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Fastenal Stock Slips After Earnings: 5 Reasons To Buy the Dip Fastenal NASDAQ: FAST reported a strong second quarter of 2026, with executives pointing to double-digit daily sales growth, share gains, operating leverage and strong cash generation during what marked Dan Florness’ final earnings call as chief executive officer.

President and Chief Sales Officer Jeff Watts opened the call by recognizing Florness’ three decades with the company, first as chief financial officer and later as president and CEO. Watts said Florness had been “the steady voice explaining our business” through multiple economic cycles, recessions, the pandemic, trade shifts and stock splits.

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The Hidden Value in Genuine Parts Company’s Spin-Off PlanWatts said the quarter reflected a business “executing,” citing daily sales growth of 14.7% and operating margin expansion. He said market conditions improved at a pace similar to the first quarter, but emphasized that Fastenal’s outperformance was driven primarily by share gains rather than the broader market backdrop.

Sales Growth Broad-Based Across Markets Watts said Fastenal’s growth continued to come from three strategic pillars: increasing sales effectiveness, enhancing services and expanding its addressable market. He pointed to key account wins, expanded Fastenal-managed inventory, digital engagement and new customer sites as contributors to the quarter’s performance.

MarketBeat Week in Review – 01/19 - 01/23Contract count rose more than 7% year over year in the second quarter, while the number of customer sites spending at least $50,000 per month grew 16.5%, with revenues from those sites up more than 26%. Watts described that as “durable, high-quality revenue,” driven by larger customers, deeper contracts and higher productivity per site.

CFO Max Tunnicliff said the industrial environment remained stable and modestly positive. He noted that the U.S. PMI averaged slightly above 53 during the quarter, up from 52 in the prior quarter, while industrial production was slightly positive year over year in April and May.

Tunnicliff said the 14.7% daily sales growth, up from 12.4% in the first quarter, reflected new customer wins, greater share of wallet with existing customers, pricing actions and improved industrial production. He said the improvement was not concentrated in any single market.

Heavy manufacturing represented 44% of total sales and grew 18% on an average daily sales basis. Construction grew about 17% for the second consecutive quarter, with strength in electrical, utility, infrastructure and data center-related activity. Non-manufacturing end markets contributed gains across transportation, warehousing and other industrial services. Direct and indirect materials both grew in the mid-teens, with direct materials slightly outpacing indirect. Tunnicliff said certain markets tied to discretionary consumer spending continued to lag, but overall demand conditions were stable to modestly positive.

Digital and Inventory Services Continue to Expand Watts said Fastenal’s Digital Footprint daily sales rate grew 16.2% in the quarter, outpacing total company daily sales growth. Digital Footprint represented 61.6% of total sales, up 60 basis points from a year earlier. He said the company now expects Digital Footprint to account for 63% to 64% of 2026 sales, modestly below its original 66% target, because non-digital sales are also growing as Fastenal wins larger customer sites.

Within digital, eBusiness daily sales grew 12.6%. Fastenal-managed inventory sales represented 44.6% of total sales, also up about 60 basis points from a year earlier. FMI technology signings totaled just under 7,000 weighted devices in the quarter, or 109 weighted devices signed per day, compared with just under 6,500 total devices and 101 per day a year earlier.

Watts said those technology metrics are leading indicators, adding that devices installed today are “deposits into next quarter’s sales, into next year’s retention, and into the operational rigor and efficiency that show up in our margin structure.”

Margins Pressured by Price-Cost, Mix and Freight Tunnicliff said Fastenal maintained operating margin, including a 5-basis-point improvement, despite inflation-related pressures. Gross margin contracted about 75 basis points year over year, with price-cost accounting for roughly 40 basis points of headwind. He said that represented a roughly 10-basis-point improvement from the first quarter.

Other gross margin pressures included customer mix, transportation costs and customer rebates. Tunnicliff said the ongoing shift toward larger customers is intentional and strategically important, even though those accounts typically carry lower gross margin percentages. He said larger customers generate attractive incremental profit dollars, improve fixed-cost leverage and support operating margin over time.

SG&A improved to 23.5% of sales from 24.4% a year earlier, reflecting cost control and operating leverage. Tunnicliff said that leverage more than offset gross margin headwinds, while the company continued investing in technology, analytics and sales support.

In response to analyst questions, Tunnicliff said Fastenal is still working toward price-cost neutrality but does not expect the remaining headwind to disappear immediately. He said the company would continue “chipping away” at the negative price-cost position while balancing pricing actions with strong growth.

Cash Flow, Capital Spending and Shareholder Returns Operating cash flow was $266 million, representing about 70% of net income. Tunnicliff said the conversion rate was affected by higher accounts receivable, mainly due to June sales improving 20% year over year. Inventory efficiency helped offset working capital needs associated with growth.

Net capital spending was approximately $60 million in the quarter. Fastenal continues to expect about $320 million in net capital expenditures for full-year 2026, focused on distribution hub capacity, automation, IT infrastructure and FMI hardware. Based on current consensus revenue estimates referenced by Tunnicliff, the expected capital spending range represents about 3.5% of sales.

Fastenal returned $305 million to shareholders during the quarter, primarily through dividends, along with modest share repurchases. Tunnicliff said the company’s capital allocation priorities remain investing in the business, returning excess cash to shareholders and maintaining a conservatively capitalized balance sheet.

Florness Highlights Discipline and Transition Florness said the company benefited from six months of PMI readings above 50 and from leadership changes made in 2023 and 2024. He credited Watts and the sales organization for improved execution, while noting that gross margin trends had been a concern entering the quarter.

Florness said the company’s gross margin improved sequentially during the quarter despite additional headwinds, but he added that he would have preferred stronger incremental margins. He also highlighted return on invested capital, saying Fastenal’s ROIC had returned to the low 30s after being in the mid-20s two decades ago.

Discussing the future under Watts, management said the company’s strategy will remain centered on sales effectiveness, service enhancement and market expansion. Watts said he does not expect major changes to Fastenal’s culture, citing decentralized decision-making, P&L accountability and promoting from within. He said the company is using new tools, including artificial intelligence, to accelerate quoting, implementation of large account business and international growth.

Florness closed by thanking participants and employees, saying he was “excited to see where Jeff and the team take this business in the future.”

About Fastenal NASDAQ: FASTFastenal NASDAQ: FAST is a wholesale distributor of industrial and construction supplies, best known for its broad assortment of fasteners such as bolts, nuts, screws and anchors. Founded in Winona, Minnesota, Fastenal has grown from a regional supplier into a national and international distributor serving a wide range of end markets, including manufacturing, construction, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), and government customers. The company is publicly traded and operates through a network of locally staffed branches combined with national distribution capabilities.

Product offerings extend beyond fasteners to include tools, safety and personal protective equipment, power transmission components, cutting and welding supplies, janitorial and material handling items, and other industrial consumables.

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

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Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

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

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The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

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

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

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

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

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

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

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

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

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

Stock to Watch: Cummins (CMI - Free Report) Cummins Inc. is a leading global designer, manufacturer and distributor of diesel and natural gas engines and powertrain-related component products. Powertrain components include fuel systems, turbochargers, transmissions, batteries and electrified power systems, among others. Headquartered in Columbus, IN, the company offers products to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors and dealers through a network of roughly 650 company-owned and independent distributor facilities in over 19,000 dealer locations in more than 190 countries and territories.

CMI is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. CMI has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 23.3% for the current fiscal year.

For fiscal 2026, six analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $1.25 to $29.33 per share. CMI boasts an average earnings surprise of +17.2%.

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

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

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

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

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

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

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

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

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

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

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

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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

That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

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

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

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

Stock to Watch: CVS Health (CVS - Free Report) Headquartered in Woonsocket, RI, CVS Health Corporation (formerly known as CVS Caremark Corporation) is a health solutions company with integrated offerings across the entire spectrum of pharmacy care. On Sep 3, 2014, CVS Caremark Corporation announced a change of its corporate name to CVS Health to reflect its broader healthcare commitment. In 2018, CVS Health acquired insurance giant Aetna for $70-billion.

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

It also boasts a Value Style Score of A thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 14.24; value investors should take notice.

One analyst revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $7.44 per share. CVS boasts an average earnings surprise of +16.8%.

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

Brian Armstrong has a favorite phrase for prediction markets: “the ultimate form of truth seeking.” The Coinbase CEO argues that when real money is on the line, people dig for better information and produce forecasts more reliable than pundits, polls, or the press. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN | COIN Price Prediction) pushed an AI-generated notification to millions of users announcing that Norway had beaten Brazil 3-2, with Erling Haaland scoring twice. The match hadn’t started.

Coinbase Proved Its Own Lie The Norway-Brazil fixture was listed on Coinbase’s own market page under a weather delay at the exact moment the “final score” alert went out. The platform told users the game hadn’t kicked off and that Norway had already won it. Screenshots spread across X. “This is what happens when a crypto company uses AI to generate sports prediction markets,” one user wrote. “Coinbase is hallucinating results for a World Cup game that hasn’t even been played yet and sending factually incorrect notifications to its millions of users as ‘breaking news.'” Armstrong confirmed on X that his team is looking into it. Coinbase has yet to explain how the alert cleared its checks.

The Twist That Makes It Perfect The match was later played. Norway actually beat Brazil, 2-1. Haaland actually scored twice. Coinbase’s AI got the winner right, the scorer right, and only the scoreline wrong. It invented a version, sent it to millions as fact, and reality largely agreed.

What the Business Actually Is Coinbase offers event contracts through its Everything Exchange, with market flow supplied by Kalshi, the prediction-market operator valued at $22 billion. The product has rolled out across all 50 US states. Prediction markets scaled to $100M+ annualized revenue in the first two full months live, part of a reinvention that included 10 acquisitions in 2025. The pitch rests on truth seeking. The Norway-Brazil notification refutes it cleanly.

Why the Timing Is Genuinely Bad New York recently sued Coinbase and Gemini over their prediction market offerings, and the fight over whether these products are protected derivatives or illegal gambling remains unresolved. Coinbase’s regulatory argument is that prediction markets belong under the existing CFTC derivatives framework with no new oversight. That gets harder the week your AI invents a World Cup result and blasts it out as breaking news.

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

A Sector-Wide Credibility Problem Polymarket’s World Cup winner market alone has topped $3.9 billion in volume, the largest single prediction-market contract in history, with France the favorite around 35% implied probability. Bloomberg’s Matt Levine warned that prediction markets risk becoming “increasingly falsehood machines.” Coinbase’s failure is a cousin: pure fabrication.

What It Means for Investors Coinbase shares are down 59.34% over the past year and off 6.81% in the past week, closing at $157.37. The incident alone is unlikely to move the stock. The regulatory timing is the real issue, handing New York’s active lawsuit a tidy example of AI-generated misinformation distributed as fact. Kalshi shares the reputational exposure. Polymarket, the roughly $15 billion market leader, wasn’t involved but absorbs the same credibility hit.

If the financial incentive supposed to manufacture “truth seeking” manufactured a fake score instead and beamed it to millions as breaking news, how sure should anyone be that prediction markets finally replace polling, punditry, and the press?

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

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. announces that a lawsuit was filed for certain investors in shares of Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX).

Investors who purchased shares of Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX) prior to October 30, 2025 and continue to hold any of thoseNYSE: RBLX shares have also certain options and should contact the Shareholders Foundation at [email protected] or call +1(858) 779 - 1554.

On May 29, 2026, aNYSE: RBLX investor filed a lawsuit over alleged securities laws violations by Roblox Corporation. The plaintiff alleged that the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that the defendants created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to Roblox' bookings growth expectations and the overall anticipated impact from the age verification rollout while also minimizing risks associated with the rollout and its potential knock-on effects, that Roblox misled investors when discussing tailwinds resulting from the age verification process while continuing to be "enormously bullish" on their tech rollouts as well as claiming to be able to "rely on [their] tremendous organic growth", and that Roblox relied far too heavily on viral events to drive growth and failed to communicate to investors the potential knock-on impacts of the age verification rollout, including how it could impact the platform's ratings, engagement, and overall public perception.

Those who purchased Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX) shares should contact the Shareholders Foundation, Inc.

CONTACT:
Shareholders Foundation, Inc. 
Michael Daniels 
+1 (858) 779-1554 
[email protected]  
3111 Camino Del Rio North 
Suite 423 
San Diego, CA 92108

The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is a professional portfolio legal monitoring and a settlement claim filing service, which does research related to shareholder issues and informs investors of securities class actions, settlements, judgments, and other legal related news to the stock/financial market. The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. is not a law firm. Any referenced cases, investigations, and/or settlements are not filed/initiated/reached and/or are not related to Shareholders Foundation. The information is only provided as a public service. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon.

SOURCE Shareholders Foundation, Inc.

Spotify is taking another step to infuse AI technology into its listening experience, with Tuesday’s news that Premium users will now be able to have interactive conversations with the app to choose what music or other audio they want to hear.

The feature is initially available in the U.S., Ireland, and Sweden across iOS and Android devices for users 18 years old and above in English. It’s considered a beta release, meaning that things may not always work perfectly, Spotify says, but user feedback will help to improve the product.

The company didn’t explicitly share more details about the AI technology under the hood in its announcement, but Spotify confirmed to TechCrunch that it uses a mix of its own AI technology and models from multiple providers, based on whatever is best for the task.

The addition is the latest example of how Spotify has put AI technology to use to help people interact with the app’s extensive catalog of music, podcasts, and audiobooks. The company also offers tools like an AI DJ, which speaks in an AI voice that you can engage with directly, plus AI features for building playlists with prompts and those for connecting Spotify with third-party AI chatbots, like ChatGPT.

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The new feature extends the ability to chat with Spotify beyond the AI DJ experience, allowing users to talk to Spotify across the app’s Home and Now Playing views on mobile devices. Users can either type or speak to the app and have back-and-forth conversations to help them choose what to play next. Beyond that, Spotify says the app will also be able to chat with users about their listening history and can help them learn more about their favorite music or go deeper into podcasts or audiobooks.

That means you could get into questions like what inspired a certain song, or dates of album releases, or even get suggestions of other artists you might like, based on what you’re playing. You can also ask about your own listening history, like when was the first time you played a certain track, or you could explore more into what sort of genres you’ve been streaming lately.

In the announcement about the new feature, Spotify also offers a few suggestions as to how to use this interactive technology. For instance, you could ask Spotify to “play some artists I haven’t heard before,” then continue to shape that selection with follow-ups, like asking it to add a specific artist by name, or narrow the selection to just more recent tracks. You could also shape the request further by asking it to be “more upbeat,” or give it other directions.

Plus, you can ask Spotify to save songs, add songs to your queue, or follow the artist via the new feature.

The feature is rolling out now to the markets on mobile devices.

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

Sarah has worked as a reporter for TechCrunch since August 2011. She joined the company after having previously spent over three years at ReadWriteWeb. Prior to her work as a reporter, Sarah worked in I.T. across a number of industries, including banking, retail and software.

You can contact or verify outreach from Sarah by emailing [email protected] or via encrypted message at sarahperez.01 on Signal.

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

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

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

Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

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

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

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

#1 (Strong Buy) stocks have produced an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, which is more than double the S&P 500's performance over the same time frame. However, the Zacks Rank examines a ton of stocks, and there can be more than 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, and another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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

That's where the Style Scores come in.

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

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

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

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

Stock to Watch: PENN Entertainment (PENN - Free Report) PENN Entertainment, Inc. was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1982 as PNRC Corp. The company adopted its current name in 1994 when it became publicly traded. PENN Entertainment is a multi-jurisdictional owner and operator of gaming and racing facilities with video gaming terminal operations and a focus on slot machine entertainment. The company’s portfolio is geographically diverse and includes a broad set of regional properties.

PENN is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. PENN has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 122.6% for the current fiscal year.

Two analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.02 to $1.32 per share. PENN boasts an average earnings surprise of +120.1%.

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

Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Chubb (CB - 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 insurer is expected to post quarterly earnings of $6.60 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +7.5%.

Revenues are expected to be $15.89 billion, up 7.3% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.28% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

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

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Chubb?For Chubb, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +4.97%.

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

So, this combination indicates that Chubb 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 Chubb would post earnings of $6.48 per share when it actually produced earnings of $6.82, delivering a surprise of +5.25%.

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.

Chubb 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.

An Industry Player's Expected ResultsAnother stock from the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry, Travelers (TRV - Free Report) , is soon expected to post earnings of $5.14 per share for the quarter ended June 2026. This estimate indicates a year-over-year change of -21%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $12.28 billion, up 1.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Travelers has been revised 0.9% down to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +6.09%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

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

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

NIO Inc. (NIO - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.

Shares of this company have returned -5.2% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.3% change. The Zacks Automotive - Foreign industry, to which NIO belongs, has lost 2.3% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?

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

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

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

For the current quarter, NIO is expected to post a loss of $0.07 per share, indicating a change of +78.1% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$0.13 points to a change of +86.7% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.05 indicates a change of +137.2% from what NIO is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for NIO.

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

12 Month EPS

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

In the case of NIO, the consensus sales estimate of $4.87 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +83.4%. The $19.41 billion and $23.03 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +57.4% and +18.7%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryNIO reported revenues of $3.7 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +123.2%. EPS of -$0.03 for the same period compares with -$0.45 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.55 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +4.28%. The EPS surprise was +87.5%.

Over the last four quarters, NIO surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates two times over this period.

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

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

As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

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

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

Ares Capital (ARCC - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.

Shares of this private equity firm have returned +0.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.3% change. The Zacks Financial - SBIC & Commercial Industry industry, to which Ares Capital belongs, has lost 2.6% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?

While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Ares Capital is expected to post earnings of $0.47 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.5%.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.9 points to a change of -5.5% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -0.2%.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.93 indicates a change of +1.1% from what Ares Capital is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for Ares Capital.

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

12 Month EPS

Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.

In the case of Ares Capital, the consensus sales estimate of $768.95 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +3.2%. The $3.12 billion and $3.18 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +2.2% and +2.1%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAres Capital reported revenues of $763 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +4.2%. EPS of $0.47 for the same period compares with $0.5 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $768.96 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of -0.77%. The EPS surprise was -2.08%.

Over the last four quarters, Ares Capital surpassed consensus EPS estimates times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.

ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.

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

As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

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

Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about Ares Capital. However, its Zacks Rank #4 does suggest that it may underperform the broader market in the near term.

Real-World Findings Support Long-Term Benefits of Continuous Treatment with LEQEMBI and Provide Important Insights into Treatment Experience Outside of a Clinical Trial Setting

, /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. (Nasdaq: BIIB) announced today that results from the real-world Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer's Disease (LEADER) Study show that nearly 83% of early Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients enrolled in the study remained stable (75.9%) or improved (6.6%) while receiving LEQEMBI® therapy over an average of 17 months. The results were consistent across sex, race, ethnicity and APOE genotype. The data was presented during the "Developing Topics Session #3-33-DEV-A: Lecanemab Three Years Post-Approval: A Comprehensive Multicenter, Real-World, Retrospective Study (LEADER) in Diverse US Clinical Settings" at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2026 in London and online.

AD is a chronic, progressive disease that requires ongoing treatment. LEQEMBI targets the underlying pathology of the disease and works in two ways throughout treatment - by removing insoluble (plaque) and soluble amyloid beta (protofibrils), helping to slow cognitive decline and loss of daily functioning. Data show continued treatment with LEQEMBI may be able to help keep patients in early AD for longer. Early AD includes mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD and mild AD dementia.

LEADER Study Design
The three-year LEADER Study is a multicenter, retrospective real-world study designed to examine LEQEMBI utilization, treatment persistence, transition to maintenance therapy, safety, cognitive and functional assessments, and healthcare professional (HCP) implementation learnings in diverse U.S. clinical settings for patients with early Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study integrated deidentified chart and electronic medical record (EMR) data from 13 U.S. sites, HCP surveys and HCP interviews. This interim analysis included 432 patients with early AD who received at least seven LEQEMBI infusions as of May 2026.

Patient Characteristics at Baseline

Mean age: 74 years Female Patients: 55.8%  Disease Stage at Baseline

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD: 63.9% Mild AD dementia: 36.1%. Treatment

The mean duration of LEQEMBI treatment was 520 days. The mean number of LEQEMBI doses was 26. Change in disease stage was defined as: Stable: Patient remaining in the same disease stage (MCI due to AD or mild AD dementia) from baseline throughout the course of LEQEMBI treatment. Improvement: Patient transitioning from mild AD dementia at baseline to MCI due to AD over the course of LEQEMBI treatment. Progression: Patient advancing from MCI at baseline to mild/moderate AD dementia or from mild AD dementia at baseline to moderate AD dementia throughout the course of LEQEMBI treatment. LEADER Study Key Findings
Real-World Evidence Shows Long-Term Benefit with Continuous LEQEMBI Treatment Across Sex, Race, Ethnicity and APOE Genotype

Overall Study Population Findings

Of the 432 participants enrolled in the LEADER Study, disease stage could be evaluated in 427. Among these patients with early Alzheimer's disease, 82.5% remained stable or improved while receiving LEQEMBI, with consistent results across sex, race, ethnicity, and APOE genotype groups. 75.9% remained stable compared with baseline, meaning they remained in the same disease stage throughout treatment. 6.6% improved from baseline, moving from mild AD dementia to MCI due to AD. Nearly 87% of patients chose to remain on LEQEMBI treatment. In analyses by APOE ε4 status, clinician-evaluated stable or improved disease stage was observed in: 81.7% of APOE ε4 heterozygotes (stable: 73.8%; improved: 7.9%) 81.0% of APOE ε4 homozygotes (stable: 75.9%; improved: 5.2%). Maintenance Dosing Population Findings

Of the 432 participants in the LEADER Study, 155 transitioned to once-every-four-weeks intravenous (IV) maintenance treatment, and 14 transitioned to once-weekly subcutaneous (SC) maintenance treatment. Among the 155 participants who transitioned to IV maintenance therapy, nearly 81% remained stable (72.3%) or improved (8.4%). Of the 14 patients who transitioned to SC maintenance treatment, 12 (85.7%) maintained their disease stage. Real-World Safety Consistent with U.S. FDA-Approved Label

Overall safety observations in this real-world study were consistent with the U.S. FDA-approved label.

ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities)* was observed in 12.3% of patients overall; ARIA-E was observed in 6.3% and ARIA-H in 7.9% and isolated ARIA-H in 6.0%. Most ARIA cases were asymptomatic and mild in radiographic severity. No new ARIA-E events, macrohemorrhages or intracerebral hemorrhages greater than 1 cm were reported during once-every-four-weeks IV maintenance therapy.   APOE ε4 status safety observations were consistent with the overall cohort and the U.S. FDA-approved label.

ARIA-E was observed in 5.3% of APOE ε4 noncarriers, 6.1% of APOE ε4 heterozygotes and 10.3% of APOE ε4 homozygotes. ARIA-H was observed in 12.1%, 4.8% and 12.1%, respectively. In APOE ε4 homozygotes, no severe ARIA was reported, and all graded ARIA cases were mild to moderate in radiographic severity. Antithrombotic therapy, including anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications, was used by 106 patients, representing 24.5% of the study population.

Of these, 11 patients were receiving an anticoagulant, either alone or with an antiplatelet medication, and 95 patients were receiving antiplatelet therapy only. Among patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, the incidence of ARIA was not meaningfully different from that observed in patients not receiving antithrombotic therapy. * ARIA refers to amyloid-related imaging abnormalities that can be observed with anti-amyloid beta antibody treatment and includes ARIA-E, which involves edema/effusion, and ARIA-H, which involves hemosiderin deposition, including cerebral microhemorrhage, cerebral macrohemorrhage and superficial siderosis, as observed on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Eisai serves as the lead for lecanemab's development and regulatory submissions globally with Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Eisai Co., Ltd.

Public Relations Department

TEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120

Eisai Europe, Ltd.

EMEA Communications Department

+44 (0)7760 619251

[email protected]

Eisai Inc. (U.S.)

Julie Edelman

+1-862-213-5915

[email protected] 

Biogen Inc.

Madeleine Shin

+1-781-464-3260

[email protected] 

INVESTOR CONTACTS

Eisai Co., Ltd.

Investor Relations Department

TEL: +81 (0) 3-3817-5122

Biogen Inc.

Tim Power

+1-781-464-2442

[email protected]

Notes to Editors

About lecanemab (generic name, brand name: LEQEMBI®)
Lecanemab is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. It is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ).

Lecanemab has been approved in 53 countries and regions including Japan, the United States, China, Europe, South Korea, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia, and is under regulatory review in 6 countries. Following the initial phase with treatment every two weeks for 18 months, intravenous (IV) maintenance dosing with treatment every four weeks was approved in 8 countries including the U.S., China, the UK, and others, and applications have been filed in 12 countries and regions. The U.S. FDA approved LEQEMBI IQLIK, the subcutaneous autoinjector formulation of lecanemab, for use as maintenance treatment in August 2025 and as initiation treatment on July 13, 2026. In November 2025, an application for a subcutaneous injectable formulation in Japan was submitted. In January 2026, the Biologics License Application (BLA) for the subcutaneous formulation was accepted in China. Since December 2025, lecanemab (IV) has been included in the "Commercial Insurance Innovative Drug List", recently introduced by the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA) of China.

Since July 2020, the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S., funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai and Biogen. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.

About Protofibrils
Protofibrils are thought to be the most toxic Aβ species that contribute to brain damage in AD and play a major role in the cognitive decline of this progressive and devastating disease. Protofibrils can cause neuronal and synaptic damage in the brain, which can subsequently adversely affect cognitive function through multiple mechanisms.1 The mechanism by which this occurs has been reported not only by increasing the formation of insoluble Aβ plaques, but also by directly damaging signaling between neurons and other cells. It is believed that reducing protofibrils may reduce neuronal damage and cognitive impairment, potentially preventing the progression of AD.2

Limitations of Real-World Studies
Retrospective real-world studies can be valuable in providing additional information to complement clinical trial data; however, there are potential limitations to consider, including: potential for biases, data completeness and consistency, lack of a control group, interpretation of data due to lack of placebo-controlled arms, and confounding variables, and data inconsistency. Data inconsistency may be mitigated by providing site access to standardized electronic case-report forms.

About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for AD
Eisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of LEQEMBI development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.

About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for AD
Since 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market lecanemab for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody lecanemab back-up was signed in May 2015.

About Eisai Co., Ltd.
Eisai's Corporate Concept is "to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides." Under this Concept (also known as human health care (hhc) Concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology.

In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working on various activities together with global partners.

For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), and connect with us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook. The website and social media channels are intended for audiences outside of the UK and Europe. For audiences based in the UK and Europe, please visit www.eisai.eu and Eisai EMEA LinkedIn.

About Biogen
Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients' lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth.

The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its website at www.biogen.com. Follow Biogen on social media – Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube.

Biogen Safe Harbor
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including about the potential clinical effects of lecanemab; the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of lecanemab; potential regulatory discussions, submissions and approvals and the timing thereof including for lecanemab-irmb (LEQEMBI IQLIK); the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; the anticipated benefits and potential of Biogen's collaboration arrangements with Eisai; the potential of Biogen's commercial business and pipeline programs, including  lecanemab; and risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization. These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by such words as "aim," "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "hope," "intend," "may," "objective," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "prospect," "should," "target," "will," "would," and other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Given their forward-looking nature, these statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may be based on inaccurate assumptions and could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Given their nature, we cannot assure that any outcome expressed in these forward-looking statements will be realized in whole or in part. We caution that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document, including, among others, uncertainty of long-term success in developing, licensing, or acquiring other product candidates or additional indications for existing products; expectations, plans and prospects relating to product approvals, approvals of additional indications for our existing products, sales, pricing, growth, reimbursement and launch of our marketed and pipeline products; our ability to effectively implement our corporate strategy; the successful execution of our strategic and growth initiatives, including acquisitions; the risk that positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials or success in early stage clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later stage or large scale clinical trials or trials in other potential indications; risks associated with clinical trials, including our ability to adequately manage clinical activities, unexpected concerns that may arise from additional data or analysis obtained during clinical trials, regulatory authorities may require additional information or further studies, or may fail to approve or may delay approval of our drug candidates; the occurrence of adverse safety events, restrictions on use with our products, or product liability claims; and any other risks and uncertainties that are described in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information and estimates available to us at this time. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and in our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

Digital Media Disclosure
From time to time, we have used, or expect in the future to use, our investor relations website (investors.biogen.com), the Biogen LinkedIn account (linkedin.com/company/biogen-) and the Biogen X account (https://x.com/biogen) as a means of disclosing information to the public in a broad, non-exclusionary manner, including for purposes of the SEC's Regulation Fair Disclosure (Reg FD). Accordingly, investors should monitor our investor relations website and these social media channels in addition to our press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls and websites, as the information posted on them could be material to investors.

References

Amin L, Harris DA. Aβ receptors specifically recognize molecular features displayed by fibril ends and neurotoxic oligomers. Nat Commun. 2021;12:3451. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-23507-z Ono K, Tsuji M. Protofibrils of Amyloid-β are Important Targets of a Disease-Modifying Approach for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):952. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030952. PMID: 32023927; PMCID: PMC7037706. SOURCE Eisai Inc.

JD.com, Inc. (JD - Free Report) closed the last trading session at $28.88, gaining 0.7% over the past four weeks, but there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $40.45 indicates a 40.1% upside potential.

The average comprises 21 short-term price targets ranging from a low of $27.00 to a high of $50.00, with a standard deviation of $5.43. While the lowest estimate indicates a decline of 6.5% from the current price level, the most optimistic estimate points to a 73.1% upside. More than the range, one should note the standard deviation here, as it helps understand the variability of the estimates. The smaller the standard deviation, the greater the agreement among analysts.

While the consensus price target is highly sought after by investors, the ability and unbiasedness of analysts in setting price targets have long been questionable. And investors making investment decisions solely based on this tool would arguably do themselves a disservice.

However, an impressive consensus price target is not the only factor that indicates a potential upside in JD. This view is strengthened by the agreement among analysts that the company will report better earnings than what they estimated earlier. Though a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn't give any idea as to how much the stock could surge, it has proven effective in predicting an upside.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Here's What You Should Know About Analysts' Price TargetsAccording to researchers at several universities across the globe, a price target is one of many pieces of information about a stock that misleads investors far more often than it guides. In fact, empirical research shows that price targets set by several analysts, irrespective of the extent of agreement, rarely indicate where the price of a stock could actually be heading.

While Wall Street analysts have deep knowledge of a company's fundamentals and the sensitivity of its business to economic and industry issues, many of them tend to set overly optimistic price targets. Are you wondering why?

They usually do that to drum up interest in shares of companies that their firms either have existing business relationships with or are looking to be associated with. In other words, business incentives of firms covering a stock often result in inflated price targets set by analysts.

However, a tight clustering of price targets, which is represented by a low standard deviation, indicates that analysts have a high degree of agreement about the direction and magnitude of a stock's price movement. While that doesn't necessarily mean the stock will hit the average price target, it could be a good starting point for further research aimed at identifying the potential fundamental driving forces.

That said, while investors should not entirely ignore price targets, making an investment decision solely based on them could lead to disappointing ROI. So, price targets should always be treated with a high degree of skepticism.

Here's Why There Could be Plenty of Upside Left in JDThere has been increasing optimism among analysts lately about the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher. And that could be a legitimate reason to expect an upside in the stock. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 2.3% over the past month, as one estimate has gone higher compared to no negative revision.

Moreover, JD currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), which means it is in the top 5% of more than 4,000 stocks that we rank based on four factors related to earnings estimates. Given an impressive externally-audited track record, this is a more conclusive indication of the stock's potential upside in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

Therefore, while the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of how much JD could gain, the direction of price movement it implies does appear to be a good guide.

Cloudflare (NET - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.

Shares of this web security and content delivery company have returned +14.4% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.3% change. The Zacks Internet - Software industry, to which Cloudflare belongs, has gained 10.9% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?

While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.

Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.

We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

Cloudflare is expected to post earnings of $0.27 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +28.6%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.

For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.2 points to a change of +29% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.

For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $1.64 indicates a change of +36.2% from what Cloudflare is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.

With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Cloudflare.

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

12 Month EPS

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

In the case of Cloudflare, the consensus sales estimate of $665.42 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +29.9%. The $2.81 billion and $3.59 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +29.7% and +27.8%, respectively.

Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryCloudflare reported revenues of $639.76 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +33.5%. EPS of $0.25 for the same period compares with $0.16 a year ago.

Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $621.91 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +2.87%. The EPS surprise was +8.7%.

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

ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.

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

As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.

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

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

Key Takeaways Halliburton won a well construction contract for TotalEnergies' GranMorgu project offshore Suriname.HAL will use digital workflows, automation and real-time analytics to improve well construction efficiency.Halliburton is investing in local facilities and suppliers to support Suriname's offshore energy sector. Halliburton Company (HAL - Free Report) has secured a significant integrated well construction contract for the GranMorgu deepwater development offshore Suriname, operated by TotalEnergies SE (TTE - Free Report) . The long-term agreement strengthens Halliburton's presence in the offshore drilling market while highlighting the growing role of digital technologies and integrated execution in complex energy projects.

HAL’s Integrated Approach to Improve Project EfficiencyAs part of the contract, Halliburton, currently carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), will provide both drilling and completions services using a fully integrated execution model. The company plans to combine planning, engineering and field operations with digital technologies and automation to streamline well construction. This integrated approach is designed to improve operational performance, accelerate learning across project teams and reduce the overall cost of well development for TotalEnergies, which is carrying a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) at present.

According to Halliburton, the project demonstrates how collaboration, digital innovation and integrated execution can deliver safer and more efficient operations in technically demanding deepwater developments. By aligning teams and leveraging advanced well construction capabilities, the company aims to maximize asset value while maintaining high operational standards.

Digital Technologies to Enhance Well PerformanceHalliburton will deploy integrated digital workflows, real-time data analytics and remote operations control throughout the drilling and completion phases. These technologies are expected to improve well placement accuracy, strengthen delivery assurance and optimize communication between surface operations and subsurface activities.

The enhanced digital capabilities are also intended to improve hydrocarbon recovery while lowering the total cost of ownership for the project. As offshore developments become increasingly complex, advanced automation and data-driven decision-making are becoming essential tools for improving efficiency and reducing operational risks.

HAL Supports Local Industry GrowthBeyond delivering drilling services, Halliburton is investing in Suriname's local energy ecosystem. The company has collaborated with local suppliers to upgrade its liquid mud and cement plant and has supported the construction of the country's first advanced drilling and completions workshop equipped with modern maintenance and repair capabilities.

Halliburton also plans to prioritize local hiring and supplier participation throughout the project. These initiatives are expected to strengthen Suriname's offshore energy sector, support economic development and establish a new benchmark for collaboration through the first global alliance between Halliburton, TotalEnergies and Noble Corporation.

Other Key PicksInvestors interested in the energy sector may consider some other top-ranked stocks like Suncor Energy Inc. (SU - Free Report) and Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (PARR - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Alberta-based Suncor Energy is Canada's premier integrated energy company. The company's operations include oil sands development and upgrading, conventional and offshore crude oil and gas production, petroleum refining and product marketing. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SU’s 2026 earnings indicates 114.2% year-over-year growth.

Houston, TX-based Par Pacific Holdings is a growth-oriented energy company supplying conventional and renewable fuels across the western United States. Its integrated platform sources crude, refines transportation fuels and distributes products. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PARR’s 2026 revenues indicates 123.8% year-over-year growth.

Key Takeaways SLB's OneSubsea wins an EPC contract for Eni's Baleine Phase 3 offshore Cote d'Ivoire project.SLB will deliver subsea production systems for 13 wells, including trees, umbilicals and manifolds.The award strengthens SLB's subsea backlog and creates long-term service and maintenance opportunities. SLB N.V. (SLB - Free Report) has strengthened its offshore business by securing a major engineering, procurement and construction contract through its OneSubsea joint venture for Eni S.p.A.’s (E - Free Report) Baleine Phase 3 deepwater development offshore Cote d’Ivoire. The award strengthens SLB's long-standing partnership with Eand reinforces its leadership in integrated subsea production systems for long-term offshore development.

The agreement spans 13 wells and encompasses the delivery, installation, commissioning and lifetime support of critical subsea equipment, such as subsea trees, umbilical, manifolds, multiphase flowmeters and control systems. The integrated delivery framework is optimized to expedite project execution and meet accelerated development milestones.

The Baleine project stands as a cornerstone of West Africa's offshore sector, making this contract strategically important for SLB's subsea business. By providing a complete subsea production system , SLB creates opportunities for long-term cash flow generation through service and maintenance operations. SLB OneSubsea’s established in-country footprint and local operational expertise are expected to facilitate highly efficient project execution.

The contract highlights SLB's continued transition toward higher-value integrated offshore solutions that generate stronger cash flows. SLB's ongoing partnership with Eni on major projects boosts its subsea order backlog, strengthening its business model and investor appeal.

SLB currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), while Eni has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Some better-ranked stocks in the energy sector are Cenovus Energy Inc. (CVE - Free Report) and National Energy Services Reunited Corp. (NESR - Free Report) . CVE currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), while NESR sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

By leveraging its fully integrated upstream and downstream operations in Canada and the United States, Cenovus consistently generates robust cash flow. To further expand production, CVE is advancing key optimization initiatives at Christina Lake North, Sunrise, West White Rose and Foster Creek.

National Energy Services Reunited delivers integrated drilling and reservoir services across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia-Pacific, helping producers maximize output and efficiency. With the rising global demand for electricity fueling a shift toward natural gas, NESR is well-positioned to capitalize on growing upstream energy investments.

NEW YORK, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IMPORTANT DATE: July 28, 2026. Investors who purchased Lucid Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LCID) securities between February 25, 2026 and April 13, 2026 and wish to seek appointment as lead plaintiff must file a motion by this date. Submit your information now. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (888) SueWallSt.

LCID shares lost $1.13 per share (11.35%) following the April 3, 2026 revelation of a 29-day Gravity SUV delivery halt, then declined an additional $0.44 per share (4.76%) on April 14, 2026 when preliminary Q1 revenue of $280 million to $284 million fell $150 million short of consensus expectations. A securities class action is now pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

What Is a Lead Plaintiff?

Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the lead plaintiff is the shareholder or group of shareholders appointed by the court to represent the interests of the entire class. In the LCID action, the lead plaintiff will direct litigation strategy, approve major decisions, and work with lead counsel to maximize recovery for all class members who purchased shares during the February 25 to April 13, 2026 Class Period.

Lead Plaintiff Facts

The court typically appoints the applicant with the largest financial interest in the relief soughtLead plaintiff applicants must demonstrate they purchased LCID securities during the Class Period and suffered lossesServing as lead plaintiff does not require any out-of-pocket payment or upfront costThe lead plaintiff is not personally liable for legal fees if the case is unsuccessfulLead plaintiffs receive the same per-share recovery as all other class members, plus reimbursement of reasonable costsMultiple investors may apply jointly as a lead plaintiff group Post-Deadline Procedures

After the July 28, 2026 deadline passes, the court will review all competing motions and select a lead plaintiff. This process typically takes 30 to 60 days. Once appointed, the lead plaintiff selects lead counsel, and the litigation proceeds through discovery, class certification, and ultimately trial or settlement.

Absent Class Member Rights

Investors who do not apply for lead plaintiff status are not excluded from the case. Absent class members retain full rights to participate in any recovery. No action is required before the deadline to preserve your ability to share in a future settlement or judgment. The deadline applies only to those seeking the lead plaintiff role.

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

"The lead plaintiff process is designed to ensure the class is represented by shareholders with substantial interests. In the Lucid case, where alleged concealment of a supplier quality crisis preceded over $150 million in missed revenue expectations, investors with significant losses should evaluate whether lead plaintiff appointment serves their interests." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the LCID Lawsuit

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

Q: How do I know if I lost enough money to be the lead plaintiff? A: There is no minimum loss threshold. Courts appoint the investor with the largest provable loss who is willing and able to represent the class adequately.

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

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

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

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

CONTACT:

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10004

[email protected]

Tel: (888) SueWallSt

Fax: (212) 363-7171

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.        

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 14, 2026) - Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Lucid Group, Inc. ("Lucid" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: LCID) on behalf of investors that purchased or otherwise acquired Lucid Group securities between February 25, 2026 and April 13, 2026 (the "Class Period").

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CASE

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

DEADLINE REMINDER: If you are a member of the proposed Class, you may move the court no later than July 28, 2026 to serve as a lead plaintiff for the purported class. If you have losses we encourage you to contact us to learn more about the lead plaintiff process. You need not seek to become a lead plaintiff in order to share in any possible recovery.

On Friday April 3, 2026, at the close of the market, Lucid issued in a press release stating that the Company "produced 5,500 vehicles" during the first quarter of 2026, while only "deliver[ing] 3,093 vehicles." The press release further stated that "[d]uring the quarter, deliveries of the Lucid Gravity were disrupted for 29 days due to a supplier quality issue with the second-row seats" and, "[a]s result of this, the [C]ompany's ability to meet customer demand was impacted." That same day, Reuters published an article entitled "Lucid misses first-quarter vehicle delivery estimates on supplier disruptions." According to the article Chief Executive Officer Marc Winterhoff, said "[d]eliveries were particularly hit in February" when the Company "paused to reverse the change and inspect vehicles already produced."

In the first two trading sessions following the news, the price of Lucid shares declined by $1.13 per share, or 11.35%, to close at $8.83 per share on April 7, 2026.

Then, on April 14, 2026, Lucid announced preliminary first quarter 2026 financial results, including revenue in the range of $280 million to $284 million, well below the consensus estimate of $433.8 million according to the complaint, and loss from operations in the range of $985 million to $1.005 billion.

Following this news, the price of Lucid stock fell $0.44 per share, or 4.76%, to close at $8.80 per share on April 14, 2026.

The complaint alleges, among other things, that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) a supplier quality issue had significantly disrupted deliveries of the Lucid Gravity; (ii) the foregoing was likely to, and did, have a material negative impact on the Company's business and financial results; (iii) accordingly, the Defendants had overstated the purported enhancements to Lucid's manufacturing and delivery capabilities and overall operations; and (iv) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

WHY CONTACT KAPLAN FOX?

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://www.kaplanfox.com/case/lucid-group-inc-class-action-alert-learn-more-now/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/304696

Source: Kaplan Fox & Kilsheimer LLP

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

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NEW YORK, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Institutional investors holding positions in ZoomInfo Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: GTM) during the period from November 3, 2025 through May 11, 2026 may wish to evaluate lead plaintiff opportunities in a pending securities class action. Request an institutional investor loss assessment. You may also contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at [email protected] or (888) SueWallSt.

Shares of GTM declined approximately 33%, falling $1.98 per share, after the Company revealed a sharp decline in its 2026 growth outlook and lowered full-year financial guidance. The Court has set August 24, 2026 as the deadline to apply for lead plaintiff appointment.

Notice to Institutional Holders

Pension funds, endowments, mutual funds, and asset managers that acquired GTM securities between November 3, 2025 and May 11, 2026 may have sustained material portfolio losses when ZoomInfo's corrective disclosure erased over a third of the stock's value in a single trading session. The securities class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, alleges that ZoomInfo and certain officers disseminated materially misleading statements about the Company's revenue trajectory, customer retention strength, and the commercial viability of its AI-driven product transition.

Fiduciary Obligations and Recovery Options

Institutional fiduciaries face distinct considerations when evaluating participation in securities class actions:

Fiduciaries holding GTM in managed portfolios have a duty to evaluate whether pursuing lead plaintiff status could maximize recovery for beneficiariesLead plaintiff appointment provides direct oversight of litigation strategy, settlement negotiations, and counsel selectionThe Private Securities Litigation Reform Act favors institutional investors with the largest financial interest in the relief soughtServing as lead plaintiff involves no out-of-pocket cost; counsel fees are paid from any recovery and approved by the courtInstitutional lead plaintiffs historically achieve larger settlements and stronger governance reforms than retail-led actionsFailure to evaluate recovery options may itself raise fiduciary questions when losses are substantial Portfolio Impact Assessment

The lawsuit contends that throughout the Class Period, ZoomInfo's management projected confidence in sustained revenue growth, improving net revenue retention, and accelerating demand for its AI and Operations products. These representations allegedly induced institutional purchases at artificially inflated prices. When the Company disclosed deteriorating fundamentals on May 11, 2026, shares fell from $6.04 to $4.06, potentially creating significant mark-to-market losses across institutional portfolios with GTM exposure.

"Institutional investors play a critical role in securities class actions. Their participation as lead plaintiffs can drive stronger outcomes for the entire class and ensure that litigation is conducted with the rigor and oversight that significant investor losses demand." -- Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

Case Summary

The action asserts claims under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5, as well as Section 20(a) controlling person liability. The complaint alleges that defendants concealed slowing growth in ZoomInfo's legacy seat-based subscription business, weakening downmarket customer retention, and the risk that customers were migrating to consumption-based models and developing internal AI alternatives, while publicly projecting confidence and issuing guidance that proved materially overstated.

Contact us to learn more about institutional recovery options or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. at (888) SueWallSt.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About the GTM Lawsuit

Q: Who is eligible to join the GTM investor lawsuit? A: Investors who purchased GTM stock or securities between November 3, 2025 and May 11, 2026 and suffered financial losses may be eligible. Eligibility is based on purchase date and documented losses, not on whether you still hold the shares.

Q: How much did GTM stock drop? A: Shares fell approximately 33%, a decline of $1.98 per share, after ZoomInfo disclosed a sharp decline in its 2026 growth outlook and lowered full-year financial guidance. Investors who purchased shares during the Class Period at artificially inflated prices may be entitled to compensation.

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

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

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

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

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

Q: Has Levi & Korsinsky handled similar cases before? A: Yes, including securities class actions involving revenue inflation, earnings guidance fraud, dividend misrepresentation, and executive misconduct across numerous industries.

CONTACT:

Levi & Korsinsky, LLP

Joseph E. Levi, Esq.

33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor

New York, NY 10004

[email protected]

Tel: (888) SueWallSt

Fax: (212) 363-7171

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.        

Southwest Airlines (LUV) is rated 'Hold' with a $44/share price target, reflecting transformation upside but significant fuel and execution risks. LUV's 1Q26 results validated cost management and fee adoption strategies, but fuel price volatility and lack of hedging threaten full-year EPS targets. Management's $4/share 2026 EPS guidance appears optimistic; my revised estimate is $2.9/share, accounting for higher jet fuel costs and execution risks.

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

Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

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

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

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

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

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

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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

That's where the Style Scores come in.

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

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

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

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

Stock to Watch: Workday (WDAY - Free Report) Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Pleasanton, CA, Workday Inc. (WDAY - Free Report) is a provider of enterprise-level software solutions for financial management and human resource domains. The company’s cloud-based platform combines finance and HR in a single system that makes it easier for organizations to provide analytical insights and decision support.

WDAY is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of B.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. WDAY has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 16.5% for the current fiscal year.

Eight analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2027, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.18 to $10.75 per share. WDAY also boasts an average earnings surprise of +7.2%.

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

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

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

CONTACT US HERE:

https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/zoetis-inc-loss-submission-form-2/?id=193576&from=4

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

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

DEADLINE: July 27, 2026 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/zoetis-inc-loss-submission-form-2/?id=193576&from=4

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

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

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

SOURCE The Gross Law Firm

The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry continues to face a challenging environment as elevated living costs and cautious consumer spending drive demand for value-oriented and private-label products. Uneven foodservice demand, coupled with intense promotional activity, has pressured sales volumes and limited pricing flexibility, creating a competitive landscape for food companies.

Despite these headwinds, companies are investing in product innovation, supply-chain modernization and operational efficiencies to strengthen profitability and competitiveness. Growing demand for health-focused and convenience-oriented foods is also creating new opportunities. Mondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ - Free Report) , Sysco Corporation (SYY - Free Report) , United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI - Free Report) and Mama's Creations, Inc. (MAMA - Free Report) are well positioned to capitalize on these trends.

About the Industry The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry consists of companies that manufacture and sell a wide range of food and packaged food items, such as cereals, flour, sauces, bakery items, spices and condiments, natural and organic food items and frozen products. Some companies also provide comfort food items, such as chocolates and ready-to-serve meals, soups and snacks. A few players are engaged in providing pet food products and supplements. Several food companies also offer organic and natural products. Companies operating in this space sell their products mainly through wholesalers, distributors, large retail organizations, grocery chains, mass merchandisers, drug stores and e-commerce service providers. Some also cater to foodservice channels, including restaurants, cafes and hotels. Others offer services to schools, hospitals and industry caterers.

Major Trends Shaping the Future of the Food Industry Value-Conscious Consumer Behavior Pressures Demand: Consumer spending patterns remain pressured, with shoppers increasingly prioritizing value and affordability in everyday food purchases. Elevated living costs continue to accelerate the shift toward private-label and lower-priced alternatives, creating volume pressure for branded food manufacturers. Foodservice demand has also remained uneven as consumers moderate dining frequency and increasingly favor at-home consumption. These dynamics have intensified promotional activity and competition across categories, weighing on organic volume growth and limiting pricing flexibility for several industry participants.

Persistent Cost Inflation Pressures Margins: Food companies continue to face elevated costs across raw materials, labor, packaging and transportation. Although prior pricing actions have provided partial relief, margin recovery remains uneven amid ongoing cost volatility. At the same time, companies are investing in supply-chain resilience, automation, manufacturing upgrades and operational efficiencies to strengthen long-term competitiveness. While strategically important, these initiatives have added near-term cost pressure, making profitability increasingly dependent on productivity gains, execution and disciplined expense management.

Health and Wellness Trends Drive Portfolio Innovation: Growing demand for health-focused, functional and premium food products continues to create long-term growth opportunities across the industry. Consumers remain increasingly drawn to brands offering cleaner labels, nutritional benefits and convenience-oriented solutions. In response, companies are modernizing their portfolios through product innovation, reformulation initiatives and expansion into adjacent growth categories. These efforts are helping strengthen brand relevance, support pricing resilience and position companies for more sustainable long-term growth within the Food-Miscellaneous industry.

Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dull Prospects The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry is housed within the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #214, which places it in the bottom 13% of more than 247 Zacks industries.

The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates dull 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 2 to 1.

Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gradually losing confidence about this group’s earnings growth potential. Since the beginning of May 2026, the industry’s consensus earnings estimate for the current financial year has declined 2.7%.

Let’s take a look at the industry’s performance and current valuation.

Industry vs. Broader Market The Zacks Food-Miscellaneous industry has underperformed the S&P 500 and the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector over the past year.

The industry has declined 22.7% over this period against the S&P 500 and the broader sector’s growth of 24.2% and 0.6%, respectively.

One-Year Price Performance

Industry's Current Valuation On the basis of forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E), which is commonly used for valuing consumer staples stocks, the industry is currently trading at 14.41X compared with the S&P 500’s 21.23X and the sector’s 16.96X.

Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 19.32X and as low as 13.78X, with the median being at 16.67X, as the chart below shows.

Price-to-Earnings Ratio (Past 5 Years)

4 Food Stocks to Keep a Close Eye On United Natural Foods: This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company is one of North America's leading grocery wholesalers, serving retailers with a broad assortment of natural, organic, fresh, specialty and conventional products. United Natural Foods continues to strengthen its position through an extensive distribution network, value-added services and private brands that help retailers differentiate their offerings. The company remains focused on enhancing customer service, expanding digital and merchandising capabilities, modernizing its supply chain and improving operational efficiency through technology investments. United Natural Foods also continues to support retailers and suppliers with integrated solutions while maintaining disciplined cost management and productivity initiatives to drive profitable growth. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for UNFI’s current fiscal-year earnings per share (EPS) has remained unchanged at $2.52 over the past seven days. Shares of United Natural Foods have gained 109.4% over the past year.

Price and Consensus: UNFI

Mama's Creations: This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company is a provider of fresh deli-prepared foods, offering a broad portfolio of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meal solutions, including meatballs, chicken, meatloaf, sausages, pasta and other prepared foods. Mama's Creations continues to strengthen its position through product innovation, an expanding manufacturing and distribution network and growing relationships with leading grocery, club and mass retail customers. The company remains focused on enhancing operational efficiency through technology investments and supply-chain improvements while expanding its branded and private-label offerings. Mama's Creations also emphasizes disciplined execution, customer collaboration and strategic acquisitions to support sustainable growth and profitability.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MAMA’s current fiscal-year EPS has remained unchanged at 26 cents over the past seven days. Shares of Mama's Creations have rallied 115.2% over the past year.

Price and Consensus: MAMA

Mondelez: As one of the world's leading snacking companies, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock boasts a strong portfolio of iconic brands, including Oreo, Ritz, LU, Clif Bar and Tate's Bake Shop, along with premium chocolate brands such as Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone. Mondelez continues to drive growth through its core categories, including chocolate, biscuits and baked snacks. Strategic portfolio optimization, product innovation and strong brand activations remain key contributors to the company’s long-term growth strategy. Mondelez is also focused on enhancing brand relevance, improving operational efficiency and maintaining disciplined cost management to support profitability. In addition, the company continues to expand its presence in better-for-you and wellness-oriented snacking categories to address evolving consumer preferences.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mondelez’s current financial-year EPS has fallen 0.3% to $3.05 in the past seven days. Shares of MDLZ have fallen 10.4% in the past year.

Price and Consensus: MDLZ

Sysco: This Zacks Rank #3 company continues to capitalize on opportunities in the expanding food-away-from-home market through its diversified foodservice distribution operations and customer-focused approach. Sysco's "Recipe for Growth" framework remains central to its business strategy, strengthening sales capabilities, supply-chain execution, digital solutions and customer engagement. The company continues to enhance operational efficiency through technology investments, merchandising initiatives and disciplined cost management while improving service levels across its distribution network. Sysco is also expanding its reach across customer segments and distribution channels, supported by a strong sales organization and ongoing investments aimed at driving sustainable growth and profitability.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SYY’s current fiscal-year EPS has remained unchanged at $4.59 in the past seven days. Shares of Sysco have gained 9.2% in a year.

Price and Consensus: SYY

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

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

It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.

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

Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on -- that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

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

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

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

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

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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

That's where the Style Scores come in.

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

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

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

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

Stock to Watch: Epam (EPAM - Free Report) Headquartered in Newtown, PA, EPAM Systems, Inc. is well known for its software engineering and IT consulting services.

EPAM is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. EPAM has a Growth Style Score of B, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 13.8% for the current fiscal year.

One analyst revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $13.09 per share. EPAM also boasts an average earnings surprise of +3.8%.

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

Key Takeaways Memory stocks fell over 14% in a month and now trade 25%-30% below their respective 52-week highs.AI-led memory demand, enterprise storage growth and better supply-demand balance support recovery prospects.SanDisk, Micron, Seagate Technology and Western Digital posted strong Q3'26 revenue and EPS growth Shares of companies providing memory chips and data storage solutions have witnessed a sharp sell-off over the past month. Much of this selling pressure comes from a growing caution regarding the massive artificial intelligence (AI) capital expenditures by tech giants.

While demand for AI infrastructure remains healthy, concerns have emerged that the massive capital investments being made by hyperscalers may take longer than expected to deliver meaningful financial returns. That uncertainty has prompted investors to reduce exposure to high-growth semiconductor names, particularly those that had rallied sharply earlier this year.

This anxiety is compounded by profit-taking and macroeconomic headwinds. Following a powerful surge in early 2026 that pushed valuations to extended levels, investors eagerly locked in gains. Meanwhile, a fresh wave of geopolitical friction, highlighted by recent U.S. and Iran airstrikes, has fueled a global risk-off environment. This friction has pushed Treasury yields higher, pulling capital away from high-growth tech investments to safer assets.

As a result, prominent memory-related companies like SanDisk Corporation (SNDK - Free Report) , Micron Technology, Inc. (MU - Free Report) , Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX - Free Report) and Western Digital Corporation (WDC - Free Report) have seen their stock prices plunge by more than 14% over the past month. These equities now trade roughly 25% to 30% below their recent 52-week highs.

Memory Stock One-Month Price Return Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The decline has compressed valuations to levels well below their one-year high. Given the industry's improving supply-demand balance, continued AI-led memory demand and growing enterprise storage needs, the recent correction may offer long-term investors an attractive opportunity to accumulate quality memory and data storage stocks — SanDisk, Micron Technology, Seagate Technology and Western Digital — at more reasonable prices.

These stocks have a favorable combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), offering solid investment opportunities. These have also witnessed upward earnings estimate revision within the last 30 days, indicating bullish analysts’ views about their long-term prospects.

SanDisk Benefits From NAND RecoverySanDisk is entering a favorable phase as the NAND flash market gradually recovers from a prolonged downturn. The company continues to benefit from disciplined industry-wide production management, which is helping improve pricing across consumer, enterprise and cloud storage markets. Strong demand for high-capacity SSDs used in AI servers and enterprise data centers is creating a healthier pricing environment after several quarters of weakness.

SanDisk is also expanding its portfolio of high-performance storage products designed for AI workloads, gaming and enterprise applications. As hyperscalers continue investing in storage infrastructure to support AI training and inference, demand for advanced NAND solutions is expected to rise.

In the last reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, SanDisk’s revenues jumped 251% year over year to $5.95 billion. The company reported non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $23.41, a robust improvement from the year-ago quarter’s loss of 30 cents.

Combined with lower valuation multiples following the recent correction, SanDisk appears well-positioned for a recovery once market sentiment improves. The company's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) valuation multiple of 8.61 remains well below the one-year high of 42.06. At the closing price of $1,673.97 as of July 13, SNDK stock trades nearly 29% lower than its 52-week high of $2,354.39.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings has been revised upward over the past seven days and indicates a year-over-year increase of approximately 2,125% and 193%, respectively. Currently, SanDisk sports a Zacks Rank of 1 and has a Growth Score of A. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Micron Remains an AI Memory LeaderMicron continues to stand out as one of the strongest long-term beneficiaries of the AI revolution. The company has established itself as a leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component used alongside advanced AI graphics processing units. Demand for HBM remains exceptionally strong as leading cloud providers and AI chipmakers expand next-generation AI infrastructure.

In the most recently reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, revenues soared 346% year over year to $41.46 billion, while non-GAAP EPS jumped to $25.11 from $1.91 reported in the year-ago quarter.

Beyond HBM, Micron continues to see healthy demand for data center DRAM and enterprise SSDs. The company has secured 16 long-term supply agreements with major customers, improving revenue visibility while supporting capacity planning. At the same time, better pricing across DRAM and NAND markets should support higher profitability over the coming quarters.

The company's forward 12-month P/E valuation multiple of 6.58 remains well below the one-year high of 17.01. At the closing price of $937 as of July 13, MU stock trades 25% lower than its 52-week high of $1,255.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings has been revised upward over the past 30 days and indicates a year-over-year surge of 791% and 107%, respectively. Currently, Micron sports a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Growth Score of A.

Seagate Technology Benefits From Massive Data GrowthSTX remains a key player in the rapidly growing data storage industry. While solid-state drives continue gaining market share, high-capacity hard drives remain the most cost-effective solution for storing massive volumes of AI-generated and enterprise data. This makes Seagate Technology an important supplier to hyperscale cloud providers building large-scale storage infrastructure.

The company is also leading the transition toward heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) technology, enabling significantly higher storage capacities while improving customer economics. As enterprises and cloud providers continue expanding storage requirements, the adoption of these next-generation drives is expected to accelerate. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, STX’s revenues and non-GAAP EPS surged 44% and 116%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis.

Following the recent share price correction, Seagate Technology now trades at a much more attractive valuation relative to its long-term growth prospects. The company's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) valuation multiple of 29.81 is significantly lower than the one-year high of 64.57. At the closing price of $860.66 as of July 13, STX stock trades approximately 25% lower than its 52-week high of $1,145.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings has been revised upward over the past 30 days and indicates a year-over-year increase of 84% and 88%, respectively. Currently, Seagate Technology sports a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Growth Score of A.

Western Digital Leverages AI Storage DemandWestern Digital is benefiting from rising demand for high-capacity hard disk drives across enterprise and cloud markets. AI applications generate enormous amounts of data that require reliable long-term storage, creating opportunities for the company's broad portfolio of storage solutions.

As cloud providers expand storage capacity to accommodate AI-generated data, Western Digital should see an improvement in demand across multiple product categories. Cost optimization initiatives and improving industry pricing also provide additional support for margin expansion. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, WDC’s revenues and non-GAAP EPS surged 45% and 97%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis.

With the stock trading well below its 52-week high, investors are now paying a much lower valuation for a business positioned to benefit from long-term AI-driven storage growth. The company's forward 12-month P/E valuation multiple of 28.99 is significantly lower than the one-year high of 62.15. At the closing price of $555.55 as of July 13, WDC stock trades nearly 31% lower than its 52-week high of $799.87.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 and 2027 earnings has been revised upward over the past 30 days and indicates a year-over-year increase of 104% and 85%, respectively. Currently, Western Digital sports a Zacks Rank #1 and has a Growth Score of B.

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Paramount Skydance is still aiming to close its proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by the end of September despite a recent lawsuit filed by state attorneys general challenging the deal, Paramount's lead trial counsel Jeffrey Kessler told CNBC's David Faber in an interview on Tuesday.

On Monday, a group of state attorneys general led by California's Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking the merger due to antitrust concerns. Later in the day, the group filed court papers seeking a temporary restraining order to put the deal on hold so that legal proceedings could move forward.

Either way, Kessler said that the company is prepared to bring the matter to the Supreme Court if it faced a prolonged blockade in closing the deal.

"The company believes strongly in this," Kessler said of the combination of the entertainment and media companies.

Kessler told Faber on Tuesday the temporary restraining order came after Paramount "indicated" that its intention was to be able to close as early as July 22, when the company expects to have all regulatory clearances.

The July date stems from the next big hurdle Paramount needs to clear. The European Union has been reviewing the deal for approval and recently set July 22 as a new provisional deadline. Paramount recently submitted concessions to the EU as it looks to smooth concerns regarding the deal.

The proposed acquisition that would bring together the two storied film studios of Warner Bros. and Paramount, as well as a sprawling portfolio of pay TV networks, has already received approval from the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as other global jurisdictions.

"Or we could work out a schedule to get this all decided by early September, that would be perfectly acceptable to the company if we could create an orderly procedure," Kessler said. "The states rejected both alternatives so right now we have a [temporary restraining order] that's been filed."

If granted, it would pause the deal for 14 days. Up to two temporary restraining orders could be granted before the coalition seeks a preliminary injunction, putting the deal on ice while it's sorted out in court. Kessler said on Tuesday the company doesn't expect it to get to that point, arguing this isn't an antitrust issue.

A long delay could be costly for Paramount. As part of the deal, Paramount has agreed to pay a so-called ticking fee, meaning that if the closing goes past Sept. 30, Paramount would pay additional fees to WBD shareholders per quarter until closing. That fee would equal roughly $650 million in cash value per quarter.

For it to be delayed or blocked, "the merger has to be anti-competitive. This merger is pro-competitive," Kessler told Faber.

"Anybody who knows the entertainment industry knows it is in deep trouble," he added, noting widespread challenges as consumers flee pay TV bundles and competition among streaming giants like Netflix intensifies.

He added that the merger would create a competitor that could "go toe to toe with a Netflix or Disney or [Amazon's] Prime," which would be a positive for the theater industry and Hollywood workers.

On Monday, Bonta said in a release that the merger 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."

As Hollywood has expressed concerns since the deal was announced, Paramount CEO David Ellison has promised that once merged, the film studios would together put out a slate of 30 movies annually.

"We've told the states if they have what they think are legitimate concerns, they should come to the table and we talk about them," said Kessler, noting the question of whether Paramount could deliver the 30 films per year.

Kessler said that Paramount has told state attorneys general the company is willing to put in writing that it would commit to the 30 films, and if it doesn't happen, litigation could then take place.