Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Skyworks Solutions (SWKS - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 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 earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 28, 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 chipmaker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.03 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -22.6%.

Revenues are expected to be $922.08 million, down 4.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.38% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Skyworks?For Skyworks, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.12%.

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

So, this combination indicates that Skyworks 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 Skyworks would post earnings of $1.04 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.15, delivering a surprise of +10.58%.

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.

Skyworks 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.

LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Roblox Corporation, (“Roblox” or the "Company") (NYSE: RBLX) investors of a class action on behalf of investors that bought securities between October 30, 2025 and April 30, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”). Roblox investors have until August 7, 2026 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: [email protected], to discuss their legal rights, or join the case via https://portnoylaw.com/roblox-corporation. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors’ options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Roblox’s organic growth potential; notably, that Roblox would see a significant slowdown in its growth rates as enrollment in the age verification rollout would quickly taper, compounding the resulting slowdown in on-platform communication, resulting in app store rating reductions and a swift reduction in organic growth. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firm’s founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.
Admitted CA, NY and TX Bar
[email protected]
310-692-8883
www.portnoylaw.com 

Attorney Advertising

S&P Global (SPGI - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on lower revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 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 earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 28, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis independent ratings and analytics provider is expected to post quarterly earnings of $4.44 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +0.2%.

Revenues are expected to be $3.65 billion, down 2.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 6.54% 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 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 S&P Global?For S&P Global, 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 #5.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that S&P Global will beat the consensus EPS estimate.

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that S&P Global would post earnings of $4.82 per share when it actually produced earnings of $4.97, delivering a surprise of +3.11%.

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

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

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

S&P Global 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 PlayerAmong the stocks in the Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry, Nasdaq (NDAQ - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $0.98 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of +15.3%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $1.44 billion, up 10.6% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Nasdaq has been revised 1.6% up to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +0.14%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggests that Nasdaq will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

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

3 Dividend Stocks Under $50 That Pay You to Wait Out InflationAGNC Investment NASDAQ: AGNC reported a positive second quarter despite what executives described as a difficult backdrop for fixed income markets, with geopolitical tensions and shifting monetary policy expectations weighing on investor sentiment.

Peter Federico, AGNC’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, said escalating rhetoric and hostilities between the United States and Iran “largely dictated financial market performance” during the quarter. He cited constrained ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, elevated energy prices and supply chain disruptions as key macroeconomic concerns that contributed to higher Treasury yields, a flatter yield curve and a market shift from expecting rate cuts to pricing in possible rate hikes by year-end.

Get AGNC Investment alerts:

3 Ultra-High Dividend Yield Stocks for the New YearAgainst that backdrop, Federico said AGNC generated a 6.7% economic return for the quarter, supported by its monthly dividend and an increase in tangible book value per common share. He also highlighted that the company’s monthly common stock dividend paid at the beginning of the month marked its 75th consecutive monthly payment of $0.12 per share.

Book Value Gains Driven by Agency MBS Performance Federico said the improvement in tangible book value was driven by solid performance in agency mortgage-backed securities, which delivered a positive excess return relative to U.S. Treasuries for the fifth consecutive quarter. He called that track record “unusual and particularly noteworthy” given the similar credit quality of agency MBS and Treasuries.

6 Mortgage REITS: How Badly Could Rising Rates Hurt Them?According to Federico, the catalyst for agency MBS performance was an improving technical backdrop. He said elevated mortgage rates have reduced expected net new supply of agency MBS to about $150 billion for the year, materially below estimates from the beginning of the year. Higher mortgage rates have also slowed prepayment speeds, which is expected to reduce runoff from the Federal Reserve’s mortgage portfolio.

Demand, meanwhile, has remained strong. Federico said bond fund inflows totaled more than $400 billion through the first six months of the year and were running at about twice last year’s pace. He added that banks, foreign investors and REITs are also expected to remain net purchasers of agency MBS over the remainder of the year.

Federico contrasted the valuation of agency MBS with corporate bonds, noting that corporate bonds were the best-performing fixed income sector in the second quarter. He said investment-grade and high-yield corporate spreads ended the quarter near historically tight levels, even as 2026 corporate issuance is expected to exceed $1.1 trillion, which he said would make it the largest corporate debt issuance year ever. Agency MBS spreads, by comparison, “have moved little this year and continue to be wide by historical standards,” he said.

Financial Results and Capital Activity Bernice Bell, AGNC’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, said the company reported comprehensive income of $0.52 per common share for the second quarter. The 6.7% economic return on tangible common equity consisted of $0.36 of dividends declared per common share and a $0.20 increase in tangible net book value per share, which she attributed to mortgage outperformance relative to interest rate hedges.

Bell said AGNC’s total stock return for the quarter was 12.3% with dividends reinvested, bringing the company’s one-year total stock return to 36.1%. As of late the prior week, tangible net book value per common share was down about 1%, or a little less than 2% net of the July monthly dividend accrual.

Both ending and average leverage were unchanged at 7.4 times tangible equity, Bell said. AGNC ended the quarter with $7.5 billion of unencumbered cash and agency MBS, equal to 62% of tangible equity.

Net spread and dollar roll income totaled $0.40 per common share, down $0.02 from the first quarter. Bell said the decline primarily reflected a six-basis-point reduction in the company’s net interest spread, driven by lower asset yields from portfolio repositioning and partly offset by modestly lower funding costs.

AGNC also issued $167 million of common equity through its at-the-market offering program during the quarter. Bell said the issuance was completed at a significant premium to tangible net book value per share, while maintaining what she described as a disciplined and opportunistic approach to capital issuance.

Portfolio Repositioning and Hedge Strategy Federico said agency MBS outperformed both Treasury and swap-based hedges in the quarter, though performance varied meaningfully by coupon. Higher-coupon and production-coupon MBS saw the greatest outperformance as higher interest rates reduced both supply and prepayment concerns.

At quarter-end, AGNC’s asset portfolio had a market value of $97 billion. The company purchased $2.2 billion of primarily intermediate-coupon specified pools during the quarter. Federico said AGNC also sold some lower-coupon MBS and bought higher-coupon MBS early in the quarter to lock in gains from the first quarter’s strong lower-coupon performance and capture the yield benefit associated with higher coupons in a more benign prepayment environment.

As a result, the weighted average coupon on the portfolio increased to 5.04%, while the percentage of assets with favorable prepayment characteristics rose slightly to 79%. The notional balance of AGNC’s hedge portfolio was $66 billion at quarter-end, up slightly from the prior quarter due to the addition of intermediate- and longer-term Treasury-based hedges. The company ended the quarter with a duration gap of 0.7 years, unchanged from the prior quarter.

Management Sees Attractive Returns but Remains Cautious During the question-and-answer session, Federico said marginal investments were generating return-on-equity potential in the 15% to 17% range when leveraged at AGNC’s typical levels of 7 to 7.5 times. He said those returns align well with the economics of the company’s dividend.

On capital raising, Federico said AGNC took “a lighter touch” in the second quarter because management believed the stock was trading somewhat heavily and did not want at-the-market issuance to disrupt trading. He said AGNC would remain opportunistic and disciplined, using capital activity when it is beneficial to existing shareholders.

Federico acknowledged that the outlook remains affected by elevated geopolitical risk and uncertainty around monetary policy, including a more hawkish message from the new Federal Reserve chairman. However, he said the underlying fundamentals for the mortgage market have continued to improve, particularly due to lower supply expectations and strong demand.

Asked about housing demand, Federico said that, given mortgage rates around 6.5% or higher, AGNC does not expect an uptick in demand in the second half of the year. He said the company would instead expect demand to decline seasonally over the remainder of the year.

In closing, Federico said AGNC was “really happy with the quarter” and looked forward to speaking with investors again after the third quarter.

About AGNC Investment (NASDAQ:AGNC)AGNC Investment Corp. is a self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT) that primarily acquires and manages a portfolio of residential mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises such as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The company employs a leveraged total return strategy, borrowing against its securities to enhance income potential while using interest rate hedges to manage risk. AGNC's investment objective is to generate attractive monthly dividends and long-term capital appreciation for its shareholders.

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, AGNC focuses exclusively on U.S.

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 AGNC Investment Right Now?Before you consider AGNC Investment, 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 AGNC Investment wasn't on the list.

While AGNC Investment currently has a Hold rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

View The Five Stocks Here

Nuclear energy is entering a new growth cycle as rising power demand, expanding data centers, and renewed policy support bring the sector back into focus. After strong gains in recent years, the most impactful phase of nuclear investment may still be ahead. This report highlights seven nuclear energy stocks positioned across the value chain—combining near-term revenue with long-term upside as next-generation technologies scale. Click the link below to unlock the full list.

Get This Free Report

AGNC Investment Corp. (AGNC) Q2 2026 Earnings Call July 21, 2026 8:30 AM EDT

Company Participants

Katherine Turlington - Investor Relations Analyst
Peter Federico - President, CEO & Director and Chief Investment Officer
Bernice Bell - Executive VP & CFO

Conference Call Participants

Douglas Harter - BTIG, LLC, Research Division
Crispin Love - Piper Sandler & Co., Research Division
Ameeta Lobo Nelson - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Jason Weaver - JonesTrading Institutional Services, LLC, Research Division
Bose George - Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods, Inc., Research Division
Trevor Cranston - Citizens JMP Securities, LLC, Research Division
Hong Zhang - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Harsh Hemnani - Green Street Advisors, LLC, Research Division

Presentation

Operator

Good morning and welcome to the AGNC Investment Corp. Second Quarter 2026 Shareholder Call. [Operator Instructions] Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Katie Turlington in Investor Relations. Please go ahead.

Katherine Turlington
Investor Relations Analyst

Thank you all for joining AGNC Investment Corp.'s Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Call. Before we begin, I'd like to review the safe harbor statement. This conference call and corresponding slide presentation contains statements that, to the extent they are not recitations of historical facts, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All such forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the reform act. Actual outcomes and results could differ materially from those forecast due to the impact of many factors beyond the control of AGNC.

All forward-looking statements included in this presentation are made only as of the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements are included in AGNC's periodic

Store

SubscribeSign In

My Subscriptions

Founder's ClubSwingTraderLeaderboardMarketSurgeeIBDIBD DigitalIBD LiveCustomer Center

My Stock Lists

Email Preferences

Help & Support

Sign Out

Search stocks or keywords

Sections

My IBD

MARKET TREND

STOCK LISTS

STOCK RESEARCH

NEWSECONOMY

VIDEOS & PODCASTS

HOW TO INVESTEDUCATIONAL RESOURCESStoreMy Products

Founder's ClubSwingTraderLeaderboardMarketSurgeeIBDIBD DigitalIBD Live

Recently Searched

Valero Hits Record High, Leads 10 Newcomers To The Big Cap 20, Other IBD Best Stock Lists

S&P 500 Hits Resistance With Alphabet, Tesla Earnings On Deck

Straight Out Of A Soap Opera: Biotech Exec Arrested After 21 Years On The Run The copper price hit a one-month high on Tuesday, lifting the United States Copper Index Fund ETF (CPER) past an early entry buy point. Shares of Freeport-McMoRan, which reports Q2 earnings early Thursday, climbed near a key support level. The copper price rise comes amid reports indicating firmer demand in China and a production shortfall tied to rainstorms in Chile.…

Copyright ©2026 Investor's Business Daily, LLC. All rights reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Key Takeaways Aon raised Data Center Lifecycle Insurance Program capacity to $5B from $3.5B for digital projects.Aon combines engineering, risk intelligence and insurance planning through its Reliable by Design approach.Aon expanded coverage across construction, property, cyber, liability and operational risk solutions. Aon plc (AON - Free Report) has expanded the capacity of its proprietary Data Center Lifecycle Insurance Program (DCLP) to $5 billion, up from $3.5 billion, strengthening its ability to support increasingly complex digital infrastructure projects. The enhancement comes as investments in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and hyperscale data centers continue to rise, creating greater demand for comprehensive insurance and risk management solutions that span the entire lifecycle of these assets.

The upgraded program combines higher insurance capacity with Aon's Reliable by Design approach, which integrates engineering expertise, risk intelligence and insurance planning early in the project lifecycle. The expanded offering includes up to $5 billion in Construction All Risks, Delay in Start-Up, Property Damage and Business Interruption coverage. It also provides enhanced cyber, liability, project cargo and terrorism protection, alongside advisory services covering climate risk, operational resilience and risk engineering.

The expansion comes at a time when AI-driven infrastructure spending continues to accelerate worldwide. Hyperscale operators and enterprise clients are investing billions in new facilities that require reliable power, advanced cooling systems and resilient network connectivity. As projects become larger and more capital intensive, securing adequate insurance capacity has become a critical requirement for developers, lenders and investors seeking to manage construction and operational risks.

The initiative strengthens Aon's position in a fast-growing specialty insurance segment where technical expertise can be a significant competitive advantage. By combining insurance placement with consulting and engineering capabilities, the company is building a more integrated value proposition that could support higher client retention and cross-selling opportunities beyond traditional brokerage services.

The initiative also aligns with Aon's broader strategy of expanding its Risk Capital offerings in high-growth industries. As global AI adoption fuels sustained investment in digital infrastructure, demand for specialized lifecycle risk solutions is likely to rise, positioning Aon to benefit from long-term growth while reinforcing its leadership in complex commercial insurance markets.

AON’s Price PerformanceOver the past year, AON shares have risen 2.5% against the industry’s fall of 26.4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

AON’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksAON currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better-ranked stocks in the broader finance space are Alerus Financial Corporation (ALRS - Free Report) , Acadian Asset Management Inc. (AAMI - Free Report) and BlackRock, Inc. (BLK - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alerus Financial’s current-year earnings of $3.03 per share has witnessed two upward revisions in the past 30 days against none in the opposite direction. ALRS’ earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 35.8%. The consensus estimate for current-year revenues is pegged at $307.1 million, suggesting a 4.2% year-over-year jump.

The consensus estimate for Acadian Asset Management’s current-year earnings is pegged at $5.11 per share, which signals 57.2% year-over-year growth. Its earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 8.6%. The consensus mark for AAMI’s current-year revenues of $785.9 million implies 42.7% year-over-year growth.

The consensus estimate for BlackRock’s current-year earnings is pegged at $55.24 per share, which has witnessed six upward revisions in the past seven days against none in the opposite direction. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 7.3%. The consensus estimate for BLK’s current-year revenues is pegged at $28.6 billion, which implies an 18% year-over-year rise.

Here at Zacks, we focus on our proven ranking system, which places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, to find winning stocks. But we also understand that investors develop their own strategies, so we are constantly looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong companies for our readers.

Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the broader market. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are undervalued, leaving room for profits.

Luckily, Zacks has developed its own Style Scores system in an effort to find stocks with specific traits. Value investors will be interested in the system's "Value" category. Stocks with both "A" grades in the Value category and high Zacks Ranks are among the strongest value stocks on the market right now.

One company value investors might notice is Allstate (ALL - Free Report) . ALL is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), as well as an A grade for Value. The stock is trading with P/E ratio of 9.21 right now. For comparison, its industry sports an average P/E of 26.96. Over the past year, ALL's Forward P/E has been as high as 11.84 and as low as 8.78, with a median of 10.15.

Value investors also love the P/S ratio, which is calculated by simply dividing a stock's price with the company's sales. This is a preferred metric because revenue can't really be manipulated, so sales are often a truer performance indicator. ALL has a P/S ratio of 0.96. This compares to its industry's average P/S of 1.34.

Finally, investors will want to recognize that ALL has a P/CF ratio of 8.66. This figure highlights a company's operating cash flow and can be used to find firms that are undervalued when considering their impressive cash outlook. This stock's P/CF looks attractive against its industry's average P/CF of 11.39. ALL's P/CF has been as high as 14.16 and as low as 8.07, with a median of 10.58, all within the past year.

Value investors will likely look at more than just these metrics, but the above data helps show that Allstate is likely undervalued currently. And when considering the strength of its earnings outlook, ALL sticks out as one of the market's strongest value stocks.

Earlier this year, the streaming and entertainment industry witnessed one of its most high-stakes megadeals ever, stunning industry observers. Not only is it historic in its size, but it is also predicted to disrupt Hollywood and the media business as we know it. 

After years of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) struggling under the weight of billions of dollars in debt, compounded by declining cable viewership and fierce competition from streaming platforms, the company has been considering major strategic changes, including selling its entertainment assets to one of its rivals.

Several major players saw the potential in acquiring the media giant, and in December, Netflix announced it would acquire WBD’s studios and streaming for $82.7 billion.

But in a surprise eleventh-hour move in late February, the David Ellison-run Paramount became the winner of this bidding war, offering $111 billion to acquire all of WBD’s assets, including its studios, HBO, streaming platforms, games, and TV networks such as CNN and HGTV. Paramount was recently acquired by Ellison with significant support from his father, Larry Ellison — the Oracle chairman, world’s sixth-richest person, and major Trump donor.

Paramount’s offer was approved by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in June. However, a federal judge just paused the deal after a lawsuit was filed on July 13 by a coalition of 12 state attorneys general.

Let’s break down exactly what is happening, what’s at stake, and what could come next. 

What has happened so far? ​This all started back in October when Warner Bros. Discovery revealed it was exploring a potential sale after receiving unsolicited interest from several major players in the industry.

​The bidding process quickly became competitive, and Paramount and Comcast emerged as serious contenders, with Paramount initially viewed as the frontrunner. 

However, WBD’s board eventually determined that an offer from the streaming giant Netflix was the most attractive. Netflix offered $82.7 billion for just Warner’s film, television, and streaming assets.

Thus began the bidding war. Paramount believed its bid of approximately $108 billion for all of Warner’s assets was superior to Netflix’s offer that focused on just the studios and streaming. To sweeten its deal, Netflix amended its agreement in January to an all-cash offer at $27.75 per share of Warner Bros. Discovery, further reassuring investors and paving the way for the deal to proceed.

​Paramount persisted in its attempts to acquire WBD. Still, the Warner board repeatedly rejected its offers, citing concerns about Paramount’s heavy debt load and the increased risk associated with its proposal, including concern over the suite of investors bankrolling Paramount’s bid, which includes Saudi, Qatari, and Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth funds. The board noted that Paramount’s offer would have left the combined company burdened with $87 billion in debt, a risk they were unwilling to take at the time.

In January, Paramount filed a lawsuit seeking more information about the Netflix deal. A month later, the company sought to sweeten its deal by announcing it would offer a $0.25 per share “ticking fee” to WBD shareholders for each quarter the deal fails to close by December 31, 2026. It also said it would pay the $2.8 billion breakup fee if Warner backs out of its deal with Netflix.

Then, in a final attempt to secure a deal, Paramount increased its offer to $31 per share in February. This prompted the WBD board to prolong discussions with Paramount regarding a potential agreement, considering it as a superior offer. Netflix declined to increase its bid and withdrew from the negotiations.

“The transaction we negotiated would have created shareholder value with a clear path to regulatory approval,” Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said in a statement on February 26. “However, we’ve always been disciplined, and at the price required to match Paramount Skydance’s latest offer, the deal is no longer financially attractive, so we are declining to match the Paramount Skydance bid.”

In addition to the billions Paramount already holds in debt, the company is also set to assume the approximately $33 billion in debt Warner Bros. Discovery holds under the agreement. The deal will be backed by a $54 billion debt commitment from Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Citi, and Apollo Global Management, as well as $45.7 billion in equity from Larry Ellison.

Regulatory hurdles and other concerns In addition to the assumption of substantial debt posing a significant financial burden, Paramount faces several other hurdles in its deal with WBD that could impact the success of the transaction. 

For one, Ellison has warned about significant job reductions that are expected in the near future. There have already been widespread concerns among critics about potential job losses and lower wages.

Ellison is also a controversial figure in the industry, and his ownership of CBS News has been seen as sympathetic and supportive of the administration of Donald Trump, of whom his father, Larry Ellison, is a major donor. Under Ellison’s ownership of Paramount, reporting critical of the administration has been shelved or received increased scrutiny from Ellison or his appointed head of CBS News, the conservative provocateur Bari Weiss.

This has led to some concern among employees at Warner-owned CNN. Trump has personally sought concessions from news divisions critical of him, including a $16 million settlement from CBS, before his FCC would approve the Ellison takeover of Paramount. Before Netflix bowed out of the deal, Trump pressured the company to fire the former Biden White House official Susan Rice from its board. He has publicly stated his intentions to bring CNN to heel under new owners.

Regulatory scrutiny is another hurdle. Such a large-scale merger has attracted attention from lawmakers.

For instance, California attorney general Rob Bonta said in a statement on February 26 that “these two Hollywood titans have not cleared regulatory scrutiny — the California Department of Justice has an open investigation, and we intend to be vigorous in our review.”

A day before Netflix backed out, it was revealed that a coalition of 11 state attorneys general urged the U.S. Department of Justice to review the merger under concerns it will stifle competition and increase subscription prices. This comes months after U.S. senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Richard Blumenthal voiced their concerns to the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, warning that such a massive merger could have serious consequences for consumers and the industry at large. The senators argue that the merger could give the new media giant excessive market power, enabling it to raise prices for consumers and stifle competition.

Despite the DOJ approving the deal in June, a coalition of 12 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit on July 13 to block the merger. The suit argues it would lessen competition and harm movie theaters, cable distributors, and viewers. The coalition is led by Bonta, with Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington also joining. 

In response, U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín issued a 14-day pause.

When is the deal expected to close? Paramount initially aimed to finalize its acquisition of WBD as early as July. However, the transaction has now been temporarily paused until August 3, with a hearing set to assess whether the freeze will extend further.

Stay tuned…

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Affirm Holdings (AFRM - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.

Shares of this operator of digital commerce platform have returned +4.3% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.6% change. The Zacks Internet - Software industry, to which Affirm Holdings belongs, has gained 8.8% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?

Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.

Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.

For the current quarter, Affirm Holdings is expected to post earnings of $0.33 per share, indicating a change of +65% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +7.1% over the last 30 days.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.23 points to a change of +720% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed +1.2%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.71 indicates a change of +39.2% from what Affirm Holdings is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +1.2%.

Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, Affirm Holdings is rated Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.

For Affirm Holdings, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $1.11 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +26.4%. For the current and next fiscal years, $4.21 billion and $5.34 billion estimates indicate +30.6% and +26.7% changes, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAffirm Holdings reported revenues of $1.04 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +32.6%. EPS of $0.3 for the same period compares with $0.01 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $997.92 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +4.09%. The EPS surprise was +76.47%.

The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.

ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.

While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.

The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

Affirm Holdings is graded D on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.

ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Affirm Holdings. However, its Zacks Rank #2 does suggest that it may outperform the broader market in the near term.

Pentair investors saw FY2026 earnings expectations reset after the Company moved from a $5.30-$5.40 adjusted EPS range to $4.60-$4.80 adjusted EPS and $3.90-$4.10 GAAP EPS. The investigation focuses on investor losses tied to the earnings-number reset. July 21, 2026 10:07 ET  | Source: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

NEW YORK, July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR) investors were hit on July 14-15, 2026 as shares fell after the Company cut FY2026 earnings guidance by roughly 30%, moving GAAP EPS to $3.90-$4.10 and adjusted EPS to $4.60-$4.80. Investors who held PNR through the July reset may have losses tied to that earnings-number change. Affected PNR shareholders are encouraged to submit your PNR loss information. You may also call (212) 363-7500.

Levi & Korsinsky is investigating potential securities law violations involving the earnings figures Pentair presented to investors before the July reset.

On April 28, 2026, Chief Executive Officer John L. Stauch told investors: "For the full year, we are increasing our adjusted EPS guidance midpoint to approximately $5.35, with a range of $5.30 to $5.40." The July reset put adjusted EPS at $4.60-$4.80, a midpoint of $4.70, about $0.65 below the April midpoint.

Pentair's July update also placed GAAP EPS at $3.90-$4.10 while adjusted EPS was set at $4.60-$4.80. At the midpoint, adjusted EPS was $0.70 per share higher than GAAP EPS, and PNR shares moved lower after investors received the reset.

If you lost money in Pentair shares after the July 2026 earnings reset, send your Pentair loss details or call (212) 363-7500.

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP -- Top 50 securities litigation firm (ISS, seven consecutive years). Over 70 professionals. Hundreds of millions recovered.

Frequently Asked Questions About the PNR Investigation

Q: What is the PNR securities investigation about? A: A securities investigation is pending concerning Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR) regarding potentially inaccurate or incomplete statements about FY2026 earnings expectations. Shares declined after the Company reduced FY2026 earnings guidance on July 14, 2026, causing losses for shareholders.

Q: Who is eligible to participate in the PNR investigation? A: Investors who purchased PNR stock or securities 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: Which statements are being investigated as potentially misleading? A: The investigation concerns whether Pentair gave investors an accurate view of FY2026 earnings expectations before the July 2026 reset to GAAP EPS of $3.90-$4.10 and adjusted EPS of $4.60-$4.80.

Q: What documents do I need to participate? A: Brokerage statements or trade confirmations showing purchase dates, share quantities, prices paid, and any subsequent sale dates and prices.

Q: What is a lead plaintiff and why does it matter? A: If the investigation proceeds to court action, a lead plaintiff is the investor the court appoints to represent affected investors. Lead plaintiffs are typically investors with the largest documented losses.

Q: What if I already sold my PNR 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 PNR and sold at a loss may still participate in the investigation.

Q: What if my PNR losses are small -- is it still worth contacting a lawyer? A: Yes. There is no minimum loss amount required to participate in the investigation.

Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: There is no upfront cost to participate. Securities investigations and any resulting actions are generally handled on a contingency basis. No upfront fees, no retainer

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.

Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL, XETRA:HAL) reported second quarter results that exceeded Wall Street expectations, but shares fell more than 6% after management warned that the oilfield services market is weakening more than previously anticipated in the short to medium term.

The oilfield services company posted adjusted earnings of $0.55 per share, ahead of the consensus estimate of $0.54.

Revenue came in at $5.71 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $5.51 billion.

Net income for the quarter was $534 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, compared with $461 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, in the first quarter. Total revenue increased to $5.7 billion from $5.4 billion in the prior quarter, while operating income rose to $778 million from $679 million.

Halliburton generated $824 million in operating cash flow and $668 million in free cash flow during the quarter. The company also repurchased approximately $200 million of its shares.

Halliburton CEO Jeff Miller highlighted the company's international opportunities and improving North American activity.

"I am pleased with Halliburton's performance this quarter, and believe the global outlook for Halliburton is strong. I expect our differentiated technology and value proposition set the stage for revenue growth and margin expansion," Miller stated in the earnings release.

He added that international markets continue to present growth opportunities, citing contract awards and a pipeline of future work, while noting that North America showed signs of recovery during the quarter with expectations for further incremental improvement through the year.

However, investor sentiment was weighed down by Miller's more cautious outlook for the broader industry. He recently warned that the oilfield services market is expected to be softer than previously anticipated over the short to medium term, citing a decline in global upstream spending, lower drilling activity in North America, and geopolitical challenges in the Middle East.

3 Energy Stocks Built for the AI Power Boom—And BeyondHalliburton NYSE: HAL reported sequential revenue growth in the second quarter of 2026, with management pointing to strength in international markets, a recovering North America business and a growing pipeline of technology-driven contract awards.

Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Miller said Halliburton delivered total company revenue of $5.7 billion and adjusted operating margin of 12% in the quarter. International revenue was $3.4 billion, up 6% year over year and the company’s highest second-quarter international revenue in more than a decade, despite disruptions in the Middle East. North America revenue was $2.3 billion, flat from the year-earlier period but up sequentially.

Get Halliburton alerts:

SLB’s Tough Quarter Masks a Powerful Long-Term Shift“Our international business delivered its highest second quarter revenue in more than a decade, despite the disruption in the Middle East,” Miller said. “Our North America business delivered sequential improvement, and my outlook for our business is positive.”

Chief Financial Officer Eric Carre said reported net income per diluted share was $0.64, while adjusted net income per diluted share was $0.55. Cash flow from operations was $824 million, free cash flow was $668 million and the company repurchased about $200 million of its common stock during the quarter.

International Markets Drive Growth Despite Middle East Disruption Pipelines and Automation: 2 Energy Plays Built for Any Oil PriceManagement emphasized that international customer engagement remains high, with Miller saying he sees growing demand for Halliburton’s services and technology across regions. He said energy security and reliable, affordable energy remain central issues for producing and consuming nations, and that rebuilding inventories, expanding strategic reserves and diversifying supply could take “years, not quarters.”

Chief Operating Officer Shannon Slocum said international opportunities are “the strongest I’ve seen in many years.” He said Middle East activity is recovering from conflict-related lows, though the pace remains dependent on day-to-day events in the region. Land well construction activity was largely steady during the quarter, except for pockets of disruption in Iraq and Bahrain, while offshore activity improved through the quarter but remained below pre-conflict levels.

Slocum highlighted Iraq as a key opportunity after Halliburton announced a significant Integrated Field Management service award. He described the project as foundational and said it would put Halliburton’s digital and technology offerings to work at scale. He also cited recent wins in onshore well construction, integrated offshore projects and the resumption of unconventional fracturing operations in Jafurah as reasons for optimism in the Middle East.

Outside the Middle East, Halliburton expects international growth in the low double digits this year. Slocum pointed to production services, drilling, unconventionals and artificial lift as key growth engines. Recent developments included commissioning of a new North Sea stimulation vessel, integration of Sekal with Halliburton’s LOGIX automation platform and unconventional project wins in Algeria and Argentina.

North America Shows Sequential Improvement In North America, second-quarter revenue rose 7% sequentially to $2.3 billion. Carre said the improvement was driven by higher stimulation and well construction activity in U.S. land and higher fluids activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

Slocum said North America activity built on first-quarter momentum, with stronger activity, modest pricing gains and further technology adoption. Drilling activity was strong, and Halliburton’s Drilling and Evaluation division grew 9% year over year in North America, he said.

In completions, Slocum said Halliburton remains focused on returns rather than market share, adding that the company’s ability to redeploy equipment to international markets creates a high bar for North America fleet reactivation. The company also deployed the latest version of ZEUS IQ during the quarter, which Slocum said expands subsurface measurements and gives customers well-by-well treatment control in simul-frac operations.

During the question-and-answer session, Miller said Halliburton is seeing “positive margin trajectory” in North America as white space fills and pricing improves. He said the company is focused on improving pricing across the fleet and may move equipment overseas when international opportunities offer better margins.

Segment Results and Regional Performance Completion and Production revenue was $3.2 billion, up 6% sequentially, while operating income rose 8% to $474 million. Segment operating margin was 15%. Carre said the increase was primarily driven by higher stimulation activity in the Western Hemisphere and improved well intervention services in Asia, partly offset by lower North America specialty chemicals activity tied to the sale of Halliburton’s chemical business, lower cementing activity in Latin America and reduced activity across multiple product lines in the Middle East.

Drilling and Evaluation revenue was $2.5 billion, up 5% sequentially, while operating income fell 4% to $338 million. Segment operating margin was 13%. Carre attributed the revenue increase to higher drilling-related services and land activity in North America and Europe/Africa, while the operating income decline reflected the seasonal roll-off of software sales.

By region, Europe/Africa revenue increased 19% sequentially to $1 billion, supported by stronger activity in the North Sea, well construction in Namibia and Egypt, completion tool sales in the East Mediterranean and project management activity in Angola. Middle East/Asia revenue fell 2% sequentially to $1.3 billion due to lower activity in Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar related to the Middle East conflict. Latin America revenue rose 3% to $1.1 billion on higher stimulation activity in Argentina and Mexico and improved completion tool sales in Mexico.

Guidance Points to Margin Improvement For the third quarter, Carre said Halliburton expects Completion and Production revenue to be flat to down 2% sequentially, with margins improving 125 to 175 basis points. Drilling and Evaluation revenue is expected to decline 3% to 5%, with margins improving 25 to 75 basis points.

Carre said Halliburton’s third-quarter outlook assumes Middle East activity remains steady at current levels, with no recovery to pre-conflict levels and no major additional disruption. He said the expected revenue decline in Drilling and Evaluation is tied mainly to lower drilling fluids and testing activity, while margin improvement should benefit from a more favorable mix, including higher-margin software sales. In Completion and Production, the sale of the chemical business will reduce revenue, but margins are expected to benefit from North America land fracturing, lift, Gulf of Mexico completion tool deliveries and Middle East recovery.

Halliburton expects corporate expenses of about $80 million in the third quarter, SAP S/4 migration expenses of about $45 million, net interest expense up about $5 million from the second quarter and an effective tax rate of approximately 19%. Full-year 2026 capital expenditures are expected to be about $1.1 billion.

Management Emphasizes Technology and Capital Discipline Throughout the call, management framed Halliburton’s growth strategy around technology, automation and disciplined capital deployment. Miller said recent wins are tied to the company’s value proposition and advances such as closed-loop geosteering, LOGIX, ZEUS IQ and the Sekal acquisition.

Asked about digital and software, Miller said Halliburton’s focus includes open architecture, artificial intelligence, deep science and data management. He said automation products are contributing to contract wins and are “a differentiator.”

On shareholder returns, Carre said Halliburton has not changed its buyback philosophy and expects repurchases to pick up from earlier in the year, while continuing on a regular basis rather than making large opportunistic moves.

Miller closed the call by reiterating that Halliburton’s global outlook is strong and that the company’s technology and value proposition support future revenue growth and margin expansion.

About Halliburton (NYSE:HAL)Halliburton is one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the energy industry, offering a broad portfolio that supports the lifecycle of oil and gas reservoirs from exploration and drilling through production and abandonment. Founded in 1919 by Erle P. Halliburton as an oil-well cementing company, the firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has developed into an integrated oilfield services company serving upstream operators globally.

The company's activities encompass drilling and evaluation, well construction and completion, production enhancement and well intervention.

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 Halliburton Right Now?Before you consider Halliburton, 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 Halliburton wasn't on the list.

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

View The Five Stocks Here

Learn the basics of options trading and how to use them to boost returns and manage risk with this free report from MarketBeat. Click the link below to get your free copy.

Get This Free Report

Key Takeaways SLB is scheduled to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 24 before the opening bell.SLB's second-quarter revenues are projected to increase 1.9% year over year to $8.71 billion.Higher year-over-year oil prices likely supported drilling activity during the June-end quarter. SLB (SLB - Free Report) is set to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 24, 2026, before the opening bell.

In the last reported quarter, its adjusted earnings of 52 cents per share topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 51 cents, primarily driven by a revenue increase in the Digital segment and contributions from the ChampionX acquisition. However, operational disruptions due to the Middle East conflict affected the Reservoir Performance and the Well Construction segments.

The company beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 3.32%. This is depicted in the graph below:

Estimate Trend for SLBThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter earnings per share of 51 cents has seen downward revisions in the past seven days. The estimated figure indicates a 31.1% decline from the prior-year reported figure.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $8.71 billion, indicating an increase of 1.9% from the year-ago recorded figure.

Factors to Consider for SLB's Q2 ResultsSLB is a prominent name in the oilfield services industry, providing a comprehensive range of services to the oil and gas industry. As an oilfield services provider, SLB’s business model is highly exposed to commodity price volatility.

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”), the Cushing, OK, WTI Spot Price per barrel averaged $100.32, $102.13 and $84.81 in April, May and June, respectively, significantly higher than the $63.54, $62.17 and $68.17 recorded in the same period of 2025. This significant year-over-year improvement in oil prices is likely to have increased the pace of drilling activity, creating potential tailwinds for SLB's performance in the June-end quarter.

Earnings Whispers for SLBOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for SLB this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. However, that is not the case here, as you will see below.

Earnings ESP of SLB: SLB has an Earnings ESP of -1.96%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they are reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

SLB'S Zacks Rank: SLB currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Stocks to ConsiderHere are some stocks that you may want to consider, as these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this reporting cycle.

NOV Inc. (NOV - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +19.69% and currently has a Zacks Rank of 2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

NOV is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on July 28, 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NOV’s earnings is pegged at 16 cents per share, indicating a 44.8% decline from the prior-year reported figure.

Cactus, Inc. (WHD - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +7.04% and carries a Zacks Rank of 2 at present. Cactus is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on July 29.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for WHD’s earnings is pegged at 71 cents per share, suggesting a 7.6% improvement from the prior-year reported figure.

HF Sinclair Corporation (DINO - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +11.69% and a Zacks Rank of 2. HF Sinclair is scheduled to release second-quarter 2026 earnings on July 28.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DINO’s earnings is pegged at $3.93 per share, suggesting a 131.2% increase from the prior-year reported figure.

Dividend Aristocrats have earned their reputation the hard way: through recessions, rate cycles, and oil crashes, they kept raising the payout. The most persuasive proof point in this bundle comes from Federal Realty (NYSE:FRT | FRT Price Prediction), which has now stretched its increase streak to 58 consecutive years, the longest in the entire REIT industry. That is the kind of track record that lets passive income do the heavy lifting in a portfolio, and the five names below all lean on cash generation deep enough to keep the checks arriving on schedule.

Realty Income (O) Realty Income (NYSE:O) yields 4.76% and pays it out monthly, which is exactly the cadence retirees want. The current monthly dividend sits at $0.271 per share, with an annualized rate of $3.252, and the company has now declared 670 consecutive monthly dividends and 114 consecutive quarterly increases since its 1994 NYSE listing.

Dividend safety here rests on AFFO coverage and scale. Q1 2026 AFFO per share came in at $1.13, up 6.6% year over year, and management raised full-year 2026 AFFO guidance to $4.41 to $4.44 per share, comfortably above the annualized dividend. Portfolio occupancy is 98.9% with a rent recapture rate of 103.4%, credit ratings sit at A3 from Moody’s and A- from S&P, and free cash flow yield is 6.30%. The bull case is simple: a diversified net-lease portfolio spanning over 15,500 properties leased to 1,786 clients, with 2026 investment volume guided up to $9.5 billion and new private capital vehicles with Apollo and GIC extending the runway.

The caveat is leverage. Net debt to EBITDA sits at 7.91x and full-year 2025 interest expense reached $1.13 billion against $471.3 million in impairment provisions, so any refinancing shock would pinch AFFO growth.

Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT) Federal Realty is the only REIT Dividend King, riding 58 consecutive years of dividend increases. The current quarterly dividend is $1.13 per share, for an indicated annual rate of $4.52, most recently paid on July 15, 2026.

The safety math is unusually clean for a REIT. Full-year 2026 Core FFO guidance was raised to $7.46 to $7.55 per diluted share, or 5.7% to 6.9% growth, and Q1 2026 Core FFO of $1.88 per share was up 10.6% year over year. That leaves the $4.52 annualized dividend covered many times over on FFO. Portfolio occupancy stood at 93.8% with a leased rate of 96.1%, cash rent spreads hit 13%, and the balance sheet was reinforced by an expanded revolver from $1.25 billion to $1.4 billion. The bull case is a premium, coastal, open-air retail portfolio (Santana Row, Pike & Rose, Assembly Row) whose higher-income consumer base keeps buying through cycles.

The risk is a rising interest expense environment for a REIT that is actively developing. Q4 2025 included a $7.4 million impairment, and refinancing costs could compress coverage if long rates stay sticky.

Chevron (CVX) Chevron (NYSE:CVX) yields 3.48% and just extended its increase streak to 39 consecutive years. The current quarterly payout of $1.78 per share annualizes to $7.12, and management has now returned more than $5 billion to shareholders for 16 consecutive quarters.

Safety comes from a fortress balance sheet paired with real cash generation. Debt to equity is 0.25, net debt to EBITDA is 1.08x, and interest coverage is 13.70x. Full-year 2025 delivered operating cash flow of $33.9 billion and free cash flow of $16.6 billion, funding $27.1 billion in total shareholder returns. The Hess deal is now integrated, with Q1 2026 production up 15% year over year to 3,858 MBOED and the Permian sitting at 1 million BOE per day. CEO Mike Wirth framed the quarter this way: “This disciplined performance supports dependable cash generation, enabling us to continue returning significant capital to shareholders, while investing in advantaged long-lived assets.”

Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Chevron didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.

The caveat is commodity sensitivity. Brent averaged $64 per barrel in Q4 2025 versus $75 the prior year, and Alpha Vantage shows a payout that currently runs above trailing EPS with dividend per share of $6.91 against diluted TTM EPS of $5.74. Cash flow easily covers it, but sustained low crude would test the math.

T. Rowe Price (TROW) T. Rowe Price (NASDAQ:TROW) offers a yield of 4.31%, backed by a current quarterly dividend of $1.30, up from $1.27 in 2025 and $1.24 in 2024. The annualized forward estimate is $5.20.

The dividend is easily covered. TTM diluted EPS is $9.34 against dividend per share of $5.11, operating margin runs at 37.2%, and return on equity is 18.7%. The balance sheet is debt-free with $3.73 billion in cash and equivalents, and Q1 2026 operating cash flow of $966.3 million funded $629 million returned to shareholders. Multi-asset advisory fees, the fastest-growing segment, rose 12.0% year over year, and AUM finished the quarter at $1.71 trillion. Trading at a forward P/E of 12, income investors get a well-covered payout at a modest multiple.

The caveat is the flows story. Net client outflows were $13.7 billion in Q1 2026 on top of $56.9 billion in full-year 2025, and the effective fee rate slipped to 38.4 bps. The dividend is safe today, but the growth rate depends on stabilizing active equity flows.

Franklin Resources (BEN) Franklin Resources (NYSE:BEN) yields 3.87%, with a current quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share and an annualized forward rate of $1.32. The dividend has stepped up from $0.31 in early 2024 to $0.32 and now $0.33.

Coverage is anchored by a turnaround that is now visibly showing up in the numbers. Q2 FY2026 EPS came in at $0.71, beating consensus of $0.55, with operating income more than doubling year over year and long-term net inflows of $16.9 billion reversing prior outflows. AUM has climbed to $1.74 trillion as of April 30, 2026, alternatives fundraising totaled $14.3 billion in the quarter, and Canvas custom indexing grew 27% quarter over quarter. CEO Jenny Johnson called out “positive long-term net flows in every region”. Alpha Vantage shows a forward P/E of 11 and TTM operating margin of 17.2%, both supportive of the current payout.

The caveat is Western Asset Management, which still bled $4.1 billion in Q2 net outflows. Until that subsidiary stabilizes, headline flow numbers will keep needing an asterisk.

The Bottom Line These five Aristocrats attack income from different angles: monthly cadence at Realty Income, the REIT industry’s longest increase streak at Federal Realty, energy cash flow at Chevron, and asset-manager operating leverage at T. Rowe Price and Franklin Resources. Every one is backed by earnings or AFFO that comfortably fund the current payout, and each has already raised the dividend in 2026. For an income investor who wants passive checks to carry the load, the combination of coverage, streak length, and yield here is doing exactly that.

Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Chevron didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

The upcoming report from Roper Technologies (ROP - Free Report) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $5.29 per share, indicating an increase of 8.6% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $2.1 billion, representing an increase of 7.9% year over year.

The current level reflects no revision in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter over the past 30 days. This demonstrates how the analysts covering the stock have collectively reappraised their initial projections over this period.

Prior to a company's earnings announcement, it is crucial to consider revisions to earnings estimates. This serves as a significant indicator for predicting potential investor actions regarding the stock. Empirical research has consistently demonstrated a robust correlation between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While investors typically use consensus earnings and revenue estimates as a yardstick to evaluate the company's quarterly performance, scrutinizing analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics can offer a more comprehensive perspective.

Given this perspective, it's time to examine the average forecasts of specific Roper Technologies metrics that are routinely monitored and predicted by Wall Street analysts.

According to the collective judgment of analysts, 'Net revenues- Application Software' should come in at $1.18 billion. The estimate indicates a change of +8.2% from the prior-year quarter.

Based on the collective assessment of analysts, 'Net revenues- Technology Enabled Products' should arrive at $476.04 million. The estimate indicates a change of +2.8% from the prior-year quarter.

Analysts predict that the 'Net revenues- Network Software' will reach $436.50 million. The estimate indicates a change of +13.3% from the prior-year quarter.

The consensus estimate for 'Operating Profit- Application Software' stands at $311.94 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $294.60 million in the same quarter last year.

Analysts' assessment points toward 'Operating Profit- Technology Enabled Products' reaching $158.53 million. The estimate is in contrast to the year-ago figure of $164.10 million.

Analysts forecast 'Operating Profit- Network Software' to reach $176.79 million. Compared to the present estimate, the company reported $169.30 million in the same quarter last year.

View all Key Company Metrics for Roper Technologies here>>>

Shares of Roper Technologies have experienced a change of +11.6% in the past month compared to the -0.6% move of the Zacks S&P 500 composite. With a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), ROP is expected to outperform the overall market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

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.

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 ScoreFor value investors, it's all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, 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 trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM ScoreIf you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

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

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.

For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.

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

Stock to Watch: Cardinal Health (CAH - Free Report) Headquartered in Dublin, OH, Cardinal Health is one of the world’s largest healthcare services and products providers, operating across Pharmaceutical & Specialty Solutions, Global Medical Products & Distribution (GMPD), and Other growth businesses. The company serves nearly 90% of U.S. hospitals, delivers more than 43,000 pharmaceutical shipments daily, and manages a broad portfolio of medical, surgical, and laboratory products.The Pharmaceutical and Specialty Solutions segment distributes a wide range of pharmaceutical products, including branded and generic drugs, specialty pharmaceuticals, and consumer health products. This segment also provides biopharma solutions, offering data-driven insights, analytics, and commercialization support to pharmaceutical manufacturers. CAH delivers specialty drug distribution services in areas such as oncology, gastroenterology, and rheumatology. Its pharmacy management services cater to hospital and retail pharmacies, enhancing medication access and supply chain efficiency. The company also operates nuclear pharmacies, compounding radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnostic imaging and treatment. It currently has nearly 130 nuclear pharmacies and 30 PET cyclotron facilities.

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

Momentum investors should take note of this Medical stock. CAH has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 1.4% over the past four weeks.

One analyst revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.01 to $10.77 per share. CAH also boasts an average earnings surprise of +10.3%.

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

NEW YORK, July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TD Cowen cut its price target on Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LCID) from $19.00 to $10.00 after the company revealed a 29-day delivery halt and preliminary Q1 2026 revenue that missed consensus by $150 million. Investors who purchased LCID securities between February 25, 2026 and April 13, 2026 and lost money may be entitled to recover damages.

Find out if you might qualify for recovery or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (888) SueWallSt.

LCID shares declined $1.13 and $0.44 per share across two respective corrective disclosures in April 2026. The lead plaintiff deadline is July 28, 2026.

Initial Analyst Optimism

Heading into 2026, Wall Street coverage reflected confidence in Lucid's trajectory. Visible Alpha consensus called for 5,967 vehicles produced and 5,237 delivered in Q1 2026, with revenue expectations of $433.8 million. These projections were built on management's late-February representations that the company had achieved a "repeatable operating cadence" and could support "up to 7,500 vehicles per quarter."

The Downgrades Begin

On April 15, 2026, TD Cowen issued a report that slashed its price target nearly in half, noting:

Q1 results "seemed to reflect Gravity ramp launch challenges" including the previously undisclosed 29-day disruptionThe near-term outlook was "likely to be about execution" until the midsize platform launchFree cash flow and liquidity became "primary focal points" for gauging riskModel changes included a higher share count reflecting dilution from equity issuance and the stock price decline Execution Concerns on Wall Street

The analyst reassessment was driven by the gap between what Lucid told the market and what actually occurred:

Consensus expected: 5,237 deliveries; Actual: 3,093 deliveries (41% miss)Consensus revenue: $433.8 million; Actual preliminary revenue: $280 million to $284 millionOperating loss: $985 million to $1.005 billion, exceeding prior quarterly loss ratesCapital raise: $1.05 billion announced alongside the disappointing results, including a $300 million public stock offering The securities action contends that these results were not the product of unforeseeable market conditions but of a supplier quality issue that management allegedly knew about weeks before disclosing it to investors.

Why Analyst Shifts Matter for Investors

When sell-side analysts build models on company guidance and public statements, their consensus estimates become a benchmark for market expectations. The complaint asserts that Lucid's late-February statements about "structural" improvements and a "repeatable" cadence inflated those expectations. The subsequent correction, as analysts incorporated the concealed delivery halt into their models, contributed to the share price declines that harmed investors.

"When analyst expectations are built on incomplete or misleading company disclosures, the resulting corrections can cause significant investor harm. The magnitude of TD Cowen's price target reduction underscores how far the market's understanding of Lucid's operations had diverged from reality." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

Submit your information now or call (888) SueWallSt.

LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: July 28, 2026

WHY SUEWALLST: SueWallSt is powered by Levi & Korsinsky LLP. 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 LCID Lawsuit

Q: How much did LCID stock drop? A: Shares fell approximately $1.13 per share (11.35%) following the April 3, 2026 disclosure of the 29-day delivery halt, and an additional $0.44 per share (4.76%) after preliminary Q1 revenue of $280 million to $284 million was reported on April 14, 2026, well below the $433.8 million consensus estimate.

Q: What specific misstatements does the LCID lawsuit allege? A: The complaint alleges Lucid made materially false or misleading statements regarding its manufacturing and delivery capabilities, including claims of a "repeatable operating cadence" and having "overcome quality problems," while a supplier quality issue with Lucid Gravity second-row seats had already disrupted deliveries for 29 days.

Q: What do LCID investors need to do right now? A: Investors may gather brokerage records showing purchase dates, share quantities, and prices paid. Contact SueWallSt, a brand of Levi & Korsinsky LLP, for a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500. No immediate action is required to remain eligible as an absent class member. 

Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: Nothing. Securities class actions are handled on a pure contingency basis. No upfront fees, no retainer, no out-of-pocket costs.

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

Q: Can I join a different law firm's lawsuit instead? A: Multiple firms often file competing complaints. The court consolidates and appoints a single lead counsel. Contacting Levi & Korsinsky before July 28, 2026 ensures your losses are considered.

CONTACT: 

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP 

Joseph E. Levi, Esq. 

33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor 

New York, NY 10004 

[email protected] 

Tel: (888) SueWallSt 

Fax: (212) 363-7171 

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

NEW YORK, July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IMPORTANT DATE: August 24, 2026. Investors who purchased ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: GTM) securities between November 3, 2025 and May 11, 2026 and wish to seek appointment as lead plaintiff must file a motion by this date. Submit your information now. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (888) SueWallSt.

ZoomInfo shares fell 33%, losing $1.98 per share, after the Company revealed a sharp decline in its 2026 growth outlook. The lead plaintiff deadline is August 24, 2026.

What Is a Lead Plaintiff?

Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the court appoints a lead plaintiff to represent the interests of all class members. In the ZoomInfo case, lead plaintiff applicants must demonstrate losses from purchases of GTM securities between November 3, 2025 and May 11, 2026. The court generally selects the applicant with the largest financial interest in the relief sought who is otherwise typical and adequate.

Lead Plaintiff Facts

The lead plaintiff directs the litigation strategy and selects lead counsel for the classThere is no minimum loss threshold required to apply for lead plaintiff statusLead plaintiffs are not personally responsible for legal fees; securities class actions are handled on a contingency basisInstitutional investors, including pension funds and asset managers, frequently serve as lead plaintiffs due to the size of their positionsInvestors who do not seek lead plaintiff appointment remain absent class members and may still participate in any recoveryThe lead plaintiff application requires a sworn certification and documentation of transactions in GTM securities Post-Deadline Procedures

After the August 24, 2026 deadline passes, the court will review all motions and appoint a lead plaintiff. This process typically takes several weeks. The appointed lead plaintiff then selects lead counsel, and the litigation moves forward on behalf of the entire class.

Absent Class Member Rights

Investors who purchased GTM shares during the class period but do not apply for lead plaintiff status are not excluded from the case. Absent class members retain the right to participate in any settlement or judgment without taking any action before the deadline.

Find out if you might qualify to recover losses or call Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at (888) SueWallSt.

"The lead plaintiff process is designed to ensure the class is represented by shareholders with substantial interests in the outcome. In the ZoomInfo action, where shares lost a third of their value following the Company's revised 2026 outlook, investors with meaningful positions should evaluate whether lead plaintiff appointment serves their recovery interests." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

About the ZoomInfo Class Action

A securities class action has been filed against ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. and certain officers, asserting claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The action contends that ZoomInfo made materially false and misleading statements regarding its growth trajectory, legacy seat-based subscription retention, and AI product transition during the class period. When the Company disclosed sharply reduced 2026 guidance on May 11, 2026, GTM shares declined approximately 33%.

WHY SUEWALLST: SueWallSt is powered by Levi & Korsinsky LLP. 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 GTM Lawsuit

Q: What is the GTM lead plaintiff deadline? A: The deadline to apply for lead plaintiff appointment is August 24, 2026. This deadline applies only to investors seeking to serve as lead plaintiff. Class members who do not apply may still participate in any recovery without taking action before this date.

Q: What do GTM investors need to do right now? A: Investors may gather brokerage records showing purchase dates, share quantities, and prices paid. Contact SueWallSt, a brand of Levi & Korsinsky LLP, for a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation at [email protected] or (212) 363-7500. No immediate action is required to remain eligible as an absent class member. 

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: How do I know if I lost enough money to be the lead plaintiff? A: There is no minimum loss threshold. Courts appoint the investor with the largest provable loss who is willing and able to represent the class adequately. Contact Levi & Korsinsky before August 24, 2026 to evaluate.

Q: What if I missed the lead plaintiff deadline? A: The deadline applies only to investors seeking lead plaintiff appointment. Class members who miss it can still participate in any settlement or recovery.

Q: What does it cost me to participate? A: Nothing. Securities class actions are handled on a pure contingency basis. No upfront fees, no retainer, no out-of-pocket costs.

Q: Do I need to go to court or give testimony? A: No. The overwhelming majority of class members never appear in court or give depositions. You submit a claim form to receive your portion of recovery.

Q: What documents do I need to make a claim? A: Brokerage statements or trade confirmations showing purchase dates, share quantities, prices paid, and any subsequent sale dates and prices.

CONTACT: 

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP 

Joseph E. Levi, Esq. 

33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor 

New York, NY 10004 

[email protected] 

Tel: (888) SueWallSt 

Fax: (212) 363-7171 

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

LOS ANGELES, July 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, reminds investors of a class action lawsuit against ZoomInfo Technologies Inc. (“ZoomInfo” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: GTM) for violations of §§10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Investors who purchased the Company’s securities between November 3, 2025 and May 11, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”), are encouraged to contact the firm before August 24, 2026.

If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate.

We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected].

The class, in this case, has not yet been certified, and until certification occurs, you are not represented by an attorney. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member.

According to the Complaint, the Company made false and misleading statements to the market. ZoomInfo led investors to believe that it was enjoying growth in both legacy products and AI-driven innovations. The Company’s growth plan did not mirror the reality of weakening demand. Based on these facts, the Company’s public statements were false and materially misleading throughout the class period. When the market learned the truth about ZoomInfo, investors suffered damages.

Join the case to recover your losses

The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics.        

CONTACT:

The Schall Law Firm
Brian Schall, Esq.,
www.schallfirm.com
Office: 310-301-3335
[email protected]

SOURCE:

 The Schall Law Firm

Corning (GLW - Free Report) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook 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 earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 28, 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 specialty glass maker is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.76 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +26.7%.

Revenues are expected to be $4.6 billion, up 13.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.6% 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. 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 Corning?For Corning, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.70%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Corning 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 Corning would post earnings of $0.7 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.70, delivering no surprise.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 28. 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 real estate investment trust is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.50 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -7.4%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.46 billion, up 19.9% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.38% 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 Rithm?For Rithm, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -2.00%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4.

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Rithm would post earnings of $0.53 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.51, delivering a surprise of -3.77%.

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.

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

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerAnother stock from the Zacks Financial - Miscellaneous Services industry, ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. (COFS - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $0.88 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -3.3%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $43.1 million, up 0.6% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for ChoiceOne Financial Services has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. However, a higher Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +2.27%.

When combined with a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), this Earnings ESP indicates that ChoiceOne Financial Services will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. The company beat consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

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

Wall Street expects a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when JetBlue Airways (JBLU - Free Report) reports results for the quarter ended June 2026. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 28, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis airline is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.70 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -337.5%.

Revenues are expected to be $2.7 billion, up 14.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 26.4% 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 JetBlue?For JetBlue, 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 #2.

So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that JetBlue 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 JetBlue would post a loss of$0.72 per share when it actually produced a loss of -$0.87, delivering a surprise of -20.83%.

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.

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

An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAmong the stocks in the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry, SkyWest (SKYW - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $2.7 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -7.2%. This quarter's revenue is expected to be $1.11 billion, up 6.8% from the year-ago quarter.

The consensus EPS estimate for SkyWest has been revised 0.5% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. However, a lower Most Accurate Estimate has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -5.56%.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), makes it difficult to conclusively predict that SkyWest will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.

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

Key Takeaways Applied Materials' AGS revenues rose to $1.665B as higher fab utilization boosted recurring services.AMAT expects AGS to sustain mid-teens annual growth as revenue per installed tool continues to expand.AMAT has connected more than 35,000 chambers to AIx software for AI-powered monitoring and analytics. Applied Materials’ (AMAT - Free Report) large installed base has turned into a recurring revenue engine. Applied Global Services (AGS), under which the servicing of installed bases is reported, has generated $1.665 billion in revenues, up from $1.42 billion a year earlier, reflecting higher fab utilization.

AGS’ gross margin improved to 34.7% and its operating margin rose to 29.2%. The strategic value of AGS is that it adds resilience to Applied Materials’ profit model. Unlike the more cyclical equipment business, services are tied to a growing installed base and to customer needs throughout the tool lifecycle.

Management said AGS is another important growth driver because Applied Materials increases the revenue it generates “per tool” on top of a growing installed base. AMAT expects the AGS segment to deliver a sustainable annual growth rate in the mid-teens, potentially higher this year. That makes AGS an important bridge between one-time equipment sales and long-duration customer relationships.

What makes AGS especially relevant in the AI era is the company’s AI-enabled service layer. Applied Materials said that more than 35,000 chambers are connected to its AIx software capabilities, which use AI-powered monitoring, diagnostics and analytics. This matters because Applied Materials’ broader AI and advanced-node strategy depends on execution, visibility and support after installation.

In that setting, AGS helps stabilize Applied Materials’ revenue base, deepen customer relationships and improve operating leverage as the company scales. The segment’s margin profile, recurring nature and AI-driven service enhancements make it a valuable part of Applied Materials’ long-term earnings power.

How Competitors Fare Against AMATSince AMAT serves its own installed base through the AGS business, there are no competitors in this segment. But in the broader product category, AMAT competes with Lam Research (LRCX - Free Report) and ASML Holding (ASML - Free Report) .

ASML is experiencing strong demand from DRAM and logic customers, which are ramping up leading-edge nodes using ASML’s NXE:3800E EUV systems. Additionally, ASML noted that multiple DRAM customers are adopting EUV lithography, which helps shorten cycle time and lower costs. However, AMAT offers a broad range of WFE products that do not compete directly with ASML and Lam Research, making the stock worth holding.

Lam Research secured multiple critical etch wins at a major DRAM manufacturer with its new Akara etch system, which supports 3D DRAM architectures. This was supported by LRCX’s customer investments in DDR5, LPDDR5 and high-bandwidth memory. Lam Research’s Aether dry-resist technology was recently selected as the production tool of record for a leading DRAM customer, securing a foothold in this high-growth segment.

AMAT’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesShares of Applied Materials have surged 104.5% year to date compared with the Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry’s growth of 27.4%.

AMAT YTD Performance Chart
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, Applied Materials trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 12.81X, higher than the industry’s average of 10.48X.

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

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Applied Materials’ fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 29% and 34%, respectively. The estimates for fiscal 2026 and 2027 have been revised upward over the past seven days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

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

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of Zoetis Inc. (NYSE: ZTS).

Shareholders who purchased shares of ZTS during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery.

CONTACT US HERE:

https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/zoetis-inc-loss-submission-form-2/?id=194961&from=4

CLASS PERIOD: January 14, 2025 to May 6, 2026

ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) veterinarian prescription growth and adoption of Zoetis' Librela, a canine pain treatment, were sharply weakening as clinicians became more cautious following FDA safety warnings concerning serious neurological complications in dogs; (ii) Zoetis' Simparica Trio was losing significant market share to a lower priced competing canine parasiticide with broader indicated use in a slowing overall market; and (iii) Zoetis' dermatology products, Apoquel and Cytopoint, were losing substantial market share to a newly launched competing canine treatment.

DEADLINE: July 27, 2026 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/zoetis-inc-loss-submission-form-2/?id=194961&from=4

NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of ZTS during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is July 27, 2026. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case.

WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
The Gross Law Firm
15 West 38th Street, 12th floor
New York, NY, 10018
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (646) 453-8903

SOURCE The Gross Law Firm