Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

As the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, Americans living and traveling abroad are being asked to exercise increased caution.

The U.S. State Department issued a “worldwide caution” travel advisory on July 18, 2026. “Due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, the security environment remains complex with the potential for unforeseen escalation,” the advisory read.

“The Department of State advises Americans worldwide, and especially in the Middle East, to exercise increased caution,” it continued. “Americans abroad should follow the guidance in security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.”

The agency said that U.S. diplomatic facilities, including those outside the Middle East, have been targeted. It warned that other U.S. interests and Americans worldwide may be targeted by groups supportive of Iran.

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Americans should monitor the news for breaking developments. The agency also noted that flight cancellations and airspace closures could cause travel disruptions.

Americans traveling abroad can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive updates about health, weather, safety, and security. This will also enable the State Department to quickly contact you in case of emergency.

The majority of travel advisories are country-specific Worldwide caution travel advisories are relatively rare. They are issued when elevated international tensions put Americans in multiple regions at risk.

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The Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry players are benefiting from the growing proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI). AI demand is expanding beyond model training into inference, agentic AI and eventually physical AI, creating sustained demand for advanced semiconductors. Rather than being concentrated in a single chip category, AI is increasing investments across leading-edge logic, DRAM, NAND, High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and advanced packaging. These have turned out to be boons for industry players like Applied Materials (AMAT - Free Report) , Lam Research (LRCX - Free Report) and FormFactor (FORM - Free Report) . Increasing demand for AI-supportive chips from hyperscalers is a major growth driver. However, the industry is suffering from supply chain constraints and increasing manufacturing costs related to advanced packaging and larger HBM stacks. Tariffs on trade partners, including China, are expected to hurt the industry’s prospects.

Industry Description The Zacks Electronics – Semiconductors industry comprises companies that provide a wide range of semiconductor technologies. Their offerings include packaging and test services, wafer cleaning, factory automation, face detection and image-recognition capabilities to develop smart and connected products. The industry participants primarily cater to end markets that include consumer electronics, communications, computing, industrial and automotive. The companies are increasing their spending on research and development to stay afloat in an era of technological advancements and changing industry standards. The industry is experiencing solid demand for advanced electronic equipment, which is helping its participants increase their investments in cost-effective process technologies.

What's Shaping the Future of the Electronics ??? Semiconductors Industry? AI Demand Driving Prospects: Industry participants are benefiting from growing demand for advanced manufacturing processes and energy-efficient computing power, both of which are needed to develop AI-supportive chips. AI is gaining popularity thanks to multimodal learning and growing context awareness. The emergence of Gen AI and Agentic AI has further enhanced AI’s capabilities, making it a key driver of efficiency, automation and innovation. Significant improvements in computing hardware (GPUs and TPUs) are allowing the development of more complex AI models. The growing number of high-speed data centers worldwide, which require ultra-fast Internet that 5G promises to deliver, is a tailwind. Spending on AI infrastructure is expected to accelerate in 2026 and 2027 as enterprises continue to leverage AI as part of their digital transformation efforts.

Smart Devices Aiding Computing Demand: Smart devices need computing and learning capabilities to perform functions like face detection, image recognition and video analytics capabilities. These require high levels of processing power, speed and memory and low power consumption, as well as better graphics processors and solutions, which bode well for the industry. Graphic solutions help increase the speed of rendering images and improve image resolution and color definition.

Prospects Around Advanced Packaging Robust: The increasing demand for miniaturization, greater functionality, lower power consumption, and improved thermal and electrical performance are driving the demand for semiconductor packaging and test technologies. The growing requirement for advanced packaging is gaining traction in the semiconductor industry, which is a key catalyst for industry participants.

Complex Process Drives Demand: The requirement for faster, more powerful and energy-efficient semiconductors is expected to increase rapidly with the robust adoption of cloud computing, IoT and AI. Semiconductor manufacturers are primarily looking to maximize manufacturing yields at lower costs, making semiconductor manufacturing processes more complex and driving the demand for solutions offered by industry participants. The rapid adoption of IoT-supported factory automation solutions is another contributing factor.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Prospects The Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry is housed within the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector. It currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #40, which places the industry in the top 16% 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 bullish 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 positioning in the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of the positive earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are optimistic about this group’s earnings growth potential. Since Aug. 31, 2025, the industry’s earnings estimates for the current year have moved up 32.1%.

Given the bullish prospects, there are a number of stocks that investors can consider for their portfolio. However, before we present the stocks, let us look at the industry’s recent stock-market performance and valuation picture.

Industry Outperforms S&P 500 & Sector The Zacks Electronics - Semiconductors industry has outperformed the Zacks S&P 500 composite and the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector in the past year.

The industry has appreciated 34.9% over this period compared with the Zacks Computer and Technology sector’s return of 12% and the S&P 500’s rise of 8.8%.

One-Year Price Performance

Industry's Current Valuation On the basis of the forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio, which is a commonly used multiple for valuing electronics semiconductor stocks, the industry is currently trading at 28.28X versus the S&P 500 and the sector’s 20.74X and 23.44X, respectively.

Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 39.96X and as low as 11.16X, with the median being 24.7X, as the charts below show.

Forward 12-Month Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

3 Electronics Semiconductor Stocks to Buy Applied Materials: This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company is benefiting from AI-driven demand that is shifting wafer fabrication equipment spending toward leading-edge foundry-logic, DRAM and advanced packaging, where AMAT holds leading process positions. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Management expects these three areas to drive more than 80% of year-over-year total WFE growth in calendar 2026, with a similar profile in 2027. The company expects its semiconductor equipment business to grow more than 30% in calendar 2026 as customers expand cleanroom capacity and accelerate equipment pull-ins. This demand mix aligns with Applied Materials’ stated leadership positions and supports a more durable multi-year spending cycle than prior compute-driven upturns.

Applied Materials stock has appreciated 106.1% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMAT’s fiscal 2026 earnings has increased 4 cents over the past 30 days to $12.14 per share, suggesting 28.87% growth from the figure reported in fiscal 2025.

Price & Consensus: AMAT

Lam Research: Another Zacks Rank #1 stock, Lam Research is benefiting from AI-driven increases in demand for deposition and etch tools across memory, foundry and advanced packaging industries. Management lifted its calendar year 2026 WFE outlook and sees growth continuing into 2027 as customers work through capacity and cleanroom constraints.

In NAND, LRCX expects conversion spending required to move existing capacity above 200 layers to be pulled forward, with most spending occurring before the end of 2027. This increases the runway for Lam Research’s deposition and etch content as customers transition toward 256-layer and above class devices.

Lam Research’s shares have appreciated 83% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LRCX’s fiscal 2026 earnings has been steady at $5.68 per share over the past 30 days.

Price & Consensus: LRCX

FormFactor: This Zacks Rank #1 company is benefiting from probe card demand tied to high-performance compute (HPC) and advanced packaging. Management expects the second quarter of 2026 to be another record quarter with sequential improvement in non-GAAP gross margin and earnings as yield, cycle-time and cost actions take hold and restructuring savings flow through.

Growing demand for advanced packaging is increasing both the number of test insertions and the complexity of each insertion, especially in high bandwidth memory (HBM). HBM requires higher speeds and tighter thermal specifications than standard DRAM, which supports higher-value probe card content. Diversification in foundry and logic is increasing FormFactor’s exposure to HPC beyond memory. Co-packaged optics supported by silicon photonics remains a multi-year opportunity for FormFactor’s systems and future consumables.

FormFactor has appreciated 89.2% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FORM’s 2026 earnings has remained unchanged at $2.40 per share over the past 30 days.

Price & Consensus: FORM

LOS ANGELES, July 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP reminds investors of the upcoming July 27, 2026 deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in the class action filed on behalf of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Zoetis Inc. (“Zoetis” or the “Company”) (NYSE: ZTS) securities between January 14, 2025 and May 6, 2026, inclusive (the “Class Period”).

IF YOU SUFFERED A LOSS ON YOUR ZOETIS INVESTMENTS, CLICK HERE TO INQUIRE ABOUT POTENTIALLY PURSUING CLAIMS TO RECOVER YOUR LOSS UNDER THE FEDERAL SECURITIES LAWS.

What Happened?
On August 5, 2025, Zoetis released its second quarter 2025 financial results, reporting weakened demand trends within its Companion Animal portfolio.

On this news, Zoetis’ stock price fell $5.69, or 3.8%, to close at $146.12 per share on August 5, 2025, thereby injuring investors.

Then, on November 4, 2025, Zoetis released its third quarter 2025 financial results, revealing slowed growth across its key Companion Animal franchises and disclosing continued weakness in sales of its canine pain treatment, Librela, and increased competitive pressure in dermatology and parasiticides. The Company also lowered its full year sales outlook.

On this news, Zoetis’ stock price fell $19.89, or 13.8%, to close at $124.46 per share on November 4, 2025.

Then, on May 7, 2026, Zoetis released its first quarter 2026 financial results, reporting slowing overall revenue growth, declining Companion Animal sales performance, and worsening results across its key dermatology and parasiticides franchises, stating that “competition intensified across key pet care categories, including dermatology and parasiticides,” that “pet owners demonstrated increased price sensitivity,” and that “these new entrants have not yet translated into overall market expansion.”

The Company also explained that “price has played a larger role in the decision process,” that “[s]hare loss is being amplified by a derm market with declining patient volume in the clinic,” and that contraction in the parasiticides market was negatively impacting prescription volumes and compliance. In addition, the Company admitted that it was operating in “a more price sensitive and competitive environment” and further reduced its 2026 growth outlook based on continuing competitive and operating pressures.

On this news, Zoetis’ stock price fell $23.91, or 21.5%, to close at $87.31 per share on May 7, 2026, thereby injuring investors further.

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) veterinarian prescription growth and adoption of Zoetis’ Librela, a canine pain treatment, were sharply weakening as clinicians became more cautious following FDA safety warnings concerning serious neurological complications in dogs; (2) Zoetis’ Simparica Trio was losing significant market share to a lower priced competing canine parasiticide with broader indicated use in a slowing overall market; and (3) Zoetis’ dermatology products, Apoquel and Cytopoint, were losing substantial market share to a newly launched competing canine treatment; and (4) as a result, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

If you purchased or otherwise acquired Zoetis securities during the Class Period, you may move the Court no later than July 27, 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.

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 Epam (EPAM - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Computers - IT Services industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

When looking at the last two reports, this information technology services provider has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 3.58%, on average, in the last two quarters.

For the last reported quarter, Epam came out with earnings of $2.86 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.75 per share, representing a surprise of 4.00%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $3.16 per share and it actually produced earnings of $3.26 per share, delivering a surprise of 3.16%.

Price and EPS Surprise

With this earnings history in mind, recent estimates have been moving higher for Epam. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the company is positive, which is a great sign of an earnings beat, especially when you combine this metric with its nice 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.

Epam currently has an Earnings ESP of +0.23%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on August 6, 2026.

With the Earnings ESP metric, it's important to note that a negative value reduces its predictive power; however, a negative Earnings ESP does not indicate an earnings miss.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground 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.

Memory stocks are catching a strong bid in Monday afternoon trading as the broader semiconductor complex rebounds from a rough stretch. Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU | MU Price Prediction) shares are up 5% to $887.35, SanDisk (NASDAQ:SNDK) shares are up 6% to $1,435.70, and Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC) shares are up 4% to $495.80.

The bounce follows a punishing few weeks for chips. Per Yahoo Finance reporting, the PHLX Semiconductor Index fell more than 9% last week and 20% over the past month, and the memory names got dragged along for the ride.

The rally in these three names appears to be a broad recovery from oversold conditions rather than any company-specific news. All three had been leading the AI trade for months before the recent sharp pullback in chips.

Broad Chip Rebound Lifts Memory Names Wall Street strategists are framing the recent pullback as technical, not fundamental. UBS described the move as “a positioning unwind following a 90% YTD rally,” suggesting that the damage reflected forced selling and profit-taking rather than a change in the underlying setup.

JPMorgan strategist Mislav Matejka pointed to oversold conditions and told clients semis “will find a floor soon,” noting that meaningful supply additions aren’t due before 2028. That supply timeline matters for memory specifically, where tight capacity has been the story behind the multi-quarter margin expansion.

A separate analyst boost helped tone up the whole group. Rosenblatt named Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) as a top pick and lifted its price target to $665 from $490, and UBS moved its price target to $700 ahead of AMD’s AI conference. Peers in the broader chip complex, including large-cap AI names, are also trading firmer today.

Helping the memory names specifically, the weekend brought no fresh negative headlines out of Korea on Samsung or SK Hynix (NASDAQ:SKHY). Recent weakness in the Korean giants had been a key overhang on the group, and a quiet tape overseas gave U.S. buyers room to step back in.

Volatile Names With Huge YTD Gains Even after the recent damage, all three names still hold enormous year-to-date runs. Micron stock is up 211% year to date (YTD), SanDisk stock is up 502% YTD, and Western Digital stock is up 189% YTD. Those are extreme moves that leave the group vulnerable to sharp two-way swings.

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

The fundamentals behind the multi-year rally have been real. Micron’s fiscal Q3 2026 revenue hit $41.5 billion, up 346% year over year (YoY) year-over-year, with CEO Sanjay Mehrotra saying results reflect “the strategic value of memory in the AI era.” SanDisk posted a 78% gross margin in its most recent quarter, and Western Digital guided fiscal Q4 2026 revenue growth of 36% to 44% YoY.

Recent bearish catalysts had also stacked up. SK Hynix had planned a NASDAQ listing via ADRs to raise nearly $29 billion, which sparked worries about portfolio reallocation among memory investors, and Chinese domestic memory chips have been gaining international recognition. Today’s move suggests that the market is willing to look past those concerns after the sharp reset in prices.

For a thematic vehicle, the Roundhill Memory ETF (NASDAQ:DRAM) is up 2% to $53.96 today. The fund is heavily concentrated in three mega-cap memory manufacturers (Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron), which together account for 72% of net assets. It’s a narrow, single-theme thematic vehicle with concentration risk.

What to Watch Traders can watch for whether the group holds today’s gains into the close, especially given how quickly last week’s positioning-driven damage compounded. AMD’s AI conference is the next scheduled event that could set the tone for the broader chip complex, and any incremental commentary on data-center demand may bleed through to memory sentiment.

SanDisk’s next earnings report is scheduled for August 5, which gives the memory/storage sector story a concrete near-term test after this stretch of volatility. Micron’s next report and any updates on HBM4 shipments could be another catalyst worth tracking as the AI-driven memory cycle plays out.

Given the beta on these three names after such a huge rally, position sizing matters. Investors should consider keeping their exposure modest until the tape settles, particularly with Wall Street strategists calling recent weakness a positioning unwind rather than a break in the underlying thesis.

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

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Paramount Skydance Corp. (PSKY), an entertainment company pursuing Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (WBD), a film, television, and streaming business, has cleared an

A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order that will pause Paramount‘s merger with Warner Bros. Discovery for 14 days.

The order is in response to a lawsuit filed by California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 11 other states, claiming that the proposed merger violates antitrust laws.

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin wrote that the state AGs “present compelling evidence that the combined firm resulting from the transaction will possess substantial market share in the wide-release theatrical distribution market.”

“On this combined firm market share alone, the Court is persuaded that it can presume the proposed merger is likely to violate antitrust laws,” the judge wrote.

Read the judge’s order pausing Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

The judge’s order bars Paramount and Warner Bros. “from closing or consummating the Transaction or taking any steps, directly or indirectly, to integrate or consolidate their operations pursuant to the Transaction.”

A TRO is an order to preserve the status quo in the short term as the judge reads and hears further legal argument about the merits of the case. But in her order, Martinez-Olguin wrote that the “balance of equities, combined with the public’s vital interest in antitrust enforcement, therefore tips sharply in favor of the requested injunctive relief.”

The states had asked that a temporary restraining order was needed because Paramount had not made any guarantee that it would not close the transaction after July 22. The European Union is expected to its decision on the transaction around that date.

The judge’s granting of a TRO is not a major surprise, and Paramount had signaled that it would delay a close to the transaction. At a hearing on Friday, Paramount’s lead attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, said that they were prepared to commit to not closing the merger for the next 28 days.

Bonta said in a statement, “This is a critical first win in our case to ensure this megamerger never sees the light of day.”

The timing of the legal proceedings is significant. Paramount faces the prospect of paying a $7 million per day “ticking fee” to Warner Bros. for each day that the transaction is not closed after Sept. 30. That was a sweetener that Paramount made to win the bidding for WBD.

The judge set a schedule for the stage AG’s motion for a preliminary injunction, which could halt the merger indefinitely as the legal process plays out. She set a hearing date of Aug. 3, with the motion due by Thursday, the opposition brief from Paramount due by July 27 and the state AGs’ reply by July 30.

The judge wrote that even though Paramount’s legal team argued that certain market concentration figures are not binding on the courts, they did not present “countervailing evidence” to rebut the data.

Paramount also argued that the state AGs presented “fundamental misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions regarding the economics of theatrical film distribution in the United States,” pointing to the opinion of a competing expert witness. But the judge wrote that their proof still did not show that the merger would not “substantially lessen competition.”

She wrote, “At best, Defendants’ proof regarding these robust, dynamic markets creates disputes regarding the facts and legality of the Transaction’s market effects.” She wrote that the state AGs showed that “serious questions going to the merits remain, weighing in favor of preliminary injunctive relief.”

The judge also signaled that she was not sympathetic to Paramount’s arguments of economic harm if the merger is blocked beyond Sept. 30. She wrote, “Even if Defendants argued that they would suffer economic harm as a result of delaying the merger, the equities do not weigh in their favor when contrasted with the potential public harms that would result from consummation of the Transaction, including the loss of competition.”

Jill Goldsmith contributed to this report.

More to come.

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David Ellison, the Paramount Skydance CEO, ran into a roadblock after a lawsuit from California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images; Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Paramount Skydance's plan to buy Warner Bros. Discovery has been put on ice — for now.

David Ellison's Paramount was just ordered to pause its merger with WBD after a ruling from Araceli Martinez-Olguin, a Joe Biden-appointed judge for the US District Court in California.

The temporary restraining order was granted by Martinez-Olguin on Monday, a week after 12 states sued Paramount to block its acquisition of WBD. The order lasts for 14 days and can be extended.

The judge wrote in her ruling that the states had "raised serious questions" about the Paramount-WBD merger.

Next, the judge will decide whether to issue a preliminary injunction, which is a court order that would further delay the merger.

The hearing on the potential preliminary injunction will be on Monday, August 3. From there, either Paramount or the states could appeal the decision. A preliminary injunction could delay the merger for months.

President Donald Trump's Department of Justice has already approved the mega-merger.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who spearheaded the antitrust effort by the states, had called Paramount's WBD deal an "unlawful merger" that would "lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television, harming movie theaters, basic cable distributors, and ultimately, audiences on every sofa and movie theater seat in the US."

The states argue that a Paramount-WBD combination would have undue influence over three key areas of distribution: wide-release films in theaters, big-budget movies, and cable channels.

James Weingarten, the trial lawyer representing the suing states at the TRO hearing on Friday, said the Paramount-WBD deal had a "structural presumption of unlawfulness" in those three markets. He added that the combined company would have "excessive bargaining leverage" over TV distributors.

Paramount has said the lawsuit "reflects a fundamentally flawed application of the antitrust laws and is wrong on both the facts and the law," and promised to "vigorously defend the transaction."

Jeffrey Kessler, the defense lawyer representing Paramount Skydance, said Friday that there were "extremely low barriers to expansion of output" in theatrical film distribution, citing the success of lower-budget hits like YouTuber Curry Barker's "Obsession." Kessler also said the states' market share figures for cable TV were "misleading," downplaying the sway Paramount-WBD would have over that business.

In the order, the judge said the states presented "compelling evidence" that Paramount-WBD would "possess substantial market share in the wide-release theatrical distribution market."

Ellison's company has argued that buying WBD is crucial to competing against tech giants like Netflix. It says this deal would form "a stronger competitor against dominant streaming and technology platforms who have harmed the market for theatrical exhibition and jobs in the entertainment industry."

Bonta told Business Insider that the streaming market isn't the focus of his lawsuit and dismissed Paramount's concerns about tech competition as a "distraction and a deflection."

If Paramount bought WBD, it would have movie studios Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Studios; streaming services HBO Max, Paramount+, and Pluto TV; and TV channels like HBO, CBS, CNN, TBS, and Nickelodeon.

Read next

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Media Warner Bros.

The 14-day restraining order prohibits the companies from closing the deal as a dozen states challenge it.

Last week, a coalition of 12 attorneys general filed a lawsuit that challenges the $110 billion acquisition, arguing that the deal.

Paramount Skydance’s planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery hit a snag on Monday when a judge granted a temporary restraining order on the merger. 

Paramount CEO David Ellison is seeking to acquire WBD in a $111 billion deal that was expected to close during the third quarter of this year, but California Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading a group of 12 state attorneys general who filed a lawsuit challenging the merger. The lawsuit claims the megadeal would "lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less content for film and television, harming movie theaters, basic cable distributors, and ultimately, audiences on every sofa and movie theater seat in the U.S." 

After a Friday hearing, California District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín approved the temporary restraining order, putting a 14-day pause on the merger and blocking closure of the transaction.  

PARAMOUNT ADVISERS PUSH FOR CALIFORNIA EXIT AS STATE SUES TO BLOCK WARNER BROS DISCOVERY MERGER: REPORT

California Attorney General Rob Bonta believes Paramount’s planned takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery is simply "an illegal merger."  (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

"Having read the papers filed by the parties and carefully considered their arguments therein and those made at the hearing, as well as the relevant legal authority, and good cause appearing, the Court GRANTS the motion for TRO," the judge wrote. 

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District for the Northern District of California, claims that the merger violates Section 7 of the Clayton Act, which holds that mergers that may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly are illegal. Both sides argued their case on Friday but Martínez-Olguín initially declined to make a ruling from the bench, instead taking the weekend to think it over. 

Ticker Security Last Change Change % PSKY PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORP. 8.75 -0.39 -4.27% WBD DISCOVERY INC. 26.01 -0.86 -3.20% "Because the Plaintiff States raise serious questions on the merits of their Clayton Act claim and because the balance of equities and public interest tip sharply in favor of the Plaintiff States, the Court ultimately finds the public interest favors their requested TRO to stay the merger in the interim," the judge wrote. 

"Defendants are temporarily enjoined and restrained from closing or consummating the Transaction or taking any steps, directly or indirectly, to integrate or consolidate their operations pursuant to the Transaction," Martínez-Olguín continued. "This Order extends to Defendants’ agents, officers, servants, employees, attorneys, and other persons who are in active concert or participation with Defendants."

Plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction is due by July 23, the Defendants’ opposition brief is due by July 27, and the Plaintiffs’ reply is due by July 30. A hearing on Plaintiffs’ preliminary injunction motion at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, August 3. 

WARNER BROS DISCOVERY SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE DEAL

California Attorney General Rob Bonta. (Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / Getty Images)

"My office and attorneys general nationwide have secured an emergency order blocking the unlawful merger of Warner Bros. and Paramount. This is a critical first win in our case to ensure this megamerger never sees the light of day," Attorney General Bonta said in a statement. 

"History tells the tale of what happens when a few people have great power over markets that are central to Americans' lives: fewer opportunities for more people, worse products and services for all people," Bonta continued. "With our lawsuit, we’re fighting for a free and fair market and a thriving film and television industry that serves creatives and audiences alike. We have a full tank of gas, the law on our side, and look forward to continuing to make our case."

Paramount has said the lawsuit "reflects a fundamentally flawed application of the antitrust laws and is wrong on both the facts and the law."

The Justice Department (DOJ) announced last week it has closed its antitrust investigation into Paramount Skydance's proposed acquisition of WBD, concluding the transaction is not likely to harm competition or American consumers.

CALIFORNIA AG BLASTS PARAMOUNT-WBD MERGER AS ‘ILLEGAL,’ SAYS THREAT TO LEAVE STATE IS ‘BLACKMAIL’ EFFORT

The Antitrust Division said its eight-month review examined more than two million documents and found the deal could strengthen competition across the media and entertainment industry, including in streaming video, traditional television and theatrical film distribution. However, state attorneys general retain independent authority under antitrust laws. 

Ellison, the son of billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, took control of Paramount last year when Skydance Media and Paramount Global completed an $8 billion merger. Adding WBD to his portfolio would make the younger Ellison one of Hollywood’s most powerful people.

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This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Key Takeaways PATH's ARR grew steadily from $1.46 billion in Q4 fiscal 2024 to $1.9 billion by Q1 fiscal 2027.UiPath is witnessing deeper enterprise adoption of AI orchestration and workflow automation.PATH trades at a forward P/E of 14.34X, well below the industry average of 27.64X. UiPath (PATH - Free Report) continues to strengthen its long-term investment case through consistent growth in annualized recurring revenue (ARR), underscoring the resilience of its enterprise automation business and the rising adoption of AI-driven workflow orchestration.

PATH's ARR has expanded steadily from $1.46 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 to $1.9 billion by the first quarter of fiscal 2027. This sustained increase highlights continued enterprise demand for the company's automation platform, even as businesses remain cautious about software budgets and the pace of AI monetization. The steady ARR expansion suggests that customers are increasing their long-term commitment to UiPath's platform rather than reducing automation investments.

The consistent growth also reflects UiPath's success in expanding existing customer relationships. As enterprises increasingly deploy AI orchestration capabilities, workflow automation and cloud-based services across broader business functions, the company is generating stronger recurring revenues from its installed base instead of relying primarily on new customer acquisitions. This trend enhances revenue visibility and supports greater long-term financial stability.

The durability of ARR growth is particularly noteworthy amid a challenging enterprise software environment marked by slower IT spending and heightened investor scrutiny of AI-related investments. While near-term revenue growth may remain measured, UiPath's expanding recurring revenue base provides a solid foundation as enterprise AI adoption continues to evolve.

Relevant Industry PeersPegasystems (PEGA - Free Report) remains a key competitor in enterprise workflow automation and AI-powered business process management. Like UiPath, Pegasystems continues to expand its AI capabilities, although its platform places greater emphasis on customer engagement, CRM and decision intelligence alongside process automation.

ServiceNow (NOW - Free Report) is another major competitor benefiting from accelerating enterprise demand for workflow automation and AI integration. While its core strength lies in enterprise service management, ServiceNow continues to expand into intelligent workflow orchestration and AI-enabled automation, making it one of the most formidable competitors in the enterprise automation market.

PATH’s Price Performance, Valuation and EstimatesThe stock has declined 26% year to date compared to the industry’s 7% loss.

                                                   Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, PATH trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 14.34, which is well below the industry average of 27.64. It carries a Value Score of C.

                                                          Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PATH’s fiscal 2027 earnings has stayed unchanged over the past 30 days.

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

The Six-Episode Series follows A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier and DeWanna Bonner, and debuts one year after DICK'S renewed and expanded its partnership with the WNBA 

, /PRNewswire/ -- Today, DICK'S Sporting Goods' (NYSE: DKS) in-house content and production studio, Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios, announced its upcoming documentary series, Life In the W, following WNBA stars A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and DeWanna Bonner of the Phoenix Mercury. During a milestone year for women's basketball, the six-episode series will premiere on Friday, July 24, as the WNBA celebrates its 30th season.

Life In the W Trailer

Life In the W Hero Image

Life In the W takes audiences behind the scenes with three of the WNBA's most influential athletes as they navigate defining moments in their careers and personal lives amid a landmark chapter for the league and its players. Filmed during the second half of the 2025 WNBA season and offseason, the six-part documentary series explores the sacrifices, resilience and leadership required to compete at the highest level, offering an authentic look at the people behind the players.

Throughout the series, viewers experience the season from three unique vantage points: a superstar pushing the game to new heights, a leader helping shape the league's future and a veteran champion pursuing another title while continuing to build on an enduring legacy.

"Following the journeys of A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier and DeWanna Bonner in 'Life In the W' encapsulates the kind of storytelling that we dream about bringing to life," said Mark Rooks, VP of Creative, Sponsorship & Entertainment at DICK'S. "As a long-standing partner of the league, having the opportunity to offer this behind-the-scenes access to the WNBA, its stars, and what makes the spirit of the league so captivating is a true creative honor." 

Kicking-off its partnership as the Official Sporting Goods Retailer for the league in 2021, Life In the W's release marks the one-year anniversary of DICK'S and the WNBA's multiyear partnership expansion, which named DICK'S as the Official Sporting Goods Retailer and Official Marketing Partner through the 2028 season. Underlying its commitment to growing the game and uplifting the next generation of women in sports, DICK'S 2025 expansion deal also noted a new partnership with the Jr. WNBA, the WNBA's initiative dedicated to inspiring girls to play basketball in a positive and healthy way, and to learn and grow beyond the game.

The connection between Life In the W and DICK'S extends beyond the series itself. Wilson, Collier and Bonner have each collaborated with the brand across multiple campaigns and initiatives, reflecting DICK'S ongoing commitment to investing in women's sports and the athletes helping shape its future. DICK'S also serves as a key retail partner for Wilson's signature basketball shoes, including the Nike A'One and Nike A'Two, which rank among the company's top-selling women's basketball shoes.

"I couldn't dream up a more perfect time to share Life In the W with the world," said Rebecca Covington, Sr. Director, Creative Production at DICK'S. "To be entrusted with telling an athlete's holistic story, on and off the court, is something we do not take lightly, and having the opportunity to further champion three amazing athletes who are paving the way for generations of players to come is a privilege."

Life In the W was produced in collaboration with UNINTERRUPTED, from executive producers LeBron James, Jamal Henderson, Ben Turner and Matt Rissmiller, alongside co-executive producer Eliza Johnston. ESPN will serve as the official streaming partner. 

 "UNINTERRUPTED is committed to showcasing unparalleled, intimate access to the lives of athletes, and we are excited to have like-minded partners in Cookie Jar & a Dream, the WNBA, and ESPN for this groundbreaking series," said Ben Turner, co-founder and partner at Fulwell Entertainment.  

Life In the W will premiere its first two episodes on Friday, July 24 at 10 P.M. EST, on ESPN2 ahead of AT&T WNBA All Star Weekend. As the Official Sporting Goods Retailer of the WNBA, DICK'S will have a large presence, as it has for the past 4 years, at WNBA Live presented by AWS. Fans can engage with some of the league's biggest stars, explore elevated product experiences from leading athletic brands and take part in interactive activities throughout the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to test the latest Nike and Jordan footwear through on-court activations inspired by iconic moments from the game, with the chance to receive personalized digital keepsakes and other special giveaways.

The remaining four episodes will air on the platform on July 25 and July 26, in two-new episode blocks, respectively. All episodes will be available on the ESPN App for ESPN Select plan subscribers.

About DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc.
 DICK'S Sporting Goods creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, DICK'S is a leading omni-channel retailer and an iconic brand in sport and culture. Its banners include DICK'S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands and Going Going Gone! in addition to the experiential retail concepts DICK'S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center. As owner and operator of the Foot Locker Business, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS and atmos, DICK'S serves the global sneaker community across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, plus a licensed store presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. DICK'S also owns and operates GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK'S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK'S business, corporate giving and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

About Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios
Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios is DICK'S Sporting Goods' Emmy-winning, in-house content and production studio. Dedicated to telling powerful, human-centered stories through the lens of sport, Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios was founded on the belief that sports have the power to change lives and build community. The studio's work spotlights the grit, triumphs, and heartbreak behind every athlete's journey, with a mission to create emotionally resonant content that inspires long after the final whistle blows. At its core, the studio believes sports are more than just competition; they are universal stories of hope, resilience, and connection.

Media Contact
 DICK'S Sporting Goods – [email protected]

Category: Company

SOURCE DICK'S Sporting Goods

Warner Music Group Corp. will release its financial results on Thursday, August 6, 2026, for the third quarter ended June 30, 2026, and will hold an earnings c

Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? GXO Logistics (GXO - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Transportation - Air Freight and Cargo industry, could be a great candidate to consider.

This contract logistics provider 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 19.98%.

For the last reported quarter, GXO Logistics came out with earnings of $0.5 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.37 per share, representing a surprise of 35.14%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $0.83 per share and it actually produced earnings of $0.87 per share, delivering a surprise of 4.82%.

Price and EPS Surprise

With this earnings history in mind, recent estimates have been moving higher for GXO Logistics. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the company is positive, which is a great sign of an earnings beat, especially when you combine this metric with its nice 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.

GXO Logistics currently has an Earnings ESP of +3.40%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on August 4, 2026.

When the Earnings ESP comes up negative, investors should note that this will reduce the predictive power of the metric. But, a negative value is not indicative of a stock's earnings miss.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground 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.

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JACKSON, Mich., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of CMS Energy has declared a quarterly dividend on the company's common stock.

The dividend for the common stock (CUSIP: 125896100) is 57 cents per share. It is payable Sept. 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on Aug. 7, 2026.

Additional dividend information, including the tax status of CMS Energy's dividend distributions, can be obtained through the Tax Information section of CMS Energy's website, www.cmsenergy.com.

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy company featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com.
To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

SOURCE CMS Energy

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Key Takeaways PPL cut first-quarter 2026 O&M expenses to $579 million from $598 million a year earlier. PPL targets $175 million in 2026 O&M savings versus 2021 to help fund its $23 billion plan. PPL expects 2026 EPS of $1.90-$1.98 and 6-8% annual EPS growth through 2029. PPL Corporation (PPL - Free Report) is benefiting from a disciplined cost management strategy that helps control operating expenses and improve efficiency. These efforts support financial stability and create greater flexibility to invest in infrastructure.

The company has steadily improved efficiency across its businesses, helping control operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses while maintaining reliable service. PPL Electric has kept O&M increases about 25% below the inflation rate over the past decade, demonstrating the benefits of its cost-control efforts.

In the first quarter of 2026, consolidated O&M expenses decreased to $579 million from $598 million in the year-ago quarter. O&M expenses also decreased across the company’s regulated operations in Kentucky and Rhode Island. However, Pennsylvania O&M expenses increased due to higher storm and power restoration costs, underscoring that weather-related events remain a risk.

The need for cost control is increasing as PPL expands its investment program. The company plans to invest $23 billion through 2029 to modernize networks and support demand growth. As per the company’s management, every $1 of O&M savings can support about $8 of capital investment without increasing customer bills. PPL achieved $170 million in annual run-rate O&M savings in 2025 and is targeting a $175-million reduction in O&M in 2026 compared with 2021.

These savings could help offset higher depreciation, interest and operating costs while supporting 2026 earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $1.90-$1.98 and 6-8% annual EPS growth through 2029. Therefore, continued O&M efficiency, combined with strong rate-base growth and regulatory recovery, could support sustained earnings growth and shareholder returns.

Efficient Cost Management Fuels Long-Term Utility GrowthUtilities that optimize operations, embrace digitalization and control spending can expand margins, fund infrastructure upgrades and keep customer rates affordable. Efficient cost management strengthens financial flexibility, enabling utilities to fund infrastructure investments, improve operations and support sustainable long-term earnings growth.

Duke Energy (DUK - Free Report) recently finalized initiatives expected to generate more than $5 billion in customer savings through utility consolidation, operational efficiencies and tax-credit monetization. These efforts can strengthen long-term earnings growth while helping maintain customer affordability.

NiSource (NI - Free Report) continues to enhance operating efficiency through its multiyear Project Apollo, which targets sustainable cost savings and streamlined operations. These initiatives can improve customer service and support long-term earnings growth.

The Zacks Rundown on PPLPPL’s Earnings EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings per share indicates a year-over-year increase of 7.73% and 8.06%, respectively.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Debt to CapitalPPL's debt-to-capital ratio currently stands at 57.40%, lower than the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry’s 60.71%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

PPL’s Stock Price PerformanceIn the past month, the company’s shares have risen 0.7% compared with the industry’s 0.9% growth.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

PPL’s Zacks Rank

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hub Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUBG) and certain of its officers.

This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Hub Group securities between April 28, 2023 and May 11, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/HUBG.

Hub Group Case Details

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:

Hub Group's financial statements prepared for the periods from Q1 2023 to Q4 2024, including its annual reports for 2023 and 2024, contained material misstatements caused by the premature and incorrect recognition of certain transactions concerning, among other things, the Company's operating revenue, operating income, revenue recognition, effectiveness of internal controls and procedures, and drivers of financial results and growth; Hub Group's financial statements prepared for the periods from Q1 2025 to Q3 2025 contained material misstatements caused by the understatement of purchased transportation costs and accounts payable concerning, among other things, the Company's operating expenses, purchased transportation and warehousing expenses, operating income, effectiveness of internal disclosure controls and procedures, and drivers of financial results and growth; and as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects lacked a reasonable basis and were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.What's Next for Hub Group Investors?

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/HUBG, or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Hub Group you have until August 28, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.

No Cost to Hub Group Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Hub Group Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/303515

Source: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 20, 2026) - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ: PODD) and certain of its officers.

This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Insulet securities between May 21, 2025 and May 26, 2026, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/PODD.

Insulet Case Details

The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that:

Insulet's manufacturing controls and procedures were defective; the foregoing created a foreseeable heightened risk that one or more Insulet products would be found to be in violation of applicable safety regulations and/or pose a risk of injury; and as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.What's Next for Insulet Investors?

A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/PODD, or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Insulet you have until August 31, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.

No Cost to Insulet Investors

We, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.

Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Insulet Securities Class Action?

Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com

"Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.

Attorney advertising.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/303937

Source: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

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Key Takeaways HCA reports Q2 2026 results July 24, with consensus EPS of $7.41 on revenue of $19.92 billion.HCA is expected to see higher admissions and revenue per admission, supporting year-over-year growth.HCA faces pressure from higher expenses, shorter stays and fewer outpatient surgery cases. Hospital operator HCA Healthcare, Inc. (HCA - Free Report) is set to report second-quarter 2026 results on July 24, 2026, before the opening bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter’s earnings is currently pegged at $7.41 per shareon revenues of $19.92 billion.

The second-quarter earnings estimate has witnessed one upward revision against no movement in the opposite direction over the past 30 days. The bottom-line projection indicates year-over-year growth of 8.3%. Also, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues implies a year-over-year increase of 7.1%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

For 2026, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for HCA Healthcare’s revenues is pegged at $78.57 billion, implying a rise of 3.9% year over year. The consensus mark for 2026 EPS is pegged at $29.87, implying an increase of 5.9% year over year.

HCA Healthcare’s earnings beat estimates in three of the last four quarters and missed once, with the average surprise being 10.6%. This is depicted in the figure below.

Q2 Earnings Whispers for HCAOur proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for the company this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. That’s not the case here.

HCA has an Earnings ESP of +2.41% and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

What’s Shaping HCA Healthcare’s Q2 Results?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HCA Healthcare’s second-quarter equivalent admissions indicates 2.2% year-over-year growth, whereas our model estimate suggests a 1.7% jump. The consensus mark for revenue per equivalent admission signals a 2.7% rise from a year ago, while we expect 2.1% growth.

The consensus estimate for occupancy is pegged at 72.8%, up from 72% a year ago. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for equivalent patient days indicates a 1.9% year-over-year increase.

While these factors are likely to have positioned HCA Healthcare for growth from the year-ago quarter, rising expenses, lower average length of stay and outpatient surgery cases make an earnings beat uncertain.

Our model estimate for second-quarter total operating expenses indicates a 4.4% increase from a year ago, due to higher salaries & benefits, supply costs and other operating expenses. We expect supply costs to jump 3.3% in the to-be-reported quarter.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for average length of stay indicates a 0.8% decline from the year-ago period. Moreover, both the consensus estimate and our model estimate for outpatient surgery cases imply a 0.3% fall from a year ago.

Stocks That Warrant a LookWhile an earnings beat looks uncertain for HCA Healthcare, here are some companies from the broader Medical space that you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this time around:

ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (PMN - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +13.30% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ProMIS’ bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter of a loss of $1.45 indicates 80% year-over-year improvement. It has witnessed one upward revision against no downward movement over the past 60 days.

Alcon Inc. (ALC - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +3.13% and a Zacks Rank of 2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Alcon’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter indicates a 1.3% increase from a year ago. The company’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed once, with an average surprise of 3.7%. The consensus estimate for ALC’s revenues is pegged at $2.77 billion, signaling a 7.3% increase.

Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH - Free Report) has an Earnings ESP of +1.24% and a Zacks Rank of 2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Cardinal Health’s bottom line for the to-be-reported quarter suggests 16.4% year-over-year growth. Its earnings beat estimates in each of the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 10.3%. CAH’s revenues for the to-be-reported quarter are pegged at $65.61 billion, a 9.1% increase from the year-ago period.

Getting big returns from financial portfolios, whether through stocks, bonds, ETFs, other securities, or a combination of all, is an investor's dream. However, when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.

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

Based in St Louis, Ameren (AEE - Free Report) is in the Utilities sector, and so far this year, shares have seen a price change of 11.71%. The utility is currently shelling out a dividend of $0.75 per share, with a dividend yield of 2.69%. This compares to the Utility - Electric Power industry's yield of 3.06% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.33%.

Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $3.00 is up 5.6% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Ameren has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 7.11%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Ameren's current payout ratio is 57%, meaning it paid out 57% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.

AEE is expecting earnings to expand this fiscal year as well. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $5.39 per share, representing a year-over-year earnings growth rate of 7.16%.

Investors like dividends for many reasons; they greatly improve stock investing profits, decrease overall portfolio risk, and carry tax advantages, among others. However, not all companies offer a quarterly payout.

Big, established firms that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options, but it's fairly uncommon to see high-growth businesses or tech start-ups offer their stockholders a dividend. Income investors have to be mindful of the fact that high-yielding stocks tend to struggle during periods of rising interest rates. That said, they can take comfort from the fact that AEE is not only an attractive dividend play, but also represents a compelling investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

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Shares of FuelCell Energy (NASDAQ:FCEL) are up 6% to $19.63 in Monday morning trading, while Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE) shares are down 6% to $202.92. The split reveals a fuel-cell trade that has stopped moving as one.

Peer Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) shares are down 2% to $2.13, still stuck in the low single digits after a punishing multi-year drawdown. Year to date (YTD), Bloom Energy stock is up 133%, FuelCell Energy stock has gained 167%, and Plug Power stock is up by just 7%.

The setup matters because all three names ride the same AI data center power thesis. Today, the market is cheering one and doubting another, and it doesn’t look like a coincidence.

Bloom Energy Slides on TD Cowen Caution Bloom Energy shares are under pressure after TD Cowen reiterated a Hold rating with a $235 price target this morning. The analyst flagged that flagship Oracle (NYSE:ORCL | ORCL Price Prediction) and American Electric Power (NASDAQ:AEP) data center projects face major delays that could pressure 2027 and 2028 estimates.

TD Cowen also called Bloom Energy stock fully valued at a P/E ratio of 514x and a price-to-book ratio of 66. That reset lands on a stock already carrying an overhang from the July 8 Hunterbrook “Bloom’s Big Lie” short report, which alleged hidden China dependence for scandium supply.

Bloom Energy has pushed back hard. The company categorically rejected the allegations as “false and misleading” in an 8-K filing. Management framed the report as an opportunistic attack on a name that has run sharply this year, and the response has been unambiguous in defending the supply chain narrative.

Other desks remain constructive on Bloom Energy stock. Baird kept an Outperform rating with a $310 target, UBS reiterated Buy at $350, and RBC held Outperform at $335. Bloom Energy also recently posted a profitable quarter with $0.23 in earnings per share, but the premium multiple leaves little room for slippage on execution.

FuelCell Energy Extends Rally on AI Power Optimism FuelCell Energy stock’s rally on Monday appears to be a continuation of a bullish backdrop tied to AI data center power demand.

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The setup started with UBS upgrading FuelCell Energy to Buy with a $27 target on July 14, sending shares 12% higher that day. B. Riley had already moved to Buy with a $32 target on June 29. Siemens then signed a collaboration on 100-plus MW fuel-cell systems, and Fit Energy agreed to source up to 380 MW of on-site power for AI data centers.

UBS has framed the Fit Energy agreement as a small-first, scale-later playbook similar to Bloom Energy’s Oracle and AEP pattern. FuelCell Energy remains unprofitable, with trailing EPS of -$6.20 and TTM revenue of $167.87 million, so today’s story is about pipeline conversion rather than earnings power.

Plug Power Lags as the Sector Splits Plug Power shares continue to drift. There’s no near-term catalyst to close the gap with FuelCell Energy and Bloom Energy, and the company remains loss-making with $150 million in Q1 2026 operating cash burn against $223.2 million in unrestricted cash.

Recent asset sales to Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM) affiliate Stream Data Centers have added liquidity but done little for Plug Power stock. The market evidently wants proof of cash generation, not survival milestones, and that gap may continue to weigh on PLUG stock.

What to Watch The narrow, volatile Global X Hydrogen ETF (NASDAQ:HYDR) holds all three names in its top positions, making the ETF a clean read on how the sector prices this divergence. It’s a concentrated, single-theme fund, and the cross-currents inside it can be sharp.

Bloom Energy’s next earnings report is slated July 28, which sets a hard test for the bull thesis after today’s TD Cowen call. Investors can watch for whether FuelCell Energy stock holds above $19 in the coming sessions and whether Bloom Energy stock finds support at $200.

The takeaway is straightforward: the fuel-cell trade is no longer a single bet, and investors should keep their position sizes modest while the market re-prices the winners and doubts the rest.

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Whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities, all investors love seeing their portfolios score big returns. But when you're an income investor, your primary focus is generating consistent cash flow from each of your liquid investments.

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

Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB - Free Report) is headquartered in Cincinnati, and is in the Finance sector. The stock has seen a price change of 23.93% since the start of the year. Currently paying a dividend of $0.40 per share, the company has a dividend yield of 2.76%. In comparison, the Banks - Major Regional industry's yield is 2.74%, while the S&P 500's yield is 1.33%.

Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $1.60 is up 3.9% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Fifth Third Bancorp has increased its dividend 4 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 7.84%. Looking ahead, future dividend growth will be dependent on earnings growth and payout ratio, which is the proportion of a company's annual earnings per share that it pays out as a dividend. Fifth Third Bancorp's current payout ratio is 41%, meaning it paid out 41% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.

Looking at this fiscal year, FITB expects solid earnings growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $4.12 per share, with earnings expected to increase 13.50% from the year ago period.

Investors like dividends for a variety of different reasons, from tax advantages and decreasing overall portfolio risk to considerably improving stock investing profits. It's important to keep in mind that not all companies provide a quarterly payout.

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

The three major U.S. stock indexes moved in different directions Monday morning as investors weighed competing forces. There's renewed optimism in artificial intelligence infrastructure against persistent concerns about Middle East oil disruptions. Meanwhile, Wall Street faces a heavy week of corporate earnings.

By 11:34 a.m. ET, the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC +0.33%) index had climbed 0.5%, the S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.12%) was up 0.3%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.43%) moved 0.3% lower. All three indexes opened modestly higher, and the Nasdaq briefly flirted with a 1% pop around 9:50 a.m. Then the early enthusiasm faded, and the Dow crossed into negative territory before 10:00 a.m.

^IXIC data by YCharts

The AI boom roars back to life Alphabet (GOOG +2.03%) (GOOGL +1.91%) emerged as the session's primary catalyst. The Google parent jumped 3% after The Information reported that Google is cooking up a new chip called "Frozen v2." The hardware will reportedly run Google's Gemini AI models six to ten times more efficiently than current silicon. Alphabet added 61 points to the Dow and topped the leaderboard across all three key indexes.

The semiconductor sector rallied broadly on the news. Micron Technology (MU +4.35%) surged 4.2%, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX +1.68%) gained 2.1%, Nvidia (NVDA +0.73%) added 1.5%, and Broadcom (AVGO +2.89%) rose 2.8%. Some of them have a hand in Alphabet's chip designs, while others are direct rivals. Either way, investors applauded fresh signs of innovation in the chip sector.

After today's gains, SOXX has still cratered 19% from its June high. Monday felt less like a victory lap and more like a pressure release valve finally popping. Mind you, longtime investors are still doing fine. Micron's stock is up 681% in 52 weeks. SOXX more than doubled with a 117% gain.

Image source: Getty Images.

Not everyone got an invitation to Monday's party. Apple (AAPL 2.75%) dropped 2.4%, which is awkward timing given all the positive buzz around its AI rollout in China. Sometimes stocks just need to catch their breath after a big run; Apple gained 5% last week.

Meanwhile, Caterpillar (CAT 1.45%) fell 1.2%. Because the Dow is price-weighted and Caterpillar's shares trade near $870, that decline alone erased about 62 points from the index, essentially erasing Alphabet's positive contribution. Caterpillar's stock accounts for roughly 10% of the Dow's entire value nowadays. Maybe it's time for a stock split.

Overseas, the U.S. military conducted its ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran. Brent crude oil briefly punched above $90 per barrel before retreating on hints that Tehran might be open to negotiations. Gasoline prices have climbed back to $4 per gallon nationally. Oil refiners Marathon Petroleum (MPC +1.85%) and Valero (VLO +1.90%) are two of the five largest gainers on the S&P 500 over the last month.

Index

NASDAQ Composite IndexToday's Change

(

0.33

%)

+

84.28

Index Level

25,604.52

Buckle up for earnings season Monday's session sets the stage for one of the busiest earnings weeks of the quarter. Alphabet and Tesla (TSLA 2.38%) report on Wednesday, followed by Intel (INTC +3.59%) later in the week. More than 300 companies are releasing results before the weekend. Investors are hungry for clarity on AI spending. For better or worse, they're going to get a buffet of data points.

None of this changes the long game. Sector rotation and volatility are part of the deal. The question isn't whether AI stocks will bounce; it's whether the companies behind them can prove the spending is worth it. This week's earnings should offer some answers.

Anders Bylund has positions in Alphabet, Intel, Micron Technology, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Apple, Broadcom, Caterpillar, Intel, Micron Technology, Nvidia, Tesla, and iShares Trust-iShares Semiconductor ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

© Yuichiro Chino / Moment via Getty Images

Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC | WFC Price Prediction) just delivered a striking pair of price target hikes on cybersecurity leaders Okta (NASDAQ:OKTA) and Fortinet (NASDAQ:FTNT). The firm raised its Okta stock price target to $150 from $100 while keeping an Equal Weight rating, and lifted its Fortinet stock price target to $120 from $70 while keeping an Underweight rating. For investors, the size of these hikes matters more than the unchanged ratings: they mark a sector-wide re-rating rather than a green light to pile in.

The move lands as cybersecurity demand accelerates on the back of AI-driven threat proliferation and enterprise platform consolidation. Both Okta and Fortinet have posted five consecutive quarterly EPS beats, and management teams at each are pitching their platforms as essential infrastructure for securing AI agents and hybrid workloads.

Still, Wells Fargo kept Okta stock at Equal Weight and Fortinet stock at Underweight, signaling that valuation, not fundamentals, is the constraint. That gap between raised targets and cautious ratings is what investors need to weigh before adding exposure here.

Ticker Company Firm Action Old Rating New Rating Old Target New Target OKTA Okta Wells Fargo Price Target Raise Equal Weight Equal Weight $100 $150 FTNT Fortinet Wells Fargo Price Target Raise Underweight Underweight $70 $120 The Analyst’s Case Wells Fargo’s rationale is identical for both names. Supplementing 14 field checks over the past month, the firm’s Q2 on-cycle reseller survey pointed to improving overall cyber demand driven by AI-related urgency. That’s a demand-side signal, and it’s why targets moved sharply higher on Okta stock and Fortinet stock.

Yet, the ratings didn’t budge. Equal Weight on Okta and Underweight on Fortinet suggest Wells Fargo sees prices catching up to fundamentals rather than fundamentals justifying a bullish stance.

Earnings Snapshots: Okta and Fortinet Okta is the leading independent identity platform. In Q1 FY2027, Okta posted revenue of $765 million, up 11.2% year over year (YoY), with non-GAAP EPS of $0.91 and free cash flow of $271 million. Management is now positioning identity as the control plane for AI agents inside the enterprise.

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Meanwhile, Fortinet is the firewall market leader. In Q1 FY26, Fortinet delivered revenue of $1.85 billion, up 20.1% YoY, non-GAAP EPS of $0.82, and a record $1.01 billion in free cash flow, supported by a hardware refresh cycle and the FortiOS 8.0 launch.

Why the Move Matters Now The valuation backdrop is rich. Per Yahoo Finance as of July 20, Okta shares are up 76% year to date (YTD) with a TTM P/E ratio of 111x, while Fortinet shares are up 105% YTD with a TTM P/E ratio of 63x. The cybersecurity-sector peers look similar: Palo Alto Networks stock is up 95% YTD with a TTM P/E ratio of 312x, and CrowdStrike stock is up 75% YTD with TTM EPS of -$0.02, so no trailing P/E ratio applies.

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW) and CrowdStrike (NASDAQ:CRWD) are riding the same AI-driven demand wave, and both have shown accelerating platform consolidation among enterprise customers. That’s the sector thesis Wells Fargo is validating.

What It Means for Your Portfolio These are fully valued names. The Wells Fargo price target raises on Okta and Fortinet stock reflect sector momentum, and investors can approach these names with restraint. Thus, it makes sense to keep one’s position sizes modest.

For diversified exposure, the First Trust NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF (NASDAQ:CIBR) holds all four names, with PANW at 8.46%, CRWD at 8.25%, FTNT at 7.4%, and OKTA at 2.7% of net assets. It isn’t leveraged, but single-sector concentration risk is real. All in all, position sizing is just as important as diversification in this fast-moving market sector.

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