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Key Takeaways Uncrustables sales rose 8% in Q4 2026, its strongest growth rate of the year. The brand drives 40% of annual sales in J.M. Smucker's U.S. frozen handheld and spreads segment. Uncrustables added about 3 million households, while 27% penetration leaves room for further growth. The J.M. Smucker Co. (SJM - Free Report) has several established brands across coffee, frozen foods and pet food, but Uncrustables continues to stand out as one of the company's most important growth platforms. Rising household adoption, broader distribution and continued innovation have helped the brand strengthen its contribution across multiple businesses.

The momentum continued in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. Uncrustables net sales increased 8%, marking the brand's strongest quarterly growth rate of the fiscal year. The performance helped the U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads segment deliver 1% net sales growth despite declines in Jif peanut butter and Smucker's fruit spreads. The brand also supported the Away From Home segment, where higher Uncrustables demand contributed to 15% net sales growth during the quarter.

Uncrustables has now grown into an approximately $1 billion annual sales brand. Around 75% of sales come from U.S. Retail, with the remaining 25% generated through Away From Home channels. Within the U.S. Retail Frozen Handheld and Spreads segment, Uncrustables accounts for 40% of annual net sales, highlighting its increasing importance to the company's portfolio.

The growth opportunity remains substantial. Uncrustables added approximately 3 million new households over the past year, yet household penetration is still only 27%, leaving ample room for expansion. To build on that momentum, The J.M. Smucker is broadening distribution and introducing new offerings. Beginning this summer, all Uncrustables varieties will be fridge-friendly and remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days. It has also introduced varieties containing 12 grams of protein to expand into breakfast and morning snacking occasions.

Uncrustables has become more than a successful brand. Its expanding consumer reach, product innovation and presence across both retail and Away From Home channels make it one of SJM's most important organic growth platforms.

SJM Stock Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesShares of the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 5.6% over the past year against the industry’s decline of 21.9%.

SJM Price Performance Versus Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, SJM trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.96, lower than the industry’s average of 14.55.

SJM Valuation Compared to Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SJM’s current and next fiscal-year earnings per share implies year-over-year growth of 8.7% and 6.9%, respectively.

Better-Ranked Stocks to ConsiderUnited Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI - Free Report) , a major food wholesaler serving grocery retailers, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for United Natural’s current and next fiscal-year earnings per share suggests a year-over-year increase of 254.9% and 21.4%, respectively. UNFI delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.9%, on average.

Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) , a maker of refrigerated prepared foods for retail and foodservice, carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mama's Creations’ current and next fiscal-year EPS suggests growth of 73.3% and 46.2%, respectively, from the prior-year reported levels. MAMA delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 129.2%, on average.

Hormel Foods Corporation (HRL - Free Report) , a global branded food company offering meat, protein and packaged food products, carries a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Hormel Foods’ current and next fiscal-year EPS calls for a year-over-year jump of 9.5% and 3.5%, respectively. HRL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 3.2%, on average.

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 14, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) between June 25, 2025 and March 10, 2026, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important July 27, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased AeroVironment securities 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 AeroVironment class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/aerovironment-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 July 27, 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 litigate 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 false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) AeroVironment understated the likelihood that it would imminently face competition from other vendors for the work it performed in connection with the U.S. Space Force's Satellite Communication Augmentation Resources ("SCAR") program and the U.S. Space Force's ongoing efforts to modernize the Satellite Control Network ("SCN"); (2) accordingly, defendants overstated AeroVironment's business and financial prospects; and (3) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the AeroVironment class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/cases/aerovironment-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/.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/305126

Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA

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LEQEMBIÂ Real-World LEADER Study Presented at AAICÂ 2026 Finds Over 75% of Early Alzheimer's Patients Enrolled in the Study Remained Stable a

[url="]Textron Aviation Inc.[/url], a [url="]Textron Inc.[/url] (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 and Beechcraft King Air 360 Cr

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 14, 2026) - Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) 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 Verra securities between February 24, 2026 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/VRRM.

Verra Case Details

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

Defendants misrepresented the nature and stability of Verra's relationship with Avis Budget Group ("Avis"), including the likelihood of securing a contract extension; Defendants downplayed the risk that major rental car companies, including Avis, could replace Verra's services with in-house solutions or alternative third-party providers; and as a result, Defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.What's Next for Verra 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/VRRM, 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 Verra you have until August 4, 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 Verra 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 Verra 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/300548

Source: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 21. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis maker of software tools to help portfolio managers make investment decisions is expected to post quarterly earnings of $4.89 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +17.3%.

Revenues are expected to be $856.06 million, up 10.8% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 1.94% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for MSCI?For MSCI, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.83%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that MSCI would post earnings of $4.4 per share when it actually produced earnings of $4.55, delivering a surprise of +3.41%.

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

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

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

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

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

Whether it's through stocks, bonds, ETFs, or other types of securities, all investors love seeing their portfolios score big returns. 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 make up large portions of long-term returns, and in many cases, dividend contributions surpass one-third of total returns.

Based in San Antonio, Victory Capital Holdings (VCTR - Free Report) is in the Finance sector, and so far this year, shares have seen a price change of 45.79%. The investment management firm is currently shelling out a dividend of $0.50 per share, with a dividend yield of 2.17%. This compares to the Financial - Investment Management industry's yield of 2.76% and the S&P 500's yield of 1.33%.

Looking at dividend growth, the company's current annualized dividend of $2.00 is up 3.1% from last year. Over the last 5 years, Victory Capital Holdings has increased its dividend 5 times on a year-over-year basis for an average annual increase of 48.75%. 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. Victory Capital's current payout ratio is 29%, meaning it paid out 29% of its trailing 12-month EPS as dividend.

Earnings growth looks solid for VCTR for this fiscal year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 is $7.41 per share, which represents a year-over-year growth rate of 16.14%.

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

High-growth firms or tech start-ups, for example, rarely provide their shareholders a dividend, while larger, more established companies that have more secure profits are often seen as the best dividend options. Income investors 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 VCTR is not only an attractive dividend play, but also represents a compelling investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Key Takeaways AECOM was named the independent certifier for Stage 1 of Queensland's six-year The Wave rail project.AECOM will review designs, inspect construction and verify safety, quality and regulatory compliance.Australia backlog hit a multiyear high, supporting growth visibility for FY27 and beyond. AECOM (ACM - Free Report) , in partnership with Bureau Veritas, has been selected as the Independent Certifier for Stage 1 of The Wave, a major passenger rail project in Queensland, Australia. The six-year joint venture contract covers independent certification for the design and construction of a new dual-track rail corridor between Beerwah and Caloundra, including new and upgraded stations. Rather than participating in construction, AECOM will independently certify that the project's design and execution comply with stringent safety, operational, quality and regulatory standards.

Following the news, shares of ACM gained 0.6% during trading hours yesterday.

AECOM Expands Its Transportation Leadership in AustraliaUnder the engagement, the joint venture will independently review engineering designs, inspect construction activities and verify that key project milestones meet required safety, operational, quality and regulatory standards. The Wave is expected to strengthen connectivity across Southeast Queensland by linking the Sunshine Coast more closely with the broader passenger rail network, easing congestion, improving accessibility and supporting population growth. The project is also a key component of Queensland’s infrastructure program for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

AECOM said its selection reflects its established transportation expertise, experienced local teams and track record in independent assurance. The company has supported major Australian infrastructure programs, including the Melbourne Metro Tunnel, Sydney Metro Brownfields and the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace.

The award comes as AECOM continues to build momentum in Australia. Management said regional backlog reached a multiyear high in the second quarter, supported by transportation and defense wins. The expanding pipeline should improve growth visibility into fiscal 2027 and beyond as infrastructure investment continues across the country.

Record Backlog Continues to Support ACM's Long-Term GrowthAECOM continues to benefit from robust demand across transportation, water, energy, environmental services, defense and high-tech infrastructure. Management highlighted record investment opportunities tied to hyperscale data centers, power generation and transmission while noting that its defense pipeline has expanded roughly 50% year over year.

The company ended the second quarter of fiscal 2026 with a record backlog of $26.2 billion, up 8% year over year, supported by a design book-to-burn ratio of 1.2x. The design pipeline also reached a record level, reflecting strong funding across key infrastructure markets and continued project wins.

Supported by its record backlog, expanding pipeline and strong execution, management raised fiscal 2026 earnings guidance for the second consecutive quarter and now expects adjusted EPS and adjusted EBITDA to increase 14% and 7%, respectively, at the midpoint of the updated guidance ranges.

AECOM stock has declined 28% in the year-to-date period, significantly underperforming the Zacks Engineering - R and D Services industry’s 28.5% growth. Near-term performance could remain affected by geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and the timing of project awards and execution.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Nevertheless, AECOM's long-term investment case remains supported by a record backlog, expanding transportation opportunities, growing exposure to defense and AI infrastructure, and sustained demand across its core end markets. Continued success in securing large, technically complex infrastructure programs should provide solid revenue visibility and support long-term earnings growth.

ACM’s Zacks Rank & Key PicksAECOM currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Here are some better-ranked stocks from the Construction sector:

Argan, Inc. (AGX - Free Report) flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 40.5%, on average. AGX stock has surged 91.4% year to date. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Argan’s 2026 sales and EPS indicates growth of 38% and 29.4%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL - Free Report) flaunts a Zacks Rank of 1 at present. The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29.1%, on average. STRL stock has jumped 115.5% year to date.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sterling’s 2026 sales and EPS indicates growth of 59.2% and 75.7%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.

Everus Construction Group (ECG - Free Report) presently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The company delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 62%, on average. ECG stock has climbed 55.8% year to date.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ECG’s 2026 sales and EPS indicates growth of 17% and 11.1%, respectively, from the year-ago period’s levels.

NEW YORK, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Badger Meter, Inc. (NYSE: BMI) 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 Badger Meter securities between April 18, 2024 and April 16, 2026, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm’s site: bgandg.com/BMI.

Badger Meter Case Details

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

the Company’s reported strong financial results did not reflect “ongoing favorable industry trends,” “secular growth drivers,” or “solid operating execution,” as represented, but were instead unsustainable;Defendants’ statements touting “strong” demand, “robust order pacing,” and a “strong bid pipeline” overstated the true state of the Company’s demand environment and ability to generate continued sales and earnings growth; andcontrary to Defendants’ claims that the Company possessed a “long runway” for growth, the Company’s growth prospects were materially overstated, such that Defendants lacked a reasonable basis for their positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and future prospects. What's Next for Badger Meter 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/BMI. 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 Badger Meter you have until August 3, 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 Badger Meter 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 Badger Meter 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.

Contact Info

Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan Miller
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
917-590-0911 | [email protected]

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Key Takeaways Onto Innovation is favored over Camtek for diversified growth across AI, memory and advanced packaging.ONTO raised its 2026 outlook after strong AI-driven demand and expects revenue growth above 30%.ONTO trades at a lower forward P/E than CAMT, while its 2026 and 2027 earnings estimates increased. The semiconductor industry is reshaped by AI, advanced packaging, HBM and increasingly complex chip architectures. As semiconductor manufacturers race to improve yields and reduce defects, wafer inspection and metrology have become indispensable. Two companies benefiting from this trend are Onto Innovation, Inc. (ONTO - Free Report) and Camtek Ltd. (CAMT - Free Report) .

Per a report from Fortune Business Insights, the global wafer inspection equipment market is expected to go from $7.22 billion in 2026 to $13.52 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 8.2%. Both Onto Innovation and Camtek specialize in helping semiconductor manufacturers detect these defects early, improving production yields and lowering manufacturing costs. As AI infrastructure spending continues to rise, demand for inspection equipment is expected to remain robust over the long run.

While both companies operate in semiconductor process control and inspection, they have different business models, customer exposure and growth trajectories. Here's a closer look at which stock appears to offer the better long-term investment opportunity.

The Case for CAMT StockCamtek focuses primarily on inspection and metrology solutions for advanced semiconductor packaging. The company has consistently delivered strong revenue growth, high operating margins and returns on invested capital. It has become a preferred supplier for many advanced packaging applications tied directly to AI processors. Camtek's record order intake reinforces confidence in its 2026-2027 growth outlook, supported by more than $260 million in expected revenue from key customers. The company is expanding its presence in AI, HPC and advanced packaging markets while targeting a total addressable market exceeding $2 billion by 2027.

It continues to strengthen its portfolio with the Eagle G5 and Hawk systems, invest in AI-driven inspection software and integrate Visual Layer's AI technology to launch both standalone and hardware-integrated AI solutions. Strong demand across AI, HPC and advanced packaging, along with a resilient China business, is expected to support growth, particularly in the second half of 2026. For the second quarter of 2026, Camtek expects revenue between $129 million and $131 million, up sequentially. Importantly, management expects second-half 2026 revenue to grow more than 25% from first-half revenue. Such guidance indicates that customer shipments will accelerate meaningfully throughout the year as existing orders convert into revenue.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

While China remains a healthy contributor, Camtek's growth is increasingly being driven by non-China markets. The company continues to expand opportunities in inspection, front-end applications, CMOS sensors, RF and photonics, supporting growth through 2027. Backed by its advanced technology, customized solutions, strong customer support and operational flexibility, Camtek is seeing solid adoption of its new systems and aims to further increase its market share across both 2D and 3D inspection markets. Its balance sheet continues to be one of its key strengths. At the end of March 2026, CAMT held approximately $849.7 million in cash, deposits and marketable securities. It also generated $3.1 million in operating cash flow during the quarter despite increased investment activity.

However, Camtek faces near-term headwinds from rising operating expenses, supply-chain cost pressures and intense competition in China. While the company is implementing cost-reduction initiatives and expects margins to improve in the second half, these challenges could weigh on profitability in the near term. Moreover, a slowdown in AI-related semiconductor spending could hurt Camtek's growth, while macroeconomic, geopolitical and broader semiconductor industry disruptions across global markets could further weigh on its business and financial performance.

The Case for ONTO StockOnto Innovation relies on a larger addressable market, diversified revenue streams, broad customer relationships, and multiple product categories. Onto delivered a stronger-than-expected first quarter, driven by robust AI-based demand across advanced nodes and advanced packaging, prompting management to raise its 2026 outlook. It now expects revenue to grow over 30% this year and aims for an operating margin above 30% by the fourth quarter. Growth is supported by Dragonfly G5 qualifications, increasing adoption of advanced packaging—such as 3D integration and panel-level packaging—and the planned $710 million investment for a 27% stake in Rigaku, which is expected to expand its process-control portfolio through X-ray software and long-term hybrid metrology opportunities.

ONTO continues to strengthen its growth outlook through new product adoption and expanding AI-driven demand. The Dragonfly G5 has secured qualification at a leading 2.5D logic customer, with shipments ramping through 2026, while the Atlas G6 is gaining traction across logic and memory applications, supported by new opportunities such as TSV metrology. Rapid adoption of advanced packaging technologies, including smaller, denser bumps, panel-level packaging and silicon photonics, is expected to drive strong growth, alongside a NAND market recovery. With increasing customer pull-ins and robust demand from new fabs, ONTO expects to outpace wafer fab equipment market growth in 2027.

Furthermore, Onto Innovation's planned acquisition of a 27% stake in Rigaku is expected to strengthen its process-control portfolio through AI Diffract software licensing, hybrid optical-X-ray metrology solutions and dividend income. The partnership complements ONTO's focus on the semiconductor market, while expanding its customer base through Gen 5 products and growing demand for advanced packaging. Innovations such as the Atlas TSV application have been developed independently, further enhancing the company's growth prospects.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

In addition, Onto Innovation maintains a strong balance sheet with $654.2 million in cash and investments, no long-term debt and positive operating cash flow at March-end. This financial strength provides the flexibility to fund strategic investments, including the Rigaku stake, while supporting growth opportunities tied to AI, advanced packaging and next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.

Share Price Movement for ONTO & CAMTIn the past six months, ONTO stock has surged 39.6% while CAMT has declined 5.3%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Valuation ComparisonsBoth companies trade at premium valuations, Onto Innovation for its diversified business, larger market presence and consistent execution, while Camtek commands a premium driven by its stronger expected growth prospects.

In terms of forward price/earnings, ONTO shares are trading at 35.11X, lower than CAMT’s 37.62X.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

How the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compares for ONTO & CAMTEarnings estimates for ONTO have moved up for both 2026 and 2027 over the past 60 days.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

For CAMT, there is no estimate revisions.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

ONTO or CAMT: Which Stock to Buy?Both Onto Innovation and Camtek are well-positioned to benefit from the increasing need for sophisticated inspection and metrology solutions. Camtek offers greater upside due to its exposure to advanced packaging, one of the fastest-growing segments of semiconductor manufacturing. However, ONTO stands out as the stronger all-around investment. Its diversified product portfolio, broad customer base, exposure across multiple semiconductor manufacturing stages and balanced participation in AI, memory and packaging markets provide a more resilient foundation for long-term growth. For investors seeking a combination of durable growth, profitability and resilience, Onto Innovation appears to be the better buy.

ONTO, at present, flaunts a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) while CAMT has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Consequently, in terms of Zacks Rank and valuations, ONTO is a better investment option than CAMT. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

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

The earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 21, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis independent oil and gas company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.56 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -15.2%.

Revenues are expected to be $714.81 million, down 2.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 13.96% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Range Resources?For Range Resources, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +12.50%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #5.

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Range Resources would post earnings of $1.33 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.52, delivering a surprise of +14.29%.

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

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

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

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

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

[url="]The Schall Law Firm[/url], a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Cal-Maine F

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

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on July 21. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

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

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis credit reporting company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $2.21 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +10.5%.

Revenues are expected to be $1.69 billion, up 10.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Equifax?For Equifax, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.33%.

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

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

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

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Equifax would post earnings of $1.69 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.86, delivering a surprise of +10.06%.

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

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

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

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

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

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 Curtiss-Wright (CW - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Aerospace - Defense Equipment industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

When looking at the last two reports, this engineering firm has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 4.19%, on average, in the last two quarters.

For the last reported quarter, Curtiss-Wright came out with earnings of $3.48 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.32 per share, representing a surprise of 4.82%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $3.66 per share and it actually produced earnings of $3.79 per share, delivering a surprise of 3.55%.

Price and EPS Surprise

Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Curtiss-Wright lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly 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.

Curtiss-Wright has an Earnings ESP of +2.26% 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 #2 (Buy), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner. The company's next earnings report is expected to be released on August 5, 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.

Here are three stocks with buy rank and strong momentum characteristics for investors to consider today, July 14:

BrainsWay Ltd. (BWAY - Free Report) : This company that manufactures non-invasive neurostimulation treatments for mental health disorders has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.5% over the last 60 days.

BrainsWay’s shares gained 22.1% over the last six months compared with the S&P 500’s advance of 8.2%. The company possesses a Momentum Score  of A.

Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD - Free Report) : This truckload carrier and transportation services company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 25% over the last 60 days.

Heartland Express’ shares gained 38.3% over the last three months compared with the S&P 500’s advance of 7%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of A.

nCino, Inc. (NCNO - Free Report) : This software-as-a-service company has a Zacks Rank #1 and witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 10% over the last 60 days.

nCino’s shares gained 18% over the past month compared with the S&P 500’s decline of 0.5%. The company possesses a Momentum Score of B.

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

Learn more about the Momentum score and how it is calculated here.

Investors interested in stocks from the REIT and Equity Trust - Other sector have probably already heard of Host Hotels (HST) and CubeSmart (CUBE). But which of these two stocks presents investors with the better value opportunity right now?

Have you been searching for a stock that might be well-positioned to maintain its earnings-beat streak in its upcoming report? It is worth considering SharkNinja, Inc. (SN - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Consumer Products - Discretionary industry.

This company has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 8.17%.

For the last reported quarter, SharkNinja, Inc. came out with earnings of $1.09 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01 per share, representing a surprise of 7.92%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $1.78 per share and it actually produced earnings of $1.93 per share, delivering a surprise of 8.43%.

Price and EPS Surprise

For SharkNinja, Inc., 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.

SharkNinja, Inc. has an Earnings ESP of +1.29% 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 #2 (Buy), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner.

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, 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.

Arm Holdings shares fell more than 6% on Tuesday after HSBC downgraded the chip designer to Hold, saying foundry capacity constraints are likely to limit earnings upside despite the company's strong long-term growth prospects.

The brokerage still raised its price target to $315 from $255.

With Arm trading around $286, HSBC sees upside over the longer term but believes much of the company's growth story has already been reflected in its share price.

“We have previously flagged that Arm’s entry into merchant server CPUs and higher server CPU royalties could be transformative,” HSBC analyst Frank Lee wrote in a note to clients.

According to HSBC, investor enthusiasm around Arm's server CPU ambitions has exceeded expectations since the company's Arm Everywhere event in March.

“The market reaction to the merchant server CPU narrative has exceeded our expectations, with the stock trading +122% since the Arm Everywhere event on 24 March (vs. SOX +57% during the same period)," Lee said.

"With management targeting $25B of revenue and $9 non-GAAP EPS by FY31E, we think the shares already price-in strong long-term growth, trading at an expensive 139x/95x 2026e/2027e PE. We therefore roll our valuation forward to FY29e, which drives our target price revision. However, foundry capacity bottlenecks limit near-term earnings upside, so we downgrade to Hold.”

Lee added that additional foundry capacity remains the primary catalyst for further upside but appears unlikely in the near future.

“Given incremental foundry capacity allocation being the primary upside catalyst, which we believe is unlikely, we downgrade to Hold due to limited earnings upside potential.”

The downgrade marks a reversal from HSBC's stance in March, when it double-upgraded the stock from Reduce to Buy while lifting its price target to $205 from $90.

At the time, the brokerage argued that Arm was transitioning from a smartphone-focused licensing company into a major supplier of CPU architecture for AI servers and remained undervalued.

Other analysts remain bullishNot all brokerages share HSBC's cautious view.

Last month, Bernstein analyst David Dai raised the firm's price target on Arm to $500 from $300 while maintaining an Outperform rating.

Dai described Arm as a structural beneficiary of the "renaissance of CPUs for agentic AI," citing the architecture's power efficiency and the company's evolution from an intellectual property licensor into a CPU developer.

TD Cowen also lifted its price target to $475 from $265 while reiterating a Buy rating, reflecting confidence that AI-driven computing demand will continue to support the stock.

Separately, Arm announced an expanded partnership with semiconductor technology provider Arteris to strengthen processor security.

Arteris said Arm will continue integrating its Cycuity Radix technology into processor core development to enhance semiconductor security assurance.

Arteris Chief Executive K. Charles Janac said that by leveraging the company's technology, Arm is building more rigorous security capabilities at a time when semiconductor cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for electronic systems, including data centres.

Shares of Arteris rose more than 3% following the announcement.

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? Charles River Laboratories (CRL - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Medical Services industry, could be a great candidate to consider.

This medical research equipment and services provider has seen a nice streak of beating earnings estimates, especially when looking at the previous two reports. The average surprise for the last two quarters was 3.84%.

For the last reported quarter, Charles River came out with earnings of $2.06 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.96 per share, representing a surprise of 5.10%. For the previous quarter, the company was expected to post earnings of $2.33 per share and it actually produced earnings of $2.39 per share, delivering a surprise of 2.58%.

Price and EPS Surprise

With this earnings history in mind, recent estimates have been moving higher for Charles River. 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.

Charles River currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.43%, 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.

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.

Key Takeaways Helen of Troy posted 8.2% sales growth in fiscal Q1 2027, with gains in both operating segments.HELE benefited from new products, wider distribution and stronger demand across key leadership brands.Tariffs, freight, currency pressure and cautious spending kept margins and earnings under strain. Helen of Troy Limited (HELE - Free Report) is showing early signs of stabilization as execution improves across its two operating segments.

The investment debate now centers on whether better sales momentum in leadership brands can build a durable recovery while margins remain under pressure from tariffs, costs and cautious consumer spending.

Helen of Troy Rebuilds Core BrandsHelen of Troy is focusing its strategy on leadership brands, including OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Vicks, Braun, PUR, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, Revlon and Olive & June.

This prioritization is designed to concentrate investment behind brands with clearer consumer relevance, stronger innovation pipelines and better channel potential. It also gives HELE a more disciplined base for restoring momentum after a difficult operating stretch.

The approach resembles the broader consumer-products playbook, where portfolio focus matters. The Clorox Company (CLX - Free Report) also operates through widely recognized household and wellness brands, while Church & Dwight Co., Inc. (CHD - Free Report) competes across fabric care, health and personal care categories.

HELE Gains From Innovation and ReachIn the first quarter of fiscal 2027, Helen of Troy’s consolidated net sales rose 8.2% to $402.1 million, with growth in both segments. Home & Outdoor sales increased 9.5%, while Beauty & Wellness sales rose 7%.

Home & Outdoor benefited from international demand for packs, new product launches and expanded distribution in home and insulated beverageware. Osprey gained from distribution and e-commerce momentum, while OXO and Hydro Flask benefited from wider retail placement and new products.

Beauty & Wellness was helped by nail care, fans and thermometers. The Wellness portfolio also benefited from growth across Braun, Vicks, Honeywell and PUR, supported by expanded distribution and solid point-of-sale trends.

Helen of Troy Expands Beyond the U.S.International growth adds another support to HELE’s recovery story, although the trend is uneven. International sales increased 1.1% in the fiscal first quarter, helped by Osprey distribution improvements and wellness growth.

Management is leaning into a hybrid market model that combines local partners with direct consumer engagement. That approach could help Helen of Troy widen its reach in selected global markets without overextending investment.

The company is still dealing with category-level softness outside the United States. Lower international sales in home and insulated beverageware offset some Home & Outdoor gains, while kitchenware and hair appliances remained weaker areas.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

HELE Still Faces Margin PressureSales improvement has not yet produced a clean earnings rebound. Consolidated gross margin declined 110 basis points to 46% in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, mainly due to tariffs, inventory obsolescence and a less favorable customer mix within Home & Outdoor.

Adjusted operating margin slipped 30 basis points to 4%. Adjusted earnings were 17 cents per share, down from 41 cents in the year-ago quarter, despite higher sales and lower interest expense.

The cost backdrop remains challenging. Management expects pressure from commodity inputs, unfavorable Chinese yuan movements, higher inbound and outbound freight and spending to secure supply. A promotional marketplace and cautious retailer purchasing also limit pricing flexibility.

How HELE’s Rank Fits This SetupThe bottom line is that HELE is rebuilding revenue momentum, but the earnings path remains uneven. Better execution, product launches and expanded distribution support the recovery case, while tariff and cost pressures keep profitability visibility limited.

Helen of Troy currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). That rank fits a wait-and-see setup, with improving sales trends balanced against margin compression and a cautious consumer backdrop. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

For now, HELE looks like a stabilization story rather than a clean acceleration story. Investors may want clearer evidence that leadership-brand momentum can translate into steadier earnings before treating the recovery as more durable.

Investors interested in Gaming stocks are likely familiar with PENN Entertainment (PENN) and Red Rock Resorts (RRR). But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now?

Nu Holdings (NU +2.49%) is an all-digital bank based in Brazil, but it's expanding into new markets, including the U.S.

It's most exciting growth story right now, though, is Mexico. It recently topped 15 million customers in the country and is now a top-three financial institution, but the growth is far from over. Here's why Nu Mexico is the real story right now, and why Nu stock looks priced to buy.

Disrupting traditional banking in Mexico Nu began in Brazil, where it's headquartered and where it has already established itself as a major force in finance. While it's still adding new users at a steady pace and sees continued opportunity in upselling, its major growth is happening in Mexico.

Image source: Nu.

The bank started operating in Mexico in 2019, five years after its launch in Brazil. Over the past seven years, the user base has increased sevenfold, and average revenue per active user (ARPAC) has doubled. Its efficiency ratio, which measures how much it costs to produce revenue, decreased by 78 percentage points, and it's breaking even as of the 2026 first quarter.

Currently, it's adding 12,000 customers to the platform in Mexico every day, and it has provided 54% of Mexicans with their first credit cards. It recently rolled out NuFormer, a proprietary foundation model that evaluates credit card applications and provides approvals within seconds.

The runway just got longer Nu was just approved for a full bank charter in Mexico, opening up the runway for much more growth. Up until now, it's been operating as a Sofipo, a status that allows it to offer savings accounts and debit cards and is meant to expand financial inclusion in the country. It plans to invest $4.2 billion in the venture through 2030 as it transforms into a proper bank, expanding its platform with digital payments and a broader product and service offering.

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Mexico has the second-largest population in Latin America, behind Brazil, and is a massive, underbanked market that's moving toward digital finance.

Nu is making other moves as well. It recently got a new CFO, Rob Livingston, who comes from Visa North America. That could be preparation for the company's expansion into the U.S., which would be an entirely new opportunity.

Nu also recently authorized $1 billion in share repurchases. That's a vote of confidence from management, and it makes sense considering its bargain price, trading at less than 12 times next year's earnings. As it harnesses new opportunities, specifically in Mexico right now, Nu could be worth a look for the growth-oriented investor.

Investors in Imperial Oil Limited (IMO - Free Report) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Aug 21, 2026 $45 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.

What is Implied Volatility?Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.

What do the Analysts Think?Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for Imperial Oil shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, Imperial Oil is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) in the Oil and Gas - Integrated – Canadian industry that ranks in the Top 9% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 30 days, one analyst has increased the earnings estimate for the current quarter, while none have revised their estimates downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from $3.61 per share to $3.76 in that period.

Given the way analysts feel about Imperial Oil right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there’s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.

The space sector just had the wind knocked out of it. Over the past month, shares of Rocket Lab (RKLB +3.85%) tumbled roughly 24%, while Intuitive Machines (LUNR +0.00%) fell a stomach-churning 40.5%. The irony is that neither drop had much to do with the companies themselves.

So the question for opportunistic investors is a fair one: After that kind of pullback, which of these two is the better buy today?

Image source: Getty Images.

Why did both stocks fall so hard? The main culprit is what traders have dubbed the "SpaceX Effect." When Space Exploration Technologies (SPCX 0.33%) went public last month in a blockbuster listing, investors sold other space names to free up cash for the shiny new giant, and the whole group dropped in unison. Rising interest rates added to the pain, because both of these companies are long-duration bets whose profits sit years in the future -- exactly the kind of stock that gets marked down when money gets more expensive. In other words, the sell-off was largely about sentiment and rotation, not a sudden crack in either business.

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Rocket Lab: The diversified operator Rocket Lab is the more established of the two, and I think that matters. It already earns real revenue launching small satellites on its Electron rocket, and it runs a growing Space Systems arm that builds satellites and components for other customers -- a second engine that keeps money coming in between launches. The big catalyst ahead is Neutron, a larger rocket meant to compete for heftier payloads; the company is targeting a first flight late this year and has already lined up a multilaunch deal with a customer. Its backlog has swelled, which gives some visibility into future work.

The caveat is that Neutron has slipped before, and new rockets are notoriously hard to get flying on schedule. Rocket Lab also isn't consistently profitable yet, so patience is required.

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Intuitive Machines: The lunar pure play Intuitive Machines is the narrower, more speculative bet. Its business is built around the moon -- landing spacecraft on the lunar surface and providing services for NASA's return there. It has developed a meaningful pipeline, including a sizable NASA lunar mission award, a lunar terrain vehicle contract, and near-space communications work, and it bulked up its backlog through an acquisition earlier this year.

But that focus cuts both ways. Intuitive Machines leans heavily on NASA contracts, which makes it vulnerable to shifting government budgets and priorities, and lunar landings are unforgiving -- the company knows firsthand how easily a mission can go sideways. That concentration and risk are big reasons its stock fell the hardest of the two.

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For most investors, I'd lean toward Rocket Lab. It offers something closer to a real, diversified space business -- two revenue streams, a clear next catalyst in Neutron, and a growing backlog -- rather than a single-thread bet on one hard problem. After a 28% haircut, you're paying less for a company that is arguably further along the path to standing on its own.

That said, Intuitive Machines is the higher-torque option. If your goal is maximum upside and you can stomach real volatility, a drawdown on a company with a genuine lunar franchise could rebound sharply if its missions land and NASA funding holds. It's the riskier ticket, but potentially the bigger payoff.

Both of these stocks are cheaper than they were a month ago, largely because of a rotation into SpaceX, not because their prospects collapsed -- and that's precisely the kind of dislocation that can create opportunity. My honest read is that Rocket Lab is the sturdier choice for a long-term investor, while Intuitive Machines suits those who want a swing-for-the-fences lunar bet. Either way, treat these as small, speculative positions in an industry where the timelines are long and the setbacks, as this month showed, can be abrupt.

[url="]The Hackett Group, Inc.[/url] (NASDAQ: HCKT), an ROI-led AI transformation firm, today released new research examining how artificial intelligence (AI)