiscal Q4 2026 data center revenues surged 68% year over year to $669 million.Fabrinet is expanding manufacturing capacity and preparing hyperscaler-direct transceiver programs.
Super Micro Computer (SMCI - Free Report) and Fabrinet (FN - Free Report) are two prominent AI value chain suppliers benefiting from the expansion of AI infrastructure, but they occupy different parts of the supply chain. While Super Micro Computer offers a broad portfolio of rack-scale Total IT Solutions, including complete servers, storage systems, blade servers, subsystems and server management software, Fabrinet provides advanced optical packaging and precision optical, electro-mechanical and electronic manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers.

With the AI industry growing, both stocks are set to benefit. So the question remains: Which stock has more upside potential? Let’s break down their fundamentals, growth prospects, market challenges and valuation to determine which offers a more compelling investment case.

The Case for SMCI StockSuper Micro Computer remains positioned to benefit from expanding AI infrastructure demand, supported by rapid adoption of new GPU platforms, its modular Building Block architecture, liquid-cooling expertise and a broader Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS) offering. The company is benefiting from its emphasis on early availability of new AI systems as a competitive advantage. In fourth-quarter fiscal 2026, the company was shipping volume products across NVIDIA’s GB300 NVL72, HGX B300, B200 NVL4 and RTX 6000 Pro lines.

It is also preparing systems based on NVIDIA Vera Rubin and Vera CPU platforms. With AMD, Super Micro Computer launched the Helios product line and MI450 Total Solution while continuing to support MI350 and MI355X systems. Super Micro Computer is adding enterprise and channel customers. Enterprise and channel revenues represented 31% of fiscal 2026 sales and increased 39% year over year. In fourth-quarter fiscal 2026, the category accounted for 50% of revenue compared with 28% in the prior quarter, as customers upgraded compute, storage and networking infrastructure.

The company also increased the number of customers generating more than $1 billion of annual revenue to nine in fiscal 2026 from four in fiscal 2025. SMCI is positioning itself as a one-stop provider for the infrastructure required to build and operate AI factories and modern data centers with its DCBBS that combine rack-scale systems, networking, power, cooling, software and deployment services into an integrated solution. This approach can simplify data center construction and help customers accelerate the deployment of increasingly power- and cooling-intensive AI infrastructure.

The portfolio includes liquid-cooling solutions, such as in-rack coolant distribution units (CDUs), chilled doors and cooling towers. The company says its in-rack CDUs can support cooling capacity of up to 250 kilowatts, while cooling towers can support between 1 and 50 megawatts. Such capabilities are increasingly important as high-performance AI systems generate substantially more heat than conventional computing workloads. DCBBS also includes 400G/800G networking solutions, power shelves capable of providing up to 33 kilowatts per shelf, battery backup systems and generators.

However, Super Micro Computer continues to carry a large inventory position while AI hardware platforms transition quickly. Inventory increased to $12.9 billion as of June 30, 2026 from $11.1 billion at the end of the third quarter and $4.7 billion as of June 30, 2025. Days of inventory rose to 119 days in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 from 106 days in the prior quarter. SMCI’s profitability continues to vary sharply with customer and product mix. Non-GAAP gross margin rose to 17.6% in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 from 10.1% in the prior quarter, but management said about 75% of the sequential improvement came from favorable mix, including contracts that shifted into fiscal 2027.

For the first quarter of fiscal 2027, Super Micro Computer expects net sales to be in the range of $14.5-$15.5 billion, with non-GAAP adjusted earnings of $1.01-$1.10 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SMCI’s first-quarter fiscal 2027 earnings is pegged at $1.24 per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 254.3%. Estimates have been revised upward over the past seven days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Case for FN StockTraction in advanced optical packaging and precision optical, electro-mechanical and electronic manufacturing services is acting as a tailwind for Fabrinet. Fabrinet’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 data center revenues reached $669 million, up 68% year over year and 13% sequentially, and represented 51% of revenue. DCI was the largest contributor to data center growth, with an annualized run rate above $1 billion, while HPC also increased sequentially as next-generation programs ramped.

Fabrinet’s communications infrastructure revenues rose 40% year over year to $413 million. Management expects first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenues of $1.375-$1.425 billion, implying 43% year-over-year growth at the midpoint, with sequential gains expected across data center, communications infrastructure and automotive, industrial and other markets. FN’s Customer forecasts also extend into fiscal 2027 and beyond.

Fabrinet has begun qualifying Building 10 in Chonburi, with 250,000 square feet already qualified and a similar amount targeted in the first quarter of fiscal 2027. The full 2.0 million-square-foot building remains scheduled for completion in early 2027 and is expected to add $3-$3.5 billion of revenue capacity. The company also converted 120,000 square feet at Pinehurst, commissioned a 200,000-square-foot Nava Nakorn facility, and acquired a Santa Clara campus with about 130,000 square feet of manufacturing space.

Fabrinet expects hyperscaler-direct transceiver programs to begin ramping in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, with one merchant program starting in the December quarter and others in early 2027. The company is also building CPO devices for a handful of customers, though volumes are not yet at scale. With all of these tailwinds, Fabrinet expects revenues of $1.375-$1.425 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2027.

Fabrinet expects its non-GAAP earnings to be in the range of $4.10-$4.25 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is pegged at $4.19 per share, indicating growth of 43.5% year over year. Estimates have remained unchanged in the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Stock Price Performance and Valuation of SMCI & FNShares of SMCI have appreciated 12.6%, while FN has lost 30.8% in the year-to-date period

YTD Performance Chart
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

FN is trading at a forward 12-month Price to Sales ratio of 1.70X, which is lower than its median of 0.30X, while SMCI is trading at a forward sales multiple of 0.30X, below its median of 0.40X.

Forward 12-Month (P/S) Valuation Chart
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Conclusion: SMCI vs. FNFabrinet offers a compelling growth opportunity, driven by surging demand for optical connectivity and AI data-center infrastructure. Its data-center revenues grew 68% year over year in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026, while expanding manufacturing capacity supports future customer programs. Hyperscaler-direct transceiver ramps and emerging co-packaged optics provide additional growth avenues. Considering these factors, it would be safer to retain FN stock for now. Both FN and SMCI carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 2. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis drugmaker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $4.92 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +2.5%.

Revenues are expected to be $3.4 billion, up 10.6% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.22% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Vertex?For Vertex, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +4.98%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Vertex will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Vertex would post earnings of $4.79 per share when it actually produced earnings of $4.73, delivering a surprise of -1.25%.

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

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

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

Vertex appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerAmong the stocks in the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, Fortrea Holdings Inc. (FTRE - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $0.24 per share for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +100%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $670.22 million, down 4.4% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Fortrea Holdings Inc. has been revised 1.8% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a lower Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -10.35%.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Fortrea Holdings Inc. will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.

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

Last week's blowout quarter from the fuel cell group's biggest data center winner is pulling buyers back after a steep post-earnings slide. Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) stock is at $207.

All investors love getting big returns from their portfolio, whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities. However, when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.

While cash flow can come from bond interest or interest from other types of investments, income investors hone in on dividends. A dividend is that coveted distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders, and investors often view it by its dividend yield, a metric that measures the dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends account for significant portions of long-term returns, with dividend contributions exceeding one-third of total returns in many cases.

Based in Cincinnati, Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. (PECO - Free Report) is in the Finance sector, and so far this year, shares have seen a price change of 7.84%. Currently paying a dividend of $0.35 per share, the company has a dividend yield of 3.6%. In comparison, the REIT and Equity Trust - Retail industry's yield is 4.37%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.33%.

Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $1.38 is up 10.1% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 4.79%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Phillips Edison & Company's current payout ratio is 48%, meaning it paid out 48% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.

Earnings growth looks solid for PECO for this fiscal year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $2.77 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 6.54%.

From greatly improving stock investing profits and reducing overall portfolio risk to providing tax advantages, investors like dividends for a variety of different reasons. It's important to keep in mind that not all companies provide a quarterly payout.

Big, established firms that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options, but it's fairly uncommon to see high-growth businesses or tech start-ups offer their stockholders a dividend. Income investors have to be mindful of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. With that in mind, PECO is a compelling investment opportunity. Not only is it a strong dividend play, but the stock currently sits at a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

CACI International is rated BUY, driven by robust FY27 earnings visibility and strong contract wins in defense technology and expertise. Order backlog is supported by a 2x book-to-bill ratio and integration of the ARKA acquisition, expanding CACI into space defense technology. FY27 revenue is guided to grow ~12.5% with adjusted net income up ~13%, underpinned by 94% existing business and ramping new contracts.

Key Takeaways Fortive is set to report Q3 earnings on Oct. 28, with revenues expected to rise 3% and EPS to grow 2.94%.Strong demand for Fluke's data center solutions and recurring services may boost Q3 results.FTV faces pressures from unfavorable product mix, higher growth investments and cautious hospital spending.
Fortive Corporation (FTV - Free Report) is scheduled to report third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 28.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.06 billion, which implies an increase of 3% from the year-ago reported number. The consensus mark for earnings is pegged at 70 cents per share, indicating year-over-year growth of 2.94%.

FTV’s earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 9.82%.

Fortive’s shares have gained 22.3% compared with the Electronics - Testing Equipment industry’s growth of 21.8% in the past year.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Factors to Note Ahead of FTV’s Q3 ResultsFortive is expected to have benefited from sustained momentum across its industrial technologies, software and healthcare businesses, supported by healthy demand for data center solutions, AI-enabled offerings and recurring services. The company continues to execute its Fortive Accelerated strategy, focusing on faster profitable organic growth through innovation, commercial investments and recurring customer value, alongside disciplined capital allocation.

The company is witnessing healthy demand across its Intelligent Operating Solutions (IOS) and Advanced Healthcare Solutions (AHS) segments. Within IOS, Fluke continues to benefit from robust demand for professional instrumentation, particularly in data centers and defense. Strong adoption of CertiFiber Max, which supports high-density fiber testing, is driving demand for Fluke's broader portfolio of network testing, power quality and battery testing solutions. Fluke's orders outpaced revenues in the second quarter, with a book-to-bill ratio above one, indicating healthy demand momentum.

The Facilities and Asset Lifecycle Solutions business is benefiting from strong demand for multisite facility maintenance and marketplace software, particularly at ServiceChannel. Improving performance at Accruent, solid contributions from Gordian and growing adoption of AI-enabled software offerings are likely to have supported third-quarter revenues. Strength in recurring services, including Fluke's calibration, maintenance and software offerings, remains another positive.

Within AHS, Fortive is benefiting from sustained demand for healthcare consumables, services and software solutions. ASP's consumables and services business recorded growth across all major regions in the second quarter, particularly the Asia-Pacific and Latin America. The low-temperature sterilization capital business also returned to growth amid gradually improving hospital spending conditions.

Moreover, FDA clearance for STERRAD's expanded 50-pound load capacity has strengthened ASP's position in robotic-assisted surgery applications. The acquisition of a majority stake in UV Smart further expands its disinfection portfolio. Strong demand for Provation's gastrointestinal documentation and SaaS offerings is another positive. These factors are expected to have supported the segment's third-quarter performance.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales of the IOS and AHS segments is pegged at $733 million and $338 million, respectively, for the third quarter.

Fortive's operational discipline, structural cost savings and Fortive Business System-led productivity initiatives continue to support profitability. The company delivered 12% adjusted EBITDA growth and 110 basis points of adjusted EBITDA margin expansion in the second quarter. Continued cost optimization, operating leverage and disciplined capital allocation, including share repurchases, are likely to have supported third-quarter earnings.

However, Fortive expects third-quarter adjusted EBITDA margin to decline slightly sequentially due to seasonally lower revenues, strategic growth investments and tougher year-over-year operating expense comparisons. Unfavorable product mix across both segments is also expected to have pressured gross margins. Macroeconomic uncertainty in Europe, supply-chain challenges involving memory chips and rare-earth materials, and cautious hospital capital spending remain concerns. Management expects third-quarter adjusted earnings per share to increase marginally year over year, with earnings growth weighted toward the fourth quarter.

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

Fortive has an Earnings ESP of +0.58% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Stocks to ConsiderHere are a few stocks that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this season.

Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +2.07% and a Zacks Rank #1 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

STX is scheduled to report quarterly figures on Oct. 27, 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Seagate Technology’s to-be-reported quarter’s earnings and revenues is pinned at $7.44 per share and $4.11 billion, respectively. Its shares are up 175.4% in the past year.

Intel (INTC - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +2.22% and a Zacks Rank #2. INTC is scheduled to report quarterly earnings on Oct. 29, 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Intel’s to-be-reported quarter’s earnings and revenues stands at 39 cents per share and $16.44 billion, respectively. Its shares have gained 119.9% in the past year.

Vertiv (VRT - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +0.74% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present. The company is scheduled to report quarterly figures on Oct. 28, 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Vertiv’s to-be-reported quarter’s earnings and revenues is pinned at $1.82 per share and $3.76 billion, respectively. Its shares are up 0.8% in the past year. 

Otter Tail (OTTR - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 2. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis power company and manufacturer is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.57 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -15.6%.

Revenues are expected to be $335.7 million, up 3.1% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 10.99% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Otter Tail?For Otter Tail, the Most Accurate Estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that there are no recent analyst views which differ from what have been considered to derive the consensus estimate. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Otter Tail will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Otter Tail would post earnings of $1.48 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.66, delivering a surprise of +12.16%.

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

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

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

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

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerXcel Energy (XEL - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $1.39 for the quarter ended September 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of +12.1%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $4.15 billion, up 5.9% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for Xcel has been revised 2.9% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. However, an equal Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0.00%.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), this Earnings ESP makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Xcel will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed EPS estimates just once.

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

NEW YORK, Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Levi & Korsinsky, LLP notifies investors in The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) that a securities fraud class action has been filed on behalf of shareholders who purchased securities between February 20, 2026 and August 4, 2026. Find out if you could qualify to recover your losses. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500.

Opteon refrigerant sales rose a record 37% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Two quarters later, company-wide volumes fell 4%, primarily on weaker Opteon aftermarket sales, and Chemours shares dropped 18.63% in a single session. Applications to serve as lead plaintiff must be filed by December 7, 2026.

At its core, this is a specialty chemical securities fraud case built on allegedly overstated Opteon aftermarket demand. The complaint alleges that the Company failed to disclose that aftermarket demand for its Opteon products was decreasing because those products had been oversold during the preceding fiscal year.

The U.S. AIM Act Factor

Congress enacted the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act in December 2020, and federal regulation has reshaped refrigerant demand since then. The law directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to oversee a shift toward alternative refrigerants with a lesser ozone impact. According to the lawsuit, the stationary air conditioning transition under that law triggered an initial aftermarket channel fill in 2025 as distributors and technicians stocked up for new equipment installations.

The lawsuit contends that this surge left 2026 aftermarket sales lapping an unusually strong prior-year base. That base was allegedly inflated by customer stockpiling rather than lasting end-user demand.

Key Opteon Demand Securities Fraud Allegations for Shareholders

Record Opteon growth in late 2025 allegedly reflected aftermarket customers building extra inventory, not sustainable end-market consumption.Customers allegedly entered 2026 holding excess product, which left the aftermarket channel oversupplied as the new year began.Purchasing during 2025 supply constraints allegedly pulled aftermarket sales forward from 2026, leaving less demand for the year ahead.The Company cited reduced Opteon blend aftermarket sales in North America as the main driver of its 2026 volume decline.The alleged overselling centers on the Thermal & Specialized Solutions segment, which reports Opteon results and anchored the Company's growth story. "This case presents important questions about demand disclosure obligations in the specialty chemical sector, particularly when a regulatory transition sparks a one-time buying wave. The lawsuit claims that record Opteon sales in 2025 masked an oversupplied aftermarket channel that would weigh on the following year. Shareholders are entitled to understand whether reported growth reflects durable demand." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

Submit your information here or call (212) 363-7500.

WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CC Lawsuit

Q: Who is eligible to join the CC investor lawsuit? A: Investors who purchased CC stock or securities between February 20, 2026 and August 4, 2026 and suffered financial losses may be eligible. Eligibility is based on purchase date and documented losses -- not on whether you still hold the shares.

Q: What specific misstatements does the CC lawsuit allege? A: The complaint alleges The Chemours Company made materially false or misleading statements during the Class Period regarding aftermarket demand for its Opteon refrigerant products. It also alleges the Company failed to disclose that 2025 sales had oversupplied the distribution channel heading into 2026. When second quarter 2026 results reporting lower Opteon aftermarket sales were disclosed, the stock price declined sharply.

Q: What court was the CC class action filed in? A: The case was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, governed by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Q: What is a lead plaintiff and why does it matter? A: A lead plaintiff is the investor appointed by the court to represent the entire class. Lead plaintiffs are typically investors with the largest documented losses. Being appointed does not increase individual recovery but gives direct oversight of how the case is run.

Q: What if I already sold my CC shares -- can I still recover losses? A: Yes. Eligibility is based on when you purchased, not whether you still hold the shares. Investors who bought during the Class Period and sold at a loss may still be eligible to participate.

Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: There is no upfront cost to submit your information and review whether you may be eligible to recover. Should you choose to participate in the securities class action, they are generally handled on a contingency basis, with any attorneys' fees and expenses subject to court approval.

Q: How long will the lawsuit take to resolve? A: Securities class actions typically take two to four years from initial filing to resolution. Timing depends on the court schedule, case developments, and whether the matter is dismissed, settled, or litigated further.

CONTACT:

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

Ed Korsinsky, Esq.

33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10004

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 363-7500

Fax: (212) 363-7171

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

KLA (KLAC - Free Report) has been on a downward spiral lately with significant selling pressure. After declining 22.5% over the past four weeks, the stock looks well positioned for a trend reversal as it is now in oversold territory and there is strong agreement among Wall Street analysts that the company will report better earnings than they predicted earlier.

We use Relative Strength Index (RSI), one of the most commonly used technical indicators, for spotting whether a stock is oversold. This is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of price movements.

RSI oscillates between zero and 100. Usually, a stock is considered oversold when its RSI reading falls below 30.

Technically, every stock oscillates between being overbought and oversold irrespective of the quality of their fundamentals. And the beauty of RSI is that it helps you quickly and easily check if a stock's price is reaching a point of reversal.

So, by this measure, if a stock has gotten too far below its fair value just because of unwarranted selling pressure, investors may start looking for entry opportunities in the stock for benefiting from the inevitable rebound.

However, like every investing tool, RSI has its limitations, and should not be used alone for making an investment decision.

Why a Trend Reversal is Due for KLACThe RSI reading of 23.08 for KLAC is an indication that the heavy selling could be in the process of exhausting itself, so the stock could bounce back in a quest for reaching the old equilibrium of supply and demand.

The RSI value is not the only factor that indicates a potential turnaround for the stock in the near term. On the fundamental side, there has been strong agreement among the sell-side analysts covering the stock in raising earnings estimates for the current year. Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for KLAC has increased 0.4%. And an upward trend in earnings estimate revisions usually translates into price appreciation in the near term.

Moreover, KLAC currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which means it is in the top 20% of more than 4,000 stocks that we rank based on trends in earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises. This is a more conclusive indication of the stock's potential turnaround in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

Key Takeaways NI's Q3 earnings are likely to gain from load growth, data center demand and higher manufacturing activity.NI's Q3 EPS is projected to rise 15.8% to 22 cents, while revenues are expected to grow 9.5% to $1.39 billion.New rates, infrastructure investments and cost discipline are expected to support NI's results.
NiSource Inc. (NI - Free Report) is scheduled to release third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 28, before market open. The company delivered an earnings surprise of 6.67% in the last reported quarter.

Let’s discuss the factors that are likely to be reflected in the upcoming quarterly results.

Factors That Might Have Impacted NI’s Q3 PerformanceNiSource's third-quarter earnings are expected to have benefited from rising load growth, data center demand and higher manufacturing activities. Customer growth and continued economic development across its service territories are expected to have supported revenues. New electric and gas rates implemented in previous quarters may have contributed to earnings growth.

NiSource’s focus on customer safety and continued investment in infrastructure development is likely to have supported its quarterly performance. Spending on electric transmission and gas systems to support incremental demand in its service territories is likely to have a positive impact on third-quarter earnings.

The company's continued emphasis on cost discipline and efforts to keep operation and maintenance expenses stable are expected to have helped maintain customer affordability and support its upcoming quarterly performance.

Q3 Expectations for NIThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at 22 cents per share, which implies a year-over-year rise of 15.8%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pinned at $1.39 billion, indicating an increase of 9.5% from the year-ago reported number.

What Our Quantitative Model Predicts for NIOur proven model predicts an earnings beat for NiSource this time. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat, which is the case here, as you will see below.

Other Stocks to ConsiderHere we have mentioned other players from the same industry that also have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings this reporting cycle:

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP - Free Report) is scheduled to report its third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 27, before market open. It has an Earnings ESP of +0.81% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present.

CNP’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 7.93%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings stands at 50 cents per share.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP - Free Report) is slated to report its third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 28, before market open. It has an Earnings ESP of +4.67% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present.

AEP’s long-term earnings growth rate is 7.40%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings stands at $2 per share, which implies a year-over-year jump of 11.1%.

Edison International (EIX - Free Report) is slated to report its third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 29, after market close. It has an Earnings ESP of +1.12% and a Zacks Rank of 3 at present.

EIX’s long-term earnings growth rate is 3.86%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $1.79 per share.

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 Cadence Design Systems (CDNS - Free Report) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.

Cadence currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.30, 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 1.30 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.

Of the 23 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 19 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 82.6% and 4.4% of all recommendations.

Brokerage Recommendation Trends for CDNS

Check price target & stock forecast for Cadence here>>>

While the ABR calls for buying Cadence, 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.

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.

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.

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 CDNS Worth Investing In?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Cadence, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 0.3% over the past month to $8.14.

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 Cadence. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

Therefore, the Buy-equivalent ABR for Cadence may serve as a useful guide for investors.

All investors love getting big returns from their portfolio, whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities. But for income investors, generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments is your primary focus.

Cash flow can come from bond interest, interest from other types of investments, and, of course, dividends. A dividend is the distribution of a company's earnings paid out to shareholders; it's often viewed by its dividend yield, a metric that measures a dividend as a percent of the current stock price. Many academic studies show that dividends account for significant portions of long-term returns, with dividend contributions exceeding one-third of total returns in many cases.

Based in New York, Equitable Holdings, Inc. (EQH - Free Report) is in the Finance sector, and so far this year, shares have seen a price change of 10.7%. Currently paying a dividend of $0.30 per share, the company has a dividend yield of 2.27%. In comparison, the Insurance - Multi line industry's yield is 1.77%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.33%.

Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $1.20 is up 14.3% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Equitable Holdings, Inc. has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 9.67%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Equitable Holdings's current payout ratio is 18%, meaning it paid out 18% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.

Earnings growth looks solid for EQH for this fiscal year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $7.17 per share, with earnings expected to increase 15.46% from the year ago period.

From greatly improving stock investing profits and reducing overall portfolio risk to providing tax advantages, investors like dividends for a variety of different reasons. It's important to keep in mind that not all companies provide a quarterly payout.

High-growth firms or tech start-ups, for example, rarely provide their shareholders a dividend, while larger, more established companies that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options. Income investors must be conscious of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. With that in mind, EQH is a compelling investment opportunity. Not only is it a strong dividend play, but the stock currently sits at a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Voya Financial (VOYA - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 2. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis retirement, investment and insurance company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.61 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +6.5%.

Revenues are expected to be $357.31 million, down 3.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.17% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Voya?For Voya, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +1.66%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Voya will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Voya would post earnings of $1.88 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.51, delivering a surprise of -19.68%.

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

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

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

Voya appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

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

Key Takeaways Builders FirstSource to report Q3 2026 results on Oct. 29, with the consensus EPS of $1.13, down 39.9% Y/Y.BLDR's Q3 sales are projected at $3.79 billion, down 3.8%, amid weak housing demand and competitive pricing.Acquisitions may support sales, but weaker volumes, pricing and higher fuel costs threaten Q3 profit margins. Builders FirstSource, Inc. (BLDR - Free Report) is slated to report third-quarter 2026 results on Oct. 29, before market open.

In the last reported quarter, the company’s adjusted earnings per share (EPS) missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.3%, and net sales lagged the same by 1.2%. On a year-over-year basis, both the top and bottom lines tumbled 8.8% and 50.8%, respectively.

BLDR’s earnings topped the consensus mark in one of the trailing four quarters and missed on one remaining occasion, the average surprise being negative 10.7%.

Trend in Estimate Revision of BLDRThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for Builders FirstSource’s third-quarter EPS has moved south to $1.13 from $1.16 in the past 30 days. The estimated figure indicates a 39.9% year-over-year decline from EPS of $1.88 reported in the year-ago quarter.

The consensus estimate for net sales is pegged at $3.79 billion, indicating a decline of 3.8% from $3.94 billion reported in the year-ago quarter.

Factors Likely to Shape BLDR’s Quarterly ResultsNet Sales

Builders FirstSource’s third-quarter revenues are likely to have been pressured by persistent housing affordability challenges, elevated interest rates and subdued residential construction activity. Weak demand across single-family and multifamily markets, coupled with competitive pricing and commodity-price volatility, is expected to have weighed on the top line. However, the company’s focus on value-added products, integrated building solutions and strategic acquisitions is likely to have partly cushioned these headwinds in the to-be-reported quarter.

Value-added products, which accounted for approximately 46% of second-quarter 2026 sales, are likely to have remained pressured by weak single-family construction activity, lower manufactured product volumes and reduced structural content per home. Specialty Building Products & Services, representing about 27% of sales, may have benefited from the company’s diversified offerings and established customer relationships. However, lower product pricing and volumes are expected to have constrained growth. Lumber and lumber sheet goods, accounting for approximately 27% of sales, are likely to have benefited from product bundling and relative market-share resilience, although commodity-price volatility and competitive pricing may have limited revenue contributions.

Nonetheless, Builders FirstSource’s focus on value-added products and integrated building solutions is likely to have supported its competitive position. Its diversified product portfolio, installation services and bundled offerings are expected to have aided customer engagement amid the growing shift toward build-to-order homes.

Acquisitions are also likely to have supported third-quarter revenues. During the first half of 2026, the company acquired Premium Building Components and Precision Design & Trim, expanding its manufacturing and installation capabilities. With 42 acquisitions representing approximately $2.3 billion in annual sales since 2021, management expects recent acquisitions to contribute about 1% to full-year sales growth, partly offsetting weakness in the core business.

Margins

On the margin front, weaker sales volumes, unfavorable product pricing and reduced operating leverage are expected to have weighed on profitability. Elevated freight and fuel expenses are also likely to have pressured margins. Management anticipates approximately $100 million in full-year fuel-related cost pressures, with only partial recovery through surcharges and customer pricing. Although cost-saving initiatives are expected to have provided some relief, persistent demand weakness and higher operating expenses may have constrained margin recovery.

Management expects third-quarter net sales between $3.6 billion and $3.9 billion and adjusted EBITDA in the range of $275 million to $325 million, reflecting continued housing market challenges and a cautious near-term outlook.

What the Zacks Model Predicts for BLDROur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Builders FirstSource this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. Unfortunately, this is not the case here, as you will see below.

BLDR’s Earnings ESP: BLDR has an Earnings ESP of -0.35%. You can uncover the best stocks before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank of BLDR: The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Stocks With the Favorable CombinationHere are some companies in the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector, which, per our model, have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat in the respective quarters to be reported.

Sweetgreen, Inc. (SG - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +4.26% and a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

In the to-be-reported quarter, Sweetgreen’s earnings are expected to register a 3.7% year-over-year decline. SG’s earnings lagged estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average miss being 43%.

Restaurant Brands International Inc. (QSR - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.26% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

Restaurant Brands’ earnings for the to-be-reported quarter are expected to increase 4.9%. QSR reported better-than-expected earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 3.8%.

El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (LOCO - Free Report) currently has an Earnings ESP of +2.08% and a Zacks Rank of 3.

In the to-be-reported quarter, LOCO’s earnings are expected to decrease 11.1%. El Pollo Loco's earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 16.8%.

SAN MATEO, Calif. and RESTON, Va., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH), and Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider®, today announced that Freshworks has achieved Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP®) ‘In-Process’ status for Class C (Moderate) certification for its Freshservice platform.

“Achieving FedRAMP ‘In-Process’ Authorization is a significant milestone for Freshworks,” said Matt Sorenson, Head of Channels & Alliances for North America at Freshworks. “It demonstrates our commitment to meeting the rigorous security and compliance requirements of the Public Sector while bringing the power of AI-powered service management to Government organizations. Through our partnership with Carahsoft, we can build on this momentum by leveraging its expertise and established relationships across the Government IT marketplace, making Freshservice more accessible to Government agencies and other Public Sector organizations seeking to modernize service delivery.”

Freshservice provides Public Sector organizations with an AI-powered unified service operations platform to manage IT services, assets and operations. The platform brings together capabilities such as incident and change management, automation and workflows, knowledge management, reporting and analytics and integrations, helping teams manage service delivery in one place.

Freshservice also enables organizations to extend service management beyond IT to teams such as HR, finance and operations. Its AI capabilities support self-service through chatbots, agent productivity and insights for decision makers, while its security and compliance capabilities are designed to help organizations safeguard data and meet regulatory requirements.

“As Government organizations continue to modernize their technology environments and improve the delivery of services, Freshservice can help streamline operations, strengthen service management and enable teams to work more efficiently,” said Nicholas Lang, Team Lead who oversees the Freshworks Team at Carahsoft. “Through our partnership with Freshworks, Carahsoft and its reseller partners are proud to help bring this capability to the Public Sector and connect Government organizations with the technology and resources needed to support their modernization goals. Together, we are taking an important step toward giving Government teams the secure, modern and intuitive technology they need to work more efficiently and deliver better experiences.”

Freshworks’ Freshservice platform is available through Carahsoft’s TIPS Contract #220105, OMNIA Partners Contract #R240303, E&I Contract #EI00063~2021MA and The Quilt Master Service Agreement Number MSA05012019-F. For more information, contact the Carahsoft Team at (571) 662-4600 or [email protected]; Learn more about Freshworks’ solutions here.

About Freshworks
Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH) is the AI-powered, unified service operations platform that is fast to deploy, intuitive to use, and enables every employee to be more productive. We give agile enterprises the depth they need to operate at scale, without the operational drag of legacy platforms. Domain-specific AI built for IT, HR, finance and every business team on a decade of real service context. Trusted by Seagate, New Balance, Nucor Corp, Sony Music Entertainment, McLaren Racing, and agile enterprises everywhere.

Contact
Chase Bertrand
1 (603) 261-5352
[email protected]

About Carahsoft
Carahsoft Technology Corp. is The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, supporting Public Sector organizations across Federal, State and Local Government agencies and Education and Healthcare markets. As the Master Government Aggregator® for our vendor partners, we deliver solutions for Customer Experience and Engagement, Cybersecurity, MultiCloud, DevSecOps, Artificial Intelligence, Open Source and more. Working with resellers, systems integrators and consultants, our sales and marketing teams provide industry leading IT products, services and training through hundreds of contract vehicles. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com.

Contact
Mary Lange
(703) 230-7434
[email protected]

Carpenter Technology Corporation recently reported earnings, providing updated insight into its financial performance. I examine CRS's latest results to assess operational trends and their implications for valuation. Key topics include revenue growth, margin trajectory, and forward-looking demand signals from end markets.

For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

Featuring 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, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? Developed alongside the Zacks Rank, the Zacks Style Scores are a group of complementary indicators that help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.82% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Smucker (SJM - Free Report) The J. M. Smucker Company, headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of branded food, beverage, pet food and pet snack products in North America. Its operations are primarily concentrated in the United States, with additional international activities, mainly in Canada.

SJM is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 12.14; value investors should take notice.

For fiscal 2027, eight analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.73 to $10.71 per share. SJM boasts an average earnings surprise of +13.8%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, SJM should be on investors' short list.

Investors looking for stocks in the Retail - Apparel and Shoes sector might want to consider either Boot Barn (BOOT - Free Report) or Industria de Diseno Textil SA (IDEXY - Free Report) . But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now? Let's take a closer look.

There are plenty of strategies for discovering value stocks, but we have found that pairing a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system produces the best returns. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits.

Right now, Boot Barn is sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy), while Industria de Diseno Textil SA has a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell). The Zacks Rank favors stocks that have recently seen positive revisions to their earnings estimates, so investors should rest assured that BOOT has an improving earnings outlook. However, value investors will care about much more than just this.

Value investors analyze a variety of traditional, tried-and-true metrics to help find companies that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels.

The Style Score Value grade factors in a variety of key fundamental metrics, including the popular P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, cash flow per share, and a number of other key stats that are commonly used by value investors.

BOOT currently has a forward P/E ratio of 12.67, while IDEXY has a forward P/E of 25.76. We also note that BOOT has a PEG ratio of 0.75. This popular figure is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also considers a company's expected EPS growth rate. IDEXY currently has a PEG ratio of 2.69.

Another notable valuation metric for BOOT is its P/B ratio of 2.57. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, IDEXY has a P/B of 9.62.

These are just a few of the metrics contributing to BOOT's Value grade of A and IDEXY's Value grade of D.

BOOT has seen stronger estimate revision activity and sports more attractive valuation metrics than IDEXY, so it seems like value investors will conclude that BOOT is the superior option right now.

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors. Luckily, Zacks Premium offers several different ways to do both.

The research service features daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, all of which will help you become a smarter, more confident investor.

Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores is a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on three popular investing types, and were developed as complementary indicators for the Zacks Rank. This combination helps investors choose securities with the highest chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.82% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

But it can feel overwhelming to pick the right stocks for you and your investing goals with over 800 top-rated stocks to choose from.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To have the best chance of big returns, you'll want to always consider stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B, which will give you the highest probability of success. If you're looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, it's important they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

Since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank, the direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy.

Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: ArcBest (ARCB - Free Report) ArcBest Corporation is an integrated logistics provider offering less-than-truckload services through ABF Freight and a broad Asset-Light portfolio. Its services include truckload brokerage, managed transportation, expedited, intermodal, household moving, warehousing and international logistics.

ARCB is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 17.99; value investors should take notice.

Five analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.16 to $7.06 per share. ARCB boasts an average earnings surprise of +2.1%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, ARCB should be on investors' short list.

Key Takeaways Ryder's Q3 adjusted EPS rose 21.3% to $4.33, while revenues climbed 8.3% to $3.43B, beating estimates.Fleet Management earnings rose 21%,led by robust rental results, used vehicle sales & ChoiceLease gains.R raised its 2026 EPS outlook to $14.85-$15.05, reflecting strong Q3 results & market improvements.
Ryder System, Inc. (R - Free Report) reported impressive third-quarter 2026 results, wherein both earnings and revenues surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Strong Fleet Management Solutions (“FMS”) performance and share repurchases boosted earnings.

The better-than-expected result had a positive impact on the market. The stock has gained 2% since its earnings release on Oct. 22.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Quarterly adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.33 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.17 by 3.8% and increased 21.3% year over year. Total revenues of $3.43 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.40 billion by 1% and rose 8.3% year over year. Operating revenues of $2.76 billion increased 5.7% year over year, reflecting contractual revenue growth in FMS and Supply Chain Solutions (“SCS”).

R's Fleet Management Performance ImprovesFMS total revenues of $1.62 billion increased 10% year over year, reflecting higher fuel prices passed through to customers and increased operating revenues. Operating revenues rose 5% year over year to $1.34 billion, driven by contractual revenue growth.

The segment's earnings before taxes (EBT) increased 21% year over year to $177 million, benefiting from strategic initiatives supporting ChoiceLease performance, improved used vehicle sales and stronger rental results. EBT as a percentage of operating revenues improved to 13.2% from 11.4% a year ago.

Commercial rental power-fleet utilization increased to 77% from 70% in the year-ago quarter, despite a 12% smaller average fleet. Rental pricing improved 4% year over year.

Used vehicle pricing increased 19% for tractors and 5% for trucks year over year. Ryder sold 5,100 used vehicles during the third quarter, up from 4,900 a year ago. Used vehicle inventory declined to 7,300 units from 8,500 units in the year-ago period.

Ryder's Supply Chain Revenues IncreaseSCS total revenues of $1.50 billion increased 9% year over year, primarily reflecting higher operating revenues. Operating revenues climbed 9% to $1.13 billion, driven by new business, higher volumes and pricing, partially offset by lost automotive business.

Segment EBT increased 7% year over year to $91 million, benefiting from the optimization of Ryder's omnichannel retail network and higher operating revenues. These gains were partially offset by lower automotive results and productivity challenges associated with new business ramp-ups.

The segment's EBT margin, measured against operating revenues, declined to 8.1% from 8.3% a year ago.

R's Dedicated Transportation Results Remain MixedDedicated Transportation Solutions total revenues increased 6% year over year to $606 million, reflecting higher fuel revenues and subcontracted transportation costs passed through to customers.

However, operating revenues declined 1% to $455 million, reflecting a lower fleet count, partially offset by higher pricing.

Segment EBT decreased 5% year over year to $34 million, reflecting reduced operating revenues and a prior-year workers' compensation insurance benefit. Cost savings from strategic initiatives partially offset these headwinds. EBT margin declined to 7.5% from 7.8% a year ago.

Ryder's Liquidity and Cash Flow PositionRyder exited the third quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $198 million, unchanged from the end of 2025.

Total debt, including the current portion, stood at $7.21 billion at the third-quarter end compared with $7.65 billion at 2025-end.

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations totaled $1.99 billion during the first nine months of 2026, up from $1.85 billion in the corresponding year-ago period, primarily reflecting lower working capital requirements.

Free cash flow increased to $992 million from $496 million a year ago, primarily reflecting reduced capital expenditures. Ryder's adjusted return on equity improved to 18% from 17%.

R Raises 2026 Earnings GuidanceFor fourth-quarter 2026, Ryder expects comparable EPS in the range of $4.25-$4.45 compared with $3.59 reported in the year-ago quarter.

For full-year 2026, management raised its comparable EPS guidance to $14.85-$15.05 from the previous projection of $14.40-$14.80. The upward revision reflects stronger-than-expected third-quarter performance and additional benefits anticipated from improving used vehicle sales and rental market conditions.

The company’s adjusted free cash flow guidance was $700-$800 million.

The company's capital expenditure forecast remains unchanged at $2.4 billion, including $1.7 billion for lease vehicles and $500 million for rental vehicles. Net capital expenditures are projected at approximately $1.9 billion.

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

Q3 Performance of Other Transportation CompaniesAlaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK - Free Report) reported third-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 36 cents per share, excluding certain tax impacts, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 35 cents by 2.9%. The company had reported adjusted earnings of $1.05 per share a year earlier. Higher fuel expenses weighed on profitability despite strong revenue momentum.

Operating revenues increased 14.4% year over year to $4.30 billion but missed the consensus mark of $4.31 billion marginally by 0.1%.

Wabtec Corporation (WAB - Free Report) reported mixed third-quarter 2026 results, wherein earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, but revenues missed the same.

Quarterly earnings (excluding 41 cents from non-recurring items) of $2.83 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.72 by 4.04% and increased 22% year over year. Revenues climbed 8.1% year over year to $3.12 billion but missed the consensus mark of $3.18 billion by 2%. The 12-month backlog increased 8.8% to $8.99 billion.

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

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 2, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis TV broadcasting company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.99 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +31.8%.

Revenues are expected to be $4.23 billion, up 13.2% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 4.26% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Fox?For Fox, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +6.64%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #1.

So, this combination indicates that Fox will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Fox would post earnings of $1.34 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.79, delivering a surprise of +33.58%.

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

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

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

Fox appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

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

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - October 26, 2026) - Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Triller Group Inc. ("Triller" or the "Company") (OTC Pink: ILLR) (OTC Pink: ILLRW) on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired Triller securities between October 16, 2024 and December 29, 2025 (the "Class Period").

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CASE

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

DEADLINE REMINDER: If you are a member of the proposed Class, you may move the court no later than December 14, 2026 for an opportunity to be lead plaintiff for the purported class. If you have losses we encourage you to contact us to learn more about the lead plaintiff process. You need not seek to become a lead plaintiff in order to share in any possible recovery.

According to the complaint, on October 15, 2024, Triller, formerly known as AGBA Group Holding Limited, completed a merger, including the purported acquisition of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship ("BKFC").

The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that (i) Triller's control over and consolidation of BKFC was tenuous, overstated, and/or non-existent; (ii) Triller could not timely file one or more of its periodic financial reports with the SEC as required by the NASDAQ's listing requirements, in part, because of accounting issues related to the foregoing; (iii) as a result of all the foregoing, Triller was at an increased risk of being delisted from the NASDAQ; and (iv) accordingly, Triller's disclosure controls and procedures were deficient, the full scope and severity of issues with its financial controls were understated, and the overall benefits of the Merger were overstated.

The truth allegedly began to emerge on March 31, 2025 when Triller filed a Form NT 10-K, disclosing its inability to timely file its annual report on Form 10-K for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. On this news, the price of Triller stock fell $1.40 per share, or 17.95%, to close at $6.40 per share on April 1, 2025.

Then, on December 30, 2025, according to the complaint, Triller issued a press release confirming the suspension of trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market and delisting of the Company's securities stemming from the Company not having been able to file two periodic reports by a December 24, 2025 deadline. Further, the Company's press release attributed the filing delay "to one remaining technical matter involving the consolidation of accounts for a U.S.-based operation within Triller Group [i.e., BKFC]."

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

WHY CONTACT KAPLAN FOX?

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

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

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

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

If you have any questions about this Notice, your rights, or your interests, please contact:

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

https://www.kaplanfox.com/case/triller-group-illr-class-action/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/320910

Source: Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP

Ready to Announce with Confidence?
Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

Contact Us

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - October 26, 2026) - Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Honeywell Aerospace Inc. ("Honeywell Aerospace" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: HONA) on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired Honeywell Aerospace common stock between June 29, 2026 and September 1, 2026 (the "Class Period").

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CASE

If you are an investor in Honeywell Aerospace and have suffered losses, you may CLICK HERE to contact us. You may also contact Kaplan Fox by emailing [email protected] or by calling (646) 315-9003.

DEADLINE REMINDER: If you are a member of the proposed Class, you may move the court no later than November 23, 2026 for an opportunity to be lead plaintiff for the purported class. If you have losses we encourage you to contact us to learn more about the lead plaintiff process. You need not seek to become a lead plaintiff in order to share in any possible recovery.

On August 5, 2026, after the market closed, the complaint alleges that Honeywell Aerospace slashed its full year 2026 guidance and announced second quarter 2026 earnings, reporting that net income fell 70% year-over-year and adjusted earnings per share declined 32% year-over-year. On this news, Honeywell Aerospace's share price fell $47.17 or 23.16%, to close at $156.47 on August 6, 2026.

On September 1, 2026 the U.S. Department of Justice Department announced that Honeywell Aerospace agreed to pay over $2 million to settle False Claims Act allegations of failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in a U.S. Department of Defense contract. On this news, Honeywell Aerospace's stock price fell $3.87 or 2.45%, to close at $154.24 per share on September 1, 2026.

The complaint alleges, among other things, that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose (1) that a small percentage of the Company's suppliers had a "disproportionate impact" on sales; (2) that those suppliers were suffering supply constraints; (3) that the foregoing was reasonably likely to have a material unfavorable impact on sales and profitability; and (4) that the Company was under investigation for potential violations of the False Claims Act for failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements for government contracts.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

WHY CONTACT KAPLAN FOX?

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

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

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

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

If you have any questions about this Notice, your rights, or your interests, please contact:

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

https://www.kaplanfox.com/case/honeywell-aerospace-nasdaq-hona-class-action-lawsuit-learn-more-now/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/320917

Source: Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP

Ready to Announce with Confidence?
Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.

Contact Us