New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI) between April 18, 2024 and April 16, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important August 3, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Badger Meter common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Badger Meter class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/badger-meter-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than August 3, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements concerning the drivers of Badger Meter's "record" financial results, demand for Badger Meter's products, and its prospects for continued growth. During the Class Period, defendants told investors that Badger Meter's strong financial results reflected "ongoing favorable industry trends," "secular growth drivers," and "solid operating execution." They likewise touted "strong" demand and said they were seeing "robust order pacing and a strong bid pipeline that positions us well for continued sales and earnings growth," and that Badger Meter possessed a "long runway" for growth.
According to the lawsuit, these statements were materially false and misleading. In truth, Badger Meter's financial results during the Class Period were at least partially attributable to Badger Meter's practice of pulling-forward customer orders to recognize revenue early, which concealed weakening demand and deteriorating near-term order trends. This practice also depleted revenue otherwise available for future periods, ultimately causing the disappointing financial results Badger Meter later reported. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Badger Meter class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/badger-meter-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
-------------------------------
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/305797
Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA
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WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of common stock of Planet Fitness, Inc. (NYSE: PLNT) between November 6, 2025 and May 6, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 14, 2026.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Planet Fitness common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Planet Fitness class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/planet-fitness-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 14, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or concealed material adverse facts concerning the true state of Planet Fitness’ customer acquisition and marketing metrics. Notably, Planet Fitness’ updated marketing messaging was failing to resonate with, and was actively intimidating, its core target demographic of fitness beginners and casual gym-goers. As a result, Planet Fitness was experiencing a significant headwind in net member joins during its peak first-quarter sign-up period that rendered its previously issued fiscal 2026 guidance and long term financial targets unachievable. Instead, Planet Fitness would be required to restructure its marketing strategy, losing the gains they praised from continuing the same marketing campaign, and entirely halt the planned Black Card price increase which sale projections were premised upon. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Planet Fitness class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/planet-fitness-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
The most rewarding time to buy an industrial company is often right before its growth truly accelerates, when the orders are signed but the revenue has not yet fully arrived.
The three industrials below fit that description today. Each is sitting on an enormous backlog or commitment pipeline that's only beginning to convert into sales, which means their biggest years may still be in front of them. All three ride the same powerful force: the race to build the physical infrastructure behind AI, from power to logistics.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Eaton Eaton (ETN +0.14%) makes the electrical equipment that moves and manages power, and it has become one of the biggest beneficiaries of the data center boom. The scale of demand is hard to overstate. Its data center orders recently jumped around 240% from a year earlier, and it now counts a total data center backlog equal to roughly 11 years of construction at 2025 build rates. That is not a one-year spike; it is a decade of visible work waiting to be delivered.
What makes Eaton compelling before its biggest years is that this backlog is still converting. The company raised its 2026 growth outlook and is investing $1.5 billion to expand North American manufacturing so it can actually fulfill the orders piling up. Beyond data centers, it benefits from grid modernization, reshoring of factories, and the electrification of everything from buildings to aircraft. Eaton is the picks-and-shovels play on electricity demand, and that demand is only accelerating.
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2. Bloom Energy Bloom Energy (BE 6.62%) tackles the single biggest bottleneck in the AI buildout: getting enough power, fast. Its solid-oxide fuel cells generate electricity on-site, which lets a data center come online without waiting years for the utility grid to catch up. That value proposition has suddenly clicked. Bloom signed billions of dollars in data center-related contracts in a single quarter, landed a long-term offtake agreement with a major utility, and expanded a partnership with Brookfield to a staggering $25 billion, up from an original $5 billion framework.
To meet that demand, Bloom is working to double its manufacturing capacity. This is the highest-risk name of the three, because the company is still proving it can turn these commitments into consistent profits, and fuel cells face competition from other power solutions. But if even a portion of that pipeline converts, Bloom's biggest growth years are clearly ahead rather than behind.
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3. Symbotic Symbotic (SYM 1.53%) builds AI-powered robotics systems that automate warehouses, and its order book is enormous relative to its size. The company holds a backlog of roughly $22.7 billion, the vast majority tied to Walmart, and it deepened that relationship by acquiring Walmart's advanced robotics business and signing an agreement covering hundreds of future fulfillment systems. As those systems get deployed, revenue and profitability are ramping, with the company now guiding to positive adjusted earnings.
The catch is concentration and execution. So much of Symbotic's backlog depends on a single customer, and investors have questioned how quickly that backlog converts into revenue. Those are real concerns. But few industrials this size have such a long runway of contracted work, and the shift toward automated logistics is still in its early innings.
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Buying before the growth arrives means accepting uncertainty. Eaton trades at a premium that assumes years of strong execution, so any slowdown in data center spending would hurt. Bloom isn't consistently profitable and leans on huge partnerships that must deliver. Symbotic depends heavily on Walmart and has faced scrutiny over how quickly it books revenue. All three are also tied to capital spending cycles that can cool if the economy weakens.
The takeaway for investors Eaton, Bloom Energy, and Symbotic share a rare quality: mountains of contracted or committed work that has only started to flow through their results. That gives each a visible path to its biggest growth years, whether it is powering data centers, energizing them on-site, or automating the warehouses that keep commerce moving. I would treat Eaton as the sturdier anchor and Bloom and Symbotic as higher-risk, higher-reward bets, sizing each to match your tolerance. The opportunity lies in buying before the acceleration, not after everyone can see it.
Key Takeaways TE Connectivity is set to report fiscal Q3 2026 results on July 22, with expected sales of nearly $5 billion. TEL's order momentum, AI-driven demand and Industrial Solutions strength are expected to support results. TEL faces pricing pressure, auto production variability, inflation, currency moves, and debt headwinds. TE Connectivity (TEL - Free Report) is scheduled to report its third-quarter fiscal 2026 results on July 22.
For the third quarter of fiscal 2026, adjusted earnings are projected to be approximately $2.83 per share, which indicates 17% year-over-year growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is pegged at $2.85 per share, which has increased by a penny over the past 30 days. This indicates 25.55% growth from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
TE Connectivity expects third-quarter fiscal 2026 sales of approximately $5 billion, implying 10% reported growth and 9% organic growth year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter sales is pegged at $4.95 billion, suggesting 9.15% growth from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
TE Connectivity beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in all the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 5.97%.
Let’s see how things have shaped up for the upcoming announcement:
Factors to NoteTE Connectivity’s third-quarter fiscal 2026 performance is expected to have benefited from strong order momentum and backlog growth across all business segments. The company reported record orders of $5.3 billion in the fiscal second quarter, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.12, indicating strong demand that is expected to carry into the fiscal third quarter.
Strong growth in its Industrial Solutions segment, particularly in digital data networks (DDN), energy, aerospace and defense, and factory automation, remains noteworthy. The DDN business, driven by AI-related demand, is projected to see an additional $150 million in revenues in the second half of the year, reflecting increased momentum and program ramps. The company’s recent acquisition of a leading passive optical connectivity technology further strengthens its position in both copper and optical solutions, supporting future growth in AI and data center applications.
The Industrial segment is also poised to benefit from secular growth trends in energy, aerospace and defense, and factory automation. In the fiscal second quarter, energy sales grew 60% (including acquisitions) and 11% organically, driven by investments in grid hardening, data center power infrastructure, and clean energy applications. This trend is expected to have continued in the to-be-reported quarter.
In the Transportation segment, TEL is leveraging its global leadership and co-creation model to outperform the market, particularly in commercial transportation and automotive. Commercial transportation sales grew 21% (17% organically) in the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with continued improvement in demand across all regions and increasing content per vehicle. Automotive content growth is expected to remain in the 4% to 6% range for fiscal 2026, driven by electrification, data connectivity, and electronification trends. Despite a flattish global auto production environment, TEL's strong order book and content gains are expected to have supported sequential and year-over-year growth in the to-be-reported quarter.
However, competitive pricing, auto production variability, input cost inflation, currency moves and a debt load that can constrain flexibility remain a headwind.
What Our Model SaysPer the Zacks model, the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy), or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. That’s the exact case here.
TE Connectivity currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.18% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.
Other Stocks to ConsiderHere are some companies worth considering, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings in their upcoming releases:
Amphenol (APH - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.12% and a Zacks Rank #1 at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Amphenol shares have gained 11.9% year to date. Amphenol is scheduled to report its second-quarter 2026 results on July 29.
ASE Technology (ASX - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +23.53% and a Zacks Rank #1.
ASE Technology shares have surged 138.6% year to date. ASE Technology is set to report its second-quarter 2026 results on July 30.
Fortive (FTV - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +2.82% and a Zacks Rank #2 at present.
Fortive shares have gained 11.9% in the year-to-date period. Fortive is set to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 29.
Abercrombie & Fitch faces growth headwinds in the EMEA region and Hollister brand, with the prolonged US-Iran hostilities potentially triggering a delayed recovery cadence. The same has been observed in the mixed FQ2'26/FY2026 guidance, albeit potentially mitigated by robust APAC/Americas regions' demand recovery. The stock price consolidation has triggered ANF's value thesis at P/E at 9.17x, with future macro/demand recovery potentially triggering rich capital appreciation.
Shares of Archer Aviation (ACHR +19.03%) charged sharply higher Monday morning, gaining as much as 19.8%. As of 12:50 p.m. ET, the stock was still up 18.9%.
The catalyst that sent the electric vertical takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft specialist higher was the launch of the company's jointly developed autonomous vertical lift aircraft.
Image source: Getty Images.
Flying high In a joint press release, Archer and Anduril unveiled a hybrid eVTOL with applications in both the commercial and defense sectors. The pair described it as "a new class of autonomous aircraft with the speed, range, payload, and operating cost that defense and commercial missions demand."
Anduril showcased the defense version, dubbed Thunder, a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft. This group of aircraft are generally the largest and most capable of the Defense Department's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Thunder was built on a dual-use platform designed for both defense and commercial applications.
The vehicle was built from the ground up. What sets this aircraft apart is "a hybrid-electric powertrain enables the aircraft to achieve significant range and endurance, while still maintaining the necessary precision to closely optimize power through the full range of flight conditions." Furthermore, the dual-tilt rotors allow the vehicle to switch to cruise mode, reducing power and fuel consumption.
Archer Aviation plans to announce its first commercial customers for the aircraft later this week.
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Is the stock a buy? Investors in Archer Aviation have endured a bumpy ride since the company debuted five years ago. After failing to deliver on its promise, shareholders lost faith, and the stock has plunged 62% from its peak.
To be clear, Archer Aviation is a high-risk, high-reward investment with a binary outcome. If the eVTOL specialist can secure Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for its Midnight electric air taxi and prove it can manufacture its aircraft at scale, the stock could fly much higher. On the other hand, if it fails to live up to expectations, the high flyer could crash and burn.
Let the buyer beware.
Danny Vena, CPA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Shares of Archer Aviation ACHR surged more than 18% on Monday after the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft maker unveiled a new autonomous aircraft platform developed jointly with defense technology company Anduril Industries, marking a major expansion beyond its core urban air mobility business.
The companies introduced a dual-use hybrid-electric vertical lift platform designed to serve both military and commercial customers, as eVTOL manufacturers increasingly seek new revenue streams amid slower-than-expected progress in the air taxi industry.
As part of the partnership, Anduril showcased the defense version of the platform, called Thunder, a Group 5 autonomous attack rotorcraft designed to enhance the capabilities of current and next-generation crewed military aircraft.
According to a joint statement, Thunder is based on a common aircraft platform jointly developed by Archer and Anduril.
"Together, the two companies have built what they believe to be a step change in vertical lift: a new class of autonomous aircraft with the speed, range, payload and operating cost that defense and commercial missions demand," the companies said.
The platform is intended to support a broad range of applications, including military strike missions, cargo transportation, remote logistics and operations from austere environments.
Archer said it plans to announce its first commercial partners for the aircraft later this week.
The announcement comes as developers of electric aircraft diversify into defense, logistics and cargo operations to offset certification delays, infrastructure challenges and high capital requirements that have clouded the outlook for urban air taxi services.
Unlike Archer's existing electric air taxi aircraft, the newly unveiled platform uses a series hybrid-electric propulsion system designed to deliver greater range and payload capacity.
The aircraft also incorporates tilt rotors capable of adjusting rotor speeds across different phases of flight, allowing it to perform a wider variety of missions than conventional battery-powered eVTOL aircraft.
Developers across the industry have increasingly shifted toward hybrid-electric systems as they attempt to overcome the limited range of fully electric aircraft and access larger commercial and defense markets.
The companies said they have already completed multiple test flights using full-scale surrogate aircraft to validate key systems, while Thunder's first flight is currently scheduled for 2027.
For Archer, the collaboration represents an important strategic move into defense and industrial applications at a time when the commercial air taxi market remains uncertain.
Urban air mobility was once viewed as a potential trillion-dollar opportunity, but certification timelines, infrastructure development and funding challenges have slowed the industry's commercial rollout.
Many eVTOL manufacturers are now pursuing defense contracts and cargo operations that could generate revenue sooner and require less extensive urban infrastructure.
Shane Arnott, senior vice president of Maneuver Dominance at Anduril, said adapting commercial aviation technology for military use could significantly improve operational capabilities.
"From raw performance to producibility, harnessing the best technologies from the commercial eVTOL market for defense is central to how Thunder will deliver operational value to our customers. The clean-sheet, dual-use platform that we've built with Archer truly represents a step change in capability," Arnott said.
Archer founder and CEO Adam Goldstein said the project required an entirely new aircraft rather than adapting the company's existing designs.
"This mission required a clean sheet design, built from the ground up to meet the needs of modern commercial and defense applications. We couldn't simply tweak our existing aircraft. Instead, we took a bold first principles approach alongside Anduril to develop what we believe is the most sophisticated vertical lift aircraft ever made," Goldstein said.
Monday's rally came despite mixed views from Wall Street on Archer's long-term prospects.
Weiss Ratings recently reaffirmed a "sell (D-)" rating on the stock, while Canaccord Genuity trimmed its price target to $12 from $13 but maintained a "buy" recommendation.
According to MarketBeat data, four analysts currently rate Archer Aviation as a Buy, two recommend Hold and one has a Sell rating, giving the stock an overall consensus rating of Hold with an average price target of $11.83.
The stock currently trades at $5.20, and has fallen 36% this year.
Archer Aviation (ACHR), the electric air taxi developer, rose 21.96% intraday after unveiling a jointly developed autonomous aircraft platform with defense tech
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of GoDaddy Inc. (NYSE: GDDY) resulting from allegations that GoDaddy may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.
SO WHAT: If you purchased GoDaddy securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/godaddy-inc/join or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: Rosen Law Firm is investigating potential civil securities claims.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered billions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
-------------------------------
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
Arm Holdings PLC (NASDAQ:ARM)'s long-term growth outlook is improving as rising demand for artificial intelligence workloads drives increased need for CPUs, according to Jefferies, which raised its price target on the semiconductor designer to $320 from $290.
The company’s shares are up almost 150% so far this year, trading hands at $272 on Monday afternoon.
Jefferies wrote that Arm’s AI-related CPU opportunity has expanded following the company’s fiscal 2026 results, driven by growing demand from agentic AI applications and new customer additions including Oracle and ByteDance. The firm now expects Arm’s AI CPU revenue to reach $18 billion in fiscal 2031, above the company’s guidance of $15 billion.
The analyst firm noted that the total addressable market for CPUs could reach $200 billion by 2030, up from an earlier estimate of more than $100 billion. Jefferies expects Arm’s AI CPUs to capture at least a 15% share of that market, with Meta projected to become the company’s largest customer, followed by OpenAI, Oracle and ByteDance.
Jefferies also raised its estimates for AI CPU revenue in fiscal 2028 and fiscal 2029, forecasting $1.5 billion and $3 billion, respectively, compared with previous estimates of $1.4 billion and $2.7 billion. The firm wrote that Arm could increase production capacity through higher-cost wafer supply options, which may weigh on gross margins but help the company secure market share.
The firm highlighted data centre as another area of potential growth, with royalty revenue expected to benefit from increasing adoption of Arm-based infrastructure. Jefferies noted that Arm’s compute subsystem-based royalties have increased to $1.50 per core from $1 previously.
Jefferies also pointed to a potential AI accelerator launch from SoftBank using Arm’s design services as a potential future royalty opportunity. The firm wrote that royalties from such products could exceed $7,000 per chip given the high average selling prices of GPUs, although volumes remain difficult to predict.
The firm expects Arm’s revenue and earnings to grow at more than 40% annually through fiscal 2031, with Jefferies forecasting a five-year earnings per share compound annual growth rate of 45%. Jefferies wrote that the company’s growth visibility and exposure to AI-driven CPU demand could support outperformance relative to the broader semiconductor sector.
The revised price target is based on a fiscal 2031 price-to-earnings multiple of 29 times, with Jefferies also citing discounted cash flow analysis as support for its valuation.
Key Takeaways Ralph Lauren's women's apparel, outerwear and handbags each grew more than 20% during the quarter.RL sees significant long-term growth potential in women's apparel despite its current scale.RL plans to expand its handbag portfolio with the Blaze collection to support future growth. Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL - Free Report) continues to see strong momentum in its high-potential categories, with women's apparel, outerwear and handbags serving as key growth drivers. Collectively, these categories recorded growth of more than 20% in both the fourth quarter and the fiscal 2026, significantly outpacing the company's overall performance.
Within women's apparel, management highlighted strong results across multiple product categories, including Core Cable-Knit and Jersey sweaters, lightweight outerwear and colorful linen shirts. These performances underscore the importance of the company's category-focused strategy in supporting overall business growth. The company believes its women's apparel business offers substantial long-term growth potential despite its existing scale.
Ralph Lauren also noted that its women's apparel portfolio, including Collection, Polo Women's and Lauren, represents a business of nearly $2 billion while holding only about a 1% market share. This indicates considerable room for further expansion. The company also sees similar opportunities in outerwear, while emphasizing that its handbags business is at an even earlier stage of development, providing additional runway for future growth.
Additionally, the company highlighted an upcoming launch of the Blaze collection within the Women's Polo handbag portfolio, which will complement the established Polo ID and the growing Polo Play lines, creating a third key pillar for the brand. It believes this addition will support continued performance in its handbags business. Management also noted that women's apparel, outerwear and handbags are all accretive to average unit retail (AUR) and expects the strong AUR growth seen in these categories to continue.
Overall, Ralph Lauren's continued expansion in high-potential categories reinforces its premium brand positioning and supports its broader strategy to drive sustainable revenue growth, AUR expansion and long-term value creation.
The Zacks Rundown for RLRalph Lauren’s shares have lost 1.6% in the past three months against the industry’s 1.9% growth.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, RL trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 20.12X compared with the industry’s average of 15.85X. Ralph Lauren currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RL’s current and next fiscal-year earnings implies a rise of 10.5% each.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks have been discussed below:
Duluth Holdings Inc. (DLTH - Free Report) sells casual wear, workwear, outdoor apparel, and accessories for men and women in the United States. It offers shirts, pants, shorts, underwear, outerwear, footwear, accessories, and hard goods. At present, DLTH sports a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DLTH's current fiscal-year sales implies a decline of 2.8%, and the same for earnings implies growth of 39.5% from the year-ago reported figures. DLTH delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 107.5%, on average.
Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM - Free Report) , which is a marketer and distributor of outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for COLM’s current financial-year sales and earnings is expected to rise 2.6% and 4.6%, respectively, from the corresponding year-ago reported figures. COLM delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 44.1%, on average.
Vince Holding Corp. (VNCE - Free Report) provides luxury apparel and accessories in the United States and internationally. It operates through Vince Wholesale and Vince Direct-to-Consumer segments. At present, the company carries a Zacks Rank of 2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VNCE’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings implies growth of 7.2% and 34.1%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures. VNCE has delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 635.7%, on average.
Three-phase advisory effort led to multi-tranche financing structure to capitalize this standout development in New York City
, /PRNewswire/ -- JLL's Capital Markets group announced today that its M&A and Corporate Advisory, Corporate Banking Advisory and Debt & Equity Advisory teams collectively secured $617 million in financing for Link Apartments REIT and Link Apartments Opportunity Zone REIT. Both are Grubb Properties-managed REITs, along with Link Apartments 8 Carlisle, a 64-story, Class A multifamily development in Manhattan's Financial District.
8 Carlisle JLL represented the developer and REIT sponsor, Grubb Properties, in arranging the multi-tranche capitalization through a coordinated, three-phase advisory effort that ultimately enabled the roll-up and merger of Grubb's interest in several investment vehicles and the full capitalization of Link Apartments 8 Carlisle.
First, JLL's M&A and Corporate Advisory group served as advisors on the merger of multiple legacy Grubb Properties' high net worth funds and subsequent re-branding to create Link Apartments REIT, an approximately $1.9 billion Grubb Properties-managed real estate investment trust with a portfolio of 45 properties, including more than 5,600 multifamily units.
In conjunction with the REIT formation, JLL's Corporate Banking Advisory group, part of JLL's Investment Banking platform, advised Link Apartments REIT and Link Apartments Opportunity Zone REIT on securing a $240 million NAV credit facility from Bayview Commercial Mortgage Finance (the "Facility"). The Facility supports the consolidation of the 45-property portfolio while providing an equity commitment to assist in capitalizing Link Apartments 8 Carlisle.
Additionally, JLL's Debt & Equity Advisory group, in conjunction with Arrow Real Estate Advisors, arranged a $300 million senior construction loan from Maxim Capital Group and a $77 million mezzanine loan that was co-originated by GreenBarn Investment Group, Skylight Real Estate Partners, Axonic Capital and Meadow Partners.
"JLL's ability to coordinate multiple advisory disciplines across this complex transaction was instrumental in achieving our vision for Link Apartments 8 Carlisle," said Clay Grubb, CEO of Grubb Properties. "Their integrated approach to structuring the REIT formation alongside the project financing enabled us to efficiently consolidate our portfolio while capitalizing this landmark development in Lower Manhattan."
Link Apartments 8 Carlisle rises 64 stories and is one of the last properties to be delivered under HPD's legacy 421-a program, where 30% of the 462 apartments will be allocated affordable. The property will be complemented by 6,285 square feet of retail space. The high-rise community offers purpose-built, highly efficient floor plans designed to attract and serve the young professional renter demographic. Residential units begin on the seventh floor, more than 100 feet above ground, ensuring abundant natural light for all apartments. The development features 20,536 square feet of amenity space, including a resort-style pool on the 63rd floor with 360-degree views, a two-story grand lobby, 24-hour fitness and yoga center, game room, screening room, demo kitchen and co-working space.
JLL Investment Banking's M&A and Corporate Advisory team was spearheaded by Senior Managing Director Steve Hentschel and Director Adam Coleman.
JLL Investment Banking's Corporate Banking Advisory group was led by Senior Managing Director Anthony Fertitta and Associate Jonathan Koletic.
JLL Capital Market's Debt & Equity Advisory team was led by Managing Director Stephen Van Leer, Senior Managing Directors Rob Hinckley and Jeffrey Julien, Managing Director Steven Rutman and Directors Alex Staikos and John Lowe.
"This transaction demonstrates JLL's integrated platform capabilities and the team's ability to deliver comprehensive advisory services across complex, multi-component deals," said Van Leer. "By coordinating our M&A, Corporate Banking and Debt & Equity advisory expertise, JLL was able to sequence the series of transactions appropriately to ensure a seamless structure. An example of JLL's 'Best Team on the Field' ethos and unwavering focus on achieving the best outcome for our client."
JLL's Capital Markets group is a full-service global provider of capital solutions for real estate investors and occupiers. The group's in-depth local market and global investor knowledge delivers the best-in-class solutions for clients — whether investment sales and advisory, debt advisory, equity advisory or a recapitalization. The group has more than 3,000 Capital Markets specialists worldwide with offices in nearly 50 countries.
For more news, videos and research resources, please visit JLL's newsroom.
About JLL
JLL (NYSE:JLL) is a leading global commercial real estate services and investment management company with annual revenue of $26.1 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 113,000 as of March 31, 2026. For over 200 years, clients have trusted JLL, a Fortune 500® company, to help them confidently buy, build, occupy, manage and invest across a variety of industries and property types, including office, industrial, hotel, multi-family, retail and data center properties. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY. Powered by rich global datasets and leading technology capabilities, we provide coordinated, end-to-end delivery of real estate services for a broad range of global clients who represent a wide variety of industries. Through LaSalle Investment Management, we invest for clients on a global basis in both private assets and publicly traded real estate securities. For further information, visit jll.com.
About Grubb Properties
Grubb Properties, founded in 1963, is a vertically integrated real estate company focused on essential housing through its Link Apartments brand. The company targets residents in the middle of the income spectrum, directly addressing a growing crisis for essential housing, while providing residents with exceptional living spaces. Grubb Properties maintains a long-term perspective and has a careful and measured approach to real estate investment. Grubb Properties has received numerous sustainability designations and recognitions and undergoes annual ESG assessments through GRESB. For more information, visit www.grubbproperties.com.
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$282.00▼
$496.00Dividend Yield2.44%
P/E Ratio18.82
Price Target$400.57
The second-quarter earnings report from Domino's Pizza NASDAQ: DPZ reveals an intense tug-of-war between exceptional market share expansion and near-term margin deterioration. In a quick-service restaurant environment defined by flatlining order counts and weary consumers, Domino's is successfully driving record transaction volume.
Inflation is forcing a brutal consolidation across the broader restaurant industry, as budget-conscious diners pull back on discretionary spending. Domino's is purposefully absorbing that displaced market share through aggressive value pricing. Order counts are growing meaningfully across both carryout and delivery channels, proving that the underlying customer-acquisition model is highly effective right now.
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Weighing the Cost of Customer AcquisitionThe cost of that top-line customer acquisition is beginning to squeeze store-level economics, leading to a stark financial divergence. Domino's delivered a solid revenue beat of $1.19 billion, up 4.3% year over year. Earnings per share came in at $4.07, missing consensus estimates of $4.17.
For investors, this dynamic presents a classic transitional setup. Aggregator dominance and aggressive promotions are rapidly expanding the brand's customer base, but internal execution missteps on premium menu items have stalled average ticket growth.
With the stock trading near $328 and down roughly 22% year-to-date, Domino's is currently pricing in the friction of lowered unit development and margin compression. Understanding the mechanics of this volume-versus-ticket barbell strategy is essential to evaluating the underlying cash flow model.
Topping the Charts on Uber Eats and DoorDashDomino's historically resisted third-party delivery apps, preferring to keep customers within its proprietary digital ecosystem. That stance shifted recently, and the integration into Uber's NYSE: UBER Eats program and DoorDash NASDAQ: DASH has proven highly lucrative. Domino's quickly captured the number-one pizza market share position on both platforms.
Management noted a 50% incrementality rate from these channels. Structurally, incrementality means that half of the aggregator orders represent net-new business rather than existing customers migrating from the native app. These platforms act as top-of-funnel acquisition tools, feeding new consumers into the broader system.
Generating orders is only half the equation in the quick-service industry. To maintain healthy margins, operators must balance promotional volume with premium, higher-ticket items. This is where the second quarter stumbled.
Management attempted to capitalize on the highly successful 2025 launch of Stuffed Crust by introducing a premium Slice Sauce menu series. The new offering failed to resonate with consumers, creating a material drag on average ticket sizes.
Because the premium mix fell short of expectations, U.S. comparable sales essentially flatlined, posting a sluggish 0.1% growth rate. Volume was up, but consumers were spending less per order, completely offsetting the transaction gains.
Feeling the Heat in Store-Level ProfitsTo understand the market's reaction to the earnings miss, investors need to look at the structural mechanics of a franchise model. Corporate revenues benefit directly from higher transaction volumes through supply chain sales and top-line royalties. Indeed, supply chain gross margins expanded by 0.2 percentage points to 12% in the quarter, aided by procurement productivity outpacing a 2.2% increase in the food basket cost.
Franchisees bear the operational brunt of lower ticket sizes. When order counts rise but average checks fall, store-level labor and delivery costs consume a larger share of revenue, compressing the franchisee's profit margin.
The immediate fallout from this margin squeeze is a deceleration in new-store growth. Facing profitability headwinds, management proactively trimmed 2026 U.S. net unit development guidance to roughly 175 stores. International growth also faced friction, with same-store sales contracting 0.1%. A significant portion of this international drag stemmed from Domino's Pizza Enterprises, the largest master franchisee for Domino's, which intentionally reduced lower-margin promotional transactions to structurally reset its own profitability.
Wall Street is acutely aware of these margin pressures. Short interest remains elevated at 11%-12.5% of the total float, representing over 3 million shares sold short. Options markets similarly reflect near-term skepticism, with heavy put-buying indicating that institutional capital requires tangible proof of margin recovery before repricing the equity higher.
A New Chef in the Kitchen and Fresh Menu IdeasDespite near-term execution hurdles, the underlying business is capturing market share rapidly. Chief Operating Officer Joe Jordan assumes the chief executive role on October 1, 2026, inheriting a brand with unmatched scale and a highly effective customer acquisition engine.
Management is already pivoting to correct the ticket-size imbalance. Rather than relying on the underperforming Slice Sauce, Domino's swiftly integrated Stuffed Crust into its Best Deal Ever promotional tier. This functions as paid trial marketing, enticing budget-conscious consumers to trade up for a premium product at a perceived discount, which historically drives strong repeat purchase rates.
The brand teased a highly disruptive product innovation slated for the third quarter. While details remain protected, management indicated the new offering specifically targets out-of-category consumer spending, aiming to capture occasions where diners typically seek non-pizza alternatives. If successful, this launch could provide the exact premium ticket boost needed to balance the current volume surge.
The most compelling leading indicator for long-term investors is the revamped Flywheel loyalty program, which just reported a 20% increase in active users. Capturing new customers through third-party aggregators and converting them into direct loyalty members practically guarantees sticky, recurring revenue for years to come.
Should You Grab a Slice of Domino's Stock?Overall MarketRank™99th Percentile
Analyst RatingModerate Buy
Upside/Downside22.3% Upside
Short Interest LevelHealthy
Dividend StrengthStrong
News Sentiment0.58 Insider TradingSelling Shares
Proj. Earnings Growth9.27%
See Full Analysis
The current valuation reflects a heavily scrutinized near-term outlook. Trading at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 18.79 and offering a reliable 2.42% dividend yield, Domino's presents a compelling fundamental setup for those willing to look past the immediate friction in franchisee development. Consensus price targets hover around $400.57, implying over 21% upside from current levels.
The structural advantages of sheer scale, a dominant digital ordering ecosystem, and loyalty program expansion provide a floor for long-term cash generation. Investors may want to add Dominos to a watchlist, monitoring the upcoming third-quarter product launch to see if management can successfully stabilize average ticket sizes while maintaining the current momentum in order count growth. Those with a higher risk tolerance might view the recent multiple compression as a prime entry point into a best-in-class operator navigating a temporary execution hurdle.
Should You Invest $1,000 in Domino's Pizza Right Now?Before you consider Domino's Pizza, you'll want to hear this.
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Burger King is appealing to picky eaters by pledging to remake any Whoppers that are unsatisfactory, and other perks, as part of a new campaign to prioritize customer feedback.
In February, the burger chain invited customers to share their honest opinion via Listening Initiative that shared the phone number of Tom Curtis, the President of Burger King US and Canada, according to a recent release.
This initiative saw the BK boss’s inbox inundated with thousands of calls and texts, prompting him to put his money where their mouths were.
Under the new initiative, customers can have their Whoppers remade if they’re deemed unsatisfactory. Tamara Beckwith/NY Post To further ensure the customer has it their way, Burger King is also rolling out a Whopper Guarantee. Refrina – stock.adobe.com “When we asked guests where we could do better, they gave us a lot of honest feedback, and now it’s our responsibility to act on it,” Curtis declared.
By popular demand, the burger big-wig appointed a revamped restaurant manager called a “Your Way Champion.”
Along with overseeing operations, the patty purveyor’s pit boss ensures orders adhere to and are prepped to customer specifications, and, when necessary, “make things right.”
To further ensure the customer has it their way, Burger King is also rolling out a Whopper Guarantee.
If the chain’s marquee item doesn’t meet guests expectations, the brand will not only remake the nosh on the spot, but offer their next Whopper free of charge.
Both the Whopper Guarantee and the Your Way Champion initiatives were highlighted in a 60-second ad titled “We’re Here to Help.”
“We’re not going to get everything right every single time, but we’re committed to listening intently and improving every day,” pledged Curtis. “When guests choose us, they expect high-quality food, orders made the way they asked, and a team that’s there when they need us.”
These initiatives are part of Burger King’s new “There’s A New King And It’s You” campaign — debuted in March with an ad spot during the Oscars — which prioritized their customers over their seemingly creepy crowned mascot.
This candid and guest-centric new direction has been credited for helping change the fast food giant’s fortunes, Marketing Dive reported.
In Q1, Burger King U.S. in Q1 saw a 5.8% in comparable sales, reversing a 1.1% dip during the same period in 2025,
This comes as multination fast food titans are increasingly under fire for allegedly prioritizing profits over quality and even dialing back portion size while prices go to Pluto.
In fact, due to this shrinkflation spike and other factors, regional burger chains are increasingly eating their larger counterparts’ lunch.
Industry data shows that cult favorites like Whataburger, and Culver’s are driving growth in the hamburger category compared to competitors like McDonald’s and Wendy’s.
In 2025, California-based In-N-Out’s domestic sales grew by around 10%.
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RetailStreet Notes
Victoria’s Secret Is All About Lift, Support, and a Good CEO Fit—and the Stock Loves It
In this article
Lift, support, fit. It’s the talk of bras so it isn’t a stretch to use those words to describe what’s going on with Victoria’s Secret.
Key Takeaways STRL is the better buy, backed by stronger growth, backlog momentum and estimate revisions.Mission-critical projects make up more than 90% of Sterling's E-Infrastructure backlog.Granite offers a lower valuation and record $7.2B CAP, but its growth outlook is less aggressive. Infrastructure spending remains a major growth driver for U.S. construction companies, supported by data center development, semiconductor manufacturing, transportation upgrades and federal infrastructure programs. Contractors with strong project pipelines, specialized capabilities and disciplined execution are particularly well positioned. Sterling Infrastructure (STRL - Free Report) and Granite Construction (GVA - Free Report) both benefit from these trends, but their business profiles differ.
Sterling has shifted toward high-growth mission-critical infrastructure, while Granite remains a diversified civil contractor and construction materials producer with significant exposure to public infrastructure.
Let's dive deep and closely compare the fundamentals of the two stocks to determine which one is a better investment now.
The Case for Sterling StockSterling has transformed itself into a high-growth infrastructure platform focused on data centers, semiconductor fabrication, advanced manufacturing and mission-critical electrical work. First-quarter 2026 revenues surged 92% year over year, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) climbed 120%. Adjusted EBITDA more than doubled, and margins expanded despite the integration of the recently acquired CEC business.
The E-Infrastructure Solutions segment remains Sterling’s primary growth engine. Segment revenues increased 174%, supported by strong organic growth and CEC’s contribution. Mission-critical projects accounted for more than 90% of E-Infrastructure backlog, highlighting Sterling’s growing exposure to large data center, manufacturing and semiconductor investments. The company is also gaining traction from cross-selling site development and electrical services, which should help increase project scope, improve execution and support margins.
Sterling’s backlog provides strong multiyear visibility. Signed backlog reached $3.8 billion, while the combined backlog increased to $5.15 billion. Including unsigned awards and high-probability future phases, management sees an opportunity pool approaching $6.5 billion. The first phase of a large semiconductor fabrication campus further strengthens its long-term growth potential, with additional project phases expected over several years.
The Stone Ridge acquisition adds another growth avenue. The deal expands Sterling’s site development capabilities across the Pacific Northwest and Texas and increases its exposure to data centers, mining and industrial infrastructure. Stone Ridge is expected to generate between $180 million and $200 million in full-year revenues with mid-teen EBITDA margins.
Sterling’s main risk is its premium valuation. The stock’s strong rally has raised expectations, meaning any slowdown in project awards, execution or data center spending could pressure its multiple. Building Solutions also remains exposed to weak residential affordability, while rapid expansion and acquisition integration add operational risks.
Nevertheless, Sterling’s growth, backlog visibility, margins and mission-critical market exposure provide a powerful investment case.
The Case for Granite StockGranite offers a more diversified and value-oriented construction investment. The company operates across transportation, federal infrastructure, private construction and construction materials, reducing its dependence on any single end market.
First-quarter revenues increased 30% year over year to $912 million, while adjusted EBITDA more than doubled. Construction segment revenues rose nearly 25%, supported by strong organic growth and acquired businesses. Granite also ended the quarter with record committed and awarded projects, or CAP, of $7.2 billion, an increase of $1.4 billion from the prior year.
Granite’s vertically integrated model is a key strength. Its materials operations supply aggregates and asphalt, supporting construction projects while providing exposure to pricing and volume growth. Materials revenues increased sharply in the first quarter, while gross profit and cash gross profit margins improved significantly. Recent acquisitions, including Warren Paving, Papich Construction and Kenny Seng Construction, have expanded Granite’s geographic presence and materials capabilities.
Granite is also expanding into attractive markets. Federal CAP reached $1.3 billion, including tactical infrastructure work, while management sees growing opportunities in rail facilities and mission-critical data center site development. The Kenny Seng acquisition strengthens Granite’s Utah platform and adds exposure to education, civil infrastructure and private-sector projects.
Following the strong quarter and recent project awards, Granite raised its 2026 revenue guidance between $5.2 billion and $5.4 billion and increased its adjusted EBITDA margin outlook. Improved project execution, SG&A leverage and materials performance should support earnings growth.
However, Granite’s growth outlook is less aggressive than Sterling’s. Traditional civil projects can be affected by weather, funding availability and execution delays. The company also reported a GAAP net loss in the first quarter, while higher interest costs and acquisition-related debt remain considerations.
Sterling Leads the Share Price RaceSterling shares have surged 108.5% year to date, substantially outperforming Granite’s 7.5% gain. Sterling has also outpaced the Zacks Construction sector’s 7.3% advance and the S&P 500’s 8.8% return.
STRL vs GVA Price Performance (YTD)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Among peers, Comfort Systems USA (FIX - Free Report) and EMCOR Group (EME - Free Report) have also benefited from rising investments in AI data centers, electrical infrastructure and mission-critical construction. However, Sterling’s stock performance indicates particularly strong investor confidence in its earnings growth, expanding backlog and strategic positioning.
Granite’s performance is close to the broader construction sector, reflecting its steadier operating profile and more moderate earnings outlook.
Granite Offers Value, but Sterling’s Premium Is JustifiedSterling trades at 27.99X forward 12-month earnings, above Granite’s 15.8X and the Zacks Construction sector average of 20.49X.
STRL vs GVA Valuation (P/E F12M)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The premium is more reasonable when compared with mission-critical infrastructure peers. FIX trades at 34.51X forward earnings, meaning Sterling remains less expensive despite its rapid growth in data center and advanced manufacturing projects. EME stock also commands a higher valuation than traditional civil contractors at 23.75X because of its exposure to electrical, mechanical and mission-critical construction markets.
Granite is clearly the cheaper stock and may appeal to value-focused investors. However, its discount reflects a slower growth profile, lower margins and greater exposure to conventional public infrastructure projects. Sterling’s premium is supported by stronger earnings growth and superior backlog momentum.
Sterling Has the Stronger Estimate TrendOver the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sterling’s 2026 EPS has increased to $19.12, while the 2027 estimate has risen to $25.83. Earnings are expected to grow 75.7% in 2026 on revenue growth of 59.2%. For 2027, EPS and revenues are projected to increase 35.1% and 29.1%, respectively.
STRL EPS Estimate Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Granite’s consensus estimate has remained unchanged over the past 30 days at $6.92 for 2026 and $8.61 for 2027. Its 2026 EPS is expected to increase 14%, accompanied by revenue growth of 20.2%. For 2027, EPS is projected to grow 24.4% on an 11.1% revenue increase.
GVA’s EPS Estimate Revision Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Sterling, therefore, holds a clear advantage in both expected growth and positive estimate revisions.
Which Stock Is the Better Buy?Granite remains a solid infrastructure stock, supported by record CAP, a growing materials platform, strategic acquisitions and an attractive valuation. It appears suitable for investors seeking moderate growth at a lower earnings multiple.
Sterling, however, offers better upside potential. Its exposure to data centers, semiconductor facilities and mission-critical projects supports significantly stronger revenue and earnings growth. Rapidly expanding backlog, margin improvement, cross-selling opportunities and upward estimate revisions further strengthen the outlook.
Sterling’s Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) also compares favorably with Granite’s Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Despite its higher valuation, Sterling’s superior earnings momentum and secular growth exposure make it the better construction stock to buy now. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Reddit Inc (NYSE:RDDT) experienced a significant Power Inflow alert, a key bullish indicator that is closely tracked by traders who value order flow analytics, specifically institutional and retail order flow data.
Understanding the Power Inflow Signal
Order flow analytics examine real-time buying and selling behavior by analyzing volume, timing, and order size across both retail and institutional participants. These insights provide a deeper understanding of price action and market sentiment, allowing traders and institutions to make more informed decisions.
RDDT Performance
At the time of the Power Inflow alert, RDDT was trading at $181.97. Following the signal:
• Intraday High As Of 2:00PM EST: $187.43 (+3.00%)
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. The analysis is based on stock order flow data, but accuracy is not guaranteed. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga’s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.
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If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider Hexcel (HXL - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.
This maker of lightweight composite materials has an established record of topping earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The company boasts an average surprise for the past two quarters of 22.24%.
For the most recent quarter, Hexcel was expected to post earnings of $0.42 per share, but it reported $0.59 per share instead, representing a surprise of 40.48%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $0.5 per share, while it actually produced $0.52 per share, a surprise of 4.00%.
Price and EPS Surprise
For Hexcel, estimates have been trending higher, thanks in part to this earnings surprise history. And when you look at the stock's positive Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction), it's a great indicator of a future earnings beat, especially when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.
Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. 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.
Hexcel has an Earnings ESP of +6.13% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on July 29, 2026.
Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.
Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.
Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
The selloff has made one of Cathie Wood‘s highest-conviction holdings considerably cheaper. The question now is whether the decline represents a buying opportunity—or a warning sign.
Cathie Wood and Wall Street Still BelieveWall Street also remains firmly bullish.
According to consensus estimates from 19 analysts, Tempus carries an average price target of $66.50, implying roughly 37% upside from current levels. The three most recent analyst updates—from Guggenheim, Freedom Capital Markets and Needham—average $66.33, suggesting analysts have yet to meaningfully lower expectations despite the recent pullback.
That suggests the market’s reaction is centered more on the timing and structure of the Personalis acquisition than on Tempus’ long-term AI and precision medicine strategy.
TEM Stock Chart Says Something DifferentChart created using Benzinga Pro
The technical picture, however, has deteriorated.
Tempus shares are now trading below their eight-day, 20-day and 50-day simple moving averages, a sign that short- and intermediate-term momentum has turned negative.
The stock’s MACD (moving average convergence/divergence) has produced a bearish crossover, with the histogram continuing to weaken, indicating downside momentum remains in control.
Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has slipped to around 40. While the reading isn’t yet in oversold territory, it suggests buying momentum has faded considerably as sellers continue to dominate trading.
Taken together, the chart suggests investors may not yet be finished digesting the recent selloff.
So, Should Investors Buy the Dip?The answer depends on which signal investors trust more.
Fundamentally, Tempus still enjoys strong support from both Wall Street analysts and Cathie Wood, whose flagship ETF continues to maintain the company as one of its largest positions. The Personalis acquisition also strengthens Tempus’s leadership in AI-powered precision oncology, even if investors are questioning the near-term impact of issuing stock to finance the deal.
Technically, however, the picture remains far less encouraging. Momentum indicators continue to point lower, and the stock has yet to show signs that buyers are stepping back in.
For investors looking to initiate or add to a position, the coming earnings report on July 30 could become the next major catalyst. Strong results—or a clearer roadmap for integrating Personalis while improving margins—could validate Wall Street’s optimism.
Until then, Tempus presents investors with a familiar dilemma: a company that analysts continue to like, a high-profile backer that hasn’t wavered, and a chart that still says patience may be the better trade.
Image via Shutterstock
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Key Takeaways SEZL grew active subscribers 48.4% to 714,000 as higher-value users became a bigger focus.Sezzle reached record purchase frequency, with repeat usage accounting for 97% of total orders.SEZL is expanding with Pay-in-5, Canada virtual card and new banking products through 2027. Sezzle Inc. (SEZL - Free Report) entered 2026 with stronger customer engagement and a clear shift toward higher-value subscribers. In the first quarter of 2026, active subscribers rose 48.4% year over year to 714,000, while the combined total of monthly on-demand users and subscribers reached 887,000, up 34.8%. Management believes this focus supports better retention and lifetime value.
The subscriber push is also changing how often customers use Sezzle. In the first quarter, average quarterly purchase frequency climbed to a record 7.1 times from 6.1 a year earlier. Active consumers increased 13.6% to 3.1 million, while transactions jumped 35.8% to 9.9 million. Repeat usage reached 97% of total orders.
These gains helped lift Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) by 37.3% to $1.1 billion, nearly matching the holiday-driven fourth quarter. In the first quarter, revenues rose 29.2% to $135.5 million, representing 12.2% of GMV.
Marketing remains central to the subscriber growth strategy. First-quarter spending rose to $11.2 million from $5.3 million a year earlier, yet Sezzle reported a payback period of less than six months. The Earn tab logged 4.8 million visits since its launch in June 2025, and users showed a 55% higher Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) conversion rate within 30 days after their first Earn tab activity.
The next test is whether Sezzle can turn stronger engagement into lasting customer value. Pay-in-5 is showing encouraging early demand, while the mobile plan, virtual card in Canada and enhanced long-term lending add more reasons to stay active. Sezzle is also developing deposit accounts and card products, with management expecting much of its current product roadmap to be completed and scaled by the end of 2027.
How Are Affirm & Klarna Growing Their Users?Affirm (AFRM - Free Report) is showing subscriber-style growth similar to Sezzle, helped by a wider merchant reach and frequent use of its payment products. Its expanding consumer base suggests BNPL demand remains healthy across major platforms. In the quarter ended March 2026, AFRM reported 26.8 million active consumers, up 22% year over year.
Klarna Group plc (KLAR - Free Report) is also adding users, as it broadens beyond checkout into banking, cards and longer-term financing. Its scale is much larger than Sezzle’s, but the growth pattern reflects the same push toward deeper consumer relationships. In the first quarter of 2026, KLAR reached 119 million active consumers, rising 21% year over year.
SEZL’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of Sezzle have outperformed in the past three months compared with the broader industry and the S&P 500 Index.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, Sezzle’s shares have a Value Score of D. In terms of forward 12-month P/E, SEZL stock is trading at 30.01X, which is at a premium to the Zacks Financial Transaction Services Market industry’s 17.27X.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Sizzle’s estimate revisions reflect a positive trend. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for full-year 2026 EPS has been revised upward to $5.10 in the past month. The consensus estimate for the metric indicates a year-over-year increase of 42.06%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Sezzle currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Nebius Group (NBIS +4.24%) is facing pressure after reports that Meta may rent out excess AI compute. But the bullish case centers on a bigger idea: the AI compute shortage may be so large that independent cloud providers can still thrive alongside big tech.
Stock prices used were the market prices of July 10, 2026. The video was published on July 18, 2026.
Rick Orford has positions in Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Meta Platforms. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick Orford is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through their link, they will earn some extra money that supports their channel. Their opinions remain their own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.
CleanSpark stock is charging ahead with explosive momentum. Why is CLSK stock up today? Bitcoin Clears a Key Technical Level as ETF Flows Turn PositiveSpot Bitcoin ETFs pulled in $75.7 million in net inflows last week, building on $197.4 million the prior week and marking the first back-to-back positive weeks after eight straight weeks of withdrawals.
A Wave of Data Center Deals is Rewarding the AI Infrastructure TradeHut 8 Expands Long‑Term AI Data Center Commitments In TexasHut 8’s aggregate base-term contract value across its entire portfolio has now reached $26.6 billion, backed by 949 megawatts of contracted AI data center capacity.
CleanSpark’s Sandersville Lease Draws Fresh Investor AttentionCLSK Shares Are Trending HigherCLSK Price Action: CleanSpark shares were up 13.43% at $14.78 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro.
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Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire joins CNBC's 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss the company's final OCC approval to operate as a trust bank, the future of the CLARITY Act, and more.
The Zacks Internet - Content has been suffering from challenging macroeconomic conditions globally, which is having a detrimental effect on advertising spending, the primary revenue source for industry participants. Rising AI infrastructure and hosting costs, as well as continuous pressure to improve monetization, have been concerns for industry players. However, industry participants like Opera Limited (OPRA - Free Report) and Similarweb (SMWB - Free Report) are expanding their presence across multiple channels, driving top-line growth. These companies are benefiting from solid demand for digital offerings, as well as the increasing importance of video content and cloud-based applications. The rapid deployment of AI, Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) is aiding industry players in enhancing the recommendation and search functions of their platforms, thereby improving user experience.
Industry Description The Zacks Internet - Content industry comprises providers of video encoding platforms, personal services, Internet content and information, staffing and outsourcing services, publishing, capital markets, media-based, home service, digital insights and measurement, stock photo, video and music licensing, and online travel companies. The industry is witnessing a rapid change in consumer behavior and ongoing digitalization. Advertising is a major revenue source for industry participants. Therefore, these companies are trying to expand their digital presence to win customers. They are also expanding their presence across social media, display, connected TV and search. Apart from the United States, a number of companies in this industry are located in Israel, the U.K., Germany, Russia and China.
4 Trends Shaping the Future of the Internet - Content Industry Demand for Digital Offerings Growing: The shift from traditional search to AI assistants, conversational interfaces, and agentic AI is reshaping how users discover content and interact online. The companies in the Zacks Internet Content industry are continually adapting their products, monetization strategies and distribution models to remain relevant as user behavior evolves and AI platforms become new gateways to digital content.
Industry Prospects Driven by Ad Spending Rate: Industry participants are focusing on marketing efforts to boost traffic to websites. Advertising and subscriptions are major revenue sources for these companies. The industry is dependent on consumer spending trends, making holiday spending a major deciding factor. However, macroeconomic challenges are expected to hurt ad spending.
Rising Competition for Users, Content and AI Leadership: The industry is facing intense competition for user engagement, premium content creators and enterprise customers. User engagement alone is no longer enough. Companies must consistently improve advertising ROI, increase customer retention, expand cross-selling and introduce new monetization models such as AI licensing and consumption-based pricing.
Increasing Regulations Mar Prospects: Industry participants involved in online search and other social networking activities are increasingly facing regulatory pressure, particularly in China and the European Union (“EU”). The China government has a number of regulations related to direct advertising, which is a prime revenue source for these companies. The implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation in the EU adds to the concerns. Enactment of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the EU aims to prevent large online platforms that connect users with content, goods, information and services from abusing their market power. The DMA adds to the headwinds faced by Internet content providers in the EU.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dim Prospects The Zacks Internet - Content industry is housed within the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector. It carries a Zacks Industry Rank #187, which places it in the bottom 24% of more than 250 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates dim near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than two to one.
The industry’s position in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of a negative earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are pessimistic about this group’s earnings growth potential. Since Jan. 31, 2026, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the industry’s 2026 earnings has moved down 7%.
Given the bearish industry outlook, there are only a few stocks worth buying. But before we present the stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio, let us take a look at the industry’s recent stock market performance and valuation.
Industry Lags S&P and Sector The Zacks Internet - Content industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector, as well as the S&P 500 composite, over the past year.
The industry has declined 36.1% over this period compared with the S&P 500 sector’s appreciation of 21.1% and the 27.4% increase of the broader sector.
One-Year Price Performance
Industry's Current Valuation On the basis of the trailing 12-month price-to-sales ratio (P/S), which is a commonly used multiple for valuing Internet – Content stocks, we see that the industry is currently trading at 2.72X compared with the S&P 500’s 4.95X and the sector’s 8.67X.
Over the last five years, the industry has traded as high as 6.37X and as low as 3.25X, the median being 5.34X, as the charts below show.
Trailing 12-Month Price-to-Sales (P/S) Ratio
2 Internet Stocks to Watch Similarweb: This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company is benefiting from rising demand for digital intelligence from Large Language Model (LLM) developers and enterprises. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
The company signed one large LLM licensing contract in the first quarter of 2026, continues to pursue additional AI data deals, launched ChatGPT MCP integration, and is seeing strong adoption of AI Studio, which introduces a higher-value, consumption-based revenue model. Similarweb believes AI is expanding its addressable market across data licensing, AI products and ecosystem partnerships. Similarweb expects net revenue retention (NRR) to improve through customer expansion and cross-selling while maintaining positive free cash flow.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SMWB’s 2026 earnings has been steady at 15 cents per share over the past 30 days. Similarweb shares have dropped 20.8% on a year-to-date basis.
Price & Consensus: SMWB
Opera: This Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock continues to deliver robust revenue growth, expanding AI-powered browser capabilities and raising 2026 guidance. Opera’s Browser Connector, AI integrations and growing user engagement support its long-term outlook, but many AI initiatives remain in the early stages. The company is still working to convert higher AI engagement into durable revenue streams while navigating upcoming search partnership renewals and execution risks associated with scaling new AI-driven monetization models.
However, Opera expects higher hosting costs and AI infrastructure expenses due to increased AI usage and supply constraints, which could limit margin expansion despite healthy top-line growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Opera’s 2026 earnings has been steady at $1.40 per share over the past 30 days. OPRA shares have surged 9.1% YTD.
Iren (IREN) shares surged about 15% on Monday after the AI cloud infrastructure provider signed $2.8 billion in new cloud services contracts and raised its 2026
–Tradr 2X Long IREN Daily ETF (BATS:IREX) — up about 40%
–Defiance Daily Target 2X Long IREN ETF (NYSE:IRE) — up nearly 40%
–Leverage Shares 2X Long IREN Daily ETF (NASDAQ:IREG) — also gaining close to 40%
The move illustrates how single-stock leveraged ETFs can magnify upside when a high-beta AI infrastructure stock experiences a sharp re-rating.
Why These ETFs Are OutperformingAll three ETFs seek to deliver 200% of IREN’s daily return through derivatives rather than direct stock ownership.
When IREN jumped roughly 20%, the ETFs responded with gains approaching 40%, consistent with their daily leverage objective.
However, these funds are designed for short-term tactical trading, not long-term investing. Because leverage resets every day, returns can drift significantly from two times the stock’s cumulative performance over weeks or months, particularly during volatile trading.
That makes them attractive for traders with a high-conviction, short-term view but considerably riskier than owning the underlying shares.
AI Infrastructure Is Fueling the TradeMonday’s surge was triggered after IREN boosted its 2026 annualized AI Cloud revenue target to more than $4 billion, from $3.7 billion previously.
The company also disclosed $2.8 billion of signed multi-year AI cloud contracts, with roughly 85% of the new revenue target already backed by agreements.
The announcement reinforced investor confidence that demand for AI compute infrastructure remains exceptionally strong.
The Fundamentals Behind the Bullish ETF MoveFor leveraged ETF traders, the announcement wasn’t simply about higher revenue guidance.
Several fundamentals strengthened the investment case:
These developments suggest that the stock’s rally was driven by improving business fundamentals rather than speculative momentum alone — a key consideration for leveraged ETF traders.
What ETF Investors Should WatchThe three bullish IREN ETFs remain among the most aggressive ways to express a view on AI infrastructure.
If enthusiasm around AI cloud build-outs continues, these products could continue to outperform the underlying stock on strong up days. Conversely, any pullback in IREN would also be amplified roughly twofold, making risk management especially important.
With IREN’s next earnings update expected on Aug. 27, traders will be watching whether the company can translate its expanding AI contract backlog into accelerating revenue growth. This outcome could determine whether the current rally in leveraged IREN ETFs has further room to run.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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A year ago, shares of Sandisk (SNDK +3.81%) traded below $50. As of this writing, they sit above $1,400 -- a gain of more than 3,000% in 12 months, and one of the biggest runs anywhere in the market.
That figure actually understates how hot the stock has been. Shares hit a record high of $2,354.39 earlier this summer before pulling back sharply.
A move like that usually means a mania or an earnings explosion. For Sandisk, it has mostly been the second one. But this is still the memory business, and the stock's second year looks much harder to handicap than its first.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
The earnings behind the moonshot Sandisk makes NAND flash memory, the storage chips inside everything from phones to the solid-state drives that data centers run on. For years, that was a brutal boom-and-bust business. Then the artificial intelligence (AI) build-out collided with tight supply, and storage prices took off.
The company's results tell the story in three acts. In the fiscal third quarter of 2025, Sandisk generated $1.7 billion of revenue with a 22.5% gross margin. By the fiscal second quarter of 2026 (the period ended Jan. 2, 2026), revenue had grown to $3.0 billion and gross margin had climbed to 50.9%. Then, in the fiscal third quarter of 2026, revenue nearly doubled sequentially to $5.95 billion (up 251% year over year) while gross margin expanded to 78.4%.
The mix is shifting toward the best customers, too. Sandisk's data center revenue went from $197 million in the year-ago quarter to $1.5 billion in the fiscal third quarter, a more than sevenfold jump powered by demand for enterprise solid-state drives. Its bigger edge business, which supplies chips for devices like smartphones and PCs, nearly quadrupled year over year to $3.7 billion. Consumer revenue, the one soft spot, slipped 10% sequentially to $820 million.
Profits followed. The company posted fiscal third-quarter non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings per share of $23.41, compared to a small loss in the year-ago period. Through nine months of fiscal 2026, revenue has more than doubled year over year to $11.3 billion.
Even more, management guided for fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $7.75 billion to $8.25 billion with adjusted earnings per share of $30 to $33 -- yet another step up, and a forecast the company's next report will put to the test within weeks.
"This quarter marks a fundamental inflection point for Sandisk," said CEO David Goeckeler in the company's fiscal third-quarter earnings release.
Key to that claim is what the company calls its new business model: multi-year customer agreements backed by firm financial commitments. Sandisk ended the fiscal third quarter with three such agreements signed and has added two more since.
Today's Change
(
3.81
%) $
51.61
Current Price
$
1,406.43
Priced as if the party ends After all that, the growth stock trades at only about 8 times consensus earnings-per-share estimates for the next 12 months.
A multiple that low, on growth that fast, is the market saying it doesn't believe the earnings will stick. After all, memory has always been cyclical. Prices that triple on scarcity can fall just as fast when new supply arrives or demand pauses. And the same operating leverage that turned Sandisk's margin explosion into $23 of quarterly earnings per share would work in reverse.
Investors have already had a preview. Shares are down about 40% from their record high, and memory stocks broadly sold off again last week as investors questioned how long the AI spending boom can run.
With that said, there are real differences between this cycle and past ones. Those multi-year purchase commitments are designed to smooth the boom-and-bust pattern. The company also carries essentially no debt and ended the fiscal third quarter with $3.7 billion in cash.
If the new contracts hold pricing anywhere near current levels through 2027, today's valuation would prove far too low.
So, can the run continue? Not the way it happened. The 3,000% phase came from a once-in-a-cycle collision of scarce supply and desperate demand, and the stock's 40% pullback suggests the market knows it. From here, this is a bet on whether NAND pricing and those new commitments hold up. For investors convinced they will, a small position sized for serious volatility could make sense. Personally, I'd want to see the new business model prove itself (and the market demand hold up) for another quarter or two first -- even if that means paying a higher price later for more certainty.
Three straight days of selling came to a happy end for Sandisk (SNDK +3.81%) investors Monday, as the stock turned around and gained 5.6% through 1:45 p.m. ET.
You can thank Morgan Stanley for that.
Image source: Getty Images.
Morgan Stanley still loves memory stocks It's not entirely clear why investors have been selling memory stocks lately -- maybe because Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM +1.04%) said it was expanding semiconductor chip production (although that's probably actually good news for Sandisk) or maybe because investors are worried that demand for artificial intelligence chips is going to decline (although that's the exact opposite of what TSMC told us last week).
Either way, Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore is thanking his lucky stars for the sell-off, and thinks it has created a buying opportunity in semiconductor stocks like Sandisk.
As reported on StreetInsider.com today, Moore admits that "data center strength is the only cause" for this year's incredible demand for memory chips -- but he's not worried that this strength will ebb anytime soon. Shortages of memory chips continue to get worse, not better, and Q3 memory prices are going to be up 25% from Q2, says the analyst.
Today's Change
(
3.81
%) $
51.61
Current Price
$
1,406.43
What this means for Sandisk Semiconductor stocks are notoriously cyclical, booming when demand and prices are high, only to crash as production increases, supply catches up with demand, and prices fall. That's the way this industry has always worked in the past. It's probably the way it will work in the long-term future.
That said, Moore sees little chance of supply catching up with demand this year, next year, or the year after that. For the time being, Sandisk's profits look safe, and this bodes well for the stock rebounding in the near term.
Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
LOS ANGELES, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP reminds investors of the upcoming August 25, 2026 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Futu Holdings Limited (“Futu” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: FUTU) securities between May 24, 2023 and May 27, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”).
IF YOU SUFFERED A LOSS ON YOUR FUTU INVESTMENTS, CLICK HERE TO INQUIRE ABOUT POTENTIALLY PURSUING CLAIMS TO RECOVER YOUR LOSS UNDER THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS.
What Happened?
On December 30, 2022, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (“CSRC”) issued a statement that Futu has conducted cross-border securities businesses with domestic investors in mainland China without regulatory consent. As a result, Futu was banned from opening new accounts from mainland Chinese investors and soliciting new business from mainland investors.
Then, on May 22, 2026, before the market opened, Reuters published an article reporting that the CSRC, along with seven other government agencies including the central bank, had launched a crackdown aimed at “brokers it accused of illegally moving money to foreign markets” including “overseas firms and their local partners operating without approval.” The article reported “online brokers Tiger, Futu and Longbridge would be penalised for soliciting business in China without an onshore licence, the securities regulator said.”
On the same date, pre-market, Futu issued a press release disclosing that it had received a Notification Letter from the CSRC. The Company reported the letter states “certain Futu entities in mainland China and Hong Kong … without obtaining the requisite licenses or approval, conducted securities business, public fund sales business and futures business in mainland China.” The letter further states the CSRC “proposes to order the Related Companies to rectify or cease such activities, confiscate illegal gains, and impose fines, with the total proposed penalty amounting to approximately RMB1.85 billion (approximately USD271 million).” Further, the regulatory authority “proposes to impose a personal fine of RMB1.25 million (approximately USD 183,575) on Mr. LI Hua, the founder and CEO of the Company.”
On this news, Futu’s stock price fell $34.10, or 27.5%, to close at $89.76 per share on May 22, 2026, on unusually heavy trading volume.
Then, on May 28, 2026, before the market opened, Futu issued a press release reporting financial results for the first quarter 2026, including net income of HK$831.0 million (US$106.0 million) after giving effect to the proposed penalties comprised of: “(i) confiscation of illegal gains of approximately RMB470 million [approximately $69.21 million USD], and (ii) imposition of fines of approximately RMB1.38 billion, [approximately $20 billion USD] in an aggregate amount of approximately RMB1.85 billion.” The press release reported this adjustment under the Company’s financial statements as “Others, net” in its statements of comprehensive income for the applicable period.
On this news, Futu’s stock price fell $5.31, or 4.8%, to close at $104.91 on May 28, 2026, on unusually heavy trading volume.
What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Futu was not in compliance with the requirements of the CSRC, including because the Company continued to conduct securities business, public fund sales business and futures business in mainland China without obtaining the requisite licenses or approval; (2) as a result, Futu was reasonably likely to face regulatory penalties, including the disgorgement of ill-gotten gains and other penalties; (3) as a result of the foregoing, Futu’s financial results were overstated; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.
If you purchased or otherwise acquired Futu securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than August 25, 2026 to request appointment as lead plaintiff in this putative class action lawsuit.
Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:
If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact us:
Charles Linehan, Esq.,
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP,
1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100,
Los Angeles California 90067
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 310-201-9150,
Toll-Free: 888-773-9224
Visit our website at www.glancylaw.com.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.
If you inquire by email, please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased.
To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.
This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.
Contact Us:
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP,
1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Charles Linehan
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 310-201-9150
Toll-Free: 888-773-9224
Visit our website at: www.glancylaw.com.
Astronics Corporation (ATRO - Free Report) could be a solid choice for investors given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade is essentially a reflection of an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.
The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.
Since a changing earnings picture is a powerful factor influencing near-term stock price movements, the Zacks rating system is very useful for individual investors. They may find it difficult to make decisions based on rating upgrades by Wall Street analysts, as these are mostly driven by subjective factors that are hard to see and measure in real time.
Therefore, the Zacks rating upgrade for Astronics basically reflects positivity about its earnings outlook that could translate into buying pressure and an increase in its stock price.
Most Powerful Force Impacting Stock PricesThe change in a company's future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, and the near-term price movement of its stock are proven to be strongly correlated. The influence of institutional investors has a partial contribution to this relationship, as these big professionals use earnings and earnings estimates to calculate the fair value of a company's shares. An increase or decrease in earnings estimates in their valuation models simply results in higher or lower fair value for a stock, and institutional investors typically buy or sell it. Their bulk investment action then leads to price movement for the stock.
For Astronics, rising earnings estimates and the consequent rating upgrade fundamentally mean an improvement in the company's underlying business. And investors' appreciation of this improving business trend should push the stock higher.
Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate RevisionsAs empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock movements, tracking such revisions for making an investment decision could be truly rewarding. Here is where the tried-and-tested Zacks Rank stock-rating system plays an important role, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Rank stock-rating system, which uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Earnings Estimate Revisions for AstronicsFor the fiscal year ending December 2026, this company is expected to earn $2.62 per share, which is unchanged compared with the year-ago reported number.
Analysts have been steadily raising their estimates for Astronics. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 20.2%.
Bottom LineUnlike the overly optimistic Wall Street analysts whose rating systems tend to be weighted toward favorable recommendations, the Zacks rating system maintains an equal proportion of "buy" and "sell" ratings for its entire universe of more than 4,000 stocks at any point in time. Irrespective of market conditions, only the top 5% of the Zacks-covered stocks get a "Strong Buy" rating and the next 15% get a "Buy" rating. So, the placement of a stock in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks indicates its superior earnings estimate revision feature, making it a solid candidate for producing market-beating returns in the near term.
You can learn more about the Zacks Rank here >>>
The upgrade of Astronics to a Zacks Rank #2 positions it in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks in terms of estimate revisions, implying that the stock might move higher in the near term.
Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SPCX), the rocket, satellite communications, and artificial intelligence company known as SpaceX, saw its shares fall shar
SpaceX (SPCX) is experiencing a decline in stock value, even with the announcement of July 23 as the target date for the second attempt at Starship's thirteent
Less than a week after the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (NASDAQ: SPCX) initial public offering (IPO), Representative William Timmons, a Republican from South Carolina, purchased SpaceX stock.
Timmons invested between $50,001 and $100,000 in SpaceX on June 15 and disclosed the transaction on June 17, according to a Periodic Transaction Report he signed on July 19. As such, Timmons is the fifth member of Congress to buy SpaceX stock, according to an analysis from Nancy Pelosi stock tracker on July 20.
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This signal is triggered upon the reporting of the trade to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Notably, Timmons’ SpaceX stock purchase was his first stock disclosure in six years, thus making it his high-conviction trade. Furthermore, he sits on two key committees, including the House Committee on Financial Services, with subcommittees on Digital Assets, Financial Technology and AI, Housing and Insurance, and Financial Institutions.
Timmons is also a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where he chairs the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs and serves on the Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) Subcommittee.
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Stay up-to-date on the trading activity of US Congress members. The signal triggers based on updates from the House disclosure reports, notifying you of their latest stock transactions.
This committee leadership gives him unique visibility into SpaceX’s expanding role as a critical U.S. military contractor, delivering essential launch services, Starshield satellite capabilities, and resilient communications systems that bolster national defense priorities.
SpaceX stock falls despite Congress supports Despite the notable support for SPCX stock by several members of Congress, the shares recently dropped below the IPO price. At press time, SpaceX shares traded at about $124.56, down approximately 7.7% from its IPO level, with a market capitalization of nearly $1.6 trillion.
SpaceX stock price chart. Source: Finbold
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In the near term, SPCX stock could drop further before following Wall Street analysts’ bullish forecast, as Finbold reported. Furthermore, the conviction from several Congress members, which comes with informed decision-making, could bolster investors’ confidence in SpaceX stock in the long term.
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While the broader space economy experiences unprecedented structural growth and expanding total addressable markets, its largest publicly traded company faces a profound identity crisis following a $1 trillion valuation contraction.
SpaceX NASDAQ: SPCX went public on June 12 at $135 per share. Just over a month later, shares slid below that initial offering price, closing Friday, July 17 at $123.99.
SpaceX (SPCX) Price Chart for Monday, July, 20, 2026
Market participants fundamentally mispriced SpaceX by anchoring institutional valuation models to capital-intensive launch logistics rather than scalable artificial intelligence (AI) cloud infrastructure.
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Now, reported talks over a multi-billion-dollar Pentagon AI infrastructure contract could help determine whether the company can validate its premium valuation multiple or whether the reset continues.
Gravity Takes Hold of Launch LogisticsSpaceX Today
$121.90 -2.09 (-1.69%)
As of 02:55 PM Eastern
This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.
52-Week Range$120.10▼
$225.64Price Target$234.78
To understand the scale of the recent sell-off, investors can examine the mathematical friction between SpaceX's core business model and its stock price.
At its post-IPO peak, market capitalization metrics implied a valuation of nearly $2.95 trillion under high-end pricing dynamics. Today, that number sits at $1.62 trillion. Evaporating over $1 trillion in market value in a few short weeks forces a recalibration of how Wall Street models aerospace sector growth.
Much of this contraction stems from a fundamental mismatch in valuation multiples. SpaceX currently trades at a price-to-sales ratio of roughly 83x. A price-to-sales ratio indicates how much the market is willing to pay for every dollar of top-line revenue a business generates. Multiples exceeding 80x are traditionally reserved for high-margin software businesses boasting gross margins of 70% to 80%. SpaceX’s launch business is exceptionally capital-intensive. Building, testing, and launching reusable rockets requires substantial upfront capital expenditures, which naturally compress profit margins.
Recent quarterly financial results highlight this friction. SpaceX reported a negative earnings per share of negative $1.27 against $4.69 billion in revenue. When legacy hardware execution stalls, seen recently with the highly publicized delays surrounding the Starship Flight 13 abort, algorithmic and institutional trading models aggressively de-risk. The sell-off suggests that physical rocket launches alone cannot sustain software-level premium multiples in the current macroeconomic environment.
Finding a Defense Cloud LifelineIf launch operations alone cannot support a $1.62 trillion valuation, SpaceX must make a structural pivot to high-margin revenue streams. Reported talks over a multibillion-dollar cloud-computing agreement with the Department of Defense offer a potential catalyst.
This proposed integration of sovereign AI computing capabilities positions SpaceX as a neocloud infrastructure provider. Sovereign AI refers to a nation producing artificial intelligence using its own localized infrastructure, data, and workforce, ensuring absolute national security. By expanding its existing aerospace, connectivity, and AI platform into defense computing, SpaceX could move further toward the high-margin profile Wall Street demands.
Looking at the broader market demonstrates the institutional appetite for this type of digital infrastructure. Nebius Group NASDAQ: NBIS recently secured a substantial compute deal, pushing its contracted backlog to roughly $50 billion. This demonstrates a highly profitable revenue floor available for functional AI data processing.
A formalized Pentagon contract could bridge the gap between hardware and software by providing the high-margin, recurring revenue stream SpaceX requires to justify the current premium valuation multiple. Without this transition, sustaining a price-to-sales multiple of more than 80x becomes very difficult.
Floating in Space: Short Sellers Face a Binary OrbitThis potential shift to a neocloud model creates an incredibly volatile dynamic for short sellers. Institutional funds have capitalized aggressively on post-IPO hardware execution failures, accumulating an estimated $8.7 billion in unrealized gains by betting heavily against SpaceX. Those short positions currently face severe asymmetric risk due to post-IPO float constraints.
Following the initial public offering, standard 180-day lock-up agreements restrict insiders and early investors from selling their shares until December. This creates a temporary limited-float environment, meaning fewer shares are actively available for open-market trading.
When the supply is restricted, borrowing costs can rise, increasing the expense of maintaining bearish positions. If a formal Department of Defense contract triggers a sudden upside re-rating, short sellers could be forced to buy back shares at a premium to cover their positions, potentially igniting a violent price reversal.
However, institutional skepticism remains entirely justified. Executing a highly complex military AI compute contract requires strong software and infrastructure execution, a competency SpaceX has yet to prove fully. The company recently stumbled with its internal AI initiatives, as its Grok platform failed to capture meaningful market share and ceded ground to legacy tech competitors.
Wall Street is currently weighing the mechanical threat of a catalyst-driven short squeeze against legitimate, fundamental concerns regarding internal software capabilities. Options chain data shows elevated implied volatility skew toward August, indicating market makers could be pricing in extreme directional moves as the market digests this binary execution risk.
Orbital Infrastructure Keeps Gaining AltitudeWhile SpaceX attempts to reconcile its valuation crisis, the broader commercial space sector continues to capture significant institutional liquidity. The space economy macro thesis remains heavily bullish, completely independent of single-stock volatility. International state-backed reusable rocket programs in China and Japan are accelerating, rapidly expanding the total addressable market for orbital infrastructure.
While the recent SpaceX drawdown temporarily rattled smaller peers like AST SpaceMobile NASDAQ: ASTS, dragging its shares down 18% in sympathy, this event could actually point toward a healthy sector decoupling.
Current Price$124.62High Forecast$800.00Average Forecast$234.78Low Forecast$115.00SpaceX Stock Forecast Details
Capital exiting the crowded IPO trade is systematically rotating into secondary satellite architecture and orbital infrastructure equities, establishing more sustainable valuation floors across the broader commercial space economy.
The long-term demand drivers for sovereign space defense and commercial satellite broadband remain intact, providing a fertile environment for businesses with clear paths to profitability.
Investors evaluating the aerospace sector may want to monitor the progress of these Department of Defense negotiations, which could serve as a primary catalyst for SpaceX stock.
Those with a higher risk tolerance might consider SpaceX if management demonstrates a clear path to AI margin improvement, while cautious investors may prefer to wait for official contract filings before taking a position, given the elevated binary risk tied to share supply constraints and AI execution.
Should You Invest $1,000 in SpaceX Right Now?Before you consider SpaceX, you'll want to hear this.
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Pity Elon Musk and Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX 1.70%). They just can't seem to catch a break.
Last week, SpaceX stock tumbled below its IPO price, making the space stock officially a broken IPO, after SpaceX announced that it needed to scrub a planned Starship test flight after multiple engines refused to ignite at launch. SpaceX shares closed the week below $124 a share, and continued to fall on Monday -- down 3% in the morning, and still down about 1% as of 1:10 p.m. ET.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
Go for launch later Not to worry, though. No sooner had SpaceX scrubbed its Thursday launch than Elon Musk promised to try again in a few days after switching out the glitchy engines for new ones.
To be confident of a good flight, 2 Raptors will be removed & replaced. Most probable launch timing is early next week.
-- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 17, 2026 This morning, SpaceX confirmed its intent to launch on Thursday, with a 90-minute launch window opening at 6:45 p.m. ET. That didn't prevent investors from taking the one-week delay as an excuse to cash out of SpaceX stock, however, which has ceased to be a momentum stock but isn't yet (anywhere near) a value stock.
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Is SpaceX stock cheap? When will SpaceX become a value stock?
Not anytime soon, I fear. Even trading below $123 today -- $12 below its IPO price -- SpaceX shares cost a staggering 84 times trailing revenue, and infinity times the profits it's not yet earning. Analysts do predict SpaceX will turn profitable next year -- but there's no guarantee they're right.
Investors may have been willing to forgive this lack of a defensible valuation when SpaceX stock was going nowhere but up. Now that gravity has reasserted its hold on SpaceX stock, however, there's really no reason to buy SpaceX until the math adds up.
Rich Smith has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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The largest initial public offering (IPO) is in the books with Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SPCX 1.70%), also known as SpaceX, officially beginning trading last month. There are, however, a couple of highly anticipated IPOs still expected to come this year, including OpenAI and Anthropic, two big players in artificial intelligence (AI).
Both companies are expected to go public in the near future, and while there's no word on when OpenAI's stock might begin trading, Anthropic's IPO could be coming soon, potentially by October. Could it be a great buying opportunity, and will it do better than SpaceX?
Image source: Getty Images.
Anthropic is meeting with investors, suggesting the company is moving closer to its IPO According to a CNBC report, Anthropic has been scheduling meetings with investors, a sign it is getting closer to its highly anticipated stock offering. However, the IPO may still be a few months away, with Bloomberg projecting it may not be available until October. But a date hasn't been formally announced, nor is the S-1 filing available yet, which details the company's financial results and growth opportunities.
Anthropic is known for its Claude AI models, which are highly popular with coders. It was most recently valued at $965 billion, all but ensuring it'll hit the market at a much lower valuation than SpaceX, which reached a $2 trillion market cap on its first day of trading.
SpaceX has been able to drive a high value despite incurring losses totaling nearly $5 billion last year. The big question mark around Anthropic is whether its losses will be as big or if the company is much closer to profitability. Those details, however, won't be available until the S-1 filing is released, which should be closer to the IPO.
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SpaceX's stock did well on its first day, but it has been falling in recent weeks, under the weight of its massive valuation. Anthropic is likely to be more modestly valued, but its growth prospects will also not be nearly as massive or promising as those of SpaceX, which is pursuing opportunities not only in space but also in AI and the telecom sector. Thus, the AI stock may still look expensive in relation to its overall size.
Anthropic may encounter similar challenges to SpaceX, given that its valuation is likely to be rich out of the gate, which could impact its early returns, and that's why I don't think it'll do a whole lot better than SpaceX, if at all.
BofA Securities analyst Wamsi Mohan reiterated a Buy rating on Apple stock with a price target of $380.
The Analyst TakeawaysApple should report a strong June quarter, Mohan writes in a new investor note.
"Overall builds are likely strong, but we are taking a conservative approach; iPhone launch cadence can change some seasonality, which we are reflecting," Mohan said.
The analyst said investor focus for the quarterly results will be on gross margins, cost inflation and the end of Cook’s run as CEO for Apple.
Mohan sees Services strength offsetting App Store weakness for the quarter.
"We model Services gross margins at 76.5% for the June quarter and then holding steady at 76% for the September and December quarters. Over time, we see the potential for Services gross margins to grow to 80% and overall company gross margins to grow to 50%."
For Apple’s iPhone segment, Mohan is conservative on future quarters and could see revenue growth declining "given the cadence of iPhone launches this year."
"Investor questions focus on sustainability on strong iPhone demand and whether the ‘supercycle’ thesis can really play out."
Mohan says AI features and an aging installed base are expected to drive iPhone demand, but investors worry about whether demand has already peaked.
Apple Stock Price ActionApple stock is down 2.5% to $325.54 on Monday versus a 52-week trading range of $201.50 to $334.98. Shares hit all-time highs last week and are up over 50% in the past 52 weeks.
Photo: Tim Cook, Shutterstock; Apple iPhone 16e, courtesy Apple
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Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) stock rose nearly 1% on Monday as investors continued buying mega-cap technology stocks in a broader risk-on session. The Nasdaq is up almost 1% while the S&P 500 has gained 0.37%.
Attention is also shifting to the company’s July 29 earnings report after Bank of America said healthy advertising demand and expanding AI monetization could support upside.
Bank of America reiterated its Buy rating on Meta and maintained its $835 price forecast. The firm said improving ad demand, disciplined hiring and the potential to generate revenue from AI infrastructure could drive further upside.
Strong Advertising Trends Seen Driving BeatBank of America raised its second-quarter estimates and now expects revenue of $60.6 billion and earnings of $7.50 per share, above Wall Street expectations of $60.2 billion in revenue and $7.18 in earnings per share.
The analysts said advertising demand remained healthy during the quarter despite macroeconomic uncertainty. They also cited favorable foreign exchange trends and lower headcount following Meta’s workforce reductions as additional earnings tailwinds.
For the third quarter, the firm expects Meta to guide for revenue of $60.5 billion to $63.5 billion. It also believes the company could narrow the upper end of its full-year expense outlook because of recent layoffs, although higher memory costs could push full-year capital expenditure guidance to between $135 billion and $150 billion from the current $125 billion to $145 billion range.
AI Monetization Remains The Biggest CatalystBank of America said investor attention during the earnings call will likely center on Meta’s ability to generate returns from its massive AI investments.
The analysts highlighted several potential catalysts, including licensing Meta’s AI models, expanding Business Agent products, subscription offerings and the possibility of leasing excess AI computing capacity to third parties.
Following reports that Meta could lease computing capacity to Anthropic, the firm added $5 billion of estimated AI compute revenue for 2027 and $11 billion for 2028. Those changes increased its 2027 revenue forecast to about $316 billion and raised its 2027 earnings estimate to $35 per share.
Bank of America also expects investors to seek updates on Meta’s custom AI chips, infrastructure efficiency, AI coding tools and the roadmap for advanced large language models, saying greater visibility into AI monetization could support a higher valuation.
Valuation Still Attractive, Says BofAThe brokerage argued Meta continues to trade at an attractive valuation despite its strong performance. It estimates the stock trades at about 19 times expected 2027 GAAP earnings, below its roughly 10-year average multiple of 21 times.
Bank of America said the market still underappreciates the long-term earnings potential from AI-powered advertising improvements, new AI-driven businesses and future cost savings from Meta’s custom silicon strategy.
Earnings And Analyst OutlookMeta is scheduled to report second-quarter results on July 29.
Wall Street expects earnings of $7.18 per share, up from $7.14 a year earlier, on revenue of $60.22 billion, compared with $47.52 billion last year.
The stock carries a consensus Buy rating with an average analyst price forecast of $809.76. Recent analyst actions include:
Wedbush maintained Neutral with a $671 price forecast on July 16. UBS maintained Buy and lowered its price forecast to $766 on July 13. Citizens maintained Market Outperform and lowered its price forecast to $800 on July 10. META Stock Price Activity: Meta Platforms shares were up 0.92% at $651.98 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Image via Shutterstock
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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As Tesla (TSLA) prepares to report second-quarter earnings on Wednesday, the backdrop for the EV giant looks increasingly challenging.
Despite a seemingly strong macro footprint, a mix of fundamental headwinds, competitive pressure and lofty valuation expectations suggests that risks are skewed to the downside heading into the release. Tesla recently released second-quarter sales and delivery figures that easily beat consensus expectations. Yet, instead of rallying, the stock retreated.
This price action is a classic tell: market expectations are extremely high, and a beat is now viewed merely as the baseline. If exceeding delivery targets fails to spark a rally, meeting or slightly beating bottom-line earnings will likely be greeted glumly by Wall Street.
The broader enthusiasm for pure-play EVs has cooled significantly over the past two years, but competitive pressure in key segments remains fierce. Rivian's rollout of the R2 targets the core mass-market SUV segment ($45,000–$60,000)—the exact price band where Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y have traditionally buttered their bread (>96% of 2025 sales were those two models) As competitors like Rivian with their newly released R2 hone in on this volume sweet spot with improved economics and fresh design appeal, Tesla faces mounting margin pressure in its core automotive business. Admittedly, Rivian does not have the production capacity to supplant Tesla's most popular models, but strong demand will help it raise the capital and capacity needed to do so.
Unsubstantiated valuations and AI distractionsTesla's elevated valuation relies heavily on non-automotive catalysts like robotics and autonomy. Wall Street continues to price in long-term optionality for humanoid robotics (Optimus) and full self-driving.
However, overall market enthusiasm for the AI narrative has shifted. Investors now favor hardware providers with tangible near-term financial returns over downstream software promises. Another possible area of support is speculation about potential corporate actions or synergies with SpaceX, which continues to circulate.
TSLA year to date
Yet, a merger or restructuring makes little strategic sense for the core operations of either firm. Furthermore, with SpaceX shares trading below their initial public valuation, speculative enthusiasm around cross-entity corporate financial engineering has lost momentum.
Technically, TSLA looks vulnerable. Moving envelope indicators and Bollinger Bands show long positions struggling, while the MACD, RSI, and major long-term moving averages display explicitly bearish momentum profiles.
In recent quarters, Tesla's post-earnings stock moves have been more muted than its multi-year historical average. The options market reflects this compression:
Implied volatility: The at-the-money straddle expiring July 24 (e.g., the $380 straddle) is priced at roughly 7% of the underlying stock price.Historical move: This sits visibly below Tesla's long-term average post-earnings swing of ~9% over comparable two-day periods.The strategy: Short-term bear put spreadWhile options premiums are pricing in a lower move than the historical average, implied volatility is slightly higher than last quarter, and put skew remains elevated. Buying options outright can expose traders to an expensive "volatility crush" immediately after the announcement.
For equity holders seeking downside protection or traders looking for a risk-defined alternative to shorting the stock, a short-term Bear Put Spread offers a reasonable risk/reward.
Specifically:
Buy August 21st (regular expiration) $360 for $15Sell August 21st (regular expiration) for $330 Put $6Max Loss: $900Max Gain $2100Skill Level: Intermediate This trade:
It captures the elevated put skew.It defends against "IV" or "vol crush". The short put reduces net Vega and Theta drag following the earnings announcement.Attractive risk reward: At $9.00 this $30 wide put spread pays more than 2:1 if Tesla falls to $330 by August Expiration. While that's a lot lower than the current stock price, the average move over the month following earnings is just over 15% higher or lower.
Tesla, Inc. is valued as an option on its Optimus humanoid robot project, not as a traditional automaker. Optimus could disrupt global labor economics, offering sub-$2/hour automation and driving large-scale industrial reshoring. A Proof of Concept with third-party deployment is the key catalyst; market focus will shift from current TSLA earnings to robotics TAM.
HomeIndustriesAutomobiles‘What is keeping Tesla back from accomplishing these short-term goals that they’ve set for themselves?’ asks one investorJuly 20, 2026, 1:54 p.m. ET
Tesla’s robotaxi plans have been of major interest to investors, but some are getting fed up with the company’s slower-than-expected rollout.
Retail investors specifically want to know why it’s taking so long for Tesla TSLA to even come close to meeting CEO Elon Musk’s forecasts. The company lets individual investors submit questions and vote on which ones deserve airtime on Tesla’s earnings call, and robotaxi delays are among the top areas of interest.
On CNBC’s Fast Money segment titled “A Big Tech Pullback… And Time to Sell Tesla? 7/17/26,” the panel spent much of the block picking apart why the Elon Musk premium built into Tesla’s (NASDAQ: TSLA | TSLA Price Prediction) stock is thinning out just days before the company reports Q2 results on July 22.
The Panel’s Case: Fundamentals Unclear, Technicals Weakening The host framed the setup by saying “the fundamental marginal catalyst is still very unknown” and that “the technicals are frankly the more interesting way to look at the stock right here.”
One trader argued Tesla had been trading as a cheaper listed proxy for SpaceX, a trade that is now unwinding: “people are thinking maybe I just buy SpaceX… they’re not buying a proxy.” Another panelist added that “the magic of Elon too is starting to dissipate” as robotaxi and humanoid robot milestones keep slipping.
The financials give that view something to lean on.
Tesla’s full-year 2025 net income fell nearly 47% to $3.79 billion, while vehicle deliveries declined 9% year over year. Fourth-quarter deliveries dropped 16% from a year earlier to 418,227 units.
Jim Cramer highlighted the deteriorating earnings trend, noting that Tesla’s EPS peaked at $4.07 in 2022 before declining 23% in 2023, 22% in 2024, and another 31% in 2025. The first quarter of 2026 provided some relief, with revenue rising 15.8% year over year to $22.39 billion and automotive gross margin recovering to 21.1%, helped in part by one-time warranty and tariff benefits disclosed in the company’s 8-K.
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Options Desks Are Bearish CNBC options analyst Mike Khouw estimated that the day’s options activity translated into roughly $550 million of net short delta exposure in Tesla shares. The options market was pricing in an implied move of about 7% in either direction through earnings, with call and put positioning roughly balanced overall—a setup Khouw described as “slightly more bearish than usual.”
One notable trade was the September 400/300 put spread, which traded roughly 6,000 contracts at about $35 per spread. The options chain also reflected a defensive tilt. For the September 18 expiry, put volume totaled 61,128 versus 19,591calls, producing a 3.12 put/call volume ratio.
Enter Rivian’s R2 as a Direct Model Y Rival The panel also flagged a competitive wrinkle Tesla has largely avoided: a credible mass-market EV competitor. Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) is beginning external R2 deliveries of a mid-size SUV positioned squarely against the Model 3 and Model Y.
Q1 revenue rose to $1.381 billion, up 11% YoY, with deliveries of 10,365 vehicles, up 20%. Rivian reaffirmed 2026 delivery guidance of 62,000–67,000 vehicles and ended the quarter with $4.83 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The company also has access to a DOE loan of up to $4.5 billion for its Georgia plant and an Uber partnership that includes up to $1.25 billion of investment through 2031, supporting deployment of up to 50,000 autonomous R2 robotaxis.
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Investors are watching Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG | GOOG Price Prediction) ahead of its Q2 2026 results due Wednesday, July 22, after the bell. With shares near $355 and Anthropic’s valuation exploding, this report could scramble how investors read the numbers.
An Anthropic Windfall Waiting to Land Last quarter set a high bar. Alphabet posted an EPS beat of 94.1%, with $5.11 versus $2.63 expected, while revenue climbed 21.79% YoY to $109.9 billion. Google Cloud grew 63% to $20 billion, and backlog nearly doubled to $462 billion.
Since then, the story has taken an even bigger turn. Alphabet holds roughly 14% of Anthropic, a stake worth approximately $135 billion at Anthropic’s latest $965 billion valuation. At the end of Q1, Anthropic was marked at $380 billion. Bank of America estimates the markup will drive roughly $80 billion in unrealized gains this quarter, prompting the firm to forecast EPS of $8.38, well above the Street.
Consensus Estimates Metric Consensus Growth (YoY) Q2 2026 Revenue ~21% Q2 2026 EPS ~32% Q2 2025 Revenue (baseline) $96.43B Q2 2025 EPS (baseline) $2.31 BofA Q2 2026 EPS (Anthropic-boosted) $8.38 Look Past the Anthropic Mark to the Real Business I’ll be reading right past the headline EPS. A markup this large is a one-off accounting event, and investors still need to treat it that way, since it otherwise won’t give a clear picture of how the underlying business is performing. The real signal sits in Google Cloud, where Anthropic is a major TPU customer.
You should watch three things. First, cloud growth. Last quarter’s 63% YoY print came with CFO Anat Ashkenazi admitting “our cloud revenue would have been higher if we were able to meet the demand”. Any acceleration off the $20 billion base tells you TPU capacity is catching up.
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Second, backlog. The $462 billion cloud backlog nearly doubled QoQ, and management expects just over 50% to convert to revenue within 24 months. Another leap would confirm the AI infrastructure thesis.
Third, capex discipline. Alphabet already raised 2026 capex to $180 to $190 billion and flagged 2027 will “significantly increase”. Free cash flow fell 46.63% YoY in Q1. Another downdraft could pressure the stock even with a blowout headline.
Search matters too. AI Overviews drove 19% Search growth last quarter, and any deceleration would revive competitive fears.
A Print That Needs a Translator This quarter will hand Alphabet a spectacular headline number thanks to Anthropic, and a possible October Anthropic IPO could push the valuation higher still. But the market has already seen this movie. Prediction markets assign a 97.4% probability of a beat. What will actually move the stock is whether cloud growth reaccelerates and capex stays productive. That is the report inside the report.
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Growth investors focus on stocks that are seeing above-average financial growth, as this feature helps these securities garner the market's attention and deliver solid returns. However, it isn't easy to find a great growth stock.
In addition to volatility, these stocks carry above-average risk by their very nature. Also, one could end up losing from a stock whose growth story is actually over or nearing its end.
However, the task of finding cutting-edge growth stocks is made easy with the help of the Zacks Growth Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which looks beyond the traditional growth attributes to analyze a company's real growth prospects.
Alphabet (GOOGL - Free Report) is one such stock that our proprietary system currently recommends. The company not only has a favorable Growth Score, but also carries a top Zacks Rank.
Research shows that stocks carrying the best growth features consistently beat the market. And for stocks that have a combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), returns are even better.
Here are three of the most important factors that make the stock of this internet search leader a great growth pick right now.
Earnings GrowthArguably nothing is more important than earnings growth, as surging profit levels is what most investors are after. And for growth investors, double-digit earnings growth is definitely preferable, and often an indication of strong prospects (and stock price gains) for the company under consideration.
While the historical EPS growth rate for Alphabet is 21.5%, investors should actually focus on the projected growth. The company's EPS is expected to grow 32.5% this year, crushing the industry average, which calls for EPS growth of 13.5%.
Cash Flow GrowthWhile cash is the lifeblood of any business, higher-than-average cash flow growth is more important and beneficial for growth-oriented companies than for mature companies. That's because, growth in cash flow enables these companies to expand their businesses without depending on expensive outside funds.
Right now, year-over-year cash flow growth for Alphabet is 32.8%, which is higher than many of its peers. In fact, the rate compares to the industry average of -5.5%.
While investors should actually consider the current cash flow growth, it's worth taking a look at the historical rate too for putting the current reading into proper perspective. The company's annualized cash flow growth rate has been 23.2% over the past 3-5 years versus the industry average of 10.7%.
Promising Earnings Estimate RevisionsSuperiority of a stock in terms of the metrics outlined above can be further validated by looking at the trend in earnings estimate revisions. A positive trend is of course favorable here. Empirical research shows that there is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
The current-year earnings estimates for Alphabet have been revising upward. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has surged 0.2% over the past month.
Bottom LineWhile the overall earnings estimate revisions have made Alphabet a Zacks Rank #1 stock, it has earned itself a Growth Score of B based on a number of factors, including the ones discussed above.
You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
This combination indicates that Alphabet is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors.
Key Takeaways Alphabet's Q2 growth is expected to be led by Search advertising and Google Cloud momentum.AI Overviews, AI Mode and Gemini are boosting search activity, ad relevance and paid-click growth.Cloud demand, a $460B-plus backlog and roughly 350M paid subscriptions support revenue visibility. Alphabet’s (GOOGL - Free Report) second-quarter 2026 results, scheduled to be released on July 22, are expected to have benefited from solid momentum in Search and Cloud businesses. The momentum in Search is expected to have driven advertising revenues in the to-be-reported quarter. The Cloud business is riding on strong demand for AI infrastructure and an expanding clientele.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Google’s advertising revenues is currently pegged at $81.68 billion, suggesting 14.5% growth from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter. The consensus mark for Google Cloud revenues is currently pegged at $22.79 billion, indicating 67.3% growth from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
Alphabet has an impressive earnings surprise history. GOOGL’s earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 34.43%.
Click here to know how Alphabet’s overall second-quarter 2026 results are likely to be.
GOOGL’s AI Push Aids Search & Cloud BusinessesGOOGL’s Search business is benefiting from AI infusion. Alphabet is leading the search domain with 91.27% market share, followed by Microsoft’s (MSFT - Free Report) Bing, with 4.68% share, Yahoo!’s 1.28%, Yandex’s 0.79%, DuckDuckGo’s 0.65% and Baidu’s 0.43%, per the latest data from StatCounter.
Alphabet’s Search business is expected to remain the biggest contributor to second-quarter growth. GOOGL highlighted that AI Overviews and AI Mode are increasing user engagement, with users searching more frequently and queries reaching all-time highs. Gemini’s improved understanding of longer and more complex queries is also enabling Google to serve more relevant advertisements, improving advertiser ROI and supporting paid-click growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Search and other revenues is currently pegged at $63.54 billion, suggesting 17.3% growth over the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
Meanwhile, Google Cloud is expected to have remained a major growth engine in the to-be-reported quarter. Google Cloud has solidified its position as the third-largest provider in the highly competitive cloud infrastructure market against the likes of Microsoft Azure and Amazon’s (AMZN - Free Report) Amazon Web Services. According to Synergy Research Group data, Google Cloud, along with Microsoft, is gaining market share, while Amazon continues to lead with a 28% market share in the first quarter of 2026. Alphabet and Microsoft had 21% and 14% market share, respectively.
Alphabet’s management has noted that enterprise AI solutions have become Cloud's largest growth driver, supported by strong demand for Gemini models, AI infrastructure and security offerings. In the first quarter of 2026, customer acquisition doubled year over year, large enterprise deals accelerated, and the Cloud backlog expanded to more than $460 billion, providing strong revenue visibility into coming quarters.
GOOGL Benefits from Subscription GrowthAlphabet’s subscription business is expected to have contributed meaningfully to the second quarter of 2026. The company reported its strongest-ever quarter for consumer AI plans, driven primarily by Gemini app adoption in the first quarter of 2026. Total paid subscriptions reached roughly 350 million, with Google One and YouTube remaining key contributors, providing a growing stream of recurring revenue.
YouTube is expected to have remained a solid contributor through continued strength in direct-response advertising, Shorts engagement, Connected TV viewing and subscription growth. AI-powered recommendation systems, creator matching and advertising tools are expected to have improved monetization in the to-be-reported quarter.
